1. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Context: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched on 1 May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas aimed at providing clean cooking solutions to vulnerable households.
The vision behind the scheme was “Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan” (Clean Fuel, Better Life). It targeted women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, offering LPG connections to address the health and environmental hazards of traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, dung cakes, and kerosene.
Details:
Objectives & Features
- Clean Cooking & Health Benefits: Switching to LPG significantly reduces indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory diseases, especially among women and children.
- Women Empowerment: LPG connections are issued in the names of women, promoting their autonomy and social recognition.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reduced reliance on biomass cutting curbs deforestation and environmental degradation.
2. Structure and Evolution
- Initial Launch: Goal to issue 8 crore LPG connections to BPL households by March 2020, with a financial assistance of around ₹1,600 per connection.
- Achievements: Target met seven months early—8th crore connection handed over on 7 September 2019 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Additional 1.6 crore connections with special support for migrant households; reached a total of 9.6 crore beneficiaries by December 2022.
- Beyond 2022: Further extended by providing 75 lakh more connections, aiming for a grand total of 10.35 crore beneficiaries.
3. Impact & Economics
- Well-being Gains: A study estimates the scheme delivered ₹6.46 lakh crore in societal benefits—roughly 45 times its initial ₹14,000 crore cost.
- High Sustained Usage: Of the 10.3 crore connections delivered, nearly 9 crore became sustained users of LPG, indicating long-term benefit and retention.
- Supply Stability: To ensure uninterrupted LPG availability amid global price volatility, the government approved a ₹30,000 crore compensation package for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
Conclusion:
PMUY shines as a stellar example of impactful policymaking. Not only did it bring clean cooking fuel to millions of low-income households, but it also provided health, environmental, and economic gains in a cost-effective manner.
By empowering women, improving public health, and protecting forests, the scheme has redefined welfare design. Continued efforts, like ensuring subsidy continuity and targeting underserved regions, will be vital in sustaining its achievements and amplifying its legacy.
2. Union Cabinet approved 4 new semiconductor units for Rs 4,600 crore in Punjab, Odisha, and AP
Context: On August 12, 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four new semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). These projects, with a total investment of approximately ₹4,600 crore, will be established in the states of Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. This move is a significant step towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in semiconductor production and reducing dependency on imports.
Details
1. Overview of the Approved Projects
The four approved projects are as follows:
- SiCSem Pvt Ltd (Odisha): This project involves the establishment of India’s first commercial compound semiconductor fabrication facility. The plant will produce silicon carbide-based devices, including diodes and MOSFETs, with an annual capacity of 96 million units. The investment for this project is approximately ₹2,066 crore.
- 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (Odisha): Backed by global technology firms such as Intel and Lockheed Martin, this project aims to set up a semiconductor assembly and testing facility. The plant will focus on advanced packaging solutions, with an annual production capacity of 50 million units. The investment for this project is around ₹1,943 crore.
- Continental Device India Ltd (Punjab): This project involves the expansion of an existing semiconductor facility in Mohali, Punjab. The plant will enhance the production capacity of semiconductor devices, catering to various sectors, including automotive and consumer electronics. The investment details for this project are not specified.
- Advanced System in Package Technologies (Andhra Pradesh): This project aims to establish a semiconductor packaging facility in Andhra Pradesh. The plant will focus on advanced packaging technologies, with an annual capacity of 9.6 crore units. The investment for this project is approximately ₹468 crore.
2. Strategic Importance and Objectives
The establishment of these semiconductor manufacturing units aligns with India’s broader strategy to:
- Enhance Domestic Production: Reduce reliance on imported semiconductors by increasing domestic production capacity.
- Promote Technological Advancement: Foster innovation and technological development in the semiconductor sector.
- Create Employment Opportunities: Generate direct and indirect employment, contributing to economic growth.
- Strengthen National Security: Ensure a stable supply of semiconductors for critical sectors, including defense and telecommunications.
Conclusion: The approval of these four semiconductor manufacturing projects marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards achieving self-reliance in semiconductor production. By investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The successful implementation of these projects will not only meet domestic demands but also contribute to the country’s economic resilience and technological advancement.
3. India’s Defence production surged to record-high Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY25
Context: In the Financial Year (FY) 2024–25, India achieved a significant milestone in its defence sector, with annual defence production reaching an all-time high of ₹1,50,590 crore. This marks an 18% increase from the previous fiscal year’s ₹1.27 lakh crore and a remarkable 90% growth since FY 2019–20, when production stood at ₹79,071 crore. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of the Department of Defence Production, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), public sector manufacturers, and the private industry. He emphasized that this upward trajectory is a clear indicator of India’s strengthening defence industrial base .
Details
1. Sector-wise Contribution
The production figures for FY 2024–25 reveal a balanced contribution from both public and private sectors:
- Public Sector: Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other public sector units accounted for approximately 77% of the total production. This sector saw a 16% increase in output compared to the previous fiscal year.
- Private Sector: The private sector’s share rose to 23%, up from 21% in FY 2023–24. This 28% year-on-year growth underscores the increasing role of private enterprises in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem .
2. Policy Initiatives Driving Growth
Several strategic initiatives have been pivotal in this growth:
- Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat: These flagship programs have been instrumental in promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
- Ease of Doing Business Reforms: Streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing transparency have attracted both domestic and international investments into the defence sector.
- Enhanced Financial Powers: Delegating greater financial autonomy to the armed forces has expedited procurement processes and facilitated quicker decision-making .
3. Export Performance
India’s defence exports have also reached new heights, totaling ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25. This represents a 12.04% increase over the previous fiscal year’s ₹21,083 crore, highlighting India’s growing footprint in the global defence market .
4. Future Outlook
The government has set an ambitious target to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029. Continued emphasis on innovation, research and development, and public-private partnerships will be crucial in realizing this goal .
Conclusion:
The record-breaking defence production in FY 2024–25 underscores India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, coupled with strategic policy initiatives, have laid a strong foundation for a robust defence industrial base. As India continues to modernize its armed forces and expand its global presence, sustained growth in defence production will play a pivotal role in ensuring national security and economic resilience.
4. DPIIT Partners with Zepto to Empower Manufacturing Startups
Context: On August 12, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zepto Private Limited, a prominent player in the quick commerce sector. This strategic collaboration aims to bolster early-stage startups in India’s manufacturing sector through the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge. The initiative is designed to provide startups with the necessary resources, mentorship, and market access to transition from prototype to market-ready solutions.
Details
1. Programme Structure and Focus Areas
The ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge is a six-month program targeting early-stage startups engaged in hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), packaging, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. The program is structured to support startups in progressing from the prototype stage to developing market-ready products. Zepto will leverage its extensive delivery and digital infrastructure to facilitate this transition.
2. Mentorship and Capacity Building
Startups participating in the challenge will receive mentorship from industry experts and access to capacity-building workshops. These workshops will focus on various aspects of product development, scaling, and market penetration. Additionally, the program will offer assistance under the Startup India initiative, providing startups with the necessary support to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
3. Inclusivity and Regional Focus
A significant emphasis of the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge is on inclusivity, with a particular focus on supporting women-led startups and those based in Tier II and III cities. This approach aims to democratize access to resources and opportunities, ensuring that startups from diverse backgrounds and regions have the chance to scale their innovations.
4. Integration into Zepto’s Supply Chain
Upon successful completion of the program, Zepto plans to integrate over 100 participating startups into its supply chain. This integration will provide startups with direct market access, enabling them to showcase their products and expand their customer base through Zepto’s established network.
5. Strategic Importance
This collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s broader vision of fostering innovation and self-reliance in the manufacturing sector. By partnering with a leading industry player like Zepto, DPIIT aims to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive, thereby contributing to the growth of India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Conclusion:
The partnership between DPIIT and Zepto through the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge marks a significant step towards empowering early-stage manufacturing startups in India. By providing startups with the necessary resources, mentorship, and market access, this initiative aims to accelerate the development and scaling of innovative solutions in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing. The focus on inclusivity and regional representation further enhances the program’s potential to create a diverse and robust startup ecosystem. As India continues to position itself as a global manufacturing hub, initiatives like the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector.
5. NLCIL and BARC Signs MoU for Rare Earth Extraction from Fly Ash
Context: On August 11, 2025, NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). This collaboration aims to develop a pioneering process for extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from fly ash, a by-product of thermal power generation. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of achieving self-reliance in critical minerals and promoting sustainable resource utilization.
Details:
1. Pilot Project at Neyveli
As part of the MoU, a pilot project will be established at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, with technical support from BARC. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of extracting REEs from fly ash using innovative and environmentally sustainable methods. The pilot aims to validate the extraction process and assess its scalability for industrial applications.
2. Significance of Rare Earth Elements
REEs are essential for the manufacturing of various advanced technologies, including renewable energy systems, medical equipment, electronics, and defense systems. Currently, global supply chains for these materials are concentrated in a few countries, making it crucial for India to develop indigenous capabilities to secure a steady supply of these strategic materials.
3. Environmental and Economic Benefits
The extraction of REEs from fly ash offers a dual benefit: it addresses the environmental challenge of managing fly ash, a major waste product from thermal power plants, and provides a source of valuable materials. This initiative supports the principles of a circular economy by transforming waste into a resource, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
4. Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat
This collaboration underscores NLCIL’s commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. By developing domestic capabilities to extract critical minerals, India can reduce its dependence on imports, enhance its technological prowess, and strengthen its position in the global supply chain for advanced materials.
Conclusion
The MoU between NLCIL and BARC marks a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in critical minerals and promoting sustainable resource utilization. The pilot project at Neyveli will serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at extracting valuable materials from industrial by-products. As India continues to advance its technological capabilities and industrial base, such collaborations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s strategic autonomy and economic resilience.
6. India signs trade cooperation agreement with Zambia
Context: On August 12, 2025, India and Zambia formalized a trade cooperation agreement aimed at fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed on July 18, 2025, focuses on enhancing trade alliances between cooperatives in both countries. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced this development in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
Details
India and Zambia share a longstanding diplomatic relationship grounded in mutual respect and cooperation across multiple sectors such as mining, agriculture, health, and education. However, trade volumes have room to grow. Cooperatives, which represent a significant segment of India’s informal and rural economy, are seen as a vehicle for inclusive growth and equitable wealth distribution. Recognizing Zambia’s vibrant cooperative sector, India aims to create institutional linkages to harness shared expertise and resources.
This agreement reflects India’s strategic intent to diversify its export markets and foster sustainable economic linkages with developing countries, aligning with the principles of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). It is also consistent with the vision of strengthening economic corridors and creating resilient value chains that can withstand global disruptions.
- Focus on Cooperatives: The pact promotes trade alliances between cooperative societies, facilitating the exchange of goods like agricultural products, textiles, and handicrafts. This opens new market avenues for grassroots enterprises and MSMEs, helping scale their reach internationally.
- Role of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL): NCEL will spearhead implementation by connecting Indian cooperatives with Zambian counterparts, organizing trade fairs, and providing market intelligence. Indian diplomatic missions will also assist by offering insights on local markets and easing regulatory navigation.
- Expanding India’s Reach: Alongside Zambia, NCEL has signed agreements with Senegal and Indonesia, signaling a strategic push to build cooperative trade networks in emerging economies, thereby diversifying India’s export markets.
- Economic and Developmental Impact: By tapping into cooperatives, the agreement promotes sustainable economic growth, supports rural livelihoods, and enhances trade resilience amid global uncertainties. It also aligns with India’s broader goals of fostering MSMEs and strengthening South-South cooperation.
- Challenges Ahead: Effective execution will require overcoming infrastructure gaps, ensuring product quality standards, and building digital capabilities for cooperatives to compete globally.
Conclusion:
The India-Zambia trade cooperation agreement focused on cooperatives represents a forward-thinking approach to international trade — one that leverages grassroots economic models for macro-level impact. By promoting cooperative alliances, facilitating market access, and fostering knowledge exchange, it lays a robust foundation for sustainable, inclusive economic growth. This initiative not only bolsters India’s trade portfolio in Africa but also embodies the spirit of equitable development and South-South solidarity. Successful execution of this agreement could serve as a model for similar partnerships globally, highlighting how cooperative frameworks can drive international trade and development in tandem.
