BUSINESS
Power sector set for major security upgrade as Centre plans new framework against cyber threats
The draft rules states that any organization that owns, operates, manages, or interfaces with power infrastructure connected to the electricity grid will have to prepare a board-approved cyber security policy, designate a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and align to standards by the Power Ministry.
INDIA
Bihar Election 2025: Will infrastructure push in the state overcome its execution and quality challenges?
In the last two decades, especially the last five years, Bihar has witnessed an acceleration in infrastructure development, with several big-ticket projects reshaping the state’s connectivity landscape. However, execution bottlenecks and poor-quality control will remain the biggest challenge in the state, according to experts.
BUSINESS
India's nuclear ambitions set to bring a jobs boom, courses and training programmes planned after PMO intervention
The PMO has taken stock of the talent shortage for India to realise its nuclear ambitions of 100 GW by 2047 and the government is likely to introduce new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in nuclear technology and engineering at central and state universities, IITs, and NITs.
BUSINESS
Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025: India’s attempt at third generation power reforms
The move is likely to see opposition from some states as they fear it would reduce their control over the power sector. The Ministry of Power, however, stated that government discoms will continue to operate alongside private licensees in a regulated, level-playing environment.
BUSINESS
Centre plans next-gen power reforms for debt and loss-ridden discoms
The proposed restructuring scheme for state-owned discoms can be seen as a preparatory platform for the Indian government’s larger goal to implement the draft Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025 which seeks to introduce competition in the power distribution sector by ending the monopoly of state-owned discoms.
BUSINESS
In a first, 21 mines with underground coal gasification potential up for grabs
Coal minister G. Kishan Reddy said the environment ministry has now exempted pilot underground coal gasification projects from environmental clearance, ensuring faster implementation
BUSINESS
EU team to visit India next week for trade talks, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that more than 50 percent of the chapters of the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) were agreed upon by both sides. Besides, Goyal and his team will head to Queenstown for the fourth round of India-New Zealand trade talks.
BUSINESS
ISA launches global initiative to secure critical minerals from solar and battery waste
Addressing the 8th session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), President Droupadi Murmu said by 2050, India aims not only to meet its clean energy targets but also to become a hub that aggregates global solar demand and drives innovation, manufacturing and knowledge exchange.
BUSINESS
India eyes 208 hydel projects on Brahmaputra basin against China’s 60 GW mega dam
India has drawn a plan to build hydro projects totaling 65,000 MW across its Brahmaputra basin against China’s 60,000 MW plant, construction of which began in July this year.
BUSINESS
No government directive on Russian oil; refiners weigh costs, alternatives independently, sources say
For state-run refiners, the new sanctions are likely to have a limited impact since they do not have long-term supply contracts with the Russian firms targeted by the latest curbs.
BUSINESS
Trade between India and Norway could more than double in coming decade: Norwegian Ambassador
Ambassador May-Elin Stener told Moneycontrol that the India-EFTA trade deal has made frozen Norwegian salmon cheaper for Indians due to zero tariffs from October 1. She added that some of the biggest Norwegian companies are set to substantially increase their investments and trade with India.
BUSINESS
State-run IREL to help private firms manufacture rare earth magnets amid China squeeze
IREL Ltd is also likely to participate in government’s incentive scheme for processing and production of rare earth permanent magnets
BUSINESS
FTA delayed, India to expand preferential trade agreement with Brazil-led Mercosur: Govt officials
Currently, the preferential trade agreement (PTA) with the Mercosur trade bloc covers about 450 tariff lines. Talks are on to expand the PTA further to cover more items across agriculture, industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, government officials told Moneycontrol.
BUSINESS
IMF raising India's growth forecast is proof of country's economic resilience: Piyush Goyal
Goyal reiterated India’s strategic approach of integrating with global economies while ensuring that domestic industries remain competitive.
BUSINESS
Focus on quality or be ready to be blacklisted, Ashwini Vaishnaw tells railway manufacturers
We have to significantly improve quality - whether it is signalling or earthing or track equipment, or components that go into manufacturing of locomotives and coaches. We should be procuring the best in the world, the railway minister said.
BUSINESS
On fast track: Vaishnaw announces Vande Bharat 4.0, high-speed passenger corridors
Kavach 5.0 will be developed over the next five years. It will be designed for speeds of up to 280 kmph and used on dedicated passenger corridors, the rail minister has said
BUSINESS
Every fourth EV sold in India is from UP, will ramp up charging infra: UP Additional Chief Secretary
Uttar Pradesh government will soon send its proposal to the Centre for participating in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure plan under the PM E-Drive scheme.
BUSINESS
New Vande Bharat AC sleeper coach to be showcased at Indian Railways Equipment Exhibition
According to CII, the domestic railway market in India is valued at approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore (approximately USD 30 billion), while the global market is estimated to be USD 360 billion.
BUSINESS
India’s solar cell manufacturing capacity to more than double to 65 GW by June
Documents seen by Moneycontrol show that the renewable energy ministry aims to have manufacturing capacities of 150 GW for solar modules, 100 GW for solar cells and 39 GW for wafers by 2030
BUSINESS
Tariffs being used as weapons, India will choose its own path: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
While India has achieved surplus production in rice and wheat, the Union agriculture minister said, the next frontier is achieving self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds. "PM Modi will be launching India's Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Chana–Masoor) day after tomorrow to strengthen pulse production," he said.
ECONOMY
India readies Rs 7,300-cr incentive scheme for rare earth magnet production
The scheme aims to establish a fully indigenous rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing ecosystem with an annual production capacity of up to 6,000 tonnes
BUSINESS
International Solar Alliance to replicate India's PM-Kusum scheme in Africa, island nations
India now has the third largest renewable energy installation in the world. Additionally, in manufacturing of solar modules, India is the second largest after China, according to the government
BUSINESS
India-UK trade ministers discuss roadmap to implement historic free trade agreement
Speaking to business delegates in Mumbai, British PM Keir Starmer said he wants the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) implemented “as soon as humanly possible."
BUSINESS
NITI Aayog proposes mission to make AI accessible to India's 49 crore informal workers
The mission proposes to harness AI, blockchain, immersive learning and other frontier technologies to dismantle constraints like financial insecurity, limited market access, and skilling.
