EV Adoption Hits 2.5 Mn Vehicles in FY26; India's Lithium-ion Battery Import Dependence & ACC PLI Scheme (40 GWh Awarded) Highlight Supply Chain Risks

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.

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.

NHAI's MLFF Barrier-Less Tolling: 10% Vehicles Miss Payments, 10.52 Lakh E-Notices in 3 Months

India's first barrier-less tolling system (MLFF) has recorded 10% non-payment rate, with over 10.52 lakh e-notices issued in three months. Despite high violations, the government plans to expand the system to all national highways by 2029 to reduce congestion and fuel consumption.

Madhepura Loco Factory: 30% of Alstom's Global Engineering from India, 90% Localisation Achieved

The Madhepura Electric Locomotive Joint Venture (MELPL) between Indian Railways and Alstom has become a flagship Make in India success. With 650 locomotives supplied and 90% localisation, it now contributes 30% of Alstom's global engineering work from India, showcasing FDI-driven technology transfer and skill development in the railway sector.

Govt to Mandate Design-in-India Chips for Smart Meters by Mid-2028, 7.24 Cr Installed

The government plans to mandate domestically designed and manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to counter cybersecurity threats and reduce import dependence. With 7.24 crore smart meters already installed under various schemes, this move also aims at cost reduction and grid modernization under the new National Electricity Policy.

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).

₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 Launched: India Targets Domestic Chip Design, 1 Lakh More Engineers

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2026, highlighting India's progress in semiconductor manufacturing. The government launched Semicon 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, shifting focus to domestic chip design, talent development, and supply chain localisation. This is critical for national security and tech self-reliance.

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.