Latest News on the Indian Economy
September 16, 2026
SEMICON India 2026: India's Semiconductor Push Moves from Ambition to Ecosystem
SEMICON India 2026 will showcase India's growing semiconductor ecosystem, backed by a US$ 134.25 billion outlay under Semicon India Programme 2.0. Twelve semiconductor projects worth over US$ 172.68 billion have been approved across six states.
India's cumulative exports for April-August 2026-27 rose 15.55% to US$ 399.27 billion, led by strong growth in electronic goods and engineering goods. August 2026 alone saw total exports grow 25.41%, narrowing the trade balance deficit year-on-year.
UPI Continues to Remain Free for Peer-to-Peer Transactions and 96% of Merchant Transactions
UPI will remain completely free for all person-to-person transactions and for 96% of merchant transactions under the new framework. A nominal MDR will apply only to larger merchant payments above Rs. 2,000, with proceeds supporting small merchant adoption.
Passenger Vehicle Sales Rise 36.5% in August, Two-Wheelers Up 10.5%: SIAM
SIAM data shows passenger vehicle sales rose 36.5% and two-wheeler sales grew 10.5% in August 2026, marking the highest-ever August sales. Three-wheeler sales also rose 22.8%, supported by strong rural demand and improving financing conditions.
Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Task Force to Assess Formula 1 Revival in India
Sports Minister Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya has announced a 10-member task force to assess the revival of Formula 1 in India. The panel aims to prepare a roadmap for hosting a race by 2028, over a decade after India last hosted one in 2013.
DoRD and PFRDA Sign MoU, 'Pension Sakhis' to Expand Reach in Rural India
DoRD and PFRDA have signed an MoU to deploy 'Pension Sakhis' who will expand pension awareness and enrolment in rural India. The initiative leverages the DAY-NRLM network to reach Self Help Group members and underserved rural households.
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