2025-08-31 16:13

MUMBAI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - India is likely to get above-average monsoon rainfall in September after receiving 5% above-normal rains in August, the state-run weather department said on Sunday. Above-normal rainfall could damage India's summer-sown crops like rice, cotton, soybean, corn, and pulses, which are typically harvested from mid-September. Sign up here. All regions, except northeastern states and the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are likely to receive rainfall equating to 109% of the 50-year average in September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The monsoon is the lifeblood of India's nearly $4 trillion economy, delivering almost 70% of the rainfall needed to water farms and replenishing aquifers and reservoirs. Nearly half of India's farmland is not irrigated and depends on the annual June-September rains for crop growth. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/india-likely-receive-above-average-monsoon-rainfall-september-2025-08-31/

2025-08-31 12:42

Both sides stepping up attacks on energy, power infrastructure Nearly 60,000 without power in Odesa in south, Chernihiv in north Zelenskiy says new 'deep strikes' being prepared against Russia KYIV, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Russian drone attacks on power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine overnight left nearly 60,000 customers without electricity, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowing to retaliate by ordering more strikes deep inside Russia. Three and a half years into the war, Russia and Ukraine have both intensified airstrikes in recent weeks. Russia has targeted Ukraine's energy and transport systems, while Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries and pipelines. Sign up here. "We will continue our active operations in exactly the way needed for Ukraine's defence. The forces and resources are prepared. New deep strikes have also been planned," Zelenskiy said on X after meeting Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrsky, without giving further details of the plans. Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, said Russian drones had attacked four energy facilities in the Odesa region during the night, and local authorities reported that 29,000 people were left without electricity early on Sunday. Hardest hit was the port city of Chornomorsk, just outside Odesa, where homes and administrative buildings were also damaged, said Oleh Kiper, the governor of the wider Odesa region. "Critical infrastructure is operating on generators," Kiper said on the Telegram messaging app. One person was injured in the attack, he said. In waters close to the strategically important port, a civilian bulk carrier flying the flag of Belize sustained minor damage after hitting an unknown explosive device, two sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity. POPE'S CEASEFIRE CALL Russian drones also targeted Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region early on Sunday, damaging energy infrastructure and leaving 30,000 households without electricity, including part of the city of Nizhyn, said local Governor Viacheslav Chaus. The Ukrainian military said Russia had attacked Ukraine with 142 drones overnight and its air defence forces managed to shoot down most of them but the drones struck 10 locations. Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had hit Ukrainian port infrastructure that it said was used for military purposes. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. The intensified fighting in recent weeks comes as U.S. President Donald Trump leads a push to end the war, which began in February 2022 when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion. The Ukrainian military said on Sunday that despite Moscow's claims of a successful summer offensive, Russian forces had failed to gain full control of any major Ukrainian city and "grossly exaggerated" figures regarding captured territories. "Despite Gerasimov's claims, Russian forces have not gained full control over any major city," the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in a statement on social media. The Kremlin said on Sunday European powers were hindering Trump's peace efforts and that Russia would continue its operation in Ukraine until Moscow saw real signs that Kyiv was ready for peace. Moscow has twice launched large-scale attacks in the past week, killing dozens of civilians and destroying their homes and urban infrastructure. "The only one who wants war is Russia. Therefore, we will continue to exert pressure – it is Russia that needs to be pressured," Zelenskiy said in an evening statement. "We are counting on a strong position from the United States of America, Europe and the G20 countries. This war only destabilises global processes. Russia must pay for this. And it will," he added. The U.S. special envoy to Ukraine said Russian attacks undermined Trump's efforts to end the war, while Pope Leo on Sunday called for a ceasefire and dialogue. "It is time for those responsible to renounce the logic of arms and to take the path of negotiation and peace with the support of the international community," Leo said in his Sunday prayer with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-vows-retaliate-after-russian-attacks-power-sector-2025-08-31/

2025-08-31 08:29

E20 fuel lowers mileage by 2%-4%, says automakers body Older vehicles see a larger drop in mileage with E20 fuel India's Supreme Court to hear a public interest litigation on E20 fuel NEW DELHI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - India's roll-out of fuel blended with 20% ethanol will hurt a vehicle's mileage by 2%-4% but is safe to use, a lobby group representing the country's automakers said, aiming to assuage motorists' concerns in the world's third-largest car market. India set a 2025 target years ago for 20% ethanol blending in fuel, called E20, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on clean energy. But in recent weeks it has become the only choice at nearly all fuel stations, causing furore among drivers over its impact on vehicle performance and durability, especially older vehicles. Sign up here. Using E20 fuel in older vehicles lowers mileage but is not a safety risk, P.K. Banerjee, executive director at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), told reporters late on Saturday at a news event in New Delhi. "Millions of vehicles are plying on E20 for quite some time now. Not a single vehicle breakdown or engine failure has been reported," said Banerjee, adding that if issues arise, warranty and insurance claims will be fully honoured by companies. SIAM represents India's major carmakers including Maruti Suzuki (MRTI.NS) , opens new tab, Hyundai Motor (HYUN.NS) , opens new tab, Mahindra & Mahindra (MAHM.NS) , opens new tab, Tata Motors (TAMO.NS) , opens new tab and Toyota Motor (7203.T) , opens new tab. More than a dozen executives from auto companies, fuel retailers and industry groups were present on stage, addressing questions from the media at the event on India's ethanol-blended petrol programme. Banerjee said claims of a 50% drop in fuel efficiency are unfounded and misinformed. Scientific studies conducted in a controlled environment show a 2%-4% decrease, putting a number to the reduction for the first time, he said. However, driving in real world conditions can contribute to higher drops in mileage due to a variety of factors. "On road it could be very different because of the way in which the vehicles are maintained and driven so that difference will be there," said C.V. Raman, executive committee member at Maruti Suzuki, India's biggest carmaker. While India has been gradually rolling out E20 fuel since 2023, older blends, like E5 and E10, typically seen as more compatible with older vehicles, were also offered. However, these older fuel mixes have now been removed from nearly all of the country's 90,000 fuel stations, leaving drivers with just one choice - a decision that is unlikely to change. In recent weeks, worried motorists took to social media over concerns about large fuel efficiency drops and confusing statements from carmakers. Carmakers first said E20 fuel had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles, but backtracked later saying it is safe to use. Automakers, already battling slower sales and shortages of rare-earth magnets, have provided mixed guidance, adding to consumer anger over the lack of choice. Public interest litigation against the move will be heard in the Supreme Court on Monday. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/indian-automakers-say-ethanol-fuel-hurts-mileage-is-safe-motorists-complain-2025-08-31/

2025-08-31 08:04

KYIV, Aug 31 (Reuters) - A Russian drone attack overnight damaged four power facilities near the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, leaving more than 29,000 customers without electricity on Sunday morning, the region's governor and power firm DTEK said. Hardest hit was the port city of Chornomorsk, just outside Odesa, where residential houses and administrative buildings were also damaged, said Oleh Kiper, the governor of the broader Odesa region, on the Telegram messaging app. Sign up here. "Critical infrastructure is operating on generators," Kiper said, adding that one person had been injured as a result of the attack. Russian drones also targeted Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region on Sunday morning, damaging energy infrastructure and leaving 30,000 households without electricity, including part of the city of Nizhyn, said the local governor, Viacheslav Chaus. The Ukrainian military said Russia had attacked Ukraine with 142 drones overnight and its air defence forces managed to shoot down 126 of them. However, the drones struck 10 locations. The military has not provided details about the strikes. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure. Ukraine, in turn, has struck Russian oil refineries and pipelines. There was no comment from Russia on the latest attacks. Russia has hit Ukraine's critical infrastructure continuously throughout the 42 months of the war that Moscow launched with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine's largest power producer DTEK said in a statement that four of its power facilities had come under attack overnight. "As soon as the energy workers receive permission from the military and rescue services, they will immediately begin inspecting the equipment and carrying out emergency repair work," DTEK said. A sweeping attack by Russia on Thursday that targeted many regions of Ukraine killed 25 people in Kyiv. https://www.reuters.com/world/russian-overnight-drone-attack-cuts-power-thousands-odesa-ukraine-says-2025-08-31/

2025-08-30 19:31

MOSCOW, Aug 30 (Reuters) - The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) said on Saturday that cleanup operations had been completed following an accident and oil spill at its Black Sea terminal. The spill had prompted the company, which handles more than 1% of global oil, to suspend operations at two mooring points. Sign up here. A CPC statement said it had suspended the emergency operation after examining surface conditions near the site. The volume of the oil leak was being clarified and an investigation conducted into the causes of the accident. "The site of the oil spill was quickly localised, as was attested to by the relevant oversight bodies," it said. Collected waste was turned over to the terminal for further disposal. The CPC exports mainly from Kazakhstan via Russia and the Black Sea terminal. It normally deploys three mooring points, with one usually acting as a backup. CPC, whose shareholders include U.S. majors Chevron CVX.N and Exxon Mobil XOM.N, said that one mooring point, SPM-1, had remained operational. CPC has been in the spotlight during Russia's conflict in Ukraine. The consortium closed all but one of its mooring points several times in 2022 due to damage severely cutting exports via the route. Its operations have been interrupted this year, including by a drone strike. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/caspian-pipeline-consortium-completes-cleanup-operation-after-accident-spill-2025-08-30/

2025-08-30 18:08

Aug 30 (Reuters) - Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.L) , opens new tab on Saturday denied a report it was exploring an initial public offering for its small nuclear reactor unit. The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the situation, reported on Saturday the company was considering an IPO as well as other funding options. It said talks with investment houses and banks were at an early stage. Sign up here. "Rolls-Royce SMR is not planning for, or in the process of launching, an initial public offering," a spokesperson for the unit said in an emailed statement to Reuters. In June, the Rolls-Royce SMR unit was selected to build Britain's first Small Modular Reactors as part of its plan to speed up the decarbonisation of the power network from the mid-2030s. The unit, majority-owned by the British engineering firm, plans to build three reactors. The British government pledged 2.5 billion pounds ($3.4 billion) for the SMR programme over the next four years, aiming to launch one of Europe's first small-scale nuclear industries. Countries including the United States, Canada, Romania and the Czech Republic are also pursuing SMRs, which could open a large global market if the British project succeeds. ($1 = 0.7402 pounds) https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/rolls-royce-denies-report-ipo-plans-small-nuclear-reactor-unit-2025-08-30/