Context: The The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) released the report “India’s PV Manufacturing & Its Strategic Inflection Points” at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, alongside the launch of the National Cleantech Manufacturing Implementation Plan. The report examines how India can capture higher domestic value from its rapidly expanding solar deployment by strengthening upstream and midstream manufacturing. What the TERI Report Is About It is a strategic policy-and-industry assessment of India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing value chain, covering: The report identifies “strategic inflection points” where targeted interventions in policy, finance, R&D, and skilling can make India globally competitive, resilient, and less import-dependent. Key Trends Highlighted Theme Key Highlights Global Solar PV Scale (2024–25) • Global cumulative PV capacity: ~2.2 TW (end-2024) • Global module manufacturing capacity: ~1.8 TW (projected end-2025) Global Manufacturing Concentration • ~80% of PV manufacturing capacity concentrated in China across the value chain China’s Upstream Dominance • Wafers: ~98% • Polysilicon: ~92% • Cells: ~91.8% • Modules: ~84.6% Systemic Risks • High geographic concentration creates supply-chain vulnerabilities • Energy-importing countries face risks from price shocks, export controls, and geopolitical disruptions India’s Current Manufacturing Profile • Manufacturing base is downstream-heavy • Dominated by module assembly, limited upstream integration India’s Installed Capacity (FY2025) • Module manufacturing capacity: ~120 GW per year Policy Drivers of Scale-Up in India • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes • High import duties on finished solar panels • ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) creating domestic demand-pull India’s 2030 Manufacturing Ambition • Module capacity: >280 GW/year • Cell capacity: ~171 GW/year (from ~30 GW currently) Key Bottleneck: Finance • Upstream segments are capital-intensive and high-risk • Limited access to low-cost, long-tenure finance Proposed Financial Innovation (TERI) • Issuance of sovereign Green PV Bonds • Objective: Lower borrowing costs and de-risk upstream investments Need for a Full Manufacturing Ecosystem • Solar Manufacturing Technology Parks • Dedicated PV–Semiconductor Skill Council • Structured recycling and circular economy frameworks Stakeholder Involvement Required • Central & State Governments • OEMs and developers • MSMEs • Financial institutions and long-term investors
Indian Army Launches DIME Platform
Source: ET Context: On 8 January 2026, the Indian Army launched Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME), a new digital platform aimed at modernising and digitising military logistics management. What is DIME? DIME is a comprehensive digital logistics platform designed to provide commanders with real-time, data-driven visibility of spares, equipment, and inventory across the Army’s logistics chain. Development Details Purpose of DIME
Indian Army Procures Solar-Powered MAPSS UAV
Context: In January 2026, the Indian Army placed a Rs 168 crore order with NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) UAV. This marks the first deployment of solar-powered UAVs by the Indian Army, beyond battery-powered and tethered drones. About MAPSS UAV Indigenous Development Long Endurance Capability Operational Roles Advanced Mission Autonomy Low Detectability
Bank of Baroda Gets RBI Approval to Set Up SPD Subsidiary
Source: BL Context: In January 2026, Bank of Baroda (BoB) received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to switch from its existing Bank Primary Dealer (PD) business to a wholly-owned subsidiary for undertaking Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD) business. This marks a key step in the strategic restructuring of Public Sector Banks (PSBs). What Does the Approval Mean? Regulatory Background and Policy Context RBI Liquidity Support to SPD About Primary Dealers (PDs) Primary Dealers are RBI-registered NBFCs that act as intermediaries in the Government Securities market, ensuring liquidity and smooth debt issuance. Functions Types of PDs in India Bank PDs Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) About Bank of Baroda
Skydo Gets RBI Authorization as PA-CB
Source: BL Context: On 9 January 2026, Skydo, a cross-border payments platform, received final authorization from the RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. What does a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB)? Why did RBI introduce PA-CB? What is a PA-CB License? A PA-CB license allows an entity to: About Skydo
Stricter KYC Norms for Crypto Exchanges in India
Source: ET Context: India has tightened Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) norms for cryptocurrency exchanges. The move follows updated guidelines issued on January 8 by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). What has been mandated? New KYC Requirements Crypto exchanges must now mandatorily collect: These form part of enhanced Client Due Diligence (CDD) norms. Reporting & Compliance Activities Restricted The guidelines: Legal Framework Background
MoRTH Proposes Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act)
Source: TNIE Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act) to: Key Proposal: Behaviour-Based Insurance Linking Premiums to Challan History Expanding Mandatory Third-Party Insurance Driving Licence (DL) Reforms Proposed 1. Renewal & Driving Test 2. Bar on Fresh Licence 3. Graded Licence System 4. Medical Fitness Norms
Regulatory Review Cell (RRC)
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is preparing for wide-ranging regulatory reforms to modernise India’s financial architecture in line with Viksit Bharat 2047. These changes build on recent initiatives to simplify regulation, strengthen governance, and align credit flow with economic priorities. Regulatory Review Cell (RRC) The Regulatory Review Cell (RRC) is an institutional mechanism set up under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to review, streamline, and rationalise regulations in the road transport and highways sector. Background
Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS)
Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a nationwide special campaign (Jan 1–Feb 28) to clear all pending customer grievances under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS). The move signals a regulatory shift from rule-based compliance to consumer-centric governance. Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS) The Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS) is a single, unified grievance redressal mechanism introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resolve customer complaints against regulated financial entities. What is IOS? Launched in November 2021, the IOS merged and replaced multiple earlier ombudsman schemes into one common framework to simplify complaint filing and resolution. Schemes merged under IOS Now governed by one authority, one process, and one portal Who is covered? Complaints can be filed against:
Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
Context: A decade after the licensing of Small Finance Banks (SFBs), their performance is being reassessed in terms of financial inclusion, innovation, and differentiation from microfinance institutions (MFIs). The experience of SFBs is contrasted with the mixed outcomes of universal banks, local area banks (LABs), and payments banks. Small Finance Banks (SFBs) Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are specialised banks licensed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to promote financial inclusion by providing basic banking services to unserved and underserved sections of society. Key features Ownership & governance Background: Why SFBs Were Introduced RBI’s Original Vision (2014) Key Regulatory Requirements
