Cabinet Approves ₹62,500 Cr Mobile Manufacturing Scheme with 5% Incentive for Indian Brands

₹1,27,500 Cr Semicon 2.0 Notified: 40% Silicon Fab Subsidy, 35% ATMP Incentives

The government has notified the ₹1,27,500 crore Semicon 2.0 scheme, a major push to build India's semiconductor ecosystem from chip manufacturing to design and packaging. With tiered fiscal support – 40% for silicon fabs, 35% for compound/display fabs and advanced packaging – the scheme aims to achieve self-reliance and attract global players. For students, this is a high-priority policy with clear Prelims data points and Mains implications for Atmanirbhar Bharat and industrial strategy.

Govt to Launch Lithium-Nickel Scheme; 4 States Identified for Critical Mineral Processing

India is launching a new scheme to process lithium and nickel, critical for EV batteries, with four states identified as hubs. The government has flagged the contradiction of exporting raw minerals while being 100% import-dependent on key minerals, signaling a strategic push toward self-reliance and value addition.

₹62,500 Cr Smartphone Manufacturing Scheme: Two-Track Strategy for PLI Successor & Indian Brands

India's new Rs 62,500 crore smartphone scheme aims to sustain large-scale production after the first PLI ends and create a homegrown brand with its own IP. It offers two tracks: one for global manufacturers with incremental production targets, and another with higher incentives for Indian-owned companies that design and develop in India.

₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 Notified: Boosts Domestic Chip Design, Manufacturing, and R&D

The government notified the operational framework for Semicon 2.0, a ₹1.27 lakh crore program to boost domestic chip design, manufacturing, and supply chain. It includes six pillars, with incentives for chip design, fabrication plants, packaging, and R&D. This is critical for India's semiconductor ecosystem and self-reliance.

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.

Cabinet Approves ₹8,970 Cr, 135.87 km NH-15 Guwahati-Tezpur Corridor with ELF for IAF

The Union Cabinet approved a 135.87 km, ₹8,970 crore Guwahati-Tezpur corridor on NH-15 in Assam, developed on BOT toll mode. It includes an emergency landing facility (ELF) for IAF, five bypasses, and connectivity to 8 PM Gati Shakti economic nodes. This project is a high-yield topic for Prelims data and Mains infrastructure/regional development.

Cabinet Approves ₹13,041 Cr for Railway Multi-Tracking & NH-22 Highway to Decongest Howrah-Chennai Route

The Union Cabinet approved four railway multi-tracking projects and a four-lane highway project worth ₹13,041 crore to decongest the Howrah-Chennai high density route and improve connectivity in Bihar. These projects will add 410 km to the railway network and boost freight capacity by 76 MTPA, linking ports and industrial hubs.

NPCIL Plans New Design Vertical for Private Players Under SHANTI Act; PHWR Cost at Rs 18 Cr/MWe

India's nuclear sector opens to private participation under the SHANTI Act 2025. NPCIL plans a new design vertical to provide PHWR technology support to private players and state governments. With current capacity at 8.7 GWe and a target of 100 GWe by 2047, PHWRs at Rs 18 crore/MWe are the most cost-effective option compared to foreign reactors.