Ashwini Vaishnaw: 'It's life-changing' as Students Tape Out Chips in 400 Universities

UPDATED: Sep 19, 2026 22:54 ISTIn an exclusive interview, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed India's expanding semiconductor ecosystem and talent development initiatives. Vaishnaw highlighted that the Chips to Startup program now covers 400 universities across the country, giving students hands-on experience in chip design, tape-out, and testing. Speaking on the impact of the initiative on youth, Vaishnaw said, "It's life-changing because those students, when they go into the industry, like, there won't be many countries in the world where a student coming out of a university can say that I have taped out a chip." Responding to critics regarding India's focus on legacy nodes between 28 and 90 nanometers, he noted that this segment constitutes 70% of global semiconductor volume and powers essential electronics and automotive manufacturing. He outlined India's Semiconductor 2.0 blueprint, which includes upgrading B.Tech curricula to systems design and building five-year capabilities in advanced packaging, equipment manufacturing, and materials. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSUS Russia Sanctions Law: Up To 100% Tariffs May Hit Top Oil Buyers India, ChinaA newly signed United States sanctions law grants the administration authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas within 30 days. Although India and China are major purchasers, the legislation does not name specific nations or define how top importers will be calculated. In response, India has maintained that national interest and energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens remain paramount through diversified energy sourcing. New Delhi highlighted the potential impact on bilateral ties and global energy markets, reiterating its commitment to taking all necessary measures to protect domestic economic interests.India Clean Energy Push, Nuclear Target of 100 GW by 2047 and Rapid Surge in Solar PowerAddressing a major global conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India's energy transition roadmap, criticising elements that stall critical nuclear projects in courts. Emphasising a diversified clean energy basket, the transition encompasses nuclear power, hydropower, solar, wind, and other low-carbon sources. The government has established a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, alongside plans to develop small modular reactors and widen participation in the sector. Furthermore, India's solar power capacity has surged from around two gigawatts twelve years ago to over 160 gigawatts today, expanding through rooftop installations for millions of homes and solar pumps for farmers.Bengal By-Poll Drama: Candidate U-Turns, Arrest Row & Supreme Court BattlePolitical tensions escalate in West Bengal ahead of the Nandigram and Rajinagar by-elections. In Rajinagar, Mamata Banerjee camp's candidate Rabiul reversed his withdrawal decision within hours and confirmed he will contest under a new symbol. This follows the withdrawal of candidate Sanchita Pradhan in Nandigram, where the faction decided to back the Congress candidate, Milan Pradhan. Hours later, Pradhan was arrested in connection with 19-year-old cases, triggering allegations of political vendetta from opposition leaders. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee's faction has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's decision over the party name and symbol, alongside filing a petition against ten rebel Trinamool Congress MLAs.Left Introspects After Poll Loss, Will Make a Big Comeback: MB RajeshSpeaking at the India Today Roundtable, CPI(M) State Secretariat member and former Kerala minister MB Rajesh addressed the Left Democratic Front's recent electoral setback and detailed the party's introspection process. Rajesh stated that the Left conducted thorough reviews from the grassroots to the top level, identifying both objective and subjective factors behind the election results. Defending the Left's legacy, he highlighted major achievements in infrastructure development through KIIFB, high per-capita GDP growth, and strong education indicators. He dismissed allegations against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by central agencies, claiming the Enforcement Directorate is being used as a political weapon. Rajesh further alleged that the Congress-led UDF government acts as the 'B team of BJP' on key policy decisions. Asserting that the Left's core mass base remains intact, he maintained that the party will continue grassroot struggles and make a strong political comeback across Kerala and West Bengal.