Applied Materials to set up semiconductor innovation hub in Bengaluru, aiming for US$2 billion impact

The Economic Times reported that Applied Materials is set to establish a cutting-edge Innovation Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing (ICSM) in Bengaluru, India, with the potential to catalyze over US$2 billion in future investments, according to Suraj Rengarajan, managing director and head of the semiconductor products group at Applied Materials India. His remarks follow the Karnataka government’s recent approval of three semiconductor projects, including Applied’s proposal.

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India grants Starlink license to operate satellite internet services

India has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet service to operate in the country. India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced this on social media, calling it a “next frontier of connectivity” for India. The licence follows the recent issuance of the GMPCS permit from the Department of Telecommunications.

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Nidec’s Takisawa taps China’s robot boom with precision tool push

Takisawa Machine Tool, a subsidiary of Japan’s Nidec Corp., is leveraging its parent company’s extensive sales networks and industrial connections to expand its presence in China’s rapidly developing automation and humanoid robotics market. The move is designed to boost sales of Takisawa’s high-precision lathes and machining tools in a competitive landscape dominated by both Japanese and Chinese firms.

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Sigurd lifts capex by 75% to chase AI smartphone boom, BIS-driven test orders

Riding a wave of demand driven by AI smartphones, servers, ASICs, optical transceivers, and networking gear, Taiwan-based IC testing firm Sigurd Microelectronics is scaling up investment to expand its advanced testing capacity and R&D operations. General Manager Charles Yeh noted that the AI boom has significantly accelerated chip testing needs and fueled top-line growth.

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China to inject US$19 billion in consumer subsidies as trade-in policy expands

In a continued push to stimulate domestic demand, China is set to release an additional CNY138 billion (approx. US$19 billion) in the second half of 2025 to fund subsidies for its nationwide “old-for-new” consumer trade-in program. The policy covers a wide range of household and consumer electronics, including home appliances, kitchen and bathroom equipment, smartphones, and automobiles.

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