India's next phase of growth in the metals sector is expected to be powered by recycling instead of mining, with scrap likely to become one of the industry's most valuable resources, according to a new thematic report by Ashika Institutional Equities. The report suggests that the country's organised non-ferrous recycling industry is entering a long-term growth cycle driven by structural changes in demand and policy.
In its report, "Recycling: The New Ore," Ashika Institutional Equities said the global metals industry is witnessing a major transformation as demand from renewable energy, electrification and infrastructure development continues to rise while natural resources become increasingly constrained and environmental regulations grow stricter. The brokerage believes that future value creation in the metals industry will depend less on owning mines and more on securing reliable scrap supplies, developing efficient sourcing networks and investing in advanced recycling technologies.
According to the report, India's metals landscape is gradually moving away from a mining-centric model towards one where recycling plays a central role. Increasing domestic metal consumption, limited natural resources and growing sustainability goals are expected to boost the importance of recycled lead, copper and aluminium in meeting future demand.
The report also highlighted that government initiatives such as the Battery Waste Management Rules (BMWR) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework are encouraging a transition from the informal scrap sector to organised recycling. These regulations are expected to create significant long-term growth opportunities for companies that comply with environmental and operational standards.
Ashika noted that the industry's competitive dynamics are changing rapidly, with access to high-quality scrap becoming more critical than simply having large processing facilities. Companies with strong collection networks, efficient sourcing systems and regulatory compliance are likely to enjoy a competitive edge over rivals focused solely on expanding production capacity.
The report further observed that organised recyclers are increasingly diversifying into value-added products, including alloys, conductors, busbars and other specialised metal products. This shift is expected to improve profitability and strengthen customer relationships by generating greater value from each tonne of recycled material.
The report identified lead as offering the most stable earnings outlook due to consistent battery replacement demand and supportive regulations. Copper was highlighted as the largest long-term growth opportunity, supported by rising demand from electrification and an expanding domestic supply gap. Aluminium was described as a major decarbonisation opportunity because recycling aluminium consumes significantly less energy than producing the metal from raw ore.
The report concluded that India is still at an early stage of its recycling transition. However, robust metal demand, supportive government policies and increasing investment in organised recycling capacity are expected to position the sector for sustained multi-year growth. Among the various segments, organised non-ferrous metal recyclers are likely to offer some of the strongest long-term investment opportunities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Protest movements are evolving in the digital age, and Generation Z is at the forefront of that transformation. Across India, young demonstrators are increasingly replacing traditional slogans with memes, viral videos, humorous placards and pop culture references, creating a new style of activism that resonates both on the streets and across social media platforms. The trend has come into sharp focus during the ongoing youth-led protests over issues such as examination paper leaks and demands for greater accountability in the education system. Instead of relying solely on speeches and conventional protest chants, participants have turned internet culture into a powerful communication tool, using short-form videos, trending audio clips and witty one-liners to amplify their message.
At protest sites in New Delhi and other cities, demonstrators have carried placards inspired by popular memes, while social media has been flooded with reels featuring trending music, gaming references and satirical commentary. Many of these videos have attracted millions of views, helping the movement reach audiences far beyond those physically present at the demonstrations.
Observers say this marks a significant shift in how political and social movements are communicated. Unlike previous generations, which relied heavily on television coverage and newspaper headlines, Gen Z participants often document events themselves through Instagram, X, YouTube and other digital platforms, turning every smartphone into a broadcasting tool.
Political analysts believe this reflects the communication habits of a generation that has grown up in the age of social media. Instead of lengthy speeches, young protesters often prefer concise visual content that can quickly capture attention and be widely shared online. The strategy has enabled protest messages to spread rapidly while encouraging greater public engagement through comments, reposts and discussions.
Humour has emerged as one of the defining features of this new style of protest. Satirical posters, playful slogans and internet jokes are being used to express frustration over issues ranging from education reforms to unemployment. Supporters argue that humour makes complex issues easier to understand and encourages wider participation, especially among younger audiences who consume most of their information online.
However, experts caution that meme-driven activism also presents challenges. While viral content can increase visibility, reducing complex policy debates to short jokes or videos may oversimplify important issues. There are also concerns that misinformation can spread quickly through highly shareable content if users fail to verify facts before posting. Despite these concerns, the growing influence of digital culture on public demonstrations is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Recent protests in India suggest that online engagement is now as important as physical participation, with success often measured not only by the size of crowds but also by the reach of hashtags, reels and viral posts.
The trend is not limited to India. Around the world, younger generations are blending internet culture with activism, using memes, short videos and digital storytelling to organise campaigns and keep public attention focused on social and political issues. As social media continues to shape public discourse, analysts believe future protest movements are likely to become even more visual, interactive and digitally driven. For Gen Z, memes are no longer just a form of entertainment—they have become an effective language of protest, allowing a generation to communicate its concerns in a way that is both relatable and instantly shareable.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
India has managed to maintain largely stable groundwater levels despite the southwest monsoon recording a cumulative rainfall deficit of around 19%, providing some relief as concerns grow over water availability and the impact on agriculture. According to the latest groundwater assessment, the below-normal rainfall has not yet translated into a significant nationwide decline in groundwater reserves. Experts attribute this resilience to multiple factors, including groundwater recharge from previous seasons, rainwater harvesting initiatives, and ongoing watershed conservation efforts.
Groundwater is a critical source of water for India, meeting a large share of the country's irrigation, drinking water, and industrial needs. Its stability is particularly important during years when rainfall remains below average, as millions of farmers rely on wells and borewells to irrigate crops. Hydrologists note that groundwater does not react immediately to short-term changes in rainfall. Instead, aquifers respond over longer periods, depending on cumulative precipitation, soil conditions, recharge rates, and water extraction patterns. As a result, a temporary monsoon deficit does not necessarily lead to an immediate fall in groundwater levels.
However, experts have cautioned that the current situation should not be viewed as a reason for complacency. If rainfall continues to remain below normal in the coming weeks or groundwater extraction increases significantly during the crop season, pressure on underground water reserves could intensify.
The uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall also remains a concern. While some parts of the country have received near-normal showers, several regions continue to experience prolonged dry spells. Such regional imbalances could affect groundwater recharge locally, even if the national average remains relatively stable. Agriculture remains highly dependent on the progress of the monsoon. Adequate rainfall during the remaining weeks of the season will not only improve soil moisture but also replenish reservoirs, rivers and groundwater aquifers, reducing dependence on groundwater for irrigation.
Water management experts have reiterated the need for sustained investments in rainwater harvesting, artificial groundwater recharge, watershed development and efficient irrigation practices such as drip and sprinkler systems. These measures are considered essential to strengthening India's long-term water security in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns linked to climate change. The stable groundwater situation offers a positive sign for the country's water resources. Nevertheless, the performance of the remaining monsoon season will be crucial in determining water availability for agriculture, drinking purposes and industry in the months ahead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Skymet.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS Internal Affairs Meeting, a high-level gathering focused on strengthening cooperation among member countries on security and law enforcement-related issues. Momeni’s visit comes as BRICS continues to expand its role beyond economic cooperation, with greater attention being given to areas such as counter-terrorism, organised crime, border security, cyber threats and disaster management. Officials from member nations are expected to exchange views on common internal security challenges and explore ways to improve coordination.
The Iranian minister’s participation highlights Tehran’s increasing engagement with the BRICS platform after joining the expanded grouping. Iran has been seeking closer cooperation with emerging economies through multilateral forums, particularly on issues related to regional stability, security cooperation and economic partnerships.
During the meeting, representatives are expected to discuss mechanisms for enhancing cooperation between security agencies of BRICS nations. Topics such as combating transnational crimes, improving emergency response systems and sharing expertise in crisis management are likely to remain key areas of discussion.
India and Iran share longstanding diplomatic relations, with cooperation extending across trade, energy, connectivity and regional security. The two countries have also been working together on strategic projects, including the development of Chabahar Port, which plays an important role in regional connectivity.
Momeni’s visit takes place at a time when global security challenges have become increasingly complex, with conflicts, terrorism threats and geopolitical tensions affecting international stability. BRICS countries have been looking to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to address these challenges collectively.
The BRICS Internal Affairs Meeting in New Delhi is expected to provide a platform for member countries to discuss practical solutions and build stronger partnerships in the field of internal security. Iran’s participation in the meeting reflects its efforts to deepen engagement with BRICS members and play a more active role in discussions shaping the future of global cooperation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the fifth consecutive day on Friday as the opposition continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. When the House resumed at noon after an earlier adjournment, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the opposition to allow a discussion on the issue, saying the government was ready for a debate. He said imposing preconditions before discussions would send the wrong message and noted that the Centre is preparing a strict anti-paper leak law. Despite the government's appeal, opposition MPs continued raising slogans seeking Pradhan's resignation, forcing repeated disruptions. Rahul Gandhi was expected to speak, but the House was adjourned for the day before he got the opportunity. Speaker Om Birla also urged members to let Question Hour function smoothly, but proceedings remained stalled. Similar protests disrupted the Rajya Sabha, where the opposition reiterated its demand for the Education Minister's resignation. The Monsoon Session is scheduled to continue until August 13.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
On the July 24 episode of Open For Business, hosts Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing are joined by Santosh Rao, Head of Research and Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to break down today's market trends.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, but the tournament will be remembered for far more than the action on the pitch. From debates over hydration breaks, controversial VAR decisions, and a demanding match schedule to growing concerns about football's evolving identity under increasing commercial influence, the competition sparked widespread discussion. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the tournament's most talked-about controversies alongside Dr. Tom Heenan, a lecturer at the Monash Intercultural Lab at Monash University, offering insights into how these issues shaped the World Cup experience both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Counter-terrorism officers have assumed responsibility for the investigation into the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe after authorities said new information and evidence emerged during the inquiry. Police arrested a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday on suspicion of murder. The development was discussed by Lucy Hough and The Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland, in a video available on YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
