US Chips Act Set to Reshape Helium Demand in the US

  Author: Dr Shababa Selim, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx   Two years after signing the US Chips Act into law for onshore chip manufacturing, over US$30 billion of the total US$39 billion in direct incentives have been awarded to date. With the remainder set for allocation by the end of the year, the US Chips Act is progressing steadily. Given helium’s critical role in semiconductor production, onshoring chip manufacturing will have a significant knock-on impact on the helium demand for semiconductor manufacturing. According to IDTechEx forecasts in its report on the…

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Defence Ministry Signs Contract for procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard

Ministry of Defence, on October 24, 2024, signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa for procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 387.44 crore. These amphibious vessels, also called ‘Hovercrafts’, will be procured under the Buy {Indian) category. These ACVs will be indigenously manufactured in India for the first time in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the Government, representing a pivotal step in the nation’s shipping landscape. The project will also significantly enhance the…

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Two major railway infrastructure projects approved by the Cabinet Committee

The 256 Km Railway Doubling Project in North Bihar is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region, particularly between Mithilanchal, Nepal, and Northeast India. The Union Cabinet has approved the investment of approximately Rs 6,798 crore for two railway projects in Bihar, one being the doubling project. This financial commitment signifies the government’s focus on developing railway infrastructure in this crucial region. Economic Growth: By enhancing connectivity, the project is expected to stimulate economic development in Mithilanchal and improve access to markets for local businesses. Transit…

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The Role of Voluntary Carbon Credit Markets in Supporting CCUS

  Author: Eve Pope, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx   In voluntary carbon markets, corporates or individuals set climate targets and voluntarily purchase carbon credits from environmental projects that can reduce or remove carbon dioxide emissions to reach them. Across IDTechEx’s research into point-source carbon capture, carbon dioxide removal, and carbon dioxide utilization, numerous business models for CCUS have been analyzed – including those based on voluntary market finance.   Carbon credit markets have weathered several scandals pertaining to poor-quality credits in recent years. The complex and sometimes volatile nature of these markets have led…

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MoUs signed between NIEPVD Dehradun and Six Institutions for the welfare of Divyangjan

On October 23, 2024, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) based in Dehradun signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six institutions to enhance the welfare of individuals classified as ‘Divyangjan’ (persons with disabilities) in India. This initiative is part of the efforts by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the needs and empower this demographic through various technological and supportive measures. The following organizations entered into partnerships with NIEPVD: Uttarakhand Open University National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Haridwar Max Hospital,…

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Are Hydrogen Engines Truly Zero Emissions?

Author: Mika Takahashi, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx   Internal combustion engines (ICE) but without the emissions. The idea is certainly appealing. Keeping the same internal combustion engines (ICE) that have powered cars, buses, and trucks for well over a century, but eliminating the damaging and climate-affecting emissions that escape from the tailpipe. Currently, electrification is the primary route to decarbonizing transportation, but battery electric solutions bring many challenges, meaning adoption is likely to be a slow process – IDTechEx estimates that 11% of all car sales in 2023 were fully electric.…

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NSDL launches YUP (YUva Plan)

NSDL announces its revised charge structure of ₹4.00 per debit instruction in a client’s demat account, effective from October 1, 2024. The settlement fee (which was earlier levied on a slab structure) will now be a single charge structure for all its DPs.   Aimed at the youth of India, NSDL also announces the launch of YUP (YUva Plan), where the settlement fees per debit instruction will be Zero for 36 months from the date of opening of a new demat account by individual youth below the age of 24.   Mr. S. Gopalan, Interim…

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Empowering Women Through a Gripping Tale: Jagriti – The Awakening Set to Release Soon”

or “Jagriti – The Awakening: A Bold Film Bringing Women's Voices to the Forefront of Justice” The anticipation for Jagriti – The Awakening continues to rise as the release date approaches. This highly awaited film, which addresses the crucial themes of women's safety and empowerment, wrapped up shooting in June and is set to hit theaters later this year. Audiences can expect a powerful and inspiring narrative that sheds light on the grim realities of crimes against women while emphasizing awareness and prevention. Jagriti – The Awakening tells the gripping…

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For the first time in the mining history, Mine Closure Certificate has been given by Coal Ministry

The issuance of mine closure certification by the Ministry of Coal represents a significant milestone in the Indian coal mining sector, symbolizing a stride towards sustainable mining practices. This initiative was officially recorded with the issuance of closure certificates for three mines, namely Pathakhera Mine No-II, Pathakhera Mine No-I, and Satpura II, marking the first occurrence of such certifications in India’s mining history. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainable mining and environmental rehabilitation across the Indian coal sector. The successful issuance of mine closure certifications represents…

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50 national highway projects approved for Manipur

The Ministry has approved 50 National Highway projects of 1026 km length in Manipur. Out of this, 44 projects of 902 km length lie in the hills of the State so far. In hills, 8 projects for 125 km have been completed and balance 36 projects of Rs 12000 cr for 777 km are in progress. In the Annual Plan 2024-25 of the Ministry, there are 2 National Highway projects of Rs 1350 cr for total length 90 km which lies in hills. Under CRIF Ministry approves the list of…

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