JULY 20268TOP STORIESdealing with high-capacity solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters above 200 kW, who were facing tight timelines for compliance. The extension also includes continued allowance for self-certification during the transition period, enabling companies to maintain supply chains without disruption. This step reflects the government's balanced approach, ensuring quality standards, while addressing practical challenges faced by the industry in scaling up operations amid rising demand for solar infrastructure. India's Critical Minerals strategy is becoming a key part of its foreign policy. The country is signing agreements with mineral-rich nations to secure supplies for future industries. Critical Minerals are essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy, and defense manufacturing. As global competition grows, India wants to reduce its dependence on imports and build stronger supply chains.The latest agreement came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Melbourne. Australia agreed to export uranium to India for power generation. The deal adds to India's growing list of mineral partnerships with the United States, France, Indonesia, and Quad members. The Jharkhand government's AI Plan marks a major step toward digital governance in the state. The government has proposed a Rs 1,150 crore investment over five years. The AI Plan aims to improve public services through technology. It also targets more than Rs 10,000 crore in investments by 2050. The proposal focuses on healthcare, agriculture, education, mining, environmental management, and disaster response. The announcement came during the National Stakeholders' Consultation 2026 in New Delhi. The state presented the proposed Jharkhand AI Policy 2026-2031 on the opening day of the two-day event. The policy outlines a roadmap for using artificial intelligence across government departments. It also focuses on building digital infrastructure, promoting innovation, and improving government decision-making through data. India's Auto Industry has reached a historic milestone by becoming the world's third-largest automobile industry. But Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari says the country cannot afford to slow down. Speaking at the inauguration of Prawaas 5.0 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Gadkari said India must now focus on expanding Bus Manufacturing, which has failed to keep pace with the rapid growth of the automotive sector.He said the industry's next phase of growth should be driven by stronger public transport, cleaner technologies, and higher production of buses. "When I took charge, India's automobile industry was valued at around Rs 14 lakh crore and ranked seventh globally. Today, it has overtaken Japan to become the world's third-largest automobile industry," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent pitch to Australian businesses positions India as a suitable investment destination. This Australian Investment plan can significantly power India's infrastructural growth in various sectors. This highlights a new phase in India-Australia economic ties. With growing geopolitical shifts and supply chain diversification, Australian capital is emerging as a crucial driver for India's long-term growth ambitions.Australian investments are aimed at playing a transformative role in India's economic trajectory by providing long-term, stable capital for critical sectors. During the visit, PM Modi emphasized India's position as a reliable and high-growth destination, encouraging Australian pension funds and institutional investors to expand their footprint. The government has extended the deadline for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for large solar inverters until December 31. This appears to be a significant move for India's renewable energy sector. The decision offers relief to manufacturers and suppliers, particularly those HOW CRITICAL MINERALS BECAME INDIA'S BIGGEST STRATEGIC BETJHARKHAND UNVEILS BIG AI PLAN, TARGETS RS 10,000 CRORE INVESTMENTSOLAR MANUFACTURERS GET LIFELINE AS BIS DEADLINE EXTENDED INDIA'S AUTO INDUSTRY IS THRIVING, SO WHY IS GADKARI CONCERNED?HOW AUSTRALIAN INVESTMENT COULD POWER INDIA'S GROWTH STORY
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