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

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.

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.

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.

India's Data Centre Boom: $200B Investment, 6.5 GW Capacity by 2030 Strains Power & Water

India's data centre capacity is set to quadruple to 6.5 GW by 2030, driving $200 billion investment. However, this boom is colliding with climate reality: soaring electricity demand (57 TWh), water consumption (358 billion litres annually), and heat generation. The governance gap, with no enforceable standards, risks socializing costs to consumers and worsening water/energy stress.

Private Players Seek Green Energy Status for Nuclear Power; 100 GWe, $228 Bn Target by 2047

Private players are pushing for nuclear power to be classified as 'green energy' to unlock green bonds, green loans, and blended finance. NITI Aayog is reviewing existing green finance frameworks (MoF, RBI, SEBI) to include nuclear energy. India targets 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047, requiring $228 billion investment.