The Union Ministry of Mines has auctioned eight critical and strategic mineral blocks across five states under Tranche IV of its mineral auctions, bringing the total number of auctioned blocks to 22. Launched in June 2024, Tranche IV initially offered 21 mineral blocks, with 10 progressing to the second round of e-auctions, and eight blocks awarded. The blocks auctioned are located in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, four blocks from the North-East region, including Arunachal Pradesh, were auctioned for the first time.

Anti-dumping duty on welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from Vietnam and hailand
The Union Government has imposed an anti-dumping duty on imported welded stainless steel pipes and tubes imported from Vietnam and Thailand to safeguard the domestic steel industry from unfair trade practices. The decision comes after an investigation revealed that these products were being imported at below-market prices, thus causing material harm to India's domestic industry. The anti-dumping duty, effective immediately, will help to level the playing field for Indian producers, fostering a fair competitive environment. The duty, imposed for five years, varies from $ 246-307 per metric tonne, depending on the producer and country of origin.

SW Steel s coal block agreement cancelled
The Union Ministry of Coal has cancelled the coal block agreement for the Banai and Bhalumunda coal blocks awarded to JSW Steel for non-compliance with development obligations. In addition to the cancellation, the company faces forfeiture of its Rs.1 billion performance guarantee. This move is expected to have wider implications for the industry, signalling to other players that they must prioritise compliance with regulatory requirements or face similar penalties. It also puts the spotlight on the ongoing challenges in India’s coal sector, where timely development and environmental responsibility are major concerns.

Dilip uildcon wins bid for harat et hase III broadband project 
SW Steel s coal block agreement cancelled The Union Ministry of Coal has cancelled the coal block agreement for the Banai and Bhalumunda coal blocks awarded to JSW Steel for non-compliance with development obligations. In addition to the cancellation, the company faces forfeiture of its `1 billion performance guarantee. This move is expected to have wider implications for the industry, signalling to other players that they must prioritise compliance with regulatory requirements or face similar penalties. It also puts the spotlight on the ongoing challenges in India’s coal sector, where timely development and environmental responsibility are major concerns. Dilip Buildcon’s STL-DBL consortium had submitted the lowest bid for BSNL's BharatNet Phase III broadband connectivity project. The USOF-funded project, which aims to provide middle and last-mile connectivity in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, is valued at `16.25 billion. Dilip Buildcon holds a 70.23 per cent stake in the implementation of the project. The project is expected to be completed in three years, and the corporation will secure a 10-year maintenance contract. Additionally, ITI Ltd, as the L1 bidder, was assigned Package No. 15, which covers the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur.

Alpha Alternatives raises Rs.38 bn
Alpha Alternatives, a Mumbai-based asset management platform, has successfully raised Rs.38 billion in the first close of its maiden fund. The fund targets investments in renewable energy and logistics, showcasing robust interest in India's expanding infrastructure. The fund is part of Alpha Alternatives' strategy to leverage opportunities in critical sectors. It focuses on greenfield and brownfield projects, targeting clean energy road networks. The fund aims to generate returns while supporting infrastructure projects. Company Name: Alpha Alternatives Contact:022-61458900 , Email id:compliance@alt-alpha.com, Website:www.fin.alt-alpha.com

Karnataka promises swift business approvals in under days
Karnataka Government has announced a major reform to attract investors by ensuring business approvals are granted within 100 days. This initiative aims to ease the process of setting up businesses in the state, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays. The move is designed to enhance the state's position as an investment hub, creating a favourable business climate that will stimulate economic growth and job creation. The government will establish a dedicated unit to assist businesses development.

Telangana aims for 20,000 MW in green energy

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the state government will soon unveil a new energy policy with a goal to generate 20,000 MW of green energy as part of its environmental conservation efforts. He also confirmed the Yadadri thermal power plant will complete construction by May 2025, adding 4,000 MW to the state’s power grid. During a visit to the Yadadri plant with Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Vikramarka flagged off the transport of coal from Ramagundam to the Yadadri station. Deputy CM reviewed the ongoing progress with completion being stated by March 2025.

Police reinforce sand diversion checks in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, law enforcement has intensified efforts to curb the illegal diversion of government-supplied free sand. The state provides free sand to eligible beneficiaries for personal construction purposes, but recent reports have shown that a significant amount of this sand is being illegally diverted for commercial sale. To counter this, Andhra Pradesh’s police force has deployed additional resources to monitor transport routes, checkpoints, and construction sites to detect and prevent such diversions. Key measures include the establishment of dedicated task forces across districts, with strict scrutiny at entry and exit points of sand mining areas and closer monitoring of sand storage yards. The Andhra Pradesh Government has voiced concerns over environmental costs associated with sand diversion.

Jodhpur DISCOM issues tender for 333 MW solar projects

Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam (JDVVNL) has invited expressions of interest for setting up 333.5 MW of solar projects with 11 kV lines and remote monitoring systems under Component A of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) program. A bid security deposit of `100,000 per MW is required. Projects must be commissioned within nine months of receiving the work order, with developers providing 25 years of operation and maintenance services. The selected bidders will enter a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam.

Contact: Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Niga

Website: www.energy.rajasthan.gov.in

Police reinforce sand diversion checks in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, law enforcement has intensified efforts to curb the illegal diversion of government-supplied free sand. The state provides free sand to eligible beneficiaries for personal construction purposes, but recent reports have shown that a significant amount of this sand is being illegally diverted for commercial sale. To counter this, Andhra Pradesh’s police force has deployed additional resources to monitor transport routes, checkpoints, and construction sites to detect and prevent such diversions. Key measures include the establishment of dedicated task forces across districts, with strict scrutiny at entry and exit points of sand mining areas and closer monitoring of sand storage yards. The Andhra Pradesh Government has voiced concerns over environmental costs associated with sand diversion.

Tamil Nadu CM opens Vilankurichi IT Park

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister recently inaugurated a new Information Technology (IT) park in Vilankurichi, Coimbatore, marking a significant step in the state’s push to become a major tech hub in southern India. The IT park, developed by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT), spans several acres and aims to attract technology and software companies, creating employment opportunities. The Vilankurichi IT park is expected to play a role in emerging tech ecosystem, offering sthigh-speed connectivity, power backup, and modern office spaces with commitment to sustainable urban development.
Contact: Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited
Tel: 044 - 24333015
Website: www.elcot.in

Gujarat boosts urban landscapes with Rs.2.53 bn Initiative
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved a substantial budget of Rs.2.53 billion for development projects in 14 towns and one city, aligning with the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana. A portion of the budget, `60 million (mn), has been allocated to Jasdan Municipality for the development of a riverfront along the Bhadar River. Additionally, Rs.102.89 mn will fund the construction of a new town hall in Halol, and `86.4 mn is set aside for road and heritage wall projects in significant projects, including a sports complex and drainage projects in Pardi and Pathan.

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation plans green bond fundraising

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), is exploring the issuance of Green Bonds to raise approximately `2 billion for urban development projects. This initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to promote sustainable growth while upgrading its infrastructure. The corporation has engaged Palladium, a global development consulting firm, as the technical consultant for the Green Bond fundraising. The funds raised through the Green Bonds will be directed toward the development of projects. This includes the development of Telco Road, which stretches from Gawali Matha to Indrayani Nagar Chowk.

Contact: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation

Email: commissioner@pcmcindia.gov.in

Website: www.pcmcindia.gov.in

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation plans green bond fundraising

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), is exploring the issuance of Green Bonds to raise approximately Rs.2 billion for urban development projects. This initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to promote sustainable growth while upgrading its infrastructure. The corporation has engaged Palladium, a global development consulting firm, as the technical consultant for the Green Bond fundraising. The funds raised through the Green Bonds will be directed toward the development of projects. This includes the development of Telco Road, which stretches from Gawali Matha to Indrayani Nagar Chowk.

Contact: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation

Email: commissioner@pcmcindia.gov.in

Website: www.pcmcindia.gov.in

Gujarat boosts urban landscapes with Rs.2.53 bn Initiative

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved a substantial budget of Rs.2.53 billion for development projects in 14 towns and one city, aligning with the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana. A portion of the budget, Rs.60 million (mn), has been allocated  to Jasdan Municipality for the development of a riverfront along the Bhadar River. Additionally, Rs.102.89 mn will fund the construction of a new town hall in Halol, and Rs.86.4 mn is set aside for road and heritage wall projects in significant projects, including a sports complex and drainage projects in Pardi and Pathan.

Odisha CM inaugurates 83 projects worth Rs.89 bn
Charan Majhi inaugurated 83 developmental projects worth Rs.8.9 billion (bn) in Balangir district, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and irrigation. Key initiatives include improving the 1,330-m Tusura Airstrip runway (Rs.650 million (mn)), the Upper Lanth Irrigation Project (over Rs.3 bn), and a new Patnagarh Subdivisional Hospital with dialysis centres. Other projects include a Patnagarh bypass road and a circuit house in Balangir (Rs.87.8 mn).

Uttar Pradesh to build 700 km expressway
Uttar Pradesh is set to embark on a transformative infrastructure project with the construction of a 700 km long greenfield expressway connecting Gorakhpur to Shamli. This ambitious expressway will significantly enhance road connectivity between the Purvanchal region in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the western parts of the state, making travel quicker and more efficient. The new expressway is designed to reduce travel time between Gorakhpur and Shamli by several hours, facilitating smoother and faster transportation of goods and passengers across the region. The expressway will feature state-of-the-art road safety measures, wide lanes, and designated service areas.

PM Modi unveils Rs.664 bn development projects in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth `664 billion in Bihar's Jamui district, focusing on tribal areas. Marking Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary and 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas,' Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and stamp and participated in the 'Grih Pravesh' for 11,000 tribal homes under PM-JANMAN. Key initiatives include 23 mobile medical units (MMUs) under PM-JANMAN, 30 MMUs under DAJGUA, 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and two Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums. He also launched new roads, community centres, hostels, and over 1.4 lakh houses to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and livelihoods.