The Prime Minister said sustainability must become core business strategy. He highlighted missions on carbon capture and green energy. He urged industry and investors to work with the government. He called for collective ownership and steady feedback to build momentum.

The Budget raised allocation for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to Rs 32,914 crore. Rs 22,000 crore was set aside for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The Green Energy Corridor project received Rs 600 crore. The National Green Hydrogen Mission retained Rs 600 crore for FY2026-27.

Modi said manufacturing, logistics and MSMEs drive India’s growth. Four sessions under the webinar will focus on industry, MSMEs, city regions and infrastructure. He said reforms will expand capacity, boost competitiveness and create jobs.

The post Modi Pushes Clean Energy, Growth Vision appeared first on India Podcast.

Army Improves Border Infrastructure

Army officials said the solar plant now supplies uninterrupted electricity to all 32 residents of Muguthang village. Earlier, the village faced frequent power cuts due to extreme weather and poor connectivity. Heavy snowfall often left the area without electricity for weeks.

With this project, residents now receive reliable power throughout the year. The Army said this move improves both civilian life and operational preparedness in the border region.

Support Under Vibrant Villages Programme

The Army implemented the project under the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme. The initiative focuses on improving infrastructure in remote border settlements. Officials said access to electricity plays a key role in safety and communication.

Reliable power now supports lighting, heating, and mobile connectivity. As a result, villagers can respond better during emergencies. The Army added that electricity also helps students and elderly residents during harsh winters.

Preventing Seasonal Migration

Earlier, many families migrated to lower areas during winter due to lack of basic facilities. However, the solar plant now allows residents to stay back in the village year-round. Local officials said this change will help protect traditional livelihoods.

The Army believes stable living conditions will strengthen community confidence in border areas. It also encourages residents to remain connected to their homeland.

Strategic and Community Impact

Muguthang lies near the Line of Actual Control and faces extreme climatic challenges. Army officials said development projects like this strengthen India’s border presence. They also improve trust between the Army and local communities.

The North Sikkim solar plant highlights the Army’s commitment to sustainable development, renewable energy, and national security in sensitive regions.

The post North Sikkim Solar Plant: Indian Army Brings Year-Round Power to Border Village appeared first on India Podcast.

Japan’s Ambassador Ono Kicchi surprised everyone by starting his speech entirely in Telugu. He addressed the audience at the CII partnership summit, emphasizing the growing trade relations between Japan and Andhra Pradesh. His confident Telugu impressed both Indian and foreign attendees.

During his speech, the ambassador expressed gratitude for the invitation and mentioned, “I feel honored to speak at this event. I am happy to witness increased cooperation between Japanese and Indian companies.” He also shared his admiration for Telugu on Twitter, marking it as his first public speech in the language.

The ambassador further highlighted ongoing collaborations in steel, pharma, renewable energy, and infrastructure. He noted that this summit would strengthen Japan-Andhra Pradesh trade ties and enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors. Both governments hope to continue promoting business opportunities through such partnerships.

The post Japanese Envoy Speaks in Telugu at Visakha CII appeared first on India Podcast.

During her meetings, Murmu interacted with political leaders, business groups and Indian-origin communities. She highlighted the growing influence of the diaspora and said they act as cultural ambassadors who spread India’s values through their work, discipline and community leadership. She encouraged them to continue strengthening the bond between India and Africa.

In Angola, Murmu focused on cooperation in trade, health, higher education, digital technology and clean energy. The visit came as Angola celebrated its 50th year of independence, making the occasion even more meaningful. She discussed new opportunities for Indian companies and expressed India’s support for Angola’s development goals.

In Botswana, the warm reception symbolised strong trust between both nations. Murmu met members of the Indian community in Gaborone and appreciated their role as cultural ambassadors, helping local communities while staying rooted in Indian culture. She urged them to build stronger economic connections and explore new areas of collaboration.

Murmu also highlighted agriculture, renewable energy, skill development and digital innovation as key areas for future cooperation. She emphasised youth training and technology-driven solutions that can support Africa’s growth.

The post Murmu’s Historic Africa Visit Highlights Cultural Ambassadors appeared first on India Podcast.

The two countries signed an agreement to provide affordable, high-quality Indian medicines to Botswana’s citizens. President Murmu thanked Botswana for sending cheetahs to India as part of Project Cheetah, enhancing wildlife cooperation.

President Murmu arrived in Botswana late Tuesday for a state visit, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state. She received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. During her stay, she will address Botswana’s National Assembly, meet the Indian community, and visit cultural and historical sites.

The visit highlights India-Botswana ties as both nations prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations next year. Officials said Botswana’s Vision 2036 aims to diversify its economy, creating opportunities for Indian businesses. President Murmu came from Angola, where she attended the 50th Independence Day celebrations, addressed the National Assembly, and held talks with her Angolan counterpart.

The post President Murmu Strengthens Ties With Botswana appeared first on India Podcast.

Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attended the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment ceremony in Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium. The sacred ritual was led by Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot. More than 30,000 devotees and visitors from several countries joined the event, celebrating Buddhist unity and peace.

The Prime Minister also met the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and wished him on his 70th birthday. He reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to friendship and regional progress through mutual cooperation.

India and Bhutan signed several MoUs in renewable energy, health, and mental health. The pacts focus on solar power, wind energy, telemedicine, and mental health training. Partnerships between NIMHANS and Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat will help develop training programs and research initiatives.

The post India Bhutan Energy Ties Deepen with New MoUs appeared first on India Podcast.

Adani announced that the Adani-Google partnership at Visakhapatnam will help create an energy-efficient AI future led by India. The project involves developing India’s largest AI data centre campus and new green energy infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. This collaboration between Adani Enterprises’ AdaniConneX and Google marks a major milestone in India’s AI growth journey.

The new facility will include Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) to power advanced AI applications. It will support sectors like healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and finance by accelerating AI-driven innovation. Adani emphasized that this project will empower India’s brightest minds to solve complex challenges.

Google’s AI hub in Visakhapatnam represents a $15 billion investment over five years (2026–2030). The initiative includes gigawatt-scale data centre operations, clean energy systems, and a robust subsea cable network to handle large AI workloads.

The post Adani-Google AI Vision for India appeared first on India Podcast.

During a brainstorming session on Monday, experts highlighted the need for a complete critical minerals ecosystem—from exploration to marketing—similar to China’s national mission approach. They said India must strengthen its supply chain to avoid future disruptions.

PHDCCI’s Anil Chaudhary praised the government for identifying 30 key minerals but suggested adding coking coal to the list. He noted that India imports 90% of its coking coal, worth nearly $15 billion yearly, a figure expected to double in the next decade. Experts also urged the government to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage private investment.

Speakers called for strong inter-ministerial coordination, stockpiling, and international partnerships with resource-rich nations like Congo, Mozambique, and Afghanistan. They warned that clean energy technologies such as EVs and solar systems demand far higher mineral inputs, making strategic mineral planning vital for India’s energy future.

The post Industry Body Pushes for Critical Minerals Department appeared first on India Podcast.

The project is led by Evren, a joint venture between Brookfield and Axis Energy. It is part of an 8,000 MW renewable pipeline worth ₹50,000 crore. The initiative gained pace after Minister Nara Lokesh met Brookfield Global President Connor Teskey in London. Both discussed long-term clean energy and infrastructure collaborations.

Brookfield, a global renewable giant managing over US$1 trillion, will execute India’s first hybrid project under the FDRE framework. The system links grid connectivity and battery storage for steady and reliable power.

Minister Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh is fast becoming India’s renewable hub. “Such partnerships create jobs and strengthen our sustainable future,” he said, reaffirming the state’s Sunrise State vision.

The post Brookfield’s ₹7,500 Cr Boost to Andhra Pradesh Green Push appeared first on India Podcast.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India aims to ensure stable energy prices and secure supplies. It also plans to diversify its energy sourcing to meet market conditions. The MEA noted that India has long sought to expand energy procurement from the US, and current discussions are ongoing to strengthen cooperation.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said India’s oil imports from the US have fallen from $25 billion to around $12–13 billion in recent years. He added that India can increase purchases by $12–15 billion without adjusting refinery configurations. He also emphasized that diversifying energy imports remains India’s best strategy.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that Indian oil purchases from Russia have helped stabilize global prices. Russian crude imports remain capped at $60 per barrel and are never under sanctions. India continues to avoid purchasing oil from countries under sanctions, Puri affirmed.

The post India Prioritizes Consumers in Oil and Gas Imports appeared first on India Podcast.