India's semiconductor industry is moving into a new phase of growth as the government officially launches the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (ISM 2.0) with a financial outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan described 2026 as a “landmark year” for India’s chip manufacturing ambitions while speaking at the CII Conference on Advancing Atmanirbharta in Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing.
Krishnan said the latest phase of the semiconductor mission reflects India’s growing determination to build a self-reliant electronics ecosystem and reduce dependence on global supply chains. He added that the government’s semiconductor push is now moving beyond individual manufacturing units and towards developing a complete industry ecosystem. Highlighting the progress achieved under ISM 1.0, Krishnan said three semiconductor facilities inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — including Micron’s semiconductor unit, Tata’s plant in Sanand, and the CG Power facility — have already entered commercial production. Two more semiconductor units are expected to become operational before the end of the year, while 12 additional projects approved under the India Semiconductor Mission are currently in various stages of development.
He also noted that India’s chip design ecosystem has gained momentum, with 15 out of the 24 companies approved under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme securing venture capital funding. The development, according to him, indicates increasing investor confidence in India’s semiconductor design capabilities. The Union Cabinet recently approved ISM 2.0 along with a separate mobile phone manufacturing programme, together involving an investment commitment of around ₹1.90 lakh crore. Krishnan said the decision came after detailed consultations with industry stakeholders and reflects the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing sector.
Under ISM 2.0, the government will continue to focus on establishing semiconductor fabrication plants, Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facilities, and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) units. Building on the three fabs currently being developed under ISM 1.0, India aims to add four to five more facilities, including a logic semiconductor fab, memory chip manufacturing unit, display facility, and multiple compound semiconductor plants.
Advanced packaging technology will also remain a major priority. According to Krishnan, eight advanced packaging units are already being developed under the first phase of the semiconductor mission, with three of them having started production. A major shift under ISM 2.0 will be the government’s broader ecosystem approach. Unlike the first phase, which focused mainly on manufacturing capacity, the new programme will also support industries involved in semiconductor equipment, materials, specialty gases, chemicals, and precision manufacturing. India is also exploring partnerships with countries such as Japan to strengthen capabilities in areas requiring advanced technology and high-purity materials.
Krishnan said India is studying successful global semiconductor research models, including Europe’s IMEC, research initiatives in the United States, and Singapore’s A*STAR framework, to develop its own semiconductor research ecosystem. While India is currently focusing on mature and legacy chip technologies due to cost considerations and its early stage in semiconductor manufacturing, the country aims to gradually move towards advanced chip technologies.
Skill development remains one of the biggest challenges for India’s semiconductor ambitions. Although India contributes around 20 per cent of the world’s semiconductor design workforce, the country still lacks enough experienced professionals for semiconductor fabrication and packaging operations. Krishnan said developing manufacturing expertise will be a key priority in the coming years. The government is also restructuring the Design Linked Incentive scheme under ISM 2.0 to include larger companies along with startups and MSMEs. Krishnan said the earlier funding limit of ₹50 crore was not sufficient for large-scale chip design projects. The revised model will introduce a co-investment approach, allowing government funding to attract private capital while investment decisions are driven by market potential.
Highlighting the importance of trusted semiconductor supply chains, Krishnan referred to the CCTV camera sector, where security concerns over imported chip components led to new sourcing requirements. He said two companies supported under the DLI scheme are now developing chips for CCTV systems in partnership with Indian manufacturers, creating a model that could be expanded to other sensitive industries. Krishnan cautioned that building a globally competitive semiconductor industry requires patience and sustained investment. He pointed out that countries like Taiwan took nearly six decades to establish leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, while India’s focused efforts have been underway for only about five years.
He emphasized that continuous collaboration between the government and industry over the next decade or more will be crucial for India to become a significant player in the global semiconductor market. The government is expected to showcase further developments and provide more details about ISM 2.0 during Semicon India in September, where updates on new semiconductor projects and manufacturing capabilities will also be highlighted. With large-scale investments, expanding infrastructure, and a focus on design, manufacturing, research, and talent development, India’s semiconductor journey is entering a critical stage that could shape the country’s role in the global technology supply chain.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Members of Pakistan’s transgender community held a demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club, protesting the rising cost of living and recent increases in petroleum prices. The protesters said that inflation has severely affected their daily lives, making it increasingly challenging for many community members to manage basic expenses.
Carrying banners and raising slogans, demonstrators on Wednesday urged the government to reconsider fuel price increases and take steps to reduce the prices of essential goods. They warned that the failure to address the economic crisis could further worsen the struggles of vulnerable groups, especially marginalized communities already facing financial difficulties.
Speaking at the protest, Gender Interactive Alliance representative Zehrish Somroo said the community had been compelled to come onto the streets because continuous price hikes were damaging their livelihoods. She highlighted that rising expenses have placed additional pressure on transgender individuals who often lack stable employment opportunities and social support.
Somroo appealed to authorities to introduce stronger welfare measures for the transgender community. She pointed out that many members continue to face barriers in accessing education, jobs, and equal opportunities, and requested the government to ensure that inflation does not further reduce the limited financial assistance and donations many depend on for survival.
Transgender rights activist Bindiya Rana said the protest was not aimed at confrontation but was meant to highlight the economic difficulties affecting ordinary citizens across Pakistan. She noted that increasing prices have created financial stress for people from all sections of society. Protest participants said repeated fuel price hikes and rising costs of essential items have pushed many low-income households into severe hardship. Some families, they claimed, have been forced to sell valuable possessions, including motorcycles and jewellery, to manage everyday needs.
The protesters stressed that many families are now struggling with uncertainty over meeting basic requirements such as food, transportation, and household expenses. They called on the government to take immediate steps to control inflation and warned that if their concerns remain unresolved, a larger protest involving transgender community members from across Sindh could be organized in Karachi.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
A fresh debate has emerged over the need to strengthen legal protections for peaceful protestors, with civil rights advocates calling for a framework that safeguards democratic expression while ensuring public order is maintained. Supporters of stronger legal safeguards argue that the right to protest is one of the foundations of a democratic society. They believe citizens should be able to gather, express disagreement, and demand accountability from authorities without the fear of unnecessary legal action.
The discussion has gained attention as activists and legal experts raise concerns about the increasing use of public order laws during demonstrations. They argue that while governments have a responsibility to prevent violence and protect public safety, laws should not unintentionally discourage peaceful participation or limit legitimate criticism.
Protest movements have historically played a major role in bringing social and political change. From campaigns for civil rights and workers’ protections to environmental movements and calls for government reforms, public demonstrations have often provided citizens with a platform to highlight issues that require attention. Legal experts say the challenge lies in creating a balance between individual freedoms and the responsibilities of the state. They emphasize that protecting protestors does not mean providing immunity for unlawful activities such as violence, destruction of property, or threats to public safety. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that peaceful demonstrators are not treated as offenders simply for expressing their views.
Advocates of stronger protections are calling for clearer guidelines on protest-related laws, greater transparency in law enforcement actions, and safeguards against the misuse of legal provisions. They believe such measures can help build public confidence and encourage more people to engage in democratic processes.
Governments, meanwhile, maintain that reasonable restrictions are necessary to protect citizens, prevent disruptions, and maintain stability. Authorities argue that every right comes with responsibilities and that protests must be conducted within the boundaries of the law. The debate reflects a larger global conversation about the role of dissent in modern democracies. Supporters of protest protections say that a strong democracy is not one where disagreement is avoided, but one where citizens can express differences openly and peacefully.
As public movements continue to shape political and social discussions, the demand for a stronger legal shield for protestors is expected to remain a key issue for policymakers. The central challenge will be developing laws that protect both democratic freedoms and public safety without compromising either.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is bringing a major shift in the way the world works, and education systems are now facing growing pressure to adapt. Experts believe that traditional methods of teaching, which have long focused on memorisation and textbook-based learning, are no longer enough to prepare students for a future shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence has already entered classrooms through smart learning platforms, AI-powered tutoring tools, and automated assessment systems. These technologies are changing how students access information and how teachers deliver lessons. As machines become better at processing data, generating content, and solving routine problems, the focus of education is expected to move towards skills that remain uniquely human, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
For many years, education systems around the world have measured success through examinations that often reward students for remembering information rather than understanding concepts. However, the AI era is challenging this approach. With instant access to information through digital tools, students will need to develop the ability to analyse, question, and apply knowledge rather than simply recall facts. Education experts argue that schools and universities must redesign their curriculums to reflect the demands of the modern world. Artificial intelligence awareness, digital literacy, innovation, ethical decision-making, and practical problem-solving skills are expected to become increasingly important parts of future learning.
AI is also creating opportunities to make education more personalised. Unlike traditional classroom models where all students follow the same pace, AI-based platforms can identify individual learning gaps and provide customised support. A student struggling with a particular subject could receive additional explanations, practice exercises, and feedback based on their specific needs. Despite these advantages, experts caution that AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers. Educators play a crucial role in motivating students, encouraging curiosity, understanding emotional needs, and developing social skills. Instead of replacing teachers, AI is likely to change their role from information providers to mentors who guide students in using technology effectively and responsibly.
The transformation of education will also require significant investment in teacher training. Many educators will need support to understand AI tools and learn how to integrate them into classrooms without compromising creativity and independent thinking. A balanced approach will be necessary to ensure that technology enhances education rather than creating dependence on machines.
Another major challenge is ensuring equal access to AI-powered learning. While students in urban and well-connected areas may benefit from advanced digital resources, many others still face barriers such as limited internet access, lack of devices, and inadequate digital infrastructure. Addressing this gap will be essential to prevent technology from increasing educational inequality. The future of education is expected to be a combination of human intelligence and artificial intelligence. While AI can provide faster access to information and personalised learning experiences, human qualities such as imagination, empathy, leadership, and collaboration will remain essential.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and create new career opportunities, education systems must evolve to prepare students for a world that is changing faster than ever before. The challenge is not simply to introduce new technology into classrooms but to rethink the purpose of education itself. The institutions and countries that successfully adapt their education systems for the AI age will play a key role in shaping the workforce and innovators of the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Samsung Electronics has forecast that the global semiconductor shortage will continue until at least 2028, driven by strong demand from AI and data centre operators. To secure future business, the company has signed multi-year supply agreements with five major global data centre firms and is close to finalizing deals with five more. The tech giant said it aims to place around two-thirds of its memory chip production under long-term contracts, many of which include advance payments and minimum pricing to reduce market uncertainty. Samsung's semiconductor division posted a record operating profit of 89.2 trillion won ($61.7 billion) in the second quarter, more than 250 times higher than a year ago, while total revenue surged 130% to 171.5 trillion won. However, its mobile business reported a loss as rising chip prices increased production costs. The company also expects strong growth in AI-related memory chips, with HBM4 revenue projected to more than triple in the third quarter, reinforcing its confidence in long-term demand despite investor concerns over AI infrastructure spending.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Rescue teams in Japan have continued their search operations overnight as they race to find survivors following a powerful earthquake that struck Kyushu Island. Several people remain unaccounted for after the 7.1-magnitude quake caused buildings to collapse, with many feared trapped beneath the debris of a shopping centre. CNA Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida joins Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman to provide the latest updates on the rescue efforts and situation on the ground.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Andy Burnham is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international guest, underscoring the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine. As Burnham unveils his agenda to address long-standing issues such as social care, Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot examine whether his proposals can deliver meaningful change.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
India's education minister has stepped down, and the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is celebrating the development as a significant win. What started as a humorous online campaign has rapidly transformed into one of the country's most closely watched youth-driven movements. By tapping into widespread concerns over unemployment, limited opportunities, and the lack of political representation, the movement has captured national attention. In this discussion, Genevieve Woo speaks with correspondent Neha Poonia about how a campaign centred on the unlikely symbol of a cockroach managed to influence India's political conversation and what it says about a generation determined to make its voice heard despite the odds.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
