MoSPI Launches ISP: 14 of 19 Service Sectors Grow at 20.8% in April 2026

India's IIP Grows 6.7% in July 2026, Capital Goods Surge 16.1%: MoSPI Data

India's industrial production (IIP) grew 6.7% in July 2026, maintaining a strong start to FY27 despite global headwinds. The surge in capital goods (16.1%) signals a revival in private investment, a key positive for the economy. This data is crucial for exam questions on economic growth, IIP, and sectoral performance.

PM Modi Pitches India as Trusted Chip Hub, Launches Semicon 2.0 ₹1.27 Lakh Cr Programme

PM Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026, announcing Semicon 2.0 (₹1.27 lakh crore) to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem. India aims to meet global demand for trusted chip manufacturing, with major investments from Applied Materials ($5B) and Lam Research (₹10,000 Cr). This is crucial for prelims (data points) and mains (Atmanirbhar Bharat, tech policy).

New UPI MDR: Flat Rs 5 Charge on Railway Bookings Above Rs 2,000 from Oct 15, 2026

From October 15, 2026, UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for railway tickets will attract a flat Rs 5 Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) instead of the general 0.4% fee. Crucially, this charge is on the merchant side and will not be passed to passengers. This special category concession makes railway ticketing cheaper to process than regular merchant payments.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

Record Rs 70,278 Crore Toll Collection in FY26: Top 5 States Drive 14.45% Growth

National highway toll collections hit a record Rs 70,278 crore in FY26, up 14.45% from last year, reflecting increased economic activity and highway expansion. Five states (UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu) account for 49% of total collections. The article also highlights the shift to FASTag and the new Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

IIP Growth Hits 7.3% in June 2026, Highest in 23 Months; Consumer Demand Weak

India's IIP grew 7.3% YoY in June 2026, the highest in 23 months. However, the growth is driven by capital and infrastructure goods due to government spending, while consumer goods (especially non-durables) show weakness, highlighting a demand-side slowdown amid high prices.

ONGC to Reserve 50% of 1.75 MMT Mangaluru Storage for Strategic Petroleum Reserves

ONGC will reserve 50% of its 1.75 MMT Mangaluru oil storage facility as strategic storage, while the rest will be used commercially. India's current storage capacity covers 74 days of net crude import requirements, and the government is planning 6.5 MMT more at Chandikhol and Padur. This is a key energy-security move relevant to infrastructure and strategic reserves questions.