{"id":8243,"date":"2026-02-24T07:03:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=8243"},"modified":"2026-02-24T07:03:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:03:56","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-07-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=8243","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 07.02.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">India Semiconductor Mission 2.0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">The Union Budget 2026\u201327 marked a decisive moment for India\u2019s technology ambitions with the announcement of <strong>India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0<\/strong>. This new phase signals a clear policy push to deepen domestic semiconductor capabilities at a time when chips underpin every critical digital and industrial system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">ISM 2.0 will focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Producing semiconductor <strong>equipment and materials<\/strong> in India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Designing <strong>full-stack Indian semiconductor intellectual property (IP)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthening <strong>domestic and global supply chains<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">A provision of <strong>\u20b91,000 crore<\/strong> has been allocated for FY 2026\u201327, with strong emphasis on <strong>industry-led research and training centres<\/strong> to drive technology development and create a future-ready workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Semiconductors power computers, mobile devices, telecom networks, automobiles, defence systems, and artificial intelligence. Under ISM 1.0, India consolidated earlier investments into a full-stack semiconductor value chain\u2014expanding design capabilities and advancing fabrication, assembly, and testing infrastructure. ISM 2.0 builds on this momentum, positioning India as a reliable and competitive global participant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sectoral Outlook: India\u2019s Semiconductor Ecosystem<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">India is steadily emerging as a global semiconductor hub, driven by large-scale investments and expanding manufacturing capacity. Platforms such as SEMICON India 2025 reflect rising global confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Market Growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2023<\/strong>: ~$38 billion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2024\u201325<\/strong>: $45\u201350 billion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2030 (Projected): <\/strong>$100\u2013110 billion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">This expansion aligns with the national vision of <strong>Make in India<\/strong> and <strong>Make for the World<\/strong>, positioning India as both a manufacturing base and global supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ISM 1.0 Achievements<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Approved in December 2021 with an incentive framework of <strong>\u20b976,000 crore<\/strong>, ISM 1.0 offers fiscal support up to 50% for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Silicon fabs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Compound semiconductor facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Chip design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">As of December 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>10 projects approved<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b91.60 lakh crore total investment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Spread across <strong>6 states<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">These include silicon fabs, silicon carbide facilities, advanced and memory packaging units, and specialised testing infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technology Roadmap<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">By <strong>2029<\/strong>: Capability to design and manufacture chips for <strong>70\u201375% of domestic demand<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Under ISM 2.0: Roadmap toward <strong>3nm and 2nm nodes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">By <strong>2035<\/strong>: Target to rank among the <strong>top global semiconductor nations<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Anticipated Impact in 2026\u201327<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">The modified semiconductor programme for 2026\u201327 carries a financial outlay of <strong>\u20b98,000 crore<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Projected Targets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>1. Semiconductor Fabs (1 unit supported)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">\u20b94,000 crore investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">1,500 jobs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2. Compound Semiconductors, ATMP\/OSAT (9 units supported)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">\u20b911,000 crore investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">3,000 jobs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>3. Design Linked Incentive (30 companies supported)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">10 semiconductor IP cores developed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">200 design professionals employed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Together, these measures aim to scale manufacturing, deepen design capabilities, and expand skilled employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why the Mission Matters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Semiconductors are the backbone of modern economies\u2014powering energy grids, financial systems, telecom networks, hospitals, and satellites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">The COVID-19 pandemic exposed severe vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting <strong>169+ industries<\/strong>. Taiwan alone produces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over <strong>60% of global semiconductors<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Nearly <strong>90% of advanced chips<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">This concentration highlights geopolitical risks and supply fragility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">In response, major economies including the United States, EU, Japan, and South Korea have launched national semiconductor strategies. India\u2019s mission aligns with this global shift\u2014building self-reliance while strengthening global supply resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strengthening India\u2019s Design Ecosystem<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">The <strong>Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme<\/strong> has been central to India\u2019s fabless ecosystem development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Achievements (as of January 2026)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">24 semiconductor design startups supported<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">\u20b9430 crore in venture capital attracted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">2.25 crore EDA tool hours logged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">67,000 students and 1,000+ startup engineers using design tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">122 academic tape-outs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">56 chips fabricated at 180nm (Semiconductor Laboratory, Mohali)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">16 startup tape-outs; 6 chips fabricated at advanced nodes (up to 12nm)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">75 academic patents and 10 startup patents filed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">The next phase targets <strong>50 fabless companies<\/strong>, reinforcing India\u2019s ambition as a global design hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advancing Indigenous Microprocessors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Microprocessors form the foundational layer of digital infrastructure. India has prioritised sovereign processor design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">A major milestone is <strong>DHRUV64<\/strong>, a fully indigenous 64-bit microprocessor developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>DHRUV64:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Built on modern architecture principles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports 5G, automotive, industrial automation, IoT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reduces reliance on imported processors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">It builds on processors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">SHAKTI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">AJIT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">VIKRAM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">THEJAS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Developed under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme, these leverage open-source <strong>RISC-V architecture<\/strong>, eliminating licence costs and fostering collaborative innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building the Talent Pipeline<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">India recognises that semiconductor leadership depends on people as much as infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Initiatives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Chips to Start-up Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">397 universities and startups onboarded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">56 chips fabricated via 46 universities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>AICTE Academic Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">B.Tech in Electronics (VLSI focus)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Diploma in IC manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Minor in VLSI design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>SMART Lab at NIELIT Calicut<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Target: 1 lakh engineers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">62,000 already trained<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Industry Partnership (Lam Research)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Nanofabrication &amp; ATMP training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">60,000 professionals targeted over 10 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>FutureSkills PRIME (MeitY &amp; NASSCOM)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Online skilling in semiconductors and emerging technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Industry-aligned certifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">Together, these initiatives are creating a large, industry-ready semiconductor workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 marks a strategic shift from ecosystem creation to consolidation and global integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">By strengthening manufacturing, advancing indigenous processor design, and building deep talent capacity, ISM 2.0 positions semiconductors as a core pillar of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Economic resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Digital infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Technological sovereignty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\">With a clear roadmap toward advanced nodes, expanded design incentives, and growing private participation, India is laying the foundation to become a trusted semiconductor hub and a leading global player by 2035.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Formal Definition of \u201cDeep Tech\u201d Start-ups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Formal Definition of \u201cDeep Tech\u201d Start-ups<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Union government has officially defined \u201cdeep tech\u201d start-ups through a gazette notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A deep tech start-up must:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develop solutions based on <strong>new scientific or engineering knowledge<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be heavily engaged in <strong>research and development (R&amp;D)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Own or be developing <strong>novel intellectual property (IP)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be taking steps toward <strong>commercialisation<\/strong> of such IP<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operate under long development timelines, extended gestation periods, high capital and infrastructure requirements, and significant technical or scientific uncertainty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> This moves \u201cdeep tech\u201d from a buzzword to a legally defined category, providing clarity for policy and funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Difference Between Regular and Deep Tech Start-ups<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Regular Start-up:<\/strong> Less than 10 years old or turnover under \u20b9200 crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Deep Tech Start-up:<\/strong> Can retain start-up status for up to 20 years and have turnover up to \u20b9300 crore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> The extended time and higher turnover reflect the longer incubation cycles and capital-intensive nature of deep science ventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Certification and Regulatory Oversight<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Companies must <strong>apply to DPIIT<\/strong> for deep tech certification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">DPIIT is the final authority, guided by an Inter-Ministerial Board including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Joint Secretary, DPIIT (Convener)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representative from the Department of Science and Technology (DST)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representative from the Department of Biotechnology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> Ensures technical vetting and prevents misuse of the \u201cdeep tech\u201d label, though may introduce bureaucratic delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Investment Restrictions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Recognised start-ups cannot invest in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Real estate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speculative assets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shares and securities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exception applies if investments are directly tied to core knowledge production<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> Ensures public incentives and concessions are directed strictly toward innovation, not speculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Link to Government\u2019s Technology Push<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns with India\u2019s broader strategy on technology-driven growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Anusandhan National Research Foundation manages a \u20b91 lakh crore <strong>Research and Development Innovation (RDI) Fund<\/strong>, investing in emerging technologies over seven years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Deep tech start-ups are expected to be key beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> The formal definition serves as a screening mechanism for fund allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Financial Incentives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>RDI-supported firms may access concessional financing:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Interest rates of ~2%\u20134%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Loan tenures up to 15 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> Long-tenure, low-cost financing is crucial for deep tech ventures due to delayed revenue realization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Policy Context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Draft deep tech policy prepared in July 2023 by the Principal Scientific Adviser\u2019s office<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Policy is still awaiting Union Cabinet approval<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Insight:<\/strong> The definition is a precursor to broader structural reforms in deep tech governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Broader Economic and Strategic Implications<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Institutional recognition of deep tech as a distinct economic category<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Signals India\u2019s ambition to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Build indigenous scientific capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce technological dependence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compete in frontier sectors like AI, biotech, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provides longer runway and regulatory clarity for science-led ventures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">India-Germany Partnership<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strengthening India-Germany Partnership<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India, his first trip to Asia since taking office, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">19 MoUs and 8 key announcements were signed, including a Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Critical Minerals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus areas include defence, economic co-operation, critical minerals, renewable energy, and technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India identifies 30 critical minerals, many containing <strong>rare-earth elements<\/strong> for permanent magnets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These magnets are essential for electric mobility, semiconductors, renewable energy (wind turbines), aerospace, and defence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India imported over <strong>90% of permanent rare-earth magnets from China in 2025<\/strong>, showing high dependency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">China has historically used its monopoly to influence global trade, as seen when India\u2019s automobile industry faced supply restrictions due to China-U.S. trade tensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shared Indo-German Interests<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Germany is also heavily reliant on China for rare-earth magnets, especially for <strong>offshore wind energy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Offshore wind energy uses turbines installed in seas to generate renewable power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Joint Declaration promotes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collaborative exploration, R&amp;D, processing, recycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint ventures in India, Germany, and third countries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integration with defence co-production, green hydrogen initiatives, and semiconductor innovation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s National Initiatives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>National Critical Mineral Mission (2025\u20132031)<\/strong>: $4 billion budget to secure critical mineral supply chains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Cabinet approved \u20b97,280 crore (~$800 million) for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Union Budget 2026-27 announced a dedicated rare earth corridor for mining, processing, research, and manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India has the third-largest rare earth deposits globally, but currently produces less than 1% of global output. Most deposits are monazite sands and hard rock in coastal areas, based on inferred reserves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Europe\u2019s Supply Chain Context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over 90% of permanent magnets for wind turbines in Germany and Europe are sourced from China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Germany aims to source 30% of permanent magnets from outside China by 2030 (Resilience Roadmap for Permanent Magnets, 2025).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Europe seeks proven, reliable, and cost-competitive supplies, which India is positioning itself to provide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Collaboration in Wind Energy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Wind turbines need 200+ kg of permanent magnets per MW.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India targets 107 GW and Germany 145 GW of wind energy by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India has ~70 GW offshore wind potential (Tamil Nadu and Gujarat); Germany has 9.2 GW installed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Technology transfer is critical as India currently has no offshore wind installations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Indo-German collaboration includes component production, engineering consulting, and renewable energy technology sharing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>European and Global Context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Hamburg Declaration (Jan 26, 2026)<\/strong>: Germany and 9 European nations commit to 100 GW of joint offshore wind projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Europe wants resilient supply chains, increasing interest in India\u2019s rare earth corridor and permanent magnet manufacturing program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India could become a reliable partner for Europe in permanent magnet supply and renewable energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The partnership addresses strategic vulnerabilities due to China\u2019s dominance in rare-earth magnets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India aims to develop domestic rare earth supply chains and position itself as a global supplier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Collaboration strengthens defence, renewable energy, and semiconductor sectors in both countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Offshore wind energy emerges as a key area of mutual interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 The Union Budget 2026\u201327 marked a decisive moment for India\u2019s technology ambitions with the announcement of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0. This new phase signals a clear policy push to deepen domestic semiconductor capabilities at a time when chips underpin every critical digital and industrial system. ISM 2.0 will focus on: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[592],"tags":[222,21,22,1956,1000,1955,1954,1952,1957,221,1953,20],"class_list":["post-8243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-short-notes","tag-bank-exams","tag-competitive-exams","tag-current-affairs","tag-deep-tech-start-up","tag-dhruv64","tag-formal-definition-of-deep-tech-start-ups","tag-futureskills-prime","tag-india-semiconductor-mission-2-0","tag-india-germany-partnership","tag-rrb-exams","tag-smart-lab-at-nielit-calicut","tag-ssc-cgl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8243"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8297,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8243\/revisions\/8297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}