19th November 2024
Article: 19th November, 2024
Topic: India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy
Source: PIB
Context
- In Morigaon, Assam, a semiconductor plant has been established, with an anticipated completion date of mid-2025.
About
- The initiative is expected to rank among the top manufacturing locations and supports the country’s overarching objective of creating an independent semiconductor industry.
- Up to 48 million semiconductor chips are anticipated to be produced daily.
- It is made to serve vital industries like consumer electronics, telecommunications, electric vehicles, and automobiles.
- India will be positioned as a competitive force in the global semiconductor supply chain by catering to both domestic and foreign markets.
What are Semiconductors?
- Materials classified as semiconductors have electrical characteristics in between those of insulators (like rubber) and conductors (like metals).
- Under specific circumstances, they possess the unusual capacity to carry electricity while acting as insulators under others.
- Integrated circuits (ICs) or microchips composed of pure elements, usually silicon or germanium, are other names for them.
- Doping is the process of adding trace amounts of impurities to these pure elements, which significantly alters the material’s conductivity.
- Uses: A wide variety of electronic gadgets employ semiconductors.
- Semiconductor materials are essential to transistors, which are key parts of contemporary electronic circuits.
- From computers to cell phones, they serve as switches or amplifiers.
- Moreover, integrated circuits, LEDs, and solar cells all employ semiconductors.
Semiconductor Market
- According to industry estimates, the Indian semiconductor market is expected to reach $109 billion by 2030, from an estimated $38 billion in 2023.
- Strong demand and government programs like the production-linked incentive scheme are the main drivers of this expansion.
- A survey by Counterpoint Research and the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association claims that the IT and mobile phone industries are dominating the market, accounting for more than 75% of total sales.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Must Be Prioritized
- Strategic Importance: Because of their economic significance, semiconductors have emerged as a major strategic industry area for many nations, with both governments and businesses making significant investments in R&D to stay innovative and competitive.
- Dependency on worldwide Supply Chain: The significant 2021 scarcity of such chips highlighted the worldwide industry’s reliance on a small number of important suppliers.
- With roughly 44% of the global market, Taiwan is currently the leading chipmaker in the world. China is next with 28%, South Korea with 12%, the United States with 6%, and Japan with 2%.
- Governments are investing enormous sums of money to develop more robust domestic chip industries in an attempt to reduce that reliance.
Assistance from the Government
- Semicon India: The program aims to expand the nation’s ecosystem for the production of semiconductors and displays.
– The program’s objective is to give businesses that invest in semiconductors, display production, and the design ecosystem financial support.
- India Semiconductor Mission: It operates as a specialized branch of the Digital India Corporation.
– Its primary objective is to develop a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem in order to establish India as a major participant in the design and manufacturing of electronics worldwide.
- A total of 85,000 highly skilled and competent engineers are receiving training in various fields under the Chips to Startup (C2S) Program, which is being implemented at 113 academic institutions, R&D companies, startups, and MSMEs.
- The construction of three semiconductor plants—two in Gujarat and one in Assam—was authorized by the government in February 2024.
The Way Ahead
- The need for semiconductors is growing rapidly due to the emergence of digital technologies, AI, IoT, and 5G. India is in a good position to benefit from this trend because of its growing tech sector.
- International Investment: Leading international corporations are looking into prospects in India, including TSMC and Intel. This infusion of foreign capital will support the growth of regional infrastructure and knowledge.
- Startup Ecosystem: The semiconductor design and related technologies sector in India is home to a thriving startup ecosystem that promotes innovation and advances the industry as a whole.
- Infrastructure Development: To support the expansion of the semiconductor sector, better infrastructure is being created, including special economic zones (SEZs) for the production of electronics.
- Talent Pool: India has a sizable pool of highly qualified professionals and engineering graduates that can help meet the semiconductor industry’s labor demands.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements regarding India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
1. Within Digital India Corporation, it has been established as an independent business division.
2. It is responsible for accelerating the manufacturing, packaging, and design ecosystem of India Semiconductor and possesses all administrative and financial authority.
3. It has been serving as a nodal agency for the Semicon India Program-approved schemes.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 and 3
- 2 only
- 1 and 2
- 1, 2, 3
Ans: d
Explanation
Within Digital India Corporation, ISM has been established as an independent business division. It is responsible for accelerating the manufacturing, packaging, and design ecosystem of India Semiconductor and possesses all administrative and financial authority. For the schemes authorized under the Semicon India Program, it has been serving as the nodal agency.
Mains Model Questions
Q. Discuss about the need and difficulties of creating an ecosystem in India for the production of semiconductors and displays.
| Introduction: In terms of its capacity to carry electrical current, a semiconductor is a class of material whose characteristics lie halfway between those of conductors and insulators. By adding impurities or using an external electric field, semiconductors’ electrical conductivity can be changed. Body: Importance: Strategic Security: Because semiconductors are used in everything from smartphones to military hardware, home manufacturing lowers reliance on outside vendors and lowers the possibility of supply chain interruptions. This strengthens national security and gives India more strategic autonomy.Tech Independence: Dependence on foreign chips impedes the advancement of domestic technology. India can develop its own solutions and become independent of foreign technologies thanks to an indigenous ecosystem that speeds up technological development across sectors. Economic Booster: The sector encourages innovation, draws in international investment, and provides highly skilled jobs. It has a knock-on effect on the economy by boosting downstream sectors like electronics production.Decreased Imports: At present, India imports more than $60 billion worth of semiconductors every year. This import bill can be considerably reduced by domestic manufacturing, improving the balance of payments and conserving important foreign currency. Challenges in the ecology of display manufacturing: Technological Complexity: The intrinsic technological complexity involved in creating cutting-edge display technologies makes it difficult to build an ecosystem for display manufacturing. Capital-intensive: Investing much in state-of-the-art machinery and facilities is necessary to build a strong display manufacturing infrastructure. Supply Chain Constraints: Manufacturing operations may be negatively impacted by supply chain vulnerabilities, such as geopolitical conflicts or interruptions. Global Competition: Strategic planning and ongoing improvement initiatives are necessary to compete on price, quality, and technical innovation on a worldwide scale. The way ahead Investment in R&D: To stay competitive and meet the changing demands of the market, embrace innovation. Collaborative Partnerships: Working together may reduce risks, exchange knowledge, and solve problems in manufacturing and technology development. Supply chain diversification: Find substitute suppliers for essential components and raw materials to create a more robust and flexible manufacturing environment. Market Strategies That Are Agile: React quickly to changes in the market and customer preferences. Recognize trends, spend money on market research, and quickly modify production plans to satisfy shifting consumer needs. Intellectual Property Protection: To protect intellectual technology, make wise licensing decisions, invest in strong patent tactics, and keep an eye out for infringement. |
Article: 19th November, 2024
Topic: No dual eco-clearance for 39 categories of industry
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment Pollution
Source: The Hindu
Context
- In an effort to streamline procedures and facilitate commercial dealings, the Environment Ministry exempted some industry groups from requiring both environmental clearance (EC) and consent to establish (CTE) approvals.
Background: In brief
- In the past, industries had to get both EC and CTE, which frequently resulted in delays and higher compliance expenses.
- 39 non-polluting “white category” industries have been excused by the MoEFCC from the need to get both EC and CTE. These businesses, which currently only require an EC, include the production of solar cells and modules, wind and hydel power units, and leather cutting and stitching.
- According to this classification, industries are divided into four groups, each of which is represented by a color: red, orange, green, and white.
- Because the products they create produce harmful effluents, “red” category industries are subject to the highest monitoring.
- To make sure that the exempted businesses follow environmental laws, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) would be essential.
- Dual approvals are required by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 in order to stop pollution from industrial activities.
Advantages of Exemption Granting
- Decreased Compliance burden: The government hopes to lessen the administrative strain on industry by doing away with the requirement for separate clearances.
- Quicker Execution of Projects: The streamlined procedure will promote investment and accelerate project timelines.
- Ease of Doing Business: This reform supports the government’s overarching objective of enhancing the business environment in India.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements
1. In India, there isn’t a single national regulator in charge of granting all project environmental permits.
2. Only initiatives that are anticipated to negatively affect the environment are subject to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: a
Explanation
In India, there isn’t a single national regulator in charge of granting all project environmental permits. A proposed project’s possible environmental effects, both positive and negative, are evaluated through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The EIA’s goal is to give the public and decision-makers a thorough grasp of how a project can damage the environment so that they can make well-informed decisions and put mitigation plans in place to lessen or even eliminate any negative effects. The EIA procedure also allows for the evaluation of positive effects, such as environmental benefits.
Mains Model Questions
Q. Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard. (UPSC PYQ 2024)
| Introduction: According to a CPCB report, untreated industrial effluent discharge is one of the main causes of the organic pollution that pollutes 46% of India’s 603 rivers, as measured by Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (3 mg/L). Body: River water pollution from industry is a serious environmental problem: Impact on river water quality: The CPCB claims that the Ganges and Yamuna frequently have levels of contaminants such heavy metals, fecal coliform, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and other harmful compounds that are above allowable limits.Impact on Aquatic Life: The population of the endangered Ganges River dolphin has been negatively impacted by the high levels of toxins in the Ganges.Public Health Concerns: The World Bank estimates that water contamination causes 1.5 million avoidable waterborne illness deaths in India each year. Socioeconomic Impacts: Using tainted water for irrigation reduces fish populations, lowers crop yields, and degrades the aesthetic and cultural significance of rivers that are essential to India’s history. Strategies for mitigating this issue: Strict Enforcement of Environmental Regulations: For instance, the Environment Protection Act of 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974, which provide guidelines for industrial effluent discharge. Industries are required to install on-site ETPs and CETPs (Common Effluent Treatment Plants) to treat wastewater prior to its release into waterways. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Policy: Promoting the use of ZLD technologies by industries to guarantee that all wastewater is recycled and treated on-site. Cleaner Production Methods and Green Chemistry: This involves reducing the production of pollutants at their source by utilizing energy-efficient procedures and ecologically friendly raw materials. Monitoring and Riverbank Buffer Zones: Setting up real-time water quality monitoring systems and creating buffer zones around rivers where industrial activity is prohibited Initiatives from the government in this area: The Namami Gange Program Under this scheme, more than 150 sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been approved to enhance the Ganga’s water quality.Water conservation, pollution reduction, and encouraging effective water use in industry are the main objectives of the National Water Mission, which is part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.NGT, or the National Green Tribunal: In several river basins, the NGT has ordered the closure of 123 industries for failing to comply with environmental regulations.Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & SPCBs): State and federal pollution control boards establish water quality guidelines and regulate industrial discharges. To guarantee compliance, routine inspections and pollution audits are carried out. Conclusion: Therefore, more effective enforcement and technology advancements, like Denmark’s wastewater treatment plan, can help reduce river pollution in a sustainable manner. |
Article: 19th November, 2024
Topic: Suspension of IAS Officers
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Governance
Source: The Hindu
Context
- Two IAS officers were recently suspended by the Kerala government for allegedly breaking the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
What Is Covered by the Conduct Rules?
- For IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officials, the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 (AIS Rules) establish a code of conduct that guarantees the highest levels of morality, honesty, and responsibility.
Important clauses consist of:
- Ethical Standards: Officers must be honest and preserve political impartiality, and respect constitutional principles.
- Public Communication:
- Officers are only permitted to engage in public media for legitimate work-related reasons.
- It is forbidden to criticize government policies in public forums.
- Before going to the courts or media to defend official actions, officers must first obtain government approval.
- The Omnibus Rule states that officers cannot behave in a way that is “unbecoming of a member of the service.”
- Changes Over Time: Although the guidelines have been revised, they still don’t specifically address behavior on social media.
Benefits of Civil Servants Using Social Media
- Improved Public Engagement: By speaking with residents face-to-face, civil workers can respond to their issues and give them timely updates.
- Increased Accountability and Transparency: social media may be used to disseminate information about government initiatives and policies, which promotes accountability and transparency.
- Positive Public Perception: The public’s opinion of government institutions can be improved through the effective use of social media.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Civil servants may work together and share knowledge thanks to websites like LinkedIn and Twitter.
Drawbacks of Civil Servants’ Use of Social Media
- Erosion of Anonymity: Civil officials’ customary anonymity may be jeopardized, which could have an impact on their capacity to offer objective counsel.
- Risk of Abuse: social media can be abused to disseminate false information, lobby for political causes, or obtain personal advantage.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Civil officials are susceptible to internet harassment and cyberattacks.
- Distraction from Core Duties: Using social media excessively can cause one to lose focus on their primary obligations.
Way Ahead
- Unambiguous Guidelines: Provide guidelines for federal servants’ use of social media that guarantee their objectivity and steer clear of conflicts of interest.
- Education and Awareness: Offer instruction on moral social media conduct, stressing the need to strike a balance between anonymity and accessibility.
- Avoiding Self-Promotion: Avoid using official platforms to promote personal branding. Instead, then emphasizing individual efforts, highlight institutional accomplishments.
- Increasing the Effectiveness of Accountability Mechanisms Instead than using social media alone, encourage accountability through well-established avenues like RTI and public grievance redressal procedures.
- Promoting Digital Bureaucracy: Consider best practices from nations such as the UK, where neutrality is maintained while digital platforms are used efficiently.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements
1. All civil officials in the nation are subject to the All-India Service Conduct Rules, 1968.
2. Under some circumstances, verbal instructions from superiors are allowed.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b
Explanation
The All-India Service Conduct Rules, 1968, regulate the Indian Forest Service, IPS, and IAS, the three All India Services. The Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, 1964, apply to the other civil services.
A well-written rule outlines how to respond to verbal directives from superiors. It states that the official superior’s instructions must typically be given in writing. When giving instructions orally becomes inevitable, the official superior must promptly confirm it in writing.
Mains Model Questions
Q. Describe how crucial the code of conduct is to a civil servant’s performance of their duties. Describe the differences between the code of ethics and the code of conduct.
| Introduction: In a modern democracy, a civil servant is an official who works for the people and is chosen based on predetermined standards. Officials who work as civil servants are expected to act in the best interests of the country and its residents and must be knowledgeable about its laws and regulations. They are in charge of overseeing the effective and efficient use of the government’s resources. For a parliamentary system to work effectively, civil workers must maintain their independence, bravery, and honesty. Body: Code of conduct for civil servants In the 1930s, a set of rules known as “Conduct Rules,” which included “do’s and don’ts,” was published. The compilation was split up into several regulations by the 1955 adoption of the All India Services Rules. The Santhanam Committee’s suggestion resulted in the 1964 version of these regulations. These guidelines were later amended to include additional behavioral expectations. The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, state that each employee must uphold: – Honesty and integrity; neutrality in politics; advancing the values of merit, justice, and impartiality in the performance of tasks; – transparency and accountability; – responsiveness to the whole public, especially the weaker segments; – being polite and acting appropriately with the public. Rules for code of conduct against code of ethics A draft “Public Service Bill” was released in 2007 by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions with the goal of establishing a set of general criteria for civil officials known as “values.” The following are the main “values” that the Bill envisions: – adherence to the different principles stated in the Constitution’s preamble Apolitical functioning The main objective of the civil service should be good governance for the benefit of the populace. obligation to behave impartially and objectively Transparency and accountability in the making of decisions upholding the greatest moral idealsMerit should be the criterion used to choose civil workers, while keeping in mind the country’s cultural, ethnic, and other diversity. Maintaining economy and preventing waste in spending establishing a welcoming and healthful workplace Conclusion: A public service code and a public service management code, which provide more detailed criteria, are included in the proposed bill. The major and minor fines currently imposed by leaders of organizations and institutions would be comparable to the penalties for code violations. It is also intended that a “Public Service Authority” will supervise the application of the code and the stated objectives and offer guidance on both. |
Article: 19th November, 2024
Topic: Small Nuclear Reactors (SMR)
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Energy
Source: Indian Express
Context
- India has declared its intention to use public-private partnerships to assist in the development of up to 50 small nuclear reactors (SMRs).
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMR)?
- Advanced nuclear reactors known as small modular reactors (SMRs) may generate up to 300 MW(e) of power per unit, which is about one-third of what conventional nuclear power plants can produce.
- Small: Physically, it is much smaller than a traditional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular: Systems and components can be factory-assembled and delivered as a single unit to a site for installation thanks to modular design.
- Reactors: using nuclear fission to create heat in order to create energy.
- Light water, high temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt are the four primary forms of SMR.
Benefits of SMR
- Enhanced Safety Features: Without the need for external power or human intervention, SMRs prevent overheating by using passive safety measures including natural convection and gravity-driven cooling.
- Flexibility: SMRs’ modular design enables gradual power upgrades, making them perfect for expanding energy requirements.
- Applicability for Remote and Off-Grid Areas: Due to their tiny size, SMRs can be used in a variety of applications, such as water desalination and district heating, as well as smaller grid systems.
- Cost-effective building: Prefabrication in controlled settings saves money and time during on-site building.
Issues
- Regulatory Difficulties: Large-scale reactors are the main target of the existing nuclear regulatory framework.
- Legal Obstacles: Because of financial risk concerns, foreign investors are discouraged by India’s Civil liabilities for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which distributes operators’ liabilities to equipment suppliers.
- High Initial Costs: Despite the fact that SMRs are intended to be more economical over time, a substantial initial capital expenditure is required.
- Waste Management: Managing and getting rid of nuclear waste is still quite difficult.
- Manufacturing and the Supply Chain: SMRs’ success depends on creating a strong supply chain for their component parts and making sure that their manufacturing procedures are of high quality.
India’s initiatives
- SMRs are seen as a crucial technology for industrial decarbonization and the energy transition, per an NITI Aayog report.
- The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai is currently conducting research and development on SMRs.
- One noteworthy project under this program is the Bharat Small Reactor (BSR), which intends to re-engineer existing reactors to add more safety features and improve their efficiency.
- A collaboration program centred on SMRs and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) has been initiated between France and India.
The Way Ahead
- The SMRs and growing usage of renewable energy could fill energy gaps and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
- To guarantee that this technology is created and used properly, however, considerable thought and international collaboration will be required.
Also Read Topics & Concepts:
Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
1. Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit are known as SMRs.
2. SMRs can be placed in areas that are unsuitable for larger nuclear power plants.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: c
Explanation
SMRs are more cost-effective to construct than large power reactors, which are frequently built for a specific location and can occasionally cause delays in construction. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is roughly one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
Mains Model Questions
Q. One possible answer to India’s expanding energy needs is the Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Discuss about the benefits and difficulties of using SMR technology in India, and evaluate its feasibility in light of the nation’s environmental and energy security pledges.
| Introduction: Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit are known as small modular reactors, or SMRs. In order to meet energy demands while improving safety and cutting costs, they provide a flexible and scalable approach to nuclear power. SMRs are of interest to India because of their ability to meet the nation’s expanding energy demands and environmental obligations. Body: SMRs’ Potential to Meet India’s Energy Needs: Flexibility and Scalability: SMRs can be built piecemeal, enabling the slow expansion of nuclear capacity.Shorter Time Spent on Construction Compared to conventional reactors, SMRs’ modular architecture enables quicker construction, which helps to satisfy pressing energy demands. Improved Safety Features SMRs are appropriate for densely populated regions because they use cutting-edge safety designs that reduce the chance of mishaps. Support for Renewable Integration: In addition to intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, SMRs can offer a reliable baseload power source. SMR Technology Benefits: Reduced Capital Costs: SMRs’ modular design and smaller size lower the initial investment needed for nuclear programs. Site Flexibility: There are more alternatives for the deployment of nuclear energy because SMRs can be constructed in areas that are unsuitable for big reactors. Improved Security and Safety: SMRs are built with cutting-edge safety features that lessen the possibility of serious collisions.Decreased Environmental Footprint: SMRs are more environmentally friendly since they generate less nuclear waste and have a smaller physical footprint. Challenges Related to SMRs: Regulatory Obstacles: Creating a framework for SMR regulation is difficult and necessitates a major modification of current nuclear laws. Significant Initial Costs: SMRs might have significant initial development and license costs, despite their long-term cost savings. Technology Demonstration: Successful demonstration projects are necessary to demonstrate the viability of SMR technology, which is still in the development stage. Perception and Acceptance by the Public: For SMRs to be widely accepted, public concerns over nuclear safety and waste management must be addressed. SMR viability in the context of India: Energy Security: By lowering reliance on fossil fuels and offering a steady and dependable power source, SMRs can help ensure energy security.Environmental Objectives: By offering a low-carbon energy source, SMRs help India fulfill its pledge to cut carbon emissions.Economic Growth: By generating jobs and drawing investment to the nuclear industry, the construction of SMRs can promote economic growth.International Cooperation: Working on SMR technology with foreign partners can improve India’s technical prowess and reputation internationally. Conclusion: India’s energy needs could be met by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have benefits in terms of scalability, safety, and economic feasibility. Even if there are still obstacles to overcome, international cooperation, regulatory assistance, and strategic investments can facilitate the integration of SMRs into India’s energy landscape, promoting environmental sustainability and energy security in the long run. |
