India and Germany will collaborate on Mumbai Metro and solar energy projects as part of a bilateral cooperation in energy and urban development sectors, as per Germany's Ministry of Economic Cooperation. Director General (Bilateral Cooperation) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development said, "Germany has pledged an amount of 1.6 billion euros for projects in energy and energy efficiency and in natural resource management as well as in urban development and urban re-motorisation,"

• Amendments to the Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects.
• Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power From Grid Connected Wind Solar Hybrid Projects - Reg.
• An online portal for processing applications for including and updating wind turbine models in Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM).
• Year End Review 2018

Finance Minister announced a significant cut in corporate tax – a demand the industry has been putting forward for the past few years. Giving much relief to the corporate companies, the government has slashed the tax rate on all domestic firms to 22%. Further, new manufacturing companies that will come up from October 1 onwards will have to pay tax at 15% rate.  With the reduction of tax rate for existing firms and a significantly lower rate for new manufacturing companies, investment is expected to rise.

The government is looking to reduce imports of more than 350 "non-essential" items such as toys, textiles, footwear and electronic goods to give the Make in India initiative a push. Several ministries, including textiles, electronics and IT and commerce and industry, have been asked to take action on the list of identified products. It is also considering the suggestion to do away with global tender for govt.  procurement in industries where domestic demand was enough. Read More

The Centre will soon constitute a working group on the proposed new industrial policy, which is aimed at promoting emerging sectors, reducing regulatory hurdles and making India a manufacturing hub. Earlier, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had prepared the policy and sent it for the Union Cabinet approval, but certain new suggestions have been made with regard to the policy.

The European Commission and India's Department of Science and Technology launched an 18 million euros joint call on research and innovation to develop integrated local energy systems. Proposals should develop and demonstrate novel solutions, integrating all energy vectors (electricity, heating, cooling, water, wastes, etc.), including possibilities offered by batteries and electric vehicles, interconnect them and optimize joint operation with increased share of renewables and a higher energy efficiency, said a EU press statement.

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel visited India and list of MoUs/Agreements signed during her visit is available.