Page 42 - NIS English 01-15 Aug 2025

UNION CABINET DECISIONS
Cabinet hailed Group
Captain Shubhanshu on
his return from space
On July 15, Group Captain Shubhanshu
Shukla, symbolising India’s infinite aspirations,
returned safely to earth from space. This is
an occasion of pride, glory, and jubilation
for the entire country. The Union Cabinet,
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
joined the nation in felicitating Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla on his successful return
to Earth after completing a historic 18-day
mission to the International Space Station.
The Cabinet congratulated ISRO and the
entire team of scientists and engineers for
this historic achievement. The mission was
launched on 25 June 2025, in which Group
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla joined as
Mission Pilot. Through this mission, for the
first time, an Indian astronaut went to the
International Space Station. This is a new
chapter in India’s space program. While on the
International Space Station, Group Captain
Shukla conducted many experiments. This is a
testimony to India’s growing leadership role in
international space cooperation.
40 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || August 1-15, 2025
DECISION: NTPC will be able to invest Rs
20,000 crore in renewable energy.
IMPACT: NTPC Limited has been allowed to
invest up to Rs 20,000 crore in the renewable
energy sector, above the existing limit. Earlier,
this limit was Rs 7500 crore. This investment
will be made through NTPC Green Energy
Limited and its subsidiaries and joint ventures.
The target is to achieve 60 GW renewable
energy capacity by the year 2032. This step
will also play an important role in strength-
ening the power infrastructure and ensuring
investment to provide 24-hour power across
the country.
DECISION: Approval of investment conces-
sion for NLCIL for the rapid development
of renewable energy.
IMPACT: This strategic decision will enable
NLCIL to invest Rs 7,000 crore in its whol-
ly-owned subsidiary, NLC India Renewables
Limited (NIRL). These concessions are aimed
at achieving NLCIL’s ambitious target of devel-
oping 10.11 GW of renewable energy capacity
by 2030 and expanding it to 32 GW by 2047.
This approval is expected to strengthen India’s
position as a leader in the green energy sector
by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, reduc-
ing coal imports, and increasing the reliability
of 24x7 power supply across the country. n