Cabinet Greenlights Rs 4,600 Crore Chip Plants as India Eyes Tech Leadership
First 'made-in-India' chips expected within months
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Today’s Bharat, your concise digest of the nation’s most significant developments. In this edition, we bring you the Union Cabinet’s landmark approval of four new semiconductor plants, India’s record-breaking defence production, and key political and technological updates as the country readies itself for Independence Day. Dive in for expert insights and stay informed on the progress shaping Bharat’s future.
Cabinet Approves ₹4,600 Crore for Semiconductor Projects.
The Union Cabinet has greenlit four semiconductor manufacturing projects worth ₹4,600 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. These projects aim to bolster India’s chip ecosystem, create jobs, and support sectors like defence, AI, and consumer electronics.
New Income Tax Bill Passed
Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the 1961 Act. Effective from April 1, 2026, the new bill simplifies tax language, reduces sections from 819 to 536, and removes redundant provisions, ensuring no new tax rates are imposed.
Aadhaar Face Authentication Hits 200 Crore Transactions
Aadhaar’s face authentication system has crossed a milestone of 200 crore transactions, reinforcing its role in secure digital identity verification across India.
Sports Reform Bills Passed
The Rajya Sabha passed the National Sports Governance Bill and National Anti-Doping Bill, 2025, to enhance sports infrastructure, ensure ethical governance, and align with global anti-doping standards, boosting India’s 2036 Olympic bid.
State Highlights
Patna Metro Launch Delayed
The Patna Metro, initially set to start on August 15, has been postponed by 15–20 days due to safety concerns raised by railway officials. Bihar Minister Jivesh Mishra emphasized that public safety is the priority.
Karnataka GST Evasion Surges
Karnataka reported a fivefold increase in GST evasion cases, reaching ₹39,577 crore in FY25, with 1,254 cases and nine arrests. Voluntary tax payments amounted to ₹1,623 crore.
Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak in Maharashtra
An outbreak of lumpy skin disease has killed 339 cattle across five districts in Maharashtra, including Pune and Satara. The state has completed 93% of its cattle vaccination drive.
Heavy Rain Causes Waterlogging in Delhi
Delhi faced waterlogging issues due to heavy rainfall, prompting traffic advisories after a metro wall collapsed near Masoodpur flyover. The Delhi Metro will start services at 4 AM on August 15 for Independence Day celebrations.
Bihar: NSUI Leader Missing
Chunnu Singh, NSUI’s national general secretary and a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, has been reported missing in Patna. Police are investigating, with his last location being traced.
Economy and Business
Stock Market Rises
Sensex and Nifty climbed on August 13, driven by steady US inflation data and India’s retail inflation hitting an 8-year low of 1.55% in July.
Soyoil Imports Surge
India’s soyoil imports are projected to hit a record 5.5 million tons in 2024–25, while palm oil imports drop to a five-year low, impacting global vegetable oil markets.
Gold Prices Dip Slightly
Gold prices in India saw a marginal decline on August 13, reflecting international market trends, though demand remains strong as a hedge against inflation.
Defence and Security
Indian Army Foils Uri Infiltration
The Indian Army thwarted a major infiltration attempt near Tikka Post in Uri, killing several terrorists but losing two soldiers. This comes amid ongoing Operation Akhal in South Kashmir.
New Defence Corridors Planned
The government announced two new defence industrial corridors in Maharashtra and Assam to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing, following a record ₹1.5 lakh crore in defence production in FY25.
Naxal Encounter in Jharkhand
A clash between security forces and Naxals in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, resulted in one Naxal killed and several injured, with weapons recovered.
Thought of the Day
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
– Jim Ryun.
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