Current Affairs - Economy

The Ministry of Textiles approved 96 companies under Round-III of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles on June 10, 2026. This includes 22 newly approved applicants in the latest phase. The selected companies have committed a total investment of ₹12,822.67 crore, while the new applicants alone are expected to invest ₹2,339.14 crore. The scheme focuses on promoting Man-Made Fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles to strengthen India’s textile manufacturing capabilities. It is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute substantially to production, exports, and overall growth in the textile sector.

Fitch Ratings revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.4%, down from its earlier estimate of 6.7%. The revision was attributed to factors such as geopolitical tensions and rising global energy costs, which could affect economic activity and investment. Fitch also projected that growth would improve to 6.7% in FY28 as energy-related pressures ease before stabilising at 6.4% in FY29. Despite the downgrade, India is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing major economies. The report also highlighted higher crude oil price estimates, inflation concerns, and expectations of a policy rate increase by the Reserve Bank of India.

APEDA facilitated the first export of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai on June 7, 2026, marking an important achievement for India's agricultural export sector. Tezpur Litchi is known for its distinctive quality and includes varieties such as Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji, and Sahi. The initiative was undertaken to expand international market access for farmers and strengthen agricultural exports from the North Eastern region. As a result of the export, farmers received nearly 10% higher prices compared to domestic markets. The move also supports the integration of North Eastern farmers into global value chains and promotes regional economic development.

India has set an ambitious target of increasing its seafood exports to $30 billion by the year 2031. This goal was highlighted during a national workshop on seafood exports inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The target represents a significant increase from the current export value of approximately $8.5 billion. To achieve this objective, the government is focusing on expanding market access through free trade agreements, improving fisheries infrastructure, and supporting exporters. Andhra Pradesh, India's leading seafood-exporting state, is expected to play a crucial role in helping the country reach this milestone.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government on June 4, 2026, committing an investment of ₹18,600 crore across multiple sectors. The investment includes ₹15,000 crore for data centre expansion in Kancheepuram, ₹2,500 crore for an electronics manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, and ₹1,100 crore for shipbuilding expansion at the Kattupalli complex in Tiruvallur. These projects are expected to generate around 8,200 jobs and support sectors such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, and maritime infrastructure. The initiative also aligns with Tamil Nadu’s long-term objective of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.