Blog

June 25: The Government of India is currently monitoring 1,987 ongoing infrastructure projects with a total investment value of approximately ₹42.50 lakh crore, reflecting the country’s large-scale focus on infrastructure-led development.

The initiative aims to ensure timely execution, improved efficiency, and better coordination across various infrastructure sectors, including transport, energy, urban development, and logistics. Regular monitoring is being carried out to address delays, resolve implementation challenges, and enhance project delivery outcomes.

Officials noted that infrastructure development remains a key priority for the government, as it plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, generating employment, and improving connectivity across regions. The large number of ongoing projects highlights the scale and ambition of India’s long-term development strategy.

According to available details, the monitoring framework is designed to strengthen accountability and ensure that projects progress as planned. This is expected to help reduce cost overruns and improve overall implementation efficiency.

Experts believe that successful execution of such large-scale infrastructure projects will significantly contribute to India’s economic expansion and support its long-term growth trajectory. Improved infrastructure is also expected to boost industrial activity and enhance ease of living for citizens.

The statement reinforces the government’s continued emphasis on infrastructure development as a key pillar of national economic progress.

Mumbai/Pune June 25: Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have developed a solar thermal energy storage system that enables hot water availability even after sunset by storing solar heat in a phase change material (PCM)-based thermal battery. The technology addresses one of the biggest challenges associated with solar energy—its intermittent availability—and has the potential to reduce dependence on electricity and fossil fuels for water heating applications.

Developed by Dr. Anita Nene and Dr. Rohit Ghadge from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT-WPU, the system combines a Scheffler solar concentrator with a thermal storage capsule containing paraffin wax, a phase change material capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat.

Unlike conventional energy storage systems that rely on electrochemical batteries, the proposed solution stores energy directly as heat. The system incorporates a detachable PCM tube, a water-jacket heat transfer mechanism, and polyurethane insulation to maximize heat retention and energy utilization.

According to the researchers, the technology achieved complete thermal charging in approximately 18 minutes and complete discharge in approximately 32 minutes during laboratory-scale testing. The system continued supplying hot water after solar input was removed, demonstrating its ability to provide thermal energy beyond daylight hours.

The prototype stores approximately 1.5 to 2 kWh of thermal energy and can maintain water temperatures between 50°C and 60°C for up to 14 hours after charging. Compared to conventional electric water heaters.

“One of the major limitations of solar energy is that it is available only when the sun is shining. Our objective was to develop a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable thermal storage solution that can store solar energy and make it available whenever required,” said Dr. Anita Nene.

“Thermal energy accounts for a substantial share of overall energy consumption. Technologies that enable efficient storage of solar heat can help reduce dependence on conventional fuels, improve energy security, and support the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems,” said Dr. Rohit Ghadge. 

The researchers conducted Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations alongside laboratory-scale validation to evaluate system performance.

The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and is being prepared for pilot deployments in real-world environments.

Potential applications include residential water heating systems, hotels, hospitals, hostels, educational institutions, industrial process heating facilities, community kitchens, agricultural operations, and off-grid rural communities.

An Indian patent application titled “Solar Energy Storage Capsule Using Phase Change Material” has been filed under Application No. 202521118546. The researchers are currently exploring collaborations with industry partners for pilot deployment and commercialization.

“The next phase of development will focus on field trials, performance optimization, and scale-up for commercial deployment,” said Dr Anita Nene.

lower carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 to 3 tonnes annually, contributing to India’s clean energy and sustainability goals.

June 25: Indian equity benchmarks closed marginally higher in a volatile trading session, as early gains were partially erased by late selling pressure. Despite intraday fluctuations, both Sensex and Nifty managed to end in positive territory, reflecting a cautious yet stable market sentiment.

The session witnessed a strong start, supported by selective buying across key sectors. However, profit booking in the latter half of the trading day weighed on overall momentum, leading to a moderation in gains by the close of trade.

Market participants observed that investor sentiment remained mixed amid global cues and ongoing domestic developments. While some sectors showed resilience, others faced selling pressure, resulting in a narrow trading range for most of the session.

Analysts noted that the market continues to be driven by stock-specific movements, with investors focusing on corporate earnings, macroeconomic indicators, and global market trends. The overall trend, however, indicates underlying strength in the broader market despite short-term volatility.

Experts suggest that cautious optimism persists among investors, with a focus on quality stocks and long-term positioning. The ability of the indices to hold gains despite late-session weakness is seen as a sign of continued market resilience.

June 25: Marking a significant milestone in international energy cooperation, BRICS nations have officially launched a Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) dedicated to Smart Grids and Energy Storage under India’s chairmanship. The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and technological collaboration among member countries in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

The newly established Centre of Excellence will serve as a collaborative platform for research, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise in smart grid technologies and advanced energy storage systems. The initiative is expected to support the modernization of power infrastructure and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources across BRICS economies.

The launch underscores the collective commitment of BRICS nations to strengthening energy security, promoting sustainable development, and accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in the energy sector. By encouraging cooperation among governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions, the Centre will help address emerging challenges related to energy transition and grid resilience.

India’s leadership in establishing the Digital Centre of Excellence reflects its growing role in advancing global clean energy initiatives and promoting technology-driven solutions for sustainable growth. The Centre is also expected to support policy development, skill enhancement, and innovation-led partnerships among member countries.

As energy systems worldwide undergo rapid transformation, the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence is poised to become an important hub for collaboration, helping member nations build smarter, more efficient, and sustainable power networks for the future.

 

 

 

Federation continues its financial transformation since election of H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem as President in 2021

Dubai, UAE, June 25: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today reported its strongest operating result in 10 years.

For FY2025, the FIA delivered an operating profit of €6.7m, up 43% year-on-year and representing a significant turnaround from the €-24m operating loss reported in 2021. Operating revenue was €191.7m, a 75% increase since FY2021.

This result builds on the FIA’s return to profitability delivered in FY2024, and reflects the continued financial transformation of the federation since the election of the President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in 2021.

It is underpinned by a stronger commercial strategy, improved cost discipline, and clearer financial oversight across the organisation.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Six months into my second term as FIA President, I remain committed to ensuring a profitable and financially sustainable operation. Today, I am proud that we have continued to deliver on this mission, achieving the FIA’s strongest operating result in ten years and building on the significant progress made since 2021.

“Improving the governance, transparency and financial health of the FIA was central to my manifesto pledge, and we have transformed the organisation into a more resilient and professional federation.

“I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to drive positive change across the FIA and deliver long-term value for our Member Clubs, our Championships, our people, and our global mobility and motor sport communities.”

The 2025 results were supported by strong performance across key FIA Championships and commercial activities. This included the advancement of a new promoter process for the FIA World Rally Championship with improved commercial terms, strong performance from the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the implementation of new regulations.

Additionally, the landmark long-term contract extension with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship promoter, Formula E Holdings Limited generated an exceptional gain of €20m, reflecting the Championship’s continued growth.

The FIA Commercial Department, established in 2023, launched a new Global Partner Programme focused on innovative partnerships with global brands and tech partners, contributing to overall revenue growth. These include DHL, Rolex, Hankook and AlphaTauri as Global Partners, and Siemens and Tomorrow.io as Official Partners.

The FIA is in a much stronger position to deliver value for its Member Clubs across the world and continue investing in the Championships under its governance.

Since 2022, over €20m has been reinvested into key initiatives such as a new Officials Department to better support the training and development of the officiating community, and the Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme.

The federation has continued to modernise its operations, governance, and communications. It opened its first office in London in 2025, strengthening its global footprint and supporting its ability to attract talent and deliver its mission across international markets.

It increased its headcount to 308 permanent employees in 2025, a 14% increase on prior year. New initiatives such as FIA CareerShift and FIA Graduate Pathway Rotational Programme reflect further investment into professional development and career pathways.

Across sport, the FIA continued to strengthen the long-term foundations of its Championships and competition structures in 2025.

The signing of the Concorde Governance Agreement with Formula One Group established a structured governance model for the sport and helped secure its long-term future.

In mobility, the FIA continued to advocate globally for safer, more accessible and more sustainable transport, while sustainability also remained a central priority.

Through the FIA University, the federation published new research to support decision-making by Member Clubs, policymakers and industry stakeholders, while promoting professional development through programmes including the Advanced Leadership Programme and Executive Leadership Programme.

The FIA reported a strong financial position at year end, with cash and cash equivalents equal to 73% of the balance sheet, an increase of 6% year-on-year, an equity ratio of 49%, and no financial debt.

This financial position supports the FIA’s ability to continue investing in its Championships, its Member Clubs, its people and its strategic priorities across sport and mobility.