APRIL 20268TOP STORIESThe Indian government is preparing to introduce the second phase of its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, with a proposed outlay of over $5 billion investment (around 46,000 crore). The move is aimed at strengthening India's position as a global electronics manufacturing hub and significantly increasing smartphone exports from India.Sources indicate that the new PLI 2.0 scheme is likely to be launched soon, possibly by May, after consultations between the Ministry of Electronics and IT and the finance ministry. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval. India has taken another big step in strengthening its electronics component manufacturing sector. Today, the government approved the fourth tranche of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). This latest round includes 29 new investment proposals with a total outlay of Rs 7,104 crore, aimed at boosting domestic production of electronic components and reducing dependence on imports. The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme is part of India's ongoing effort to become a key player in global electronics supply chains. UDAN scheme expansion is now official. The Government of India has approved a revamped regional connectivity plan with a Rs 28,840 crore outlay for the next 10 years, aiming to bring underserved regions onto the aviation map while fixing long-standing issues around route reliability and airport viability.Under the upgraded UDAN scheme, 100 new airports will be developed using existing unserved airstrips, backed by Rs 12,159 crore. The plan also focuses heavily on remote access, with 200 helipads to be built across hilly, island, and aspirational regions, each receiving Rs 15 crore in funding. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has moved a step closer to boosting India's advanced manufacturing sector by holding a pre-bid meeting for its rare earth magnet production scheme. Conducted on April 7, the meeting saw participation from 25 companies, indicating strong industry interest in the initiative.The scheme is part of the government's larger plan to reduce import dependence and build domestic manufacturing capabilities in critical technologies. Rare earth magnets, especially neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, play a crucial role in industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, and defence. GOVT PLANS 5 BN USD MOBILE PLI 2.0 TO BOOST EXPORTS GROWTHINDIA APPROVES RS 7,104 CR FOR ELECTRONICS COMPONENT MANUFACTURING UDAN SCHEME TO ADD 100 AIRPORTS TO BOOST REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY GOVT HOSTS PRE-BID MEET FOR RARE EARTH MAGNET SCHEME PUSH
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