Policy Roundup – Boosting Exports, Self-Reliance in Chips and Clean Energy

Last Updated on Sep 23, 2022 by Aradhana Gotur

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Nod for modified Semiconductor Development Programme

The Union Cabinet approved the modifications in the programme for the development of semiconductors and the display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
Key changes are fiscal support of 50% of project cost for all technology nodes under the scheme for setting up semiconductor fabs and display fabs in India. The modified programme is expected to expedite investments in the sector.

PLI Scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules cleared

The Cabinet approved the proposal for the implementation of the PLI Scheme, which will outlay Rs. 19,500 cr. to achieve Giga Watt scale manufacturing capacity for high-efficiency solar PV modules.
The national programme on Solar PV Modules aims to build an ecosystem for manufacturing high-efficiency solar PV modules in India to reduce dependence on imports in the area of renewable energy.

Three states asked to check stubble burning

Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar asked the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi to achieve Zero Stubble Burning in the near future.
The minister said Rs. 600 cr. was provided to the States this financial year, and they have the unspent amount of Rs. 300 cr.

Government clarifies media reports on windfall tax review

After some media reports appeared claiming that the ‘Oil Ministry seeks windfall tax review’, the government clarified that the Ministry has sought changes in the levy of Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED).
These reports were categorised by the government as misleading. Windfall tax was implemented on 1^st July 2022 and is periodically reviewed after consultations.

Promotional activities needed to attract mega research projects

The Ministry of Textiles cleared 23 research projects worth Rs. 60 cr. in the areas of specialty fibres, sustainable textiles, geotextiles, mobiltech and sports textiles.
Union Minister of Textiles Piyush Goyal said these strategic research projects fall under the Flagship Programme ‘National Technical Textiles Mission.’
Among these 23 research projects, 12 have application areas in agriculture, smart textiles, healthcare, strategic application and protective gears.

First consignment of plant-based meat products exported to the US

In a move to boost unique agricultural processed food products exports, the first consignment of plant-based meat products under the vegan food category was shipped from Nadiad in Gujarat to California.
Vegan food products are gaining popularity in developed countries due to their high nutrient value.
The first shipment contained momos, mini samosas, patties, nuggets, spring rolls, burgers, etc.

Comments invited on draft Indian Telecommunication Bill

The Ministry of Communications has initiated public consultations to develop a modern legal framework in telecommunications.
In July 2022, a Consultation Paper on ‘Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunication in India’ was published, and comments were received from various stakeholders and industry associations.
Based on the consultations, the Ministry drafted the Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022.

Grain export ban defended

India defended its decision to ban the export of wheat and rice at a WTO meeting even as some member countries have flagged concerns over the country’s stand, an official said. At a meeting last week in Geneva, several countries raised concerns over this decision and its impact on global markets.
India clarified that the ban on the export of broken rice was to counter the rise in the grain’s exports in recent months, which had put pressure on the domestic market.
In the case of wheat, India’s food security concerns led to export curbs. India has also stated that the measures are temporary and are being re-evaluated timely.

National Logistics Policy approved

The Union Cabinet approved the National Logistics Policy, which lays down an overarching multi-sector and multi-jurisdictional comprehensive policy framework for the logistics sector.
The policy aims to integrate infrastructure development and bring efficiency to the logistics services and human resources development by streamlining processes, regulatory framework, skill development and adoption of suitable technologies.

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