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India bought 14 mn ACs in 2024: Cooling boom adds to environmental burden
Air conditioner purchases are expected to increase ninefold in the coming years, according to an AFP report citing residential ownership forecasts by mid-century.
Increasing comfort, declining environment
Undoubtedly, ACs have become essential during summer, especially in cities like Delhi, where temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius. Considering rising temperatures, the use of ACs is seen as a basic necessity by those who can afford it.
However, this comfort is being met at the expense of larger harm to the environment. The refrigerants inside AC units and the coal-generated electricity that is required to power them contribute heavily to global warming. The widespread use of ACs also increases the outdoor temperatures by expelling indoor heat.
According to the World Health Organisation's Health in the Green Economy report, the heat expelled by air conditioning units can raise urban temperatures by at least one degree Celsius.
More air conditioners will also increase the demand for electricity, most of which comes from burning coal — a major source of climate pollution.
According to the AFP report, India is the world's fastest-growing market for air conditioners, even though only about 7 per cent of homes currently have one.
With a population of 1.4 billion, India is already the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. In 2024-25, India surpassed the one billion tonne mark in coal production.
According to the India Meteorological Department, 2024 was the country's hottest year since detailed records began in 1901, following a global trend of extreme heat fuelled by climate change. In May 2024, a heatwave in New Delhi sent temperatures soaring to 49.2 degrees Celsius — the same as the city's record high in 2022.
By 2050, air conditioning is expected to cause a quarter of India's carbon emissions and nearly half of its peak electricity demand, according to the UN Environment Programme's Cool Coalition.
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First Post
15 minutes ago
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ISL clubs sound alarm to AIFF of facing 'real possibility of shutting down entirely' due to ongoing crisis
A total of 11 Indian Super League clubs, including former champions Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC, signed a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey which urged the national federation to quickly resolve the ongoing impasse over the league's Master Rights Agreement with the Football Sports Development Limited. The 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League, India's top-flight competition since 2019, could be called off entirely if the Kalyan Chaubey-led AIFF is not able to arrive at an agreement with the FSDL over the league's rights agreement soon. PTI The crisis that Indian football currently finds itself mired in threatens to take an even darker turn in the coming days, with eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs warning the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they face 'the real possibility of shutting down entirely'. That is unless the AIFF is able to end its ongoing deadlock with the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) over the ISL's Master Rights Agreement (MRA) soon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The clubs wrote a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on Friday in which they added that the impasse between the national federation and ISL organisers FSDL over the non-renewal of the MRA has 'paralysed professional football in India'. More from Football 'Over past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programmes, and professional teams that have elevated India's footballing credibility both domestically and internationally,' read the letter from the 11 clubs. 'This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely.' The crisis surfaced after FSDL, the ISL organisers as well as AIFF's commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season 'on hold' on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. 'The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock – it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances,' the clubs wrote. 'The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, international footballing bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mohun Bagan, East Bengal decide against signing letter to AIFF The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC and Mohammedan Sporting. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not the sign the letter. Detailing the risk of club closures and livelihood loss, the letter said, 'More than 2000 direct livelihoods – players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kit managers, groundsmen, administrative staff – hang in the balance, alongside countless indirect livelihoods dependent on the league. 'Clubs face a season where revenue from tickets, merchandise and other avenues will be reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already started backing out, looking at the scenario that the ISL is in. 'This is a huge financial blow that clubs will not recover from this year and it will affect payout of salaries to players and staff in the immediate future, besides making several stakeholders contemplate a complete and permanent shut-down of their respective clubs.' The clubs said the impasse will also impact India's readiness for international matches, saying 'without a functioning league, our national team will be severely disadvantaged in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments'. Why Indian clubs could face ban in continental events They also said that without the ISL, they will not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions, thereby risking suspension of Indian clubs from AFC tournaments. 'The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) mandates a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met, putting India at risk of suspension from all AFC and FIFA tournaments,' the clubs said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'FIFPRO, the global players' union, has already apprised FIFA of the situation, increasing the likelihood of external scrutiny and possible sanctions.' Also Read | On Thursday, the AIFF had agreed to mention the raging issue concerning the ISL on Monday. The apex court has reserved its judgement in the case relating to the draft constitution of the AIFF. The decision to apprise the SC of the crisis situation was taken after a . In fact, a reliable source said that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if the Supreme Court asks for one. 'We fully appreciate that related matters are before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. However, from the record of recent hearings, it appears that the immediacy and scale of the crisis have not been clearly conveyed to the Hon'ble Court,' the clubs said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The human cost, the threat of clubs folding, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and the reputational harm to India's footballing image demand urgent action on our part. 'We therefore respectfully request the AIFF, as the regulator of Indian football, to urgently mention this matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and to append this letter to present the unified concerns of all ISL clubs before the Hon'ble Court.' The clubs said they are ready to support the AIFF in the case through their counsels though they are not parties to the proceedings before the SC. 'Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve Indian football's future, safeguard livelihoods, and protect the country's standing in the global football community. We remain committed to working alongside the AIFF to achieve a resolution.' With PTI inputs
Economic Times
30 minutes ago
- Economic Times
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Synopsis Economists predict that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalization will significantly boost domestic demand, providing crucial support to the Indian economy amidst challenges posed by US tariffs. The simplified tax structure, particularly benefiting essentials, is expected to increase disposable income for lower and middle-income consumers. ANI GST reform push has drawn favourable comments from economists. Domestic demand will get a boost after goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation, economists said, providing support to the economy that's seen likely taking a hit from the 50% duty levied on Indian imports by the US.'At a time where consumption demand has been uneven and felt pressure from high inflation and low nominal wage growth over the last couple of quarters, the proposed GST reforms are a positive, especially for essentials, aiding consumption by the lower and middle income class,' said Sakshi Gupta, principal economist at HDFC Bank. QuantEco Research economist Yuvika Singhal said, 'Any kind of reduction in taxes is positive for consumption as it leaves higher disposable income in the hands of consumers.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in his Independence Day speech on Friday that GST reforms would provide relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local vendors and GST cuts on items will range from durables such as refrigerators and air conditioners to packaged foods and medical supplies. 'It's a much-needed development, and GST rationalisation is the need of the hour, apart from other reforms,' said Paras Jasrai, associate director at India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The Centre has proposed that India move to a simpler, two-slab structure from four currently--retaining the 5% and 18% rates and scrapping the 12% and 28% levies, ET reported earlier. 'With indirect taxes having a wider reach, GST reforms can deliver a stronger boost,' said Gaura Sengupta, chief economist at IDFC First Bank. 'Rural consumption is improving but not broad-based enough to offset weak urban demand, so a fiscal push was needed—and these reforms provide that.'Jasrai said that lower stabs and tax rates will give consumption demand a significant boost, especially amid the uncertainty over trade tariffs that are seen impacting external President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for importing Russian oil. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have cut global growth forecasts amid the prevailing trade uncertainty. Even so, India's domestic strength will stand out.'Since domestic consumption makes up a larger share of the economy, India will remain resilient despite global headwinds,' said Singhal. An increase in spending activity will also lift gross domestic product (GDP). The boost to nominal GDP growth is estimated at 0.6 percentage point over 12 months using fiscal multipliers, said Bank's Gupta said the reform could boost demand for consumer durables if GST rates on items such as ACs and TVs are reduced. 'A more notable impact could also be seen for demand for two-wheelers and cars if the current GST rate of 28% is reduced to 18%,' she highlighted that fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies will see a positive impact, depending on how and when the changes are implemented.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Take steps to ease tariff pain of exporters, CM urges PM
Chennai: In the wake of the US imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, chief minister M K Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce special financial relief measures for exporters. In a letter to Modi, Stalin said, "To provide immediate relief, Union govt needs to consider introducing a special interest subvention scheme for all exporters affected by tariffs to improve liquidity and reduce cost burdens and accelerate Free Trade Agreements and bilateral arrangements to offset high-tariff market risks." Considering the scale of the problem, a special financial relief package including a moratorium on principal repayment, similar to the one implemented during COVID is necessary to support exporters, Stalin said. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rates Today in Chennai | Silver Rates Today in Chennai "While 20% of India's total goods exports of $433.6 billion were to the US, 31% of TN's $52.1 billion goods exports went there. "This higher dependency on the US market clearly implies that tariff impact on TN will be disproportionately greater than for most other Indian states," Stalin said. TN accounted for 28% of India's textile exports in 2024-2025, the largest contributor among all Indian states, he said. "Especially, our textile sector employs nearly 75 lakh people and with aproposed 50% tariff, an estimated 30 lakh jobs are at immediate risk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo To mitigate this crisis, it is essential to address structural issues that have long hindered our export competitiveness," he added. Appreciating efforts of the Union govt to achieve a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the US, Stalin said, "Textile sector urgently needs support in two aspects correction of the GST inverted duty structure for the man-made fiber value chain by bringing the entire chain under a 5% GST slab, and exemption of import duty on all varieties of cotton." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
