Category: Tech Lite

Categories
Lite Blogs Tech Lite World News

Take Control of Your Career: Smart Upskilling for a Changing World

In today’s world, relying on a generic training plan is a mistake. What you need is a targeted approach to learning that fits your personal career goals … writes Meenu Chadha

A few years ago, my friend Sarah felt secure in her tech career. But when her company restructured, she found herself laid off, realizing her once-relevant skills no longer kept her competitive. Sarah’s story isn’t unique. With major layoffs at companies like Apple, Dell, and IBM, it’s clear that the skills needed to stay employable are evolving faster than ever.

The key lesson? Generic, one-size-fits-all training programs don’t work anymore. Your career is unique, and your upskilling approach should be too. It’s not enough to take broad courses or follow what everyone else is doing. The real value comes from aligning your learning with the specific demands of your industry and role.

Why Personalized Upskilling Matters

In today’s world, relying on a generic training plan is a mistake. What you need is a targeted approach to learning that fits your personal career goals. Don’t wait for your company to dictate your development. Ask yourself:

  • What skills are in demand in my field?
  • How does my current expertise measure up?
  • What new skills do I need to remain competitive?

These are critical questions that require proactive thinking. Upskilling isn’t just about adding new qualifications but about acquiring the right skills that will keep you valuable.

Choose the Right Skills, Not Just More Skills

The flood of available courses and programs can be overwhelming. But the secret to staying relevant is strategic upskilling—focusing on what will actually move the needle for your career. If your field is moving toward data analytics, remote work, or new technology, prioritize learning in those areas rather than chasing generic “skills improvement.”

Continuous Learning is Essential

Career success isn’t just about landing a good job; it’s about staying relevant as the world of work changes. Continuous learning is the new normal. You can’t afford to be complacent, no matter where you are in your career. But this doesn’t mean constantly enrolling in courses for the sake of it. Instead, adopt a growth mindset, regularly evaluate your skills, and focus on areas that will make the most impact.

Take Charge of Your Career

Like Sarah, you have the power to stay ahead, but it requires action. The job market is evolving rapidly, and the skills that got you here may not be enough to take you forward. Proactive, personalized upskilling is the key to future-proofing your career.

Call to Action: Take control of your learning journey. Assess your skills, identify what’s missing, and choose focused learning opportunities that align with your goals. Don’t wait for change—prepare for it.

(The writer is a Career Coach and Job Search Strategist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience. She can be reached at Meenu Chadha’s LinkedIn)

ALSO READ: Get Ready to Indulge in London’s Most Stylish Festive Affair!

ALSO READ: Green energy for millennials

Categories
Diaspora Tech Lite USA

Ride the Future: Indian American-Led Calibike Hits the Streets

Husain’s pioneering efforts make him a trailblazer in the EV industry, particularly for the Indian American community, inspiring future generations to contribute to green technology…reports Asian Lite News

Indian American-founded Calibike, a groundbreaking electric bike company, was launched by the Mayor of Corona on September 14th, 2024, at the Corona City Council Hall.

Dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation, Calibike’s launch marked a significant step in promoting eco-friendly commuting. The event highlighted the company’s alignment with California’s forward-thinking environmental and electric vehicle (EV) policies.

The event featured Mayor of Corona, Tom Richins, as the Chief Guest. His presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainable mobility solutions and community-driven efforts to reduce carbon footprints. Mayor Richins praised Calibike’s vision, stating, “Calibike represents the kind of innovative, forward-thinking solution we need to reduce our environmental impact. I’m proud that Corona can be a part of this movement towards a cleaner, greener future.”

Calibike is led by Indian American Rafe Husain, the only Indian American involved in the electric bike (EV bike) industry. His leadership and vision have positioned Calibike at the forefront of sustainable transportation solutions, reflecting both innovation and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Husain’s pioneering efforts make him a trailblazer in the EV industry, particularly for the Indian American community, inspiring future generations to contribute to green technology.

Brightline West: A Game-Changer in Public Transport

The launch of Calibike aligned with the development of Brightline West, America’s first true high-speed passenger rail system. Spanning 218 miles, this eco-friendly rail service will connect Las Vegas and Southern California. With 96% of its route within the I-15 highway median, Brightline West is set to transform public transportation between these two iconic destinations.

Calibike: A Connector for Public Transport

Calibike was uniquely positioned to complement the Brightline West rail system, offering a last-mile solution for commuters transitioning from public transport hubs to their final destinations. With its lightweight and eco-friendly design, Calibike seamlessly bridged the gap between rail stations and local communities, reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

“Calibike is more than just an electric bike—it’s a critical part of the broader shift toward sustainable, integrated transportation solutions,” said Rafe Husain, Founder of Calibike.

“By connecting with public transport systems like Brightline West, we’re offering commuters a greener, healthier, and more efficient way to travel that aligns with California’s forward-thinking policies.”

Supporting California’s EV Policy and Tax Incentives

Calibike’s launch came at a time when California was leading the nation in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through electric vehicle policies. By 2035, California planned to transition to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales, and Calibike was poised to play a crucial role in this initiative.

California’s EV tax rebate programs, under the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), made electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for residents. Individuals purchasing electric vehicles could be eligible for financial rebates, providing consumers with an incentive to switch to greener transportation options. This aligned perfectly with the state’s goal of fostering a cleaner, more sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Bike Donation to the City of Corona

In line with its sustainability goals, Calibike donated electric bikes to the City of Corona to further support the city’s initiatives in reducing emissions and promoting healthier lifestyles. These bikes were provided to the city’s Park Rangers to enhance their mobility while patrolling local parks and protecting natural resources.

Calibike is the #1 seller of E-Bike Batteries in the USA and are similar kind of batteries used in Tesla Cars. Calibike is dedicated to revolutionizing urban commuting with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and convenience. As a pioneer in electric bikes, Calibike’s products are designed to offer a green, efficient, and enjoyable transportation alternative for both short and long commutes. The company’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to reduce their carbon footprint while embracing healthier lifestyles.

Calibike is committed to transforming urban mobility by offering eco-friendly, innovative electric bikes that meet the demands of modern commuters. With a focus on sustainability, convenience, and design, Calibike aims to support the broader efforts of California’s and Federal Government electric vehicle policies while creating a positive environmental impact through clean transportation options.

Rafe Husain, an accomplished inventor and entrepreneur, holds multiple patents, including a removable eyeglass-mounted ptosis crutch for Blepharospasm patients, a high-speed parallel Golay encoder for Xilinx FPGA, and an ice thickness sensing device that earned him the New Inventions Award from the University of Michigan. He co-founded Sabtech Industries, growing it to $5 million in sales within four years by developing innovative products and entering new markets. A partner of Xilinx and a member of their FPGA Xperts program, Rafe studied Mathematics and Engineering at the University of Michigan and pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California before leaving to focus on entrepreneurial ventures. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He was born and studied till grade 7 at St. Francis School Lucknow India, he later moved to the USA to further his education and career.

ALSO READ: Spread the Diwali spirit: Send money from the UK to India with Profee’s festive rates

ALSO READ: Global Interest Grows in Rising Rajasthan

Categories
-Top News Tech Lite UK News

CMA says ‘concerns remain’ over Google’s ad-privacy plan

In July, the tech giant scrapped longstanding plans to remove cookies, the tiny packets of code that track users across the internet, from Chrome….reports Asian Lite News

Google’s online advertising practices face renewed scrutiny in Britain, after the competition watchdog said on Tuesday that “concerns remain” over the company’s plans to retain third-party cookies as part of its Chrome browser.

In July, the tech giant scrapped longstanding plans to remove cookies, the tiny packets of code that track users across the internet, from Chrome. Advertisers, the company’s biggest source of revenue, complained the move would limit their ability to personalise ads, leaving them dependent on Google’s own user databases.

In an attempt to appease critics, Alphabet-owned Google said users would be given the choice to allow cookies to track them when browsing with Chrome.

Following the reversal on cookies, the Competition and Markets Authority invited stakeholders to share their views on the decision.

“Based on careful consideration of the responses we received, the CMA’s view is that competition concerns remain under Google’s revised approach,” the CMA said in a statement posted online on Tuesday.

“If the CMA is not able to agree changes to the commitments with Google which address the competition concerns, then the CMA will consider what further action may be necessary,” it added.

Google’s use of cookies has garnered scrutiny from other regulators, including Britain’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, which previously supported the company’s plans to ditch the tracking tools.

A Google spokesperson told Reuters the company’s approach would enable users to make informed choices when browsing the web with Chrome.

“As we finalize this approach, we’ll continue to consult with the CMA, ICO and other regulators globally, and look forward to ongoing collaboration with the ecosystem to build for a private, ad-supported internet.”

ALSO READ: UK Govt cracks down on ‘gangs’ that smuggle people

Categories
Arab News Events Tech Lite

Care 24 to Launch Advanced Rehab Center with modern technology in Ghala, Oman

Opening of Al Hakkim’s new stand-alone Rehabililtation Center further underscores its commitment to promoting pain-free living, reports VINOD RAGHAVAN

MUSCAT : With the aim to serve human beings and humanity, Care 24, a venture established by Al Hakkim International is set to spread its wings to larger community members in the Sultanate of Oman, with its latest initiative the Care 24 Rehabilitation Center, is all set to launch in the Muscat Governorate’s Ghala area on September 24th.

The Center redefines the standards of post trauma care through comprehensive treatment plans for a wide range of spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, revealed Dr. VMA Hakkim, Managing Director of Care 24, at a press meet, adding further, he says, “It features some of the most advanced electrotherapy and spinal decompression machines that ensure faster recoveries than conventional equipment.

The Center has equipped with latest technology machines from Japan, Germany, Korea and India, which will help to a larger extent to the community members especially effective solutions to children with disabilities and special needs, to enhance their motor and sensory integration, Dr. Hakkim, said.

Dr. Hakkim, who has a vast experience in the health sector, has recruited the best skilled staff members – with highly skilled therapists and nurses with the aim of targeting treatments for Geriatric patients and stroke survivors, thoughtfully crafted to improve their quality of life.

 “There is a growing need for robust rehabilitation services in Oman, and we are committed to setting the benchmark for exceptional patient care,” feels Dr. Hakkim. Under his leadership, alongside Director Ahmad Subhani, Care 24 aims to redefine wellness and recovery. Additionally, Care 24 offers vital physiotherapy services, preventing surgeries for up to 79% of patients with musculoskeletal issues. Their experienced nursing team will extend services to hotels, home stays, universitites and college campuses.

The state-of-the-art center will specialize in comprehensive treatment plans for spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, featuring advanced electrotherapy and spinal decompression machines for faster recovery. Care 24 also offers targeted occupational therapy, providing children with disabilities effective solutions to enhance motor and sensory integration.

Ahmad Subhani emphasised, “There is no greater reward than being able to relieve people’s pain.” The center’s highly skilled therapists will provide specialized care for geriatric patients and stroke survivors, improving their quality of life.

Al Hakkim International, founded by Dr. Hakkim, continues its legacy in medical tourism and healthcare, further solidifying its commitment to providing cutting-edge rehabilitation and home care services in Oman, through its strategic partnerships with leading hospitals in Thailand, India, Germany, UAE, Turkey, Iran, Switzerland amongst others.

Al Hakkim makes advanced healthcare accessible to Omanis travelling abroad. Its well-renowned round the clock Home Care services also provide professional nursing care at the comfort of patients’ homes with a focus on helping elders to age gracefully.

Categories
Business Economy Tech Lite

Microsoft Revives Nuclear Plant to Fuel AI

The agreement aimed to feed the growing energy needs of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) operations while restarting the infamous Pennsylvania facility, the site of the worst nuclear accident in US history…reports Asian Lite News

Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced a groundbreaking deal to reopen the partially melted-down Three Mile Island nuclear plant, with the tech giant purchasing all the power for 20 years after the restart.

The deal marked the first time a decommissioned US nuclear plant had been brought back into service and the first time a commercial nuclear power plant’s entire output had been allocated to one customer, Xinhua news agency reported.

The agreement aimed to feed the growing energy needs of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) operations while restarting the infamous Pennsylvania facility, the site of the worst nuclear accident in US history.

Constellation Energy, the plant’s owner, planned to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1 by 2028 at a cost of about $1.6 billion. The unit sits adjacent to the reactor that suffered a partial meltdown in 1979, an event that sent the nation into panic and dealt a severe blow to the nuclear industry.

“The nuclear power plant never should have been allowed to shut down,” said Joseph Dominguez, chief executive of Constellation, in a press release. He added that the nuclear plant would produce as much clean energy as all the renewables built in Pennsylvania over the last 30 years.

The restarted facility would provide Microsoft with 835 megawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering about 800,000 homes.

According to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, on March 28, 1979, the Unit 2 reactor core at the Three Mile Island plant partially melted down when equipment malfunctions, compounded by human operator errors, caused a water pump failure that resulted in a loss of coolant to the reactor.

The partial meltdown led to the release of radioactive gases and iodine into the environment, though no deaths or injuries were directly linked to the incident. Unit 2 remains sealed, with its highly radioactive core encased in concrete.

The revival of Three Mile Island is part of a broader trend of tech companies seeking reliable, zero-emissions power sources to support their expanding data centres and AI technologies.

However, Microsoft’s plan has faced significant regulatory hurdles and public scepticism. Constellation must clear intensive safety inspections from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has never before authorized the reopening of a nuclear plant. The company expects the review process to be completed by 2027.

The deal also raised questions about the use of federal subsidies, as the project relies heavily on tax breaks earmarked for nuclear power in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Critics argued that using public funds to benefit a single private company may be inappropriate.

Social media reactions to the news were mixed.

One Washington Post’s website commenter sarcastically suggested, “OK, as long as the waste is sent to Microsoft HQ in Redmond, WA.”

Another user on The Verge expressed concerns about the broader implications: “The potential power demand is looking to be so large — it will delay the transition to carbon-free energy (here in the US) and not by a little bit… Seems like a law saying all electricity for AI and Crypto farms in the US has to be carbon-free is in order.”

Some community leaders welcomed the potential economic revival, with a study funded by the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council projecting the creation of 3,400 jobs and $3 billion in state and federal taxes.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed support, saying that the plant will “safely utilise existing infrastructure to sustain and expand nuclear power in the Commonwealth while creating thousands of energy jobs,” said a Constellation press release.

However, nuclear safety advocates have expressed alarm.

Henry Sokolski, a former deputy for nonproliferation policy at the Pentagon, criticised the use of public subsidies, telling the Washington Post, “Microsoft says it will buy all of the nuclear electricity from Three Mile Island, but it wants rate and taxpayers to pick up the tab to refurbish the plant.”

ALSO READ: Luxury Auto Giants Rev Up in India

Categories
-Top News Tech Lite UK News

Britain’s last coal plant to shut on Sept 30

The closure of Ratcliffe power station marks the end of over a century of reliance on coal power…reports Asian Lite News

In a landmark moment for the UK’s power sector, the last remaining coal plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, is set to close at midnight on September 30.

According to new analysis by the environment think tank Ember, the UK’s power sector has undergone a rapid transition, reducing coal’s share of generation from 39 per cent in 2012 to 0 per cent in October 2024. Over this period, power sector emissions have plummeted by 74 per cent, attributed to the rise of wind and solar energy.

“The era of coal-free power begins”, stated Ember analyst Frankie Mayo. “The UK has achieved something massive, shifting its power system from a huge polluter to one where renewables are thriving, in an astonishingly short period of time”.

The closure of Ratcliffe power station marks the end of over a century of reliance on coal power, starting with the world’s first coal-fired power station at the Edison Electric Light Station in London in 1882.

Despite a decline in the 1990s, coal still provided 39 per cent of the UK’s electricity in 2012. The coal phase-out began in earnest from 2012, mandating the closure or fuel-switching of 15 coal power plants by 2023, and making coal-free days increasingly common.

Coal power has been mainly replaced by wind and solar energy, which quadrupled their generation since 2012. Wind and solar combined rose from 6 per cent of the power mix in 2012 to 34 per cent in 2023. Wind power alone grew by 315 per cent (+62 TWh) during this period. The growth of wind and solar power, generating an additional 75 TWh since 2012, displaced an estimated 28 million tonnes of coal and avoided £2.9bn in coal costs.

Interestingly, the phase-out did not rely heavily on switching to gas. Although gas generation surged briefly from 2015 to 2016 due to economic factors, it has since declined back to 2012 levels. The coal phase-out has driven a significant drop in emissions, avoiding 880 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to more than double the UK’s total economy-wide emissions in 2023.

Ember’s report identifies five main factors behind the UK’s successful shift from coal: Ambitious decarbonisation targets, a rising minimum carbon price making coal less economical, robust policy support for wind power, market reforms, and investments in grid innovation. These insights will be critical as the UK aims to achieve a fully clean power system by 2030.

“The work to build a clean power system will continue. To cut the need for expensive imported gas, to lower energy bills, and to generate clean electricity which will enable the rest of the economy to transition too”, said Mayo.

ALSO READ: No 10 fears ICC will ask UK to sign Netanyahu’s arrest warrant

Categories
-Top News Economy Tech Lite

Starling Bank warns of AI voice cloning scams  

The online-only lender said that these scams are highly effective, with millions of people potentially at risk…reports Asian Lite News

The Starling Bank, has issued a warning about a new wave of scams that use artificial intelligence to replicate people’s voices. Fraudsters can create convincing voice clones from just a few seconds of audio, often found in online videos, the bank said in a press release.

The online-only lender said that these scams are highly effective, with millions of people potentially at risk. The bank’s survey found that over a quarter of respondents had been targeted by such scams in the past year, and many were unaware of the threat, CNN reported.

“People regularly post content online which has recordings of their voice, without ever imagining it’s making them more vulnerable to fraudsters,” Lisa Grahame, chief information security officer at Starling Bank, said in the press release.

According to the survey, 46% of respondents weren’t aware that such scams existed, and that 8% would send over as much money as requested by a friend or family member, even if they thought the call seemed strange.

To protect themselves, people are advised to establish a “safe phrase” with their loved ones. This unique phrase can be used to verify identity during phone calls. The bank advised against sharing the safe phrase over text, which could make it easier for scammers to find out, but, if shared in this day, the message should be deleted once the other person has seen it. 

As AI technology continues to advance, concerns about its potential for misuse are growing. The creators of ChatGPT, and OpenAI, have even acknowledged the risks associated with voice replication tools.

Lisa Grahame, Chief Information Security Officer at Starling Bank, commented, “People regularly post content online which has recordings of their voice, without ever imagining it’s making them more vulnerable to fraudsters. Scammers only need three seconds of audio to clone your voice, but it would only take a few minutes with your family and friends to create a Safe Phrase to thwart them. So it’s more important than ever for people to be aware of these types of scams being perpetuated by fraudsters, and how to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim”.

“We hope that through campaigns such as this we can arm the public with the information they need to keep themselves safe. Simply having a Safe Phrase in place with trusted friends and family – which you never share digitally – is a quick and easy way to ensure you can verify who is on the other end of the phone”.

When prompted as to what AI voice cloning scams entail, 79% of UK adults reported being concerned about being targeted – more so than HMRC / High Court impersonations scams (75%), social media impersonation scams (76%), investment scams (70%) or safe account scams (73%).

Lord Sir David Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office with Responsibility for Fraud, said: “AI presents incredible opportunities for industry, society and governments but we must stay alert to the dangers, including AI-enabled fraud. As part of our commitment to working with industry and other partners, we are delighted to support initiatives such as this through the Stop! Think Fraud campaign and provide the public with practical advice about how to stay protected from this appalling crime.”

To launch the campaign, Starling Bank has recruited leading actor, James Nesbitt, to have his own voice cloned by AI technology, demonstrating just how easy it is for anyone to be scammed.

Commenting on the campaign, Nesbitt said “I think I have a pretty distinctive voice, and it’s core to my career. So to hear it cloned so accurately was a shock. You hear a lot about AI, but this experience has really opened my eyes (and ears) to how advanced the technology has become, and how easy it is to be used for criminal activity if it falls into the wrong hands. I have children myself, and the thought of them being scammed in this way is really scary. I’ll definitely be setting up a Safe Phrase with my own family and friends.”

ALSO READ: Govt urged to scrap ‘racist’ visa route

Categories
-Top News Tech Lite Technology

AI Action Summit to bring together top AI developers  

These frameworks will lay out their plans to tackle the most severe potential AI risks, including if the technology was misused by bad actors….reports Asian Lite News

The UK will host a conference in San Francisco for discussions with AI developers on how they can put into practice commitments made at the AI Seoul Summit.

To be held across the 21 and 22 November, the event will feature a number of workshops and discussions focused on AI safety ahead of France hosting the AI Action Summit in February 2025.  

Earlier this year, 16 companies from across the globe including those from the US, EU, Republic of Korea, China and the UAE, agreed to publish their latest AI safety frameworks ahead of the next Summit. 

These frameworks will lay out their plans to tackle the most severe potential AI risks, including if the technology was misused by bad actors. As part of these commitments, companies also agreed to stop the deployment or development of any models if their potential risks cannot be sufficiently addressed. 

The event will be a moment for AI companies to take stock and share ideas and insights to support the development of their AI safety frameworks through a targeted day of talks between signatory companies and researchers.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said, “The conference is a clear sign of the UK’s ambition to further the shared global mission to design practical and effective approaches to AI safety. We’re just months away from the AI Action Summit, and the discussions in San Francisco will give companies a clear focus on where and how they can bolster their AI safety plans building on the commitments they made in Seoul.”

Attendees are also urged to share thoughts on potential areas of discussion at November’s conference, including existing and current proposals for developer safety plans, the future of AI model safety evaluations, transparency and methods for setting out different risk thresholds.

Co-hosted with the Centre for the Governance of AI and led by the UK’s AI Safety Institute (AISI), discussions will help build a deeper understanding of how the Frontier AI Safety Commitments are being put into practice. 

The UK’s AI Safety Institute is the world’s first state-backed body dedicated to AI safety, and the UK has continued to play a global leadership role in developing the growing international network of AI Safety Institutes – including its landmark agreement with the US earlier this year. 

The conference has been designed as a forum for attendees to exchange ideas on best practice in implementing the commitments, ensuring a transparent and collaborative approach for developers as they refine their AI safety frameworks ahead of the AI Action Summit.

It follows the US government yesterday announcing the first meeting of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, which will take place in the days before from 20-21 November 2024, in San Francisco. The UK launched the world’s first AI Safety Institute at Bletchley Park last November, and since then nations around the world have raced to establish their own AI safety testing bodies.

The convening hosted by the US will bring together technical experts on artificial intelligence from each country’s AI safety institute, or equivalent government-backed scientific office, in order to align on priority work areas for the Network and begin advancing global collaboration and knowledge sharing on AI safety.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu criticises UK over arms ban, ICC case

Categories
Business India News Tech Lite

India Eyes Leadership in Global Chip Market

PM Modi said that the semiconductor is the basis of the Digital Age and the day is not far when the semiconductor industry will be the bedrock for even our basic necessities…reports Asian Lite News

India has the capability to become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain globally and the government will follow a predictable and stable policy regime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. 

Chairing the Semiconductor Executives’ Roundtable at his residence in the national capital on the eve of the three-day ‘Semicon India 2024’ event, PM Modi said that the semiconductor is the basis of the Digital Age and the day is not far when the semiconductor industry will be the bedrock for even our basic necessities.

“India’s focus is to develop products which are globally competitive,” PM Modi told the attending CEOs of some of the major chip companies, adding that India is a great market for investing in hi-tech infrastructure and “the excitement shared by the leaders of the semiconductor sector today will motivate the government to work harder for this sector”.

The meeting was attended by CEOs and representatives of various organisations, including SEMI, Micron, NXP, PSMC, IMEC, Renesas, TEPL, Tokyo Electron Ltd, Tower, Synopsys, Cadence, Rapidus, Jacobs, JSR, Infineon, Advantest, Teradyne, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Merck, CG Power, and Kaynes Technology.

The Prime Minister emphasised that democracy and technology together can ensure the welfare of humanity and India is moving ahead on this path recognising its global responsibility in the semiconductor sector.

Currently, there are five semiconductor manufacturing proposals, with a total combined investment nearing Rs 1.52 lakh crore.

PM Modi underscored that India has the capability to become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain. With the focus on ‘Make In India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives, the Prime Minister said the government will continue to support the industry at every step.

The CEOs hailed India’s commitment to the growth of the semiconductor sector, saying that what has transpired today is unprecedented wherein leaders of the entire semiconductor sector have been brought under one roof. They said the centre of gravity of the semiconductor industry is starting to shift towards India, adding that the country now has a suitable environment for the industry which has put India on the global map in the semiconductor sector.

More than 250 companies from 24 countries are set to participate in the ‘Semicon India 2024’ event in Greater Noida from September 11-13, showing the country’s growing presence in this critical sector.

Chip Giants to Join Semicon India 2024

More than 250 companies from 24 countries are set to participate in the ‘Semicon India 2024’ event in Greater Noida from September 11-13, showing the country’s growing presence in this critical sector, the government has said.

According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, these companies span the entire semiconductor supply chain, from equipment manufacturers to fabs, presenting a significant opportunity for business-to-business interaction and forging new partnerships.

Akash Tripathi, CEO of the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) said the mega event will provide a platform for all major semiconductor supply chain players.

“In India, with the ongoing construction of the five semiconductor projects, the need for all ecosystem components is paramount. ‘Semicon India 2024’ provides the perfect environment for the business-to-business interactions and partnerships to take place,” Tripathi noted.

Recognising the need for a robust and comprehensive policy framework, India has developed policies to support every segment of the semiconductor ecosystem, not just focusing on fabs but also including packaging, display wires, OSATs, sensors and more.

“Our first major project with Micron was approved at nearly Rs 22,000 crore, and Tata’s joint venture with Taiwan’s Powerchip in Dholera is another shining example,” Tripathi said.

Currently, there are five such proposals, with a total combined investment nearing Rs 1.52 lakh crore.

Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI, underscored India’s unique advantages in becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse, highlighting the country’s strong foundation in design capacity, a large talent pool, and the backing of world-class educational institutions as key factors positioning the country for success in the semiconductor sector.

Meanwhile, the US has announced a new partnership with India to explore semiconductor supply chain opportunities, which will include a “comprehensive assessment” of India’s existing semiconductor ecosystem, regulatory framework, workforce and infrastructure needs.

That will serve as the “basis for potential future joint initiatives” to strengthen and grow this critical sector.

Last week, India signed a semiconductor ecosystem partnership with Singapore during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

ALSO READ: India’s global role manifesting in the Middle East, says Israel envoy  

Categories
-Top News Science Tech Lite

Identify, remove obstacles in research ecosystem: PM Modi

PM Modi called on the research community to set “big targets, focus on attaining them and doing path-breaking research”….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed on the need to identify and remove obstacles in the research ecosystem of the country.

He said this while chairing the first meeting of the Governing Board of the newly-formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier on Tuesday.

The foundation was established under the ANRF Act of 2023, to regulate all research and development in natural sciences establishments in India.

The first meeting focussed on discussion about India’s Science and Technology landscape and redesigning of research and development programmes.

“Research should focus on finding new solutions to existing problems,” he said, emphasising the need to find localised solutions to global problems.

He called on the research community to set “big targets, focus on attaining them and doing path-breaking research”.

The Prime Minister also discussed the “need for upgradation and standardisation of institutions”, to create a dashboard to easily track the ongoing research and development in the country and also suggested preparing a list of domain experts on the basis of their expertise.

“The scientific community of the country should have faith that there will be no dearth of resources for their endeavours,” said PM Modi, while stressing on the need for scientific monitoring of utilisation of resources.

Further, he suggested grading of Atal Tinkering Labs, and discussed the need for research “in environment change, battery ingredients for EVs, lab-grown diamonds”.

The governing body also decided to launch a programme to “pair universities where research is at a nascent stage with top tier established institutions in mentorship mode”.

Meanwhile, the ANRF is expected to “launch programmes in select priority areas like EV mobility, advanced materials, solar cells, smart infrastructure, health and medical technology, sustainable agriculture, and photonics”.

The meeting also decided to launch Centres of Excellence to support interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences.

ANRF acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy.

The meeting of the foundation also deliberated upon redesigning of research and development programmes.

The ANRF has been established to promote research and development and also foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

Over the years, it seeks to launch programmes based on solution-focussed approach in mission mode in select priority areas.

The meeting also discussed several areas of strategic interventions of ANRF which include global positioning of India in key sectors, aligning R&D with national priorities, promoting inclusive growth, capacity building, driving scientific advances and innovation ecosystem, as well as bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications through industry-aligned translational research.

The Governing Body also directed the ANRF to align its strategies with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.

ALSO READ: India’s global role manifesting in the Middle East, says Israel envoy