GOVERNMENT SCHEME
The much awaited Noida-Greater Noida West metro link, a mega museum and more: Inside the Cabinet's Rs 77,101 crore package
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved significant proposals for infrastructure and business support across India. The government will allocate ₹3,230 crores for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in New Delhi. A metro rail project linking Noida and Greater Noida will receive ₹2,390 crores for development. Additionally, ₹62,370 crores will be set aside for NBS rates on fertilizers for the Rabi 2026-27 season.
Government extends ₹2,700-crore PLI scheme for medical devices till 2035-36, eases eligibility norms
The government has extended the ₹2,700-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic medical device manufacturing until 2035-36 and invited fresh applications with relaxed eligibility and investment conditions. The revised rules remove the minimum sales threshold for claiming incentives and lower the minimum investment requirement to attract more manufacturers.
Skill development ministry launches new framework to fast-track approvals for centres of excellence
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has introduced a national empanelment framework to speed up the setting up of centres of excellence and create a pool of credible, industry-linked training institutions. The framework includes a green channel for established institutions, allowing them to bypass the regular evaluation process and receive faster approvals.
Government invites fresh applications under Rs 2,700 crore medical device PLI scheme
The government is inviting new applications under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Medical Devices. This scheme has been extended until 2035-36 with an outlay of Rs 2,700 crore. Eligibility conditions have been simplified, and new applicants can submit multiple applications across different target segments. The revised scheme aims to enhance domestic manufacturing of high-end medical devices and improve global competitiveness.
NTPC submits two coal gasification project proposals under govt's Rs 37,500 crore scheme
NTPC Limited has submitted proposals to establish coal gasification projects for producing urea, methanol, and dimethyl ether. The Ministry of Coal announced that applications for the third round will open on November 10. January 11, 2027, is set as the deadline for these applications. The government's initiative aims to expand domestic production and support the broader use of indigenous resources.
Budget 2027-28: PHDCCI urges govt to scrap LTCG tax on equities, cut STCG tax to 10%
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made recommendations for the Union Budget 2027-28. They have proposed abolishing long-term capital gains tax and reducing short-term capital gains tax rates. The chamber has also called for relaxed loan repayment norms and higher loan limits for MSMEs. They highlighted the economic significance of MSMEs in India's GDP and employment. Improved access to credit and equity support could enhance India's global manufacturing position.
EPFO’s November 19 meeting to be held in New Delhi: Can EPFO increase minimum EPS pension from Rs 1,000?
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation is gearing up for its 240th Central Board of Trustees assembly, scheduled for November 19, 2026, in New Delhi. However, official confirmation from the government about these proposed changes is still pending, even as calls for enhanced pension benefits persist.
Norway reins in data centre industry amid AI boom
Norway produces more power than it consumes and is a net exporter, but recent projections show that demand from new data centres could lead to an energy deficit and rising electricity prices in the coming years.
No More Zeroes: Govt plans to extend ZED certification scheme to services sector MSMEs
In a significant move, the Indian government is widening its Zero Defect Zero Effect certification initiative to include service enterprises in the MSME sector. This strategy will target key industries like transport, hospitality, and healthcare with approximately 20 predefined quality metrics. Furthermore, specialized standards for MSME exporters will ensure they meet global quality benchmarks, ultimately empowering these businesses in the international marketplace.
TN CM Vijay orders implementation of ₹2000 cr ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme,’ Government says
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has directed his government to implement the ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme’ for college students, allocating ₹2000 crores for the scheme. The chief minister will also set up a high-level committe to implement the scheme.
Poverty low, expectations high: India’s next challenge is creating jobs and driving reforms
Poverty rates in India have decreased remarkably, with expectations rising for future economic prosperity and growth. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer and Swachh Bharat Mission have significantly improved living conditions. However, while the government has driven welfare improvements, job creation remains the role of entrepreneurs.
Government clears Rs 7,503 crore investments under ECMS in sixth tranche
The latest group of 12 applicants includes manufacturers of up- stream materials such as anode and cathode materials. Together, these companies plan to produce goods worth 182,243 crore at faci- lities across 10 states and employ more than 9,500 workers.
Rahul Gandhi calls SIR a ‘conspiracy’, alleges voter deletions could deny people welfare benefits
Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP-led Centre of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to deprive people opposed to the ruling party of voting rights and access to welfare schemes. His criticism followed Union minister Lalan Singh's remarks on identifying scheme beneficiaries through voter ID details.
Govt working on telecom PLI with focus on higher local value addition
The Ministry of Communications is preparing to propose a second edition of the telecom production-linked incentive scheme. This new scheme will emphasize design-led higher value addition in the telecom sector. The first edition of the telecom PLI scheme attracted significant investments and involved approvals from numerous companies. Additionally, incentives under design-led manufacturing have been applied for by several firms. The proposal will undergo inter-ministerial consultation before seeking Union Cabinet approval.
Want only serious players, no place for frivolous applicants in Semicon 2.0: Vaishnaw to industry
On Friday, the government launched the web application portal for Semicon 2.0, which will initially receive applications related to three of the programme's six pillars: machines and materials, fabs, and packaging. Guidelines have so far been issued only for these three pillars, and the portal is now inviting applications for them. Other three areas pertain to design, R&D and talent.
All Agniveers will be absorbed in regular cadre: Defence officials
The Indian government announced changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme for Agniveers in the military. Those completing a four-year tenure will get a two-year extension and a chance for regular recruitment. All Agniveers demonstrating willingness, physical fitness, and discipline will be absorbed into the regular cadre. Seniority will be maintained when they join, ensuring they are not junior to others.
Agniveer Scheme revamped: What's the new pathway to permanent Army jobs and why has govt changed Agnipath?
The government's revision of the Agnipath scheme comes ahead of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab, addressing concerns over limited retention in the armed forces. The new framework allows the 25% selected on merit to enter regular service after four years, while the remaining 75% can serve two more years before being considered for enrolment.
Voter ID to replace Aadhaar for welfare schemes and benefits? BJP government's plan sparks row
The Centre plans to require voter ID numbers and biometric authentication for welfare benefits. This proposal has sparked criticism from the CPI(M), which claims it could exclude vulnerable individuals from essential government schemes. Critics argue that many rural residents lack access to necessary technology, thereby hindering their ability to receive benefits.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces 3% DA hike for 8 lakh government employees this Diwali
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a 3% increase in dearness allowance for state employees and pensioners. This decision will benefit approximately eight lakh government workers and follows recent protests for DA arrears. The previous DA rate was raised from 28% to 53% under the current government. Mann emphasised that his administration is open to employee discussions regarding their demands.
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