Govt Defers 10 GW Coal Plant Maintenance for 3 Months, Plans 22 GW New Capacity Amid West Asia Conflict

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: DAE Meets EDF for EPR Reactors, Targets 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047

India is opening its civil nuclear sector to private players under the SHANTI Act. DAE recently released draft rules for private participation and foreign reactor tech. A key meeting with French state-owned EDF discussed deploying EPR reactors and localising supply chains to meet the ambitious 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal: Japan Commits $70 Billion Investment, $10 Billion Already Inflow in 10 Months

India is deepening economic ties with Japan, expecting faster investment inflows from a $70 billion commitment, of which $10 billion has already been realized in 10 months. The Commerce Minister highlighted India's strategy to become Japan's global sourcing partner, leveraging FTAs with 38 countries and addressing Japanese firms' concerns like BIS certification hurdles for high-tech industries.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

Centre Invokes Section 11 Emergency, Directs 112 Captive Coal Plants to Max Capacity from Oct 1

Amid an unusual September power demand surge (peak 269 GW), the government invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act to mandate 112 captive coal plants (≥50 MW) to run at full capacity from Oct 1 to Dec 31. This emergency move aims to maximize electricity availability and is exam-relevant for its legal provision, institutional mechanism (CEA), and energy security context.

US Diesel Export Ban Proposal: Global Supply Crisis & Impact on India's Net Exporter Status

A US proposal to restrict diesel exports, supported by President Trump, threatens to remove the single largest source (20%) of globally traded diesel from the market. For India, a net diesel exporter, this could mean higher export margins for refineries like RIL, though higher export taxes and domestic demand will limit gains.

India's 67% LPG Imports from US: WLGA CEO Stresses Diversification, Storage Expansion, Freight Cost Management

India's heavy reliance on US LPG (67% of imports) is not a comprehensive solution to supply disruptions. The World Liquid Gas Association CEO recommends diversifying sources (Canada, Algeria, etc.), expanding domestic storage capacity, and actively managing freight costs to buffer against market volatility.

NDB Approved 139 Projects Worth $43 Billion; India Urged to Expedite Rupee Bond at BRICS

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi, highlighting India's strategic dilemma between non-West and anti-West identities. The New Development Bank (NDB) remains a practical tool, but its limited lending ($43 billion in 139 projects over a decade) and slow disbursement ($20 billion) lag behind AIIB. India must push the long-delayed rupee bond and expand local-currency lending to reduce dollar dependence without strengthening China's position.

Tax Exemptions for Foreign Firms Extended to 2041, Boost for Apple's India iPhone Manufacturing

India has extended tax exemptions for foreign companies supplying machinery to contract manufacturers until 2041, a major win for Apple which is scaling iPhone production. The move also covers component storage in customs-bonded areas and eases rules for data centers, aiming to boost manufacturing and exports.