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PM Modi to Inaugurate 9 New Vande Bharat Express Trains Tomorrow!

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Vande Bharat Express Trains
Image Credits: Current Affairs Adda247

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off nine new Vande Bharat Express trains connecting religious and tourist destinations across 11 states tomorrow. These trains aim to provide faster connectivity and improved travel experiences for passengers across various regions of India. The Prime Minister will remotely inaugurate these trains through video conferencing.

The nine Vande Bharat trains will run across 11 states, including Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, making them a crucial part of India’s railway network expansion.

These new train routes include:

  • Udaipur – Jaipur
  • Tirunelveli-Madurai – Chennai
  • Hyderabad – Bengaluru
  • Vijayawada – Chennai (via Renigunta)
  • Patna – Howrah
  • Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram
  • Rourkela – Bhubaneswar – Puri
  • Ranchi – Howrah
  • Jamnagar-Ahmedabad
  • About New Vande Bharat Express Trains

These Vande Bharat trains align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision to enhance connectivity across the country and provide world-class facilities to rail passengers. They are designed to be the fastest trains on their respective routes, significantly reducing travel times for passengers.

Image Credits: ANI

Compared to the current fastest trains on these routes, the Vande Bharat trains will cut travel time significantly. For example: the travel time between Rourkela-Bhubaneswar-Puri will be reduced by about three hours. The same goes for Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram route. The Hyderabad – Bengaluru route will see a reduction of more than 2.5 hours. Even the route of Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai will be shortened by more than 2 hours.

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Additionally, travel time between Ranchi – Howrah, Patna – Howrah, and Jamnagar-Ahmedabad will be reduced by about one hour. The Udaipur – Jaipur route will be shortened by about half an hour.

Connectivity & Other Advantages

These trains will connect important religious and tourist destinations, facilitating easier access to places like Puri and Madurai. The Vijayawada – Chennai Vande Bharat Express will provide connectivity to the Tirupati pilgrimage center.

The introduction of these Vande Bharat trains marks a significant milestone in India’s rail services. It offers modern amenities and advanced safety features, including Kavach technology. These trains aim to elevate the travel experience for a wide range of passengers. It includes from common citizens to professionals, businessmen, students, and tourists.

The Vande Bharat Express trains reflect the Indian government’s commitment. It is the commitment to improve rail connectivity and enhance passenger comfort and safety across various states and regions.

Import Regulations Move: Indian Government May Ease Import Rules for Laptops, PCs, and Tablets

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Import Regulations Move
Import Regulations Move | Pic Credits: Unsplash

Import Regulations Move for Laptops, PCs & Tablets

The Indian government is considering the removal of mandatory licenses for importing laptops, personal computers, and tablets. Instead, companies may only need to register on a portal to import these items, as reported by the New Indian Express, citing industry sources.

The government has also suggested the possibility of providing a one-year grace period for importing this product. The “import management system” portal is expected to go live by the end of the month. It will be managed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT),

The following are the main reasons for this import regulations move:

  • Policy Shift Amid Industry Concerns
  • One-Year Grace Period Offered
  • Relief for Industry Players
  • Credit Points and Self-Reliance
  • Supporting India’s Tech Industry
  • Positive Impact on Businesses and Consumers

Import Regulations Move: Opinions

Industry sources have expressed their relief, stating that this change would allow companies to import these products without the need for licenses during the grace period. The government’s initial decision to impose restrictions on imports aimed to curb Chinese imports and promote local manufacturing. However, this move raised concerns due to India’s significant reliance on imported devices. This is because about 80% of devices sold in the country being imported.

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The government clarified its stance, explaining that it was not imposing a ban but implementing an import management system. Under this system, manufacturers will be assessed based on criteria such as their past year’s imports, progress in domestic manufacturing of IT hardware products, and exports from India. These factors will determine the credit points allocated to companies, which can be used to import laptops and other IT hardware products.

For example, companies like Apple and Samsung, which have significant exports from India, are likely to continue importing laptops smoothly due to the credit points they accrue through their smartphone production in the country.

This shift in policy aims to reduce India’s dependence on unverified and untrusted sources for IT hardware and promote self-reliance. While the government’s initial announcement caused confusion, it is now working closely with industry representatives to clarify the import management system’s objectives and implementation.

Alignment of the Import Regulations Move

The move toward easier import procedures aligns with India’s efforts to attract more investment and encourage business growth, particularly in the technology sector. As the global demand for laptops, personal computers, and tablets continues to rise, simplifying import regulations can facilitate business operations and support India’s economic development.

In conclusion, the Indian government’s consideration to ease import rules for laptops, PCs, and tablets reflects its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for companies operating in the country’s growing technology market. This potential change is expected to benefit both businesses and consumers by ensuring a steady supply of essential IT hardware products.

ISRO Ahmedabad Takes Lead in Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First Manned Space Mission

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Gaganyaan

Ganganuyaan | ISRO Ahmedabad

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Ahmedabad is set to play a crucial role in India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. It aims to send astronauts into space. This historic mission will see three astronauts launched into an orbit 400 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

While the rocket itself will be constructed elsewhere, all internal systems for the Gaganyaan mission will be developed in Ahmedabad. The facility will focus on building two critical systems: the cabin systems and communication systems.

Cabin Systems: Ensuring Astronaut Safety and Comfort

Gaganyaan
Gaganyaan | Image Credits: The Mint

The cabin systems are integral to astronaut safety and comfort. This section will house three seats for the astronauts. It is also equipped with a lighting system and two display screens to monitor various parameters within the cabin. One of the noteworthy features of the Gaganyaan cabin is its camera sensors. They are designed to track oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to ensure the astronauts’ well-being during their mission. Additionally, a fire extinguisher will be onboard to address potential emergencies.

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To support communication during the mission, ISRO plans to launch two communication satellites into Geostationary Orbit before Gaganyaan’s launch. These satellites will provide continuous connectivity, allowing for seamless communication between Gaganyaan and mission control on the ground. The mission is expected to feature internet facilities, cameras throughout the cabin, and two TV monitors to keep astronauts connected and informed.

Test Vehicle D1: A Crucial Step

Nilesh Desai, Director of the Space Applications Center (SAC) at ISRO Ahmedabad, revealed that a test vehicle, known as Test Vehicle D1 (TV D1), is scheduled for launch by the end of October. TV D1 will serve as a precursor to the Gaganyaan mission, featuring a crew module for astronauts to fly in. The primary objective of this test vehicle is to validate the crew escape sequence, a vital component for ensuring astronaut safety during unforeseen contingencies.

Project Timeline and Impact of COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initially announced the Gaganyaan Mission in 2018, with the ambitious goal of achieving the mission by 2022. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project’s progress was hindered. ISRO now aims to launch the project by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

The Gaganyaan Mission involves sending a crew of three individuals into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission. Later, it is followed by their safe return to Earth, with a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This mission aligns with India’s commitment to advancing space exploration and contributing to scientific research on an international scale.

ISRO’s Ahmedabad facility takes the lead in developing critical systems for the Gaganyaan mission. It reinforces India’s capability and commitment to human spaceflight and exploration.

Neeraj Chopra Becomes Noise’s Brand Ambassador for Smartwatches

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Noise, Neeraj Chopra
Noise, Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra x Noise

Indian lifestyle tech brand, Noise, has welcomed Olympic Gold Medalist and reigning Javelin world champion, Neeraj Chopra, as their brand ambassador for smartwatches. This partnership symbolizes the incredible journeys of both Neeraj Chopra and Noise, showcasing that greatness can arise from humble beginnings when one remains dedicated to their dreams.

Neeraj Chopra now joins the ranks of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and Bollywood star Taapsee Pannu as the face of Noise’s popular wearables. The company had previously signed Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador in 2020.

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Noise has ambitious plans for this partnership, and Neeraj will be actively involved in a comprehensive campaign across all channels.

Expressions over Brand Ambassador Announcement

Gaurav Khatri, Co-Founder of Noise, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating:

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Neeraj Chopra, the world champion and hugely inspirational Olympic Gold Medalist to the Noise family. Our prominent position in the realm of smartwatches resonates harmoniously with the path Neeraj has embarked upon to stand as a source of national pride. As we consistently channel our enthusiasm to attune to our inner drive, much like Neeraj, we are confident that our partnership will serve to reinforce our strong bond with the vibrant youth.”

Neeraj Chopra also shared his thoughts on the association, saying:

"I am thrilled to collaborate with Noise, a brand that focuses on innovation. During my conversations to understand what the brand was about, I got the impression that they are determined to push boundaries in their field and want to inspire the youth through what they do. It is something I can relate to closely, and it’s what makes this association a good one to have."

Wrap Up

Thus, the partnership between Neeraj Chopra and Noise is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. For them, it is not just a celebration. As Noise continues to innovate in the tech world, Neeraj Chopra’s inspirational journey will undoubtedly resonate with the vibrant youth, reinforcing the brand’s strong connection with its audience.

Kuldeep Yadav Seeks Blessings Ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 After Asia Cup Triumph

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kuldeep yadav
kuldeep yadav

Kuldeep Yadav, an outstanding wrist spinner for India’s cricket team, traveled to Madhya Pradesh’s famed Bageshwar Dham Sarkar temple with his family on a spiritual pilgrimage. This visit is significant since it comes in the wake of Kuldeep’s outstanding performance at the just-completed Asia Cup 2023, for which he received the prestigious Player of the Series title.

During the Asia Cup 2023, Kuldeep’s bowling prowess was on full display as he secured an impressive nine wickets from four innings, boasting an outstanding average of 11.44 and an economy rate of 3.61. Notably, he achieved both a four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul (fifer), reaffirming his status as a potent force in international cricket. Aged 28, Kuldeep has staged a remarkable comeback since 2022, earning his spot in India’s highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 squad.

Asia Cup 2023

In preparation for this momentous event, the Kanpur-born cricketer sought divine blessings at the sacred ashram of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar. Kuldeep Yadav’s resurgence has been nothing short of extraordinary, amassing an impressive 43 wickets in just 23 innings since 2022. His remarkable bowling records include an average of 18.93 and an economy rate of 4.70, punctuated by three four-wicket hauls and one memorable five-wicket haul.

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Recognizing Kuldeep’s exceptional talent, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar hailed him as India’s trump card for the upcoming World Cup. Agarkar stated, “I have spent a couple of years with him in the IPL; he is a guy with a special skill set, and he is showing that on the field right now. He is one of India’s trump cards at this moment, and most teams view him as a formidable challenge.”

Further Plans

While Kuldeep Yadav will be rested for the first two ODIs against Australia in the upcoming series, fans can eagerly anticipate his return during the third ODI on September 27 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Following the Australia series, India will swiftly transition into the highly anticipated ODI World Cup, set to commence on October 5 in India. Led by Captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian team will kick start their campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

Kuldeep Yadav is a role model to watch during the next ODI World Cup 2023 because of his journey, both spiritually and on the cricket field, which mirrors his commitment and determination to succeed on the international scene.

Women’s Reservation Bill: Indian Parliament Passes the Bill!

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Women's Reservation Bill

Women’s Reservation Bill: In a momentous occasion for Indian democracy, both houses of Parliament have unanimously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.’ In a heartwarming development, the Rajya Sabha extended its support with 215 members voting in favor, closely following the Lok Sabha’s endorsement a day earlier.

With a sense of deep historical significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joyfully hailed this achievement as a pivotal milestone in our nation’s democratic voyage. He appreciated all the Rajya Sabha members who stood by the bill and supported the mindset of women’s rights, highlighting its crucial role in empowering women across India. The main objective of the bill is to set aside one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.

Women’s Reservation Bill

This legislative achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first successful bill passed in the new Parliament building. After receiving approval from both houses, the bill will now be presented to the President for final consent, officially enacting the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

While the bill enjoyed unanimous support, some opposition members expressed concerns about the timeline for implementation. The full implementation depends on conducting a census and delimitation, which, according to Article 82 of the Constitution, can only occur after 2026. This timeline could potentially delay complete implementation until 2029 or later. Nonetheless, the government has shown its willingness to kickstart the census and delimitation process after the upcoming general election. This may require a constitutional amendment to enable earlier implementation.

Importance of Women’s Reservation Bill

Tackling the persistent problem of women’s discrimination in Indian politics, the approval of this bill points out as a substantial step forward in the journey to attain gender equality. Even though women make up nearly half of all registered voters, they presently occupy only 15% of parliamentary seats and 10% in state assemblies. While the bill’s full realization may require further deliberations and actions, its approval signifies a crucial step toward bridging this gender gap.

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Additionally, the Rajya Sabha’s acceptance of this bill serves as a significant boost for Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially as there’s an environment of national elections coming soon in the year 2024. Even though India has made some progress in addressing women’s issues, our society still predominantly leans as well as believes toward male supremacy. This bill serves to act as a gender representation in politics which is a vital step for enhancing gender equality and creating a more comprehensive form of governance.

India’s alignment with the global endeavor to enhance women’s involvement in legislative bodies places it in the company of nations that have achieved noteworthy progress in this regard. Although the precise implementation plans and schedules are yet to be finalized, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill represents a momentous achievement. It serves as a testament to the shared dedication to advancing women’s empowerment in Indian politics.

Disheartened Singer Shubh Cancels India Tour Over Map Post Controversy

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Shubhneet Singh
Image Credits: One India

Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, popularly known as Shubh, expressed his disappointment as his India tour got canceled following allegations of his support for Khalistan. Shubh clarified his intent was only to pray for Punjab amid reports of electricity and internet shutdowns in the state.

The controversy started when Shubh shared a distorted map of India on his Instagram story in January, omitting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeastern states. Alongside the map, he wrote, “Pray for Punjab,” which led to significant backlash on social media. Later, he replaced the image with a text-only message, “Pray for Punjab.”

Shubh’s Post on Instagram

Shubh denied any wrongdoing, explaining that he shared the map out of concern for Punjab’s reported issues. He claimed he didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

His India tour was canceled by BookMyShow following a social media boycott call. Since the controversy, Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya unfollowed Shubh on Instagram.

The cancellation of Shubh’s tour adds to the recent strain in relations between India and Canada. Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, leading to the expulsion of India’s intelligence chief in Ottawa. India rejected the allegation, describing it as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.

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The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding discussions related to Khalistan and the potential diplomatic fallout from such matters.

Diplomatic Tensions Rise: Australia Expresses Concern Over Canada’s Allegations Involving India

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Diplomatic Tensions & Allegations

Australia has expressed concerns over Canada’s allegations regarding Indian officials’ involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and stated that it has raised the issue with Indian authorities. Australia is a member of the Quad grouping with India and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance with Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had claimed that his government had “credible allegations” linking Nijjar’s killing to the “agents of the Government of India.” India has strongly denied this allegation.

Trudeau’s Claims and India’s Response

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong commented on the issue, he said:

“Look, these are concerning reports, and I note that investigations are still underway, but obviously these are concerning reports, and we are monitoring these developments closely with our partners, and we’ll continue to do so… We have, Australia has raised these issues with our Indian counterparts, as you would expect us to do.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong

When asked about Australia’s plans to raise the issue with Japan, another member of the Quad, Wong emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all countries and the rule of law.

Regarding concerns about foreign interference from India in Australia, Wong highlighted that Australia is a robust democracy and that the peaceful expression of different views is a key part of its democracy.

She did not provide specific details about how Australia had shared its concerns with India, but she stated that they have been monitoring the developments with partners closely. She also refrained from discussing whether the issue was raised privately at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Protection of Sikh Indians in Australia

Wong addressed concerns about the safety of Sikh Indians in Australia, emphasizing that the allegations are still under investigation. She reiterated Australia’s commitment to the right to peaceful protest and stated that Australian democracy should be unaffected by external concerns.

The recent diplomatic dispute between Canada and India escalated when Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, alleging their involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India responded by asking a senior Canadian diplomat to leave the country. India firmly rejected the allegations and deemed them “absurd and motivated.”

Canada had reportedly sought public condemnation of Nijjar’s killing from its allies, including the United States, prior to making the allegations. All of these situations have increased diplomatic tensions including the handling of allegations. This is additionally fueled by Australia’s concerns.

Prime Minister Modi to Virtually Launch Nine New Vande Bharat Express Trains

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Image Credits: The Business Lounge

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate nine new Vande Bharat Express trains virtually on September 24th, marking a record launch of this scale in a single day. The new trains will serve various destinations, including states such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which are currently in the midst of election campaigns.

Image Credits: Mid Day

These new Vande Bharat trains are being introduced after nearly two months since the flagging-off of the Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express and Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express on July 7th.

Key Highlights of New Vande Bharat Express Trains

  • The Prime Minister will conduct the virtual launch ceremony from New Delhi.
  • The first Vande Bharat Express in orange livery will be assigned to the Kasaragod-Trivandrum route, introducing a new color scheme.
  • Eight of the new Vande Bharat trains will retain the blue-white color combination, while the ninth one will feature an orange and white livery. There are plans for an additional 10 orange-white Vande Bharat trains.
  • The new Vande Bharat trains will serve Indore-Jaipur, Jaipur-Udaipur, Puri-Rourkela, Patna-Howrah, and Jaipur-Chandigarh routes.
  • Earlier announcements included routes like Chennai-Tirunelveli, Ranchi-Howrah, Jamnagar-Ahmedabad, and Chennai-Hyderabad.
  • Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will be present in either Odisha or Rajasthan for the launch event.
  • The Puri-Rourkela Vande Bharat service will be the second such offering in Odisha, following the launch of the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat earlier.
  • Rajasthan, which already has a Vande Bharat service for Jaipur, will add two more Vande Bharat trains this month.
  • Madhya Pradesh, with an existing Vande Bharat service for Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Ujjain, is set to introduce a new one for Indore.
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Wrap Up

Currently, there are 25 operational Vande Bharat trains across India. With the launch of these nine additional trains, the total number of Vande Bharat trains will increase to 34. This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to improving rail connectivity across the country and enhancing the passenger experience.

As the new trains are set to commence operations, they are expected to offer improved connectivity and travel options to passengers in different regions, further bolstering India’s railway network.

Asus Plans to Relocate Key Component Suppliers from China to India

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Asus India Manufacturing
Image Credits: Manufacturing Today India

Asus’s India Expansion

Taiwanese laptop giant Asus has revealed its intentions to relocate crucial component suppliers from its primary manufacturing hub in China to India, supporting the Modi government’s Make-In-India initiative. The company is partnering with contract manufacturer Flex to establish a new factory in Chennai, capitalizing on India’s revamped Rs 17,000-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware.

Asus’s Expansion Strategy in India

Asus, with a market valuation of $15 billion, is determined to significantly expand its production operations in India, leveraging the government’s PLI scheme. This strategic move aligns with the company’s anticipation of rapid demand growth within the Indian market, even as China, the United States, and major Western markets grapple with economic slowdowns.

Peter Chang, the general manager for Asus’ Asia Pacific System Business Unit, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to India, emphasizing that Asus is one of the fastest-growing notebook brands in the country. The plan is to expand product offerings and business operations in response to India’s expanding business scale and market potential.

Currently, Asus sources approximately 80% of its production from China, while the remaining portion comes from Taiwan, Brazil, Europe, and Indonesia. Chang envisions India becoming the second or third-largest manufacturing site globally for Asus in the coming years, thanks to the growth facilitated by the PLI scheme.

Diversification and Market Share in India

Originally known for its gaming laptops in India, Asus has diversified its product portfolio and currently holds an 18% share in the consumer notebook market, along with around a 5% share in commercial notebooks and consumer desktops. The company has also expanded its presence from online channels to offline retail.

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Confidence in India’s Growth Potential

Chang expressed his confidence in the revamped PLI scheme for IT hardware, highlighting the investment and localization milestones it mandates. Asus is actively scouting for local vendors to supply critical components such as PCB (printed circuit board), memory units, and chassis, both within India and among its existing suppliers in China, Taiwan, and Korea.

The Indian Market and Future Plans

The Indian computer market recorded sales of approximately 10-11 million units last year, and Chang believes it has the potential to rival China’s market, which currently sells around 25-30 million units. While recognizing India’s growth potential, Asus intends to cater to local demand before considering exports. Chang emphasized, “There is sufficient demand here, which needs to be met first. Only after that, we can consider exports.”

Asus’s strategic decision to relocate key component suppliers to India is poised to strengthen the country’s position as a manufacturing hub for electronics and aligns with the government’s vision of making India a global manufacturing destination