Gold
World Bank Project to provide piped gas to 10 mn homes
The approved project aims to increase availability, and improve accessibility, of natural gas for domestic, transport, commercial and industrial users in nine geographical areas (GA), across the states of Andhra Pradesh (with 2 GAs), Karnataka (with 5 GAs), Kerala and Tamil Nadu (with 1 GA each), thereby reducing consumption of more polluting fossil fuels and alternative petroleum products. At the end of the project it is expected to connect 10 million residential households with natural gas connections and install 1,080 CNG stations.
The project has been screened and reviewed with reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and the Environmental and Social Exclusion List.
The sponsors and stakeholders of the project are AG&P LNG Marketing Pte Limited (AGPLNG, 84.64%); Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila (AG&P Manila, 15.36%).
IT Raids on Gujarat Builders Uncover Rs 100 Million
The Income Tax (IT) department's ongoing search at the premises of three builder groups in the state has led to the recovery of more than Rs 100 million in cash and incriminating documents, according to sources. Initially, 34 locations were targeted in the operation, but six additional sites were subsequently included, increasing the total to 40. Sources revealed that during the preliminary investigation, officials uncovered fake loan entries, bogus transactions, and undisclosed investments in land and properties that were not reflected in the final accounts. The full extent of the tax evasi..
Ethanol Blending Hits 14.6%, Saving Rs 750 Billion in Forex Since 2018
Ethanol blending in petrol reached a record 14.6 per cent during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2023-24, with over 7 billion litres of ethanol blended, representing a notable rise from 5 per cent and 1.88 billion litres in ESY 2018-19. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, informed the Rajya Sabha about this development. He noted that the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme had achieved nationwide coverage across all retail outlets as of 2024, up from 43,168 outlets in 2019. According to data provided by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)..
Coal ministry picks applicants for Rs 85 billion gasification scheme
The Ministry of Coal recently announced the selected applicants for its Rs 85 billion Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme under Categories I and III. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote cleaner energy solutions and achieve India’s target of 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. Under Category I, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals, along with Coal India Limited (both independently and as part of the CIL-GAIL Consortium), have been chosen. Meanwhile, New Era Cleantech Solution has been selected under Category III. The Union Cabinet-approved scheme f..
