Updates on 21 September 2026
All of September 2026 →Premier Energies commissions India's largest 7 GW N-type TOPCon solar cell facility in Andhra Pradesh
On 21 September 2026, Premier Energies Ltd commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing unit in Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, expanding its total solar cell capacity to 10.6 GW, the largest in India. The plant spans 101 acres with a capital investment of ₹3,293 crore, offers a production rate of approximately 88,000 cells per hour, and targets cell efficiency of about 25.8%. The facility features advanced digital and AI technologies and a Zero Liquid Discharge water recycling system, reflecting India's growing solar manufacturing industry and technological advancement.
India's Target to Achieve 60,000 Tonnes of Silk Production by 2030-31
India aims to raise its annual silk production to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030-31, aspiring to become the world's largest silk producer by 2028-29. The current production stands at approximately 42,000 metric tonnes, a significant increase from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014. This growth and future target emphasize the integration of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Geographic Information Systems, and Machine Learning, to enhance quality and productivity in sericulture. Karnataka is the leading silk-producing state, and the Central Silk Board, established in 1948 under the Ministry of Textiles, plays a crucial role in research, development, and coordination within the silk sector. The government also aims to improve farmers' income substantially through increased yields and more cocoon rearing cycles.
INCOIS launches AI-driven marine litter tracking pilot under NIRMaL Sāgar in Visakhapatnam
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, has initiated a pilot project in Visakhapatnam using ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to identify and monitor marine litter hotspots. This initiative is part of the National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter (NIRMaL Sāgar) aimed at combating marine plastic pollution through tracking, forecasting accumulation zones, and supporting targeted cleanup operations. The pilot study focuses on identifying plastic litter sources, tracking ocean debris movement, and formulating recycling strategies linked to circular economy practices. The programme was launched on 19 September 2026, concluding the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign week, with dignitaries including Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary T. Srinivasa Kumar and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat present.
India's Semiconductor Market Projected to Reach USD 200 Billion by 2035
India's semiconductor market, valued at about USD 27 billion in 2021, is projected to grow substantially to USD 200 billion by 2035, according to the EY–India Electronics and Semiconductor Association report. The market covers sectors such as electronics, automotive, telecom, AI, and electric mobility. Consumer electronics lead at 30% share, followed by automotive (16%) and industrial (15%). India holds nearly 20% of the global chip design talent pool, underlining its rising importance in the global semiconductor ecosystem. The government’s focus on enhancing domestic manufacturing through schemes like Semicon India 2.0 aims to establish India as a key player in this strategic sector, impacting future economic and technological growth.
DRDO's Indigenous 30 kW Directed-Energy Laser Weapon Completes Trials
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 30 kW class directed-energy weapon (DEW) under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-IIA. Successfully demonstrated at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool in April 2025, it can neutralize drone swarms, fixed-wing UAVs, and surveillance sensors at ranges up to 5 km. Now cleared for technology transfer, India joins a select group of countries with such advanced laser weapon capabilities, bolstering indigenous air defense and counter-drone measures.
ASML Begins India Operations, Partners with Tata Electronics for 300 mm Semiconductor Fab in Gujarat
In September 2026, ASML, a Dutch leader in semiconductor lithography systems, commenced its operations in India and established a legal entity. ASML partnered with Tata Electronics to support the establishment and ramp-up of India's first commercial 300 mm semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, involving an $11 billion investment. The fab aims to produce 50,000 wafers monthly targeting automotive, mobile devices, and AI applications, with operations expected to start by 2028. This development aligns with India's Semicon 2.0 scheme, which fosters semiconductor ecosystem growth through incentives totaling approximately ₹1.27 lakh crore (~$13.5 billion). India targets meeting 15-25% of its semiconductor demand locally by 2032, requiring multiple fabrication plants and ecosystem support.
Italy Proposes Burqa and Niqab Ban in Schools Alongside Foreign Student Caps
On 20 September 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a proposal to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools. The measure also aims to limit the number of foreign students per classroom and requires some parents of foreign students to learn Italian. The proposed law is subject to approval by the Council of Ministers and then Parliament within 60 days. Currently, Italy lacks a specific national law banning these face veils, though a 1975 law prohibits garments that hinder identification without valid reason. Foreign students constitute nearly 12% of pupils in Italian schools during 2023-24, according to ISTAT data. These changes reflect Italy's focus on integration and school environment uniformity ahead of elections.