Increase in MPLAD funds subject to Cabinet approval when proposed rise exceeds approved threshold, with pre extension review.
Third party evaluation of MPLADS works (01 04 2014 to 31 03 2019) was completed with a final report submitted on 31 08 2021; suggestions to increase annual MPLADS funding were received from MPs. The scheme is approved through FY 2025 26; proposed increases beyond the established funding threshold require Cabinet approval after competent authority clearance, and the Ministry will examine proposals before extension, following third party audit and stakeholder consultation.

Multilingual procurement training expands access to GeM e Learning, enabling stakeholders to attain buyer certification and navigate procurement processes.
Implementation of a multilingual GeM Learning Management System offering SCORM-compliant interactive courses, a user-friendly interface with libraries and progress tracking, and a structured four-level Buyer Certification program that lets government buyers, sellers, and service providers choose learning pathways by topic or certification level to improve procurement comprehension and portal navigation.

Merger control approval permits majority stake acquisition in an EMS provider while assessing potential market overlaps and supply chain effects.
The Competition Commission of India has approved Dixon Technologies (India) Limited acquiring up to 56% of Ismartu India Private Limited. The Acquirer is an EMS provider across communication devices, lighting, televisions, appliances, security systems, wearables and hearables, operating through subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Target provides EMS for mobile phones including printed circuit board assembly, LCD module displays, production, assembly, testing, procurement and failure analysis. A detailed CCI order will follow.

Competition approval: acquisition of indirect non voting economic interest in a listed pharmaceutical company via share and debt transfer.
The Competition Commission of India approved a combination in which Platinum Poppy will acquire ordinary shares in, and extend shareholder debt to, Berhyanda and Berhyanda MidCo, thereby obtaining an indirect non voting economic interest in Suven Pharmaceuticals through Berhyanda's majority shareholding. Platinum Poppy is a restricted scope vehicle for investment established in the Abu Dhabi Global Market with ADIA as ultimate beneficiary; Berhyanda entities are Advent-managed investment holding companies and Suven is a listed pharmaceutical manufacturer and contract development supplier.

Merger control: Competition authority approves indirect acquisition of steel manufacturer by mining and holding entities.
The Competition Commission of India approved an indirect acquisition whereby The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited and BAG Holdings Private Limited acquire control of Arjas Steel Private Limited and indirect control of its wholly owned subsidiary Arjas Modern Steel Private Limited; SMIORE is a listed mining, ferroalloy and coke producer, BHPL is a non operating affiliate, and the Targets manufacture and sell steel products, heavy ingots and billets, with a detailed CCI order to follow.

International business education launches flagship MBA programmes to strengthen analytics skills and global trade readiness for students.
Inauguration of two flagship programmes - MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) - at IIFT emphasized combining international trade expertise with data-driven managerial skills, promoting peer-to-peer learning, industry and alumni engagement, and continuous skill renewal. Speakers urged students to leverage technology, entrepreneurship and the demographic dividend to lead in services and trade sectors and support Vision 2047, while institutional leadership committed to enhancing IIFT's global reputation through contemporary research, training and education.

Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement implementation to mobilize major investment and job creation between India and EFTA.
Implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was the principal operative focus, with bilateral talks and industry meetings geared toward creating an enabling environment to expedite TEPA's investment mobilisation and job creation objectives. Ministers and business delegations discussed measures to encourage Swiss investment in India, sectoral collaboration, and follow-up mechanisms to translate the Agreement's aspirational targets into concrete implementation steps.

Trade and Economic Partnership implementation advances as minister pursues TEPA roadmap and bilateral talks to deepen investment and supply chain ties.
The minister's engagement at the G7 outreach session focuses on advancing India's trade diplomacy by promoting reforms to improve ease of doing business, strengthening supply chain resilience, and attracting investment. Bilateral meetings will pursue implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with EFTA, develop a roadmap for prior investment commitments, address bilateral trade issues, and explore new trade and investment cooperation.

Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement consultations advance WTO negotiations, investment outreach, and aviation collaboration to support trade engagement.
The Minister's Zurich visit advanced implementation of the India EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement through meetings with the WTO Director General on ongoing negotiations, outreach to the Indian diaspora and potential investors to promote investment under the new trade framework, consultations with Zurich Airport and industry representatives on aviation infrastructure collaboration, and coordination with India's WTO delegation to align priority negotiating positions.

Inflation rate based on CPI shows higher food price inflation in June, with provisional rural urban divergence noted.
Provisional All India year on year consumer price inflation for June 2024 is reported at 5.08% overall (5.66% rural, 4.39% urban), with the CFPI rising more sharply than the general index. Key food sub groups-Vegetables, Pulses, Fruits and Cereals-record substantial annual increases while Oils and fats decline. June 2024 indices are provisional; detailed group, sub group and State level tables and methodological notes, including sample coverage and response rates, are provided in annexes.

Industrial production growth signals expansion across mining, manufacturing and electricity with key sectoral contributors identified.
Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production for May 2024 show year-on-year expansion with positive contributions across Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity; Primary goods, Consumer durables and Infrastructure/Construction goods are the leading use-based contributors, while Manufacture of basic metals, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment are principal manufacturing contributors. The release provides 2-digit NIC and use-based indices, notes that May figures are preliminary and subject to revision, discloses weighted response rates for current compilations, and points users to detailed Statements and the next scheduled release.

Logistics digitization via Unified Logistics Interface Platform expands state dashboard integration for real time supply chain visibility.
The MoU creates a program to digitize Gujarat logistics by deploying the Unified Logistics Interface Platform and a hub spoke ULIP Dashboard that integrates state departments via APIs to provide continuous real time visibility of shipment tracking, vehicle utilization, infrastructure availability and transit times, improving coordination among government and private stakeholders and enabling synthesized data for inter agency decision making.

Trader engagement platform launched enabling regular virtual consultations to connect traders with welfare board for retail trade issues.
An open virtual consultation channel was launched to enable regular weekly interactions between traders and the National Traders' Welfare Board for discussion of retail trade concerns; representations from members and trade associations have been referred to concerned Ministries/Departments, and members were asked for suggestions to improve awareness and reach of welfare schemes, with participation by nominated non official members and ex officio representatives from nine Ministries/Departments.

Transaction charges reduction enhances seller competitiveness on the public procurement platform while expanding trainer support and AI tools.
GeM reduced seller transaction charges and introduced a cap on charges while promoting seller competitiveness, expanded outreach through the GeM SAHAYAK trainer accreditation program to assist sellers and buyers with onboarding and bid creation, and launched the Aabhar Collection to facilitate procurement of handcrafted and GI products; concurrently GeM is deploying a generative AI chatbot and unified monitoring and geo tagging tools to enhance transparency, performance monitoring and participation of small suppliers in public procurement.

Integrated multimodal planning evaluated five transport projects to boost last mile connectivity and urban regional logistics efficiency.
The Network Planning Group reviewed five projects - two greenfield rail lines in Odisha for first mile coal connectivity and logistics efficiency; the Lucknow Metro Phase I B east west extension to expand urban transit, interchange integration and renewable energy use; and two road upgrades (NH 47 upgradation and NH 166 four laning) to relieve congestion, reduce travel time and emissions - assessing each for integrated multimodal planning, last mile and intermodal connectivity, and synchronized implementation to deliver socioeconomic benefits.

Industry collaboration to position India as a global toy hub, promoting artisan support and sustainable manufacturing.
Support for Indian artisans and industry collaboration is promoted to cultivate creativity, education-focused toys, and position the domestic sector for global growth. Government representatives urged integration of artisan participation, quality control, innovation, and sustainability into manufacturing while facilitating private investment and institutional coordination to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and make Indian-made toys competitive internationally.

Advisory council constituted to advise on terms of reference and assist research to improve fiscal devolution.
Constitution of an Advisory Council to support the Sixteenth Finance Commission by advising on Terms of Reference, preparing and monitoring research studies, and recommending national and international best practices to enhance fiscal devolution and the quality and enforceability of the Commission's recommendations.

PLI Scheme for White Goods application window reopened; approvals eligible for incentives only for the remaining scheme tenure.
Application window for the PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED lights) is reopened on the same terms via the existing portal. New and existing applicants may apply to increase investments or switch segments, subject to Scheme Guidelines and investment schedules. Applicants approved in this round will receive incentives only for the remainder of the Scheme's tenure, with maximum incentive periods varying by prior investment period; one-time flexibility allows claims under original plans if thresholds are not met. Claim processing is moved from annual to quarterly; consolidated guidelines and portal details are provided.

Memorandum of Understanding on logistics cost assessment establishes a framework and a one year study to analyse cost differentials and determinants.
A Memorandum of Understanding between DPIIT and NCAER mandates development of a detailed framework for assessing logistics cost and requires NCAER to prepare a comprehensive 2023-24 logistics cost study, analyse cost differentials across routes, modes, products and operations, identify major determinants including intangible costs, and submit the report within one year, while institutionalising systematic periodic data collection for policymaking.

Unincorporated sector growth shows increased establishments, workforce and GVA with rising registration, digitization and credit access.
The surveys report increases in establishments, workforce and GVA alongside higher average fixed assets, larger outstanding loans and rising formal registration; they cover unincorporated non agricultural establishments across Manufacturing, Trade and Other Services using a multi stage stratified sample frame, area based listing and a shift from PAPI to CAPI data collection, with pandemic affected periods separately disaggregated.