India targets net zero emissions by 2070
India's prime minister on Monday used the COP26 climate talks to announce 2070 as the target for his country to reach net zero carbon emissions, two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. Prime Minister defended India, however, as having stuck to its climate pledges "in spirit and "in spirit and letter" and noted that his country contained 17% of the world's population but was responsible for only 5% of global emissions.
India, Italy to collaborate on green hydrogen, gas sector
India and Italy have agreed to explore development of green hydrogen, setting up renewable energy corridors, and joint projects in the natural gas sector as the two nations sought to strengthen partnership in energy transition. They agreed to "initiate a dialogue to support the development and deployment of green hydrogen and related technologies in India" as well as to "consider working together to support a large size green corridor project in India to capitalize on India's target to produce and integrate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
Ministry of Environment, forest and Climate Change released following notifications:
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Disposal of e-waste – defunct/obsolete computer hardware, peripherals and office equipment
Regulation on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
India-EU trade talks to resume by December
After an eight-year hiatus, India, and the European Union (EU) are set to resume negotiations for a Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) by December, according to a government official. Another official termed the India-EU connectivity partnership, announced in May, as a “counterfoil” to other such initiatives in an indirect reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “India-EU trade talks are set to start anytime by end of the year... We have prioritized and discussions will now go forward. It will be comprehensive talks,” the official said on the sidelines of a report launch.
India, EU decide to expand clean energy cooperation
India and the European Union have vowed to scale up cooperation in areas of clean energy with a focus on offshore wind, green hydrogen, and solar power besides deciding to encourage investments in the field of energy efficiency. Various aspects of deepening clean energy cooperation were discussed at a meeting of the India-EU Energy Panel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the panel agreed on a detailed work programme until 2023 to implement clean energy and climate partnership that was agreed in 2016. Some of the areas identified for cooperation included ensuring nearly zero energy buildings and renewable energy sources, including solar and offshore wind.
Green Strategic Partnership between India, Denmark will make bilateral relations stronger
Indian President met Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and said that the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark will further strengthen bilateral relations. During the meeting, the president also noted that India and Denmark have strong trade and investment ties, according to an official statement. Danish public and private sectors are already actively involved in several states in India, taking forward key national missions such as Make in India, Jal Jeevan Mission, Smart Cities, Digital India, Startup India, Clean India, and Clean Ganga, etc., he said.
The government on Tuesday notified its decision to permit 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route in the telecom services sector subject to certain conditions. Till now, only 49 per cent of FDI was allowed through the automatic route and anything beyond that had to come via the government route. Telcos, including infrastructure providers, will be covered under the new FDI regime. The 100 per cent FDI was part of the telecom reforms package approved by the Cabinet on September 15. Other reliefs included a four-year moratorium on AGR (Average Gross Revenue) dues, and an option for the government to convert dues into equity post the moratorium period.
The government on Tuesday notified its decision to permit 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route in the telecom services sector subject to certain conditions. Till now, only 49 per cent of FDI was allowed through the automatic route and anything beyond that had to come via the government route. Telcos, including infrastructure providers, will be covered under the new FDI regime. The 100 per cent FDI was part of the telecom reforms package approved by the Cabinet on September 15. Other reliefs included a four-year moratorium on AGR (Average Gross Revenue) dues, and an option for the government to convert dues into equity post the moratorium period.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) adopted EN 301 549 Standard as Indian Standard
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standard development body of India, has published Indian Standard IS 17802-"Accessibility for ICT Products and Services, Part 1: Requirements" which is the technical adoption of European Standard EN 301 549-"Accessibility Requirements of ICT Products and Services" developed by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI. Modifications have been made to adapt it to India and are limited to referencing the relevant regulatory context (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016) and the official languages of India.
Prime Minister Calls for Stable Global Supply Chain and Cyber Security Standards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS), called for a resilient and stable global supply chain and raised the idea of developing global standards on cyber security. The PM's comments on developing global standards on cyber security are significant amid allegations of hacking by China.