India’s mineral production showed significant growth in FY 2024-25 (April- November), with iron ore output rising by 3 per cent to 182.6 million metric tonne (MMT), compared to 177.2 MMT last year, as per provisional data.Iron ore remains a key contributor, accounting for 69 per cent of the total MCDR mineral production by value. Other minerals also saw notable increases: manganese ore production grew by 9.5 per cent to 2.3 MMT, chromite by 11.1 per cent to 2.0 MMT, and bauxite by 8.9 per cent to 15.9 MMT. In the non-ferrous sector, aluminium production rose by 1.1 per cent to 27.91 lakh tonnes, and refined copper grew by 9.2 per cent.

Union Ministry of Steel Launches PLI Scheme 1.1

Union Minister for Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy launched the second iteration of the Production- Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for specialty steel, PLI Scheme 1.1, at Vigyan Bhawan. The scheme, running from FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30, aims to boost domestic production, reduce imports, and establish India as a global leader in specialty steel. The application window opened on January 6, 2025. Kumaraswamy highlighted the importance of specialty steel for sectors like infrastructure, defence, and renewable energy, and noted the scheme’s contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat. The first PLI scheme generated significant investment and job creation.

Contact: Union Ministry of Steel

Website: www.steel.gov.in

Semiconductor Fab Plant Construction Begins

India's first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant has officially begun construction in Dholera, Gujarat, marking a key milestone for the nation's semiconductor industry. The `910 billion project, led by Tata Electronics in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), aims to position India as a major player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The plant, set to produce 50,000 wafers per month by 2026, will utilise AI-enabled systems and advanced automation tools. The project will create over 20,000 jobs.

Cabinet Approves Revival Plan For Rashtriya Ispat Nigam

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the revival plan for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL) at a total of Rs.114.4 billion (bn), according to an official press release. For RINL, the infusion consists of Rs.103 bn in equity capital and the conversion of a Rs.11.4 bn working capital loan into 7 per cent non-cumulative preference share capital that can be redeemed after ten years to maintain RINL's viability. As a Schedule-A CPSE, RINL is owned entirely by the Government of India and is administered by the Union Ministry of Steel. The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, can hold 7.3 MTPA of liquid steel when installed.

Contact: Rashtriya Ispat Nigam

Website: www.vizagsteel.com

Greater Chennai Corporation Allocates `5.33 Billion for Infra Enhancements

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Council has approved a comprehensive Rs.5.33 billion (bn) plan for the financial year 2025-26 to improve 1,669 internal roads, 31 bus routes, and install 8,300 street nameboards. The road and bus route enhancements across 15 zones will cost Rs.2.9 bn, with Rs.4.10 bn allocated under various schemes, including NSMT, Singara Chennai, and TURIP. Rs.2.37 bn will be used for road relaying, and Rs.526 million for bus route upgrades. Additionally, street nameboards will be replaced, footpath repairs will be made, and flower beds will be created across the city.

Contact: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)

Website: www.chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/

Tel: 044-25619555

Assam Cabinet Approves Rs.4.19 Bn for Road Infra Projects

The Assam government has approved road and water infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs.4.19 billion (bn), following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, resulted in approval for 104 road projects worth  Rs.2.10 bn aimed at improving rural connectivity in 12 districts of the state. In addition, the Cabinet sanctioned  Rs.2.07 bn for drinking water supply projects in Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, and North Lakhimpur under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF). The Cabinet also approved the launch of an online portal to facilitate mutual transfers for Grade III and IV employees and amended the Assam Registration of Births and Deaths Rules, 2024, to streamline the registration process for births and deaths in the state.