India has initiated an ambitious, multi-pronged strategy to fortify its domestic semiconductor industry, positioning itself as a key global player in the technology landscape. At the core of this endeavor is the newly approved Semicon 2.0 program, backed by an substantial outlay of ₹1.275 lakh crore (approximately US$13.56 billion), aimed at strengthening capabilities across the entire semiconductor value chain, encompassing chip design, fabrication, assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP). This follows the successful foundation laid by the initial Semicon India Programme.
A significant focus of this roadmap is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce. Through initiatives like the Chips to Startup (C2S) program, around 68,000 professionals have been trained in chip design, facilitating 175 chip tape-outs from the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. Furthermore, over 100,000 engineers have received training via the Skilled Manpower Advanced Research and Training (SMART) Lab at NIELIT Calicut, specializing in domains such as VLSI, Embedded Systems, and IoT. Educational reforms are also underway, with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) introducing new semiconductor-focused curricula at undergraduate, diploma, and minor degree levels. The government is also establishing advanced training infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art ATMP training laboratory at NIELIT Guwahati, and fostering international collaborations with entities like Lam Research, NASSCOM, IBM, Purdue University, and Arizona State University for advanced research and workforce development. These comprehensive measures are expected to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a resilient and competitive hub in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
An Indian Navy warship and a Pakistan Navy vessel collided in international waters in the North Arabian Sea, leading India to lodge a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan.
The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee met in New Delhi to review bilateral market access, customs digitization, border infrastructure, and rail-road connectivity.
Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth completed a high-profile three-day official visit to Russia, engaging with senior Russian military leadership on capability development, training exchanges, and artillery modernization. The visit reinforces strategic Army-to-Army cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a massive ₹14,105.83 crore investment for the 1,200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
