SEMICON India 2026 Highlights India’s Semiconductor Expansion
The second day of SEMICON India 2026 focused on scaling India’s semiconductor ecosystem through manufacturing, chip design, advanced packaging, research, supply-chain localisation and talent development. Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined six pillars of ISM 2.0 and highlighted progress under ISM 1.0, including commercial production at five of the twelve approved plants.
Key facts
SEMICON India 2026 Day 2 was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
ISM 2.0 will focus on six pillars: design; machines and materials; more fabs; ATMP/OSAT; research and development; and talent development.
Five of the twelve plants approved under ISM 1.0 have commenced commercial production.
More than 105 chip-design startups received access to advanced Electronic Design Automation tools, while 20 secured venture capital funding.
Around 70,000 chip-design engineers were trained in four years against a target of 85,000.
The event witnessed 25 MoUs, announcements and strategic collaborations covering materials, manufacturing, advanced packaging, logistics, design and skilling.
India-Singapore and India-Europe country roundtables discussed investment, supply chains, advanced packaging, equipment, materials, research and talent.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s semiconductor mission, ISM 2.0, chip design, ATMP/OSAT, semiconductor manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, advanced packaging and electronics-sector skill development.
CBIC to Participate in Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), along with its Zones, Directorates and field formations, will participate in Special Campaign 6 to promote cleanliness, improve record management and reduce pendency in government offices. The campaign will place special emphasis on the collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6 will be conducted from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
CBIC and its Zones, Directorates and field formations will participate in the campaign.
The campaign aims to institutionalise cleanliness and reduce pendency in government offices.
During Special Campaign 5.0, CBIC reviewed 41,055 physical files and weeded out 23,743 files.
Special Campaign 5.0 freed 43,009 square feet of office space and disposed of 22,728 kg of scrap.
The scrap disposed of during the previous campaign included 8,801 kg of e-waste under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
Special Campaign 6 will focus on e-waste management, cleanliness, record management, space management and disposal of pending matters.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CBIC, administrative reforms, cleanliness campaigns, government record management, e-waste management and the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
Department of Fisheries to Participate in Special Campaign 6.0
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, will conduct cleanliness and administrative reform activities during Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 to 31 October 2026.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6.0 will be implemented from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The Preparatory Phase will run from 16 to 30 September 2026.
The campaign follows guidelines issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
Key objectives include reducing pendency, improving record management and optimising office space.
The campaign will promote systematic disposal of scrap and e-waste.
A hybrid review meeting was held on 17 September 2026 with subordinate offices and autonomous bodies.
The Department aims to institutionalise Swachhata and improve workplace efficiency.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government administrative reforms, Swachhata campaigns, the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
The five-day Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme 2026 concluded at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and conducted by CENJOWS, it focused on jointness, emerging security challenges, modern warfare and whole-of-nation responses.
Key facts
The CORE Programme 2026 was held from 14 to 18 September 2026.
It was organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and conducted by CENJOWS.
The programme took place at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
Senior officers from the three Services and officials from the Ministries of Defence, External Affairs and Home Affairs participated.
Discussions covered jointness, defence production, capability development and modern ways of warfighting.
Emerging technologies discussed included Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Quantum Computing.
The programme addressed cognitive warfare, strategic communication and counter-disinformation operations.
The deliberations emphasised inter-departmental coordination and a whole-of-nation approach to national security.
Exam relevance: Relevant for defence and national security questions, including inter-service jointness, integrated defence coordination, emerging military technologies, cognitive warfare and the whole-of-nation approach.
The Kalakshetra Foundation inaugurated the three-day 17th Kathakali Festival at the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium in Chennai. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, the festival features performances by three prominent Kathakali institutions from 18 to 20 September 2026.
Key facts
The festival is organised by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the Ministry of Culture.
It is being held at the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
The theme is “Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of Essence of Stories”.
Sadanam Academy, Kerala Kalamandalam and Margi Theatre are participating.
The opening performance was “Mandodari”, based on the Ramayana.
The festival will conclude with “Rugmangada Charitham” by Margi Theatre.
Kalakshetra Foundation was established in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian classical arts, Kathakali institutions, the Ministry of Culture, cultural festivals and the Kalakshetra Foundation.
SEMICON India 2026 Highlights India’s Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem
Day 2 of SEMICON India 2026 featured 25 announcements and collaborations across semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, logistics, advanced packaging, power electronics and workforce development. The event highlighted global participation, investment interest, supply-chain strengthening and the launch of India’s first indigenous System-on-Module.
Key facts
SEMICON India 2026 featured 25 announcements and collaborations on its second day.
The event had more than 600 exhibitors, including around 300 international exhibitors.
Nearly 12,000 visitors attended the first day, while around 50,000 visitors were expected overall.
The India Semiconductor Mission signed an MoU with Nippon Express for logistics, warehousing, customs and supply-chain expertise.
IndieSemiC launched India’s first indigenous System-on-Module, ISC VegaSOM.
ISC VegaSOM integrates C-DAC’s Vega-Thejas32 processor with IndieSemiC’s LoRa-RF module.
The event highlighted water recycling in semiconductor fabs and closed-loop cooling systems in data centres.
SEMICON India 2026 included representatives from 52 countries and six country pavilions.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s semiconductor mission, electronics manufacturing, domestic chip design, global investment, supply-chain localisation, advanced packaging and sustainable technology infrastructure.
JP Nadda Reviews Madhya Pradesh Healthcare Expansion and PPP Model
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed Madhya Pradesh’s healthcare progress with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The review covered medical education, healthcare infrastructure, specialised services, maternal and child health indicators, and the use of public-private partnerships to establish medical colleges.
Key facts
Madhya Pradesh increased MBBS seats from 5,600 to 6,120 in 2026, adding 520 seats.
Super-speciality seats in government medical colleges rose from 63 to 73, while private college seats increased from 29 to 53.
Under the PPP model, medical colleges are being established in Dhar, Panna, Katni and Betul, targeted for completion by December 2027.
As per SRS 2022–24, Madhya Pradesh’s Maternal Mortality Ratio declined by 7 points to 135 per lakh live births.
The proportion of pregnant women receiving four or more antenatal care visits increased from 57.5% to 69.5%, as per NFHS-6.
The Neonatal Mortality Rate declined from 27 to 26, while the Infant Mortality Rate declined from 37 to 35 per 1,000 live births.
Seventy haemodialysis units are operational across 52 districts, and 52 cancer day-care centres are providing treatment services.
CAR-T cell therapy has been introduced at Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Madhya Pradesh state current affairs, public health indicators, medical education capacity, PPP-based healthcare infrastructure, maternal and child health, and specialised medical services.
Agriculture Minister Calls for Time-Bound Implementation of State Commitments
At the Regional Agriculture Conference for Southern States in Hyderabad, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed states to complete commitments related to Farmer IDs, AgriStack, land records, digital crop surveys and farmer outreach within fixed timelines. He also announced that the Rabi Conference will be held in Delhi on September 28–29.
Key facts
The Regional Agriculture Conference for Southern States was held in Hyderabad.
Telangana and Karnataka have crossed 75% completion in Farmer ID generation.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have completed the Digital Crop Survey.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala were asked to accelerate Farmer ID generation and land-parcel linking.
Bharat Vistar is available in Hindi and English and is planned for expansion to 13 regional languages.
Bharat Vistar will provide farmers with agricultural advice through mobile phones.
The Rabi Conference will be held at Pusa Institute, Delhi, on September 28–29.
The Minister stressed that agricultural research must reach farmers through ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on AgriStack, Farmer ID, Digital Crop Survey, Bharat Vistar, agricultural governance, digital agriculture and the Rabi crop planning process.
Fifth ITEC Capacity-Building Programme on Human Rights Concludes in New Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), concluded a six-day ITEC Executive Capacity-Building Programme on human rights for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of the Global South.
Key facts
The programme was held in New Delhi from 14 to 18 September 2026.
It was organised by NHRC, India, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Thirty-eight senior functionaries from 14 NHRIs of Global South countries participated.
The programme covered civil and political rights as well as socio-economic and cultural rights.
NHRC India Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian addressed the valedictory session.
The programme focused on sharing experiences and strengthening cooperation among NHRIs.
Participants visited Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort and the Taj Mahal.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on NHRC, ITEC, India’s international cooperation, human rights institutions and India’s engagement with countries of the Global South.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 38th Pune Festival in Pune, Maharashtra. The event highlighted India’s cultural heritage, national integration, tourism, women’s participation and emerging artists. The Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran actor Mohan Joshi.
Key facts
The 38th Pune Festival was inaugurated at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Pune.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the festival.
Students from around 20 countries participated in the Traditional Ganesh Worship programme.
The festival includes programmes such as Ugavate Tare, Indradhanu and Mahila Mahotsav.
The Pune Festival was credited with contributing to Pune’s identity as a “City of Festivals”.
The Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to actor Mohan Joshi.
The Vice-President linked cultural preservation with the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Maharashtra culture, festivals, Indian heritage, cultural tourism, national integration and recent award presentations.
HAL Hands Over Indigenous Aircraft and Helicopters to IAF and Pawan Hans
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over two LCA Tejas FOC Twin Seater Trainers and three HTT-40 Basic Trainers to the Indian Air Force. It also handed over four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Key facts
HAL delivered two LCA Tejas FOC Twin Seater Trainers to the Indian Air Force.
Three HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft were handed over to the Indian Air Force.
Four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters were handed over to Pawan Hans Limited.
The ceremony was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on 18 September 2026.
The LCA Twin Seater Trainers will support IAF pilot training and provide continuity into frontline fighter operations.
The HTT-40 is an indigenously designed and developed basic trainer aircraft.
The civil-configured Dhruv NG is intended for passenger transport, emergency medical services and offshore logistics support.
The event highlighted India's efforts towards self-reliance in defence and civil aerospace.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on defence indigenisation, HAL, the LCA Tejas, HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, Dhruv NG helicopters, the Indian Air Force and India's aerospace self-reliance.
NCL Launches Preparatory Phase of Special Campaign 6.0
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, has launched the preparatory phase of Special Campaign 6.0 from 15 September to 30 September 2026. The campaign focuses on cleanliness, e-waste management, records management, scrap disposal, office improvement and optimum use of unused spaces.
Key facts
NCL is a Singrauli-based arm of Coal India under the Ministry of Coal.
The preparatory phase is scheduled from 15 September to 30 September 2026.
The implementation phase is scheduled from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
The campaign targets cleaning 90 sites and covering 1,00,000 square feet through cleanliness drives.
Around 3,500 metric tonnes of scrap is targeted for disposal.
NCL plans to review 400 physical files and 9,000 e-files.
Activities include e-waste segregation, digitisation of records, space utilisation and the Adopt-a-Spot initiative.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Coal India subsidiaries, the Ministry of Coal, public sector initiatives, cleanliness campaigns, e-governance, records management and waste-to-wealth practices.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is a nationwide cleanliness campaign being conducted from 17 September to 2 October 2026 under the Swachh Bharat Mission. With the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” it promotes citizen participation, behavioural change, waste management and sanitation-worker welfare.
Key facts
The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2 October 2014.
The mission has two components: SBM-Grameen and SBM-Urban.
Swachhata Hi Seva has been observed annually since 2017 and precedes Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2 October.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 was launched on 17 September 2026 and will run until 2 October 2026.
Its theme is “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
The campaign focuses on Cleanliness Target Units, youth participation, sanitation-worker welfare, Jan Bhagidari and resource recovery.
On 1 October 2026, cleanliness activities will be conducted under “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.”
Special Gram Sabhas and Urban Local Body Council Meetings will discuss campaign activities and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, on 2 October.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Swachh Bharat Mission, government sanitation initiatives, citizen participation, waste management, solid waste rules and important national campaigns.
The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh was observed nationwide on 18 September 2026 to launch the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign. The programme promoted healthy choices and youth participation through pledges, signature campaigns, street plays, seminars and discussions.
Key facts
The nationwide observance was held on 18 September 2026.
It involved 259 institutions across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
A total of 1,455 activities engaged 1,47,798 participants.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Pledge-taking activities involved 45,082 participants through 320 activities.
Signature campaigns involved 42,443 participants through 407 activities.
The campaign is structured as a 100-week or 100-Sunday movement.
Its activity cycle includes themes such as My Health, My Pride, Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth and Life Skills Month.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government-supported youth initiatives, drug-free India efforts, MY Bharat, NSS, social awareness campaigns and national participation figures.
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to Build Complete Semiconductor Ecosystem
At SEMICON India 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will expand India’s semiconductor industry from foundational capacity to large-scale ecosystem development. The mission will focus on design, materials and machines, fabrication plants, ATMP units, research and development, and talent.
Key facts
India Semiconductor Mission 1.0 focused on creating the foundational semiconductor ecosystem.
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 will have six pillars: design; materials and machines; more fabs; more ATMP units; R&D; and talent.
Five semiconductor manufacturing plants have reportedly commenced commercial production in India.
More than 105 chip-design startups received access to advanced Electronic Design Automation tools, while 20 startups received venture capital funding.
At least 200 chip-design companies are expected to emerge under ISM 2.0.
Around 70,000 design engineers were trained in four years against an initial target of 85,000 in ten years.
ISM 2.0 will focus on system design, cleanroom technicians and precision-manufacturing skills in addition to chip design.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India Semiconductor Mission, semiconductor manufacturing, ATMP units, chip design, Electronic Design Automation tools, skilling initiatives, precision manufacturing and India’s electronics ecosystem.
AVYAY Strengthens Welfare and Care for Senior Citizens
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) to promote the welfare, care, protection and dignified ageing of senior citizens. Its major components include institutional care, state-specific support, healthcare, helpline services, assistive devices and caregiver training.
Key facts
Approximately Rs 1,089.58 crore was released under IPSrC and SAPSrC.
More than 10.76 lakh senior citizens benefited under IPSrC from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26.
Approximately Rs 953.53 crore was spent under IPSrC during FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26.
AVYAY includes IPSrC, SAPSrC, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Elderline and Training of Geriatric Caregivers.
IPSrC provides shelter, food, medical care and recreational support to senior citizens.
SAPSrC provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories for need-based interventions.
Rs 136.05 crore was released under SAPSrC, which was launched in FY 2019-20.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, senior citizen welfare, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, scheme components and expenditure figures.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the Southern States Regional Agriculture Conference in Hyderabad. The conference discussed El Niño, crop diversification, the upcoming Rabi season, horticulture, agricultural reforms and Centre-State cooperation. India’s coconut exports were stated to have increased by 62% in one year, from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore.
Key facts
The Southern States Regional Agriculture Conference was held in Hyderabad.
Discussions focused on El Niño, crop diversification and preparations for the Rabi season.
The Minister identified food security, secure farmer livelihoods and nutritional security as key objectives of Indian agriculture.
Southern India was highlighted for its potential in spices, coffee, cashew, cocoa, sandalwood and other horticultural crops.
Regional agriculture conferences are intended to support region-specific planning based on agro-climatic conditions, soil and water availability.
India’s coconut exports increased from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore in one year, a reported growth of 62%.
A new scheme for promotion of coconut was announced in the Budget and was stated to be moving towards implementation.
Telangana was stated to be set to receive 2 lakh houses under PMAY-G.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian agriculture, food and nutritional security, crop diversification, horticulture exports, regional planning, Centre-State cooperation and the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin.
DST prepares for Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 October 2026
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with its affiliated institutions and offices, sustained Special Campaign 5.0 during its extended implementation period from November 2025 to August 2026. It will implement Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 October to 31 October 2026, focusing on cleanliness, reducing pendency, record management and efficient use of office space.
Key facts
The Department of Science and Technology is preparing for Special Campaign 6.0.
Special Campaign 6.0 will be implemented from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
DST continued Special Campaign 5.0 during its extended implementation period from November 2025 to August 2026.
The campaign covered DST autonomous institutions, subordinate offices and field units.
Key focus areas included disposal of pending matters, record management and grievance redressal.
The department also undertook cleanliness drives and initiatives for optimum utilisation of office space.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public administration, institutional cleanliness campaigns, grievance redressal and the role of the Department of Science and Technology.
Raksha Khadse Chairs Meeting with Vice-Chancellors on Youth Initiatives
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse chaired a meeting with Vice-Chancellors and representatives of 93 universities to strengthen institutional participation in youth-focused initiatives, including VBYLD 2027, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan and the Yuva Connect Programme.
Key facts
The meeting was chaired by Union MoS for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse.
Vice-Chancellors and representatives from 93 universities participated.
The participating institutions included 40 Central Universities, 38 State Universities and 13 Deemed and Private Universities.
The meeting focused on the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2027, Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan and Yuva Connect Programme.
Universities were encouraged to promote youth participation, leadership, community engagement and constructive dialogue.
The initiatives were linked with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, youth-oriented government initiatives, university participation and the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
NFSC Fellowship Supports Ph.D. Researcher from West Bengal
Shri Mantu Dhar, a 35-year-old research scholar from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, is pursuing a Ph.D. with support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students Scheme. Fellowship assistance, House Rent Allowance and contingency support have helped him meet academic expenses and continue his research despite financial constraints.
Key facts
Shri Mantu Dhar is a 35-year-old research scholar from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal.
He is pursuing a Ph.D. with support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students Scheme.
He began receiving support under the NFSC Scheme in 2022.
He received Rs. 2,96,186 through fellowship assistance, House Rent Allowance and contingency support.
The assistance helped him meet expenses for books, study materials and other academic requirements.
The support reduced the financial burden on his family and helped him focus on his research.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on scholarships, fellowships for Scheduled Caste students, inclusive higher education and government support for doctoral research.
