Page 13 - Industry News

ISM 2.0 to focus on chip design, equipment ecosystem: Vaishnaw

Next phase of India Semiconductor Mission to prioritise chip design firms, manufacturing equipment supply chain and advanced semiconductor talent

Expedite loss reduction works, Andhra chief secretary tells power officials

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Saturday directed power Distribution Companies to expedite the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme loss reduction works, observing that a measurable reduction in aggregate technical and commercial losses is critical for the financial sustainability of power utilities. During a review meeting, the chief secretary noted that the southern state is according high priority to Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) implementation to ensure financial viability of DISCOMs, reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT & C) losses and reliable power supply to all consumer categories. Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APSPDCL), Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APCPDCL) and Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APEPDCL) are the three DISCOMs. "Expedite RDSS loss reduction works and ensure time-bound completion with strict quality controlmeasurable reduction in aggregate ...

India-US trade pact opens $118 bn textile market for Indian exports

The landmark trade agreement between India and the US is set to open up America's USD 118 billion global imports market of textiles, apparels and made ups, a "major opportunity" for India's textile industry, the government said on Saturday. Notably, the US is the top market for India's textile exports. The 18 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian textiles products including apparel and made-ups will not only remove the disadvantage that Indian exporters had, but would place them in a better position than most competitors like Bangladesh (20 pc), China (30 pc), Pakistan (19 pc) and Vietnam (20 pc), who have higher reciprocal tariffs, the textile ministry said. This would alter the market dynamics as large buyers would surely relook at their sourcing in the light of this agreement, it added. India and the US on Saturday announced that they have reached a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on a number of good

ISM 2.0 to prioritise chip design, ecosystem partners, talent: Vaishnaw

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will prioritise indigenous chip design, their productisation, attracting ecosystem partners and development of talents, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday. The minister said the government will continue to work on setting up semiconductor manufacturing plants and target to produce chips as small as 2 nanometer node size. "In Semicon 2.0, the topmost priority will be design companies. Design companies, design startups who can design a product, take it to the market, become the next Qualcomm from India, hopefully get that huge innovation, that entire energy which is there in our startups into deep tech. That will be a focus area," Vaishnaw said. He was speaking at a Qualcomm event here to announce 2 nanometer chip of the company which has been developed in India. The minister said the government will focus on getting the entire ecosystem in the country under ISM 2.0. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget announced that the ..

Over 2,000 GCCs set up as India's IT moves to AI services: Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said India's IT sector is moving to an AI-driven services model with coordinated efforts from industry, academia, and the government. He said AI presents a major opportunity for India to develop a new model of services for the global market. Citing examples, Vaishnaw noted that AI-based solutions could be offered to global shipping lines and retail companies through global capability centers (GCCs) in India, creating opportunities for Indian engineers. The Union Minister for Electronics and IT added that, due to the government's focus on IT services, a large number of GCCs are being set up in India. "At the last count, more than 2,000 GCCs have already come to India, which is far more than in traditional IT services," he said. Vaishnaw highlighted that the Union Budget has announced major reforms for data centers to support the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. "Indian IT is moving from the old model to a new AI-based services

Zero-duty US access for diamonds, coloured gems a 'turning point': Industry

The Indian gem jewellery industry on Saturday welcomed the announcement of zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones to the US under the Interim Agreement framework, saying it is a turning point that will give a fresh boost to the sector. "We are elated by the Interim Agreement framework announcing zero-duty access for diamonds and coloured gemstones to the US, especially after a difficult year in which India's cut and polished diamond exports to our largest market fell by over 60 per cent, from USD 3.64 billion to USD 1.45 billion, due to tariff-driven loss of competitiveness," GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said in a statement. India and the US on Saturday announced they have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade. Tariffs will go down to zero on a wide range of goods, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts, thereby further enhancing

India-US trade pact brings lower or zero duty on US wines, spirits

American goods ranging from wines and spirits to dry fruits will enter India either duty-free or at reduced import tariffs, a move expected to make these imports cheaper for domestic consumers. India and the US on Saturday announced that they have reached a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade. The framework will be converted into a legal agreement, which is expected to be signed by mid-March. The duty concessions will take effect on the day of implementation. According to a joint statement, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of American food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains, red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, and wine and spirits. The other US goods which will enjoy duty concession by India include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and some ...

India-US trade deal: Farmer groups fear backdoor entry of GM crops via DDGS

Most farmer organisations and Opposition parties have sounded an alarm about the possible entry of GM products; Say could harm soy farmers in MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan

India-US trade framework includes electronics, IP discussions: Vaishnaw

The Indian government is closely engaged with the US for electronics and IP-related matters, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday, as the two nations announced that they have finalised a framework for an interim trade agreement. The US-India joint statement on the interim agreement for trade deal has called for addressing non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade. It specifically mentions barriers related to the trade in US medical devices, US Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods. Asked about views on the statement and its expected impact, Vaishnaw said the commerce ministry is the nodal body to share details but as far as electronics is concerned India is closely engaged in the discussion. "We are very closely engaged from our side as far as electronics and IP is concerned. We believe in co-development, co-creation, we believe in IP, respecting IP. We believe that India has a lot to offer to the entire world in terms of new products, new ideas, ne

India-US interim trade pact framework boosts investor confidence: India Inc

The framework for an interim trade agreement between India and the US sends a strong signal of confidence to global investors and offers a timely boost to competitiveness, technology access, and supply chain resilience, India Inc said on Saturday. India and the US on Saturday announced they have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement under which both sides will reduce import duties on a number of goods to boost two-way trade. FICCI President Anant Goenka said it marks a pivotal step forward in advancing economic synergy between two of the world's largest democracies. "This strategic partnership is designed to lower tariffs, ease regulatory bottlenecks, and unlock new opportunities across sectors. As India strengthens its position as a global manufacturing hub, this agreement offers a timely boost to competitiveness, technology access, and supply chain resilience". While the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the present 50 per cent, India will ..

Truck rentals flat in January; EV and CV sales sustain momentum: Report

India's mobility sector opened 2026 on stable footing, with truck rentals holding steady month-on-month, healthy year-on-year growth across routes, and strong demand for EVs, SUVs, freight transport

Once the hottest bet on Wall Street, private credit has started to crack

Apollo Global Management and BlackRock, two other large players, have also rattled investors with write-downs on large loans to several troubled e-com- merce companies.

SC paves way for NBCC to complete stalled Supertech housing projects

To prevent further delays, the Court also restrained all tribunals and High Courts from issuing orders that could obstruct or slow down construction activity undertaken by NBCC in this case

Centre notifies strict rules to curb illegal offshore mineral mining

Centre has rolled out new regulatory framework for offshore minerals, mandating real-time vessel tracking, digital transit permits, stricter export clearances to prevent illegal mining and transport

UNESCO-listed Darjeeling toy train logs strong tourism, revenue growth

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which runs premium tourist and heritage trains through the hill region, recorded significant growth in earnings and passenger footfall in the 2025-26 financial year compared to the previous fiscal, an official said on Thursday. The toy train, which has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, earned Rs 24.6 crore in 2025-26, up from Rs 21.2 crore in 2024-25, the official said. Passenger footfall also rose, increasing from 1.74 lakh in 2024-25 to 2.08 lakh in 2025-26. "By prioritising premium tourism experiences, the DHR has successfully positioned the region as a premier travel destination," he said. Launched in 1879, the mountain railway now operates both steam and diesel locos for joyrides between Darjeeling and Ghum, situated at 7,407 feet, the highest point through which DHR passes. It also runs tourist specials in the Darjeeling-Mahanadi and Darjeeling-Kurseong routes and Jungle Safari between Siliguri and Tindharia stations. T

Apogee Aerospace signs ₹3,500 cr deal with Australia's AAI for 15 seaplanes

Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 amphibian aircraft with Australia's Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) for a total value of Rs 3,500 crore as part of a strategic collaboration. Besides, the Indian company will invest Rs 500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, maintenance and overhaul facilities, training and simulation infrastructure, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India. This will be for the amphibian planes of AAI, which also plans to set up a manufacturing facility for these planes in India. The announcements made on Thursday in the national capital also come at a time when the government is making efforts to boost air connectivity as well as encourage self-reliance in the fast-growing aviation and aerospace ecosystem. Amphibian aircraft can operate on both water and land. They are also known as seaplanes. The two companies are also looking to tap the opportunities in the country's blue economy. On Thursday, AAI and Apogee Aerospace .

Leather industry looks at boom year with US, EU trade deals in bag

India-US and India-EU trade deals lift sentiment for leather exporters, who expect stronger orders, factory expansion and job creation as global sourcing shifts to India

Amit Shah to roll out Bharat Taxi, cooperative ride-hailing app, on Feb 5

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will launch 'Bharat Taxi', India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, on Thursday after a successful two-month pilot operation, an official statement said. The service aims to expand across all states and cities within two years. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and established on June 6, 2025, Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model with direct profit distribution to drivers. This positions it as an indigenous alternative to foreign investment-based platforms. Backed by eight top cooperative organisations, the platform began pilot operations on December 2 in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, challenging established players like Ola, Uber and Rapido. The ministry claims it has emerged as the world's first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform and the world's largest driver-owned mobility platform. Since its launch, over 3 lakh drivers have joined the platform, more tha

Technology Development Board issues first call of proposal under RDI fund

The statutory body invited applications on a rolling basis in priority areas such as energy transition, AI, quantum computing, robotics and space

Delhi emerges as world's most cost competitive student city: Report

Younger demography, infra potential prime India's push to be most strategic higher education growth market globally