NITI AAYOG PLI REPORT
CAG widens audit net to assess outcomes of govt schemes, urban mobility
The Comptroller and Auditor General is conducting cross-ministry audits to assess outcomes in areas such as ease of doing business, logistics, education and urban mobility. The reports, covering schemes implemented between 2021 and 2026, will offer recommendations to improve delivery. The auditor is also examining DISCOMs' financial and operational performance and developing in-house AI tools to assist audit work.
PLI schemes achieve 76% of investment target, 64% of production goal: Niti Aayog
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has achieved 76% of its investment target and 64% of its production target, with electronics, telecom and pharmaceuticals emerging as strong performers, Niti Aayog said. As of March 2026, the scheme had attracted ₹2.40 lakh crore in investments, generated production worth ₹22.66 lakh crore and created over 8.49 lakh jobs.
First decade since Independence with over 4 pc agri growth, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Indian agriculture grew more than 4 percent per year in the past decade. He emphasized that many small farmers have improved their economic situation significantly during this time. The government invested heavily in supporting farmers, especially in fertilizer subsidies, to reduce their input costs. Modi urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices and diversify their crops to enhance income sources.
India remains a ‘shining star’ despite global gloom, says NITI Aayog VC
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri highlighted India's impressive economic growth amid a challenging global environment. The Indian economy grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY27, which is significant. Additionally, the World Bank has raised India's GDP growth forecast to 7.1% for the current fiscal year. Lahiri emphasized the need for increased domestic production of edible oils and pulses.
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Ola Electric’s Q2 revenue slumps 39% to Rs 421 crore, losses narrow
The company said it has stopped taking orders from its direct-to-consumer stores on Nov 1, and plans to close them by December. The company, which had announced a pivot to a dealership model in August, now has 255 dealer partners operating over 300 stores, it said in its letter to shareholders.
Fairfax's Rs 52,878-crore IDBI Bank deal sets stage for a financial services powerhouse
Fairfax Financial Holdings has successfully acquired a controlling stake in IDBI Bank for Rs 52,878 crore. The investment aims to redefine IDBI Bank as a comprehensive financial services provider in India and abroad. Fairfax plans to integrate its existing insurance and capital market businesses into IDBI Bank to enhance its offerings. The acquisition reflects Fairfax's strategy of leveraging IDBI Bank's infrastructure for greater market competitiveness.
India needs suitable evaluation matrix for awarding exploration and mining projects: NITI CEO
NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain underscored the development of an evaluation matrix for gold mining projects. The focus is on promoting technical competence and sustainable development of gold resources in India. Discussions revolved around improving geological data and regulatory approvals within the mining sector. The meeting also addressed the country's growing dependence on gold imports and limited exploration efforts.
Green hydrogen demand slump delays electrolyser projects to August 2027
Weak demand for green hydrogen is prompting nearly half-a-dozen companies to defer commissioning their electrolyser manufacturing facilities from December 2026 to August 2027, with MNRE allowing them to retain eligibility under the PLI scheme. The delay reflects slower-than-expected order flows, as green ammonia projects awarded under the government’s green hydrogen programme are yet to reach financial closure and place orders.
US FDA adds rare vision-loss warning to popular GLP-1 drugs
The US FDA will add a warning about a rare eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss to the labels of all GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The condition was found in around 6 per 100,000 patients taking the drugs for at least a year.
CPI report today: What is current US Fed interest rate? Will inflation data force US Fed to go for interest rate hike?
CPI data today: Inflation report is running well above the US central bank's 2 per cent target. The US-Israeli war with Iran has boosted oil prices, combining with the import tariffs implemented by the Trump administration last year to lift the cost of living.
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.
Care comes at a cost: India's ageing population exposes a broken caregiving system
India's rapidly ageing population is driving demand for caregivers, but the sector faces a shortage of trained workers, low wages, poor working conditions and uneven recruitment standards. High costs burden families, while inadequate training and job security undermine care quality. Experts call for professional recognition, better pay and structured training.
Eyewear regulation Bill may come up in Parliament's winter session; MP Gopchade seeks national vision-care board
Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Gopchade has proposed a private member's Bill for regulating eyewear products and vision-care services. He has urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assess creating a National Optical/Vision Care Board. The proposal aims to ensure consumer protection and quality standards in vision-care. The existing Medical Devices Rules, 2017, may need strengthening for better oversight.
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.
AISTA seeks 35% hike in minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 42/kg , backs government cane FRP
AISTA has urged the government to raise the minimum selling price of sugar amid ongoing protests by farmers. The association supports the current fair and remunerative price for sugarcane set for the 2026-27 season. Stakeholders had previously accepted this price, according to AISTA Chairman Praful Vithalani. Additionally, they have proposed a new payment system for farmers and seek loan relief for ethanol projects.
PM Modi asks new NITI Aayog team to craft ideas to improve lives of India's poorest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the new NITI Aayog leadership to develop transformative ideas to improve the ease of living for marginalised people while advancing India's long-term development goals. He called for greater collaboration with research institutions and state governments, and urged officials to assess conditions on the ground.
Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses
The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.
ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation
Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.
Tamil Nadu has highest patents and research publication in 2024-25 in NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard
The NITI Aayog’s India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard, launched on Tuesday, provides a comprehensive picture of India’s science and technology ecosystem through key indicators, including research and development expenditure, scientific publications, citations, patent applications and technological innovation.
Govt consults seed, fertiliser firms on easing regulatory hurdles
The Indian government is engaging with agricultural companies to address regulatory challenges that affect the sector. Consultations focus on updating the Seeds Act, 1966, to align with modern agricultural technology. Industry representatives have pointed out delays in approvals and licensing processes that hinder market access.
Budget 2027: Customs duty relief on 118 goods under review
The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.
Solar module cos seek more time to comply with local sourcing
Solar module manufacturers in India are raising concerns about the local availability of cells for production. They have requested an extension of the sourcing deadline beyond January 2024 to address these issues. The Renewable Energy Manufacturers Association has highlighted a significant gap between module production capacity and cell supply. Current regulations mandate that solar cells must come from approved local manufacturers for projects.
Amitabh Kant pitches for development model with rural communities as producers, innovators
Kant also stressed the need to transform rural India into centres of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship rather than limiting it to welfare delivery.
Niti Aayog's Lahiri flags growth risks in case of further monetary policy tightening
In India, it's essential for policymakers to harmonize growth output with inflation expectations. Niti Aayog’s Ashok Lahiri pointed out the importance of addressing inflation alongside job creation. He urged banks to play a pivotal role in linking enterprises with financial support and investment options. To capitalize on its natural resources, West Bengal must focus on industry attraction, while effective land acquisition and good infrastructure remain key for business development.
Banks must go beyond lending to unlock Bengal's industrial potential: NITI Aayog's Ashok Lahiri
NITI Aayog vice-chairman Ashok Lahiri emphasized the need for banks to facilitate connections between businesses and financial resources. He pointed out the low credit-deposit ratio in Eastern India, which hinders investment and economic growth. Lahiri highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure, industrial expansion, and the MSME sector. Banks could support smaller enterprises with structured credit facilities to help them grow.
Assam Rifles DG reviews India-Myanmar border security, fencing work in Manipur
Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera reviewed border security arrangements and fencing progress along the India-Myanmar border. His visit to Moreh and Chongjang focused on improving operational preparedness and surveillance. He engaged with local residents to discuss the importance of border management for security. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently met officials to assess fencing work progress and safety measures.
Cities cannot be governed from state capitals, need empowered local governments: NITI Aayog's Rajiv Gauba
Rajiv Gauba emphasized the need for reforms in urban governance during the National Urban Conclave. He highlighted the importance of empowering city governments and proposed directly elected mayors for better governance. The projected increase in India's urban population demands significant infrastructure and service management changes. Gauba called for improved municipal revenues and the adoption of the Model Tenancy Act to support affordable housing.
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