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Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, which aims to enhance indigenous chip design and production capabilities while attracting ecosystem partners and developing talent. Speaking at a Qualcomm event, Vaishnaw emphasized that the initiative will prioritize design companies and startups, aspiring to cultivate innovation akin to that of Qualcomm in India. The government plans to establish semiconductor manufacturing plants capable of producing chips as small as 2 nanometres. Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of integrating equipment, chemical, and gas manufacturers into the semiconductor ecosystem. Additionally, he noted the successful creation of a talent pipeline, which is crucial for the mission's success. This initiative follows Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement in the Budget regarding the second edition of the India Semiconductor Mission, reflecting the government's commitment to advancing the country's semiconductor industry. 
Published: Feb 07 2026, 3 pmeznews.inIndia's former G20 Sherpa and ex-NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant announced on Saturday that the newly established interim trade agreement with the US will enhance India's competitive position against countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh while safeguarding its agriculture and dairy sectors. The agreement significantly reduces US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, creating substantial opportunities for Indian exporters in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and footwear. Kant described the deal as a strategic victory that bolsters supply chains against China and stabilizes the Indian Rupee, crediting Prime Minister Modi and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal for their leadership. The framework, announced on February 6, reaffirms the commitment to broader Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations initiated in 2025, which aim to enhance market access and support resilient supply chains. The US will also eliminate tariffs on certain aircraft parts from India, addressing national security concerns.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian Coast Guard has successfully dismantled an international oil-smuggling syndicate in a significant operation conducted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on February 5-6. Utilizing advanced maritime surveillance technology, the Coast Guard intercepted three vessels engaged in the illicit trade, which involved transferring low-cost oil sourced from conflict zones in international waters to evade customs duties. The operation was triggered by the detection of a suspicious motor tanker within India's Exclusive Economic Zone, leading to a detailed investigation that revealed a network of handlers operating across multiple countries. Following thorough inspections and interrogations, the Coast Guard confirmed the vessels' involvement in illegal activities. The apprehended vessels are being escorted to Mumbai for further legal action, with ownership linked to foreign entities. This operation highlights India's commitment to maritime security and its enforcement of international maritime laws.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 3 pmeznews.inThe Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) has expressed strong support for the recently announced Interim Trade Agreement framework between India and the United States, which aims to bolster bilateral trade and manufacturing cooperation. In a joint statement, both nations confirmed the terms of the agreement, which includes preferential tariff rate quotas for automotive parts and the removal of Section 232 tariffs on select inputs. Vikrampati Singhania, ACMA President, highlighted that these measures will enhance export competitiveness and strengthen India's position in global automotive supply chains. Data from ACMA indicates a significant increase in trade, with India's auto component exports to the US rising from $3.56 billion in FY2020-21 to $6.23 billion in FY2024-25. Meanwhile, US exports to India also grew, reaching $1.51 billion in FY2024-25. ACMA looks forward to further collaboration to ensure comprehensive integration of automotive components in the final agreement.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 2 pmeznews.inThe United States has proposed the removal of reciprocal tariffs on gems and diamonds as part of an interim trade agreement with India, according to a joint statement from both nations. This move could significantly benefit India's gems and jewellery sector, which relies on the US for approximately 30% of its sales. The US plans to reduce tariffs on Indian exports from 50% to 18%, covering a range of goods, including pharmaceuticals and aircraft parts. India's gem and jewellery exports to the US have plummeted, with a 44% year-on-year decline recorded between April and December 2025, largely due to high tariffs. Colin Shah, Managing Director of Kama Jewelry, hailed the potential zero tariff as a pivotal moment for the industry, which has seen a drastic drop in diamond exports. The tariff waiver is expected to rejuvenate exports and restore vitality to India's diamond processing sector.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia and the United States have unveiled a framework for a bilateral trade deal, granting India tariff-free access to specific aircraft and parts from the US, as outlined in a joint statement released on Saturday. The agreement includes a preferential tariff rate quota for automotive parts and negotiated outcomes for generic pharmaceuticals. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), initiated by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February 2025, aiming to enhance market access and strengthen supply chains. India will reduce tariffs on various US industrial and agricultural goods while securing protections for sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. Additionally, India plans to purchase $500 billion in US energy products and technology over the next five years. Following a recent phone call between Modi and Trump, tariffs on Indian goods entering the US have been significantly reduced from 50% to 18%.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has announced a significant interim trade framework with the United States, committing to purchase $500 billion worth of US energy products, aircraft, precious metals, technology, and coking coal over the next five years. This agreement, revealed on Saturday, also includes the removal of tariffs on certain Indian aircraft and parts, previously imposed to protect the US aluminium and steel industries. The deal is expected to bolster US aerospace manufacturers and enhance the supply chain in India, where companies like Aequs Limited are already key suppliers for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Boeing's South India president, Salil Gupte, emphasized that the agreement signals a commitment to a deeper economic partnership, advocating for a zero-for-zero tariff approach to accelerate industrial growth and strengthen national security. Aequs, which derives 90% of its revenue from aerospace, reported a 38% year-on-year growth in its aerospace business, highlighting the positive impact of the trade framework.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Minister for Transport, Ports & Civil Aviation of Seychelles, Veronique Laporte, alongside SPTC Chairman Andy Moncherry and CEO Geffy Zialor, visited Ashok Leyland Headquarters in Chennai, India, on Wednesday for a technical and fact-finding mission. The delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Ashok Leyland officials, focusing on electric bus solutions tailored to meet the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation's specifications. The Ministry highlighted the importance of training and battery management support. During the visit, Minister Laporte was updated on the two electric buses set to be piloted by SPTC in early 2026, with arrival scheduled for the third week of April. Additionally, she toured the electric bus chassis production line and operations depot to better understand the technical requirements and infrastructure needed for an electric bus fleet.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIn a significant move, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that India has committed to halting all imports of oil from Russia, as outlined in an executive order. The order highlights India's pledge to purchase energy products from the United States and its recent agreement to enhance defense cooperation over the next decade. While the White House has confirmed India's commitment, an official response from the Indian government is still pending. The executive order also states that, effective February 7, 2026, India will no longer face a 25% additional duty on imports to the US, contingent on its adherence to the oil import ban. The US will closely monitor India's compliance, with potential repercussions if it resumes Russian oil imports. Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the interim trade agreement, emphasizing its potential to bolster employment and innovation in India.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIndian Railways is undertaking significant modernization of its signalling infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety. As of December 31, electronic interlocking systems have been installed at 6,660 stations, while measures to interlock 10,097 Level Crossing Gates aim to improve safety. The introduction of axle counters and Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) across 6,142 block sections and 6,625 route kilometers, respectively, is designed to streamline train operations and reduce human error. Additionally, safety measures for track maintenance employees include the provision of essential safety gear, lightweight tools, and mechanized maintenance systems to minimize physical strain. Regular training and counselling sessions are conducted to promote safety awareness. The implementation of a VHF-based Approaching Train Warning System has led to a 66% reduction in fatalities among railway staff during maintenance work. Compensation mechanisms for accidents have also been established, with ₹30.75 crore paid to the families of deceased employees over the past three years.
Published: Feb 07 2026, 11 am
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