G Kishan Reddy on Thursday took charge as coal and mines minister and said that India should increase domestic production of the fossil-fuel and reduce coal imports. In the previous Narendra Modi government, both the ministries were led by Pralhad Joshi. Joshi who is the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy was also present during the occasion and wished Reddy all the success. "We should reduce import and increase domestic production," he told reporters after taking charge. India's coal import rose by 7.7 per cent to 268.24 million tonnes (MT) in FY '24. Reddy further said 10 years ago there was a coal shortage in the country and due to this there was also a shortage of electricity. But in the last 10 years there has been sufficient power availability. When asked what will be the priority of his government for the mines sector, he said "I have just taken charge and I will review the department... first I want to see my officers the Read The Rest at :