The conference was graced by Ms. Tulika Pandey, Scientist ‘G’ & Group Coordinator, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, as the Guest of Honour. Shri Madhvendra Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI); Ms. Sheetal Chopra, Director, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), MeitY, as the Special Guests and other esteemed panelists from the industry and academia.

Addressing the august gathering, Ms. Tulika Pandey highlighted that semiconductor sovereignty today extends beyond manufacturing capabilities to encompass trusted technologies, resilient supply chains, secure digital infrastructure and indigenous innovation. She emphasised that the Government of India, through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the recently announced ISM 2.0, is creating a comprehensive ecosystem covering semiconductor design, fabrication, packaging, testing, research, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Calling upon industry to transition from technology adopters to technology creators, she stressed the need for greater participation in global standards, advanced materials, emerging technologies and ethical innovation. She further highlighted that MSMEs, startups and innovators will play a defining role in shaping India’s semiconductor future and reiterated that close collaboration between government, industry, academia and the skilling ecosystem is essential to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Highlighting the critical role of talent development, Ms. Sheetal Chopra stated that human capital remains India’s greatest strategic advantage in the global semiconductor landscape. She noted that while fabrication facilities and manufacturing investments are important, India’s long-term competitiveness will depend on building a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing across the semiconductor value chain from the very first day. She highlighted NIELIT’s expanding role in strengthening India’s semiconductor talent ecosystem through its nationwide network of 56 centres, specialised programmes in semiconductor design, VLSI, embedded systems and emerging technologies, along with flagship initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence in Chip Design, Noida, the e-Chip Hub national learning platform and upcoming Centres of Excellence in Assam and Gujarat. She emphasised that democratising access to advanced technology education across Tier-II, Tier-III cities and aspirational districts will be instrumental in creating a globally competitive semiconductor workforce.

Shri Madhvendra Singh emphasized that semiconductor sovereignty has become a strategic imperative for India’s economic growth and national security. He noted that India’s semiconductor ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented momentum with 13 approved semiconductor projects, cumulative investments exceeding USD 20 billion, and a domestic semiconductor market projected to reach nearly USD 130 billion by 2030. He highlighted that this rapid expansion would require nearly 400,000 semiconductor professionals and approximately 1.5 million skilled workers across the broader semiconductor value chain. Stressing that MSMEs will be the backbone of component manufacturing, testing, packaging and precision engineering, he highlighted ESSCI’s initiatives in developing industry-aligned occupational standards, specialised curriculum, Centres of Excellence, apprenticeship programmes and faculty development to create a globally competitive semiconductor workforce.

Presenting the industry’s perspective, Shri Karan Mangla, Co-Chair, Foreign Trade & Investment Committee, PHDCCI, and Promoter & Director, S H Haryana Wire, stated that India has made remarkable progress in establishing the foundations of a robust semiconductor ecosystem through the approval of 13 semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and the rollout of ISM 2.0. He emphasised that the country’s next priority must be to translate policy momentum into large-scale manufacturing by accelerating infrastructure development, ensuring cleanroom readiness, strengthening power and water infrastructure, and streamlining regulatory approvals. Stressing that semiconductor sovereignty cannot be achieved without a resilient domestic supply chain, he highlighted the indispensable role of MSMEs in component manufacturing, specialty materials, precision engineering, cleanroom consumables and allied industries. He further called for dedicated vendor development programmes, stronger industry-academia collaboration, manufacturing clusters and demand-side support to enable Indian enterprises to emerge as globally competitive players in the semiconductor value chain.

Welcoming the distinguished delegates, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, stated that semiconductors have emerged as the foundation of economic resilience, technological leadership and national security amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and global supply chain realignments. He said the conference was conceptualised to provide a common platform for policymakers, industry, academia and MSMEs to develop a shared roadmap for indigenous semiconductor design, fabrication, packaging and advanced manufacturing while identifying critical gaps in skilling, infrastructure and investments. Stressing the indispensable role of MSMEs in the semiconductor value chain, he said PHDCCI remains committed to supporting industry through policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

The conference also featured two high-level technical sessions titled “Building India’s Semiconductor Workforce: ISM 2.0 Training Mandate & Industry-Ready Talent” and “From Policy to Production: ISM 2.0, Manufacturing Scale-Up & Indigenous Design.” The sessions witnessed extensive deliberations on semiconductor manufacturing, indigenous chip design, talent development, advanced packaging, research and innovation, investment opportunities, MSME integration and supply chain resilience. Experts emphasised that sustained collaboration among government, industry, academia, research institutions and startups will be crucial for positioning India as a trusted global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and innovation.

The conference concluded with a strong consensus that India’s semiconductor ambitions must be driven by policy stability, accelerated investments, world-class infrastructure, a robust skilling ecosystem and a vibrant MSME network. Participants reaffirmed that by combining indigenous innovation with strategic partnerships and talent development, India is well-positioned to emerge as a leading global destination for semiconductor manufacturing and technology, contributing significantly to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The collaboration will unify key national programs, integrating the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme with NSIC’s MSME Global Mart and Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS). Under this framework, ZED-certified MSMEs will benefit from enhanced digital commerce opportunities, onboarding on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) via the TEAM Initiative, AI-enabled product cataloging, and dedicated export promotion. Furthermore, the partnership will strengthen laboratory infrastructure through NABL accreditation for NSIC facilities and leverage NABET to run customized capacity-building programs across training centers.

To drive effective execution, both organizations are constituting a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) that will meet quarterly to monitor progress and identify fresh avenues for collaboration. Leadership from both entities emphasized that the alliance merges quality consciousness with extensive market outreach. By empowering grassroots businesses to confidently enter domestic and global supply chains, the initiative marks a significant step forward in building a robust, quality-driven corporate landscape for India’s massive MSME sector. (PIB)

The initiative was designed to create greater public awareness and inspire citizens to actively contribute to a cleaner environment.

This industry-academia collaboration effectively combines PVUNL’s operational expertise with IIM Ranchi’s research and management capabilities to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions. Under the leadership and vision of Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, the initiative highlights immense potential for joint research, executive education, and capacity building. Together, both institutions are working to turn industrial waste into wealth, transforming challenges into lasting economic opportunities while contributing meaningfully toward the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

#PVUNL #NTPC #IIMRanchi #CircularEconomy #AshUtilization #Innovation #Sustainability #ViksitBharat2047 #CleanEnergy #PowerSector

#DPE  #CPSEs #CapacityBuilding #CorporateGovernance #LeadershipDevelopment #BoardGovernance #PublicSector #ViksitBharat2047

#NHPC #Essaywriting #hydropower #mygov

Entries can be submitted online through the link below by 13 July 2026 ( PM).

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He stressed that India should effectively leverage the vast amount of data generated through administrative processes while ensuring privacy, transparency, and accountability. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of technology-enabled governance, Dr. Mishra said accurate and timely data would enable governments to design better policies, improve implementation, and deliver services more efficiently. He added that reliable data would be the cornerstone of inclusive development, ensuring informed decision-making and that every citizen benefits from the country’s growth journey.

NEW DELHI | JUNE 30, 2026 – The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) today executed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening institutional collaboration in actuarial research, pension policy formulation, technical knowledge exchange and professional capacity building.

The MoU was formally signed and exchanged during the inaugural session of the two-day Joint Conference on Pensions (JCP) 2026 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Organized around the central theme, “Sustainable Pension Systems – A Socio-Economic Imperative to Viksit Bharat,” the high-level forum has brought together senior government dignitaries, regulators, international experts, actuaries and economists to chart the future of retirement income security and pension expansion in India.

Under this strategic alliance, PFRDA and IAI will pool their respective expertise to drive research-backed policymaking, cultivate technical proficiency and spearhead product innovation. The partnership is uniquely positioned to design sustainable, long-term retirement solutions that align with India’s shifting macroeconomic and demographic landscape.

Addressing the assembly as the Chief Guest, Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India, emphasized that building resilient pension structures today is imperative to shield a future aging population. He underscored that moving forward, the industry must solve for steady, predictable post-retirement income streams alongside asset accumulation. Dr. Nageswaran further highlighted that achieving universal pension coverage, especially within the vast informal sector, requires absolute product simplicity, robust digital delivery and the preservation of long-term public trust.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri S. Ramann, Chairperson, PFRDA, observed that while the National Pension System (NPS) has successfully established a formidable framework for retirement savings, the subsequent challenge rests on optimizing the decumulation phase. He noted that the PFRDA-IAI collaboration will foster research-led, flexible and easily understood financial instruments designed around consumer realities, ultimately encouraging consistent long-term financial security over short-term market speculation.

Ms. Preeti Chandrashekhar, President, Institute of Actuaries of India, stated that escalating life expectancies demand that retirement security be elevated to a paramount national priority. She emphasized that collaboration between regulators, actuaries, economists and technologists will help create personalized products and solutions to help enhance society’s ability to manage longevity and uncertainty challenges with confidence.

Highlighting the global perspective, Ms. Ayako Inagaki, Senior Sector Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB), remarked on India’s unparalleled potential to scale pension inclusion by leveraging its world-class digital public infrastructure. She called for deep multi-stakeholder coalitions bridging governments, tech innovators and civil society, reiterating the ADB’s continued commitment to anchoring India’s journey through technical expertise and knowledge sharing.

The inaugural day concluded with intensive technical sessions examining goal-based decumulation frameworks, longevity risks and the newly launched Retirement Income Scheme under the NPS. A dedicated panel on “Linking the Missing Middle” explored scalable, affordable and digitally-driven social security models explicitly targeted at India’s burgeoning platform and informal workforces.

The Joint Conference on Pensions 2026 will proceed tomorrow with sessions dedicated to analyzing innovation in products, distribution and technology, using AI and data analytics, for new-age retirement income solutions, Investment practices and asset mix for pension investments with long-term horizon, Global pension trends, risk-mitigation frameworks and structural policy innovations designed to fortify India’s comprehensive retirement security roadmap to establish a fully pensioned society for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Welcoming the august gathering, Mr. R.K. Vij, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Textile Committee, Secretary General, PTAIA and National President, Textile Association of India, described the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) as a transformative initiative that has provided the industry with the momentum to accelerate innovation and manufacturing. While appreciating the Ministry of Textiles for its industry-friendly policies and collaborative approach, he urged the Government to address the GST inverted duty structure on man-made fibres and rationalize duties on key raw materials such as PTA and MEG to improve liquidity, enhance competitiveness and unlock the sector’s growth potential. He called for closer industry-government collaboration to position India not only as a global manufacturing hub but also as a global innovation leader in technical textiles.

Delivering the address the Chief Guest, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Government of India, said that the growing focus on fitness, healthcare and sports through initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India Movement and TOPS is creating unprecedented demand for high-performance sportech products. He highlighted that India’s technical textile exports have grown from ₹8,827 crore in FY 2013–14 to ₹28,392 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting the sector’s strong global competitiveness. He further noted that under the National Technical Textiles Mission, more than 180 research projects have been approved to strengthen innovation and manufacturing, while the PLI Scheme for Textiles has attracted investments exceeding ₹5,500 crore. Reaffirming the Government’s vision of achieving USD 100 billion in textile exports and a USD 350 billion textile market by 2030, he called upon industry, academia and research institutions to work collectively towards making India a global leader in technical textiles under Viksit Bharat 2047.

The guest of honor Ms. Manisha Chatterjee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, emphasized that the National Technical Textiles Mission has now entered a phase of large-scale implementation, shifting the focus from research to commercialization. She highlighted initiatives such as the PRAMAN guidelines, strengthening of testing infrastructure, international standardization and targeted support for MSMEs to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and market-ready products. She informed that six research projects and one start-up have already been approved under the Sportech segment of NTTM, while stressing that reducing import dependence in high-performance sports textiles presents a significant opportunity for Indian manufacturers.

Speaking as the conference, Dr. Harish K. Chatterjee, Director General, Wool Research Association, highlighted the convergence of technical textiles, electronics, smart sensors and data analytics in shaping the future of sportech. He said India possesses the right ecosystem to emerge as a global hub for high-performance sports textiles through its strong manufacturing base, expanding synthetic fibre ecosystem, growing start-up landscape and government support. He also highlighted the Association’s work in developing indigenous smart textile solutions, internationally accredited testing facilities, technology transfer, start-up incubation and sustainable innovations to strengthen India’s global competitiveness.

Mr. Debabrata Ghosh, Vice President & Sales Director, Barmag India Pvt. Ltd., highlighted India’s immense growth potential in the activewear and sportech segment, stating that the country’s activewear yarn market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% between 2026 and 2035, significantly outpacing China. He observed that the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, supportive government policies and expanding textile infrastructure offer a significant opportunity for Indian manufacturers to become global suppliers of high-value technical textiles. Stressing the importance of advanced bi-component fibre technologies, he called for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce import dependence and establish India as a preferred sourcing destination in the global sportech value chain.

Concluding the inaugural session, Mr. Shantanu Agarwal, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Textile Committee & Joint Managing Director, Maral Overseas Ltd., expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles, the National Technical Textiles Mission, the Wool Research Association, industry partners and stakeholders for their support in making the conference a success. He said the conference had evolved into a meaningful platform for policy dialogue, technology exchange and industry collaboration, urging participants to convert discussions into actionable partnerships that would accelerate the growth of India’s technical textiles sector.

The conference also featured engaging technical sessions on “Sportech Deep Dive,” “Sportech Value Chain: Sourcing, Standardization and Scaling,” “Scaling the Technical Textiles Ecosystem: Investment, Start-ups and Market Expansion,” and “From Import Dependence to Atmanirbhar Sports Manufacturing.” Alongside the conference, an exclusive Technology & Innovation Exhibition showcased breakthrough products, smart textiles, advanced manufacturing technologies, research-led innovations and promising start-ups, highlighting India’s rapidly evolving capabilities across the technical textiles value chain. The deliberations and exhibition together fostered meaningful collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, investors, academia and entrepreneurs, reinforcing India’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance and global leadership in technical textiles under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Established in 1997, the SKOCH Award framework recognizes organizations that create meaningful and measurable impact rather than merely rewarding scale or visibility, making it one of the most respected independent recognitions in the country. The SKOCH Awards are notable for their independent research led evaluation, evidence-based assessment, peer review by similar organisations, and focus on identifying scalable models of excellence.

The 2026 SKOCH Awards honoured leading government institutions, public sector enterprises, banks and private organisations. This year’s awardees included Union Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Central Bank of India, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), Shipping Corporation of India, and the Governments of Punjab, Maharashtra (UMED Mission), Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

Over the years, the SKOCH platform has also featured leading private sector organisations such as Reliance Industries Limited, Mahindra Group, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies, JSW Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Adani Group. In the renewable energy sector, POWERCON joins a select group of 2026 SKOCH awardees that includes REC Limited, NLC India Limited and GAIL (India) Limited.

“This recognition is a strong validation of our belief that sustainability and operational excellence are inseparable in maximising the value of renewable energy assets. It reaffirms our mission of delivering ‘more MWh of clean Energy per MW of installed Power’ through responsible and sustainable business practices. In doing so, we create lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment, while contributing to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047,” said Mr. Praveen Kakulte, CEO & Founder, POWERCON.

As India accelerates toward 1,800 GW of Clean Energy by 2047 and net-zero by 2070, POWERCON continues to play a critical role across the renewable energy value chain from project development and construction to lifetime O&M operations, asset performance optimization, diagnostics, analytics, and advanced asset management services.