Govt May Mandate 5% Imported Coal Blending at Thermal Plants to Ease Supply Crunch

₹37,500 Cr Coal Gasification Package: 7 Applications from Adani, NTPC, Others Received by Coal Ministry

The Coal Ministry received 7 applications for coal gasification projects under a ₹37,500 crore package approved by the Union Cabinet. Major players like Adani Enterprises and NTPC are among the bidders, aiming to produce urea, synthetic natural gas, and syngas. This scheme is crucial for India's energy security and coal utilization strategy.

India's Peak Power Demand Hits 269 GW in September 2026 Due to 15% Rainfall Deficit and El Niño

India's peak power demand touched 269 GW on September 10, 2026 — the highest ever for September — driven by persistent heat, a 15% monsoon rainfall deficit, and El Niño conditions. This has led to a sharp rise in coal and gas-based generation, squeezing supply and pushing market prices up from Rs 2.86/unit to Rs 7.48/unit.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

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.

129 RVSFs Operational in 21 States: Circular Economy Need for Vehicle Retrofitment Over Scrappage

India's EV transition is focusing heavily on scrapping old vehicles for recycling, but the article argues that 'reuse' through retrofitment (replacing ICE engines with electric powertrains) is a more circular and resource-efficient approach for structurally sound vehicles. This is critical for UPSC as it links EV policy, circular economy (SDG 12), and the new Vehicle Scrapping Policy.

NITI Aayog Electric Mobility Index 2025: Delhi Ranks 1st, Karnataka Leads Charging Infrastructure, EV Penetration 8.25%

NITI Aayog released the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, ranking 36 states and UTs on EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and innovation. Delhi tops with a composite score of 84, followed by Maharashtra (78) and Karnataka (73). EV penetration reached 8.25% in 2025-26, with 2.5 million EVs registered. This index is crucial for understanding state-level e-mobility progress and government push for 30% EV penetration by 2030.

Govt to Launch Lithium-Nickel Scheme; 4 States Identified for Critical Mineral Processing

India is launching a new scheme to process lithium and nickel, critical for EV batteries, with four states identified as hubs. The government has flagged the contradiction of exporting raw minerals while being 100% import-dependent on key minerals, signaling a strategic push toward self-reliance and value addition.

SEBI Recognises Blue Bonds as Sustainable Finance; First ₹1,000 Cr Issuance Under Sagarmala

India's first blue bond issuance of ₹1,000 crore under the Sagarmala programme marks a shift towards capital markets for maritime infrastructure financing. SEBI has recognised blue bonds as sustainable finance instruments, opening a new asset class for exam focus on blue economy, sustainable finance, and government's PM GatiShakti initiative.