Morning Brief: Govt To Focus on Power, Mining In Asset Monetisation Plan 2.0; India, UK Resume Trade Talks After Election Pause; Apple Announces $500 Billion US Investment Plan; And More

Catch up on the day’s must-read stories with Swarajya's roundup of the morning's headlines.

Govt To Focus On Power, Mining In Asset Monetisation Plan 2.0

The Union government’s Asset Monetization Plan 2.0 (2025-2030) will prioritize power transmission, mining, and petroleum, with private participation in high-value assets like transmission lines. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in Budget 2025, set a Rs 10 trillion monetization target but did not specify annual goals.

The plan aims to unlock capital from existing state assets, allowing funds to be reinvested in new infrastructure projects. The first phase (2021-2025) targeted Rs 6 trillion, achieving Rs 2.3 trillion in the first two years and Rs 1.56 trillion in 2023-24.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified 33 highway assets for monetisation in 2024-25, continuing the focus on roads and transport.

Apple Announces $500 Billion US Investment Plan

Apple has committed to investing over $500 billion in the US over the next four years, focusing on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and workforce development. CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company's dedication to American innovation, including doubling the Advanced Manufacturing Fund and expanding technology development in Texas. As part of the initiative, Apple will open a manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers supporting Apple Intelligence. The company will also establish an academy in Michigan to train future manufacturers and expand its R&D efforts in the U.S. This investment marks Apple's largest-ever financial commitment to strengthening domestic technology and manufacturing.

India, UK Resume Trade Talks After Election Pause

As US President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with tariff threats, India has resumed negotiations on two major trade deals with the UK. Talks restarted Monday with Britain's new Labour-led government after an eight-month pause due to elections. UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds' visit marked the revival of discussions on a free trade agreement, a bilateral investment treaty, and a social security pact. The FTA, initiated in 2022, holds significance as India's first comprehensive trade agreement with a Western nation. It aims to strengthen economic ties with the UK, a key global services hub.

Other Developments

AC Travel Now Drives Indian Railways Revenue

US Sides With Russia In UN Ukraine Vote

In a surprising shift, the United States joined Russia and its allies in voting against a UN resolution demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. This marked the first time since the war began that the US aligned with Russia on a Ukraine-related vote. Despite US opposition, the resolution was passed with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions, while India chose to abstain. The resolution condemned Russia’s invasion, reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and highlighted the war’s global impact. It also urged de-escalation, an early end to hostilities, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Vivek Ramaswamy Announces Bid For Ohio Governor

Entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his bid for Ohio governor. Launching his campaign near his hometown, he vowed to drive economic reforms, tax cuts, and deregulation. He pledged to eliminate income and property taxes, emphasizing that taxpayers should keep their money. Ramaswamy also proposed removing 10 regulations for every new one introduced to foster business growth. He expressed confidence that Ohio could lead the country in the ongoing "second Industrial Revolution."

From The States

Punjab Politics Heats Up

Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has reiterated that 32 AAP MLAs are in touch with him, while some are in contact with the BJP, hinting at a possible exodus. He claimed that these legislators wanted to secure their switch to Congress in advance, even suggesting that AAP Punjab chief Aman Arora might join Congress and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann could move to the BJP. However, he clarified that his intention was not to topple the government. AAP’s Aman Arora dismissed Bajwa’s claims as baseless, calling him a "masked politician" seeking media attention. He pointed out that even if 32 MLAs switched sides, AAP’s government in Punjab would remain unaffected.

CPI(M) Statement On Modi Government Sparks Row

The CPI(M)'s clarification that it does not label the Modi government as "fascist or neo-fascist" has sparked controversy in Kerala. The Congress accused the CPI(M) of aligning with the Sangh Parivar for political gain. The party’s draft political resolution for its 2025 Congress described the Modi government as having "neo-fascist characteristics" due to its Hindutva push and authoritarianism. The resolution was finalized at a Central Committee meeting in Kolkata in January. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala claimed this stance was a strategy to attract BJP voters ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.

Follow along for more updates throughout the day.