Govt Tightens Solar Quality Norms

04 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025, replacing the 2017 framework. The revised regulations, effective 180 days from publication, set stricter quality and efficiency standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, inverters, and storage batteries.

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must now comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. The new order mandates a minimum efficiency of 18% for Mono Crystalline Silicon and Thin-Film PV modules, and 17% for Poly Crystalline Silicon PV modules. Testing requirements have also been strengthened to align with global safety norms.

While licenses issued under the 2017 order remain valid, all renewals and new registrations will follow the QCO, 2025 framework. However, products meant exclusively for export are exempt. The move follows two years of consultations with manufacturers, testing agencies, and WTO members, ensuring compliance with international trade standards.

Infrastructure Urban

11 Mar 2026

India Expands Semiconductor Training To 500 Institutions

Under the Chips to Startups programme of the India Semiconductor Mission, the Union minister responsible for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT reported notable progress in talent development. He indicated that over the past four years substantial steps have been taken towards a 10-year target of training 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design. World-class EDA tools have been deployed in 315 academic institutions across the country to provide students with practical exposure to chip design. These EDA tools are supported by leading global firms and are accessible t..

Delhi Institutions Support India Semiconductor Mission

The Government of India has prioritised talent development through training, upskilling and workforce development under the Chips to Startups initiative of the India Semiconductor Mission, with officials noting progress in four years towards a 10-year target of training 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design. Electronic design automation tools provided by Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, Renesas, Ansys and AMD have been deployed in 315 academic institutions, enabling students to gain practical chip design experience. Chips have been fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory, Mohali, a..

NHA Announces Winners Of NHCX Hackathon At IIT Hyderabad

The National Health Authority (NHA) has concluded the NHCX Hackathon under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to stimulate innovation around the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX). The winning teams presented their solutions at the NHCX Innovation Meet held at IIT Hyderabad during a two-day event in March 2026 that also served as the hackathon grand finale. The hackathon itself ran from 22 to 28 February 2026 and aimed to accelerate paperless, transparent claims processing across India. The event was organised with a range of ecosystem partners, including the Insurance Regulatory a..