Europe heatwave, Indian AC manufacturers, air conditioner exports, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Europe cooling demand, and India manufacturing are gaining attention as rising temperatures across Europe create new opportunities for India's air-conditioner industry. While manufacturers are exploring the fast-growing European market, industry experts believe large-scale exports are unlikely before 2027 due to stringent regulatory and product requirements.

The growing interest follows an unprecedented rise in cooling demand across Europe, where prolonged heatwaves have significantly boosted sales and enquiries for air-conditioning systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 due to extreme temperatures. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has described Europe as the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at nearly twice the global average.

Recognising the opportunity, the Indian government is encouraging domestic manufacturers to build export capacity. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw have reportedly urged the industry to expand overseas shipments, viewing air-conditioner manufacturing as a high-value export sector similar to India's successful smartphone production ecosystem. Air conditioners are also the only white-goods segment currently covered under India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, providing additional policy support for the industry.

Despite the growing demand, manufacturers say entering the European market will require substantial preparation. Companies must obtain CE certification, comply with strict energy-efficiency standards, eco-design regulations and product-quality norms before commercial exports can begin.

Industry executives also point out that products will need significant redesigns to suit European conditions. Unlike India, where conventional split air conditioners dominate, nearly 80% of residential cooling systems in Europe are heat-pump air conditioners that provide both cooling and heating. In addition, many European buildings, particularly heritage structures, impose restrictions on installing external air-conditioning units, requiring customised installation solutions.

Executives from companies including Godrej Enterprises Group and Amber Enterprises have indicated that while plans to enter Europe are progressing, commercial launches are likely to begin only after meeting regulatory requirements, with exports expected from 2027 onward.

Indian manufacturers will also face stiff competition from well-established Chinese, South Korean and Japanese brands such as Midea, Gree, Haier, Daikin, and LG, which already have a strong market presence and are estimated to enjoy a cost advantage over Indian producers.

A software engineer has landed a remote job with a ₹1.4 crore annual base salary after enduring more than 25 job rejections, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in today's AI-driven technology hiring landscape.

The engineer, who holds a BTech degree from a Tier 1 engineering institute and has six years of industry experience, shared that repeated setbacks from leading technology companies did not deter the job search. After nearly a year of applications and interview preparation, the candidate secured a senior engineering position at a seed-stage startup with a compensation package worth approximately ₹1.7 crore in the first year.

From repeated rejections to a ₹1.7 crore compensation package

According to the candidate, applications to several prominent technology firms—including Amazon, Bloomberg, and Cloudflare—resulted in more than 25 rejections before receiving the breakthrough offer.

The compensation package includes:

• ₹1.4 crore annual base salary
• Performance bonus
• Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) worth $120,000 vested over four years

Combined, the first-year earnings are estimated to be around ₹1.7 crore, making it one of the more lucrative recent offers reported for an experienced software engineer. The engineer attributed the success to consistent interview preparation and perseverance despite repeated setbacks.

AI is reshaping the software engineering job market

The achievement comes at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming recruitment across the technology sector.

As organisations increasingly integrate AI into software development, companies are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can work with AI tools, automate workflows and contribute immediately to business objectives.

Industry reports indicate that a significant share of AI-related vacancies now target experienced professionals, while entry-level opportunities have become comparatively limited. Employers are increasingly seeking engineers with practical experience in AI-assisted development, cloud computing and scalable software systems.

Premium offers remain rare amid changing hiring trends

Although high-value compensation packages continue to exist, industry observers note that such offers have become less common than during the hiring boom of the pandemic years.

Many technology professionals report accepting salaries closer to their pre-pandemic compensation levels despite acquiring additional qualifications or advanced degrees. Companies are also streamlining teams as AI automates repetitive coding tasks and improves developer productivity.

Against this backdrop, the engineer's ₹1.4 crore offer stands out as an example of how specialised skills, experience and strong interview performance can still command premium salaries in a competitive market.

Key lessons for job seekers

The engineer's experience offers several takeaways for professionals navigating today's technology hiring environment:

• Persistence matters: Multiple rejections do not necessarily reflect a candidate's long-term potential.
• Continuous preparation is essential: Regular interview practice can improve performance when the right opportunity arrives.
• Develop AI-ready skills: Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools and emerging technologies is becoming increasingly valuable.
• Look beyond large corporations: High-growth startups often offer competitive salaries, equity and opportunities for rapid career advancement.

As AI continues to reshape recruitment across the technology industry, the story underscores that while competition has intensified, experienced professionals who remain adaptable and resilient can still secure exceptional career opportunities.

In a significant boost to the India-US technology partnership, the United States has assured India that access to advanced technologies, including cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, will remain stable and uninterrupted once granted. The assurance comes amid growing global concerns over US export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies, providing India with greater confidence as it expands AI-driven public services and digital infrastructure.

The assurance was confirmed by IT Secretary S Krishnan following discussions with senior US officials during the Pax Silica Summit, where both countries explored deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical mineral supply chains.

According to Krishnan, Washington clarified that trusted strategic partners such as India would continue to enjoy reliable access to advanced technologies and that such access would not be withdrawn after approval. The statement follows recent US export control measures, including restrictions on advanced AI models, which have raised concerns globally over the predictability of technology access.

The assurance is particularly important as India increasingly deploys AI technologies in governance, public services, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, and citizen-centric platforms. Officials believe that uninterrupted access to frontier AI models is essential for sustaining innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting India's long-term economic growth.

During the summit, Krishnan held discussions with US Under Secretary Jacob Helberg on expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic technologies. The talks focused on developing resilient and diversified supply chains for AI hardware, semiconductor manufacturing, and critical minerals, reducing dependence on concentrated global supply networks.

The discussions also align with the objectives of the Pax Silica initiative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries in emerging technologies and build secure global technology ecosystems.

The US assurance comes against the backdrop of tighter export regulations introduced by Washington to prevent the misuse of advanced AI and semiconductor technologies for national security reasons. India had sought greater clarity on the long-term regulatory framework to ensure that future policy changes do not disrupt its rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

The development marks a shift towards a more predictable and strategic technology-sharing framework between India and the United States. Analysts believe the strengthened partnership could pave the way for greater collaboration in AI research, semiconductor manufacturing, digital innovation, healthcare, agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing, while reinforcing India's position in the global technology value chain.

In a landmark step towards integrating India's ancient knowledge systems with emerging technologies, the Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has announced the launch of a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science from the 2026-27 academic session. The programme, approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), will be offered at the university's Nashik campus and is among the first engineering degrees introduced by a Sanskrit university in the country.

The initiative seeks to create a unique blend of modern AI education and India's linguistic and cultural heritage. It is designed to train students in advanced technologies while encouraging research in Sanskrit, Indian languages, and traditional knowledge systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the programme during his Mann Ki Baat address, stating that it would empower young learners with future-ready skills while strengthening their connection with India's rich cultural legacy.

The four-year programme will admit 66 students, including 60 regular seats and six supernumerary seats. The curriculum covers core subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Python Programming, Cloud Computing, Statistics, and Deep Learning.

Students will also gain expertise in specialised domains including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Speech Recognition, Conversational AI, Computational Linguistics, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enabling them to develop AI-driven solutions for Indian languages and digitisation projects.

One of the programme's major objectives is to preserve India's extensive collection of ancient Sanskrit manuscripts, many of which remain untranslated or unavailable in digital formats. AI technologies will be used for document recognition, language translation, intelligent search, digital archiving, and knowledge extraction from historical texts.

The course will further explore AI applications in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, Vastu, and Nyaya, opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research that combines technology with India's traditional knowledge systems.

With India's AI ecosystem expanding rapidly and demand for skilled professionals growing across industries, the university believes the programme will prepare graduates for careers in AI, data science, language technology, digital humanities, and cultural informatics, while contributing to the preservation and global dissemination of India's intellectual heritage.

PMRC scheme launched: The government has introduced the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) initiative to attract leading Indian-origin researchers working abroad in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and quantum computing.

More than funding needed: Experts say world-class research infrastructure, advanced computing resources and ambitious national missions will be crucial to persuade global talent to return.

A chance to boost India's AI ambitions: Analysts believe the programme could help India move from being primarily an AI consumer to becoming a creator of cutting-edge technologies.

India has unveiled the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme, a major initiative aimed at bringing back accomplished Indian-origin scientists, technologists and researchers from across the world. The programme focuses on critical emerging sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing and other frontier technologies.

Under the scheme, selected researchers will receive research grants, institutional support and access to infrastructure through premier universities and national laboratories. The move reflects India's growing ambition to strengthen its position in global technology and innovation ecosystems.

Why attracting AI talent matters

The launch comes at a time when countries around the world are competing fiercely for top AI talent. While India has emerged as a major hub for AI adoption and digital innovation, experts argue that the country still lags behind in frontier AI research and the development of foundational models.

According to industry observers, financial incentives alone may not be enough to attract globally recognised researchers. Scientists often prioritise opportunities to work on transformative problems, access state-of-the-art computing facilities and collaborate with leading research institutions.

Challenges India must address

Experts highlight several factors that will determine the success of the PMRC initiative:

• Availability of high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced GPUs.
• Stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government laboratories.
• Competitive compensation and research funding.
• Opportunities to lead globally significant scientific projects.
• Long-term institutional support for breakthrough research.

A significant challenge remains the salary gap between India and major technology hubs such as the United States, where AI researchers often command substantially higher compensation packages.

A push for 'moonshot' projects

Technology experts suggest that India should complement PMRC with ambitious national research missions, similar to landmark global projects such as space exploration programmes and large-scale scientific collaborations.

They argue that top researchers are drawn not only by resources but also by the opportunity to contribute to projects that can reshape industries and influence the future of technology.

Can PMRC become a turning point?

India has previously demonstrated its ability to execute large-scale technology initiatives through programmes such as Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Supporters of the PMRC scheme believe a similar mission-driven approach could help create a globally competitive AI research ecosystem.

However, experts caution that the programme's success will depend on whether India can provide not just funding, but also the infrastructure, academic freedom, industry partnerships and ambitious research opportunities needed to attract and retain world-class talent.

If implemented effectively, PMRC could become a significant step towards positioning India as a leader in next-generation technologies rather than merely a user of innovations developed elsewhere.

The IIRF Engineering Rankings 2026 have once again highlighted the dominance of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India's engineering education landscape. Known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and strong placement records, these institutions continue to attract the country's brightest engineering aspirants.

As students prepare for competitive entrance examinations such as JEE Advanced, the rankings offer valuable insights into the top government engineering colleges shaping India's future workforce in technology, research, and innovation.

Top 5 Government Engineering Colleges in India: IIRF Engineering Rankings 2026

1. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Maharashtra

Claiming the top position, IIT Bombay continues to be one of India's most sought-after engineering institutions. Renowned for its world-class faculty, advanced research facilities, and exceptional placement outcomes, the institute maintains strong partnerships with leading global companies. Its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes attract students from across the country and abroad.

2. Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu

IIT Madras has consistently ranked among India's premier engineering institutes. The institute is widely recognised for its research-driven ecosystem, innovation culture, and thriving startup incubator. Its focus on interdisciplinary learning and industry collaboration has strengthened its reputation as a centre for technological advancement.

3. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi

Located in the national capital, IIT Delhi is known for its strong academic programmes and vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem. The institute has established extensive industry collaborations and consistently records excellent placement outcomes. Its research initiatives and innovation centres have contributed significantly to India's technology sector.

4. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal

Founded in 1951, IIT Kharagpur holds the distinction of being India's first IIT. Spread across one of the largest educational campuses in the country, the institute offers a wide range of engineering disciplines and is highly regarded for its contributions to research, innovation, and technological development.

5. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

IIT Kanpur has earned a reputation for academic rigour and excellence in scientific research. The institute's strong focus on innovation, advanced laboratories, and interdisciplinary studies has made it a preferred destination for aspiring engineers. Graduates from IIT Kanpur remain among the most sought-after professionals in both Indian and international job markets.

Engineering Education Driving India's Growth

Experts believe that premier institutions such as the IITs will play a critical role in supporting India's vision of becoming a global hub for technology, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced research. Through innovation-led education and industry-focused learning, these institutes continue to produce engineers, entrepreneurs, and researchers who contribute significantly to national development and global technological progress.