Topic
mandate
Technology Pine Labs Launches India’s First Agent-to-Agent UPI Payment Protocol for AI Deals
Pine Labs has launched the Pine Labs Payment Protocol (P3P), India's first agent-to-agent payment capability built on UPI mandate architecture. The system allows users to authorize an AI agent to independently execute transactions based on predefined conditions, removing the need for human authentication at the point of transaction.
Trade UK Government Set to Weaken Electric Car Sales Target to 50-70% by 2030
The UK government is set to water down its 2030 target for electric vehicle sales, currently 80% of new cars, with a consultation on a new target between 50% and 70%. The Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) mandate, which includes phased annual targets and fines of £15,000 per non-compliant car, has cost the industry over £10bn in two years according to the SMMT. Industry and unions warn of job losses, while sustainability groups argue weakening could harm charging infrastructure investment.
Commodities India Bars Industrial Users from Buying Petrol, Diesel at Retail Pumps, Mandates Bulk Purchase
India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued an order barring industrial, commercial, and institutional users from purchasing petrol and diesel at retail fuel outlets, requiring them to switch to bulk sellers. The move addresses abnormal demand driven by a price gap between retail (Rs 95.20/litre for diesel in Delhi) and bulk prices (Rs 134.50/litre). Retail diesel purchases are capped at 200 litres per day. The order, effective for 90 days, aims to prevent localised shortages amid geopolitical supply disruptions.
Commodities India Considers Delaying Higher Ethanol Mandate
India's government is considering delaying the increase in ethanol blending from E20 to E25 due to concerns about vehicle compatibility. Most vehicles manufactured before 2025 are not fully compliant with higher ethanol blends, potentially impacting mileage and maintenance costs.