The Indian government has approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME), providing 60 per cent guarantee coverage via the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd. (NCGTC) to registered lenders. MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number can avail loans up to Rs 1 billion for purchasing machinery or equipment. Loans up to Rs 500 million have an 8-year repayment period, while larger loans allow extended terms. The scheme runs for four years or until Rs 7 trillion in guarantees are issued. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched MCGS-MSME in Mumbai, aligning with the Union Budget 2024-25 announcement.Contact: Ministry of Finance Website: www.finmin.gov.inTel- 022 23092510,Tata Steel Develops India’s First Hydrogen Transport PipesTata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop pipes specifically for hydrogen transportation, a milestone in India’s clean energy transition. Manufactured at Kalinganagar and processed at Khopoli, these pipes meet all critical hydrogen transport requirements, aligning with the National Hydrogen Mission. The in-house developed API X65 grade pipes can transport 100 per cent pure hydrogen at 100 bar pressure, tested and certified in Italy. With India targeting 5 MMT of green hydrogen by 2030, demand for hydrogen-compliant steel is set to rise. Tata Steel’s innovation strengthens India’s position in the global hydrogen economy and sustainable energy infrastructure.Contact: Tata steelWebsite: www.tatasteel.com Tel- 022 23092510Email - cosec@tatasteel.comCoal India’s CSR Expenditure Rises 37 per cent in April-JanuaryState-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) increased its corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending by 36.5 per cent to Rs 4.97 billion in April-January of the current financial year, up from Rs 3.64 billion in the previous year. Over 70 per cent  of its CSR funds support healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, education, and livelihood initiatives. As the highest CSR spender among CPSEs for five years, CIL allocated Rs 5.72 million last fiscal year alone. Its initiatives have benefited over 35 million people, with total CSR spending exceeding Rs 55.7 billion over the past decade, reinforcing its commitment to social welfare and sustainable development.Contact: Coal IndiaWebsite: https://www.coalindia.in/ Tel- 033-2324 5555Email - gmqc.cil@coalindia.inGovt Boosts Infrastructure with Rs 100 Bn PPP FundThe Indian government has allocated Rs 100 billion for infrastructure via the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and a Rs 1.5 trillion interest-free loan for state projects. A Rs 10 trillion asset monetisation plan will encourage private investment, with the Maritime Development Fund covering 49 per cent of project costs. The UDAN scheme will expand connectivity, and Bihar’s new Greenfield airport will boost employment. India Post will transition into a logistics entity. Tax holidays for start-ups and ship leasing extend to 2030, while inland vessels gain tonnage tax benefits. Compliance measures include withholding tax adjustments and relaxed prosecution norms for delayed TCS payments.India Launches 10th Oil & Gas Exploration Bidding RoundThe Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched the 10th bidding round under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), offering 25 blocks across 1.91 lakh sq. km—the largest acreage in a single round. The bidding, unveiled at India Energy Week in New Delhi, includes 16 blocks in former no-go zones. The Oil (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, passed in December 2024, introduces petroleum leases, simplifying operations. PM Narendra Modi urged global investment in India's energy sector, highlighting growing natural gas supplies, upcoming refineries, and reforms aimed at boosting exploration, production, and strategic petroleum reserves.Contact: Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural GasWebsite: www.mopng.gov.in/enTel- 033- 23073165 India and South Korea Collaborate on Logistics & Infra DevelopmentIndia’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Korea Transport Institute (KoTI) have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure. Signed in South Korea by KoTI President Youngchan Kim and Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar, the agreement leverages KoTI’s expertise to support India’s infrastructure initiatives. It facilitates joint meetings, knowledge exchange, and institutional collaboration, particularly under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. Key benefits include research-driven programs, cross-learning in master planning and technology adoption, and global promotion of GIS data-based technology, strengthening India’s logistics and infrastructure development.Contact: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)Website: www.dpiit.gov.inEmail - iem-section-dpiit@gov.inTel- 23061222India and France Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Nuclear Energy and AIIndia and France have agreed to enhance cooperation in nuclear energy and artificial intelligence (AI) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron. Both nations will collaborate on developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs), alongside ensuring AI remains safe, secure, and trustworthy. France has pledged €110 billion towards AI investments. Additionally, they will boost Indo-Pacific cooperation through a ‘triangular development’ initiative. Modi and Macron also visited Marseille, inaugurating India’s Consulate General and touring the ITER facility, reinforcing bilateral ties in science and technology.Germany Awards 2.15 GW of Solar Projects in Latest AuctionGermany’s Federal Network Agency, Bundesnetzagentur, has allocated 2.15 GW of solar projects in its latest auction for first-segment solar installations. This marks the fifth consecutive auction where bids exceeded 4 GW, with 242 winning bids out of 524 submissions totaling 4.71 GW. Bid prices ranged from €0.0419/kWh to €0.0495/kWh, averaging €0.0476/kWh—a 6 per cent drop from the previous round. Bavaria secured the largest share with 916 MW. For the first time, minimum nature conservation criteria were applied under Germany’s Solar Package I. The country added 16.2 GW of new solar capacity in 2024, reaching 99.2 GW in total.Contact: Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur)Website: www.bundesnetzagentur.de Email - info@bnetza.deTel- +49 (0)228 14 - 0Saudi Arabia Opens Makkah & Madinah Real Estate to Foreign InvestorsSaudi Arabia will now allow foreign investors to buy shares and convertible debt in publicly traded firms owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) set a 49 per cent foreign ownership cap, excluding strategic investors. Following the announcement, shares of Jabal Omar Development Co. surged 10 per cent, with other real estate firms also gaining. This move aligns with Vision 2030’s push to attract foreign investment and expand infrastructure in the holy cities, aiming to accommodate 30 million foreign worshippers annually by 2030 while boosting Saudi Arabia’s capital market competitiveness.India and Argentina Forge Lithium PartnershipIndia and Argentina have formalised a partnership to enhance cooperation in lithium exploration and critical minerals development. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and Catamarca’s provincial government will enable deeper collaboration in mineral resource development. With Argentina’s vast lithium reserves, this partnership strengthens India’s access to crucial raw materials for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, boosting its mining sector and sustainable energy ambitions.Contact: Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur)Website: www.coal.nic.inTel- 23384887Assam - Assam Cabinet Approves Clean Energy Policy and Mega Industrial ParkThe Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2025, and allocated 569 bighas in Morigaon for a mega industrial park, boosting industrialisation and renewable energy. These approvals precede the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit on 25-26 February 2025. The policy promotes solar, wind, hydro, green hydrogen, and biofuel projects, with incentives for clean energy investments. The state also sanctioned a 250 MW solar plant and solar park infrastructure. Additionally, Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park was notified, and Swami Vivekananda University in Chirang was approved. Assam aims for 3,000 MW renewable energy capacity by 2030, fostering sustainable growth.Contact: Government Of AssamWebsite: www.assam.gov.inEmail - assam.acs.home@gmail.comGujarat - Waaree Energies Begins Solar Cell Production in GujaratWaaree Energies has commenced commercial production at its new solar cell manufacturing plant in Chikhli, Gujarat. The facility’s first phase includes a 1.4 GW Monocrystalline PERC (Mono PERC) production line, with plans to expand to 5.4 GW, incorporating 4 GW of high-efficiency TOPCon solar cells. The plant aims to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and stabilise costs amid global supply chain challenges. Dr. Amit Paithankar, CEO of Waaree Energies, highlighted that the initiative aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.Contact: Waaree EnergiesWebsite: www.waaree.comTel- +91 22 6644 4444.Email - info@waareertl.comKarnataka- Epsilon Group to Invest Rs 153.5 Bn in Karnataka Epsilon Group has signed an MoU with the Karnataka government to invest Rs 153.5 billion in EV battery materials manufacturing. The investment includes Rs 90 billion for a graphite anode plant, Rs 60 billion for a lithium iron phosphate cathode facility, and Rs 3.5 billion for R&D. Expected to create 2,000+ jobs, the project aims to reduce India’s battery material imports. With EV sales tripling in 2023 and demand projected to reach 60 GWh by 2026, Epsilon’s facilities will boost India’s self-reliance in battery production, aligning with its 2030 goal of 30 per cent EV adoption.Contact: Epsilon GroupWebsite: www.epsilonam.comTel- (656) 281-0470Kerala- Kerala Allocates 340 Acres for Port-Led IndustrialisationThe Kerala government has designated 340 acres in Thiruvananthapuram to drive port-led industrialisation linked to Vizhinjam Port. Spread across Neyyattinkara, Balaramapuram, and Kattakada, the land awaits final approval before Kinfra begins infrastructure development. The master plan envisions eight townships forming an outer growth corridor. Following the Vizhinjam Conclave, which secured 51 investment proposals, the state is shifting from land pooling to direct acquisition. Plans include a 6.3 sq km logistics hub in Vizhinjam, a 4.01 sq km health tourism hub in Kovalam, and a proposed SEZ by the Adani Group.Contact: Government of KeralaWebsite: www.kerala.gov.in Tel- 0471-2333241Madhya Pradesh- Madhya Pradesh Unveils India’s First Global Capability Centre PolicyMadhya Pradesh has become India’s first state to introduce a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy, positioning itself as a hub for global innovation. The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 offers incentives such as capital expenditure support, payroll benefits, and R&D funding, overseen by a nodal agency. Targeting sectors like IT, finance, AI, and cybersecurity, the policy aims to attract 50+ GCCs and generate 37,000 jobs. With strong infrastructure, skilled talent, and cost advantages, Madhya Pradesh is set to become a premier GCC destination. Contact: Government of Madhya PradeshWebsite: www.mp.gov.inTel - 0755-2441684Maharashtra - CM Fadnavis Approves Rs 20 Bn for Pune InfrastructureMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, approving significant infrastructure funding. This includes Rs 6.36 billion for Purandar Airport’s road network, Rs 2.03 billion for cement roads in industrial hubs, and Rs 15.26 billion for the Urban Growth Centre. Key directives include proposals for twin tunnels from Yerawada to Katraj, enhanced airport connectivity, and improved online services. Discussions also covered adding 500 CNG buses for PMTC and allocating land within Pune’s Raj Bhavan for metro flyover services.Contact: Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)Website: www.pmrda.gov.inTel-  020-25933344 Odisha- London-Based Odia Entrepreneur to Invest Rs 1.25 Bn in Three ProjectsLondon-based entrepreneur Arun Kar will invest Rs 1.25 billion in three ventures in Odisha—manufacturing plastic-free bio bags, recycling lithium-ion batteries, and processing maize seeds. The bio-bag plant, using renewable materials like cornstarch and sugarcane derivatives, will produce 200 tonne annually in Jagatsinghpur. A Rs 500 million lithium-ion battery recycling facility, in collaboration with a UK-Canadian partner, will recover critical materials like lithium and cobalt, promoting sustainability. The Rs 250 million maize seed processing unit in Nabarangpur will support tribal farmers with fair pricing and reduced post-harvest losses. All projects aim to be operational within nine months.Punjabi- Ludhiana’s Urban Transformation UnderwayUnder the current administration, Punjab has made remarkable strides in urban infrastructure, with Ludhiana at the forefront. A total of 85 projects worth Rs 9.30 billion have been conceptualised to modernise the city and enhance quality of life. Of these, 65 projects (Rs 7.12 billion) are complete, including Railway Over and Under Bridges, Waterfront Development along Sidhwan Canal, Smart e-Classrooms, and a Municipal Command & Control Centre. Seventeen projects (Rs 1.99 billion) are in progress, focusing on water supply, solid waste management, and sports facilities. Three projects (Rs 180.08 million) are in the tendering phase, reinforcing Ludhiana’s transformation into a sustainable city.Contact: Municipal Corporation of LudhianaWebsite: mcludhiana.gov.in Tel - (0161) 2917005 Rajasthan- Rajasthan Expands Free Electricity and Renewable Energy InitiativesThe Rajasthan government has increased free electricity under the Chief Minister Free Electricity Programme from 100 to 150 units per month. Announced by Finance Minister Diya Kumari in the 2025-26 budget, the scheme will also provide free rooftop solar installations through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The state targets 10 GW of renewable energy via private investments and plans to add 50,000 agricultural and 500,000 domestic connections. Under the Renewable Energy Policy 2023, Rajasthan aims for 90 GW of renewable capacity by 2029-30, reinforcing its position as a leader in India’s solar energy expansion.Contact: Government of RajasthanWebsite: www.rajasthan.gov.in/Tel - 1800 180 6127Tamil Nadu- AVP Infracon Secures Rs 865 Mn  Road Widening Project in TNAVP Infracon has received a Letter of Acceptance from the Superintending Engineer, Highways Construction and Maintenance, Tiruvannamalai Circle, for the widening and strengthening of the Thirukoilur-Asanur road in Tamil Nadu. Valued at Rs 865.4billion, the project involves upgrading the road from two to four lanes, including junction improvements, culvert reconstruction, minor bridges, drainage systems, and paver blocks. Scheduled for completion within 18 months, this initiative enhances regional transport infrastructure. MD Prasanna Dhandayuthapani stated that the project underscores AVP Infracon’s commitment to advancing India’s road network and long-term development.Contact: AVP InfraconWebsite: www.avpinfra.comEmail - info@avpinfra.comTel - +044-48683999