India's coal import rose 11.4 percent to 121.1 million tonnes (MT) in the April-August period of the ongoing fiscal year

New Delhi: India's coal import rose 11.4 percent to 121.1 million tonnes (MT) in the April-August period of the ongoing fiscal year.

The country had imported 108.7 MT coal in the corresponding period of the previous year.

According to data compiled by B2B e-commerce platform mjunction, "During April-August 2024, total coal and coke imports stood at 121.18 MT, around 11.4 percent higher than 108.74 MT imported during the same period last year."

However, coal import in August rose 5.4 percent to 20.70 MT over 19.63 MT a year earlier.

Of the total import in August 2024, non-coking coal import was at 13.04 MT, against 11.89 MT, while coking coal import was at 4.53 MT, against 4.62 MT a year ago.

During April-August, non-coking coal import was at 78.68 MT, higher than 68.58 MT imported during the same period last financial year. Coking coal import was at 24.79 MT, almost flat against 24.85 MT recorded in the year-ago period.

India's coal import rose 7.7 percent to 268.24 MT in FY24.

The country's coal production rose 6.48 percent to 384.08 million tonnes in the first five months of the ongoing fiscal year.

The production was 360.71 MT in April-August FY24.

IREDA CMD PK Das was speaking in a panel discussion at the Brainstorming Conclave organised by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
 

New Delhi: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Pradip Kumar Das participated in two panel discussions on Monday at the Brainstorming Conclave organised by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The conclave focused on shaping the “Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047,” where CMD addressed the topics of “Financing the Energy Transition by 2047” and “Capacity Planning and Regulatory Framework for Renewable Energy by 2047.”

During the discussion, Das underscored IREDA's leading role in promoting and making innovative renewable energy technologies such as ethanol, eelectric mobility, battery storage, pumped storage, floating solar, green hydrogen, and green ammonia- financially viable. He emphasized the importance of adopting the "DAS" principle: Discipline of investors, Attitude of lenders, and Simplification of policies by Central and State Governments, as well as regulatory bodies like RBI and SEBI, etc. This approach has allowed IREDA to significantly contribute to the Government of India's target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

Discussing the ‘Green Taxonomy,’ Das called for a clear definition of renewable technologies as "Green," which would encourage investor confidence and direct climate finance to genuinely green projects. He emphasized that this alignment with international standards would further strengthen India’s renewable sector.

Das also highlighted that according to a broad estimate, India will require approximately Rs 285-345 lakh crore investment by 2047 to achieve energy independence. Therefore, substantial business opportunities are available in renewable energy financing for IREDA and other companies.

With a dedicated, wholly-owned subsidiary, IREDA aims to expand its services in the retail renewable energy market B2C segment, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), MSMEs, and Start-Ups. This will support the financial ecosystem needed for a sustainable renewable energy future. By extending its expertise in renewable energy finance to the retail market, IREDA will provide innovative financing options for both urban and rural consumers, promoting sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said that BSNL will complete the rollout of indigenously developed 4G technology through 1 lakh base stations by May next year and thereafter switch to 5G network by June 2025

New Delhi: State-run telecom firm BSNL will complete the rollout of indigenously developed 4G technology through 1 lakh base stations by May next year and thereafter switch to 5G network by June 2025, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday.

While speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Scindia said that India followed the world in 4G, marched with the world in 5G and will lead the world in 6G technology.

The minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very clear that the government company is not going to use anyone else's equipment.

"We now have a core and a radio access network that's fully functional. We have got a plan of 1 lakh sites by April-May of next year. We've rolled out 38,300 sites as of yesterday.

“We are going to roll out our own 4G network, which is going to switch to 5G by June of 2025. We will be the sixth country in the world to be able to do that," Scindia said.

BSNL is using 4G technology developed by a consortium of state-run C-DOT and domestic IT company TCS.

Scindia said that India has had the fastest 5G rollout in the world with installation of 4.5 lakh towers in 22 months that provided network coverage for 80 percent of the country's population.

He said that there has been a complete transformation in the Indian telecom sector with the number of broadband connections rising multifold to 940 million from around 60 million 10 years ago.

"The cost of a voice call was 50 paise 10 years ago, it's today, three paise. There has been a 96 percent drop in the cost of voice. If you look at the cost of one GB of data, it was Rs 289 rupees 10 years ago, which is roughly, what three and a half dollars, roughly it's today, 12 cents. Therefore, you've seen exponential penetration, exponential adoption," the minister said.

He said that the Prime Minister always says, don't build towers but build quality of service, become a product nation and do not think of telecom as an end product but think of it as a means to supplying service

Talking about India-US strategic ties, the minister said that India and the US both are moving on multiple footings to make sure that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond the technology curve.

"The Prime Minister's visit to the US has been a landmark visit. The first time we have come to an agreement where we are going to put a fab (chip plant) in place in India, which will supply chips to defence in the US. It's going to have huge ramifications for India as well as the US," Scindia said.

He said that both India and the US are working together on all engines.

India has saved Rs 1.06 lakh crore in foreign exchange during the last decade by mixing biofuels in petrol, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday
 

New Delhi: India, the world's third largest oil importing and consuming nation, saved Rs 1.06 lakh crore in foreign exchange during the last decade by mixing biofuels in petrol, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

Speaking at the CII Bioenergy Summit, he said the percentage of ethanol, extracted from sugarcane and other biomass, blending in petrol has risen from 1.53 percent in 2014 to 15 percent.

Encouraged by these results, the government has advanced its target to 20 per cent blending for 2025, he said.

"From 2014 to August 2024, ethanol blending (in petrol) has generated foreign exchange savings of Rs 1,06,072 crore, reduced CO2 emissions by 544 lakh tonnes, and achieved crude oil substitution of 181 lakh tonnes," he said.

Additionally, the government has set an ambitious targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming for 1 percent blending in 2027 and 2 percent in 2028, positioning India as a leader in bio-mobility.

Emphasising on India's robust economic growth, he said the country will drive 25 per cent of global energy demand over the next two decades.

Bioenergy will be crucial in meeting this demand while advancing climate goals and rural development.

Currently valued at USD 44 billion (as per Wood Mckenzie), the minister said that the bioenergy market is projected to grow to USD 125 billion by 2050. If global net-zero targets are achieved, this figure could surge to USD 500 billion, he added.

India has more than 750 million tonnes of available biomass, with about two-thirds being used for domestic purposes such as cattle feed and compost fertilizer.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a growth potential of 3.5 to 5 times for biofuels by 2050 due to net zero targets, presenting a substantial opportunity for India.

As a Maharatna PSU, HAL will now have greater freedom to pursue joint ventures, acquisitions, and investments, both domestically and internationally, without requiring prior approval from the government for certain key decisions
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a prominent public sector enterprise under the Department of Defence Production (DoDP), has officially been granted Maharatna status. The upgradation has been approved by the Finance Minister following recommendations from the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) chaired by the Finance Secretary, and the Apex Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
 

This recognition marks HAL’s entry into the prestigious group of 14 Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), a status that allows for greater financial autonomy and increased operational flexibility in making strategic decisions. This move is expected to enhance HAL’s ability to undertake larger investments and expansion initiatives, strengthening its leadership in the aerospace and defense sector.

List of Maharatna PSUs

1. BHEL

2. BPCL

3. HPCL

4. Coal India

5. GAIL (India) Limited

6. Indian Oil

7. NTPC

8. ONGC

9. Power Grid

10. SAIL

11. Oil India Limited

12. PFC Limited

13. REC Limited and

14. HAL

HAL, which plays a crucial role in India’s defence production capabilities, reported impressive financial results for the fiscal year 2023-24, with a turnover of Rs 28,162 crore and a net profit of Rs 7,595 crore. These financial milestones underscore the company's robust performance and align with the criteria for Maharatna eligibility, which includes a minimum annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore and a net profit of Rs 5,000 crore over the past three years.

As a Maharatna PSU, HAL will now have greater freedom to pursue joint ventures, acquisitions, and investments, both domestically and internationally, without requiring prior approval from the government for certain key decisions. This will help the company scale up its operations and further support India’s defense and aerospace objectives.

These students skilled under the ‘SAKSHAM’ CSR initiative of MCL were presented their offer letters during the convocation ceremony held at NITCON foundation, Angul centre

New Delhi: 289 students from the peripheral areas of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) got placement in leading industries. These students skilled under the ‘SAKSHAM’ CSR initiative of MCL were presented their offer letters during the convocation ceremony held at NITCON foundation, Angul centre.

On behalf of MCL, SK Sinha, General Manager (CSR) was present on this occasion.

MCL is providing skill development in mining sector through 'Saksham,' aimed at training 1010 candidates in partnership with NITCON Foundation. The project focuses on skilling the youths with industry-relevant skills across various mining domains.

A total of 540 candidates have successfully completed their training, including 132 female and 408 male participants. Female candidates are being trained in trades such as mine electrician, mine welder, and HEMM mechanic. This has enabled gender diversity within the workforce.

MCL remains committed to enhancing skill development and employment opportunities through its CSR initiatives.

JSW Green Mobility has been allotted 636 acres of land in the Bidkin node of AURIC city and the plant will go into production in the next 12 to 18 months

New Delhi: Vehicle manufacturer JSW Green Mobility has been allotted 636 acres of land in the Bidkin node of AURIC city and the plant will go into production in the next 12 to 18 months, an official said.

After allotting 827 acres of land to Toyota Kirloskar Motors Private Limited, the administration has issued land to another vehicle production company in the Bidkin node of AURIC (Aurangabad Industrial City).

The administration has issued 636 acres of land to JSW Green Mobility company in the Bikdin node. The land allotment certificate was issued online by the Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited (MITL) on Thursday, an official said.

The company will establish an electric car manufacturing unit on 546 acres of the allotted land. Apart from this, the company will also produce commercial vehicles in the area of 90 acres. The company will invest Rs 27,200 crore here, which will create 5,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs, a release said on Thursday.

The company will commence its work soon and will go into production in the next 12 to 18 months, an MITL official told PTI.

Suzlon Group on Thursday said the company has secured a 400 megawatt (MW) wind power deal from Jindal Renewables Power

New Delhi: Suzlon Group on Thursday said the company has secured a 400 megawatt (MW) wind power deal from Jindal Renewables Power.

It will set up the wind project in the Koppal region of Karnataka, the Group said in a statement.

"Suzlon Group is set to contribute to decarbonisation of the hard-to-abate sectors by harnessing the power of wind through a significant 400 MW order from JSP Green Wind 1 Pvt Ltd (SPV of Jindal Renewables Power Private Limited)," it said.

The power generated will be used for captive consumption at steel plants of Jindal Steel and Power located at Chhattisgarh and Odisha, Suzlon said without disclosing the exact value of the multi-crore order.

Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group, said, The partnership is a bold step towards a low carbon future of the steel industry by leveraging wind power.

Pune-based Suzlon Group is one of the leading renewable energy solutions providers in the world with20.8 GW of wind energy capacity installed across 17 countries.

A recent study has indicated potential for shale gas generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district

New Delhi: A recent study has indicated potential for shale gas generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district. “Evidence from microscopic palynomorphs--, organic remains, combined with geochemical assessments have indicated significant potential for hydrocarbon generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The eastern Sirka coalfield in this region have exhibited higher potential for hydrocarbon generation compared to the Giddi coalfield in the north,” said the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on Thursday.

Shale gas generation potential in South Karanpura coalfield

The South Karanpura coalfield, consisting of 28 major coal blocks, is well-established for its substantial deposits of workable coal. “However, with the rising demand for energy and the growing interest in hydrocarbon exploration, the focus has increasingly shifted towards the potential for coal bed methane/shale gas (unconventional resource) generation within this region. This pursuit of green energy necessitates an environment conducive to hydrocarbon preservation, which is critical for the nation’s energy strategy,” said DST.

The potential for hydrocarbon generation within a source rock is largely determined by the concentration of organic matter, which is influenced by specific environmental conditions.

To assess this potential, scientists from Birbal Sahni Institution of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), carried out a comprehensive study involving analysis of microscopic remains like pollen, spores, and certain microscopic organic matter (palynological), coupled with a laboratory procedure called Rock-Eval pyrolysis, for assessing the potential of the rock samples in an open system through the cracking of the organic matter, on sediments from the Sirka and Giddi C areas of the Damodar Basin.

Samples were collected from coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers of freshly exposed quarry faces of Sirka Colliery and Giddi C Colliery of Argada area, Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, respectively. Parameters such as palynofacies, free hydrocarbons (S1), heavy hydrocarbons (S2) pyrolyzable carbon (PC), residual hydrocarbon (RC), were analysed in the samples.

“These collected sediments, belonging to the Permian (Barakar) deposits, point to favourable conditions for high hydrocarbon resource potential in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield,” said DST.

“This research published in Journal of Asian Earth Sciences-X provides essential insights that can guide future exploration efforts, contributing to energy resource development and national energy security. More detailed study is required for the confirmation of the economic exploration,” it added.

Power Grid has received has the Letter of Intent (LoI) for a transmission project worth Rs 2,735 crore in Rajasthan

New Delhi: Maharatna power PSU Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) on Thursday said that it has secured a transmission project worth Rs 2,735 crore in Rajasthan. This project is a part of the comprehensive scheme to evacuate 5.5 GW of renewable energy from Jaisalmer/Barmer Complex.

"Power Grid has received the Letter of Intent (LoI) for the Rajasthan Ph-IV (Part 2: 5.5GW): Part F project," the PSU said in post on X.

The project involves the construction of a 765/400/220 kV Barmer-I pooling substation, along with 765 kV and 400 kV transmission lines and bay extensions in Rajasthan.

This project, approved by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) during its 14th meeting, is a key element in the government's initiative to evacuate 5.5 GW of renewable energy from the Jaisalmer and Barmer Complex. The total cost of the project has been estimated at Rs 2,735 crore.

The development is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's transmission infrastructure to support the growing demand for clean energy. The new Barmer-I substation will play a critical role in integrating renewable energy into the national grid, helping to meet the country’s renewable energy goals.

The monthly average revenue for mobile services rose over 8 percent year-on-year to Rs 157.45 per user in the quarter ended June 2024, according to a TRAI report

New Delhi: In signs of improving financial metrics of telecom firms, the monthly average revenue for mobile services rose over 8 percent year-on-year to Rs 157.45 per user in the quarter ended June 2024, according to a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report.

The monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless service stood at Rs 153.54 in the January-March period, thus translating into a 2.55 percent sequential increase.

In its quarterly performance indicator report, the TRAI said the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of the telecom service sector for the reporting quarter increased by 0.13 percent on a quarterly basis to Rs 70,555 crore.

On a year-on-year basis, AGR grew by 7.51 percent.

The number of telephone subscribers in India increased to 1,205.64 million against 1,199.28 million in the previous quarter, registering a growth of 0.53 percent.

Wireline subscriptions came in at 35.11 million, an uptick of 15.81 percent on an annual basis.

With a net rise of 5.04 million subscribers during the quarter, the total wireless subscriber base increased 0.43 percent quarter-on-quarter to 1,170.53 million at the end of June 2024 from 1,165.49 million at the end of March 2024. The wireless subscriptions grew 2.36 percent year-on-year.

Wireline teledensity increased from 2.41 percent at the end of March 2024 to 2.50 percent at the end of June 2024.

Wireless Tele-density rose 0.21 percent quarter-on-quarter to 83.45 percent at the end of June 2024 compared to 83.27 percent.

The overall teledensity in India increased to 85.95 percent quarter-on-quarter from 85.69 percent.

While rural teledensity advanced to 59.65 percent in June against 59.19 percent in March, urban teledensity declined from 133.72 percent to 133.46 percent.

The total number of internet subscribers grew 1.59 percent quarter-on-quarter to 969.60 million as of June 2024.

The Internet subscriber base includes 28.85 million narrowband subscribers and 940.75 million broadband users.

Reliance Jio witnessed the highest 9.18 percent increase in subscriber base to 489.72 million.

Bharti Airtel's user base rose 4.42 percent to 398.07 million.

Troubled telco Vodafone Idea's subscription declined by 5.30 percent to 218.12 million.

State-owned BSNL and MTNL saw a drop of 13.16 percent and 4.88 percent in subscriber base, respectively.

IIT Delhi and IEA have signed an MoU on the role of energy technology innovation in reducing emissions and leading clean energy transitions

New Delhi: IIT Delhi and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the role of energy technology innovation in reducing emissions and leading clean energy transitions, officials said on Wednesday.

The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation between the IEA and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.

The MoU has been signed at the IEA headquarters in Paris to identify key areas of collaboration, including policy analysis to foster energy innovation and information exchange on energy technology trends, particularly in emerging and developing economies.

"The potential for emerging and developing economies in the new energy economy is vast, but the policies, investment and expertise must be tapped if it is to be realised," Fatih Birol, IEA's Executive Director.

"This MoU will help address some of the existing barriers through knowledge sharing, best practices and tangible actions that can support countries to deploy clean energy technologies and make progress on their climate and energy goals," Birol added.

The IEA and IIT-Delhi recently published a joint report - 'Clean Energy Innovation Policies in Emerging and Developing Economies' - which examines the economic opportunities and the role that policy can play in expanding the new energy economy in emerging markets and developing economies.

The report was launched at the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial and the 9th Mission Innovation Ministerial in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. It was attended by experts from the industry, international institutions, government, private sector, academia, and civil society organisations.

"We are delighted to be partnering with the IEA to work on the clean energy transition. We believe this partnership can help us build capacity to address the climate and sustainability challenge and develop future-ready graduates for society," IIT-Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee said.

"The IEA and IIT-Delhi together can enable strategies for developing and emerging economies to manage the transition to net zero," Banerjee said.

The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 175 million (EUR 159.4 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

New Delhi: The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India of MK-54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes and related equipment, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced.

The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 175 million (EUR 159.4 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

India has requested to buy 53 MK-54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all-up rounds. The following non-major defence equipment (MDE) items will also be included: Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP); air launch accessories; spare parts; torpedo containers; torpedo support equipment, including test equipment and tools; classified and unclassified books and other publications; and various aspects of infrastructure, technical, training, logistics and programme support.

“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing the size of its anti-submarine weapons stockpile for its MH-60R helicopters,” the DSCA stated. “The Indian Navy already possesses MK-54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes and will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

India ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under an FMS deal announced in February 2020. The first six of these were delivered to the Indian Navy in November 2022, while the rest of the helicopters are expected to have been handed over by the end of 2025.

A majority of the lightweight torpedoes’ hardware will be purchased directly from US Navy stock.

The peak power demand is expected to touch the 270 GW mark next fiscal and reach a level of 446 GW by 2035, says CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad

New Delhi: The peak power demand is expected to touch the 270 GW mark next fiscal and reach a level of 446 GW by 2035, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad said on Wednesday.

The chairperson also said that around 40 GW of power generation capacity will be added during the ongoing financial year.

The government's projection for peak power demand this year was 260 GW.

However, it could not be reached due to lower temperatures due to rains, and peak power demand remained around 250 GW, the official told reporters in a media briefing on 'Brainstorming Session on Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047'.

The two-day event will be organised by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in partnership with industry body Ficci on October 14-15.

It will focus on all aspects of power sector generation, transmission and distribution, Prasad said, adding that sufficient capacities are being added in the country to meet the future demand.

Replying to a question, the Chairperson said, "The peak power demand this fiscal year is expected to be at 270 GW, while by 2035, it is expected to reach 446 GW by 2035".

The peak power demand in FY26 can easily be met, as capacity addition this year would be around 40 GW. Of this, 10 GW will be thermal, solar and wind 25-30 GW, hydro 3 GW and 700 MW of nuclear capacity, he said, adding that no gas-based power generation capacities will be added.

The power demand is expected to continue to register an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7-8 percent over the next few years.

He also said a 10-year plan for the power sector, including transmission, has been drafted in consultation with states. The draft has been sent to the Ministry of Power for its approval and is expected to be launched at the event.

It will be launched first for Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra, and later for other states.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has requested the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to provide its views on the growing number of consumer grievances against Ola Electric. This follows a show-cause notice issued to the electric vehicle manufacturer by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on October 3, 2024.

ARAI, a premier institution under MHI, is responsible for vehicle certification, safety testing, and emissions compliance in India. It plays a critical role in ensuring that vehicles meet regulatory standards and has certified Ola Electric’s vehicles under the government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) and PM Electric Drive Vehicle (E-DRIVE) schemes.
 

The notice from CCPA came in response to 9,948 consumer complaints registered against Ola Electric between September 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024, on the National Consumer Helpline. These complaints, ranging from delayed deliveries and defective vehicles to misleading advertisements and poor customer service, prompted the CCPA to act. Ola Electric has been given 15 days to respond to the notice, with the possibility of regulatory action if the company fails to comply.

In response to the CCPA notice, Ola Electric has said that the show-cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority “would not impact” its activities and that the company will file a response to the notice within the 15-day deadline.

Given ARAI’s role in certifying Ola Electric’s eligibility under the FAME II scheme, which mandates service centre operations and warranty support for consumers, MHI has sought ARAI’s comments on the grievances. The move underscores the Ministry’s emphasis on holding original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accountable that have taken benefits under its schemes.

This inquiry aims to safeguard consumer rights, especially as the electric vehicle market expands. The outcome of this review could have broader implications for other manufacturers benefiting from the FAME II and PM E-DRIVE schemes.