Q1. Which of the following is a key target of ISM 2.0 for 2026–27 under the Modified Scheme for Semiconductor Fabs?
- Investment of ₹4,000 crore and creation of 1,500 jobs
- Development of 50 new fabless semiconductor companies
- Fabrication of 100 chips at 12-nanometre nodes
- Training 1 lakh engineers in semiconductor design
Correct Option: 1. Investment of ₹4,000 crore and creation of 1,500 jobs
Explanation:
The Modified Scheme for Semiconductor Fabs under ISM 2.0 focuses on scaling domestic manufacturing. For FY 2026–27, the specific targets include:
• Investment: ₹4,000 crore in supporting one semiconductor fab
• Employment generation: 1,500 skilled jobs in fabrication
Q2. Which of the following statements about the certification of deep tech start-ups in India is correct?
- Certification is automatic once a company spends over 50% of its budget on R&D.
- DPIIT is the final authority, guided by an Inter-Ministerial Board including DST and Biotechnology representatives.
- Only companies less than 5 years old can apply for certification.
- Certification allows unlimited investments in unrelated business activities.
Correct Option: 2. DPIIT is the final authority, guided by an Inter-Ministerial Board including DST and Biotechnology representatives.
Explanation:
• Option 1 is incorrect:
Certification is not automatic; companies must apply, and DPIIT evaluates based on multiple criteria.
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Option 2 is correct:
DPIIT is the final authority and will consider guidance from an Inter-Ministerial Board, which includes representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology.
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Option 3 is incorrect:
Deep tech start-ups can retain status up to 20 years, not limited to 5 years.
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Option 4 is incorrect:
Deep tech start-ups cannot invest in unrelated activities like real estate or speculative assets unless tied to core knowledge production.
Q3. Which of the following challenges does the India-Germany partnership aim to address in the rare-earth permanent magnet sector?
- Reducing reliance on China for permanent magnets used in wind turbines and other industries.
- Eliminating India’s domestic rare-earth deposits to focus on imports.
- Shifting all offshore wind energy projects from Germany to India.
- Phasing out the use of permanent magnets in electric mobility and semiconductors.
Correct Option: 1. Reducing reliance on China for permanent magnets used in wind turbines and other industries.
Explanation:
• Option 1 is correct:
Both India and Germany are heavily dependent on China for rare-earth permanent magnets, which are crucial for wind turbines, electric mobility, semiconductors, aerospace, and defence. The partnership seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce this dependency.
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Option 2 is incorrect:
The goal is to develop domestic production in India, not eliminate deposits.
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Option 3 is incorrect:
The collaboration is focused on technology transfer, joint production, and supply chains, not relocating Germany’s wind projects.
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Option 4 is incorrect:
Permanent magnets are essential to many industries, and the partnership aims to ensure reliable supply, not phase them out.