INDIA IT MINISTRY
Central government sets Rs 1.5 lakh laptop price limit for employees; Rs 1.8 lakh for Make-in-India devices
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
IATO welcomes simplification of Indian visa regime
The Indian Association of Tour Operators has welcomed the government's efforts to simplify the visa process. The number of main visa categories has been reduced to enhance accessibility for international tourists. A new Visitor Visa is being introduced, allowing for multiple entries and covering various short-term activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to implement these changes by the end of 2026.
Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu praises 'Modinomics' for India's economic growth at CII Summit
Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu emphasised India's economic growth during the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. He attributed this growth to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coining the term 'Modinomics'. Naidu highlighted the transformation in global economic landscapes and emphasized India's potential with its young population and innovation capabilities. He mentioned the civil aviation ministry's extension of the UDAAN scheme aimed at enhancing connectivity.
Road ministry proposes a simplified Rent-a-Cab scheme 2026; to replace the 1989 scheme
The proposed draft Rent-a-Cab Scheme 2026, which comes into force from January 2027, reduces the minimum fleet requirement to 5 compared to 50 mandated earlier, extends its coverage to even rental cars with or without drivers and provides for online licensing, time-bound approvals, stringent safety, insurance and operational requirements and formal grievance redressal mechanism.
Centre bans export of Li-ion battery waste, scrap to boost domestic recycling and critical mineral recovery
India has imposed an immediate ban on the export of lithium-ion battery black mass to strengthen its local recycling ecosystem. This decision aims to enhance domestic recovery of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, which are vital for technology and energy sectors. The prohibition will ensure that battery waste generated in India is processed locally and improves utilization of recycling capacities.
Centre cuts visa categories from 13 to 9, reduces application form fields by up to 70%
India has announced changes to its visa regime by reducing the main categories from 13 to nine. The number of sub-categories has also been cut down significantly, streamlining the entire application process. Visa application forms will require 65-70% fewer fields to simplify the process for foreign nationals. This rationalization aims to enhance foreign tourist arrivals, students, and medical visitors in India.
Indian Navy to conduct fifth Sea Vigil exercise from November 11, covering entire coastline and EEZ
The Indian Navy has launched the Sea Vigil-26 exercise to assess India's coastal defense preparedness. Scheduled from November 11 to 19, this exercise will cover the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. It involves multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard and local communities, to enhance maritime security. This exercise is crucial for identifying gaps and improving coordination among various security forces.
Govt raises price cap for electronic devices to Rs 1.8 lakh for officers; personal retention rights after 4 yrs
The Centre has raised the purchase ceiling for laptops, tablets and similar devices for eligible government officers to ₹1.5 lakh plus taxes, or ₹1.8 lakh for devices with more than 40% Make-in-India content. Officers in Pay Level 12 and above will be eligible, while departments can extend coverage to some lower pay levels, and employees may retain the devices after four years of use.
Indian Navy's INS Betwa to get diesel propulsion system in Rs 500-crore refit
The Ministry of Defence executed a contract worth Rs 498.58 crore for the refit and upgrade of INS Betwa. This project replaces the frigate's steam propulsion with a modern diesel-engine system and enhances its combat systems. The refit aims to improve operational effectiveness while promoting indigenous capabilities in naval repairs. More than 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises will be involved in the initiative.
Indian IIT talent thrives in Japan's MIRAI-Setu programme as nations near 75th anniversary
As India and Japan approach 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2027, 40 IIT and IIIT students visited Japan under the "Foster System = MIRAI - Setu" programme. Immersed in Japanese universities and corporations, they developed strong industry insights, proposing innovative solutions for bilateral growth.
India holds Pernod, Diageo Scotch shipments as investigators seek 150% tariff
Indian customs has detained dozens of containers of bulk Scotch imported by Pernod Ricard and Diageo, seeking a 150% tariff instead of the reduced 75% duty under the India-UK trade pact. The dispute persists despite assurances from the commerce ministry, raising concerns over supply disruptions and the trade deal's implementation.
HEG Advanced Materials shares gain 5% after subsidiary secures Rs 610 crore incentive under ECMS
HEG Advanced Materials shares rise 5% after subsidiary TACC receives ₹609.50 crore incentive approval under the ECMS scheme for its Dewas synthetic graphite anode project, supporting domestic battery manufacturing, capacity expansion and India's advanced energy storage ecosystem. The first production phase targets commissioning by June 2027.
"Fabricated, malicious attacks": India rejects US court order involving officials in Sikh separatist Pannun case
India's Ministry of External Affairs has rejected a lawsuit against its officials filed by Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US court allowed Pannun to pursue service of summons on Indian officials through local courts. Pannun's claims involve alleged assassination plots that remain unproven in civil proceedings. Indian officials firmly deny involvement in these allegations and emphasize legal document protocols.
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.
One killed as violence flares in Bangladesh amid tensions over ex-PM Hasina's planned return
Violent incidents occurred across Bangladesh, resulting in one death and multiple vehicles set ablaze overnight. Police reported that activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates initiated crude bomb explosions at various locations. Tensions have risen after news surfaced about Sheikh Hasina's possible return to Bangladesh next month from India. Hasina, living in exile since August 2024, faces serious legal charges upon her potential return.
India's unemployment rate falls to 5.1% in July-September as rural joblessness declines
India's unemployment rate saw a decline to 5.1% from 5.4% in the prior quarter. The decrease in unemployment primarily occurred in rural areas, where it fell to 4.3%. The survey indicated that more individuals were either working or seeking jobs during this period. Women's employment participation also improved, rising to 34.7% from 33.2%. The overall employment figure reached approximately 57.9 crore individuals in India.
India signs Haj 2027 agreement with Saudi Arabia, secures quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims
India has secured a Haj quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for 2027 after signing a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on November 9. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement following discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The two sides reviewed preparations for the next pilgrimage season and discussed logistical support, coordination and pilgrim welfare.
Govt may extend support measures in FY28 Budget to boost manufacturing of 100 products: Official
The government may announce Budget 2027-28 support measures to boost domestic manufacturing of 100 products, including auto components, chemicals and machinery, to reduce import dependence. DPIIT has identified the products after consultations with ministries and industry.
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.
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