Cabinet okays MSP funding of Rs 1,718.56 crore to CCI to empower cotton farmers

IANS | March 18, 2026 4:21 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) In a key step towards farmer welfare, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved minimum support price (MSP) funding of Rs 1,718.56 crore to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24.

India eyes global leadership in 6G standards: Scindia

IANS | March 18, 2026 3:09 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said that 6G technology will not just be about faster internet speeds, but about creating equal opportunities for people across the world, with India set to play an important role in this transformation.

India emerges as design hub in global chip supply chain shift

IANS | March 18, 2026 2:07 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) India is emerging as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, not because of large chip manufacturing plants, but due to its strong pool of engineering talent and growing design capabilities, a report has said.

71 pc firms in India willing to invest in digital tech, highest globally: Report

IANS | March 18, 2026 2:00 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) As many as 71 per cent of companies in India are willing to invest significantly in digital technologies -- the highest globally -- highlighting the country’s strong push towards digital transformation, a report said on Wednesday, adding that India ranks among top 3 in global industry 4.0 adoption.

US sees China’s monopoly over critical minerals as major challenge: Report

IANS | March 18, 2026 1:21 PM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) The US sees China’s dominance of rare earth minerals, which are critical inputs required for electronic products, defence hardware and electric vehicles, as a major challenge. Ironically, senior officials also realise that America itself is responsible for having allowed the technology and production of these critical minerals go into China’s hands.