15th JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

 

15th JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

Union Cabinet Approves Mobile Device Manufacturing Scheme

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a mobile device manufacturing scheme with a financial outlay of ₹62,500 crore. The scheme has been launched to boost production, strengthen domestic value addition, secure supply chains, and enhance global competitiveness in mobile device manufacturing.
• It also aims to achieve self-reliance in the technology sector, generate significant economic value, and foster the creation of Indian patents in design and Research & Development (R&D).
• The scheme will be implemented over a period of five years, spanning the financial years 2026-27 to 2030-31. It offers incentive support ranging from 2.25% to 5% based on eligible sales of mobile devices manufactured in India. 
• An additional incentive of up to 1.5% is provided for the domestic procurement of key components or sub-assemblies. Furthermore, an additional 3% incentive is offered for eligible sales linked to product design and R&D aimed at creating Indian brands.

Union Cabinet Approves 'Semicon 2.0' Scheme

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the 'Semicon 2.0' scheme, valued at ₹1,27,500 crore, to enhance India's semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem. 
• 'Semicon 2.0' aims to strengthen the government's commitment to making India a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, while sustaining the rapid production capabilities achieved through the 'Semicon 1.0' scheme and recognizing the need for continuous, long-term support for the sector in India.
• The 'Semicon 2.0' scheme seeks to build a comprehensive semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem based on the following six key pillars:
• 'Semicon 2.0' will help expand upon the initial success already achieved in chip design. With 105 startups already engaged in chip design, the focus will be on further strengthening the design ecosystem. 
• Furthermore, key components for developing strategic and commercial products have been identified. The objective of 'Semicon 2.0' is to create intellectual properties, chip designs, and systems by adopting this approach.

Union Cabinet approves two railway multi-tracking projects across four districts in Odisha and Jharkhand

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved two railway multi-tracking projects spanning four districts in the states of Odisha and Jharkhand at a cost of ₹3,907 crore.
• The scheme facilitates the construction of a double line between Paradeep and Haridaspur and a fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. This will expand the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 145 km. 
• The multi-tracking project will provide transport connectivity to 1,526 villages with a combined population of around 14 lakh people. It will facilitate rail connectivity to various key tourist destinations, including the Lalitgiri Buddhist complex, the Sri Baladevjew Temple, and the Meghahatuburu Hills.
• These projects serve as vital corridors for the transportation of freight such as coal, iron ore, dolomite, limestone, and gypsum. This will enable the transport of an additional 44 million tonnes of freight annually.

Union Cabinet approves construction of an elevated 6-lane corridor connecting NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road in Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs 14,447.64 crore.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved a project today to construct a corridor connecting NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 
• Designed to provide connectivity along the banks of the River Ganges, the 46.039 km project includes the construction of an elevated 6-lane corridor, ramps, and connecting roads. 
• The total capital cost of the project is Rs 14,447.64 crore, comprising Rs 6,037.85 crore for construction and Rs 541.11 crore for land acquisition.
• The project will ensure seamless traffic flow between NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road, while also reducing urban traffic congestion and improving overall traffic movement. 
• Designed for speeds of 80 to 100 kmph, the project is expected to reduce travel time from 60 minutes to 20 minutes. Travel time between NH-19 and the Kashi Railway Station is expected to decrease from 50 minutes to 25 minutes.

Union Cabinet approves construction of a 6/4-lane elevated corridor and loops along the Varuna River in Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs 10,998.32 crore

• To alleviate traffic congestion in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the construction of a 43.218 km corridor along the Varuna River, connecting to the NH-31 Varanasi Ring Road.
• This project involves a major 6/4-lane elevated corridor comprising loops and flyovers. To be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, the project entails a capital cost of Rs 10,998.32 crore. This includes Rs 4,565.33 crore for construction work and Rs 934.91 crore for land acquisition.
• This corridor is a key initiative to reduce traffic congestion in Varanasi. It will facilitate seamless traffic flow between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station and improve connectivity to various locations, including the Varanasi Ring Road, Varanasi Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Ramnagar Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi Ghats, and areas bordering Chandauli.

Union Cabinet Committee approves National Investment Policy-2026 for Urea under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the proposal by the Department of Fertilizers regarding the National Investment Policy-2026 for Urea under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. 
• This policy facilitates the encouragement of new investments for setting up gas-based urea manufacturing plants in the country, thereby aiding the goal of achieving self-reliance. Significant changes have been introduced compared to the New Investment Policy-2012; specifically, fixed and variable costs have been categorized separately to ensure greater transparency. 
• A mechanism for return on equity has been introduced, featuring a minimum of 12% and a maximum cap of 16%. Losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations have been mitigated by converting fixed costs into Indian Rupees after four years, based on the prevailing exchange rates. 
• It is estimated that each manufacturing plant established under the Urea-2026 National Investment Policy will achieve savings exceeding Rs. 250 crore.