Big News: The central government approves green tax on older vehicles; Delhi tops in innovation; Jammu and Kashmir approves its land allotment policy; Nagaland inaugurates its new district; and more.

Industrial Policy & Business Regulations

Delhi leads NITI Aayog’s India Innovation Index, a metric for assessing the innovation capabilities of Indian states and union territories. Source: Hindustan Times; In detail: India Innovation Index

Madhya Pradesh implements power sector reforms by starting “direct benefit transfer” of electricity subsidy to farmers in one district of the state. This implementation makes the state eligible for additional borrowing limits. Source: Financial Express; In detail: Press Release

Land Acquisition & Labor Reforms

Jammu and Kashmir government approves industrial land allotment policy. The policy attempts to create an industrial land bank for promoting equitable industrial growth Source: CNBC

Infrastructure & Governance

Nothing critical to report this week

Power & Renewable Energy

West Bengal allows “net metering” for household solar rooftops up to a maximum capacity limit of five kilowatt. Net metering will allow the households to sell excess solar energy to the electricity distribution company. Source: Saur Energy

Oil & Gas

Nothing critical to report this week

Water & Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Health

Telangana launches a project to provide basic diagnostic facilities for free of cost to the underprivileged. Source: Business World; In detail: Minister’s Tweet

Business Negative Reforms

Nothing critical to report this week

Any Other News

Nagaland inaugurates its new district Noklak. Noklak is the state’s 12th district and shares an international border with Myanmar. Source: Northeast Now; In detail: Chief Minister’s Tweet

Center – State Relations

The Ministry of Power waives inter-state transmission system charges for renewable power producers facing delays in project commissioning due to reasons beyond their control. Source: Financial Express; In detail: Order

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways approves green tax on vehicles older than eight years. The revenue collected from the tax is expected to be used for tackling air pollution. Source: Economic Times; In detail: Press Release