Nitin Kumar
 "Nitin Kumar")
Nitin Kumar
Nitin Kumar is a journalist with over seven years of experience covering the automotive industry, mines & minerals, and political affairs. Based in New Delhi, he focuses on policy reporting in sectors key to India’s sustainability goals. A two-time recipient of the Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Journalism (2020, 2021), Kumar is also a regular expert on clean energy and policy on platforms such as All India Radio. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Hons.).
Nitin Kumar is a journalist with over seven years of experience covering the automotive industry, mines & minerals, and political affairs. Based in New Delhi, he focuses on policy reporting in sectors key to India’s sustainability goals. A two-time recipient of the Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Journalism (2020, 2021), Kumar is also a regular expert on clean energy and policy on platforms such as All India Radio. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Hons.).
Nitin Kumar
Tender bottlenecks apply brakes on India's electric bus transition
E-bus penetration witnesses minuscule increase last year despite subsidies
 "Tender bottlenecks apply brakes on India's electric bus transition")
67% of major forest fires in 2023-24 doused within 24 hours, shows data
In the 2023-24 forest fire season, the total number of fires detected by the Forest Survey of India was 2,03,544, while in the previous 2022-23 season the number stood at 2,12,249
 "67% of major forest fires in 2023-24 doused within 24 hours, shows data")
Tata Motors, M&M to get incentives worth Rs 246 crore under PLI scheme
The budgetary allocation for this scheme is Rs 25,938 crore
 "Tata Motors, M&M to get incentives worth Rs 246 crore under PLI scheme")
Critical mineral push: Exploration up 53%, but auction hurdles persist
The ministry has also notified 28 private exploration agencies to undertake exploration without requiring prospecting licences
 "Critical mineral push: Exploration up 53%, but auction hurdles persist")
Delhi air quality deteriorates, records most 'severe' AQI days since 2022
Adding to the alarming scenario, Delhi did not record a single day of "Good" air quality (AQI 0-50) throughout 2024
 "Delhi air quality deteriorates, records most 'severe' AQI days since 2022")
Auction of 11 critical mineral blocks called off over poor response
According to the Ministry of Mines, no bids were received for four blocks, while the remaining seven blocks attracted fewer than three technically qualified bidders
 "Auction of 11 critical mineral blocks called off over poor response")
EV sales in India up 27% in 2024, miss 2 million mark by a whisker
In 2024, an average of 12.43 petrol, diesel, CNG, or hybrid vehicles were sold for every EV- an improvement from 15.67 in 2023 and 21.05 in 2022
 "EV sales in India up 27% in 2024, miss 2 million mark by a whisker")
Offshore mineral auction: Polymetallic nodule resource gaps pose challenges
Construction sand is a crucial component for infrastructure development, used in making concrete, mortar, and other building materials
 "Offshore mineral auction: Polymetallic nodule resource gaps pose challenges")
Centre set to transfer management of ERF scheme to CPCB from January 1
The decision is aimed at addressing longstanding issues, including the underutilisation of the fund and significant delays in disbursing compensation to victims of industrial accidents
 "Centre set to transfer management of ERF scheme to CPCB from January 1")
Just 12 OEMs achieve 50% domestic value addition target in PLI-Auto
The champion OEMs include Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Ola Electric Technologies, Eicher Motors, TVS Motor Company, and Bajaj Auto
 "Just 12 OEMs achieve 50% domestic value addition target in PLI-Auto")
Four OEMs express interest in manufacturing e-ambulances: MHI official
This initiative aims to bolster the country's medical sector, which currently operates approximately 50,000 ambulances
 "Four OEMs express interest in manufacturing e-ambulances: MHI official")
Renewable energy financing soars 63% in 2023, solar leads the charge
Solar power projects dominated the renewable energy deals in 2023, accounting for 49 per cent of the total, followed by hybrid projects at 46 per cent and wind energy at 6 per cent
 "Renewable energy financing soars 63% in 2023, solar leads the charge")
Severe pollution grips Delhi; AQI more than doubles in four days to 445
The sudden deterioration coincides with a rise in minimum temperatures, which have increased by 2°C in the past 24 hours
 "Severe pollution grips Delhi; AQI more than doubles in four days to 445")
India needs greater support to achieve 2030 clean energy goals: Report
GH2 will not be cost-competitive with natural gas-based grey hydrogen until after 2050, as per the report. Current subsidies cover only 5 per cent of the cost gap and will run out before 2030
 "India needs greater support to achieve 2030 clean energy goals: Report")
Delhi EV policy woes: Registrations drop in capital while other states grow
Sector experts say that a lack of clarity and unannounced halts in the policy have deterred customers from buying EVs in Delhi
 "Delhi EV policy woes: Registrations drop in capital while other states grow")
Pollution levels drop across India; only 3 cities report 'very poor' AQI
Delhi's air quality witnessed a remarkable turnaround over the weekend, driven by fast winds and light rainfall, resulting in one of the cleanest starts to December in years
 "Pollution levels drop across India; only 3 cities report 'very poor' AQI")
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana ride auto PLI manufacturing wave
Maharashtra leads the tally with 77 facilities, followed by Tamil Nadu with 46, Haryana with 37, and Karnataka with 28
 "Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana ride auto PLI manufacturing wave")
Total recycling units in India reach 295; highest in UP, followed by K'taka
These recycling facilities aim not just to manage the vast quantities of electronic waste generated annually but also to foster a circular economy
 "Total recycling units in India reach 295; highest in UP, followed by K'taka")
Centre clears way for non-mineralised areas in existing mining leases
The Ministry of Mines stated that under the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957, non-mineralised areas required for ancillary activities like waste disposal can be considered part of a mining lease
 "Centre clears way for non-mineralised areas in existing mining leases")
Rs 38 crore disbursed for development of wildlife habitats in FY24
Andhra Pradesh is also the only coastal state that has not received any funds under the scheme over the past five years
 "Rs 38 crore disbursed for development of wildlife habitats in FY24")
