NEWS 11-02-2026. News For 13th-Feb (Friday) *INTERNATIONAL* 1.India and France are expanding defence industrial cooperation worth over ?90,000 crore through Rafale and related defence ecosystem projects, focusing on joint production and technology transfer in jet engines, helicopters, and naval systems. 2. The UAE has announced global investments of $30-50 billion in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and digital infrastructure with the aim of becoming a leading global AI hub by 2030. 3. The European Union is planning green transition investments exceeding €300 billion to achieve a 45% renewable energy share by 2030 and produce nearly 10 million tonnes of hydrogen annually. 4. The United States and Japan are jointly investing over $20 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research to secure global chip supply chains and boost advanced technology production. Japan aims to triple its semiconductor revenue by 2030 through this strategic partnership. *National* 1.India has approved investments exceeding $10 billion (?83,000 crore) under its semiconductor mission, with three to four fabrication units under development. The objective is to reduce chip imports by 25-30% by 2030 and establish India as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub. 2. India's renewable energy capacity has crossed 190 GW and is targeted to reach 500 GW by 2030, with solar power contributing over 80 GW. 3. Indian Railways is investing over ?1.2 lakh crore in dedicated freight corridors & modernising more than 1,300 railway stations to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs from about 14% to 8-9% of GDP, enhancing overall economic efficiency. 4. India continues to lead globally in digital payments with 12-15 billion UPI transactions every month and annual transaction values exceeding ?180-200 lakh crore, accounting for nearly 45% of global real-time digital payments. 5. The defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have attracted investments exceeding ?25,000 crore with participation of over 150 defence companies. These projects are expected to generate more than 50,000 jobs and strengthen indigenous defence production. *Defence* 1.India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, estimated at ?15,000-20,000 crore for development, aims to deliver a twin-engine stealth fighter for the Indian Air Force with expected induction around 2034-35. 2. The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ?4,666 crore for procurement of 4.25 lakh carbines for the Army and 48 heavyweight torpedoes for Navy submarines, enhancing both infantry combat capability and underwater warfare strength. 3. The Indian Navy currently operates over 150 ships and plans to expand to around 170-175 ships by 2035, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. 4.India's defence exports have crossed ?21,000 crore and are targeted to reach ?50,000 crore by 2029, with exports to more than 85 countries, reflecting growing global demand for Indian defence equipment. 5. India's defence budget stands at approximately ?6.2 lakh crore with capital procurement allocation of about ?1.82 lakh crore, marking the highest-ever modernisation spending. *Sports* 1. India's sports economy, currently valued at $50-60 billion, is projected to cross $100 billion by 2030 due to growth of professional leagues, sponsorships, and sports infrastructure investments. 2. The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to generate over $600-700 million in revenue. 3.India clinched the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 by defeating England by 100 runs in the final. < < Back