1.Semiconductor

What is a Semiconductor Chip?

• Semiconductor: semiconductor possess electrical conductivity properties intermediate between conductors and insulators, which can be modified by introducing dopants.
• Semiconductor chips, transistors, fabrication technology, and wafers are interdependent components essential for electronic device functionality.
• Transistors serving as the building blocks of semiconductor chips fabricated on wafers using specific technologies, enabling the creation of complex devices powering modern technology.

Semiconductor chips

• It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) which serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits.
• These chips can contain billions of microscopic switches on a chip smaller than a fingernail.
• The basic component of a semiconductor chip is a silicon wafer etched with tiny transistors that control the flow of electricity according to various computational instructions.
• It performs various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.
• They are a critical part of almost every modern electronic device, including smartphones, computers, and integrated circuits.

Transistor

• Transistors are fundamental components of semiconductor devices that amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
  • They are the building blocks of modern electronic devices and are used in various applications, including amplifiers, switches, and digital circuits.
• Fabrication Technology:
  • Fabrication technology refers to the process of creating semiconductor devices like chips and transistors. It involves several key steps, including wafer preparation, photolithography, etching, doping, and packaging.
• Wafer:
  • A wafer (also called a slice or substrate) is a thin slice of semiconductor material, such as crystalline silicon, used for the fabrication of integrated circuits.
  • A semiconductor chip is produced by printing an array of chips on a circular semiconductor wafer, similar to how postage stamps are printed on a sheet and then cut out individually.
  • Larger wafer sizes in the industry enable more chips to be printed on a single wafer, accelerating and reducing the cost of chip production, despite the technical challenges and initial capital expenses involved.

News

• The Prime Minister on the occasion of 78th Independence day, outlined commitment towards becoming a global leader in semiconductor production and achieving the target of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

About

• There was a time when India used to import mobile phones but now India has created a manufacturing ecosystem in the country and emerged as a big manufacturing hub. 
• Many global companies are eager to invest in India, with the nation poised to become a global leader in semiconductor production.
• There is a need for state governments to compete in attracting these investments, which requires policies that ensure good governance and law and order.

India’s Semiconductor Industry

• In 2022, the Indian semiconductor market was valued at US$ 26.3 billion and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 26.3% to US$ 271.9 billion by 2032.

• Semiconductor devices include diodes, transistors and photovoltaic cells assembled or not assembled in modules or panels, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and mounted piezo-electric crystals.

Factors favouring India

• Skilled Workforce: India leads the world with record number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, offering the much-needed skilled workforce required in semiconductor manufacturing, design, research, and development.
• Cost Advantage: India offers a substantial cost advantage for semiconductor manufacturing due to the lower labour cost, supply chain efficiency and emerging ecosystem.
• Global Supply Chain Diversification: India has become a preferred destination for back-end assembly and testing operations amidst this industry relocation, with potential for future front-end manufacturing.
• Policy support: The Indian government has promptly seized the opportunity following the global semiconductor supply chain glut after the pandemic and showed great intent through policy support to present India as an alternative to China in the global semi supply chain. 

Government Initiatives

• India Semiconductor Mission: It functions as a dedicated division within the Digital India Corporation.
  • Its main goal is to nurture a strong semiconductor and display ecosystem to position India as a prominent global player in electronics manufacturing and design.
  • Under ISM, there are several schemes in place:

• The government offers incentives for manufacturing setup in India:
  • Under the Semiconductor Fab Scheme, fiscal support of 50% of the project cost on an equal footing for all technology nodes.
  • Under the Display Fab Scheme, fiscal support of 50% of the project cost on an equal footing basis.
  • Under the Compound Semiconductor Scheme, fiscal support of 50% of the capital expenditure on an equal footing basis, including support for discrete semiconductor fabs.
• In February 2024, the government approved the establishment of three semiconductor plants, two in Gujarat and one in Assam.

Way Ahead

• India is poised to witness exponential growth in its semiconductor industry with the advent of well-thought initiatives as well as calculated partnerships. 
• Through the European Commission and Japan, the Indian government’s MoU indicates their commitment to take proactive steps towards strengthening global semiconductor ecosystems. 
• With sustained efforts and a proactive stance, India is on course to solidify its position as a leading semiconductor manufacturing hub, contributing majorly to technological advancement and economic growth

2. Uniform civil code

NEWS

• In his 11th Independence Day speech, PM Modi called for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), framing it as a “Secular Civil Code” as distinct from the existing “communal civil code”.

What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

• A Uniform Civil Code refers to the provision of one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities, in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.
• Currently, separate personal laws apply for the members of different major religions.
• The Supreme Court in 2019 hailed Goa as a “shining example” of an Indian State which has a functioning UCC. 

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution says that the state “shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”. 
• Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while not enforceable or justiciable in a court of law, are fundamental to the country’s governance.

UCC in India

• UCC in Goa: It follows the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which means that people of all religions in Goa are subject to the same laws on marriage, divorce, and succession.
  • The Goa Daman and Diu Administration Act of 1962, which was passed after Goa joined the union as a territory in 1961, gave Goa permission to apply the Civil Code.
• States like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have expressed their willingness to follow the UCC, none have officially adopted it.

Arguments in favor of UCC

• Uniformity in Governance: Having a common set of laws would streamline governance and administrative processes, making it easier for the state to administer justice and ensure the rights of its citizens.
• Women’s Rights: Personal laws in different religions may have discriminatory provisions, particularly against women, and a uniform code will provide a more egalitarian legal framework.
• Secularism: A Uniform Civil Code is seen as a way to reinforce the secular fabric of the country by treating all citizens equally irrespective of their religious affiliations. 
• International Image: Implementing a UCC may enhance India’s international image by demonstrating a commitment to principles of equality, secularism, and human rights.
• The Supreme Court in various judgments including Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum judgment of 1985, has called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
• Promote national Spirit: The implementation of a UCC will promote the integration of India by establishing a shared platform for diverse communities.

Arguments against UCC

• Plurality in existing laws: Experts argue that if there is plurality in already codified civil and criminal laws, how can the concept of ‘one nation, one law’ be applied to diverse personal laws of various communities.
• Issues with implementation: The implementation of the code has been difficult because India is a diverse country with various religious communities following their own personal laws.
  • It has been argued that the marriage and death rituals observed by tribal communities differ from Hindu customs, and there is concern that these practices may also face prohibition. 
• Challenge for Law and Order: It would be a tyranny to the minority and when implemented could bring a lot of unrest in the country.
• Against Constitutional provisions: UCC is perceived as an infringement upon the constitutional right to freely exercise one’s chosen religion found in Article 25 and 26 and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
• Fear among minorities: There is a contention that the Uniform Civil Code may potentially enforce a code that is influenced by Hindu practices in all communities.
• The Law Commission of India stated that a UCC “is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage”. It recommended that discriminatory practices, prejudices and stereotypes within a particular religion and its personal laws should be studied and amended.

Way Ahead

• Through the European Commission and Japan, the Indian government’s MoU indicates their commitment to take proactive steps towards strengthening global semiconductor ecosystems. 
• With sustained efforts and a proactive stance, India is on course to solidify its position as a leading semiconductor manufacturing hub, contributing m
• Uniformity in Governance: Having a common set of laws would streamline governance and administrative processes, making it easier for the state to administer justice and ensure the rights of its citizens.

3.Balearic Islands

News

• Recently, the Environment Department of the Balearic Islands issued a press release looking into how a Katy Perry video came to be filmed on a small, protected island without the necessary permissions.

About the Balearic Islands

Dunes like these are dynamic ecosystems that form a natural buffer between a sea and the land.

These are part of Spain, having Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera different islands.

It has a dune system of S’Espalmador, an approximately 1.8-mile-long islet to the north of Formentera, one of the most ecologically rich areas.

S’Espalmador has been part of the Ses Salines de Ibiza and Formentera natural park since 1980.

The dunes on the small privately owned, uninhabited island make up the best-preserved dune system in the Balearic Islands and are of ‘great ecological value’.

4. New ramsar site

Recently, the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu; and Tawa Reservoir of Madhya Pradesh have been recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the tally to 85.

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

• Located in Tiruppur district, in Tamil Nadu this sanctuary is a haven for avian biodiversity, especially for waterfowl habitats.
• The sanctuary is named after Nanjarayan, a local deity associated with the well-being of birds and animals.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

• Found in Villupuram, Kazhuveli in Tamil Nadu that provides essential habitat for various bird species, including migratory visitors. 
• With the addition of Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli, Tamil Nadu now boasts 18 Ramsar sites—the highest number in India.

Tawa Reservoir

Its inclusion underscores our commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems, which play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, water purification, and flood control.

It is located in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district.

5. National pest surveillance system

News

• Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan inaugurated the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) in New Delhi.

About

• The aim of NPSS is to reduce the dependence of farmers on pesticide retailers and inculcate a scientific approach among them towards pest management. 
• The system will help farmers to connect with agriculture scientists and experts on controlling pests using their phone.
  • Farmers can take photos of the infested crops or the insect using the NPSS platform and these will reach scientists and experts.
• NPSS will analyze the latest data on pests using AI tools to help farmers and experts in pest control and management.