Oil Discoveries Boost Onshore Block 1 Prospects in Abu Dhabi

16 Jan 2026 CW Team

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), together with Bharat PetroResources Limited, is jointly advancing oil exploration in Abu Dhabi’s Onshore Block 1 following encouraging discoveries in both unconventional and conventional reservoirs. The block is operated through Urja Bharat Pte Limited, a 50:50 special purpose vehicle established by the two Indian companies.

UPBL was awarded the Onshore Block 1 concession in early 2019 under Abu Dhabi’s 2019 bid round. In early 2024, the company achieved its first oil discovery in the unconventional Shilaif play at the XN-76 exploratory well. After successful hydrofracking operations, the well flowed light crude oil to the surface from the Shilaif formation, confirming the presence of unconventional oil resources in the block.

The company has expressed confidence in the results and plans to focus on establishing the economic deliverability of wells during the appraisal phase. The outcome marks an important step towards assessing the commercial viability of unconventional resources within the concession area.

In addition, UPBL recorded another oil discovery during testing at the XN-79 02S exploratory well. This well flowed light crude oil from the Habshan reservoir, representing the first oil find in this reservoir within the concession. The discovery is expected to be appraised further and progressed towards potential development.

Both parent companies view the results as a significant milestone in their international upstream operations. Alongside appraisal of the new discoveries, UPBL is also progressing development of the existing Ruwais field and continuing exploration of additional hydrocarbon prospects across the concession.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..