Government Schemes
Six coal blocks auctioned in the 15th round and 2nd attempt of the 13th round
4 August 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Ministry of Coal successfully auctioned six coal blocks under the 15th round and 2nd attempt of the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions. The rounds were launched on 17 April 2026, and forward auctions were held from 3 to 4 August 2026.
Four of the six blocks are fully explored and two are partially explored. Together they hold geological reserves of about 1,503.93 million tonnes with a cumulative Peak Rated Capacity of 11.62 MTPA.
Key facts- Blocks auctioned: six
- Rounds launched: 17 April 2026
- Geological reserves: about 1,503.93 million tonnes
- Cumulative PRC: 11.62 MTPA
Exam takeaway: Commercial coal auctions are run by the Ministry of Coal.
Quick revision: Six coal blocks auctioned (PIB, 4 August 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceGovernment Schemes
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme Rs 24,736 crore; Maritime Development Fund Rs 25,000 crore
4 August 2026 | Press Information Bureau
In a Parliament answer, PIB said the Government has approved the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS), an extension of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy, with an outlay of Rs 24,736 crore to address the cost disadvantage of Indian shipyards. Guidelines were issued on 26 December 2025.
The Maritime Development Fund (MDF) has a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore, comprising a Maritime Investment Fund of Rs 20,000 crore with 49 per cent Government participation and an Interest Incentivization Fund of Rs 5,000 crore. MDF guidelines were issued on 20 February 2026 and SBI Ventures Limited is the Fund Manager.
Key facts- SBFAS outlay: Rs 24,736 crore
- MDF corpus: Rs 25,000 crore
- Maritime Investment Fund: Rs 20,000 crore
- Interest Incentivization Fund: Rs 5,000 crore
Exam takeaway: MDF supports long-term financing for shipbuilding and the maritime sector.
Quick revision: SBFAS Rs 24,736 crore and MDF Rs 25,000 crore (PIB, 4 August 2026).
Press Information Bureau original sourceGovernment Schemes
20 industrial nodes approved under NICDP; Rs 16,172.95 crore sanctioned
4 August 2026 | Press Information Bureau
PIB said the Government has approved 20 industrial nodes under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) and sanctioned Rs 16,172.95 crore for industrial corridor development. Four industrial corridor projects have been completed and the remaining nodes are being fast-tracked.
Townships are developed through Special Purpose Vehicles formed jointly with State Governments; States contribute land and the Government of India contributes equity and/or debt.
Key facts- Industrial nodes approved: 20
- Sanctioned: Rs 16,172.95 crore
- Corridor projects completed: four
- Contribution: States give land; Centre gives equity or debt
Exam takeaway: NICDP develops industrial townships through State-Centre SPVs.
Quick revision: NICDP: 20 nodes, Rs 16,172.95 crore (PIB, 4 August 2026).
Press Information Bureau original source