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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
TopicMinistry of Commerce and Industry

Topic: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Patent chief’s appointment: Centre defends its decision in SC but admits ‘departure from protocol’

The affidavit defending Pandit’s appointment was signed by Arun Kumar Gupta, the same officer who previously issued multiple show cause notices to him for procedural violations.

India’s patent officers on WFH for over a year as office lies vacant due to red tape & unpaid bills

New comptroller general patent designs & trademark authorised renovation work without approval from ministry. Statutory clearances cannot be given since 20% of repair work still incomplete.

Piyush Goyal sets steel production target to 500 million tonnes

The minister urged the industry leaders to focus on economies of scale through decarbonisation to get green steel.

With Musk set to visit India, here’s a look at which Indian states are favourites for auto FDI & why 

Government data shows MNCs have favourite states when it comes to where to invest. Auto companies especially look for specific advantages that some states have & concentrate on those.

India’s trade deficit with China is so far lower in 2023 than last year. Here’s why

Smaller deficit this year could be down to slowing Chinese economy. In terms of volume, Indian exports to China remain roughly one-tenth of Chinese exports to India.

New import management system still restricts import of laptops. Licence has now become ‘authorisation’

Govt had announced in August that imports of laptops, PCs, tablets etc would require a licence. This has now been tweaked, but these items remain in 'restricted' category.

Industry reacts to import curbs on laptops & PCs — ‘timing not ideal’ but boost to Make in India

China accounted for 58% of inflow of 7 items imports of which are now restricted. Move could've been prompted by 'genuine apprehension of a future security risk’, it is learnt.

On Camera

A 2-hour op, precise extradition—what Maduro’s capture tells us about modern US military

Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.

Underlining sluggish exports, NITI Aayog flags need to jump-start India’s automotive market

Govt think tank flags India’s skewed auto export mix, warns domestic focus and high tariffs are limiting its global footprint; also highlights how auto components are a bright spot.

S-300, Su-30 jets, T-72 tanks: Inventory of Venezuela’s largely Russian-origin arsenal

Venezuela also boasts of a diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and being employed for kinetic purposes as well.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.