CENTRE STATES
Skill development ministry launches new framework to fast-track approvals for centres of excellence
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has introduced a national empanelment framework to speed up the setting up of centres of excellence and create a pool of credible, industry-linked training institutions. The framework includes a green channel for established institutions, allowing them to bypass the regular evaluation process and receive faster approvals.
Maharashtra plans FY28 IPO for state power transmission firm MSETCL; approval likely soon
Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (MSETCL) is targeting an FY28 IPO to raise ₹7,000-8,000 crore, with a proposal submitted to the state government and approval expected within two months, according to Additional Chief Secretary Abha Shukla. The transmission utility has appointed six banks for the proposed listing and plans to use the funds to participate in tariff-based competitive bidding projects.
Karnataka Minister Patil blames Centre's UDAN policy for Shivamogga flight suspension, says aviation policy set for Cabinet nod
Karnataka is preparing to present a new civil aviation policy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and airport management. The policy suggests financial help and viability gap funding to bolster state-operated airports. Minister MB Patil criticized the Centre for inadequate support related to flight operations. He held the Union government accountable for the ethanol production crisis affecting local sugar mills.
Wall Street brokerages call AI stock selloff overdone, see buying opportunity in tech stocks
Wall Street brokerages Morgan Stanley, UBS and HSBC consider the recent AI stock selloff excessive, maintaining confidence in long-term investment prospects. Analysts expect Nvidia earnings, Anthropic's potential IPO and continued data centre spending to drive market sentiment, viewing regulatory concerns as unlikely to derail the broader artificial intelligence investment cycle.
Singapore to launch gold vaulting service for foreign central banks, ease taxes to boost bullion trad
Singapore's central bank will introduce a gold vaulting service for foreign central banks and financial institutions. This initiative aims to strengthen Singapore's position as a global trading hub for precious metals. Alongside the vaulting service, new tax incentives for companies in the bullion market will be implemented next year. The Monetary Authority of Singapore is also preparing an over-the-counter gold clearing system by 2027.
Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder
Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centres with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP. Australian startup Diraq is conducting the first field test worldwide putting a small quantum computer based on a silicon chip in a commercial data centre in Sydney. Diraq's computer installed in Equinix's Sydney data centre has eight quantum bits, or qubits, on a silicon chip.
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AI demand unlikely to be derailed by Nvidia CEO controversy: Taiwan supply chain executives
Global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to remain strong despite the controversy surrounding Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, with Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain sources expecting limited long-term impact on the industry, according to a news report by Focus Taiwan.
Manipur HC puts census in state on hold till April 30, 2027
The Manipur High Court has kept the Census 2027 exercise in the state on hold until April 30, 2027, amid concerns over the prevailing situation. It directed the Registrar General and Census Commissioner to examine seven representations, including demands linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and issue a reasoned order by the deadline.
Punjab PCS aspirants seek Home Minister Amit Shah's help over results
BJP MP Tarun Chugh will take candidates’ demand for a CBI probe and fresh PPSC examination to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Candidates have alleged irregularities, including 86 consecutive roll numbers among successful applicants and 10 candidates from one examination room clearing the test.
Beyond Nvidia: Alice Huang’s reported ties to Gigabyte’s leaders and a data-centre business serving Alibaba
China's alleged spying operation targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang goes beyond one executive. A New York Times investigation links Alice Huang, reportedly recruited by China's top intelligence agency, to Gigabyte's leadership and a Singapore-based data-centre company serving Alibaba. The operation allegedly aimed to gather information on Nvidia's advanced AI chips and influence their exports to China.
Kerala to launch digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of projects
Kerala plans to introduce a digital dashboard at the Chief Minister's Office for project monitoring. This initiative aims to track infrastructure project progress and accelerate implementation. The Saral Keralam Act simplifies investment approval processes by unifying existing laws. Additionally, the government will promote major developments such as an international convention centre in Kochi.
Karnataka to release report on alleged excess ethanol in petrol on Monday; OMCs seek joint testing
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state would release findings from inspections at 67 locations on Monday after complaints of petrol containing excessive ethanol. Kerala has also ordered tests in four districts. Oil marketing companies have rejected Karnataka's claims, questioned its testing procedures and called for joint, transparent verification.
Suresh Gopi says Karnataka, Kerala free to test petrol for ethanol content, warns against politicising issue
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said Karnataka and Kerala were free to test petrol samples for ethanol content but cautioned against politicising the issue. His remarks followed Karnataka's claim of detecting higher ethanol levels in petrol and Kerala's decision to conduct similar tests.
E20 debate widens: Karnataka to reveal probe findings on Monday; MoS Suresh Gopi backs OMCs
Karnataka authorities are set to reveal more information regarding the alleged excessive ethanol blending in petrol. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the government has received numerous complaints from motorists concerning vehicle performance issues. Inspection teams collected petrol samples from various retail fuel outlets and ethanol blending facilities across the state. Additionally, Kerala has ordered laboratory tests on petrol samples amid this controversy.
Karnataka, Keralam free to test petrol for ethanol content, but don't politicise it: Suresh Gopi
Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi emphasized the freedom of Karnataka and Keralam governments to conduct petrol tests. He also mentioned that the Centre has scientific backing for its ethanol blending policy. Gopi explained that a 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol has been approved and will be implemented gradually. The Minister cautioned against politicizing the tests, as it may lead to unnecessary controversies.
Who is Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe? ICE detained Wisconsin state trooper while boarding flight, releases him nearly 24 hours later
A Wisconsin state trooper, Carel Aaron Van Der Merwe, was apprehended by ICE while boarding a domestic flight. Van Der Merwe, who emigrated from South Africa, is currently navigating a pending asylum application. He spent nearly a day in custody before his release, but his family's confusion deepens due to the lack of clarity surrounding his legal status, particularly after his admission expired in September 2019.
Centre allows five southern states to impose stock limits on rice, paddy; tightens vigil on holdings
Five southern states can impose stock limits on rice and paddy until January 31, 2027, to control prices. Traders and retailers must now disclose their rice and paddy stocks weekly on the Food Stock Portal. The government has allocated extra quantities of Bharat Rice to NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar for better availability. The rice sale target under the Open Market Sale Scheme is now doubled for 2026-27.
Activists breach Microsoft data centre construction site as protests spread in Europe
Activist groups have announced actions in 16 countries on Friday and Saturday, according to the "Stop Dirty Data Centres" coalition, which is rallying environmental groups and digital rights campaigns behind calls to pause large-scale construction.
States' capital outlay to accelerate to 10-12% on Centre support in FY27, urban infra to lead: Crisil
States' capital expenditure is projected to rise 10-12% to around Rs 8.5 lakh crore in FY27, driven by higher central assistance and greater fiscal flexibility, according to a Crisil Ratings report. Increased allocation under the SASCI scheme is expected to support infrastructure spending, particularly urban development, roads and bridges.
Centre releases Rs 1.09 lakh crore to states five days early, UP gets biggest share
The Centre has released Rs 1.09 lakh crore to state governments as tax devolution, advancing the November instalment by five days to support capital expenditure and welfare commitments. Uttar Pradesh received the largest allocation at Rs 19,208 crore, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. November's total transfer stands at Rs 2.18 lakh crore.
Govt takes over 39.5-acre Air Force Sports Complex near PM's residence in Delhi
The Centre has taken possession of 39.5 acres housing the Indian Air Force's Sports Complex near the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi. The move is part of a wider land reclamation exercise that has also involved the Delhi Race Club, Jaipur Polo Ground and Delhi Gymkhana Club.
Centre advances November tax devolution, releases Rs 1.09 lakh crore to states ahead of festive season
On November 5, 2026, the Centre released over Rs 1.09 lakh crore to state governments in advance. This release is typically done on November 10 each year, but it was advanced this time. The finance ministry stated that this advance supports states in boosting capital expenditures. The advance aims to assist states in financing their development and welfare-related projects.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
Centre proposing parity in mineral taxation, states' rights to remain intact: Union Mines Secretary
Proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act are intended to create tax parity across states. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports by fostering local production and processing of critical minerals. The Indian government has introduced significant subsidies to support industries establishing lithium and nickel processing facilities. Approximately 58 entities are now registered under a recycling program for electronic waste.
Trump-linked crypto assets slip up to 16%, AI data centre stocks slide after Democrats' US midterm win
Trump-linked cryptocurrencies tumbled up to 16%, while shares of Bitcoin miners transitioning into AI data centre businesses slumped as Democrats' strong midterm performance rattled investor sentiment. Concerns over tighter regulations, potential construction delays in Texas and rising financing costs weighed on companies betting on the AI infrastructure boom.
Australia data centre inquiry finds inadequate checks, stops short of moratorium
An inquiry into data centres by Australia's most populous state found approvals failed to consider the cumulative effect on resources and infrastructure but stopped short of calling for a moratorium, prompting a blistering rebuke from its chair.
Centre, states to discuss mining and coal sector reforms at conference in Goa: Minister
The National Conference on Mining is set to take place in South Goa over two days. The event will involve the Centre and states discussing reforms and challenges in the mining sector. Key agenda items include launching new critical mineral auction tranches and enhancing transparency. Extensive discussions are planned with states to unlock the sector's potential and advance reforms.
Texas and Georgia host the AI data-centre boom and both swung blue; AI cloud stocks fell and solar jumped up to 10% as the fight over who pays for power begins
Data centre stocks fall after Democrats win Congress, but solar shares jump 10% as US election results shake up energy outlook. Texas and Georgia are two important locations for the industry. Both elected Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. Democrats also made gains in traditionally Republican areas, including Kansas.
'Very sad' that 23 states, UTs not yet responded to Centre over discrimination in jails: SC
The Supreme Court has expressed disappointment regarding the lack of responses from 23 states and Union Territories. These regions have not provided the requested information about eliminating jail discrimination. The apex court previously deemed caste-based discrimination unconstitutional in jail regulations. A final opportunity has been given to these states to reply, with a hearing scheduled for January 13. The court has indicated potential consequences if responses are not received.
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