Current Affairs - Places

The ₹3,706 crore semiconductor plant, a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, is being set up in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, under the India Semiconductor Mission. This is a strategic location near the upcoming Jewar Airport and within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the facility will focus on chip assembly and packaging, producing 36 million units monthly. It aims to meet 40% of India’s chip demand, reduce reliance on imports, and create 2,000 direct jobs. The government’s approval reinforces its commitment to bolstering domestic semiconductor capabilities and promoting industrial growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Ashwini Vaishnaw recently inaugurated two state-of-the-art semiconductor design centres located in Noida and Bengaluru, a significant step in advancing India’s position in the global semiconductor industry. These facilities are dedicated to designing 3-nanometer chips, a cutting-edge technology in the semiconductor domain. The move is part of a broader national strategy to build a strong semiconductor ecosystem, reduce reliance on imports, and foster innovation using India’s pool of engineering talent. By establishing these hubs in Noida and Bengaluru, India is making strides toward becoming a key player in next-generation chip design and manufacturing.

The Bharat Bodh Kendra was inaugurated by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal at the India Habitat Centre, which is located in New Delhi. This centre aims to promote India's rich cultural and civilizational legacy by providing access to curated books and resources on subjects such as art, philosophy, spirituality, and history. Being part of the Habitat Library and Resource Centre, the Kendra also offers a tranquil environment for reflection and learning. The choice of New Delhi for this launch underscores the city's importance as a hub for national cultural initiatives.

Bengaluru introduced two key initiatives aimed at improving urban water access. The 'Sanchari Cauvery' system uses GPS-tracked water tankers to deliver clean drinking water within 24 hours of booking through a mobile app, promoting transparency and affordability. In addition, the 'Sarala Cauvery' initiative streamlines the process of acquiring new water connections, allowing payment in instalments to ease the financial burden on poor and middle-class urban families. These steps reflect the city’s commitment to addressing water accessibility challenges through technology and inclusive planning.

The Quad partners—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—came together at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies located in Honolulu, Hawaii, to conduct a Tabletop Exercise as part of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) simulation. This initiative is designed to enhance strategic coordination and logistics interoperability among the Quad nations in the Indo-Pacific region. By using a shared platform, the partners aim to streamline logistics, improve response capabilities, and reinforce regional security cooperation. Hawaii, strategically located in the Pacific, served as an ideal neutral and central site for this critical multilateral simulation exercise.