PM Modi ups the ante on India’s semiconductor push-inks chip deal with Singapore

Overview: India is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Singapore has strengthened this effort, highlighting potential collaborations between India and Singapore in the semiconductor sector. The visit underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in advanced manufacturing, particularly semiconductors.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Partnership:Singapore is a crucial strategic partner for India due to its proximity to China and its established semiconductor ecosystem. This partnership provides India with strategic information and access to a robust network of semiconductor companies and research facilities.
• The bilateral relationship has grown significantly, with trade between India and Singapore reaching $35.61 billion in 2023-24. Singapore is India’s sixth-largest trade partner globally.
• Semiconductor Focus:India and Singapore have signed an MoU on the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership, aiming to enhance collaboration in design, talent, and investment. This agreement was highlighted during the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable.
• Prime Minister Modi visited AEM, a leading semiconductor and electronics company in Singapore, and invited global semiconductor companies to participate in the upcoming SEMICON INDIA exhibition in Greater Noida.
• Opportunities for India:Singapore’s established semiconductor ecosystem, which includes design, manufacturing, and testing, presents a valuable opportunity for India. Although Singapore does not manufacture chips independently, it hosts major players in the semiconductor value chain.
• India is incentivizing over 70% of the total cost required to set up semiconductor manufacturing facilities domestically, with expectations that the market could grow to $64 billion by 2026.
• Economic Significance:India’s export to Singapore has increased from $4 billion in 2004 to $14.41 billion in 2023-24. Singapore’s imports into India reached $21.199 billion, comprising mainly electrical machinery, mineral fuels, and oils.
• Singapore accounts for nearly 10% of global chip production and serves as the Asia-Pacific headquarters for multinational companies in the semiconductor industry.
• Expert Insights:Neil Shah from Counterpoint Research emphasized that India can learn from Singapore, which is about five years ahead in semiconductor packaging. India has the potential to capitalize on its talent and government incentives, similar to Singapore’s approach to integrating global semiconductor companies.
• Recent achievements by companies like Qualcomm and Micron in Singapore highlight the advanced semiconductor capabilities that India aspires to emulate. Micron's plant in Gujarat aims to replicate Singapore's success, with expectations to launch made-in-India memory chips soon.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-pm-narendra-modis-visit-to-singapore-is-significant-for-indias-semiconductor-push-9552760/

Question: What is range on thickness of semi conductor used for Solar panels?

1. 160-240 micrometer
2. 300-400 nanometer
3. 70-90 nanometer
4. 10-20 micrometer

Govt changes toll collection rules: Pay as per distance you cover, no charges up to 20 kms on a toll road

Overview: The Indian government has introduced new toll collection rules on national highways, transitioning from traditional toll booths to a system based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This new system aims to enhance toll collection efficiency, reduce travel time, and streamline the payment process for drivers.

Key Highlights:

• New Toll Payment Rules:Drivers of mechanical vehicles, except those with a National Permit, can travel up to 20 kilometers on toll roads without incurring charges. Beyond this distance, charges will be based on the actual distance traveled.
• The new system employs various technologies, including GNSS On-Board Units, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) devices, and FASTag systems, allowing user fees to be collected through these technologies.
• GNSS Technology:GNSS technology, a non-transferable, securely fitted device in vehicles, enables virtual toll booths that monitor vehicle distance and location. This is a shift from the FASTag system, which relies on physical toll booths.
• The GNSS system will initially operate alongside FASTag, providing a seamless transition for users. Over time, the plan is to convert all toll lanes to GNSS-enabled lanes, enhancing the toll collection process.
• GNSS vs. FASTag:FASTag uses physical toll booths for tracking and charging, while GNSS utilizes virtual toll booths, capturing vehicle data like type, registration, and bank details for fee processing.
• Dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas will allow uninterrupted passage for GNSS-equipped vehicles. Eventually, these lanes are expected to replace traditional FASTag lanes.
• Benefits of GNSS-Based Toll Collection:The GNSS system aims to drastically reduce vehicle wait times at toll plazas, cutting average waiting durations from 714 seconds to just 47 seconds.
• By eliminating physical toll booths, the system reduces traffic congestion, minimizes travel time, and lowers costs associated with toll booth construction and maintenance.
• The new approach ensures that drivers pay only for the exact distance traveled, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a more convenient tolling experience.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/govt-changes-toll-collection-rules-pay-as-per-distance-you-cover-no-charges-up-to-20-kms-on-a-toll-road-445334-2024-09-10

Question: What is Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)?