Cabinet Approves ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 & ₹62,500 Cr Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

PM Modi's Independence Day Saptadhara Blueprint: 7 Streams, 1 Crore AI Training, 5-8 Semiconductor Plants

PM Modi's 80th Independence Day speech introduced 'Saptadhara' — a seven-stream development framework — and announced AI training for one crore youth, free online exam coaching, semiconductor plant expansion, a sports talent hunt, and digital Census self-enumeration. For competitive exams, this is a high-yield current affairs cluster with direct Prelims data potential and Mains themes across governance, technology, education and sports.

₹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.

HPCL-led Consortium Sets Up MC2 Plus Incubator and AIF to Cut ₹1 Lakh Crore Refining Energy Bill

A consortium of PSU oil companies led by HPCL has formed MC2 Plus, a Section 8 company, as an incubator for deep-tech energy startups. The initiative targets the ₹1 lakh crore annual energy cost in India's refining sector, shifting PSU engagement from procurement to active innovation and investment. A proposed Alternative Investment Fund ('India Energy Fund') will back the startups.

Rs 1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund: Collateral-Free Loans at 2-4% Interest for Deep-Tech Firms via TDB, BIRAC

The government's Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund for deep-tech innovation has come under scrutiny as 15 of 22 funded companies have investment ties to selection committee members. The fund provides collateral-free loans at 2-4% interest over 15 years, administered through ANRF with TDB and BIRAC as fund managers.

Centre Launches Semicon 2.0: Rs 1.27 Lakh Cr Programme for Chip Design, Fabless Firms & Deployment Incentives

Govt launches Semicon 2.0 with Rs 1.27 lakh crore to boost indigenous chip design, support fabless companies, and provide deployment-linked incentives. The programme aims to build Indian-owned IP and reduce dependence on foreign semiconductors, targeting talent development and massive investment.

₹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.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.

RDI Fund: Govt Defends Conflict Safeguards; 62% of ₹2,192 Cr Loans Went to Panel-Linked Firms

The RDI Fund, created to support deep tech companies, faces controversy as 62% of first-round soft loans (₹2,192 crore) went to firms linked to selection panel members. The government defends safeguards including super-majority voting and 10% stake disqualification, noting the second cohort has only 1 of 13 such companies. Congress seeks a parliamentary review on August 13.