Approach:

Introduction: Describe semi-conductors in brief and give some applications.

Body: Highlight how the promotion of semiconductor manufacturing is crucial for India. Also, mention some constraints and challenges in this regard.

Conclusion: Suggest recent steps being taken and a way forward to ensure self-reliance in this regard.

Answer:

Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. They are the foundation of modern electronics and power a vast array of technologies such as computers, smartphones, solar panels, and medical devices. Their continued development and innovation in semiconductor technology can potentially transform many aspects of society.

Applications of semiconductors in modern times:

1. Electronics: Computers, smartphones, and televisions.
2. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies.
3. Medical devices including insulin pumps and pacemakers.
4. Electric Vehicles
5. Aerospace: Satellites and spacecraft.
6. Lighting: LED lighting
7. Robotics: Sensors, processors, and actuators
8. Security: Systems for biometric identification and encryption utilize semiconductors.
9. Internet of Things- Automated factories to smart homes.

Promoting domestic semiconductor production in India is crucial:

1. Reduce dependence on Imports: India fulfils 80% of its semiconductor demand through imports that can be reduced by encouraging domestic semiconductor manufacturing. 
2. Boost the domestic economy: domestic manufacturing can provide job development and possibilities.
3. Strengthen National Security: Local production can lessen the possibility that foreign companies will control the supply chain, which is essential for national security.
4. Support Innovation: By stimulating the creation of new technologies and products, domestic manufacturing may support innovation.
5. Local manufacturing can help Indian businesses become more competitive and hence more appealing to investors, according to research from the Indian Electronic and Semiconductors Association (IESA) published in 2022.
6. Deal with Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses of international supply chains, making indigenous manufacturing crucial for resilience.
7. Reduce Costs: By doing away with import tariffs, logistics costs, and currency exchange concerns, indigenous production can cut costs.
8. Drive Digital India: By encouraging the development of semiconductor-enabled technologies, local production can aid the government's aim of a digital India.
9. Increase Exports: By supplying goods to the international market, indigenous manufacturing can increase exports.
10. Create Strategic Collaborations: By promoting partnerships between Indian businesses and international players, domestic manufacturing can promote technology transfer and cooperation.

Constraints and challenges in encouraging domestic semiconductor production in India:

1. High Capital Investment: Huge investments are needed to start a semiconductor manufacturing company, which could be difficult.
2. Lack of Skilled Workforce: India struggles to find qualified personnel, particularly in the manufacturing of semiconductors.
3. Technology Complexity: The production of semiconductors entails intricate procedures that require specialized tools and knowledge.
4. Intellectual Property Protection: To attract international semiconductor businesses, India must enact rigorous intellectual property protection legislation.
5. Limited R&D: To stay up with the quickly changing semiconductor business, India has to invest in research and development.
6. Regulatory Obstacles: Investors face uncertainty because India's regulatory environment for the semiconductor industry is still developing.
7. Environmental Issues: The production of semiconductors uses potentially dangerous chemicals that, if not handled appropriately, could endanger the environment.
8. India is up against fierce international competition from nations with established semiconductor industries like Taiwan, South Korea, and China.
9. India's infrastructure, which includes the provision of power and transportation, needs to be improved to sustain the semiconductor sector.

In order to deal with the above challenges, multiple steps are being taken, such as the All India Council for Technical Education approving technical curricula to boost semiconductor manufacturing. Further steps should be taken for dedicated efforts towards plug-and-play based approaches, and ease of doing business in semiconductor manufacturing to ensure a self-reliant India.