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Vice-President addresses Valedictory Session of Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi

Vice-President addresses Valedictory Session of Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi


Clean energy transition must become a people’s movement, creating economic opportunities and household prosperity: Vice-President

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today said that India’s remarkable progress in renewable energy demonstrates that environmental commitments are not a hindrance to economic growth but a catalyst for the country’s development journey.

Addressing the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Vice-President highlighted India’s achievements in the renewable energy sector, its commitment to sustainable development and the transformative role of clean energy in empowering households, farmers and communities across the country.

Recalling the doubts about whether a developing country of India’s size could sustain rapid economic growth while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the Vice-President said that India had answered these doubts through its achievements.

He highlighted that India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has crossed 300 gigawatts and that the country achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment. Solar power capacity, he noted, has grown from less than 3 gigawatts to over 170 gigawatts over a decade.

Pointing out that solar power, which was once several times more expensive than coal-based electricity, is now among the cheapest sources of electricity in India, he said that this transformation reflects sound policies, private enterprise and the collective efforts of States and citizens.

The Vice-President observed that hydrogen energy is making encouraging progress in India and expressed confidence that advancements in science and technology would make hydrogen energy increasingly affordable in the years ahead. He said that India’s renewable energy transformation is not only an exemplary achievement for the country but also a model for the Global South.

The Vice-President said that the progress achieved over the last decade vindicates Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that environmental commitments are catalysts for growth, delivering greater energy access, lower industrial costs, employment opportunities and reduced import dependence. Calling for stronger industry-academia collaboration, he said, “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” emphasising the importance of research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Vice-President said that over 65 lakh households have joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, gaining access to affordable clean energy. He further highlighted that nearly 30 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KUSUM, observing that solar pumps help farmers save on diesel costs, earn additional income and become Urjadatas, givers of energy as well as food.

The Vice-President highlighted that initiatives under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity may not be feasible. He observed that access to electricity transforms lives by expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and livelihoods, emphasising that energy solutions must address the distinct needs of cities, villages and remote habitations.

Describing the renewable energy transition as a Jan Andolan, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, the Vice-President said that such a movement cannot be driven by the government alone.He urged the active participation of teachers, students, entrepreneurs and citizens.He noted that people’s participation in this movement would not only accelerate the adoption of renewable energy but also create new economic opportunities, generate livelihoods and promote household prosperity.

Invoking Mission LiFE, the Vice-President called for energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption and responsible disposal, observing that a billion small individual actions can contribute as significantly to sustainability as a new power plant.

The Vice-President said that the coming decade would be crucial for achieving global climate goals and reiterated India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. He noted that India’s electricity demand could rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, emphasising the need to meet growing energy requirements through clean, reliable and affordable power while protecting the environment.

Urging participants to translate the Summit’s deliberations into action, the Vice-President said, “Turn discussions into projects, and projects into power.” He called for global cooperation, observing, “If the world is to be lit by the Sun, let it be lit by hands that work together.”

On the occasion, the Vice-President presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to the best-performing States, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi; Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik; Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood; and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, were present on the occasion. Representatives of partner countries, policymakers, investors, industry leaders, knowledge partners, exhibitors and other delegates also participated in the Summit.

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Vice President of India Honours the Ministry of Railways with the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award

12,495 Railway Buildings Equipped with Rooftop Solar Systems Across the Country

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, honoured the Ministry of Railways with the prestigious PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award today at the Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The Ministry secured the top position in the category of “Maximum Buildings Solarized by Central Ministries/Departments” under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, setting an inspiring national benchmark for renewable energy adoption across public institutions.

The Ministry has identified 15,868 feasible railway buildings across the country for rooftop solar installations. So far, 12,495 buildings, accounting for 79% of the total identified buildings, have been equipped with rooftop solar systems. The Ministry has also commissioned 351 MW of rooftop solar capacity against its target of 424 MW.

At the national level, 25,984 of the 39,135 buildings identified across 77 Central Ministries and Departments have been solarized so far, accounting for 66% of the total identified buildings. The Ministry of Railways has contributed a significant share to this nationwide achievement.

The Ministry of Railways remains committed to solarizing all remaining feasible buildings by March 2027, reinforcing its commitment to a clean, energy-efficient and sustainable future for India.

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Vice-President addresses Valedictory Session of Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi


India’s renewable energy transformation offers an inspiring model for the Global South: Vice-President

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today said that India’s remarkable progress in renewable energy demonstrates that environmental commitments are not a hindrance to economic growth but a catalyst for the country’s development journey.

Addressing the Valedictory Session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Vice-President highlighted India’s achievements in the renewable energy sector, its commitment to sustainable development and the transformative role of clean energy in empowering households, farmers and communities across the country.

Recalling the doubts about whether a developing country of India’s size could sustain rapid economic growth while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the Vice-President said that India had answered these doubts through its achievements.

He highlighted that India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has crossed 300 gigawatts and that the country achieved 50 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its commitment. Solar power capacity, he noted, has grown from less than 3 gigawatts to over 170 gigawatts over a decade.

Pointing out that solar power, which was once several times more expensive than coal-based electricity, is now among the cheapest sources of electricity in India, he said that this transformation reflects sound policies, private enterprise and the collective efforts of States and citizens.

The Vice-President observed that hydrogen energy is making encouraging progress in India and expressed confidence that advancements in science and technology would make hydrogen energy increasingly affordable in the years ahead. He said that India’s renewable energy transformation is not only an exemplary achievement for the country but also a model for the Global South.

The Vice-President said that the progress achieved over the last decade vindicates Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that environmental commitments are catalysts for growth, delivering greater energy access, lower industrial costs, employment opportunities and reduced import dependence. Calling for stronger industry-academia collaboration, he said, “The technologies of 2040 will come from the laboratories and start-ups of today,” emphasising the importance of research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Vice-President said that over 65 lakh households have joined the solar movement under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, gaining access to affordable clean energy. He further highlighted that nearly 30 lakh farmers have benefited under PM-KUSUM, observing that solar pumps help farmers save on diesel costs, earn additional income and become Urjadatas, givers of energy as well as food.

The Vice-President highlighted that initiatives under PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan are extending electricity access to remote tribal areas where conventional grid connectivity may not be feasible. He observed that access to electricity transforms lives by expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, communication and livelihoods, emphasising that energy solutions must address the distinct needs of cities, villages and remote habitations.

Describing the renewable energy transition as a Jan Andolan, as envisioned by the Prime Minister, the Vice-President said that such a movement cannot be driven by the government alone.He urged the active participation of teachers, students, entrepreneurs and citizens.He noted that people’s participation in this movement would not only accelerate the adoption of renewable energy but also create new economic opportunities, generate livelihoods and promote household prosperity.

Invoking Mission LiFE, the Vice-President called for energy-efficient practices, mindful consumption and responsible disposal, observing that a billion small individual actions can contribute as significantly to sustainability as a new power plant.

The Vice-President said that the coming decade would be crucial for achieving global climate goals and reiterated India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. He noted that India’s electricity demand could rise nearly seven-fold by 2070, emphasising the need to meet growing energy requirements through clean, reliable and affordable power while protecting the environment.

Urging participants to translate the Summit’s deliberations into action, the Vice-President said, “Turn discussions into projects, and projects into power.” He called for global cooperation, observing, “If the world is to be lit by the Sun, let it be lit by hands that work together.”

On the occasion, the Vice-President presented the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards and PM Surya Ghar Awards to the best-performing States, government departments, vendors, brand owners and public sector banks.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi; Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik; Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood; and Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, were present on the occasion. Representatives of partner countries, policymakers, investors, industry leaders, knowledge partners, exhibitors and other delegates also participated in the Summit.

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Prime Minister shares Sanskrit Subhashitam highlighting the importance of truth, knowledge and virtuous conduct

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam highlighting the values that sustain individuals, families and society. The verse emphasises that Dharma is upheld by truth, knowledge is preserved through regular practice, beauty is maintained through cleanliness and family honour is safeguarded through virtuous conduct.

Sharing a Sanskrit Subhashitam, the Prime Minister wrote on X;

“सत्येन रक्ष्यते धर्मो विद्याभ्यासेन रक्ष्यते।

मृजया रक्ष्यते रूपं कुलं वृत्तेन रक्ष्यते॥”

 

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) organised an awareness workshop on SRI Fund for supporting Women-Led MSMEs


Ministry of MSME highlights the role of SRI Fund in mobilising Growth Capital for Women-Led Enterprises under Yashashvini Campaign

SRI Fund leverages nearly ₹48,000 Crore in Private Investment, supports 824 MSMEs

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised an “Awareness Workshop on the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund for Supporting Women-Led MSMEs” on 4 November 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan 3, New Delhi, as part of the Yashashvini Campaign for promoting women entrepreneurship. The event was chaired by Shri Bharat Khera, Secretary (MSME).

The workshop brought together over 60 women entrepreneurs from across the country, along with senior officials from the Ministry of MSME, representatives of industry associations, NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL). SBI Ventures Limited (SVL), Daughter Funds under the SRI Fund, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog and Atal Incubation Centre ALEAP Women Entrepreneurs Hub.

Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, gave an overview of the journey of the SRI Fund. He explained that the Fund was conceived to extend equity support to MSMEs beyond traditional debt, with a ₹10,000 crore commitment from the Government of India, and an expectation that private investors would contribute four times that amount. He noted that, in several cases, investee enterprises associated with the SRI Fund had grown their turnover three to four times within two to three years, and had gone on to raise further capital from private sources. He urged the associations present to carry the message about the Fund to their members.

In his inaugural address, Shri Bharat Khera said that registrations on the Udyam and Udyam Assist portals had crossed 10 crore on 30 October 2026, which had bridged the formalisation gap. Of these, 37.6 per cent were women-owned enterprises, and now, let us aspire to take this share to 50 per cent. He noted that formalisation now placed a greater responsibility on the Ministry to help MSMEs scale up – for which, growth capital is critical.

Shri Khera shared that, under the SRI Fund, commitments of ₹8,305 crore had been made against the ₹10,000 crore corpus, and that nearly ₹48,000 crore had been leveraged from private venture capital and private equity funds. 72 Daughter Funds have been empanelled, and investments of ₹21,330 crore have already been made in 824 MSMEs, of which about 74 per cent are micro enterprises. Of the enterprises supported, 77 have moved up to a larger category, six have been listed on stock exchanges, and 32 exits have been completed with profits. He added that Daughter Funds take investment decisions on commercial lines, looking at viability, growth trajectory over the last three years, and a business plan with positive cash flows. The Government maintains an arm’s length from their day-to-day operations and does not play any role in Daughter Funds’ investment decisions.

Secretary also stressed that credit and equity must go together. He said that MSME credit outstanding had grown from about ₹10 lakh crore in 2014 to over ₹40 lakh crore, with the non-performing assets for MSME sector falling to about 3.5 per cent. He highlighted that an additional ₹2,000 crore has been provided to the SRI Fund in Union Budget 2026-27, for micro enterprises. He also drew attention to the newly rolled out ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, which will invest directly in small and medium enterprises. He advised entrepreneurs to maintain proper financial records and adopt a suitable legal structure, and said that bringing in equity also improves an enterprise’s access to debt.

In Session I, titled ‘The growth journey of women-led MSMEs – why growth capital matters’, representatives of industry associations shared their experience of working with women entrepreneurs. They pointed out that many women-led enterprises that are early-stage require support through smaller tickets, investment-readiness programmes in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, support in accounting and business valuation, and flexibility for women entrepreneurs who may lack collateral or long balance-sheet histories. They also stressed the need to link capital with market access, including through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), ONDC and exports, and emphasized the importance of organizing such workshops regularly.

In Session II, on the ‘Overview of the SRI Fund and the role of Daughter Funds’, Shri Praveen Kumar, Additional Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, explained the structure of the Fund, in which the Mother Fund invests only through Daughter Funds, and the Daughter Funds invest in MSMEs. Shri Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NSIC, spoke on the gaps in the MSME ecosystem and advised entrepreneurs on the benefits of equity funding. Shri Prem Prabhakar, MD and CEO of SBI Ventures Limited, the investment manager of the SRI Fund, said that equity is of strategic value for growing enterprises as it does not require collateral and because investors provide sector specific mentorship and hand-holding. The Daughter Funds explained the investment criteria such as a strong market, a capable team, a scalable model, audited financials, governance readiness, including a private limited company structure, and a clear use of capital. They advised entrepreneurs on the common steps for acquiring equity funding, from screening to due diligence and documentation.

In Session III, the focus was on support available through ecosystem partners. Representatives from the Atal Incubation Centre ALEAP Women Entrepreneurs Hub and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog, presented the range of support available to women entrepreneurs, including incubation, mentorship, market access, access to information on government schemes, and compliance support. Technical support for the conceptualisation, planning, and execution of the workshop was provided by the ecosystem partner MicroSave Consulting (MSC).

The final session was an interactive Q&A where participants broached subjects such as approaching Daughter Funds, investment-readiness for proprietorship-run enterprises, sector-specific funds, and technology and infrastructure support. It was shared that details of the 72 Daughter Funds, including their sector focus and contacts, are available on the website of NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited, the special purpose vehicle for the SRI Fund.  The workshop concluded with the Ministry of MSME assuring continued support to women entrepreneurship through the Yashashvni Campaign in the future.

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Union Health Minister reviews progress of AIIMS Awantipora; directs expeditious completion of remaining construction works and early operationalisation


OPD services targeted to commence before December 2026, followed by IPD services and academic activities in July 2027

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, today reviewed the progress of construction and operationalisation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir.

During the review, the Union Health Minister assessed the status of infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment and furniture, recruitment of faculty and other personnel, and preparedness for commencement of medical and academic activities at the Institute.

The Minister was informed that construction of AIIMS Awantipora is nearing completion, with all major buildings completed. Appreciating the efforts of CPWD and all concerned agencies and stakeholders, Shri Nadda commended their dedicated efforts in advancing the project despite the challenges posed by the site’s terrain and other constraints. He emphasised that AIIMS Awantipora is a priority project and directed the concerned agencies to maintain the momentum and complete the remaining construction works by March 2027.

The Minister reviewed the phase-wise construction and handover plan. It was informed that the Phase-I buildings, including the OPD Registration Block, OPD Block, residential buildings and designated hostels, have been completed, with inventory verification and formal handover processes underway. The remaining academic, administrative, hospital, residential and hostel infrastructure is being taken up in a phased manner.

Emphasising the need for early operationalisation of the Institute, Shri Nadda directed HITES and the Executive Director, AIIMS Awantipora, to work in close coordination and expedite the procurement of medical equipment, OPD instruments, laboratory equipment and medical and administrative furniture. He stressed that all essential procurements required for commencement of OPD services must be completed on priority.

It was informed that procurement approval has been conveyed for 180 medical equipment items amounting to ₹59.41 crore, of which Notices of Award have been issued for 140 items. Procurement processes for OPD instruments, laboratory furniture and medical and administrative furniture are also at various stages of progress.

The Union Health Minister also reviewed preparedness for commencement of medical services and directed that all requisite arrangements, including equipment, diagnostic facilities, manpower and other operational requirements, be completed in advance. The OPD services at AIIMS Awantipora are targeted to commence before December 2026. The IPD services are proposed to begin in July 2027, subject to completion of the requisite infrastructure and operational arrangements. Academic activities, including commencement of MBBS classes, are proposed for the academic session 2027–28, beginning June–July 2027.

Reviewing the recruitment status, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the Executive Director and the Institute’s team in taking forward the recruitment process. The Minister directed that the recruitment process be fast-tracked to ensure the availability of qualified faculty at the earliest. He also emphasised expediting recruitment against non-faculty positions and engagement of the requisite manpower for operationalisation of OPD and other services.

The Ministry has approved the engagement of essential manpower for operationalisation of the OPD and related services, including hospital attendants, housekeeping and sanitation personnel, and security staff. The proposed manpower arrangements cover 652 positions across various categories, including 150 security personnel.

The Minister further reviewed institutional readiness and support arrangements, including campus security, transport connectivity, website development and operational partnerships. He emphasised the need for effective coordination among AIIMS Awantipora, CPWD, HITES and the local administration to address security and other operational issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the Institute.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country, Shri Nadda emphasised that the timely completion and operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora would be an important step towards expanding access to quality tertiary healthcare and specialised medical services in Jammu and Kashmir. The Institute will also strengthen medical education and contribute to the development of healthcare capacity in the region, in keeping with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all.

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Inter-Ministerial Group Recommends Asset Monetisation Proposals Worth Over ₹1,100 Crore for Approval by Cabinet-Delegated Alternative Mechanism


Recommendations Cover Surplus Land and Building Assets of CPSEs; IMG Reviews Progress of Asset Monetisation Initiatives Facilitated by NLMC

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), chaired by the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), and co-chaired by the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has recommended asset monetisation proposals involving assets valued at over ₹1,100 crore for consideration and approval by the Alternative Mechanism (AM).

The proposals primarily relate to surplus land and building assets of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) identified for monetisation. The recommendations mark an important milestone in the Government of India’s efforts to unlock value from surplus and underutilised public assets and facilitate their productive utilisation.

The recommendations reflect the growing momentum of the Government’s asset monetisation programme, which seeks to enable CPSEs and other Government entities to realise the economic potential of surplus assets through systematic assessment, professional transaction preparation and competitive price discovery.

The recommended proposals will be placed before the Cabinet-delegated Alternative Mechanism for consideration and approval. Following the requisite approvals, further monetisation activities will be undertaken in accordance with prescribed procedures.

As the Government’s specialised institution for monetisation of surplus land and other non-core assets, NLMC plays a key role in facilitating asset assessment, due diligence, valuation, transaction structuring and market-facing monetisation processes, working closely with concerned Ministries, Departments and asset-owning entities.

The initiative reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to efficient public asset management, transparent and value-maximising monetisation, and productive utilisation of surplus assets to support investment and economic development.

About NLMC

The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) is a wholly owned Government of India company under the administrative control of the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance. Established pursuant to the Union Budget 2021–22 announcement, NLMC facilitates the monetisation of surplus land and other non-core assets of CPSEs and Government entities through professional transaction advisory, due diligence, valuation and transparent, competitive monetisation processes.

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INDIAN NAVAL SHIP SAHYADRI ARRIVES AT YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, JAPAN FOR EXERCISE MALABAR 2026

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

The Indian Navy’s indigenous Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, INS Sahyadri, of the Eastern Fleet, arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on 04 Nov 2026 to participate in the multilateral naval exercise MALABAR 2026.

The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), reflecting the enduring strategic partnership and growing maritime cooperation between India and Japan. The welcome ceremony was attended by VAdm Yagi Koji, Commandant, Yokosuka District, and Shri R Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of Indian Mission.

MALABAR 2026 brings together the navies of India, Japan, the United States and Australia, providing an opportunity for participating maritime forces to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability and exchange professional expertise through a series of engagements in harbour and at sea.

The harbour phase will include professional interactions and coordinated planning, followed by the sea phase involving INS Sahyadri and participating units of the United States, Australia and Japan. These engagements will further strengthen mutual trust and cooperation while contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.

INS Sahyadri’s participation in MALABAR 2026 underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering maritime partnerships and advancing cooperation with like-minded navies in the region, in consonance with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

 

 

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TRAI Assesses Mobile Network Quality across Nuh & Palwal cities and adjoining areas (in Haryana LSA) during the month of July 2026

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released findings of Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted across Nuh & Palwal cities and adjoining areas (in Haryana LSA), during the month of July 2026, for information of general telecom consumers. The purpose of this drive test is to assess and verify real time quality of mobile network services (both voice & data) provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). During the IDT, TRAI captures performance of TSPs for key Quality of Service (QoS) parameters like Coverage, Call Drop Rate (CDR), Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Packet loss rate, data Download (DL) and Upload (UL) throughput etc., which are then published to inform Consumers and encourage TSPs to improve their services.

These IDTs have been designed to capture on ground mobile network performance of all TSPs across diverse usages environment like cities, hotspots, public transport hubs, etc. In this type of drive testing, live data and voice sessions are established using SIM cards from all TSPs over 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Multiple advanced test handsets are used, and the sessions are monitored and analysed in real-time using advanced Software Systems.

TRAI, through its appointed agency, conducted drive tests across City drive – 295.2 KMs, Walk test-1.8 KMs & Hotspot locations – 06 across Nuh & Palwal cities and adjoining areas during 13th  July to 15th July 2026 in Haryana LSA. These tests were conducted under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office Jaipur. The observations presented in the drive test reports represent the performance of the TSPs on the area/ route under test on the day/ time of conducting the drive test.

Drive Test Route Map: The following map provides overview of drive test routes indicating City drive, Inter-operator calling, Hotspots and Walk tests, as per the legends shown on the map: –

Key Parameters Assessed

  1. Coverage Gap: Percentage of samples, for which signal strength observed less than the minimum prescribed signal strength for respective technology (2G/ 3G/ 4G/ 5G).
  2. Voice Services: Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Call Setup Time, Call Silence Rate, Speech Quality (MOS).
  3. Call Silence Instance: Number of call silence instance occurred during the calls.
  4. Data Servies: Download/ Upload Throughput, Latency, Jitter, Packet Drop Rate.

The overall mobile network performance in Nuh & Palwal cities and adjoining areas of the districts for the key parameters has been summarised below:

  1. Nuh District:
  1. Coverage Gap – The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 346/15867 for Airtel, 4021/15424 for BSNL, 784/15626 for RJIL and 327/15836 for VIL. Details of the coverage gaps have been provided in the map Annexed.
  1. Dropped Calls – Dropped calls, measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 0/142 for Airtel, 5/140 for BSNL, 1/141 for RJIL and 0/143 for VIL. Details of the dropped call locations have been provided in the map Annexed.
  1. Call Silence Instance – Call silence instances, measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 13/136 for Airtel, 35/131 for BSNL, 5/135 for RJIL and 20/139 for VIL. Details of the call silence instance locations have been provided in the map Annexed.
  2. Packet Loss rate (Downlink & Uplink):
  1. Packet Loss rate (Downlink): Downlink Packet loss rate measured for  Airtel as 1.84 %, for BSNL as 5.35%, for RJIL as 2.11%  and  for VIL as 3.33 %.
  2. Packet Loss rate (uplink): Uplink Packet loss rate measured for  Airtel as 2.06%, for BSNL as 3.12%, for RJIL as 2.84%  and  for VIL as 2.21 %.
  1. Data Download and Upload Throughput:
  1. Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 75.70 Mbps for Airtel (5G/4G), 6.78 Mbps for BSNL (4G/3G/2G), 130.28 Mbps for RJIL (5G/4G) and 20.03 Mbps for VIL (5G/4G/2G). Detail of Download throughput has been provided in the map Annexed.
  1. Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 14.26 Mbps for Airtel (5G/4G), 6.21 Mbps for BSNL (4G/3G/2G), 9.71 Mbps for RJIL (5G/4G) and 10.84 Mbps for VIL (5G/4G/2G). Detail of upload throughput has been provided in the map Annexed.
  1. Palwal District :
  1. Coverage Gap – The signal strength observed during voice testing on the drive test route in auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G), measured as the number of samples having poor signal strength out of the total samples collected, was 279/30406 for Airtel, 2239/29643 for BSNL, 768/29489 for RJIL and 241/30350 for VIL. Details of the coverage gaps have been provided in the map Annexed.
  2. Dropped Calls – Dropped calls, measured as the number of dropped calls out of the number of successfully established calls, were 1/272 for Airtel, 3/268 for BSNL, 1/251 for RJIL and 0/269 for VIL. Details of the dropped call locations have been provided in the map Annexed.
  3. Call Silence Instance – Call silence instances, measured as the total number of silence instances observed for > 3 seconds out of the total calls established, were 10/259 for Airtel, 11/258 for BSNL, 9/250 for RJIL and 17/265 for VIL. Details of the call silence instance locations have been provided in the map Annexed.
  4. Packet Loss rate (Downlink & Uplink):
  5. Packet Loss rate (Downlink): Downlink Packet loss rate measured for  Airtel as 0.79 %, for BSNL as 2.57%, for RJIL as 1.62%  and  for VIL as 1.22%.

 

  1. Packet Loss rate (uplink): Uplink Packet loss rate measured for  Airtel as 0.96%, for BSNL as 1.40%, for RJIL as 1.78%  and  for VIL as 1.35%.
  1. Data Download and Upload Throughput:
  1. Data Download performance (Overall): Average download speed was observed as 105.00 Mbps for Airtel (5G/4G), 13.92 Mbps for BSNL (4G/3G/2G), 212.03 Mbps for RJIL (5G/4G) and 40.70 Mbps for VIL (5G/4G/2G). Detail of Download throughput has been provided in the map Annexed.
  1. Data Upload performance (Overall): Average upload speed was observed as 20.96 Mbps for Airtel (5G/4G), 7.20 Mbps for BSNL (4G/3G/2G), 14.52 Mbps for RJIL (5G/4G) and 13.03 Mbps for VIL (5G/4G/2G). Detail of upload throughput has been provided in the map Annexed.

Locations of Dropped Calls and Call Silence instances can be seen by clicking red dot on the map Annexed.

Details of drive test route and area covered during the IDT are as under: –

Nuh District- Tauru, Rewasan, Ghasera, Nuh, Akera, Nagina, Mandkhera, Mohlaka, Sakras, Ferozpur and Jhirka etc.

Palwal District- Mandkola, Palwal Rural, Dhal, Baghola, Alawalpur, Deeghot, Khatela Sarai, Banchari, Hodal, Singar, Punhana and Phangwan etc.

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India Pioneers Space Debris Removal; Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Announces Vision of Debris-Free Space by 2030


Dr. Jitendra Singh urges greater investment, collaboration and philanthropy to accelerate India’s space technology ambitions

05 NOV 2026 New Delhi

 

India is emerging among the early global pioneers in Space debris removal, with an Indian Startup advancing technologies to make outer space safer and more sustainable, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said today.

Announcing a vision of achieving debris-free Space by 2030, the Minister said India’s emerging capabilities in active space debris removal reflect the country’s growing global leadership in space technology and its commitment to ensuring a safe space environment for the entire humanity.

Dr. Jitendra Singh was speaking virtually from Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, at the inauguration of Cosmoserve Space’s Base 1 facility in Hyderabad.

The inauguration ceremony at VSD Tech Park, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, was attended by Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT and Industries, Government of Telangana, as Guest of Honour, and Dr Chiranjeevi Phanindra, Founder and CEO, Cosmoserve Space. Dr. Jitendra Singh joined the programme virtually as Chief Guest.

Congratulating Cosmoserve Space on the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Base 1 is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility spread across approximately 14,800 square feet, where space robots are designed, built, tested under space conditions and operated through mission control. The facility houses specialised capabilities including orbital rendezvous and capture labs, space robotics innovation labs, microgravity simulation platforms and satellite integration clean rooms, marking a significant advancement in India’s private space capabilities.

The Minister congratulated Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra and his team for pioneering work in active debris removal (ADR) and in-orbit servicing. Mission EMBRACE, which conducted an in-space test of soft robotic petals in July 2026 within a year of the company’s formation, reflects the rapid progress and growing technological maturity of India’s private space startups. He appreciated the team’s experience in ISRO and the Gaganyaan programme being translated into a collaborative model in the private sector.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said Cosmoserve Space’s partnerships with Pixel for satellite systems, Dhruv Aerospace Netherlands for propulsion systems and Skyroot Aerospace for launch services demonstrate an emerging culture of end-to-end collaboration in space technology. The initiative showcases how Indian startups are combining indigenous payloads, battery technologies, satellite systems and private launch capabilities to build integrated space missions and establish global benchmarks.

Crediting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s transformative space reforms for unlocking India’s immense potential, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the journey initiated around five to six years ago, followed by the establishment of NewSpace India Limited and IN-SPACe, has fundamentally reshaped the country’s space ecosystem. India’s space economy has grown to nearly USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion in the coming decade, while its space startup ecosystem has expanded from a single-digit number to nearly 450 enterprises.

The Minister said India never lacked scientific talent or technological capabilities; what was needed was an enabling ecosystem to unlock the immense potential of its youth. He called upon domestic and international investors to participate more actively in the space sector and urged greater philanthropy in science and research to accelerate innovation, strengthen collaborations and support emerging technologies.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s ultimate objective remains technological self-reliance and sovereign capabilities, alongside international partnerships. India’s achievements in Chandrayaan and the Gaganyaan programme demonstrate its ability to undertake sophisticated missions at significantly lower costs. He also emphasised that India’s space capabilities are transforming life on Earth through applications in Gati Shakti, smart cities, disaster preparedness and several other areas directly benefiting citizens.

The Minister said Cosmoserve Space’s initiative embodies the spirit of Vishwa bandhu Bharat, extending India’s commitment to space sustainability beyond national boundaries to the benefit of humanity. He congratulated the team for contributing to a cleaner and safer space environment and said such initiatives would strengthen India’s global leadership in space technology and enhance its geopolitical stature.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his eagerness to visit the facility in person at the earliest opportunity and interact with the Cosmoserve Space team.

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