VOL XXVII, ISSUE 04

28 February 2026

Western Coalfields finds 8 rare earth elements and critical minerals in its 6 mines in Maharashtra

The Economic Times | 27 February 2026

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has identified eight strategic minerals, including rare earth elements, across six mines in Maharashtra, creating scope to diversify beyond coal production. The findings reveal commercially viable concentrations of minerals such as potash, tellurium, titanium, lanthanum and cerium, among others, in overburden and mine rejects. WCL plans to work with Coal India Ltd and the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre to develop extraction technologies and set up pilot facilities.

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Micron opens world�s largest semiconductor clean room in Gujarat; 1st shipment rolls out for Dell

The Hindu Business Line | 28 February 2026

Micron Technology has commenced operations at its semiconductor assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a milestone in India�s chip manufacturing ambitions. The company shipped its first DRAM module to Dell Technologies from the site, which features a 500,000 sq ft raised-floor clean room � the world�s largest of its kind. Classified as Class 1000, the facility is engineered to maintain ultra-low particle levels and tailored to local soil and climate conditions.

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POLICY SCAN

 RoDTEP Rate Rationalisation: 50% Cut Effective Immediately

RoDTEP benefits for all HS lines under Appendices 4R and 4RE are now restricted to 50% of existing rates and value caps, effective immediately, to rationalize export incentives across sectors including electronics and semiconductors.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Commerce) (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) | 60/2025-26 | 23 February 2026

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New Indian Standards Introduced Across Cloud, Connectivity, and Asset Management

New Indian standards effective February 18, 2026 update guidelines for cloud computing, data centre cooling efficiency, and asset management, with older standards to be withdrawn by August 18, 2026. The revisions also cover optical fibre testing, dielectric withstand voltage tests for coaxial cables, USB 4 interface requirements, and new frameworks for active assisted living, including reference architectures and ethical AI considerations.

Bureau of Indian Standards (Department of Consumer Affairs) | CG-DL-E-25022026-270453 | 24 February 2026

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BIS Withdraws Steel Wire Spec for Bearings

The Bureau of Indian Standards has cancelled and withdrawn IS 4882:1979, the specification for low carbon steel wire used in rivets for the bearing industry, effective February 18, 2026. This action removes the prior first revision standard from active use, potentially requiring bearing manufacturers to adopt alternative materials, updated international equivalents, or new domestic specifications to ensure compliance in production processes.

Bureau of Indian Standards (Department of Consumer Affairs) | CG-DL-E-26022026-270502 | 25 February 2026

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BIS Issues Amendments to Key Industrial Standards

Amendments to four Indian standards have been introduced, covering specifications for industrial sewing machine needles, pre-painted aluminium zinc alloy metallic-coated steel strips and sheets, magnetic rope testing methods, and fire prevention practices in ropeways. The existing versions will remain valid until August 17, 2026, providing a transition period for implementation. The amendments introduce revised technical requirements that manufacturers will need to incorporate into their production and quality control processes while maintaining compliance with national quality standards. 

Bureau of Indian Standards (Department of Consumer Affairs) | CG-DL-E-26022026-270503 | 25 February 2026

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BIS Amends Conformity Assessment Regulations, Introduces Advance Fee and MSME Relief

The Bureau of Indian Standards has amended its 2018 Conformity Assessment Regulations, effective February 25, 2026, introducing advance payment of annual licence and certificate fees along with provisions for suspension or cancellation in cases of non-payment. The changes also strengthen the Self-Declaration of Conformity scheme through third-party testing, surveillance, complaint handling, and defined labelling requirements. A revised fee structure, longer validity periods, and MSME fee concessions valid until May 2029 aim to streamline compliance and improve quality assurance across manufacturing sectors.

Bureau of Indian Standards (Department of Consumer Affairs) | CG-DL-E-26022026-270512 | 25 February 2026

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INDUSTRY SCAN

General

Tamil Nadu signs ₹5,980 crore MoUs in electronics, aerospace investments

Business Today | 16 February 2026

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T R B Rajaa announced two major investment agreements in the state. Japan-based MinebeaMitsumi has signed an MoU through Guidance Tamil Nadu to invest ₹1,980 crore in Tiruvallur district, creating about 1,400 high-end jobs. The company manufactures precision mechanical and electronic components, including semiconductors and battery systems. In a separate development, the state signed an MoU with Aequs Group for a ₹4,000 crore investment to set up India�s first fully vertically integrated aircraft engine manufacturing project.

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India targets rare‑earth permanent magnet production by year‑end, minister says

Reuters | 19 February 2026

India plans to begin domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets by the end of the year through partnerships with private companies to reduce dependence on imports. The government has approved a ₹73 billion programme to support manufacturing of these magnets, which are essential for sectors such as electric vehicles, defence, aerospace and renewable energy. Technology has already been developed by government agencies, and four mineral processing facilities are proposed. Although India holds large rare earth reserves, limited private investment has restricted mining, while demand for permanent magnets is projected to grow rapidly.

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�New Delhi Frontier AI� pact pushes inclusive global artificial intelligence: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Hindustan Times | 20 February 2026

Major global technology companies and Indian AI firms have endorsed the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments, a framework intended to monitor artificial intelligence adoption and improve its effectiveness across languages and cultures. Announced at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in the capital, the initiative focuses on gathering anonymised data to better understand how AI is used in real economic settings and to guide policy decisions on employment and skills. A second focus area is improving multilingual performance and evaluating practical applications to ensure AI systems work effectively across diverse contexts and user needs.

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India AI Impact Summit 2026: The Real Policy Shifts You Shouldn�t Miss

Medianama | 21 February 2026

The India AI Impact Summit has concluded, drawing widespread attention for controversies, including the episode at Galgotias University and the political reactions that ensued. While media narratives largely centered on allegations of mismanagement and related disruptions, the event also produced meaningful policy direction. Through keynote addresses and focused industry discussions, government representatives articulated firmer stances on digital age verification, regulation of synthetic content, sector-specific AI oversight frameworks, and clearer accountability norms for high-risk artificial intelligence deployments.

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Benefits under RoDTEP cut to half

Financial Express | 23 February 2026

The government of India has reduced benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme by half, raising concerns among exporters dealing with uncertain global trade conditions. A notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced lower refund rates on taxes and duties incurred during production. The scheme compensates exporters for levies not covered under other refund mechanisms. Reduced incentives will lower transferable duty credits that exporters can use for import payments or sell in the market.

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India's TEXMiN, Russia's GIREDMET ink pact to ramp up rare earth, critical mineral technologies

The Economic Times | 23 February 2026

TEXMiN Foundation, the Technology Translation Research Park under India�s Department of Science & Technology at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed an MoU with GIREDMET to collaborate on rare earth and critical mineral technologies. GIREDMET functions under Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. The agreement seeks to combine global research expertise with translational capabilities to enhance India�s self-reliance in rare metals and advanced materials across the mining and processing value chain.

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Information Technology

Infosys-Anthropic tie-up signals new AI upside for Indian IT sector

The Economic Times - CIO | 20 February 2026

India�s IT services industry, often seen as vulnerable to artificial intelligence, may instead benefit from the technology shift, according to Jefferies. Growing adoption of enterprise AI and customised solutions is creating new opportunities for service providers. Companies are increasingly building specialised AI systems using their own data, requiring support in integration and migration � areas where Indian IT firms have strong capabilities. This changing outlook suggests the sector could regain momentum after being viewed as a major loser from AI-driven automation and lagging in market performance.

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NASSCOM pegs India tech sector growth at 6.1% for FY26 driven by AI services, local centres of MNCs

Mint | 24 February 2026

NASSCOM has raised its revenue forecast for India�s IT sector, projecting growth to about $315 billion in FY26, higher than earlier estimates. The industry body attributed the revision to a broader coverage of companies, including new global capability centres and domestic artificial intelligence firms. Despite improved revenue expectations, it warned that employment growth is likely to remain limited in the coming years, indicating a shift toward productivity gains rather than rapid hiring in the technology sector.

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Consumer Electronics

Sharp surge in memory chip prices triggers 'shrinkflation' in consumer electronics

The Economic Times | 21 February 2026

A steep rise in memory chip costs, fuelled by expanding global AI infrastructure, is pushing consumer electronics makers to control prices by reducing product specifications instead of repeatedly increasing retail prices. Memory prices have surged dramatically since late 2025, creating pressure on manufacturers, especially in the mass-market segment. Following a strategy similar to shrinkflation in packaged goods, companies are offering devices with lower memory or simplified features while keeping prices relatively stable. This approach helps brands manage rising input costs after recent price increases across many smartphone models.

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Aequs to invest ₹230 crore in consumer electronics arm; aerospace order book at $814 million

The Economic Times | 25 February 2026

Aequs has approved an additional ₹230 crore investment in its consumer electronics subsidiary, mainly to lower debt and fund new capital expenditure, in line with commitments made during its IPO. The company continues to rely heavily on its aerospace business, which accounts for 80�85% of consolidated revenue and has an order book of $814 million, ensuring multi-year visibility. Aequs is simultaneously reinforcing its aerospace operations while expanding its consumer electronics vertical to capture future growth opportunities.

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Telecom

�India, UK resolve to deepen cooperation in AI, next-generation telecommunications�

The Hindu | 18 February 2026

During talks between Union Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety Kanishka Narayan, India and the United Kingdom agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence and next-generation telecommunications. The meeting, held on the sidelines of an AI Summit in New Delhi, explored collaboration in autonomous networks, AI-enabled cybersecurity, spectrum development and non-terrestrial communications. Both sides highlighted the importance of developing secure and future-ready digital infrastructure through closer technological partnerships.

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Entire 11,790 MHz telecom spectrum available for auction valued at Rs 2.1 lakh cr: Sources

The Economic Times | 25 February 2026

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed auctioning the full 11,790 MHz of available spectrum, which could be valued at about ₹2.1 lakh crore at reserve prices if entirely sold. The regulator recommended reducing entry barriers for new participants and imposing a uniform 35% spectrum cap to preserve competition in the telecom market. It also suggested reclaiming spectrum held by insolvent telecom operators and including those airwaves in the proposed auction process.

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EV�s & Auto Electronics

Maruti Suzuki flips the EV switch with eVitara pricing play, BaaS bet

Business Standard | 17 February 2026

Maruti Suzuki India has formally entered India�s electric passenger vehicle market with the launch of the eVitara, priced at an introductory ₹10.99 lakh for the 49 kWh variant, along with a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) option at ₹3.99 per km. The company aims to boost EV adoption through BaaS, aggressive financing, and a nationwide charging network in a market where penetration remains at 4�5 per cent. The mid-size SUV segment, which the eVitara targets, accounts for about 40 per cent of EV sales.

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Valeo to invest ₹2,150 cr in India and triple its annual sales by 2028

Business Standard | 18 February 2026

Valeo will invest over ₹2,150 crore in India and aims to treble its annual sales to around ₹7,510 crore by 2028. The company manufactures electric motors, inverters, onboard chargers, DC-DC converters, battery cooling systems and ADAS components, operating six plants and major R&D centres in Chennai and Bengaluru. CEO Christophe P�rillat described India as central to Valeo�s global growth strategy, with a focus on localisation of high-technology products to support India�s expanding xEV ecosystem.

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CAFE and the comeback car: Hybrids prep for the fast lane, leaving EVs behind

Mint | 20 February 2026

An internal note by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency indicates that upcoming fleet-wide emission norms could accelerate hybrid vehicle adoption in India. Under the new CAFE-3 standards, stricter carbon limits will push carmakers to rebalance their portfolios. EV penetration is projected to rise from 4% in 2025 to 11% by FY32, while hybrids may surge from 2.5% to 17%. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel vehicles are expected to decline sharply, reflecting a significant structural shift in the country�s automotive energy mix.

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Tata Electronics ties up with Qualcomm

The Times of India | 21 February 2026

Tata Electronics has become part of Qualcomm Technologies� global module manufacturing partner network and will produce advanced automotive modules in India, providing a major customer for its upcoming $3 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. The collaboration will focus on modules such as digital cockpits, infotainment, connectivity and intelligent vehicle systems for domestic and global automobile makers. Randhir Thakur, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Electronics, stated that the company will use its integrated systems packaging solutions to supply reliable, high-performance products aligned with Qualcomm Technologies� technological leadership.

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Defence & Solar

�You have 5 years': Rajnath's 'challenge' for DRDO to develop 5th & 6th gen aero-engines

The Times of India | 16 February 2026

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, urged scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to complete the indigenous aero-engine programme within five years instead of the usual decades. He stressed that rapid development of critical technologies is essential for strategic autonomy, and called for work on advanced and next-generation engines while highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence, advanced materials and innovation in defence systems.

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India�s solar manufacturing excesses turn a boom into a glut

The Economic Times | 17 February 2026

The solar manufacturing sector in India has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by efforts to strengthen domestic production after pandemic-related disruptions and strained ties with China. Manufacturing capacity has risen sharply and now exceeds local demand, leading to lower plant utilization. Government policies, including import duties and support for local producers, encouraged the expansion and reduced reliance on imports. However, slowing exports and excess capacity have prompted authorities to caution lenders, while some manufacturers are shifting away from lower-value production.

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India to make Rafale jets with France in boost to defence ties, Macron says

Reuters | 19 February 2026

Emmanuel Macron, French President, announced that France and India are expanding defence cooperation through joint production of Rafale fighter jet aircraft and helicopters. India is considering the purchase of 114 additional Rafale jets, with a large share expected to be manufactured domestically. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and Macron also highlighted new defence manufacturing partnerships, including helicopter assembly and missile production projects. The initiatives reflect closer strategic ties and a stronger emphasis on domestic defence production.

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Waaree Energies set to develop Rs 8,000 crore lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra

The Economic Times | 19 February 2026

Waaree Energies plans to build an integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh with an investment exceeding ₹8,000 crore. The facility, to be developed at Rambilli in Anakapalli district, will have a capacity of 16 GWh and is expected to create about 3,000 direct jobs. The project has received preliminary approval from the state investment board chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Nara Lokesh, Human Resources Minister, described the initiative as an important step in advancing the state�s clean-energy development.

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Karnataka plans 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park, says MB Patil

Moneycontrol | 24 February 2026

MB Patil, Karnataka�s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, chaired meetings of sectoral Vision Groups covering aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy. Addressing industrial leaders and senior officials, Patil said Karnataka already leads India�s aerospace and defence sectors and should aim to become the country�s hub for defence electronics manufacturing. Discussions included establishing testing centres and Common Facility Centres to support industry growth. He also proposed preparing a comprehensive sectoral roadmap and highlighted plans for a Defence Electronics Park and an Avionics and Sensor Park.

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From US dependency to African opportunity: India's solar industry has new export option post-duty blow

Mint | 26 February 2026

Following the imposition of fresh US duties on Indian solar module exports, Africa could emerge as an alternative market for India-made solar equipment, a government official indicated. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said Indian firms may expand not only module shipments but also overseas solar projects using the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. Under this structure, developers install and operate solar systems at consumer sites and are paid for the electricity generated, offering customers savings and net metering benefits.

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MSME

RBI governor Malhotra urges MSMEs to formalize, digitize, and maintain credit discipline for resilience

The Economic Times | 16 February 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has urged micro, small and medium enterprises in India to formalise their businesses, maintain sound credit practices and adopt digital payments to strengthen long-term growth. He highlighted the sector�s major contribution to employment, exports and economic output, and stressed the importance of improved access to institutional finance. The Governor also outlined policy and regulatory initiatives by authorities aimed at supporting MSMEs and enhancing their resilience and competitiveness.

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Centre launches 7 new EPM interventions to push MSME exports

Mint | 21 February 2026

The government has introduced seven new measures under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to strengthen exports by micro, small and medium enterprises through interest subsidies, credit guarantees and logistics support. The five-year programme (2025�26 to 2030�31) seeks to reduce export costs, expand trade finance and improve competitiveness while supporting India�s trade ambitions. Implemented jointly by key ministries with DGFT as the nodal agency, the ₹25,060 crore mission allocates funds to export promotion and market development initiatives, aiming to address structural barriers and help MSMEs integrate more effectively into global markets.

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PERSPECTIVE

India-EU Trade Deal: Implications for India�s Electronics and Semiconductor Sector

Amid shifting global alliances and volatility in US trade policy, India and the European Union are moving toward a long-delayed free trade agreement (FTA) covering nearly two billion people and a combined market worth about USD 24 trillion.

India is expected to gain preferential access to EU markets across about 97% of tariff lines, covering nearly all trade value. This is significant for India�s fast-growing electronics and semiconductor ecosystem as production-linked incentives (PLI) and ISM 2.0 scale up. Indian engineering exports � including electronics components and machinery � currently face tariffs of up to 22% in the EU. Under the FTA, these duties will gradually fall to zero over 5-10 years, improving competitiveness for MSMEs and PLI-backed firms exporting products such as PCBs, telecom equipment, and power modules.

The agreement also reduces tariffs on advanced European semiconductor manufacturing equipment and electronics machinery from around 40-44% to zero, potentially lowering capital expenditure for fabs and electronics manufacturing services firms by 20-40%. Flexible rules of origin allow Indian manufacturers to use imported inputs while still qualifying for duty-free exports, helping them integrate into global value chains.

Digital self-certification of origin and streamlined customs procedures will further accelerate shipments to Europe. In addition, cooperation on the EU�s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will help Indian exporters manage future carbon-compliance requirements.

Taken together, the FTA could strengthen India�s electronics manufacturing base and deepen its participation in global semiconductor supply chains.

ELCINA PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS

ELCINA EVENTS, ACTIVITIES & SERVICES

Defence & Aerospace: 15th Strategic Electronics Summit, 2026

The 15th Strategic Electronics Summit (SES) 2026 on Defence and Aerospace will bring together innovators, manufacturers, system integrators, and defence procurement agencies to highlight India�s growing capabilities in electronic systems across aerospace, land, naval, and strategic platforms. The summit will serve as a key platform for collaboration, technology exchange, and industry�government engagement, aimed at accelerating India�s push toward greater self-reliance in defence electronics.

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UPCOMING EVENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION

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