Today's Brief 11/09/2024

YouTube Hindi:https://youtu.be/Xj4xFHOk8BI?si=foKf5zqXxNZV_gU5

1. National Research Fund board: The National Research Foundation (NRF) in India is set up under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to fund and oversee research and development activities across the country.

   This initiative aims to boost scientific research and innovation by providing financial support to universities, research institutions, and individual researchers. The key objectives of the NRF are to promote collaborative research, enhance the quality of academic output, and address national priorities in science and technology.

The NRF's governing board will likely consist of renowned scientists, academicians, industry leaders, and representatives from various government ministries.

Their role will be to provide strategic direction, ensure transparency in the allocation of funds, and review the progress of funded projects.

2.Semiconductor Mission in partnership with SEMI and industry associations under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the aim to postioning India as a trusted partner in the global Semiconductor Supply Chain to drive forward the vision of the India Semiconductor Mission.

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is a key initiative launched by the Government of India as part of its broader efforts to promote the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The mission is critical to positioning India as a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation, addressing the growing demand for semiconductors in sectors such as electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and defense.

Key Features of the India Semiconductor Mission:

Financial Support:

The Indian government has allocated a significant budget, over USD 10 billion, to incentivize semiconductor manufacturing and the development of display fabs. This includes providing capital support to companies looking to set up semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) in India.

Development of Semiconductor Ecosystem:

The ISM aims to create a complete ecosystem that includes semiconductor manufacturing, testing, packaging, and design, along with a skilled workforce. The mission envisions collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry players to foster innovation and address global supply chain challenges.

Fostering R&D and Innovation:

The mission emphasizes research and development in semiconductor technologies, encouraging partnerships between global technology firms and Indian research organizations. It also promotes startups in the semiconductor space to drive technological advancements.

Attracting Global Players:

The ISM is actively engaging with leading semiconductor manufacturers, both global and domestic, to encourage investment in India. The government offers incentives to attract key players in the semiconductor supply chain, such as companies involved in wafer fabrication, chip assembly, and testing.

Semiconductor Manufacturing & Assembly:

To reduce reliance on imports and enhance supply chain resilience, the mission focuses on setting up semiconductor fabs and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities. This includes supporting the establishment of both greenfield and brownfield projects.

Strategic Importance:

The semiconductor industry is critical to India's goal of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in electronics manufacturing, especially as semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics. The ISM will help India secure its place in the global value chain for electronics and high-tech goods.

Implementing Agency:

The India Semiconductor Mission is executed by Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The mission works in collaboration with industry stakeholders and government departments to achieve its objectives.

Recent Developments:

The Indian government has been in talks with various semiconductor giants, such as Intel, TSMC, and Samsung, to explore opportunities for setting up fabs in India.

India's semiconductor strategy also includes efforts to develop a skilled workforce through training programs and partnerships with educational institutions.