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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt may not extend ISTS charges waiver for solar and wind projects
The Union government is not planning to extend the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges waiver for solar and wind projects, according to a PTI report. This decision, as conveyed by a senior government official, marks a pivotal moment for the renewable energy sector, which had largely benefited from the waiver in transmitting clean electricity across state lines without incurring significant charges. The ISTS charges, essentially fees for using national grid infrastructure to move power between states, were previously waived to incentivise the growth of renewable energy. The non-extension means that projects commissioned after the deadline will now face these charges, potentially leading to a notable increase in power tariffs and raising concerns about the competitiveness of renewable energy against traditional sources like coal. However, in a move to mitigate the immediate impact on projects that missed the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, the official said, "We will evaluate their situation on a case-by-case basis and accordingly decide to provide suitable relief." This suggests a more nuanced approach than a blanket withdrawal, offering a glimmer of hope for developers caught in commissioning delays. The decision comes despite strong appeals from industry stakeholders. Last month, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA), an apex industry body, had urged the government to extend the ISTS charges waiver until March 2026. G.P. Upadhyay, Director General of EPTA, warned that investments totaling approximately ₹2 lakh crore (around $24 billion USD) across some 30 GW of clean energy projects could be jeopardised without such an extension. EPTA highlighted that many projects, spread across states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, have faced delays due to reasons beyond the developers' control. These include challenges related to land availability, various local issues, and environmental concerns, notably the protection of the Great Indian Bustard in regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, which has led to prolonged approvals and grid connectivity issues. Developers are now contemplating approaching the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) for solutions, which could further prolong commissioning timelines. The ISTS waiver has been a crucial policy tool, enabling renewable energy developers to bypass substantial transmission costs , thereby making green power more economically attractive. Its withdrawal is expected to recalibrate project economics, potentially increasing the cost of renewable power.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
AU providing safe and secure environment for foreign students, says Vice-Chancellor
Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar on Saturday said that the AU alumni associations abroad would be formed soon. He was speaking at Exit-Engagement-Evening (E3) organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in association with Andhra University, at the AU Convention Centre here on Saturday (June 28). Prof. Rajasekhar said that more than 1,000 students from more than 50 countries are studying at the AU. He said that the ICCR is happy with AU for providing a safe and secure environment and quality education to foreign students. He said that steps are being taken to form AU alumni associations abroad, where alumni can come together and work for the welfare of the institutions and enhance the name and reputation of the university. ICCR Director (Scholarships) Sanjay Vedi said that the university students are returning to their home country with the true spirit of Indian culture. He urged the students to promote AU pride in their countries.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Scholarships: June 28, 2025
G.P. Birla Scholarship An initiative of the G. P. Birla Educational Foundation Eligibility: Students domiciled in West Bengal and Jharkhand who passed the class 12 exam in 2025 with minimum 85% in the state board or 90% in ISC/CBSE and have an annual family income of less than ₹300,000. Rewards: Up to ₹50,000 per annum and other benefits. Application: To G.P. Birla Educational Foundation, 78, Syed Amir Ali Avenue, Kolkata 700019 Deadline: July 15 JMS Trust Merit Scholarships Offered by the JM Sethia Charitable Trust Eligibility: Students, who have passed their last qualifying exam in 2025 and are currently in school (Classes 9, 10, 11, 12), UG or PG or a professional course after having secured specified marks in the respective level of study. Rewards: ₹1,000 monthly Application: Offline to JM Sethia Charitable Trust, 133, Biplabi Rash Behari Basu Road, third floor, room no. 15, Kolkata - 700 001 Deadline: July 31 Dr. Reddy's Foundation Sashakt Scholarship An initiative of Dr. Reddy's Foundation (NGO) Eligibility: Female Indian students who have passed Class 12 from a recognised Board who have a strong academic record and are willing to pursue a in Natural/ Pure Sciences, MBBS, or BSc. programme in a specified institutions across India. Rewards: ₹80,000 per annum Application: Online Deadline: October 30 Courtesy:
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Chandigarh reports first Covid death as patient from Firozabad succumbs at GMCH
File photo CHANDIGARH: The city recorded its first Covid fatality on Wednesday as a 40-year-old patient from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, who was referred from Ludhiana, succumbed to the infection at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32. This marks a concerning development for Chandigarh, which had not reported a single Covid-19 case until now, even as the nation grapples with a fresh surge in infections. Dr. G.P. Thami, Medical Superintendent at GMCH, confirmed the death, stating that the patient, who worked in Ludhiana, was admitted to the hospital two days ago with severe respiratory problems. He tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday and passed away early Wednesday morning. "We tested him on the second day as he came with respiratory distress and was put on a ventilator," Dr. Thami explained. The patient was immediately placed in isolation within the hospital's Covid ward. Significantly, the patient had no reported comorbidities, raising further concerns about the virulence of the current strain. The body of the deceased was packed and handed over to his relatives. While this is Chandigarh's first reported Covid-19 death, it is the eighth fatality reported across the country amidst the recent resurgence of the virus. Health authorities are working to detect the variant of the Covid-19 responsible for this infection. In light of this development, Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services, UT, urged citizens to adhere to preventive measures. "Do not go to crowded places, wash hands and observe hygiene. Do not self-medicate in case you have flu-like symptoms. Wear masks wherever necessary," advised Dr. Singh. The administration is on high alert, emphasizing the need for public vigilance and strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior to contain the spread of the virus in the city.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
AU engineering entrance test records 93% attendance
Andhra University Engineering Entrance Test (AUEET-2025) for admissions to and other undergraduate programmes in engineering was at 13 centres in seven cities—Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur and Tirupati— on Monday (May 5) from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Andhra University vice-chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar visited the exam centres at Gayatri Vidya Parishad College for Degree and PG courses and Dr. Lankapalli Bullayya College here to review the arrangements. AU Directorate of Admissions director D.A. Naidu said 93.46% of the 6,028 applicants attended the exam. The preliminary key will be released at 6 p.m. on May 6, and objections to the key can be raised till 5 p.m. on May 8. Results will be uploaded to AU website: after 6 p.m. on May 9. The schedule for online certificate verification and web counselling will be announced later, he added.
