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Month: September 2025

Technology

Chip Mission 2.0 to Prioritise Silicon Carbide Wafer Making

Observenow Desk September 4, 2025

The Government of India is preparing to launch Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with a clear emphasis on silicon carbide (SiC) wafer manufacturing. This next phase of the semiconductor programme has been designed to align with the rising global demand for advanced materials capable of supporting high-performance applications. Silicon carbide is increasingly seen as a game-changer in industries that require durability, energy efficiency, and high-temperature performance.

The first major project under this initiative has already been cleared. A ₹2,066 crore fabrication facility is being set up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, making it the country’s first approved SiC wafer plant. This unit will focus on producing compound semiconductor wafers that will serve as the backbone for next-generation products across sectors such as electric vehicles, power electronics, aerospace, defense systems, and telecommunications.

Officials have highlighted that silicon carbide offers superior properties compared to traditional silicon, particularly in terms of voltage tolerance, switching efficiency, and heat resistance. These qualities make it the material of choice for fast-evolving sectors like electric mobility and renewable energy, where efficiency and reliability are critical. By prioritising SiC wafer production, India aims to establish itself not only as a consumer market but as a competitive manufacturing hub for advanced chips.

The upcoming mission also reflects the government’s long-term strategy of reducing dependence on global supply chains, many of which have been disrupted in recent years. By supporting state-of-the-art facilities domestically, India hopes to strengthen its resilience while offering global companies an alternative base for semiconductor manufacturing.

Chip Mission 2.0 is being positioned as both an industrial and strategic milestone. With policy support, significant investments, and a focus on cutting-edge materials, India is laying the foundation for a strong semiconductor ecosystem that can serve domestic needs and contribute to the global supply chain.

Tags: government of indiaSemiconductor Mission 2.0silicon carbide

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Technology

India’s First Made-in-India Semiconductor Chip Set to Roll Out from Sanand

Observenow Desk

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that India’s first homegrown semiconductor chip will soon be launched from CG Semi’s pilot OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The inauguration of this unit marks a significant step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in chipmaking and represents one of the earliest concrete outcomes of the country’s semiconductor mission.

The Sanand facility has been established with an investment of around ₹7,600 crore, making it one of the largest projects in India’s electronics manufacturing sector. CG Semi, a joint venture involving CG Power and Industrial Solutions along with partners Renesas Electronics of Japan and Stars Microelectronics of Thailand, is positioned as one of the first companies in India to provide full-fledged OSAT services.

According to the minister, the pilot line will be capable of producing nearly half a million chips daily once fully operational. This output, though initially focused on testing and packaging, sets the stage for scaling up into larger volumes and advanced semiconductor capabilities in the near future.

The launch of this facility comes at a time when global demand for chips is surging, and nations are seeking to secure reliable supply chains. For India, the rollout of its first semiconductor chip is more than just a technological achievement—it is a strategic milestone that reduces dependence on imports and strengthens the country’s position in the global electronics ecosystem.

The Sanand plant reflects how coordinated efforts between government and industry can accelerate progress. By combining policy support, financial investment, and international expertise, India is creating the foundation for a sustainable semiconductor manufacturing base that could transform the country into a major global hub.

Tags: Ashwini VaishnawSemiconductor Chip

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Technology

India’s TCS Secures $644 Million Digital Transformation Deal with Tryg

Observenow Desk

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a landmark €550 million, approximately $644 million, seven-year contract with Scandinavian insurer Tryg. The deal marks one of the largest digital transformation agreements in the region and is a major win for TCS in a year when the Indian IT industry has been facing slower growth and fewer mega contracts.

Under this agreement, TCS will be responsible for modernizing and managing Tryg’s entire IT landscape across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. The company will deploy advanced artificial intelligence and cloud solutions to simplify operations, standardize processes, and enhance digital services for over six million customers. TCS will also take charge of application development and management, infrastructure services, cybersecurity, and end-user support.

This partnership extends the long-standing collaboration between TCS and Tryg, which has been ongoing for more than 15 years. It aligns with Tryg’s “United Towards 27” strategy, a roadmap focused on consolidating IT operations, boosting customer experience, and driving growth through digital innovation.

The deal comes at a crucial time for India’s $283 billion IT services industry, which has been under pressure due to weak client demand, inflationary challenges, and global trade uncertainties. Large-scale contracts like this provide critical momentum for companies like TCS to maintain stability and expand their global presence.

TCS has a strong footprint in the Nordic region, with more than 20,000 professionals based there. The company has consistently earned recognition for customer satisfaction and has been ranked among top employers in the region. This deal reaffirms its leadership in delivering large-scale transformation projects.

For TCS, the agreement also represents a boost in confidence after recent headwinds, including project delays and workforce restructuring. The Tryg contract positions the company to strengthen its European presence and sustain long-term growth.

Tags: Digital TransformationTata Consultancy Services

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Exclusive

India Emerges as Most Promising Destination for Semiconductor Manufacturing, Says PM Modi

Observenow Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared India as the world’s most promising destination for semiconductor design and manufacturing, while addressing a CEO roundtable with leading global industry executives. He highlighted the country’s growing technological capabilities, improving infrastructure, and favorable policies that are designed to attract large-scale investment into the semiconductor ecosystem.

The Prime Minister noted that India is no longer positioning itself only as a major consumer of electronics but is building a full-fledged hub for chip design, fabrication, and packaging. He emphasized that government initiatives such as fiscal incentives, streamlined approvals, and a strong push for research and innovation are creating the right environment for global players to expand in India.

One of the points he underlined was India’s talent advantage, with nearly a fifth of the world’s semiconductor design engineers based in the country. Leading cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida already host advanced design and development centers, supporting global companies with critical chip innovation.

The roundtable discussion also touched upon the long-term vision of making India a reliable partner in the global semiconductor supply chain. Modi stressed that amid rising geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, India can provide both stability and scale to international manufacturers.

Industry leaders at the event expressed confidence in India’s potential, pointing to the growing demand for electronics and the government’s commitment to building state-of-the-art infrastructure. With large investments already being announced in fabrication plants and design centers, India is steadily transitioning into a front-runner in the sector.

By positioning itself as a global hub for advanced technology, India aims not just to participate in, but to lead, the future of semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

Tags: PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi

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Education

ObserveNow Successfully Concludes the 11th Edition of ELCA 2025 in Hyderabad: Two Days of Transformative Dialogues on AI, Education, and Future Workplaces

Observenow Desk

ObserveNow Media successfully hosted the 11th Edition of Education Leaders Conclave & Awards (ELCA) 2025 on August 21–22, 2025 in Hyderabad. The two-day conclave witnessed thought-provoking deliberations on how AI, GenAI, and digital learning innovations are transforming India’s higher education and workforce ecosystem.

The conclave opened with a warm welcome address by Ms. Taniya Tikoo, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief of ObserveNow Media, who set the tone by underlining how AI will reshape the future of universities and workplaces.

She was joined in the inaugural session by distinguished chief guests including Shri Navin Mittal (Principal Secretary, Energy, Govt. of Telangana & Former Commissioner, Collegiate and Technical Education), Prof. V. Balakista Reddy (Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education), Mr. Sudhakar Rao (Director, ICFAI Group), and Dr. Archana Mantri (Vice Chancellor, Anurag University, Hyderabad), who emphasized the role of policy, leadership, and collaboration in driving educational transformation.

The day featured four high-impact panel discussions:

  • Panel 1: From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI-Powered EdTech Trends for the 21st Century, where speakers including Mr. Kali Prasad Gadiraju (Chairman, EThames Business School) and Mrs. Tejshree Abhay Meghnathan (Executive Director, Rajalakshmi Institutions) shared how institutions are moving from traditional classrooms to AI-driven smart learning environments.

  • Panel 2: Innovative Pedagogies Powered by GenAI: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Today, with leaders like Prof. B. S. Satyanarayana (VC, Dayanand Sagar University) and Prof. S. Sreenivasa Murthy (Director, IPE India) highlighting how GenAI is redefining teaching-learning methodologies.

  • Panel 3: Personalized Learning Journeys: Adaptive Technology, Open Education Resources (OERs), and AI in Education, where Dr. S. Geethalakshmi (VC, Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute) and others explored the potential of adaptive learning to make education more student-centric.

  • Panel 4: Bridging the Digital Divide: How AI and Blended Learning Are Driving Equity in Education, which brought together experts from Telangana’s leading institutions to discuss inclusion and accessibility in the AI era.

The evening culminated in the Higher Education Leaders Awards 2025, where outstanding leaders and institutions were felicitated.

Leadership Awards

  • Dr. VSK Reddy, Vice Chancellor, Malla Reddy University – Visionary Leadership in Higher Education 2025
  • Dr. (Mrs.) Thangam Meganathan, Co-founder & Chairperson, Rajalakshmi Institutions, Chennai – Iconic Women Leadership in Higher Education 2025
  • Mr. Abhijit Rao Katikaneni, President, Sreenidhi Educational Group – Iconic Leadership & Institution Building 2025
  • Dr. Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor, Anurag University, Hyderabad – Outstanding Leadership in Higher Education 2025
  • Mrs. Riya Punj, Vice President, Sai International School – Iconic Leadership Award in Pre-School Education 2025
  • Dr. Sanjay Fuloria, Director – Centre for Distance and Online Education, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education – Outstanding Contribution in Online Education and Pedagogy 2025
  • Mr. Vishal Khurma, CEO, Woxsen University – Outstanding Leadership in Higher Education 2025

Higher Education Category Awards

  • Sri Sai University, Palampur – Outstanding University in Training & Placements 2025
  • Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad – Outstanding University in Digital Innovation, Technology and Best Practices 2025
  • Anurag University, Hyderabad – Outstanding University for Most Innovative Teaching and Learning Processes 2025
  • ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education – Outstanding University in Digital Innovation, Technology and Best Practices 2025

Corporate Awards

  • Adobe – Outstanding Innovation in AI–ML 2025
  • YourDost – Leadership in Emotional Wellbeing and Campus Support
  • D2L – Leading LMS Provider of the Year 2025
  • PeopleLink Unified Communications – Most Promising Hybrid Classroom Solution Provider of the Year 2025
  • ARKANCE – Outstanding Tech Solution Provider for Higher Education 2025
  • MyClassboard – Leading ERP Solution Provider of the Year 2025
  • Elcarreira Technologies – Outstanding Employability Platform of the Year 2025
  • PraSoft IT Services – Outstanding Tech Solution Provider for Higher Education 2025
  • Synchroni Global IT Solutions – Innovative IT Solutions & AI in EdTech Excellence

Day 2 shifted focus towards the future of work, skills, and HR innovation, beginning with a keynote address from Mr. Shrikant Sinha (CEO, Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge – TASK, Govt. of Telangana). Both speakers highlighted how industry-academia collaboration and skill development frameworks are crucial for preparing India’s young workforce.

The day’s panel discussions covered four critical dimensions:

  • Panel 1: Shaping Future Careers: GenAI, Credentialing, and Continuous Skill Enhancement, with speakers like Dr. Sameer Khan (Pro VC, SRM University Trichy) focusing on the need for continuous skilling in an AI-led workplace.

  • Panel 2: Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Role of AI in Fostering Innovation and Creativity for Institutional Excellence, where academic leaders discussed nurturing innovation-driven cultures in universities.

  • Panel 3: The Skills-Based Hiring Revolution: Redefining Talent, Growth, and the Future of Work, which brought HR leaders from JPMorgan, Apollo Health, Evernorth Health Services, ZF Group, and DuPoInt to discuss how hiring is shifting from degrees to skills.

  • Panel 4: Next-Gen L&D: Personalised Learning Journeys for High-Impact Young Talent, featuring voices from Pepsico, Electronic Arts, NTT Data, Pegasystems, Cigniti Technologies, and Vertafore, showcasing how personalized learning frameworks are shaping workforce readiness.

Adding to these academic dialogues were industry presentations by Adobe, ARKANCE, D2L, PeopleLink Unified Communications, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, YourDost, Codetantra, Elcarreira Technologies, and Yotta, where companies showcased cutting-edge technologies enabling hybrid classrooms, emotional wellbeing, employability platforms, and AI-led campus solutions.

The summit concluded with the HR Leaders Awards 2025, celebrating HR visionaries who are driving organizational transformation:

  • Deepti Varma, Vice President of People eXperience and Technology, Amazon – Excellence in HR Leadership & People Strategy
  • Sheela Lawrence, Head L&D, NTT Data – Leadership in Learning & Development Excellence
  • Devi Prasad, Chief Human Resources Officer, Apollo Life – Outstanding CHRO Leadership Award
  • Mario David, Vice President Organizational Development, JPMorgan – Excellence in Organizational Development & Transformation
  • Arun Kumar Sahu, Lead Global People Services, Electronic Arts – Excellence in Global People Services & Employee Experience
  • Amit Kumar Soni, Global Head – Learning Solutions, Pepsico – Innovation in Learning Solutions & Capability Development

Wrapping up the two-day event, ObserveNow Media highlighted its mission to foster knowledge exchange and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry.

The 11th edition of ELCA 2025 was not just about discussions but about driving actionable ideas for the future of learning and work. The convergence of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders reaffirmed that AI, when used responsibly, can create equitable, skill-driven ecosystems for India’s next generation.

With 200+ industry leaders, 50+ speakers, and 30+ award categories, the conclave reaffirmed its status as one of India’s most influential platforms for shaping the future of education and workforce transformation.

Tags: 11th Edition of ELCA 2025ELCA 2025Hyderabad

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Education

University of Tokyo Delegation Explores Possibility of Campus in Amaravati

Observenow Desk September 3, 2025

Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh’s planned capital city, is emerging as a potential hub for global higher education, with the University of Tokyo showing interest in setting up a campus in the region. A high-level delegation from the university visited the city this week to assess opportunities, marking a significant development for international academic collaboration in India.

The team toured locations near Shakhamuru, where the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) presented detailed drone-based models of Amaravati’s proposed design. Officials highlighted the city’s vision as a greenfield, student-friendly capital, with world-class infrastructure, sustainable planning, and strong connectivity. The University of Tokyo delegation was briefed on how these features align with the institution’s global standards for academic excellence and research-driven education.

As part of their visit, the delegates also toured existing campuses of SRM University AP and VIT-AP, both of which have established themselves as successful models of private higher education in the state. These visits allowed the Japanese team to study best practices, understand operational frameworks, and explore potential areas of collaboration with local institutions.

Officials expressed optimism that the University of Tokyo’s entry could significantly elevate the region’s academic profile. A campus in Amaravati would not only bring world-class education closer to Indian students but also strengthen India–Japan educational ties. It would further create opportunities for joint research, student exchange, and cross-border innovation in areas such as engineering, technology, and sustainable urban development.

The visit comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh is positioning Amaravati as an international education destination. While discussions remain at an exploratory stage, the University of Tokyo’s engagement signals growing global confidence in Amaravati’s potential as a hub for learning, research, and cultural exchange.

Tags: University of Tokyo

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Education

Rajasthan Gets Two New Government Medical Colleges in Tonk and Jaisalmer

Observenow Desk

Rajasthan’s medical education network has received a major boost with the approval of two new government medical colleges in Tonk and Jaisalmer. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has sanctioned the establishment of these institutions for the 2025–26 academic session, with each college allotted 50 MBBS seats. The decision reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure and increase opportunities for aspiring medical professionals.

With the addition of these colleges, Rajasthan now has 43 medical institutions under its fold, strengthening its position among states with the largest networks of government medical colleges. Officials noted that the expansion will not only enhance the state’s capacity to train doctors but also improve healthcare access in underserved districts. Tonk and Jaisalmer, which have historically faced shortages of specialized healthcare services, are expected to benefit directly from the availability of trained professionals in the coming years.

Medical education experts have welcomed the move, stressing that establishing new institutions in smaller districts plays a critical role in addressing the rural healthcare gap. Graduates from these colleges are likely to serve in regional hospitals and community health centres, helping to reduce the urban–rural divide in medical services.

The approval also aligns with the central government’s broader goal of expanding medical education infrastructure across India to meet growing demand for healthcare workers. By steadily increasing MBBS seat availability, the government aims to ensure a more balanced doctor-to-patient ratio nationwide.

The two new colleges are expected to begin operations with modern facilities, teaching hospitals, and specialized training programs. For Rajasthan’s youth, particularly those in Tonk and Jaisalmer, this development opens up significant opportunities to pursue medical careers closer to home, contributing to both professional growth and regional development.

Tags: Government Medical CollegesNational Medical Commission

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Education

Ministry of Education to Announce NIRF Rankings 2025 on September 4

Observenow Desk

The Ministry of Education will release the much-anticipated National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2025 on September 4, marking a significant event for India’s higher education sector. Published annually, the rankings are regarded as a trusted benchmark for evaluating the performance and quality of universities, colleges, and specialized institutions across the country.

The NIRF, which has completed a decade since its launch, now evaluates institutions across 16 categories. These include engineering, management, medical, law, pharmacy, research, innovation, and the overall category. Each year, the rankings not only influence institutional reputation but also help students and parents make informed choices about higher education opportunities in India.

The framework assesses institutions based on five key parameters: teaching and learning resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception. This multi-dimensional evaluation provides a comprehensive view of how institutions contribute to academic quality, research output, innovation, and social impact.

Over the years, the NIRF rankings have spurred healthy competition among institutions, encouraging them to raise their standards and expand global visibility. Leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and top central universities have consistently featured at the top, while several private and state universities have gained recognition for excellence in specific categories.

The release of the 2025 rankings is expected to generate wide interest across the academic community, industry, and policymakers. With new reforms in higher education and growing emphasis on skill development, innovation, and inclusivity, this year’s results may highlight significant shifts in performance and showcase upcoming institutions alongside established leaders.

Tags: Ministry of EducationNational Institutional Ranking FrameworkNIRF Rankings 2025

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Education

India@2047 Summit Stresses AI-Powered Learning to Bridge Graduate Employability Gap

Observenow Desk

The India@2047 conference in Hyderabad underscored the urgent need to address India’s employability crisis, with experts highlighting artificial intelligence as a transformative tool in higher education. At the summit, VIT Vice President Sekar Viswanathan and EPSI Chairman MR Jayaram noted that only around 10 percent of India’s graduates secure placements each year, a statistic that raises concerns about the country’s ability to prepare its youth for future workforce demands.

Speakers argued that artificial intelligence, when integrated thoughtfully into pedagogy, could be a game-changer in reversing this trend. Personalized learning powered by AI was singled out as a particularly effective approach, capable of tailoring study material, pacing, and assessment to match individual student needs. Such models, they said, not only strengthen subject mastery but also boost student confidence and career readiness.

The experts also emphasized that technology alone is not enough. For AI integration to succeed, institutions must focus on faculty readiness and upskilling, ensuring that teachers are equipped to guide students in AI-driven environments. Faculty development programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and active adoption of digital tools were recommended as immediate steps for universities and colleges.

The conference further stressed the role of higher education institutions in closing the skills gap by introducing flexible curricula, expanding industry partnerships, and encouraging project-based learning. By doing so, India can align academic programs with the evolving demands of global employers.

The India@2047 summit marked a pivotal moment in reimagining higher education policy. With AI poised to redefine industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, experts agreed that India must act swiftly to embed AI into its education system. Such reforms, they argued, will be crucial not only for improving graduate employability but also for positioning India as a global leader in the knowledge economy.

Tags: India@2047 SummitSekar Viswanathan

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Education

KMC Manipal Opens India’s First AI in Healthcare Department

Observenow Desk

The Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, has created history by launching India’s first dedicated Department of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare within a medical college. Inaugurated on August 29, this pioneering unit reflects the growing recognition of AI’s transformative role in medicine and its potential to redefine healthcare delivery in the country.

The department has been conceived as an interdisciplinary hub, bringing together expertise from medicine, engineering, and data science. By combining clinical knowledge with cutting-edge computational methods, it aims to train future doctors and researchers to effectively use AI in medical practice. The focus will be on applications ranging from medical imaging and diagnostic accuracy to predictive models for disease prevention, personalized treatment plans, and advanced public health analytics.

Faculty at KMC highlighted that the new department is designed not just as a research centre but as a teaching and training facility. Students will gain exposure to AI-based tools for radiology, pathology, genomics, and epidemiology, while also learning to evaluate ethical implications such as patient data privacy and algorithmic bias. Through project-based learning, the department will encourage practical engagement with real-world healthcare problems.

This initiative comes at a time when India’s healthcare system is actively seeking technology-led solutions to address challenges such as limited access, high patient volumes, and shortage of specialists. By integrating AI into medical education, KMC Manipal is positioning itself at the forefront of medical innovation and workforce readiness.

The launch of this department also represents a larger shift in Indian medical education, where interdisciplinary programs are becoming critical. Experts believe the KMC model could serve as a template for other medical institutions aiming to embed AI into healthcare training and research. With this step, Manipal reinforces its role as a leader in progressive, technology-driven medical education.

Tags: Healthcare DepartmentKasturba Medical CollegeKMC Manipal

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