High Ash Content in Indian Coal Threatens Import Phase-Out by 2025-26

21 Aug 2024 CW Team

India's ambitious goal to phase out coal imports by the 2025-26 fiscal year is facing significant challenges due to the high ash content in domestic coal. The quality of Indian coal, which has high ash content, affects its efficiency and impacts power plant operations, posing a hurdle to the country's import reduction strategy.

The high ash content in domestic coal results in lower calorific value and higher environmental pollution, making it less efficient compared to imported coal. This situation complicates efforts to transition away from coal imports, as power plants require high-quality coal to maintain energy production standards and minimise operational costs.

To address this issue, the Indian government is exploring various measures, including improving domestic coal quality through mining and beneficiation processes. Enhancements in technology and infrastructure are also being considered to better manage and utilise high-ash coal.

Despite these efforts, meeting the import phase-out target remains a formidable challenge. The government is working to balance the need for high-quality coal with the aim of reducing reliance on imports, while also addressing environmental and operational concerns related to coal use.

The successful execution of this strategy is critical for India?s energy security and its commitment to reducing import dependency. Continued investments in technology and infrastructure will be essential to achieving the phase-out goal while ensuring efficient and sustainable energy production.

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..

NeGD to Support Bharat Taxi in Building Cooperative Ride Platform

In a significant move for India’s digital and mobility transformation, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Digital India Corporation, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has entered into an advisory partnership with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the company behind Bharat Taxi — a first-of-its-kind, cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NeGD and Sahakar Taxi to provide strategic advisory and technical support covering key areas such as platform integration, cybersecurity..

MeitY Hosts Pre-Summit for India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted a series of Pre-Summit events for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These sessions mark a key milestone ahead of the main summit, scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Delivering the inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted India’s innovative and frugal approach to AI development. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from others’ experiences to build projects and products that..