Bengaluru Slum Clearance Spurs Surge in Property Tax Proposal

India’s Crude Import Bill Falls 17% on Cheaper Russian Oil

India’s crude import bill dropped by 17 per cent to $50.4 billion in April–August FY26, compared with $60.7 billion a year earlier, according to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.The country imported 101.1 million tonnes of crude, nearly unchanged from the previous year, but lower global prices and steep Russian discounts brought down costs. Imports accounted for 80.2 per cent of domestic demand as local production fell 2 per cent.In August alone, India imported 19.6 million tonnes at a cost of $9.9 billion, down 15 per cent year-on-year. Analysts said Russian barrels remained $3–..

Thiruvananthapuram Gas Project to Connect 13,000 Homes in 2026

The city gas distribution project in Thiruvananthapuram is set to expand household and commercial connections, with 13,000 homes expected to be linked to piped natural gas (PNG) next year.THINK Gas, the implementing agency, has already laid 591 km of pipeline with an investment of Rs 700 crore, covering major localities across the capital and neighbouring constituencies. Officials said 70–80 per cent of work is complete on several stretches.The project targets 16,730 household connections in Thiruvananthapuram by 2028, in addition to 23,237 in Alappuzha and 33 commercial connections.To suppo..

India Accelerates Natural Gas Adoption for Energy Goals

At the ASSOCHAM India Gas Infrastructure Conference 2025, policymakers and industry leaders underscored India’s commitment to expanding natural gas use across households, industries and power generation.India plans to raise natural gas’s share in its energy mix from 6 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030. PNGRB Secretary Anjan Kumar Mishra said more than 300 geographical areas have already been authorised, expanding access even in rural regions.“India’s gas sector is at an inflexion point,” Mishra said, calling for faster pipeline development and stronger integration with renewables and e..