CERC Delays Stricter Grid Deviation Norms to 2027, Sets +/-5% Solar and +/-10% Wind Tolerance for RE Integration

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.

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.

Bihar Targets 24 GW Renewable Energy by 2030 with ₹1.38 Lakh Crore Solar Investment Plan

Bihar, facing severe energy deficits and high power purchase costs, has announced a ₹1.38 lakh crore investment plan to achieve 24 GW renewable energy capacity and 6 GWh energy storage by 2030. The plan aims to meet projected peak demand of 11,747 MW and includes a Green Energy Corridor and large-scale solar parks.

₹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.

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.

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

India is considering mandating thermal power plants to blend up to 5% imported coal with domestic coal to address a supply crunch that has driven spot power prices to a four-year high. This marks a reversal of the government's push to curb imports and boost domestic coal production, with coal stocks at plants falling nearly 49% in the last three months.