Government Launches Coal Dashboard, Facilitates GI Lime Exports, Expands Trade Platform

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched 'Koyla Shakti', a comprehensive coal analytics dashboard. Developed with the Ministry of Coal, this platform aims to provide real-time monitoring of coal production, transportation, and consumption. It integrates over 48 APIs and draws data from 15 ports, offering enhanced efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across the coal value chain.

In parallel, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an arm of the commerce ministry, facilitated the air shipment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged 'Indi' and 'Puliyankudi' limes to the United Kingdom. This shipment included 350 kg of Indi limes from Karnataka and 150 kg of Puliyankudi limes from Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, the commerce ministry announced that from November 1, 2025, a wider range of Import-Export Code (IEC) holders will be eligible to create microsites on the 'Source from India' platform. Previously, only Status Holders were eligible. This expansion allows exporters who have achieved a minimum export realization of USD 1 lakh in at least one of the previous three fiscal years to create their digital presence on the platform, which is part of the Trade Connect ePlatform, helping foreign buyers find Indian suppliers.

Impact: This news signifies positive developments for the Indian economy. The 'Koyla Shakti' dashboard is expected to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the crucial coal sector, potentially impacting energy prices and industrial output. The successful export of GI-tagged agricultural products highlights India's growing potential in niche agricultural markets abroad, boosting farmer incomes and export revenues. The expansion of the 'Source from India' platform aims to simplify trade facilitation and increase India's export footprint globally by making it easier for foreign buyers to connect with Indian manufacturers and suppliers. These initiatives collectively contribute to improving India's trade balance and industrial competitiveness. Impact Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms: * National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC): A government organization focused on developing industrial infrastructure across India. * Ministry of Coal: The government department responsible for policies and administration related to coal in India. * Koyla Shakti: The name of the newly launched coal analytics dashboard. * Coal analytics dashboard: A digital tool that collects, processes, and analyzes data related to coal production, movement, and usage to provide insights and support decision-making. * APIs (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and specifications that software programs can follow to communicate with each other. * Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): An agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that promotes the export of agricultural and processed food products from India. * GI-tagged (Geographical Indication tagged): Products identified by a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. * Import-Export Code (IEC): A unique 10-digit code required by any person or entity involved in the import or export business in India. * Status Holders: Exporters who have achieved a certain level of export performance recognized by the Indian government, granting them certain benefits. * Trade Connect ePlatform: An online portal created by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry to facilitate international trade.