Semi Conductor Technology

IIT Delhi to seek knowledge about SemiConductors from Taiwan

• 11 Taiwanese universities led by Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Mon-chi Lio, visited New Delhi for the ‘Indo-Taiwan Educational Cooperation Forum on Semiconductor’

• The visit aimed at enhancing collaboration in talent cultivation and joint degree programs, especially in VLSI circuits and systems

• 50 MoUs were signed between 40 Indian and 11 Taiwanese universities, focusing on semiconductor curriculum and programs

• Delegates visited the semiconductor industry in Greater Noida, STMicroelectronics, and participated in 'The Inventors Challenge 2023'

• Prof Rangan Banerjee of IIT Delhi discussed potential collaborations with Taiwanese universities

• Agreements for student exchanges and joint degree programs, particularly in VLSI Circuits and Systems, were made

• Delegates visited Delhi Technological University (DTU), interacted with faculty, and explored collaborative opportunities

• Indian students and workforce in Taiwan have increased, aligning with India's semiconductor industry development goals

• Taiwan's MOE is introducing more opportunities and scholarships for Indian students

• The visit contributed to broadening people-to-people links between India and Taiwan, expressing gratitude to AICTE's support.

IIT Research

Whirlpools harnessed by Indian Researchers

• As technology evolves, devices become smaller yet generate more heat, posing a challenge.

• Researchers explored microchannels to manage heat transfer; these pathways efficiently move heat away.

• Smooth liquid flow within these microchannels obstructs effective heat dissipation.

• Introducing controlled whirlpools within microchannels via the Onsager-Wien effect enhances heat transfer naturally.

• Collaboration between Khalifa University of Science and Technology and IIT Madras used computer simulations to validate whirlpool-induced heat dissipation.

• Implementing this method nearly doubled heat removal without substantial energy increase.

• Esteemed experts like Prof. Danesh Tafti and Prof. Gaurav Tomar praised the research for its efficient heat management without excessive energy consumption.

• This breakthrough promises more efficient device functionality by resolving heat-related issues effectively.

Drone Technology

Role of Drones in Enhancing Agricultural production

• Drones are increasingly significant in agriculture for efficient heat dissipation, monitoring, and pesticide application.

• Agricultural drones are key for precision agriculture, providing detailed crop insights, aiding timely interventions.

• Their precision reduces crop losses, increases spraying efficiency, and contributes to environmentally friendly farming.

• Despite initial costs, drones enhance productivity by reducing trampling, fuel consumption, and operating expenses.

• Challenges include regulatory hurdles, technical complexities, and environmental considerations.

• Anticipated future prospects involve continued advancements in precision agriculture using drones and increased market demand.

Startup World

Venture Capital funding in India nose dives by over 67% during Jan - Oct this year

• India experienced a considerable decline in VC funding deals and total funding value from January to October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

• The number of VC deals dropped by 38.6% from 1499 deals in 2022 to 920 deals in 2023, and funding value plummeted by 67.1% from $19.2 billion to $6.3 billion during the same timeframe.

• Investors are showing caution in backing Indian startups due to concerns surrounding companies like Byjus, resulting in reduced funding and reluctance towards large investments.

• Despite the decline, India remains among the top five global markets for VC funding activity, accounting for 5.4% of total deals and 3.1% of disclosed deal value between January and October 2023.

• Noteworthy VC funding rounds exceeding $100 million were secured by Indian startups like PhysicsWallah, Perfios Software Solutions, PhonePe, Zepto, and Zetwerk, indicating resilience within the startup ecosystem despite subdued investor sentiments.

Artificial Intelligence

White Collar roles to be impacted more by Gen AI than Blue Collar roles

• According to a recent report, Gen AI is more likely to affect white collar jobs than blue collar jobs

• Job roles such as accounting & book keeping, administrative roles that involve repetitive tasks such as answering (or) directing calls can be replicated by generative AI.

• More than 30% time spent on white collar jobs every week can be performed by generative AI.

• Employees need to look to the future to get a better understanding of jobs that are under risk from AI or jobs that can be created by AI.