Nidhi Khare Assumes Additional Charge as MNRE Secretary

17 Jan 2025 CW Team

Nidhi Khare, a 1992-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, has taken over as Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in an additional capacity. Currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, she brings over three decades of administrative expertise to her new role.

In her first meeting with MNRE officials, including Additional Secretary Sudeep Jain and Joint Secretary Lalit Bohra, Khare emphasized the importance of meeting financial and operational targets while aligning renewable energy projects with global quality standards. She also prioritized fostering innovation, streamlining processes, and enhancing research and development to strengthen India’s renewable energy ecosystem.

Khare’s leadership comes as India focuses on achieving its ambitious target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. Key initiatives such as the PM-SGMBY’s 30 GW residential solar target and the PM KUSUM scheme to promote rural solar adoption will play pivotal roles in this effort.

Khare, known for her reformist approach, previously led the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and implemented quality assurance frameworks at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). With her strategic vision, MNRE is poised to advance India’s global leadership in renewable energy.

[ET]

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Company showcases North America-certified machinery and secures new deals

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., recently showcased a wide portfolio of North America-certified and customised construction equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. The display included engineering hoisting machinery, concrete equipment, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment and construction hoisting solutions tailored to regional operational requirements.All equipment presented at the exhibition complies with North American certification standards, with several models specifically developed to meet local regulatory requirements and site conditions. One of the hig..

Sinoboom Launches Dual-ETM Smart Technology

Sinoboom recently introduced its Dual-ETM Smart Technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, designed to enhance battery endurance and operational efficiency in electric boom lifts.The new technology integrates advanced components that enable real-time optimisation of power usage during equipment operation. By calculating the precise power requirement instantly, the system delivers only the energy needed for each movement, reducing the inefficiencies associated with conventional maximum-demand power systems.The solution incorporates multiple sensors—including pressure, weight, length and level sensor..