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SINGAPORE, Aug 13 (Reuters) - An Adani Power (ADAN.NS), opens new tab coal-fired power plant under contract to sell all its output to Bangladesh can now supply the domestic market after an amendment to India's power export rules, helping the company hedge against political risks in Bangladesh.

An internal federal power ministry memo, dated Aug. 12 and seen by Reuters, amends 2018 guidelines governing generators supplying electricity "exclusively to a neighbouring country". Currently only one plant in India - Adani Power's 1,600 megawatt (MW) Godda plant in eastern Jharkhand state - is under contract to export 100% of its power to a neighbouring country.

The memo says "the government of India may permit connection of such generating station to the Indian grid to facilitate sale of power within India in case of sustained non-scheduling of full or part capacity".
The move, which happened nearly a week after longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh amid deadly protests triggered by quotas for government jobs, could also benefit future projects where all output is locked into export contracts.

Bangladesh is battling anarchy and vandalism, with a caretaker government vowing that improving law and order was its top priority.

The amendment by the Indian government also allows sale of power to the local grid if there is a delay in payments.

The conglomerate called the plant a "shining example of India-Bangladesh cooperation" in July 2023, shortly after its billionaire Chairman Gautam Adani met Hasina following full-load commissioning of the plant.

On Tuesday, an Adani Group spokesperson said the amendment would help increase the overall availability of power in India, and "help cater to the soaring electricity demand across the country."

 

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India has lowered its development aid allocation for Bangladesh by 40% in its annual budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 placed in parliament yesterday (23 July).

This year, the Modi-administration allocated 120 crore rupees for Bangladesh, which is down by 80 crore rupees from that of the previous budget, reports The Daily Star.

A significant portion of the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) development assistance of 4,883 crore rupees for 2024-25 has been earmarked for countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Bhutan has emerged as the highest recipient of India's aid, receiving 2,068.56 crore rupees, less than last year's 2,400 crore rupees.

The provision is for India's multilateral and bilateral aid and assistance programmes to neighbouring and other developing countries in Africa, Central Asia, South Asia and Latin America.

As per the revised estimates for FY24, the Indian government provided 6,541.79 crore rupees to foreign governments, surpassing the budget estimates of 5,848.58 crore rupees.

The estimate for FY25 is 5,667.56 crore rupees.

 

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The India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline (IBFP) construction project has been halted by the Indian government in the wake of the political instability in Bangladesh, says The Mint.

The pipeline will be used to transport diesel from India to Bangladesh.

Three people aware of the development said there had been a proposal to extend the 131-km pipeline beyond Parbatipur in Bangladesh, where the pipeline currently ends. However, the government has now pressed the pause button on this.

"Since the project has been operating well and has been largely successful, there was a consideration as to why not further extend it to cater to more places in the neighbouring country. Now, after the political situation somewhat destabilised, India would like to wait for the situation to stabilise for any further consideration and talks. No specific timeline can be given," said one of the people cited above.

 

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Farida Akhter, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, announced that no ilish fish will be exported to India for Durga Puja this year.

She also stated that the government will not import meat to protect local farmers.

During a meeting with the Fisheries and Livestock Journalists Forum (FLJF) at the Secretariat, Farida Akhter said: "Some profit-driven traders are attempting to import meat. We are committed to not importing meat to protect local farmers. We are taking steps to reduce production costs and lower meat prices. We will ensure that ilish is not exported to India this Durga Puja."

She also highlighted concerns about the import of frozen beef, stating that it could harm local livestock farmers and that any meat imported could be of poor nutritional quality due to improper processing.

Regarding issues with animal feed prices and subsidies, she assured that measures are being taken to lower feed costs and discuss agricultural subsidies with the relevant ministries.

Farida Akhter emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring fair prices for meat and the survival of local farmers.

She addressed concerns about corruption and mismanagement in veterinary hospitals and the livestock sector, stating that officials involved in corruption would face strict action.

She also mentioned that any illegal export of ilish would be prevented and promised to keep ilish prices affordable for low-income people.

Farida Akhter pointed out that syndicates and corporate traders are driving up the prices of animal feed, meat, and eggs, reports Samakal.

She assured that efforts would be made to break these syndicates and increase market supply to reduce prices. She also promised to address issues in contract farming and ensure fair practices for farmers.

In response to the damage caused by recent floods, she mentioned that a recommendation has been made to suspend loan installments for affected farmers for three months. Plans for constructing animal shelters are also being considered.

Finally, Farida Akhter called on the media to highlight the issues and potential of the fisheries and livestock sector, stating that increased media coverage would help address problems and benefit the nation.

 

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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the country’s armed forces to analyse the ongoing conflicts between Israel-Hamas, Russia-Ukraine, and the current state of affairs in Bangladesh to prepare India for the “unexpected”.

He made the remarks on Thursday during a joint commanders’ conference in India’s Lucknow, according to the Indian newspaper The Telegraph.

Singh underscored the need for a thorough analysis in light of the recent circumstances in the India-China border and neighbouring countries “which are posing a challenge to peace and stability in the region”.

He also emphasised on a coordinated and proportionate response to provocation for any challenges India may face during future wars.

“Despite global volatility, India is enjoying a rare peace dividend and it is developing peacefully. However, due to the increasing number of challenges, we need to remain alert,” he was quoted as telling the commanders.

“We need to focus on our present, keep an eye on the activities happening around us at present, and focus on being future-oriented.

“For this, we should have a strong and robust national security component. We should have a fail-proof deterrence,” Singh was quoted saying.

He also highlighted the significance of using artificial intelligence to develop electronic and space warfare.

“These components do not participate in any conflict or war directly. Their indirect participation is deciding the course of warfare to a great extent,” he added.

While referring to India as a ‘peace-loving’ nation, he stressed that the Indian armed forces need to be ready for war to “preserve peace”.

His comments have stirred curious reactions in Bangladesh as they come in the context of the collapse of the government of Sheikh Hasina who has fled to India.

Former prime minister Hasina has long been regarded as one of India’s closest allies.

There has been a growing surge of anti-India sentiments and rhetoric in Bangladesh, especially since the massive July-August protests that overthrew the Hasina government.

 
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