VIHAAN: India’s Homegrown Broadband Chip Tapes Out for 2027 Production

VIHAAN Chip (Image ~ www.aheesa.com) 

Chennai-based Aheesa Digital Innovations has achieved first-pass silicon success with its indigenous broadband networking chip ‘VIHAAN’, built using India’s VEGA microprocessor. The milestone, backed by the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, positions VIHAAN for production tape-out in 2027 and strengthens India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is empowering Indian startups to design semiconductors for diverse strategic and commercial uses. Applications span satellite communications, drones, surveillance systems, defence and aerospace platforms, automotive electronics, IoT devices, LED drivers, AI solutions, telecom infrastructure, and smart meters.

Aheesa Digital Innovations, an Indian fabless semiconductor startup, develops chips for broadband networking and security. Its flagship SoC ‘VIHAAN’, purpose‑built for fibre broadband, was taped out on Republic Day and achieved first‑pass silicon success on Independence Day 2026. The chip now advances toward production tape‑out, targeted for 2027.

Key Highlights

• Startup: Aheesa Digital Innovations (Chennai-based, fabless semiconductor firm)
• Chip: VIHAAN – broadband networking System-on-Chip (SoC)
• Processor Core: Built on VEGA microprocessor (RISC-V architecture, developed by C-DAC under MeitY)
• Milestone: Taped out on Republic Day 2026, achieved first-pass silicon success on Independence Day 2026
• Target: Production tape-out scheduled for 2027
• Funding: Raised ₹40 crore earlier in 2026 from TNIFMC via TNESSF and private investors
• Applications: Designed for fiber broadband networks, enabling last-mile connectivity for homes and offices

Technical & Strategic Significance

Feature	Details
Architecture	RISC-V based VEGA processor core
Process Node	28nm broadband networking SoC
Functions	Integrates compute, broadband access, and system control
Target Use	Optical fiber access networks, telecom operators
Strategic Value	Reduces reliance on foreign chip designs; supports Atmanirbhar Bharat goals
Ecosystem Impact	Part of >30 chip tape-outs under DLI Scheme; contributes to India’s $100M+ VC-backed semiconductor design growth

Broader Context

• DLI Scheme Impact: Over 30 chip design tape-outs achieved across foundries; startups raised $100M+ venture capital
• Government Support: Chip-design tools provided to 455 organizations (350 academic institutions + 105 startups)
• C2S Programme: 245 chip designs taped out by 71 academic institutions, building skilled manpower for India’s semiconductor future

Challenges & Trade-offs

• Production Timeline: Commercial rollout only expected post-2027, leaving a gap before market adoption
• Global Competition: Competing against established players (ARM, Intel, Broadcom) with mature ecosystems
• Scaling Risks: Transition from prototype to mass production requires robust fabrication partnerships and supply chain resilience

Takeaway

The VIHAAN chip marks a strategic leap for India’s semiconductor ambitions. By combining indigenous design (VEGA) with government-backed funding (DLI Scheme), Aheesa Digital Innovations is helping India reduce dependence on foreign chipmakers and strengthen its digital infrastructure for broadband and 5G expansion.

Amazon Prime Air Goes International: UK Becomes First Drone Hub

Amazon has officially launched its first-ever Prime Air drone delivery service outside the U.S., with Darlington, England chosen as the UK hub. Customers within a 7.5‑mile radius of the fulfillment center can now receive eligible items weighing up to 5 pounds in under 60 minutes via Amazon’s MK30 drone.

Amazon’s drone delivery service, Prime Air, began as a bold vision in 2013 when Jeff Bezos unveiled it on 60 Minutes. Since then, it has evolved through prototypes, regulatory hurdles, pilot programs in the U.S., and international expansions, with the UK launch in 2026 marking its first global rollout.

Before making debut in the UK, Amazon had plans for rollout in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, however Amazon shut down its Italian drone program in late 2025 due to regulatory friction and operational struggles.

Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the UK debut in Darlington became the first international hub in February 2026, allowing deliveries within a 7.5‑mile radius, under 60 minutes, for packages under 5 lbs.

Key Highlights of Amazon Prime Air UK

• Darlington hub: The 465,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center is fitted with advanced robotics and serves as the UK’s drone delivery base.
• First international launch: Announced in 2023, confirmed in 2025, and operational since February 2026.
• Delivery radius: Customers within 7.5 miles (12 km) of the site can opt for drone delivery.
• Eligible items: Millions of products under 5 lbs (2.2 kg), fitting into a shoebox-sized package.
• Speed: Orders arrive in 60 minutes or less.
• Drone model: The MK30, standing 5 feet tall with a 5.5‑foot wingspan, uses detect‑and‑avoid technology to ensure safe navigation.

How the Service Works

Standing roughly five feet tall with a wingspan of about five and a half feet, the MK30 can carry packages weighing up to five pounds.

• Checkout process: Customers see a satellite map of their property with AI‑identified “delivery zones” (garden, yard, or driveway).
• Packaging: Items are packed in custom Prime Air boxes with cushioning for safe aerial drops.
• Flight operations: Each drone undergoes pre‑flight inspections by trained associates.
• Safety: MK30 drones completed over 5,100 test flights and 900 flight hours before commercial rollout.

Strategic Importance

• Expansion milestone: Marks Amazon’s first Prime Air service outside the U.S., signaling global ambitions for autonomous delivery.
• Regulatory approval: Operates under the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s oversight.
• Customer impact: Included at no extra cost for Prime members in the UK, with pricing models to be evaluated as the service scales.

Challenges & Considerations

• Weather dependency: Drone flights may be limited by adverse UK weather conditions.
• Infrastructure limits: Only customers with suitable outdoor delivery zones are eligible.
• Scaling hurdles: Expansion beyond Darlington will require further regulatory approvals and infrastructure investment.

Quick Comparison: Traditional vs Drone Delivery

Delivery Method	Speed	Coverage	Eligibility	Cost
Standard Prime	1–2 days	Nationwide	All addresses	Included
Prime Air Drone	≤ 60 min	7.5‑mile radius	Outdoor zones only	Included (trial phase)

Indian Army to Induct 84 Loitering Munition Systems from Tata Advanced Systems and NIBE in Largest Drone Order

Representative Image

The Ministry of Defence has signed landmark contracts worth ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Pune-based NIBE Pvt Ltd to supply loiter munition systems to the Indian Army, marking the largest-ever one-time drone procurement in Indian military history. Deliveries of 84 systems and 840 munitions will be completed within 12 months, strengthening artillery regiments under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

At ₹1,577 crore (~$190M), this is the biggest single order placed for drones or loitering munitions in India’s defence history. The order volume of 84 complete systems and 840 munitions are being inducted in one go — far exceeding earlier smaller pilot-scale procurements.

The Loiter Munition System is a pivotal capability enhancer for the Indian Army’s artillery regiments, significantly boosting overall operational effectiveness. Procured under the Buy (Indian) category via the Fast Track Procedure, this acquisition not only strengthens frontline combat readiness but also reinforces India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on August 14, 2026.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 1,577 crore contracts for Loiter Munition Systems

A Loiter Munition System is an advanced weapon that combines the surveillance capability of a drone with the destructive power of a missile — often referred to as a “suicide drone” or “kamikaze drone.” It can loiter over a target area, identify threats in real time, and then dive onto the target to destroy it.

Key Highlights of the Deal

• Contract Value: ₹1,577 crore
• Vendors: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Pvt Ltd
• Procurement Split: TASL will supply 54 systems with 540 munitions (64%), while NIBE will deliver 30 systems with 300 munitions (36%)
• Delivery Timeline: Within 12 months under the Fast Track Procedure
• Category: Procured under Buy (Indian), reinforcing domestic defence manufacturing

To recall, in January this year Tata Advanced Systems has already demonstrated its indigenous ALS Loitering Munition in Europe, validating its mission-ready capabilities and strengthening India’s defense export prospects.

Operational Significance

• Loitering Munitions: Also called suicide drones or kamikaze drones, these systems can loiter over a target area, identify threats, and strike with precision
• Range: Up to 100 km, enabling beyond-line-of-sight targeting
• Deployment: Will equip new formations like Shaktibaan artillery regiments and Divyastra batteries
• Strategic Impact: Enhances India’s ability to counter evolving threats, drawing lessons from global conflicts

Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Defence Industry Boost

• Indigenous Manufacturing: Strengthens India’s defence industrial base by prioritizing local vendors
• Largest Drone Order: Sets a precedent for future large-scale indigenous contracts
• Technology Edge: TASL’s systems are designed and manufactured entirely within India

Comparison of Vendor Contributions

Vendor	Systems Supplied	Munitions Supplied	Contract Share
TASL	54	540	64% (~₹1,000 crore)
NIBE Pvt Ltd	30	300	36% (~₹563 crore)

Risks & Strategic Considerations

• Rapid Deployment Pressure: Deliveries within 12 months may strain production capacity
• Operational Integration: Requires seamless coordination with artillery regiments to maximize effectiveness
• Global Benchmarking: India’s adoption of loitering munitions mirrors trends in modern warfare, but long-term sustainability depends on continued R&D investment

This deal is a milestone in India’s defence modernization, combining indigenous innovation with operational urgency.

India’s 80th Independence Day: PM Modi Unveils Bold Vision for AI, Nuclear Power, and Women-Led Development

On the historic occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, announcing a sweeping set of initiatives aimed at transforming India’s technological, educational, and social landscape.

AI Skilling for One Crore Youth

One crore youth will be trained in Artificial Intelligence skills within the next year. This initiative aims to empower India’s youth to lead in the digital future.

Free Online Coaching Network

A nationwide free online coaching network will be launched for competitive examinations, easing the financial burden on poor and middle-class families by leveraging digital public infrastructure and India’s pool of educators.

Nationwide Sports Talent Hunt

A sports talent hunt for children aged 5–15 years will identify and train young athletes, with emphasis on Olympic disciplines where India has traditionally lagged.

Civil Defence for Modern Challenges

A vibrant Civil Defence network will be created to safeguard critical infrastructure such as refineries, banks, data centres, and factories. Citizens will be trained to meet modern challenges through a large voluntary force.

Semiconductor Self-Reliance

Three semiconductor plants are already operational and exporting production. Plans for five to eight new plants in the next seven to eight years will strengthen India’s march toward self-reliance and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047

India targets 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. Five new nuclear reactors are planned within this decade, alongside advancements in fast breeder nuclear technology, ensuring sustainable energy for AI, data centres, and industrial growth.

Six Crore Lakhpati Didis

A new target of six crore Lakhpati Didis has been set, doubling the earlier goal. Women entrepreneurs empowered through self-help groups will drive a major transformation in India’s rural economy.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day address outlined a vision of India as a global leader in technology, energy, and inclusive development. From AI skilling and semiconductor plants to nuclear energy and women’s empowerment, the initiatives reflect a roadmap for a self-reliant, resilient, and future-ready India.

Ananya Birla-led Svatantra Microfin Files ₹3,000 Cr IPO With SEBI to Boost Capital, Expand Microfinance Reach, and Empower Grassroots Entrepreneurs

Ananya Birla led Svatantra Microfin Limited, an inclusion-focused non-banking financial company enabling financial independence for households and empowering grassroots entrepreneurs within the Indian economy, has filed its DRHP with SEBI for an IPO.

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of ₹1,500 crore and an offer for sale of ₹1,500 crore, aggregating to a total Issue size of ₹3,000 crore.

The proceeds from the fresh issue are to be utilised towards augmenting the Company’s Tier I capital base to meet its future capital requirements, including onward lending, arising out of the growth and expansion of its business and assets.

Svatantra Microfin Limited enables financial inclusion by providing access to credit for individuals and small entrepreneurs, helping strengthen livelihoods and support economic participation across communities. Its portfolio primarily comprises microfinance loans, complemented by secured lending products, viz. affordable housing finance, including loans against property, offered through its Subsidiary, Svatantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation Limited.

Svatantra Microfin Limited is led by Ananya Birla, Chairperson and Non-Executive Director, who represents the next generation of the Aditya Birla Group’s legacy. The Company was the first institution to receive the NBFC-MFI license, which was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2011.

Svatantra Microfin Limited is the second-largest non-banking financial company – microfinance institution (“NBFC-MFI”) in India as of March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024 in terms of microfinance assets under management (“AUM - MFI”). Svatantra Microfin was the fastest growing NBFC-MFI in India over the last three Fiscals, with AUM - MFI growing at a CAGR of 20.87% from ₹ 144,378.72 million as of March 31, 2024 to ₹ 210,932.22 million as of March 31, 2026, among the peers. Its share of the total AUM - MFI in India increased from 3.26% as of March 31, 2024 to 6.37% as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the Company's resilient growth through economic cycles. As of March 31, 2026, Svatantra Microfin is also the largest NBFC-MFI in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, based on AUM - MFI.

A key pillar of the company's microfinance risk management strategy is diversification across geographies. For instance, no single district contributed more than 2.74%, 2.60% and 2.35% of Company ’s AUM – MFI as of March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024, respectively, while no single state contributed more than 23.02%, 21.66% and 20.72% of Company’s AUM – MFI as of the same dates. Svatantra Microfin limited reported the lowest Gross Stage 3 Ratio among the MFI Peers in Fiscals 2025 and 2026, at 2.24% and 1.19%, respectively. Its performance has been supported by geographic diversification, disciplined underwriting, borrower-centric product offerings and collection mechanisms.

Further, the amalgamation of Chaitanya India Fin Credit Private Limited into Svatantra Microfin Limited, with effect from March 21, 2026, complemented its existing geographic presence, particularly given its established presence in southern India, and further strengthened its pan-India presence while maintaining a diversified geographic portfolio.

Svatantra Microfin Limited has remained resilient through the period of sectoral stress compared to MFI Peers, with our Company’s return on average AUM (“RoAAUM”) being the highest among the MFI Peers in Fiscals 2025 and 2026, at 2.90% and 3.57%, respectively. Through Fiscals 2025 and 2026, years of elevated credit costs and asset quality stress across the microfinance sector, the company delivered the highest return on equity (“ROE”) at 13.66% and 15.00%, respectively.

As of March 31, 2026, Its microfinance operations are supported by a diversified geographic footprint and deep district-level penetration, with a network of 2,123 branches across 20 states and 394 districts across India. This network is complemented by an on-ground presence comprising 24,594 employees, including 15,575 field officers, which has enabled Svatantra Microfin to serve 4,266,316 active borrowers as of March 31, 2026 in its microfinance business.

Axis Capital Limited, Avendus Capital Private Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited and SBI Capital Markets Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers.