Madhya Pradesh is set to enter the semiconductor manufacturing sector with the proposed establishment of the state's first semiconductor chip manufacturing unit at Vikram Udyogpuri in Ujjain. Paras Defence is planning to invest around ₹6,200 crore in the project and has sought approximately 55 acres of land from the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC).

The project is currently at the land-allotment and formalities stage. MPIDC Executive Director Rajesh Rathore said the company has initiated the process for acquiring land for the proposed facility. Company officials have also visited Ujjain and inspected the identified land, according to the information shared by MPIDC.

Once the required land and other formalities are completed, preparations for the foundation stone-laying ceremony are expected to begin.

₹6,200 Crore Investment Planned

The proposed semiconductor facility is expected to represent an investment of around ₹6,200 crore. The project could significantly expand Ujjain's industrial profile and strengthen Madhya Pradesh's presence in India's growing semiconductor ecosystem.

The unit is planned at Vikram Udyogpuri, an industrial area that has emerged as an important investment destination in the state.

55 Acres Sought For Unit

Paras Defence has sought around 55 acres of land from MPIDC for setting up the manufacturing facility. The land process is currently underway, with officials working on the required procedures before construction can begin.

The company has already conducted a site inspection, indicating that the project has moved beyond the initial proposal stage.

Around 7,000 Jobs Expected

The semiconductor project is expected to generate employment for around 7,000 people, through a combination of direct and indirect opportunities.

Besides employment, the facility could create demand for supporting industries and services linked to electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, logistics and other industrial activities.

The project may therefore have an impact beyond the proposed manufacturing unit itself, potentially encouraging additional investments connected to the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem in the region.

Ujjain Could Become Supply Hub

With semiconductor chips increasingly required across sectors such as electronics, automobiles, telecommunications and advanced technology, the proposed unit could give Ujjain a strategic role in the state's industrial expansion.

The facility is also expected to strengthen the city's potential as a supply hub for companies requiring semiconductor components, although the scale and nature of future supply-chain development will depend on the project's execution and subsequent investments.

For Madhya Pradesh, the proposed unit marks a significant step towards building a presence in one of India's strategically important technology and manufacturing sectors.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Monday inaugurated the MP Tech Growth Conclave 3.0 in Bhopal, outlining the state government's vision to transform Madhya Pradesh into a leading technology and innovation hub. The event brought together industry leaders, global investors, policymakers and academic institutions to explore investment opportunities in emerging technology sectors.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the conclave is expected to attract ₹40,000 crore in investments and generate nearly 35,000 employment opportunities through a series of investment proposals, partnerships and technology-driven initiatives.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

Dr. Yadav said the state is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional agricultural identity and is now emerging as a destination for advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries.

He highlighted that the four-day conclave will host 51 technology-focused activities, aimed at promoting investment in Global Capability Centres (GCCs), semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and digital infrastructure.

According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives will play a key role in positioning Madhya Pradesh as one of India's major technology destinations.

IT Infrastructure Expansion Announced

The state government also unveiled plans to strengthen IT infrastructure across major cities.

A new IT Park will be developed on Indore's Super Corridor, offering plug-and-play infrastructure to enable companies to begin operations without additional setup requirements.

In Bhopal, the existing IT Park will be expanded with a new four lakh square feet facility designed for digital and technology companies.

Additionally, another IT Park will be established on Kolar Road over five acres of land, providing office space for IT and digital businesses while creating fresh employment opportunities for local youth.

Investment Momentum Continues

The Chief Minister said Madhya Pradesh has been witnessing growing investor confidence in the technology sector.

Referring to his visit to Barcelona last year, he said companies from Spain, the United States and Canada have already invested ₹228 crore in the state following discussions held during the visit.

He also noted that an agreement signed in 2025 for setting up a 1 GW AI Data Centre has moved forward, with representatives of the concerned company now participating in the Bhopal conclave.

Industry and Academia Join Hands

The conclave features participation from several domestic and international companies, including CtrlS Datacenters, Kaynes Technologies, Fujiyama Power and Nyobolt Limited, which are expected to discuss future investment and collaboration opportunities in the state.

Leading academic institutions such as IIM Indore and IISER are also participating, with discussions focusing on research, innovation, skill development and stronger industry-academia collaboration.

Building on Previous Editions

Officials said the first two editions of the MP Tech Growth Conclave attracted significant investment commitments.

According to the state government, the inaugural edition secured investment proposals worth over ₹20,000 crore, creating around 75,000 employment opportunities, while the second edition attracted investments exceeding ₹12,000 crore, leading to nearly 48,000 jobs.

With its third edition, the government aims to accelerate investment in high-tech sectors and strengthen Madhya Pradesh's position as a preferred destination for technology-driven industries.

Madhya Pradesh is set to host the Madhya Pradesh Tech Growth Conclave 3.0 on July 13, 2026, at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors and technology experts to discuss the state's emerging role as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), data centres and semiconductor investments.

Organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSeDC), the conclave aims to showcase the state's technology-driven investment ecosystem and the opportunities created under the Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025.

Focus on Technology Investments

According to the organisers, the conclave will focus on expanding Madhya Pradesh's GCC ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development, talent availability and industry collaboration. Discussions will also cover the future of semiconductor manufacturing, data centre infrastructure and digital transformation.

The event is expected to provide a platform for interaction between government representatives, technology companies, investors and industry stakeholders, encouraging partnerships and new investment proposals.

GCC Policy at the Centre

The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 has been designed to attract Global Capability Centres by offering financial incentives, infrastructure support and skill development assistance.

Key incentives under the policy include:

• Capital expenditure subsidy of up to 40%, subject to a maximum limit.

• 50% payroll incentive during the initial year.

• Skill development support of up to ₹50,000 per employee.

• Patent filing assistance of up to ₹10 lakh.

• Annual support of up to ₹25 lakh for hosting global events.

• 100% reimbursement of stamp duty.

• Single-window clearance for faster approvals.

Officials believe these measures will strengthen Madhya Pradesh's competitiveness in attracting global technology companies.

Industry Dialogue

The conclave is expected to feature discussions on policy-led growth, digital infrastructure, workforce readiness and investment opportunities across the technology sector.

Experts from the GCC, semiconductor and data centre industries are likely to deliberate on emerging trends, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and future-ready business ecosystems.

The organisers said the event is intended to position Madhya Pradesh as a major technology investment destination by creating stronger collaboration between the government and private sector.

Registration Open

The conclave will be held on July 13, 2026, at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal. Interested participants, including industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and technology stakeholders, can register through the online registration link shared by MPSeDC.

The state government expects the event to further strengthen Madhya Pradesh's position as an emerging technology and innovation hub while attracting long-term investments in high-growth sectors.

Modi warns of “decade of crises”, urges global action during Hague address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world risks sliding into poverty if COVID, war and energy shocks persist.

The Hague — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned that the world is entering a “decade of crises” and urged collective global action to prevent large-scale reversals in development, during an address to the Indian community in The Hague as part of his Netherlands visit.

A stark opening

Speaking before a packed community event in the early afternoon, Mr Modi said the sequence of shocks — the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent wars and now an energy crisis — has created conditions that could push millions back into poverty if not checked. According to officials, he used the phrase “decade of disasters” to underscore the scale of the challenge.

He delivered the warning roughly three hours after landing in the Netherlands late Friday night and ahead of scheduled bilateral meetings with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Dutch leaders. Local sources said the address lasted over 40 minutes and drew applause and chants from the diaspora.

Key policy points

Modi highlighted India's domestic achievements as part of his argument for resilience. He noted that India recorded more than 20 billion UPI transactions in a year and touted the country’s rapid startup growth, saying the nation now hosts over 200,000 startups and 125 unicorns. He also referred to advances in semiconductor manufacturing, saying work is underway on 12 plants, with two already producing chips.

“Chips will also be Made in India,” he said, according to an official readout, linking economic self-reliance to broader global stability.

Cultural outreach and community ties

The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands as a “trusted bridge” for Indian businesses seeking entry into Europe and highlighted the Surinamese-Indian community’s role in preserving Indian culture. Around 200,000 people of Surinamese-Hindustani origin live in the Netherlands; many trace their roots to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal and speak Sarnami, a language linked to Bhojpuri and Awadhi.

Ground reports from The Hague described a warm reception: Dutch musicians performed a rendition based on raga Durga, Indian classical instruments were played, and cultural dances such as Kathak and Garba featured in the programme. A young Dutch-Indian presented the Prime Minister with a painting of the Ram Temple, attendees said.

Historic restitution announced

In another notable development during the visit, the Dutch government returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam copper plates — known in the Netherlands as the Leiden Plates — to India. Officials said the plates, thought to date from Raja Raja Chola I’s reign, contain inscriptions about land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam and weigh about 30 kg in total. The return was described in New Delhi as an important cultural moment in bilateral ties.

Diplomacy and next steps

Mr Modi held talks with Dutch officials upon arrival and is slated for further discussions with Prime Minister Dick Schoof, focusing on supply chains, green energy cooperation and joint international projects. In his speech he described the Netherlands as a “natural gateway” for Indian firms entering Europe and compared India–Netherlands ties to a lotus and a tulip — rooted differently but growing strong when supported.

Local authorities confirmed the Prime Minister’s schedule includes a state-level reception and meetings on trade and technology. Sources familiar with the delegation said climate-resilient infrastructure and semiconductor cooperation will be priorities in formal talks.

Impact and public relevance

Analysts say Modi’s emphasis on the risk of global impoverishment frames India’s development push as not just national but globally stabilising. “The pitch is two-fold: showcase India’s resilience and mobilise partners to prevent a global backslide,” said a policy analyst in New Delhi who declined to be named. For diaspora audiences, the visit reinforced cultural connections at a time of wider geopolitical uncertainty.

What to watch

Observers will be watching for joint statements after Modi’s meetings with Dutch leadership and for any new agreements on energy, semiconductors or cultural restitution beyond the copper plates. Back in India, officials will closely monitor whether the visit yields concrete trade and technology commitments that can be translated into on-ground projects.

Middle Class Incomes Rising in India, Says President Murmu; Inflation Control Key

In a significant address to Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu outlined a strengthening Indian economy, with a notable middle class income increase in India driven by government policies that have kept inflation in check and put more savings into households.

Speaking on the nation’s progress over the past 11 years, Murmu stated that India’s economic foundation is now “much stronger” and that consistent growth amidst global challenges has directly benefited citizens. “The government’s efforts to keep inflation under control have put more savings in people’s hands,” she affirmed, highlighting the direct impact on purchasing power for families.

Economic Reforms Fueling Growth

The President detailed a multi-pronged approach behind this middle class income increase. Key among them is the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which she called a major success. “GST has simplified the tax system and has resulted in significant savings for citizens, estimated at around Rs 1 lakh crore,” Murmu said. This, coupled with income tax exemptions for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh, provides substantial relief and boosts disposable income.

Beyond taxes, the government’s focus on modernizing regulations—termed the “Reforms Express”—aims to create a more efficient business environment, which in turn supports job creation and wage growth.

Infrastructure and Support for Key Sectors

Murmu also pointed to massive infrastructure development as a growth pillar. Over 7,200 km of national highways and 50,000 km of rural roads have improved connectivity, linking remote areas to markets and services. For farmers, direct benefit transfers like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi have pumped over Rs 4 lakh crore into the rural economy, supporting record agricultural production.

On manufacturing, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has attracted huge investments, boosting India’s share in global exports and attracting approximately $750 billion in Foreign Direct Investment over the last decade.

Future Focus: Tech and Global Leadership

Looking ahead, the President highlighted India’s push into new technologies like semiconductor manufacturing, with 10 units expected soon, and the National Critical Mineral Mission to ensure self-reliance. However, she also issued a caution on Artificial Intelligence, warning of deepfakes and misinformation as threats to social harmony.

India’s growing global role was underscored, with its current BRICS presidency and plans to host a Global AI Impact Summit. This external engagement, Murmu suggested, mirrors the domestic economic confidence.

Why This Matters Now

This update comes at a time when inflation control remains a top concern for households worldwide. Murmu’s speech frames India’s economic narrative as one of resilience and direct citizen benefit, offering a positive outlook for middle-class income increase and financial stability. For millions, the message is clear: policy reforms are translating into tangible savings and greater economic security.