Coal import mandate extended until June in India

11 Mar 2024 CW Team

India has prolonged the directive requiring its power producers to import 6% of their coal necessities until June 2024, despite having sufficient domestic availability, citing transportation limitations and heightened electricity demands, according to a statement from the power ministry released on 5th March.

In 2023, India instructed utilities to import 6% of their coal needs until March 2024 due to an unprecedented surge in power and coal demand. Despite considerable output by state-run Coal India, which contributes roughly 80% of India's domestic coal production, transportation constraints within the country's railway network necessitated imports, the statement noted. The ministry projected peak power demand to potentially reach 250 GW during the summer months (April-June 2024), marking a 3% increase compared to the record of 243 GW set in September 2023. Coal remains the cornerstone of India's power generation, constituting about 75% of the total, with coal-fired plants responsible for more than three-quarters of the nation's utilisation of this pollutant energy source.

Real Estate

03 Apr 2026

Loomcraft Enters South India with Kerala Store Launch

Loomcraft has launched its exclusive store in Kerala, marking its entry into South India and a key step in its nationwide expansion strategy. The move targets a region driven by tourism and premium real estate demand, where outdoor spaces play a central role in hospitality and residential experiences.Kerala’s growing base of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas and gated communities has created strong demand for specialised outdoor furniture. However, the region has remained underserved, with buyers relying on imports or generic products not suited to humid, coastal and monsoon-heavy cond..

Mild Steel Prices Seen Rising to Rs 61,000 Per Tonne

Mild steel prices in India, currently around Rs 58,000 per tonne, are expected to rise to nearly Rs 61,000 per tonne in April, indicating an increase of about Rs 3,000 per tonne. The anticipated rise reflects structural pressures driven by geopolitical tensions, energy constraints and limited raw material availability.Ongoing global conflict has disrupted energy markets, leading to LNG shortages that are affecting domestic steel production. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those dependent on gas-based processes, are witnessing production cuts due to constrained energy supply, re..

Vedanta Expands Transgender Workforce to 75 Employees

Vedanta has strengthened its commitment to workplace inclusion by employing 75 transgender individuals across its businesses, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil & Gas. The initiative reflects sustained hiring efforts since 2022 to build equitable opportunities across operations, corporate and technical roles.Transgender employees are engaged in functions such as operations, finance, logistics, HR, CSR, healthcare and security, with provisions for internal mobility to support career progression. The company has implemented structured policies, includi..