NTPC is drawing up an ambitious green hydrogen roadmap to diversify into clean energy, but early movers face sharp headwinds. Technology uncertainty, high pricing, limited local electrolyser manufacturing and still-maturing regulations could slow scale-up and raise costs. The bet hinges on how quickly costs fall and standards solidify enough for projects to move beyond pilots.
India’s market structure is quietly consolidating into duopolies, with two dominant players reaching close to 90% control across sectors such as aviation, food delivery, and digital payments. The shift can tilt incentives away from customer service toward defending market positions, raising risks for consumers and innovation. The government is stepping in to create space for new competitors.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
The Reserve Bank of India has dismissed reports claiming it may replace Mahatma Gandhi’s image on existing currency and banknotes. RBI clarified there is no proposal for any change to the current Indian currency and banknotes, putting an end to speculation about altering the face on money already in circulation.
India’s updated shipping law has replaced the decades old 1958 framework, but banks remain unable to treat vessels as collateral. The gap is keeping credit from reaching shipowners and slowing financing that could modernize fleets and strengthen ports. The big question: can lending rules catch up with policy so India can truly position itself as a maritime hub?
As the world debates how to allocate 6GHz spectrum for international mobile use at the World Radiocommunication Conference, India’s own stakeholders are stuck in disagreement. The clash over 6GHz allocation priorities is dragging on, raising questions about timing and coordination as global decisions move forward.
India’s Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is pitched as a reboot for efficiency and competition. But critics warn the structure could realign risks and costs toward consumers, turning “power for profit” into a quiet tariff shift. The question: will discoms get a breather—or will households quietly foot the bill?
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
The GST Council will hold a virtual meeting on August 2 to finalize legal amendments for the 28% tax levy on online gaming, casinos, and horse racing. The maximum slab was decided on July 11 and applies to full face value. Officials say there is no change of heart, only work underway to settle technical and legal details.
India’s coal stocks have crossed 200 million tonnes, enough to cover 90 days of demand, marking a notable rise from earlier levels. The government also says coal production hit one billion tonnes for the second straight year. With reforms and auctions underway, officials claim the push is to cut import dependence and strengthen self-reliance in minerals.
India’s EV market in 2026 is growing fast as new models and acceptance lift sales momentum. But the road ahead looks harder: high upfront costs, uneven charging infrastructure, and a challenging path to 30% EV sales by 2030. Without fixes to affordability and availability, the rollout could slow despite rising interest.
Karnataka is reportedly drafting a policy to legalise bike taxi services, even as it moves to challenge a High Court order that had cleared the way for such operations. The state says the earlier ruling suffered technical flaws, while bike taxi operators worry about the lack of clear rules as the matter heads to the Supreme Court.
Reading on mobile?
Open Beige in the app for a smoother experience — free on iOS and Android.
WTC Mumbai has submitted a memorandum seeking GST issue redressal, spotlighting emerging challenges faced by the industry. The document outlines key concerns and puts forward recommendations aimed at improving how GST-related problems are addressed, signaling growing pressure on policymakers to respond to business difficulties and streamline compliance.
A new proposal argues AI should be allowed to self regulate, but only where the stakes are lower—while a tougher, EU style level of risk approach sets higher compliance bars for high consequence systems. It also calls for sector specific rules that reflect real context, balancing citizen rights, consumer welfare, innovation, economic interests, and national and geopolitical security.
The Union Cabinet has approved extending the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) scheme for five more years beyond March 2026, taking it forward to 2031. The government has allocated ₹1,800 crore for the continued programme, aiming to modernize systems for managing immigration and foreign nationals following a new law.
Canada plans a major overhaul of its Express Entry system by consolidating three existing immigration programs into one streamlined pathway. Officials say the move will simplify eligibility rules and better match economic immigration to real labor market needs. Consultations are expected in Spring 2026, with final decisions coming after feedback.
Follow your favourite sources
Track sources, tags and categories — all in the Beige app.
Finland has proposed requiring a civic knowledge test covering Finnish society as a condition for citizenship. The move comes as the government tightens immigration rules, following a broader European trend toward stricter access policies. Officials say the proposal aims to better prepare applicants for life in Finland, while critics question the impact on newcomers seeking permanent status.
India’s Cabinet has approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, funded with a sovereign guarantee exceeding ₹12,980 crore. The scheme is designed to provide steady maritime insurance coverage for Indian vessels across a wide range of risks, reducing insurers’ reliance outside the country. Officials say it will lower operating costs and strengthen domestic capacity in maritime risk management.
New research challenges the widely cited pre-tax Gini coefficient of 0.61, arguing it overlooks how government welfare reshapes household resources. By factoring in benefits such as food and housing, the post-fiscal Gini is reported to fall dramatically, even approaching zero, reshaping how India’s inequality is understood and debated.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah says the state’s upcoming spacetech policy is designed to capture half of India’s spacetech market by 2034. The plan focuses on creating 25,000 startups in five years via funding support, market access, infrastructure buildout, talent development, and social inclusion measures to broaden participation.
Stay informed on the go
Bite-sized news from 100+ trusted sources, right in your pocket.
India’s Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes ending cross-subsidies, enabling private distribution, and setting tariffs closer to actual costs. If implemented, industrial power bills—especially for energy-intensive players like steel, cement, aluminium, and data centres—could fall, lifting margins. States with currently “distorted” tariffs are expected to benefit the most from the reset.
India’s government is considering operational changes to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code after an expert panel’s recommendations. The panel urges broader use of digital tools— including virtual meetings of the committee of creditors and deployment of AI—arguing they save time and can remain even once normal operations fully resume.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.