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  • Why Calcutta Stock Exchange needs to be revived

    Why in the News

    The West Bengal government’s 2026–27 budget backs the revival of the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE) as India’s third exchange dedicated to pre-commercial deep tech listings. The proposal exposes a gap in India’s capital markets: intellectual property driven companies in semiconductors, biotech and space with years to go before revenue have no domestic listing path, forcing them toward foreign exchanges or private capital alone.

    What is the Calcutta Stock Exchange?

    1. Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE): It was established in 1908, months after 8,000 Indian households financed Tata Steel by public subscription. CSE is India’s oldest stock exchange, now largely dormant, whose revival the West Bengal government’s 2026-27 budget backs.
    2. Pre-commercial listing: A pre-commercial listing allows a company to raise public capital before it has meaningful revenue, based on milestone data such as clinical trial results or chip tape-out yields rather than financial performance.

    How has China built a market for pre-revenue deep tech listings?

    1. China, STAR Market, disclosure gated deep-tech board: Opened in Shanghai in 2019 amid tightening American sanctions, the STAR Market lists companies based on milestone disclosure rather than profitability, and has raised about $160 billion across 592 companies in seven years.
    2. China, STAR 50 index, performance signal: The STAR 50 index rose 64 percent in the first half of 2026, and Cambricon, a chip designer that listed unprofitable in 2020, became the board’s first trillion-renminbi company. This gives the evidence that the model can produce durable winners.
    3. China, sectoral breadth, widening aperture: The STAR Market’s listing scope has expanded into artificial intelligence, robotics and space technology, tracking China’s evolving strategic priorities rather than staying fixed to its original mandate.

    What reforms would let the Calcutta Stock Exchange fill this gap?

    1. Milestone gated listing regime: Listings would be gated by disclosure and technical milestones, clinical data for biopharma, tape-out and yield data for semiconductors, flight heritage for aerospace, rather than financial performance thresholds.
    2. Accredited investor gate: A consolidated accredited investor definition would give family offices, global institutions and Alternative Investment Fund managers preferred initial access, with retail participation phased in as disclosure accumulates.
    3. Formalised unlisted shares dealer network: The existing informal grey market for unlisted shares, currently offline trading at one-way quotes, would be consolidated into a regulated dealer network under CSE.
    4. Interoperable settlement: Trades would settle through existing clearing corporations under interoperability, with mainboard migration to NSE or BSE available as a right once a listing has seasoned on CSE.
    5. Issuer-sponsored research: Research coverage would be seeded through issuer-sponsored analyst reports to build an information ecosystem where currently there is no listed deep-tech paper to analyse.

    What are the challenges to reviving the Calcutta Stock Exchange?

    1. Fragmentation risk: A third exchange adds a distinct venue for investors and issuers to track, raising the risk of fragmented liquidity relative to NSE and BSE.
    2. CSE’s institutional history: The exchange has a complicated operating history and would need fresh institutional capital and governance separated from its existing broker ownership to be credible as a new venue.
    3. Market for lemons risk: Pre-commercial listings without profitability as a filter raise the risk of low quality issuers exploiting the milestone disclosure regime, countered in the proposal only through lock-ins, shorting and surveillance built in by design.
    4. Retail investor protection: Phasing retail investors in only as disclosure accumulates depends on regulators enforcing that sequencing strictly, since retail demand for deep-tech exposure could otherwise push premature access.

    Conclusion

    The case for reviving the Calcutta Stock Exchange rests on India lacking any domestic listing path for companies whose value lies in intellectual property years away from revenue. Whether the exchange can be rebuilt with the governance and investor protection safeguards the proposal outlines, rather than repeating its earlier institutional troubles, will determine if it becomes a genuine third venue alongside NSE and BSE.

    Back2Basics

    Feature / DetailsBSE (Bombay Stock Exchange)NSE (National Stock Exchange)
    Establishment1875 (oldest in Asia)1992 (started with a modern, digital system)
    Main IndexSENSEX (Top 30 Companies)NIFTY 50 (Top 50 Companies)
    Listed companiesApproximately 5,900+ (more companies)Approximately 2,900+ (fewer companies)
    Trading VolumeLow (popular for small & mid-cap shares)Very high (leader in cash & derivatives market)
    Global rankingOne of the largest exchanges in the worldWorld’s No. 1 in derivatives contracts trading

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following markets: 1. Government Bond Market 2. Call Money Market 3. Treasury Bill Market 4. Stock Market.

    How many of the above are included in capital markets? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four.

    Answer: (b)

  • Amnesty International report: India’s arms exports to Israel

    Why in the News?

    An Amnesty International report titled “Made in India” alleged that India exported over 2,500 shipments of small arms, ammunition and components to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025, raising concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law.

    Key Findings

    • Over 2,500 shipments of arms and ammunition-related items were exported.
    • At least 788 shipments were identified as having military purposes.
    • Exports reportedly included machine gun components, artillery shells and explosive warheads.
    • The report relies on shipment-level trade data rather than aggregate trade statistics.

    Why is it Significant?

    • Raises concerns regarding India’s defence exports amid the Gaza conflict.
    • Brings attention to issues of international humanitarian law (IHL) and arms transfers.
    • Highlights the growing India-Israel defence partnership.

    Challenges

    • Balancing strategic defence cooperation with international legal obligations.
    • Ensuring transparency and oversight of defence exports.
    • Reputational risks arising from allegations of complicity in conflict-related violations.

    Amnesty International

    • Established in 1961.
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
    • Global human rights organisation that investigates and campaigns against human rights violations.
    • Publishes the annual State of the World’s Human Rights report.

    International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

    • Also known as the Law of Armed Conflict.
    • Regulates the conduct of armed conflicts.
    • Primarily based on the Geneva Conventions (1949) and their Additional Protocols.
    • Protects civilians, prisoners of war and the wounded during armed conflict.

    India-Israel Defence Cooperation

    • Israel is among India’s major defence suppliers.
    • Cooperation includes: Missiles (Barak-8), UAVs (Heron), Radar systems, Electronic warfare equipment, and Small arms and ammunition

    Geneva Conventions (1949)

    • Four international treaties governing humanitarian protection during war.
    • India is a State Party to all four Geneva Conventions.

    United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI)

    • Independent fact-finding mechanism established by the UN Human Rights Council.
    • Investigates alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

    [2015] Amnesty International is

    (a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

    (b) a global Human Rights Movement

    (c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

    (d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions.

  • Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for floating solar power

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070 crore scheme to promote floating solar power projects on reservoirs and other water bodies, targeting 5,000 MW capacity by 2030-31.

    Key Features

    • Financial Assistance: Up to ₹1 crore per MW for floating solar projects.
    • Battery Storage: Mandatory 2-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with projects.
    • Implementing Agency: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
    • Target: 5,000 MW floating solar capacity by 2030-31.

    Why is the Scheme Needed?

    • India has installed only 0.7 GW of floating solar against an estimated 102 GW potential.
    • Addresses land scarcity for new solar parks, especially in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
    • Battery storage improves grid stability and reduces renewable energy curtailment.

    Significance

    • Expands renewable energy without acquiring additional land.
    • Reduces water evaporation from reservoirs.
    • Improves solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.
    • Supports India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.

    Challenges

    • Higher installation and maintenance costs than ground-mounted solar plants.
    • Complex clearances due to multiple authorities managing water bodies.
    • Possible ecological impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
    • Battery storage increases project costs.

    Floating Solar Power

    • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on lakes, reservoirs, dams and other water bodies.
    • Requires floating platforms, anchoring systems and underwater cables.
    • Suitable where land availability is limited.

    Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

    • Established in 2011.
    • Functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
    • Nodal agency for implementing renewable energy schemes and conducting renewable energy auctions.

    PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana vs Surya Sarovar Yojana

    • PM Surya Ghar: Rooftop solar for households.
    • Surya Sarovar Yojana: Floating solar projects on reservoirs and water bodies.
    • Related Initiatives: National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Solar Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and PM-KUSUM Scheme

    [2022, GS3, 15.0 marks] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy help achieve the above objective? Explain.

    [2019] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements :
    1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
    2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Italy suspends Schengen pact with Spain amid Ceuta migrant crisis

    Why in the News?

    Around 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta enclave within 24 hours, prompting Italy to temporarily suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain for one month by reintroducing border checks.

    What is the Schengen Area?

    • A passport-free travel zone that abolishes internal border checks among participating European countries.
    • Members maintain common external border controls.
    • Internal border checks may be temporarily reintroduced on grounds of national security or public order.

    What Happened in Ceuta?

    • Around 60,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta from Morocco.
    • At least 57 migrants died during the crossing.
    • Spain deployed the armed forces and additional police to restore order.
    • Morocco used tear gas to disperse migrants near the border.

    Why is it Significant?

    • Highlights vulnerabilities at the EU’s external borders.
    • Tests the functioning of the Schengen free movement system.
    • Demonstrates that one member state can temporarily restore internal border controls during security emergencies.
    • Raises concerns over irregular migration, border management and humanitarian protection.

    Challenges

    • Rising irregular migration and human smuggling.
    • Balancing border security with humanitarian obligations.
    • Coordination among EU member states.
    • Political tensions between Spain, Morocco and other EU members.

    Ceuta

    • An autonomous Spanish city on the north coast of Africa, bordering Morocco.
    • Together with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa.
    • Frequently used as an entry point for migrants seeking access to Europe.

    Schengen Area

    • Established under the Schengen Agreement (1985).
    • Schengen Convention: 1990.
    • Implemented from 1995.
    • Comprises 29 countries (25 EU members and 4 non-EU countries).
    • Non-EU Schengen Members: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

    [2019] Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018?

    (a) Australia

    (b) Canada

    (c) The European Union

    (d) The United States of America.

  • Bloomberg again defers India’s Global Aggregate Bond Index inclusion

    Why in the News?

    Bloomberg Index Services Ltd deferred India’s inclusion in the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index for the second time, stating that recent market reforms need to be fully reflected in operational practice before inclusion.

    What is the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index?

    • A global benchmark tracking investment-grade government and corporate bonds.
    • Widely followed by global institutional and passive investors.
    • Inclusion can attract passive foreign capital inflows into a country’s bond market.

    Why was India’s Inclusion Deferred?

    • Recent tax reforms are yet to be fully implemented in market operations.
    • Automated trading systems are not fully operational across investor regions.
    • Foreign investor onboarding and account opening remain cumbersome.
    • Bloomberg seeks evidence of sustained operational efficiency before inclusion.

    Significance

    • Inclusion could attract an estimated $20-30 billion in foreign investment.
    • Expands the investor base for Indian Government Securities (G-Secs).
    • Helps reduce government borrowing costs.
    • Enhances India’s integration with global financial markets.

    Challenges

    • Operational bottlenecks in trading and settlement.
    • Complex onboarding process for foreign investors.
    • Global market uncertainty affecting capital flows.
    • Need for robust market infrastructure despite policy reforms.

    Government Securities (G-Secs)

    • Debt instruments issued by the Government of India to finance fiscal deficits.
    • Considered virtually risk-free as they carry a sovereign guarantee.

    India’s Recent Bond Index Inclusions

    • JPMorgan Government Bond Index Emerging Markets (GBI-EM): June 2024.
    • Bloomberg Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index: January 2025.
    • FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Government Bond Index: September 2025.

    June 2026 Reforms

    • Removal of withholding tax to improve investment attractiveness.
    • Removal of capital gains tax for eligible foreign investors in specified government bonds.

    [2011] Both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) are related to investment in a country. Which of the following statements best represents an important difference between the two?

    (a) FII helps bring better management skills and technology, while FDI only brings in capital.

    (b) FII helps in increasing capital availability in general, while FDI only targets specific sectors.

    (c) FDI flows only into the secondary market, while FII targets primary market.

    (d) FII is considered to be more stable than FDI.

  • Central government capex surges 66%, fiscal deficit narrows

    Why in the News?

    The Central Government’s capital expenditure (capex) increased by 66% to ₹89,255 crore in June 2026, while the fiscal deficit narrowed by 46% to ₹1.45 lakh crore, reflecting strong public investment despite revenue pressures.

    Key Highlights

    • Capex: Up 66% YoY to ₹89,255 crore.
    • FY 2026-27 Capex Target: ₹12.22 lakh crore; 28% achieved in the first quarter.
    • Fiscal Deficit: Reduced by 46% in June.
    • Direct Taxes: Corporate tax up 20% and income tax up 7% (Apr-Jun).
    • Customs Duty: Increased 36%, supported by higher duties on gold and silver.

    Why is the Fiscal Position Under Pressure?

    • Urea subsidy increased 68% to ₹53,034 crore.
    • Excise collections declined 22% due to fuel duty cuts.
    • Weak GST growth affected overall revenue.
    • Higher global crude oil prices may increase future expenditure.

    Significance

    • Higher capex boosts infrastructure, employment and long-term economic growth.
    • Lower fiscal deficit improves macroeconomic stability.
    • Strong direct tax collections indicate resilient formal economic activity.

    Challenges

    • Rising subsidy burden.
    • Declining fuel excise revenue.
    • Volatile global oil prices.
    • Sustaining fiscal consolidation while maintaining capital investment.

    Capital Expenditure (Capex)

    • Spending that creates long-term productive assets, such as roads, railways, ports and power infrastructure.
    • Promotes economic growth by increasing productive capacity.

    Revenue Expenditure

    • Spending on salaries, pensions, subsidies, interest payments and day-to-day government operations.
    • Does not create permanent assets.

    Fiscal Deficit

    • Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure − (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt Capital Receipts)
    • Indicates the government’s borrowing requirement during a financial year.
    • Primary Deficit: Fiscal deficit minus interest payments.
    • Revenue Deficit: Revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts.

    “[2025] A country’s fiscal deficit stands at ₹50,000 crores. It is receiving ₹10,000 crores through non-debt creating capital receipts. The country’s interest liabilities are ₹1,500 crores. What is the gross primary deficit?

    (a) ₹48,500 crores

    (b) ₹51,500 crores

    (c) ₹58,500 crores

    (d) None of the above.

  • Cabinet approves 5-year extension of PM-KISAN scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved a five-year extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with an outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. The annual assistance of ₹6,000 per farmer remains unchanged.

    What is PM-KISAN?

    • Launched in February 2019.
    • A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
    • Fully funded by the Central Government.

    Key Highlights

    • Scheme extended till 2030-31.
    • Total outlay: ₹3.15 lakh crore.
    • 23rd instalment (June 2026): Over 9.49 crore farmers received ₹18,984 crore.
    • Since launch, over ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred through 23 instalments.
    • Women beneficiaries have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore.

    Significance

    • Provides assured income support for purchasing seeds, fertilisers and other inputs.
    • Reduces dependence on informal credit.
    • Promotes financial inclusion through DBT.
    • Strengthens farmers’ income security.

    Challenges

    • Annual assistance (₹6,000) has remained unchanged since 2019 despite rising input costs.
    • Excludes tenant farmers and sharecroppers due to land ownership criteria.
    • Errors in Aadhaar and land records may exclude genuine beneficiaries.
    • Uniform benefit irrespective of landholding size or farm distress.

    Features of PM-KISAN

    • Type: Central Sector Scheme.
    • Funding: 100% Central Government.
    • Transfer Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
    • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

    Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

    • Introduced to transfer subsidies directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
    • Reduces leakages and improves transparency.
    • Uses the JAM Trinity: Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile

    Related Schemes

    • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
    • Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
    • PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
    • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

    [2015, GS3, 12.5 marks] In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.”

    [2020] Consider the following statements:
    1.Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.
    2.State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data.
    3.Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
    4.Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 4 only

    [B] 2 and 4 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3 only

  • IIP growth conceals consumer demand weakness

    Why in the News?

    India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 7.3% (YoY) in June 2026, the fastest growth in nearly two years. However, the strong headline growth was driven mainly by capital and infrastructure goods, while consumer non-durables remained weak, indicating subdued household demand.

    What is IIP?

    • Measures changes in the volume of industrial production.
    • Compiled and released monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • Covers three sectors: Manufacturing, Mining, and Electricity
    • Base Year: 2022-23.

    Key Highlights

    • Capital Goods: 13.98% growth, indicating strong investment activity.
    • Infrastructure Goods: 6.74% growth, supported by public infrastructure spending.
    • Consumer Non-Durables: Only 1.53% growth, reflecting weak consumption demand.

    Why is the Headline Misleading?

    • Growth is largely driven by government-led capital expenditure, not broad-based private consumption.
    • Weak consumer demand suggests limited purchasing power despite higher industrial output.
    • Consumer-oriented sectors continue to underperform compared to investment-driven sectors.

    Challenges

    • Weak rural and urban consumption.
    • Rising input costs and inflation affecting demand.
    • Global trade uncertainty impacting consumer industries.
    • Supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions.

    Significance

    • Used by policymakers, RBI and industry to track business cycles.
    • IIP is a high-frequency indicator of industrial performance.
    • Helps assess economic growth, investment trends and manufacturing activity.

    “[2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

    (a) Coal Production

    (b) Electricity generation

    (c) Fertilizer production

    (d) Steel production

  • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant reactor costs soar 55%

    Why in the News?

    The cost of Units 3 to 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) has increased by 55%, from ₹89,470 crore to ₹1,38,330 crore, mainly due to disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. The development comes as India opens its civil nuclear sector to private participation.

    Why has the Cost Increased?

    • War-related disruptions: Higher prices of imported reactor components, logistics and raw materials.
    • Construction delays: Longer project timelines increased financing and interest costs.
    • Capital-intensive nature: Capital cost accounts for nearly 60% of the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) in nuclear power.
    • Sector-wide trend: Similar cost escalation has been observed at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.

    Significance

    • Supports India’s goal of expanding clean, low-carbon electricity.
    • Highlights challenges in attracting private investment into nuclear energy.
    • Cost escalation may increase electricity tariffs and affect project viability.
    • Emphasises the need for resilient nuclear supply chains.

    Challenges

    • High upfront capital investment.
    • Long construction and payback periods.
    • Dependence on imported reactor technology and components.
    • Land acquisition and local opposition.
    • Geopolitical risks affecting global supply chains.

    Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)

    • Located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
    • Built with technical collaboration between India and Russia.
    • Uses VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor), a type of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR).
    • Operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

    Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

    • Established in 1954.
    • Functions directly under the Prime Minister’s Office.
    • Responsible for nuclear energy policy, research and development.

    Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

    • Established in 1983.
    • India’s independent nuclear safety regulator.
    • Regulates radiation safety, nuclear installations and licensing.
    • Does not determine nuclear tariffs or policy.

    India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme

    1. Stage I: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
    2. Stage II: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium.
    3. Stage III: Thorium-based reactors using U-233, leveraging India’s large thorium reserves.

    India’s Major Nuclear Power Plants

    • Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kakrapar (Gujarat), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan), Kaiga (Karnataka), Narora (Uttar Pradesh), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Gorakhpur (Haryana, under construction)

    [2018, GS3, 15.0 marks] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.
    [2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not ?

    a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
    b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
    c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
    d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

  • PM Modi inaugurates semiconductor project and other projects in Andhra Pradesh

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for ₹18,000 crore worth of projects in Andhra Pradesh, including a semiconductor project at Tarluvada (Visakhapatnam), to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and reduce import dependence.

    Key Components

    • Semiconductor Project (Tarluvada): Boost domestic chip manufacturing and employment.
    • National Highways: Four-lane NH-365BG sections and Tadipatri Bypass (NH-67).
    • Power Transmission: Integrate renewable energy from Kurnool and Ananthapuram into the National Grid.
    • Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: Improve connectivity for North Andhra, South Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

    Significance

    • Reduces dependence on imported semiconductors.
    • Diversifies India’s semiconductor ecosystem beyond Gujarat.
    • Supports Make in India, Digital India and electronics manufacturing.
    • Strengthens supply chain resilience and national technological security.
    • Renewable energy integration ensures reliable power for semiconductor fabrication.

    Challenges

    • Very high capital investment.
    • Limited domestic ecosystem for semiconductor equipment, chemicals and skilled manpower.
    • Long gestation period before commercial production.
    • Requirement of uninterrupted power and ultra-pure water.

    Semiconductor Value Chain

    • Chip Design
    • Wafer Fabrication (Fab)
    • Assembly, Packaging and Testing (OSAT/ATMP)
    • Integration into electronic products

    India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

    • Dholera (Gujarat): India’s first commercial semiconductor fab.
    • Morigaon (Assam): Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) facility.
    • Sanand (Gujarat): OSAT facility by CG Power-Renesas partnership.
    • Tarluvada (Andhra Pradesh): Expands the semiconductor ecosystem to southern India.
      • Importance of Semiconductors: Smartphones, Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Defence systems, Telecommunications (5G/6G), Medical devices, and Consumer electronics

    India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

    • Launched in 2021 under MeitY.
    • Financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore.
    • Supports: Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound Semiconductor & Silicon Photonics, Sensors, and OSAT/ATMP facilities
    • Objective: Develop an end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

    Note:

    • OSAT: Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test; packages and tests semiconductor chips.
    • ATMP: Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging of semiconductor devices.
    • Fab: Manufacturing facility where silicon wafers are processed into integrated circuits.

    [2025, GS3, 15.0 marks] India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.”

    [2026] Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is not correctly matched?

    [A] CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics: Gujarat

    [B] Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd: Assam

    [C] HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd: Madhya Pradesh

    [D] SicSem Pvt. Ltd: Odisha

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