Kiran Sharma

In a significant move to bolster its renewable energy portfolio, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, commonly known as Masdar, has announced its proposed acquisition of Saeta Yield from Brookfield Renewable. This landmark deal, valued at approximately $1.4 billion (€1.2 billion), marks a pivotal moment in Masdar's growth trajectory and its commitment to the clean energy transition in Europe. Details of the Acquisition Masdar's acquisition encompasses a robust portfolio of 745 megawatts (MW) of predominantly wind assets, with 538 MW located in Spain, 144 MW in Portugal, and an additional 63 MW in solar photovoltaic (PV) assets in Spain. The deal also includes a promising 1.6 gigawatt (GW) development pipeline, positioning Masdar as a significant player in the European renewable energy sector. Notably, the transaction excludes a regulated portfolio of 350 MW of concentrated solar power assets, which Brookfield will retain and continue to operate. This acquisition not only r...

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced plans to establish new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. This development reflects India's commitment to enhancing its diplomatic footprint in the U.S., catering to the needs of the Indian diaspora, and promoting economic, cultural, and educational ties. Growing Indian Diaspora With one of the largest Indian populations in the world residing in the United States, the need for enhanced consular services has never been more pressing. The Indian community in cities like Boston and Los Angeles has been growing steadily, contributing to the local economy and cultural diversity. The new consulates will provide essential services, including visa processing, passport renewals, and assistance to Indian nationals in distress. Strengthening Economic Ties The establishment of consulates in these two cities will further bolster economic relation...

In a remarkable display of solidarity and support, India has dispatched its second tranche of humanitarian assistance to Namibia, aimed at enhancing food security for the warm and friendly people of the nation. A consignment of 1,000 metric tons of maize set sail from Nhava Sheva port yesterday, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. The humanitarian initiative underscores India’s commitment to providing aid to countries facing food security challenges. Namibia, located in southern Africa, has been grappling with various issues that have affected its agricultural output, making such assistance crucial for its people. The Significance of the Maize Shipment Maize, a staple food in many African nations, is essential for meeting the dietary needs of the population. This shipment not only aims to alleviate immediate food shortages but also reflects India's ongoing efforts to foster goodwill and strengthen bilateral relations with Namibia. A Growing Partnership India and...

On September 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a high-profile public rally in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, just as the region embarked on its crucial journey towards electing a new 90-member assembly. The assembly elections, a significant event in J&K’s political landscape, are being held in three phases, with the first phase of voting already completed on September 18. The remaining two rounds are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively. The Rally: A Symbol of Hope and Unity The Prime Minister’s rally in Srinagar is seen as a significant move to galvanize voters and signal the central government’s commitment to the development and stability of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a large audience, Modi highlighted the strides made in the region under the current administration and outlined the vision for its future. The rally was not just a political event but also a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the government’s engagement with the local populace. Ke...

The Government of Rajasthan has taken a major step towards realising its investment and economic development goals. A high-level delegation led by Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore met Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai. The main objective of the delegation was to present investment opportunities in Rajasthan and invite investors to the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024. Roadshow in UAE: An Effort in a New Direction This investor roadshow was organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of India and FICCI. Through this roadshow held in UAE, Col. Rathore held meetings with several leading UAE companies, including companies from sectors such as logistics, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. The main objective of these meetings was to promote opportunities for trade and investment in Rajasthan and to assure investors that the state government is working hard to provide a favorable bu...

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, shared some exciting news about the country’s clean energy efforts. As of 2023, clean energy makes up 27.83% of the UAE’s total energy use, getting close to the 32% target set for 2030.  *Big Growth in Renewable Energy* From 2019 to 2022, the UAE doubled its renewable energy capacity, and in 2023, it increased by 70%, reaching a total of 6.1 gigawatts. This means the country is using much more renewable energy than before.  *Moving Up in Global Rankings* The UAE has made impressive progress in global renewable energy rankings. It has moved from sixth place to second place in how much renewable energy it uses per person.  *Major Investments in Clean Energy* The UAE has invested over AED 45 billion in clean energy projects. Some of the key projects include: - The 1.8 GW Phase VI of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. - The second phase of Dubai’s waste-to-energy project. - Major solar...

In a recent high-profile discussion, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have engaged in talks to deepen their partnership. This dialogue reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation across several vital sectors, including the Belt and Road Initiative, complementary development strategies, and advancements in technology and innovation. A Vision for the Future Premier Li Qiang’s proposal to boost cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative marks a significant step in fortifying the economic ties between the UAE and China. This ambitious plan aims to integrate infrastructure development and trade connectivity across Asia, Europe, and beyond, creating a robust framework for global trade and investment. Both leaders are keen on aligning their development strategies to complement each other’s economic goals. By synchronizing their efforts, the UAE and China seek to leverage their respective strengths to drive sustainable growth and innov...

In a significant boost to India-UAE relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed signed a series of new agreements on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in their comprehensive economic partnership. Sheikh Khaled’s visit to India, his first official trip, underscores the deepening of ties between the two nations as they look to broaden their collaboration into new, emerging areas. Expanding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, established in 2022, has already made waves as a model for similar trade agreements. This pact, which slashed tariffs on approximately 80% of goods and granted zero-duty access to 90% of Indian exports, has been instrumental in advancing bilateral exchanges. The new agreements signed during Sheikh Khaled’s visit aim to build on this success by expanding the CEPA into new areas of mutual interest. Randhir Jaiswal, spoke...

 In a significant diplomatic gesture, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently held a meeting with a high-level parliamentary delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New Delhi. This meeting underscores the strengthening ties between India and the UAE, highlighting a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations through legislative collaboration. The visit of the UAE parliamentary delegation is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between India and the UAE. During the meeting, both sides engaged in discussions on various issues of mutual interest, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and legislative practices. Speaker Om Birla welcomed the delegation with a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of strengthening legislative ties to support the broader bilateral relationship. He highlighted India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the UAE, which has been a key partner in economic and strategic domains. The UAE delegation, led by...

In a significant move aimed at bolstering employment opportunities for the youth of Himachal Pradesh, the state government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a prominent Dubai-based firm. This strategic partnership is expected to open new avenues for overseas jobs, providing a valuable opportunity for the state's young population to secure employment in the UAE. Himachal Pradesh's New Partnership for Job Creation The agreement between the Himachal Pradesh government and the Dubai-based firm marks a promising step in addressing unemployment and underemployment among the state's youth. By leveraging the firm's extensive network and resources, the MoU aims to facilitate job placements in various sectors, including hospitality, construction, and healthcare. This initiative is expected to have a dual impact: it will not only provide much-needed job opportunities for local residents but also enhance their professional skills and experience in an inte...

In a significant development for India-UAE relations , the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Accountability Authority in Abu Dhabi. This landmark agreement underscores the growing collaboration between the two nations in enhancing accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public financial management. Key Highlights of the MoU Enhancing Cooperation: The MoU aims to foster closer cooperation between the two institutions, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in auditing and accountability. This partnership will enable both countries to strengthen their financial oversight mechanisms and improve the effectiveness of their public sector governance. Capacity Building: One of the primary objectives of the MoU is to support capacity-building initiatives. By leveraging each other’s strengths, both the CAG of India and the UAE Accountability Authority will be able to enhance their audi...