Finance Ministry Exempts Customs Duty on 85 Capital Goods for Li-ion Cell Manufacturing Till March 2029

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.

JCR Upgrades India's Sovereign Rating to A-; Finance Ministry Welcomes Move Citing Strong Growth

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) upgraded India's sovereign rating to 'A-' from 'BBB+', citing high growth (~7%), growth-oriented policies (digital infrastructure, GST), and improved financial system (NPA ratio below 2%). This upgrade lowers India's future borrowing costs and interest burden, a positive signal for fiscal health and investor confidence.

Viksit Bharat: States, Finance Ministry Discuss Agricultural Exports, Energy Transition, Private Investment

Union Finance Ministry held a first-of-its-kind conference with state finance ministers on 'Financing India's Journey towards Viksit Bharat'. Key discussions included boosting agricultural exports, addressing logistical gaps, energy transition challenges, and the need for private sector investment. The conference highlighted examples like Meghalaya flowers vs Vietnam and sesame seed value addition, emphasizing India's untapped export potential.

₹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.

NHAI Expands Digital Local Pass to 121 Plazas, Aims MLFF on All Highways by March 2029

India is moving towards barrier-less tolling with the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. NHAI's expansion of digital local passes to 121 toll plazas and the target to implement MLFF on all four-lane national highways by March 2029 signal a major shift in highway toll collection. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical GS3 topic covering infrastructure, technology (RFID, ANPR), and policy reforms.

₹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.

India's Next Energy Transition: Electrifying Industrial Heat for MSMEs, Manufacturing Competitiveness

India's next energy transition phase targets electrifying industrial heat, especially for MSMEs, to boost manufacturing competitiveness, energy security, and decarbonisation. The article draws a parallel with the solar PV revolution and calls for a coordinated ecosystem of policies, financing, and cluster-level planning to scale the transition.

E20 Ethanol Fuel Used in 4 Crore Vehicles; Flex-Fuel Engines to End ₹22 Lakh Cr Fuel Imports

E20 ethanol-blended petrol is being used in 4 crore four-wheelers and 20 million two-wheelers without harming vehicles and with improved mileage. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that automobile companies will produce flex-fuel engines capable of running on 100% ethanol, potentially saving ₹22 lakh crore in fuel imports and boosting farmers' income through higher maize prices.