Indian Railways is entering a transformative phase in 2026, reshaping long-distance travel with the introduction of Amrit Bharat trains and the much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper services. Together, these two categories signal a strategic shift: faster trains for the masses and premium overnight travel for the growing middle class. As India expands its railway infrastructure at an unprecedented pace, these trains are designed to bridge comfort gaps, improve efficiency, and redefine how millions experience rail journeys. A New Chapter in Rail Modernisation For decades, Indian Railways has balanced scale with affordability,…

India’s Semiconductor Ambitions Meet Policy Tension As India strives to transition from an emerging technology hub to a globally competitive semiconductor powerhouse, a fresh policy debate has erupted that could shape the country’s digital future. At the heart of this debate is the government’s plan to overhaul its flagship Design‑Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme into a revamped structure termed DLI 2.0, which pivots from traditional grant and reimbursement‑based support to a model tied to equity, debt, and strategic oversight. The shift has triggered concerns among semiconductor startups, warning that the new framework could constrain innovation, deter…

As India navigates economic transitions shaped by inflation pressures, job market shifts, and climate-linked agricultural risks, government welfare schemes aimed at women, youth, and small farmers continue to play a critical role in supporting livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. From direct income support and skill development to health, education, and agricultural security, these schemes form the backbone of the country’s social protection framework. With both the Union government and states expanding and refining welfare outreach, understanding how these initiatives work — and who they are designed to help — has…