National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC)
3-May-2023: NTPC marks its first Overseas Capacity Addition
NTPC has marked its first overseas capacity addition, beginning with Bangladesh. The Group recently added Unit-1, a 660 MW capacity, of the 1320 MW (2x660) Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) located in Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The new addition takes the Installed Capacity of NTPC to 72304 MW.
This demonstrates company's global reach and commitment to providing reliable and sustainable power. The project was executed in collaboration with the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Pvt Ltd. (BIFPCL), a foreign joint venture company of NTPC Ltd.
After obtaining the required norms and approvals, Unit 1 of MSTPP has been included in the installed and commercial capacity of NTPC Group.
The successful completion of the project underscores NTPC's commitment to innovation and excellence in every project it undertakes.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
3-May-2023: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) granted Navratna Status
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Central Public Sector Enterprises of Ministry of Railways, has been granted Navratna Status.
RVNL was incorporated as PSU on 24th January, 2003, with the twin objectives of implementation of projects relating to creation and augmentation of capacities of rail infrastructure on fast track basis and raising of extra budgetary resources for SPV projects. The company began its operation in 2005 with the appointment of Board of Directors. The company was granted Mini-Ratna status in September 2013. The authorized share capital of the company is Rs. 3000 Crore, with paid up share capital of Rs. 2085 crore.
RVNL has been assigned the following functions:
- Undertaking project development and execution of works covering full project life cycle.
- Creating Project specific SPVs for individual works, if required.
- On completion of a Railway project by RVNL, the concerned Zonal Railway will undertake its operation and maintenance.
The grant of “Navratna” status to RVNL leads to enhanced delegation of powers, more operational freedom and financial autonomy which will give huge impetus to RVNL’s progress, particularly so, when RVNL is extending its footprints in sectors beyond Railways and even in projects abroad.
Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme
2-May-2023: Government launches Vivad se Vishwas scheme for relief to MSMEs for COVID-19 period, as announced in the Union Budget 2023-24
The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme, “Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief to MSMEs” for providing relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for COVID-19 period. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. In Para 66 of the Union Budget speech, Smt. Sitharaman had announced:-
“In cases of failure by MSMEs to execute contracts during the COVID period, 95 per cent of the forfeited amount relating to bid or performance security will be returned to them by Government and Government undertakings. This will provide relief to MSMEs”.