Archana Shukla

In 2024 alone, six major exams were compromised and nearly 10 million students left in the lurch. Enraged, the students have been protesting across the country. As pressure mounted, the government, first dismissive of any failure, has promised reforms.

India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters in December the overhaul could be slow but sure to minimise irregularities. Back in Patna, these students still keep trying. After all, the dream of a better life is all they have to hold on to.

India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters in December the overhaul could be slow but sure to minimise irregularities. Back in Patna, these students still keep trying. After all, the dream of a better life is all they have to hold on to.

Scores of workers are assembling intricate parts for smart watches, Bluetooth speakers and computer circuit boards in the Zetworks manufacturing factory that supplies to large global brands, churning out over 2.5 million pieces monthly, evidence of India's growing tech prowess. This factory in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru manufactures IT hardware.

Scores of workers are assembling intricate parts for smart watches, Bluetooth speakers and computer circuit boards in the Zetworks manufacturing factory that supplies to large global brands, churning out over 2.5 million pieces monthly, evidence of India's growing tech prowess. This factory in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru manufactures IT hardware.

And till about five years ago, India was completely reliant on imports for such hardware. But today, factories like these manufacture almost half of it locally. This is one sector where India feels it is aligned perfectly to benefit with Trump as US president and his hard stance on tariff as far as China is concerned.

And till about five years ago, India was completely reliant on imports for such hardware. But today, factories like these manufacture almost half of it locally. This is one sector where India feels it is aligned perfectly to benefit with Trump as US president and his hard stance on tariff as far as China is concerned.

Zetworks, like many other Indian electronics manufacturers, is anticipating a surge in global demand. Josh Folger, head of electronic manufacturing at Zetworks, is quite upbeat.

Zetworks, like many other Indian electronics manufacturers, is anticipating a surge in global demand. Josh Folger, head of electronic manufacturing at Zetworks, is quite upbeat.

Workers are testing smartphones in Zetwork's Adar factory in the city of Noida. Factories like these made India a net exporter of mobile handsets, a success India wants to replicate across electronics, electric vehicles, solar panels and even warships. India is still mostly assembling products with parts made in other countries like China.

Workers are testing smartphones in Zetwork's Adar factory in the city of Noida. Factories like these made India a net exporter of mobile handsets, a success India wants to replicate across electronics, electric vehicles, solar panels and even warships. India is still mostly assembling products with parts made in other countries like China.

Josh Folger says government is now promoting component manufacture.

Josh Folger says government is now promoting component manufacture.

But it's not China that India is actually competing with.

But it's not China that India is actually competing with.

Arpita Mukherjee, a trade economist studying international economic relations, says India needs to review its own protectionism stance.

Arpita Mukherjee, a trade economist studying international economic relations, says India needs to review its own protectionism stance.

It's lunchtime here and the factory shop floor is bustling with workers' chatter. Creating jobs for this growing workforce is crucial as India aims to boost its global manufacturing. Reason why India is already warming up to ease controls and push its might to become the factory to the world.

It's lunchtime here and the factory shop floor is bustling with workers' chatter. Creating jobs for this growing workforce is crucial as India aims to boost its global manufacturing. Reason why India is already warming up to ease controls and push its might to become the factory to the world.