BUSINESS
US exits India-backed International Solar Alliance; govt says body remains focused on mandate
The United States joined the India-led International Solar Alliance as its 101st member in November 2021, with the announcement made by then US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry at the COP26 climate summit.
BUSINESS
NPCIL to target state government joint ventures as SHANTI Act clears key hurdle
State partnerships are expected to ease land and other clearances, as well as ensure power offtake, as NPCIL eyes faster execution of its 50-GW share in India’s 100-GW nuclear plan.
BUSINESS
Centre explores extending mandatory hallmarking to silver amid rising prices
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is assessing infrastructure, assaying capacity as silver prices rise and demand for quality checks grows, said Sanjay Garg, Director General, BIS.
BUSINESS
Centre plans separate rules for solar waste; centralised storage from 2029
Government to delink solar PV waste from e-waste rules, push panel reuse and centralised storage from 2029.
BUSINESS
Centre fast tracks hydropower in J&K; Ratle project to be ready by 2028-end, Dulhasti clears green hurdle
With Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, the Centre reviews Salal, Ratle and Dulhasti projects, as it looks to unlock hydropower potential across the Indus basin
BUSINESS
Govt looks to bring nuclear power into clean-energy framework after SHANTI Bill
Government weighs changes to power purchase rules and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms to mainstream nuclear as clean energy.
BUSINESS
India–New Zealand FTA brings first-of-its-kind student, skilled worker visa framework
The agreement allows unrestricted student visas, offers post-study work of up to four years, and creates a 5,000-quota entry route for skilled professionals.
BUSINESS
India, New Zealand announce landmark trade deal, New Delhi to slash tariffs on 95% of Kiwi goods
According to the commerce ministry, the agreement provides zero-duty market access for all Indian exports to New Zealand, while India has agreed to tariff liberalisation covering about 95 percent of bilateral trade.
BUSINESS
How the SHANTI Bill redraws nuclear safety, security and liability rules
As private companies enter nuclear power generation, the new atomic energy bill lays down new rules on safety oversight, control of nuclear materials, liability caps and penalties.
BUSINESS
India’s nuclear reset: SHANTI Bill clears private plants, caps liability, routes foreign participation via Indian entities
Companies such as L&T, Tata Power, Reliance Industries, Adani Group, JSW Group and Vedanta Group stand to gain as the SHANTI Bill allows private nuclear plants while keeping fuel and liability under state control. Foreign companies are barred from direct entry and will be required to route investments through Indian-incorporated entities or joint ventures under the new law.
BUSINESS
India-Oman trade pact allows longer stays, higher transfer quotas for Indian professionals
The India-Oman CEPA raises intra-company transferee quota from 20% to 50%, allows contractual service suppliers to stay up to two years with a possible two-year extension in Oman, and liberalises visas for business visitors and professionals across services sectors.
BUSINESS
India–Oman CEPA to provide predictable visa regime for Indian skilled professionals: Piyush Goyal
Trade pact to ease mobility for professionals, expand market access and deepen India–Oman economic ties
BUSINESS
India-Oman to sign free trade agreement on Dec 18 after two years of talks
The India-Oman trade agreement is expected to provide a framework for expanding trade, investment and sectoral cooperation as India seeks to deepen its economic presence in the Gulf.
BUSINESS
Govt likely to seek proposals for rare earth permanent magnet scheme by January-end
The Rs 7,280-crore scheme targets to build a 6,000-tonne per annum rare earth magnet capacity in India.
BUSINESS
Coal ministry proposes longer lease, removal of sale cap in push for mining law overhaul
The ministry has sought comments on five proposed amendments to the mining law, which aim to align the coal sector with current mining practices, improve investment certainty and ensure better use of resources
BUSINESS
Atomic Energy Bill’s fine print shows uranium, thorium to remain firmly under govt control
The Atomic Energy Bill allows licensed private participation in nuclear facilities, even as the government retains exclusive control over atomic minerals, fuel ownership and spent fuel management.
BUSINESS
PM Modi’s Jordan visit seals agreements on energy, water, culture and digital cooperation
MoUs on renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and cultural exchange signed during Modi's first visit to Jordan, as two sides mark 75 years of diplomatic ties
BUSINESS
Air pollution: Industries in Noida, Ghaziabad told to meet emission norms by Dec 31, says Eco Minister Bhupender Yadav
Union minister orders stricter industrial compliance as severe smog disrupts normal life in Delhi-NCR.
BUSINESS
Battery storage cost down to Rs 2.1 per unit, govt tells Parliament
Lower battery storage tariffs seen boosting renewable integration; govt outlines global partnerships.
BUSINESS
SHANTI Bill to position nuclear power as backbone for data centres, 24x7 electricity: Piyush Goyal
Union minister Piyush Goyal said nuclear power will complement solar and wind in meeting round-the-clock electricity demand in India.
BUSINESS
Cabinet approves Atomic Energy Bill, paving way for private participation in nuclear power sector
The SHANTI Bill opens the nuclear sector to private players across generation, mining, exploration, and even foreign direct investment for the first time.
BUSINESS
Parliament panel flags rising PSU oil capex amid falling domestic crude output
The Committee on Public Undertakings noted that project cycles of oil and gas sector projects, ageing fields and past disruptions have contributed to stagnant or declining domestic production despite high capital expenditure.
BUSINESS
Union Cabinet clears new CoalSETU window to boost industrial use and coal exports
New CoalSETU window opens long-term coal linkages for industries and exporters as India eyes regional markets.
BUSINESS
Parliament panel pulls up IREL over board-level vacancies, Odisha mining JV stuck awaiting clearances
The minerals and rare earths company under the Department of Atomic Energy is under review for slow progress on key fronts.
