Government targets 10% cut in coal imports by FY26

29 Feb 2024 CW Team

The government is targeting a reduction in overall coal imports to 10 percent by FY26, with domestic coal production showing positive figures. One of the sources mentioned, "The government's strategy is to decrease the overall coal import to 16 percent by FY25 and further down to 10 percent by FY26.

This will primarily involve substituting imported coal with domestic alternatives." The Ministry of Coal had reported a 36.69 percent decline in coal imported for blending by the power sector, dropping to 19.36 MT during the April-January period from 30.58 MT in the corresponding period of the previous year, as per the information released a day ago.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

MoHUA Plans New Role for Smart City SPVs

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued an advisory encouraging the continued use and repurposing of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). This marks a step toward sustaining urban transformation by leveraging institutional capabilities and infrastructure developed over the past decade.Initiated in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission introduced a new era of urban planning in India, with each of the 100 selected cities forming SPVs under the Companies Act, 2013. These entities, jointly owned by state government..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

ADB Approves $110 Million Loan to Boost Skills in Gujarat

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 109.97 million (Rs 9.27 billion) results-based loan to support Gujarat鈥檚 efforts to become a global industrial hub by developing a future-ready, skilled workforce.The funding will back the Gujarat skills development programme, led by the Department of Labour, Skill Development and Employment in collaboration with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU). The initiative aims to equip the workforce with advanced, industry-aligned skills to meet rising employment demand in high-growth sectors.According to ADB, the programme seeks to strengthen in..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

SDAL Tests Rudrastra UAV and Bhargavastra Defence System

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed a key flight test of its indigenous Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range, aligning with Indian Army performance benchmarks for mission adaptability, high endurance, precision engagement, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.The trial marks a notable achievement in India鈥檚 Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, underscoring advancements in home-grown military technology. The Rudrastra UAV demonstrated a mission radius exceeding 50 km with uninterrupted video relay, a total operational range of over..