heavy industries ministry

Odisha has proposed to the Centre the establishment of 190 electric vehicle public charging stations across six cities under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will implement the project, with site surveys already underway. This initiative aims to boost EV adoption by enhancing charging accessibility and reducing range anxiety.

The Finance Ministry has declared the West Asia conflict a "war," enabling government entities to invoke 'force majeure' for public contracts impacted by disruptions. This allows for penalty-free extensions of two to four months for affected companies, offering significant relief to sectors like defence and drone manufacturing facing supply chain issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the forces have struck two Russian oil tankers near Novorossiysk port. This action highlights Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russia's energy sector. Drone warfare has intensified, with Ukraine increasingly targeting Russian territory. Russia has also conducted extensive drone attacks across Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing.

Actor Vijay's new party, TVK, has made a significant electoral impact in Tamil Nadu with a welfare-focused manifesto. Promising women's safety, youth employment, and transparent governance through technology, TVK challenges established parties. Key initiatives include monthly aid for women, free LPG, and skill development programs, aiming to reshape the state's political landscape.

Japan has lifted its ban on lethal weapons exports, a significant shift in its post-war pacifist stance. This move aims to bolster its defense industry amidst regional security concerns, with countries like Australia already signing major deals. While China criticizes the policy, allies see it as a step towards enhanced regional stability and cooperation.

Ukraine has outpaced Russia in drone attacks for the first time since the war began. Kyiv's forces targeted Russian oil infrastructure, aiming to disrupt funding for the conflict. Russia reported intercepting a record number of Ukrainian drones. Both nations continue to rely heavily on long-range strikes, raising concerns about the war's potential to spread.

Last week, the government announced a big excise duty cut on petrol and diesel prices, in effect cushioning consumers from a hike, while also reducing the blow for oil marketing companies.

The government has updated the PM E-DRIVE scheme with new registration deadlines for electric two-wheelers (July 31, 2026) and three-wheelers (March 31, 2028). Price caps are set at Rs 1.5 lakh for two-wheelers and Rs 2.5 lakh for three-wheelers. The scheme, with a Rs 10,900 crore outlay, may close early if funds are exhausted.

An Iranian strike injured 12 US troops in Saudi Arabia, two of them seriously, in an attack on Prince Sultan airbase on Friday, two people briefed on the matter said. The combined missile and drone attack amounted to one of the most serious breaches of American air defences in the war. At least two KC-135 aerial refuelling planes also suffered significant damage.

Heavy rains in the UAE are prompting questions about whether delayed commutes count as working hours. While generally not considered work time, exceptions exist in the emirates during officially declared unstable weather, with company transport delays or if explicitly stated in your contract. Understanding these nuances is crucial for employee rights.

India's roads face a critical safety challenge, with rear-end collisions contributing significantly to a high death toll. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are emerging as a crucial solution, moving from luxury to a national mandate for commercial vehicles from 2027 to prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

India's PM E-DRIVE scheme mandates deep localization of electric truck traction motors and controllers by September 2026. This policy shift, particularly concerning rare earth magnet imports from China, poses significant risks for Tier-1 suppliers, including supply chain disruptions, cost escalations, and production delays, forcing a manufacturing transformation.

Unstable weather in the UAE prompts questions about mandatory remote work for private sector employees. While not automatically mandated, authorities strongly encourage companies to prioritise worker safety, offering flexibility like remote or hybrid options. Employers must ensure safe conditions, with a focus on protecting outdoor workers, reflecting a balance between business continuity and employee wellbeing.