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Subject: Science and Technology

  • What is Exoatmospheric Interception?

    Why in the news?

    Israel successfully intercepted an Iranian missile outside Earth’s atmosphere using an Exoatmospheric kill vehicle.

    Israeli Air-Defence Systems


    Israel’s multi-layered air defence system, including Iron Dome, The Arrow, and David’s Sling, was activated in anticipation of the attack.

    1. IRON DOME: The short-range Iron Dome air defence system was built to intercept the kind of rockets fired by the Hamas in Gaza. Developed by state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with US backing, it became operational in 2011. Each truck-towed unit fires radar-guided missiles to blow up short-range threats like rockets, mortars and drones in mid-air.
    2. ARROW: The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 system, developed by Israel with an Iranian missile threat in mind, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere, using a detachable warhead that collides with the target. It operates at an altitude that allows for the safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads.
    3. DAVID’S SLING: This mid-range system is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles fired from 100 km to 200 km away. Developed and manufactured jointly by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. Raytheon Co, David’s Sling is also designed to intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

    What are Exoatmospheric Missiles?

    • Exoatmospheric missiles, or anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs), operate beyond Earth’s atmosphere to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.
    • They employ advanced sensors and guidance systems to detect, track, and destroy targets in space.
    • Kinetic kill vehicles, like the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), rely on high-speed collisions to neutralize threats.
    • It travels at hypersonic speed.

    Working Mechanism of Exoatmospheric Missiles:

    • The EKV uses a solid rocket booster to propel itself into space.
    • Advanced sensors and onboard computers identify and track incoming threats.
    • Precise maneuvering allows the missile to navigate towards the target.
    • Impact from a high-speed collision eliminates the threat without traditional warheads, enhancing speed and accuracy.

    PYQ:

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

  • Geroscience: the Science related to Ageing

    Why in the news?

    • Dr. Daniel Belsky from Columbia University introduced the concept of “Geroscience” and develops a blood test, termed “gerozyme,” to measure aging pace by studying DNA methylation.
    • Various research groups explore drugs like Metformin and Rapamycin to target aging and enhance immunity in the elderly.

    What is Geroscience?

    • Geroscience refers to the interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the biological mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases.
    • It involves studying various factors, including DNA methylation, enzyme activity (such as the gerozyme), socio-economic influences, and lifestyle interventions like nutrition, exercise, and music therapy.
    • It aims to develop strategies, such as drug interventions targeting specific ageing-related processes, to promote healthy ageing and combat age-related conditions like dementia.

    What is DNA Methylation?

    • DNA Methylation is a process in which methyl groups (CH3) are added to the DNA molecule.
    • This modification typically occurs at cytosine bases within the DNA sequence, often in the context of CpG dinucleotides (where cytosine is followed by guanine).
    • DNA methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability.
    • It can affect various cellular processes, including embryonic development, X-chromosome inactivation, genomic imprinting, and silencing of repetitive DNA elements.
    • Aberrant DNA methylation patterns have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.

    Drug Interventions in Geroscience

    • Metformin and TORC1 inhibitors show promise in targeting aging and improving immune response in seniors.
    • Research proposes rapamycin’s potential in extending longevity and combating age-related diseases.

    Impact of Socio-Economic Factors in Ageing

    • Dr. Belsky’s research reveals the influence of socioeconomic status on DNA methylation levels, highlighting the role of disadvantage in ageing.
    • Columbia Aging Centre emphasizes the role of a balanced diet in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation.
    • Healthline.com advocates for proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich foods to promote healthy ageing, crucial for India’s ageing population.

    PYQ:

    [2011] At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?

    1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
    2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
    3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India, US to reactivate Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS)

    Why in the news?

    India and the US have decided to reactivate the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS).

    What is IndOOS?

    • Established in 2006, the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) comprises moored buoys strategically placed across the Indian Ocean.
    • It consists of a network of 36 moored buoys in the high seas to collect high-resolution ocean and atmospheric data for weather forecasts.
    • These buoys measure various parameters like seawater temperature, salinity, ocean currents, atmospheric humidity, and wind speed.
    • IndOOS originally focused on understanding and predicting the monsoon.
    • It now aids in climate modelling under changing climatic conditions and predicts extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.

    Objectives of IndOOS include:

    1. The primary objective of IndOOS is to provide continuous and high-quality oceanographic and meteorological data to support informed decision-making and improve scientific understanding of weather and climate.
    2. It aims to foster partnerships among Indian Ocean countries and beyond to enhance long-term monitoring and forecasting capabilities.

    Need for IndOOS

    • The Indian Ocean region, home to nearly one-third of the global population, faces significant vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme weather events.
    • Fisheries and rain-dependent agriculture in these regions are heavily influenced by the monsoon, making accurate weather forecasts crucial for mitigating potential damage to crops and livelihoods.
    • The Indian Ocean’s influence extends beyond its boundaries, redistributing heat across the planet and modulating the climate in the Pacific, North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

    Observing Networks under IndOOS

    • The framework for IndOOS comprises five observing networks:
    1. Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA)
    2. Profiling floats (part of the global Argo array)
    3. Surface drifters (Global Drifter Program, GDP)
    4. Repeat temperature lines (eXpendable Bathy Thermograph (XBT) network)
    5. Tide gauges
    • These networks are complemented by satellite observations of surface wind, sea level, temperature, salinity, rainfall, and ocean color.

    Partnerships and Support:

    • IndOOS originated from discussions among scientists during the First International Conference on the Ocean Observing System for Climate (OceanObs) in 1999.
    • An implementation plan for IndOOS was developed by the Indian Ocean Panel, established under the Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Global Ocean Observing System (IOC-GOOS) programs.

  • Crafted in Indian labs, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in Cancer Care

    Why in the News? 

    • President Droupadi Murmu launched India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy, hailing it as a major breakthrough against cancer.
    • This therapy was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, and it is known as ‘NexCAR19 CAR T-cell therapy’.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What is CAR T cell thearpy? 

    CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, to recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy is designed to target specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, such as CD19, which is commonly found on B cells.

    How are CAR-T cells made?

    Significance of CAR T Thearpy:

    • Promising results:  This therapy has shown promising results in treating some types of blood cancers, including certain kinds of lymphoma, pediatric leukemia, and adult leukemia.  It has shown with approximately 70% of patients responding to the treatment.
    • Less time for treatment: CAR T-cell therapies are generally a single infusion with less than 2 weeks of inpatient care, while stem cell transplants and chemotherapy treatment regimens can take months to complete

    Limitiations of CAR-T Therapy:

    • Risks of CAR-T Therapy: The efficacy of CAR-T therapy varies from person to person, and it is too early to declare it a complete cure. While it has shown remarkable progress in challenging cases, its effectiveness is not universal.
    • High Cost Therapy: NexCAR19 is priced at a fraction of its US counterpart, it remains relatively high for many Indians, ranging from ₹40 to 45 lakh.
    • It’s Side Effects includes:
      • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS is the most common side effect of CAR-T therapy, triggering an ‘Inflammatory Response’ that leads to immune system hyperactivity.
      • Neurotoxicity: Although not observed in early-stage clinical trials, neurotoxicity is a common side effect of CAR-T therapy that can manifest as confusion, seizures, or difficulty speaking or walking.
      • Infections and Blood Cell Counts: Patients undergoing CAR-T therapy may experience infections and low blood cell counts as anticipated side effects.

    Conclusion: India’s is moving towards heralding a breakthrough in Cancer Care Therapy. Despite cost challenges, Government efforts are aimed to enhance accessibility and better outputs in Healthcare Sector.

  • Microbial Formulations for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity

    Why in the news?

    The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), located in Kozhikode, has introduced and validated three new microbial formulations (Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum) aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

    IISR Microbial Formulations

    • It leverages granular lime and gypsum to address soil pH issues while simultaneously delivering beneficial microorganisms.
    • These are developed using IISR’s proprietary patent-applied technology.
    • The formulations are:
    1. Bactolime:
    • Bactolime, the flagship product, combines beneficial bacteria, specifically plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria, with liming material in a single formulation.
    • This integration ensures not only the correction of soil acidity but also the provision of essential nutrients to plants.
    1. Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum:
    • The other two formulations, Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum, utilize gypsum as a base material to buffer soil pH to a near-neutral level.
    • By creating an optimal environment for beneficial microbes, these formulations improve soil structure, enhance the availability of secondary nutrients, and boost overall microbial activity.

    Back2Basics: Soil Microbes

    Soil microbes refer to microorganisms that inhabit the soil environment and play vital roles in soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. These microorganisms are diverse and include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and algae.

    Function Benefits
    Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available to plants Enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth and yield
    Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Solubilize insoluble phosphorus, making it available to plants Increase phosphorus availability, promote root development and flowering
    Mycorrhizal Fungi Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, facilitate nutrient uptake Improve soil structure, enhance nutrient absorption, increase plant resilience
    Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, suppress pathogens Promote root development, improve nutrient efficiency, increase stress tolerance
    Actinomycetes Decompose organic matter, produce antibiotics Enhance soil fertility, control soil-borne diseases and pests
    Azotobacter Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce growth-promoting substances Increase nitrogen availability, stimulate root growth and nutrient uptake
    Azospirillum Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce phytohormones Enhance nitrogen availability, promote root growth and stress tolerance
    Bacillus spp. Produce antimicrobial compounds, enzymes Control plant diseases and pests, improve soil health and fertility

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

    (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

    (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

    (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields

    (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

  • NASA to establish Coordinated Lunar Time

    Why in the news?

    • The White House directed NASA to establish a time standard for the Moon, named Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026.
    • This move aims to facilitate coordination among international bodies and private companies operating on the lunar surface.

    Timekeeping on the Moon

    • The Moon has its own day and night cycle, which lasts about 29.5 Earth days.
    • Currently, the time on the Moon is measured using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the same timekeeping system used on the Earth.
    • However, because the Moon’s day is much longer than Earth’s day, it would be difficult to use UTC for day-to-day activities on the Moon.

    Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

    • UTC is a time standard introduced on January 1, 1960.
    • It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), which is maintained by atomic clocks around the world.
    • It is the primary time standard used by many countries, international organizations, and scientific research institutions.
    • It is expressed as a 24-hour clock and is used to indicate the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0).
    • Time zones are defined as an offset from UTC, with some time zones being ahead of UTC (UTC+1, UTC+2, etc.) and others being behind UTC (UTC-1, UTC-2, etc.).
    • It is adjusted periodically to account for changes in the Earth’s rotation, which can cause variations in the length of a day.
    • These adjustments are made through the addition of leap seconds to UTC, which help to keep the time standard synchronized with the Earth’s rotation.

    Need for a Lunar Time Standard

    1. Earth’s Time Standard:
    • Earth’s time standard is primarily based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris, France.
    • UTC is determined by a weighted average of over 400 atomic clocks worldwide, providing a universally agreed-upon standard for time measurement.
    1. Challenges with Earth’s Time Standard on the Moon:
    • Time on the Moon differs from Earth due to factors like gravity and the Moon’s rotation.
    • Time on the Moon ticks slightly faster due to lower gravity (about 56 microseconds every day) as per Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

    Establishing a Lunar Time Standard:

    1. Technical Considerations:
    • LTC cannot be based on UTC due to the time differences between Earth and the Moon.
    • Current lunar missions operate on independent timescales linked to UTC, but this approach becomes challenging with multiple space crafts on the Moon.
    1. Deployment of Atomic Clocks:
    • Like on Earth, atomic clocks can be deployed on the lunar surface to establish a time standard.
    • A 2023 report suggests placing at least three atomic clocks on the Moon’s surface, accounting for variations in lunar rotation and local gravity.
    1. Synthesizing Time Measurements:
    • Atomic clocks placed at different lunar locations will tick at the Moon’s natural pace.
    • Output from these clocks will be combined using algorithms to generate a unified time standard for the Moon, tied back to UTC for Earth operations.

    Earth’s Latitudinal Variations on Time

    • On Earth, atomic clocks placed at different latitudes experience variations in time due to differences in rotational speed of Earth.
    • Earth rotates faster at the Equator compared to the poles, resulting in different time measurements.

    Benefits offered by Lunar Time

    • Having a lunar time zone would also make it easier for scientists and researchers to conduct experiments and collect data on the Moon.
    • It would also help to prevent confusion and errors that could arise from using different timekeeping systems on Earth and the Moon.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?

    1. The gravitational force of the Sun

    2. The gravitational force of the Moon

    3. The centrifugal force of the Earth

    Select the correct option using the code given below:

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Air-breathing Magnesium- Copper- Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.

    Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    • A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
    • It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
    • The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.

    What is a Fuel Cell?

    • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
    • It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
    • They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
    • Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
    • Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

    Significance of the Device

    • This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
    • Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.

    PYQ:

    2015:

    With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :

    1.    If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.

    2.    Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.

    3.    Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Health Sector can’t ignore Telemedicine’s Green Gains, study shows

    Why in the news? 

    Recently a study by researchers at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, has found that around 70-80% of people who visit an Eye Hospital can benefit from teleconsultations because their problems aren’t serious enough to require attention at a hospital.

    Key points as report:

    • Telemedicine in High-Income Countries: Studies in high-income countries have shown that telemedicine is both patient- and environment-friendly for delivering healthcare services.
    • Carbon Emissions from the Healthcare Sector: According to the International Comparison of Healthcare Carbon Footprints analysis, India’s healthcare sector emitted 74 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2014, around 3% of India’s total emissions of the gas that year.
    • Carbon Neutrality in Healthcare: The healthcare sector should aim for carbon neutrality to mitigate its environmental impact. Teleophthalmology is cited as an efficient and effective tool to help achieve this goal, as demonstrated by the lead author’s remarks.

    The teleophthalmology process:

    What are Telemedicine’s Green Gains?

    • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Teleophthalmology significantly reduces the need for patients, especially those from rural areas, to travel long distances to access healthcare services. This leads to a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
    • Economic Gains: Teleophthalmology results in significant cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. Patients save money on travel expenses
    • Easy Accessibility: Teleophthalmology improves access to eye care services, especially for individuals living in remote or rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. It allows patients to receive timely consultations without the need for extensive travel.
    • Targeted Care Gains: Teleophthalmology is particularly beneficial for patients with minor eye problems like mild refractive errors or regular preventive eye check-ups. It enables healthcare providers to target specific demographics and deliver personalized care more effectively.

    Conclusion: The recent study highlights teleophthalmology’s potential in reducing carbon emissions and improving accessibility to eye care, emphasizing its role in achieving carbon neutrality and delivering cost-effective, targeted healthcare services, particularly for minor eye issues.

  • POEM-3: ISRO’s ‘Zero Orbital Debris’ Milestone

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    About PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)

    • Launched on January 1, 2024, POEM-3 utilized the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which initially launched XPoSat.
    • It is a three-axis-altitude controlled platform with power generation and tele-command & telemetry capabilities, for supporting Payloads.
    • The XPoSat mission aimed to leave no debris in space, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to responsible space practices.
    • Upon deployment into its orbit at 650 km, POEM-3 was maneuvered to a 350 km circular orbit to minimize orbit decay time after the experiment’s completion.
    • After completing 400 orbits, POEM-3 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere after 73 days in space.

    Significance of this achievement

    • With the rise in the number of satellites in orbit around the earth, space debris has become a pressing issue.
    • Space debris in the low earth orbit (LEO) mainly comprises pieces of spacecraft, rockets, and defunct satellites, and the fragments of objects that have deteriorated explosively as a result of anti-satellite missile tests.
    • This debris often flies around at high speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour.
    • Due to their sheer volume and momentum, they pose a risk to several space assets.

    Threats posed by Space Debris

    • Space debris also leads to two major risks:
    1. It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
    2. Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

    Various Initiatives to mitigate the Space Debris Issue

    Description
    Project NETRA ISRO initiative for early warning system in space to detect debris and hazards to the Indian satellites.

    It can spot, track and catalogue objects as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km and equal to a space orbit of around 2,000 km.
    Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Established in 2002 by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and endorsed by the United Nations in 2007.
    Zero Debris Charter by ESA Adopted by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the goal of achieving zero space debris by 2030.
    NASA’s Orbital Debris Program NASA’s initiative since 1979, focusing on reducing orbital debris creation, tracking existing debris, and exploring debris removal technologies.
    Space Force Tracking System Implemented by the U.S. Space Force to monitor space debris and assess collision risks in low Earth orbit (LEO).
    Chinese Debris Removal Initiatives China’s efforts include deploying spacecraft for debris removal with innovative technologies like solar sails.
    Japanese CRD2 Demonstration Partnership between Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Astroscale to develop debris removal technologies.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) recently re-entered Earth’s Orbit. What is so significant about this re-entry?

    (a) It practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    (b) It facilitated groundbreaking research on the effects of microgravity on biological organisms.

    (c) It paved the way for the development of reusable spacecraft technology, reducing the cost of future space missions.

    (d) None of these.

  • What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip?

    Why in the News? 

    The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the setup of three semiconductor facilities as part of the initiative to develop semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems in the country. One is in Assam and the other two are in Gujarat.

    Need for Semiconductor hub in India:

    • Right now, only a few countries in the world make computer chips. Due to the issues like COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between countries, it’s become clear that we need more countries to manufacture these chips instead of Depending on the single country (Taiwan issue).
    • For example, the TATA Group, working with a company from Taiwan called Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), is building a factory in Gujarat to make chips.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What is a Semiconductor chip? How is it manufactured?

    It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) that serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits. These chips can perform various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.

    What is a transistor?

    A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices and circuits. Transistors can be thought of as electronic switches that can be turned on or off, or can be used to amplify electrical signals.

    What is fabrication technology?

    Fabrication technology, often referred to as semiconductor fabrication technology or semiconductor manufacturing, is the process of creating electronic devices and integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor materials such as silicon. It involves a series of complex steps to build electronic components, including transistors, diodes, and resistors, as well as connecting them to create functional electronic circuits.

    What is known as a wafer?

    A wafer refers to a thin, flat slice of semiconductor material, typically made of silicon. Silicon wafers are the primary substrate used in the fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) and other semiconductor devices.

     

    Efforts made by the Indian Government to build Semiconductor Ecosystem:

    • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): The Indian government is actively promoting semiconductor industry growth through initiatives and incentives, including the establishment of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and a significant financial package to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing.
    • Effort to boost Domestic manufacturing: India is also working to attract international investments to bolster domestic manufacturing. An example of this is Micron Technology’s planned Assembly, Test, Mark, and Pack (ATMP) facility in Gujarat, with a total investment of $2.75 billion, set to produce the first “Made in India” chip by the end of 2024
    • International Partnership: The US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) have decided to establish a partnership, with the US presently having a ‘Chip 4’ alliance with the world’s top semiconductor makers – Taiwan, Japan

    Conclusion: India’s semiconductor ecosystem is proliferating, backed by government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and partnerships with global players. Efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and international collaborations signify India’s emergence as a key player in the semiconductor industry.