India-UK Trade Deal: The Social Security Conundrum in Focus
The ongoing negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK have reached a crucial stage as they enter the 14th round, with the issue of social security emerging as a significant point of contention. The discussions, which started in January 2022, aim to strengthen the economic ties between the two […]
Rajasthan’s Ancient Tankas Reimagined: A MGNREGA Success Story
The traditional tankas of Rajasthan are earthen rainwater storage tanks that have been used for centuries by the people of Barmer district and other parts of western Rajasthan to collect water received during showers between July and September. These tankas have a capacity of 20,000 to 40,000 litres and can meet the drinking water needs […]
RBI’s New Directive: Enhancing Transparency in NCDs and CPs Funding
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced revised guidelines for the issuance of commercial papers (CPs) and non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of up to one year. This move aims to regulate short-term investments and enhance transparency in the market. The new norms, effective from April 1, 2024, mandate issuers to clearly specify the end […]
DPIIT Secy reveals plans for third party assessment of white goods PLI scheme
The government has announced that it will undertake a third party assessment of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the sector. The assessment will be to see whether the stated objective of the scheme – that intends to make India a […]
AI and GenAI under the scanner: Centre to amend IT Rules
The Centre is likely to amend the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021 to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) in India, according to a report by The Economic Times. The report cites unnamed sources who claim that the government is concerned about the potential misuse and abuse of AI and […]
Reliance Industries: Transforming Plastic Waste Management with ISCC-Plus Certification
Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector company, has achieved a major milestone in its efforts to promote circular economy and reduce plastic waste. The company has become the first in India to chemically recycle plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-Plus certified circular polymers . Pyrolysis oil is a product of […]
SBI Goes Global for Green: Raises $1 Billion to Boost India’s Environmental, Social, and Governance Portfolio
State Bank of India (SBI) has entered the social loan market by raising $1 billion from overseas markets, the bank announced on Tuesday. The loan is the largest ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) loan raised by a commercial bank in the Asia Pacific region and the second-largest social loan globally. The loan consists of $500 […]