Content:

1. Regional Power Conference with Southern States/ UTs
2. New Bharat Dawns With A Resurgent Northeast: Sarbananda Sonowal

Regional Power Conference with Southern States/ UTs

Key Themes and Objectives

• Emphasis on building a smarter, sustainable, and financially viable power sector.
• Strengthening Centre-State cooperation to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Call for accelerated adoption of smart meters, green energy, and cyber-secure grids.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance)

Major Discussion Points

• Resource Adequacy:
  • Need for power generation capacity tie-ups till FY2035.
  • Emphasis on nuclear energy and renewable + storage for reliable power.

• Transmission Infrastructure:
  • Development of inter-state and intra-state transmission networks using:
    • Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB)
    • Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM)
    • Budgetary support
    • Monetization of assets
  • Resolution of Right of Way (RoW) issues critical.

• Distribution Sector Reforms:
  • Improve billing, tariff structures, reduce AT&C losses.
  • Timely payment of Govt dues and subsidies—FY24 dues still pending.
  • Close coordination with ERCs for cost-reflective tariffs.

Smart Metering Push

• Prepaid Smart Meter Targets:
  • All Govt establishments: by August 2025.
  • C&I and high-load consumers: by November 2025.

• Smart meters to:
  • Improve billing efficiency.
  • Enable AI/ML-based data analytics for demand prediction.
  • Help resolve subsidy leakage and revenue gaps.

Green Energy Focus

• Urged States to:
  • Submit proposals under GEC-III (Green Energy Corridor – Phase III).
  • Prioritize PM-KUSUM implementation and PPA signings within 7 months.
  • Promote energy storage alongside renewables for grid stability.

Cybersecurity Measures

• States to implement cybersecurity protocols for grid and distribution networks.
• Regional-level workshops and training to be conducted by MoP.

Financial Support to States

• Leverage₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan scheme (Budget 2025-26) for infra development.
• Improve financial health of Discoms to avoid future service degradation.

Assurances and Appeals

• Centre assured of continued support for power sector reforms.
• Call for greater collaborative federalism in achieving power sector goals.

New Bharat Dawns With A Resurgent Northeast: Sarbananda Sonowal

Context:

• Event: Rising Northeast Investor Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Focus Theme: “Unlocking Capital for NE Infrastructure”

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Economy , Regional development)

 Strategic Vision for Northeast India

• Northeast is no longer remote; it is emerging as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
• Declared a “Resurgent Northeast” as central to New Bharat’s growth.
• Over 700 ministerial visits in the last decade underscore the Centre’s commitment.

 Infrastructure & Connectivity Push

• Inland Waterways:
  • Over 20 National Waterways notified in the region.
  • Jalvahak scheme introduced to boost multimodal logistics, cargo hubs.
  • Expected to unlock employment, regional trade, and new economic corridors.

• International Logistics Integration:
  • Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) and Sittwe Port in Myanmar positioned as game-changers.
  • Enhances India’s access to ASEAN & BBIN markets (600+ million consumers).

 Investment Potential

• Northeast offers unparalleled investment access to neighbouring countries.
• Government calls for public-private partnerships in logistics, shipping, wellness, and tourism.
• Emphasis on inclusive development and sustainable infrastructure growth.

Medical Tourism & “Heal in India” Potential

• NER’s natural beauty + wellness traditions = ideal for medical & wellness tourism.
• Promoted as a potential hub under ‘Heal in India’ initiative.
• Leverages rising healthcare infra and serene environment.

 Skill Development for Maritime Sector

• New skill development programs launched for youth in the Northeast.
• Focus on training in port operations, vessel management, logistics.

 Broader Implications

• Marks a shift in perception of Northeast from peripheral to pivotal in India’s growth.
• NER becoming an integrated economic engine for New Bharat.
• Reinforces Act East Policy by enhancing NER’s global and regional trade connectivity.