India’s reliance on China for critical minerals, essential for high-tech industries like electric vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of its supply chains. China controls a significant portion of the global market for rare earth elements and other critical minerals, making India heavily dependent on imports. Efforts to reduce this dependence include exploring domestic mining opportunities and seeking alternative suppliers from countries like Australia and the United States. However, challenges such as high domestic mining costs, environmental concerns, and technological limitations persist. The future of India’s critical mineral supply depends on strengthening its mining infrastructure and securing stable, diversified sources.

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) were established by the Indian government to help small and marginal farmers overcome challenges such as limited access to resources, modern technology, and global markets. Despite the government's efforts to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs under a ₹68,650 crore scheme, an ICRIER survey reveals that FPOs continue to face significant challenges. These include difficulties in identifying buyers, complex compliance standards, and limited knowledge about e-commerce platforms like ONDC. While there are success stories, such as the Kandhamal turmeric FPOs in Odisha, there is a pressing need for comprehensive databases, better access to e-commerce platforms, and enhanced knowledge transfer to help FPOs scale up and connect with global markets. Key recommendations include providing product-specific training, simplifying the standard-setting process, and fostering strategic partnerships.

India has crossed a significant milestone in its economic journey, with total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows surpassing $1 trillion since April 2000. This achievement highlights the country’s growing appeal as a global investment hub, driven by policies such as "Make in India" and liberalized sectoral reforms. The first half of FY 2024-25 saw a 26% rise in FDI, totaling $42.1 billion. Mauritius and Singapore emerged as the top sources of FDI, contributing 25% and 24%, respectively. The services sector, including financial services, IT, and consultancy, led the inflows, while manufacturing saw a significant 69% increase in FDI over the past decade. India's robust economic reforms, such as the introduction of GST and the abolition of angel tax, have further enhanced investor confidence. With FDI spread across 60 sectors and 31 states, India is well-positioned for continued growth, reinforcing its role on the global economic stage.

The Union government has launched a detailed examination of India's gold import data following a dramatic surge in November 2024, where gold imports tripled to a record $14.8 billion. This surge contributed to India’s record trade deficit of $38 billion and placed additional pressure on the rupee, driving it to an all-time low. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) is reconciling the data with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), amid concerns of potential double-counting of gold shipments. The rise in imports has been attributed to factors such as reduced tariffs, growing investment demand, and loopholes in trade agreements. The surge in gold imports has significantly distorted the trade balance, weakened the rupee, and widened the current account deficit.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF), with a financial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore. The scheme aims to provide post-harvest finance to farmers by offering loan guarantees against electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) for produce stored in accredited warehouses. This initiative is designed to minimize distress selling by farmers, promote warehouse development, and encourage banks to extend finance to farmers and traders. The scheme specifically targets small and marginal farmers, women, SC/ST, Divyangjan farmers, and MSMEs, offering loan coverage up to 85%. The launch is part of the government's broader effort to enhance farmers' welfare and improve post-harvest lending in India.

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal’s guidance, has introduced the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—“Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal.” This CSR project aims to offer free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts, with an annual family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs. The scheme covers various critical health conditions, including cancer, TB, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplants, and more. NCL’s CMD, Shri B. Sairam, highlighted the significance of this initiative in providing healthcare to underserved areas with geographical challenges. Over the last decade, NCL has spent over 1,000 crores on various CSR activities, impacting the lives of approximately 10 lakh people.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has established four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres under the Scheme for Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector. These centres aim to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in Indian industries, including MSMEs. Key centres include the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) Lab in Pune, IITD-AIA Foundation for Smart Manufacturing in Delhi, I-4.0 India @ IISc in Bengaluru, and CMTI's Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell in Bengaluru.The SAMARTH Centres have achieved significant milestones, such as the development of Industry 4.0 solutions, smart factories, and training over 5,000 professionals. They have also provided support to industries through awareness programs, workshops, and consultancy in areas like IoT, software development, and data analytics. While the initiative does not offer direct financial assistance, it plays a crucial role in helping industries, especially MSMEs, transition to smart manufacturing and improve their digital maturity.

The Delhi High Court recently addressed the legal uncertainty surrounding the powers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers to issue show-cause notices (SCNs) and recover duties under the Customs Act, 1962. A batch of petitions sought to quash SCNs and pending adjudication proceedings, some of which dated back to 2006. The delay was attributed to the Supreme Court's 2011 decision in Sayed Ali, which questioned the jurisdiction of DRI officers. The Court criticized the authorities for not reviewing the matter and transferring pending cases to Customs officers. It also referred to legislative interventions, including the Amendment and Validation Act, 2011, and Finance Act, 2022, which aimed to empower DRI officers to continue proceedings. Ultimately, the Supreme Court in 2024 affirmed the powers of DRI officers, and the High Court quashed the SCNs and pending proceedings due to the inordinate delay in adjudication.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana, an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) aimed at empowering women between the ages of 18 and 70. The scheme offers specialized training, a stipend, and career opportunities for women, helping them become LIC agents and potentially qualify for Development Officer roles within LIC. Eligible candidates must have completed Class 10 and submit proof of age, educational qualifications, and address. Women will receive a commission of Rs 48,000 in the first year, along with a monthly stipend that decreases over the next two years based on policy retention. The scheme seeks to enhance financial literacy and insurance awareness among women, providing them with economic independence and growth opportunities.