His Majesty issues Royal Decree to establish Omani Embassy in Romania
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Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
Govt revises biomass guidelines to boost bio energy and ease of doing business
New Delhi: The Centre has revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across the country, according to a statement. "The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme, applicable for the period FY 2021-22 to 2025-26. These amendments aim to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across India," the statement said. Under the new framework, Ministry has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry especially MSMEs to enhance their production. These changes align well with improvement of stubble management and India's broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, the statement added. One of the major highlights of the revision is technological integration by enabling the use of IoT-based monitoring solutions or quarterly data submissions instead of expensive and high-tech systems like SCADA. This cost-effective step promotes digital monitoring and accountability, especially for smaller business operators. The guidelines also encourage significant simplification of documentation requirements. Developers of briquette and pellet manufacturing plants will no longer be required to submit a number of documents related to clearance matters. This change will save time, and promote ease of doing business. In a move to enhance operational flexibility, the earlier requirement for a two-year briquette or pellet sale contract has been replaced with a general sale agreement. This change will allow project developers to respond more dynamically to market conditions without being constrained by long-term contracts, as per the Ministry's statement. The amended guidelines allow flexible selling of biomass products, meaning businesses no longer need long-term contracts to get started. Furthermore, the subsidy disbursement mechanism under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) component has been made performance-based and transparent. Projects that run efficiently, above 80%, will receive full financial assistance, while below 80 percent will receive on pro-rata basis. The performance inspection period has been simplified. Earlier, it has to be done within a period of 18 months from the date of commissioning, but now, it can be carried out within 18 months period either from the commissioning date or from the date of In-principle approval, whichever is later. Additionally, to cater on-ground operational challenges of developers, Secretary, MNRE may extend the time period, the Ministry added. During inspection, a performance report was made on the basis of Operation Plant at an average of 80 per cent of rated capacity measured over a period of three consecutive days, taking average 16 Hrs per day. However, now it has been reduced to just 10 hours as the inspection process primarily aims to verify the claimed and operational capacities and inspection for 10 hours of continuous operation would suffice for this purpose. Recognising the urgent need to address air pollution, especially from stubble burning in northern India, the new guidelines include a provision allowing biomass pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to choose the most beneficial support scheme, either from MNRE or CPCB. These revisions will not only support the smooth implementation of the biomass programme and timely delivery of approved financial support to commissioned plants, but also encourage the sector to establish more biomass-based plants. This would ultimately help in addressing the menace of crop residue burning and ensure sustainable management of agricultural waste. Overall, the updated guidelines will make it easier for businesses to adopt biomass technologies, provide financial incentives for efficient operations, and support India's clean energy efforts, all while promoting practical, business-friendly solutions to waste management and pollution reduction.
Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
Trump highlights air traffic control modernisation as Republicans work on "one big beautiful bill"
Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump made another pitch for the "one big, beautiful bill" on Friday, praising the Republican senators for working during the weekend to complete the bill. He stated that "one big, beautiful bill" will modernise air traffic control in the US. He called on the House to send him the bill before July 4, stressing, "We can get it done." Trump stated that Republicans are "on the precipice of delivering massive general tax cuts, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on social security for our seniors, permanently securing our borders, an even bigger and more powerful military. In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, he stated, "The Great Republicans in the U.S. Senate are working all weekend to finish our "ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL." We are on the precipice of delivering Massive General Tax Cuts, NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OUR SENIORS, Permanently Securing our Borders, an even Bigger and More Powerful Military (I rebuilt it during my First Term, and it is already the Best, but we will make it BETTER!), unleashing our American Economy, dominating the Energy Market, creating Jobs, and getting money back to American Families." He further stated, "The House of Representatives must be ready to send it to my desk before July 4th -- We can get it done. It will be a wonderful Celebration for our Country, which is right now, "The Hottest Country anywhere in the World" -- And to think, just last year, we were a laughingstock. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump also stated that the "one big beautiful bill" will modernise air traffic control system in the US. He emphasised that it is time to pass this bill into law. In a video message recorded at the White House, Trump stated, "After many years of decline in our air traffic control system, the one big beautiful bill will modernise this decrepit relic and give America the best, most advanced air traffic control system on Earth, the best by far. It contains a historic programme to update antiquated communications and radar systems, deteriorating hardware, and ancient software." "This is really old stuff, it's ancient with the latest 21st century tools and equipment. It will improve runway safety and build new air traffic control centers for the first time in more than 50 years, and keep America flying safely and efficiently for decades to come. Many, many decades are going to go by before this one gets obsolete. It's the best in the world. It's time to pass the one big beautiful bill into law. We're going to get it done We're going to take care of air traffic control," he added. Senate Republicans are working to resurrect Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which stalled Thursday after lawmaker Elizabeth MacDonough rejected one of its biggest cost-cutting provisions, The Hill reported. The chamber's referee ruled the Senate's proposed cap on health care provider taxes breached the Byrd Rule, which governs what legislation can pass with a simple majority and avoid a filibuster under budget reconciliation rules. The provision would reduce hundreds of billions of dollars in federal Medicaid spending. Speaking to reporters, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that his leadership team has "contingency plans" to keep the bill moving forward, even though the key piece may now fall out of the bill. "We have contingency plans, plan B, plan C," he stated as he was going for a Republican lunch meeting, The Hill reported. The decision announced on Thursday has Republican senators working for a way to pass the legislation by the July 4 deadline set by Trump. Senator Josh Hawley stated, "We have no idea what's going to happen here, we got to work on some kind of a fix." He added, "Hopefully their fix will involve protecting rural hospitals," The Hill reported. Hawley was one of several Republican lawmakers, including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski Jerry Moran and Thom Tillis who voiced strong concerns that capping health care provider taxes could result in several rural hospitals across the country facing bankruptcy.
Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
TV BRICS unveils strategy to boost Russian agricultural exports in BRICS+ nations
Moscow: The TV BRICS International Media Network has partnered with Russia's Federal Centre for Agricultural Export Development (Agroexport) to promote Russian agro-industrial products across BRICS+ countries. The agreement was formalised at the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, with TV BRICS Chairman Ivan Polyakov and Agroexport Director Ilya Ilyushin signing the deal, TV BRICS reported. The collaboration aims to enhance the global image of Russia's agricultural sector by highlighting leading national producers, promoting Russian goods in overseas markets, and encouraging export-oriented growth among agro-processing enterprises, as reported by TV BRICS. "Media play an important role in supporting Russia's agro-industrial complex, helping to promote products in foreign markets and form a positive image of the industry. Today we face a crucial task - to develop a global dialogue among friendly nations. I am confident that cooperation with TV BRICS will enable us to promptly deliver all necessary information about the development of trade relations among BRICS countries to a multibillion audience," said Ilyushin, as per TV BRICS report. Polyakov underlined the strategic importance of food security and sustainable agriculture, aligning the initiative with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that the topic remains a key priority in TV BRICS' media agenda. Previously, TV BRICS collaborated with Brazil's Agro+ TV on Agroparallels, a documentary series exploring Russia-Brazil cooperation in the agricultural sector. Building on that success, Polyakov announced a new project titled BRICS GRAIN, set to premiere in 2025, which will focus on agricultural diplomacy and deepening partnerships with the Global South and East. Agroexport, a key agency under the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, supports exporters through in-depth market analysis, barrier assessments, international promotion, and buyer engagement. The centre plays a pivotal role in Russia's strategy to expand its agricultural footprint globally.
