Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published March 10, 2026

Artificial Intelligence

Malaysia launches a Public Sector Data Digitalization Policy (PPDSA). The policy aims to speed up the adoption of Digital Automation and Technological Advancement (DATA) in the public sector to help foster a data-driven government.

Source: The Star

In detail: Ministry of Digital - Press release

Date: February 10, 2026

Malaysia launches the Government Innovation Initiative (GII). GII aims to accelerate Malaysia's push to become an "AI Nation" by 2030 by strengthening the domestic AI ecosystem and helping local digital and AI producers scale both nationally and internationally.

Source: Business Today

In detail: Ministry of Digital - Press release

Date: February 14, 2026

India publishes Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026. The rules bring all AI-generated content: deep-fake videos, synthetic audio, and altered visuals under a formal regulatory framework. Platforms must label all Synthetically Generated Information (SGI) prominently enough for a user to see it instantly.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Gazette Notification

Date: February 10, 2026

India releases Comprehensive AI Governance Guidelines. The guidelines opt for a principle-based framework backed by existing laws and new oversight bodies to balance innovation with safeguards. The framework addresses concerns such as bias, misuse, and lack of transparency in AI systems.

Source: Firstpost

In detail: DD News, India AI Governance Guidelines

Date: February 16, 2026

India launches a Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (SAHI). SAHI is the national guiding framework to enable the adoption of AI in India's healthcare system in a safe, ethical, evidence-based and inclusive manner

Source: Bio Spectrum

In detail: Press Release

Date: February 17, 2026

Pakistan releases the Islamabad AI Declaration. The declaration outlines a national framework centered on public value, trusted data stewardship, accountable systems and global leadership in responsible AI development.

Source: Dunya News

Date: February 20, 2026

Singapore offers free access to premium AI tools for six months. The initiative aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping industries.

Source: The Nation

Date: February 13, 2026

Thailand releases a draft "AI Guide for Citizens." The guidance is designed for public use and provides practical advice for people of all ages and professions who interact with AI tools.

Source: Babl

In detail: Draft AI Guide for Citizens (in Thai)

Date: February 24, 2026

Data Centers

India offers foreign cloud providers zero taxes through 2047 on services sold outside the country. India announces the proposal in the country's annual budget, offering a tax holiday - effectively zero taxes - on revenues from cloud services sold outside India if those services are run from data centers in the country.

Source: Tech Crunch

In detail: Budget Speech

Date: February 01, 2026

Energy Technology

Bangladesh approves the draft Bangladesh Gas (Amendment) Ordinance. The ordinance broadens the definition of unlawful gas use, making both unauthorized mainline connections and contractor-assisted misuse punishable offenses. Penalties will now differ for metered and non-metered consumers, while building owners and employees of distribution companies will face accountability for violations.

Source: Voice7 News

In detail: Press release

Date: February 05, 2026

Bangladesh restructures the VAT on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The country withdraws the 7.5 percent VAT at the production and trading stages of LPG as well as the 2 percent advance tax at import. Instead, it has imposed 7.5 percent VAT at the import stage of LPG.

Source: Daily Star

In detail: Press release

Date: February 17, 2026

India instructs power utilities to use standardized transformer specifications. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) reminded utilities that the "Standard Specifications and Technical Parameters for Transformers and Reactors (66 kV and above voltage class)," first issued in April 2021, have since become part of binding law. By adopting common designs and ratings, the CEA seeks to simplify procurement processes and reduce the time taken for delivery of transformers.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Notification

Date: February 02, 2026

India permits state-run entities to procure a power-transmission component from China without ⁠government approval. This is the first significant ‌easing of ⁠five-year-old curbs following clashes in Galwan in 2021 that ⁠have largely shut Chinese firms out of India's government contract market.

Source: Economic Times

Date: February 02, 2026

India mandates the sale of petrol with up to 20% ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all States and Union Territories from April 1, 2026. The Union government can allow exceptions in special situations, for specific regions and for a limited time.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Gazette notification

Date: February 26, 2026

Pakistan abolishes the exchange-of-units mechanism under the existing net metering regime, replacing it with a new net billing system under the NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026. Under the newly notified regulations, utilities are required to purchase surplus electricity from prosumers, households, businesses, and industries generating up to 1 megawatt (MW) at the national average energy purchase price, while selling electricity back at the consumer's applicable tariff.

Source: Minute Mirror

In detail: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026

Date: February 09, 2026

The Philippines approve a Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy and Rate for the Implementation of the Lifeline Program. The program aims at expanding access to electricity assistance for marginalized and low-income households and ensuring a more equitable distribution of subsidies across the country. The approved measure establishes a uniform Lifeline Subsidy Rate of PHP 0.01 per kilowatt hour (kWh) to be collected from subsidizing electricity end-users nationwide.

Source: Daily Guardian

In detail: Energy Regulatory Commission Press Release

Date: February 05, 2026

South Korea publishes its 2026 Energy Transition Plan. South Korea will prioritize its goal of deploying 100GW of renewable energy by 2030 and expanding the power grid, in line with its pledge to phase out coal. The plan includes reforms to electricity tariffs and the power market, as well as measures to improve the acceptance and sustainability of nuclear power.

Source: Argus Media

In detail: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Date: February 02, 2026

Taiwan publishes the Republic of China (ROC) 2026 Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) and Calculation Formulas. They set the tariff rates and rules that will guide Taiwan's renewable energy development in 2026.

Source: Solar Quarter

In detail: Energy Administration Feed-in Tariffs of Renewable Energy 2026

Date: February 24, 2026

Semiconductors

India introduces its first Tailings Policy. The policy focuses on recovering critical and strategic minerals from mine waste such as tailings, mine dumps, overburden, slags, anode slimes, and red mud

Source: The Usthadian

In detail: Policy for Exploration and Recovery of Critical Minerals

Date: January 25, 2026

Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals

India amends the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019. Under the new regulations, pharmaceutical companies are no longer required to obtain a test license for manufacturing drugs in small quantities for research and analysis, provided they submit an online intimation to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Source: New Indian Express

In detail: Press Release

Date: January 28, 2026

India moves to fast-track approvals for new medicines by allowing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for laboratory testing to be issued immediately upon receipt of applications. Under the revised procedure, NOCs for testing new drugs at designated government laboratories will be granted upfront, instead of waiting for prior scrutiny of detailed technical specifications.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Circular

Date: February 25, 2026

Japan finalizes its National Strategy on Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). The strategy outlines measures to foster and promote industries involved in the development and manufacturing of emergency-response products. The recommendations call for revising the government's 2021 vaccine development and production strategy - originally focused primarily on vaccines - to broaden its scope to include therapeutics and diagnostics.

Source: Reddit

Date: February 25, 2026

Taiwan amends the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Drug Injury Relief Act. The amendments shift the system from requiring manufacturers to notify authorities six months in advance of an anticipated supply shortage to a requirement that license holders of essential drugs regularly report their manufacturing, importation, and supply status, enabling regulators to monitor market conditions in a timelier manner.

Source: IRPMA

In detail: Taiwan Food and Drug Administration

Date: February 02, 2026

Aerospace Technology

China implements its Specific Requirements for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air - Test for Large Lithium Batteries (MH/T 1086-2026) Rules. This industry standard specifies the requirements for testing conditions, thermal safety tests, package tests, and test report for the air transport of large lithium batteries. Its implementation will further enhance the safety level and support capabilities for the air transport of large power lithium batteries.

Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China Press release

Date: February 26, 2026

New Zealand will allow more space launches from its territory. The permitted number of launches will rise from 100 to 1,000, following a review of space vehicle launch debris regulations.

Source: Devdiscourse

In detail: Press release

Date: February 12, 2026

Singapore creates the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS). NSAS will have a multi-agency operations center that will support government agencies with satellite tasking, or requesting satellite imagery of a specific location, and geospatial data analytics

Source: The Strait Times

In detail: Office for Space Technology & Industry

Date: February 02, 2026

Thailand issues new regulations regarding the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) in areas that may affect national security along the Thai Cambodian border. This regulation will come into effect from February 7 and will remain in force until further notice.

Source: The Nation

Date: February 06, 2026

Programs & Projects