PM Modi Pitches India as Trusted Chip Hub, Launches Semicon 2.0 ₹1.27 Lakh Cr Programme

₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 Launched: India Targets Domestic Chip Design, 1 Lakh More Engineers

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2026, highlighting India's progress in semiconductor manufacturing. The government launched Semicon 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, shifting focus to domestic chip design, talent development, and supply chain localisation. This is critical for national security and tech self-reliance.

₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 Notified: Boosts Domestic Chip Design, Manufacturing, and R&D

The government notified the operational framework for Semicon 2.0, a ₹1.27 lakh crore program to boost domestic chip design, manufacturing, and supply chain. It includes six pillars, with incentives for chip design, fabrication plants, packaging, and R&D. This is critical for India's semiconductor ecosystem and self-reliance.

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with $13.5B Outlay; 12 Chip Projects Approved at Semicon India 2026

PM Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2026, pitching India as a trusted chip manufacturing hub. He announced the expansion of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 2.0) with an increased outlay of $13.5 billion, and revealed that 12 chip-making projects have been approved. Applied Materials also committed $5 billion under Vision 2035 to integrate India into the global semiconductor value chain. This is crucial for India's goal of self-reliance and reducing dependence on global supply chains.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

Madhepura Loco Factory: 30% of Alstom's Global Engineering from India, 90% Localisation Achieved

The Madhepura Electric Locomotive Joint Venture (MELPL) between Indian Railways and Alstom has become a flagship Make in India success. With 650 locomotives supplied and 90% localisation, it now contributes 30% of Alstom's global engineering work from India, showcasing FDI-driven technology transfer and skill development in the railway sector.

Govt to Mandate Design-in-India Chips for Smart Meters by Mid-2028, 7.24 Cr Installed

The government plans to mandate domestically designed and manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to counter cybersecurity threats and reduce import dependence. With 7.24 crore smart meters already installed under various schemes, this move also aims at cost reduction and grid modernization under the new National Electricity Policy.

₹1,27,500 Cr Semicon 2.0 Notified: 40% Silicon Fab Subsidy, 35% ATMP Incentives

The government has notified the ₹1,27,500 crore Semicon 2.0 scheme, a major push to build India's semiconductor ecosystem from chip manufacturing to design and packaging. With tiered fiscal support – 40% for silicon fabs, 35% for compound/display fabs and advanced packaging – the scheme aims to achieve self-reliance and attract global players. For students, this is a high-priority policy with clear Prelims data points and Mains implications for Atmanirbhar Bharat and industrial strategy.

NPCIL Plans New Design Vertical for Private Players Under SHANTI Act; PHWR Cost at Rs 18 Cr/MWe

India's nuclear sector opens to private participation under the SHANTI Act 2025. NPCIL plans a new design vertical to provide PHWR technology support to private players and state governments. With current capacity at 8.7 GWe and a target of 100 GWe by 2047, PHWRs at Rs 18 crore/MWe are the most cost-effective option compared to foreign reactors.