SEMICONDUCTOR WORKFORCE
Semicon boom expected to power up 100k jobs in three years
India's semiconductor ecosystem is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, enhancing the existing workforce substantially. Experts estimate that the workforce will grow from 25,000 to over 100,000 jobs in three years. Companies aim to recruit for high-value roles in engineering and design, reflecting a shift in hiring focus. The current demand for specialized skills is creating a talent shortage within the industry.
'We are all humans': Staff seek Nvidia CEO's return
Following Jensen Huang's abrupt resignation as CEO of Nvidia amid allegations of extramarital affairs, employees have rallied to reinstate him, citing his significant contributions to the company's success in AI technology. The board's decision has faced scrutiny, with many advocating for transparency and suggesting any resignation should have awaited the conclusion of investigations.
Silicon Valley brought back Sam Altman. Will it bring back Huang too?
Nvidia employees and prominent Silicon Valley leaders are calling for Jensen Huang's return following his departure, raising concerns about the future of the world's leading AI chipmaker and its role in America's technology race with China.
AI-led hiring slowdown is temporary; jobs demand to surge in 3-5 years: Infosys cofounder Gopalakrishnan
His comments come as widespread layoffs occur across large tech companies including Qualcomm, Oracle, Microsoft and Amazon, triggering fears of large-scale job losses also in software services, which has been India’s largest employment-creating sector over the past two decades.
Amid layoff season, this Bengaluru company is paying employees to quit and start their own business and return back if things don't work out
Amid layoffs and voluntary buyout offers at global tech companies, Bengaluru-based iD Fresh Food is encouraging employees to quit and start their own businesses. CEO Musthafa PC's entrepreneurship policy offers a partially paid sabbatical, mentorship, access to the company's business network and an option to return if their ventures fail.
Xiaomi eyes local partners; Electronics firms target AI infra
Xiaomi is looking for local partners as it plans to manufacture home appliances in India. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
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Qualcomm layoffs severance package: 3 months' salary, extra payout based on years of service & one more month's pay for signing exit papers within 3 days; what employees are being offered
Qualcomm has reportedly begun laying off employees in India as part of a global workforce restructuring exercise that could affect around 1,000 staff, or 5–6% of its workforce in the country. Reports suggest affected employees may be offered three months' salary as severance, with additional compensation based on tenure and an extra month's pay for those who sign exit documents within three days. Qualcomm has not publicly confirmed the reported severance package.

US extends 178 China tariff exclusions to January 9
The US has extended tariff exemptions on 178 categories of Chinese goods until January 9, 2027, giving businesses more time to import these products without additional duties. The move comes as Washington and Beijing continue trade negotiations, with both sides discussing commitments on agricultural exports, rare earths and critical minerals.

Nvidia's 700,000% return faces a succession test amid Huang's China spy affair
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang maintains a unique office structure that reflects his hands-on management style. With around 60 direct reports, he closely oversees company operations and decisions, even involving himself in employee compensation. Amid recent controversy over personal allegations, questions about Nvidia’s leadership succession have emerged. Huang, who co-founded the company, hopes a suitable successor will arise from within its ranks.

US Midterm elections, Apple earnings, jobs data to test Wall Street after AI rout
Wall Street faces a pivotal week as US midterm elections, major corporate earnings and October jobs data test investor sentiment. Recent AI-led tech selloffs have heightened concerns over infrastructure spending and returns. Apple, AMD and Palantir results, alongside regulatory uncertainty and economic signals, could determine market direction and volatility.

JK Lakshmi Cement breaks ground on Project ‘Kamakshi’ in Assam, marking its first footprint in the Northeast India
JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd has launched Project Kamakshi to create an integrated cement plant in Assam. The plant will have a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per annum and a 1 million tonne clinkerisation unit. An investment of Rs 11,000 crore is planned for this project, which will primarily serve the Northeast market. The project aims to generate over 2,000 jobs and strengthen the local economy.

IIT Guwahati, Tata Electronics join hands to build semiconductor talent pipeline
IIT Guwahati has signed an MoU with Tata Electronics to establish a Centre of Excellence for semiconductor education. This collaboration aims to develop educational programmes that align with industry needs and create skilled professionals. Additionally, the partnership will provide hands-on training opportunities for students at Tata Electronics. It includes developing relevant course content and training faculty from various institutions.

Honeywell leaning on physical AI to net $1 billion India revenues
The $69 billion building, process, and industrial automation giant, carved out from the Honeywell industrial conglomerate as part of a companywide restructuring, is betting big on physical AI, leveraging its hardware and software experience, Anant Maheshwari, president of strategy and president & CEO of global regions told ET in an interview.

Power to empower must include the power to stay well
“The true value of power lies in its purpose,” the Prime Minister told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in October. India’s next lever of power is the health of its people, and the digital infrastructure behind CoWIN can now help keep a billion Indians well.

HCLTech, Japan's Rapidus announce partnership for next generation semiconductor technologies
Indian IT services company HCLTech and Japan's Rapidus Corporation have announced a partnership for next-generation semiconductor technologies, with two dedicated development centres inaugurated in Bengaluru and Hubli to support the Japanese chipmaker's semiconductor engineering requirements.

India-EU trade deal could become operational in early-2027, Piyush Goyal says
India's trade minister Piyush Goyal announced that the EU FTA is expected to be signed soon. After signing, the FTA could be operational within four to five months. The deal aims to boost market access and bilateral trade between India and the EU significantly. Goyal emphasized the importance of collaboration in various sectors to maximize mutual benefits.

Qualcomm may cut 600-1,200 jobs in India as part of global restructuring
Qualcomm has not disclosed the scale of the planned job cuts or the number of positions that could be affected, and it did not respond to ET’s queries on the matter.

Why L&T Technology shares jumped 11% to hit the Rs 4,000 level afterQ2 results
L&T Technology Services shares rose sharply past Rs 4,000 after Q2 results beat expectations, driven by margin expansion, AI-led deal wins and strong sustainability business growth. Management expects a stronger second half of FY27, while Motilal Oswal, Nuvama and Nomura raised their target prices but maintained cautious ratings.

Festive demand likely to fire up temporary factory hiring
This festive season, India's manufacturing sector is projected to create around 100,000 temporary jobs. Major drivers of this increase include demand for consumer goods, automobiles, and electronics. Hiring activity is expected to rise by 15 to 20 percent across various industries. Temporary roles will be in high demand, especially within fabrication, CNC operations, and assembly lines. Companies are offering various incentives to attract and retain seasonal workers during this period.

From rocks to riches: India’s unfinished critical minerals story
India's manufacturing industry is significantly affected by its heavy reliance on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The recent supply disruptions from China have highlighted weaknesses in India's domestic capacity for refining these minerals. Efforts to enhance mineral processing and create integrated production facilities are underway to reduce import dependence.

Trump’s super intelligence diplomat: Marco Rubio
Trump changed AI to SI. Now he has created a new breed of SI diplomacy.

Dr Doom, who predicted global financial crisis, has a forecast for India
Economist Nouriel Roubini, known as “Dr Doom” for predicting the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, sees India emerging as a major growth story over the coming decades. He believes easing US tariffs, deeper trade ties, friendshoring and continued reforms could strengthen India's economic prospects. However, India must accelerate growth towards 9% to create enough jobs for its young workforce as artificial intelligence reshapes employment and global manufacturers diversify beyond China.

Samsung Semiconductor, IISc set up quantum research lab
The lab, established with funding from Samsung Semiconductor India's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, will support research in qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, and the integration of advanced semiconductor materials with quantum systems.
India can catch up in AI by focusing on applications
India faces significant threats in the global AI landscape as investments surge globally. While it has missed some initial chances, the nation has the potential to harness its talented workforce and established ITeS sector. The rise in private investment reflects an increasing enthusiasm and job opportunities in AI. To avoid being seen merely as a commodity, companies must innovate.

We are working to develop relations with China once again: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India seeks to improve relations with China, ensuring fair deals. Bilateral trade between India and China reached USD 127.7 billion, which reflects significant growth in exports and imports. Furthermore, Goyal expressed concerns regarding the widening trade deficit and tightened FDI policies due to geopolitical tensions. India experienced supply chain vulnerabilities during Covid, leading to a focus on self-sufficiency.

Behind big billions, the China hedge begins to take shape in India
Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $15.5 billion in India over the period of 2026 to 2032. This initiative aims to strengthen local manufacturing and expand research and development facilities. Attracting global interest, especially with competitors like Toyota and Suzuki also enhancing their footprint, Hyundai’s success hinges on optimizing logistics and harnessing skilled labor for maximum output.

US, India must deepen cooperation on AI, semiconductors for shared security: Gina Raimondo
She recalled that during an earlier meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, their conversation centred on AI and the potential for India and the United States to collaborate in the field.

Chips critical to India's future, but demand and management key to semiconductor push: N Chandrasekaran
India is well placed to strengthen its role in the global semiconductor industry due to its talent base and large domestic market, but businesses must carefully assess demand and manage investments as the sector expands, Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said.
Centre of forging partnerships
India's leaders are forging new international economic partnerships, particularly in technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors. The country is experiencing significant growth in renewable energy, further enhancing its energy security. Domestic investments are rising, with GIFT City attracting considerable international capital. Collaborations between government and business can lead to mutual benefits in various sectors. A focus on dialogue and cooperation is crucial as India seeks to expand its global influence.
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