SEZ Norms Relaxed to Boost Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing in India

General Studies Paper 3 – Topic: Science & Technology and Economic Development

The Central Government has eased several key rules under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) framework to promote domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and electronic components in India.

The government has amended the SEZ Rules, 2006, to reduce regulatory hurdles.
These reforms specifically target the semiconductor and electronics component sectors, which play a crucial role in India’s vision for technological self-reliance and reducing import dependency.

Why Are Semiconductors and Electronics Important?

• Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics — powering smartphones, computers, electric vehicles, AI devices, etc.
• With the rise of AI, IoT, and automation, semiconductors have become central to economic competitiveness and national security.
• India experienced a severe chip shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed its dependence on imports.
• As China controlled around 35% of global semiconductor production in 2021, countries like India are now trying to reduce supply chain risks by encouraging domestic production.

Key Amendments in SEZ Rules (2025 Revision)

 1. Reduction in Minimum Land Requirement (Amendment to Rule 5): The minimum land requirement for SEZs focused on semiconductors and electronic components has been reduced from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.

 2. “Debt-Free Land” Not Mandatory (Amendment to Rule 7):
Even if the land is mortgaged or leased by the central/state government or their agencies, it can still qualify for SEZ development.

 3. Permission for Domestic Sales (Amendment to Rule 18):
SEZ units in the semiconductor/electronics sector can now sell in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) upon paying applicable duties.
Previously, SEZ units were export-oriented only.

 4. Revised Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) Calculation (Amendment to Rule 53):
Goods received or distributed for free can now be included in NFE calculations.
This is especially helpful for industries like semiconductors where design prototypes and samples are critical.

These initiatives align with the goals of the ₹76,000 crore ‘Semicon India Programme’ aimed at building a complete semiconductor ecosystem in India.

Implementation Challenges

• Skilled Workforce: Semiconductor manufacturing requires highly specialized technical talent, which is still being developed in India.
• Infrastructure Needs: These units require clean rooms, stable electricity, water supply, and logistics support — all needing active state-level participation.
• Global Competition: Countries like the US, Taiwan, and South Korea also offer incentive programs. India must remain competitive in its policy offerings.

Strategic Importance and the Road Ahead

These SEZ reforms are part of India’s broader strategy to become a globally trusted hub for electronics manufacturing.
Together with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, these reforms highlight how semiconductors are vital for India’s:

• Economic growth
• Technological sovereignty
• Supply chain resilience

By allowing domestic sales, streamlining approval processes, and relaxing norms, India is positioning itself as an attractive destination for global investors — especially those looking to diversify away from China and East Asia.

 Practice Question:

Q. India has recently amended SEZ rules to promote semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Discuss the strategic significance of these reforms in the context of India’s industrial and technological ambitions.

Solar Orbiter Mission: A New Perspective on the Sun

General Studies Paper 3
Topic: Science and Technology – Developments, Applications, and Impact on Daily Life

In June 2025, the ESA–NASA joint Solar Orbiter Mission released high-resolution images of the Sun’s southern pole, captured for the first time from outside the ecliptic plane. This marks a historic milestone in solar research.

This breakthrough was made possible due to the tilted orbit of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, launched in February 2020, allowing scientists to observe the Sun from a never-before-seen angle.

While earlier spacecraft orbited within the flat plane of the solar system, Solar Orbiter’s unique trajectory is now helping decode the Sun’s complex magnetic behavior, especially around its poles.

This scientific achievement also reveals a philosophical truth — that a change in perspective can lead to revolutionary discoveries, not only in science but also in human thinking.

🔸 Ecliptic Plane and the Sun’s Poles

• The ecliptic plane is the imaginary flat surface along which Earth and most planets orbit the Sun.
• Most spacecraft also follow this plane, limiting their view to the Sun’s equatorial regions.
• However, a complete understanding of the Sun’s magnetic structure requires observation of the polar regions — a long-standing challenge in solar studies.
• NASA’s Ulysses mission (1990) flew over the Sun’s poles but lacked imaging equipment.
• Solar Orbiter, equipped with ten advanced instruments including PHI (Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager) and EUI (Extreme Ultraviolet Imager), addresses this gap.

🔸 Key Achievement: Imaging the Sun’s Southern Pole

• For the first time, scientists obtained clear and detailed images of the Sun’s southern pole.
• This region had remained largely unexplored and is crucial for understanding the Sun’s polar magnetic field, which influences:
  • Sunspots
  • Solar Flares
  • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

🔸 Importance of Polar Magnetic Fields

• The Sun’s magnetic field drives the 11-year solar cycle, where magnetic activity rises and falls.
• The polar regions play a central role in:
  • Reversing magnetic poles approximately every 11 years
  • Governing solar cycles and global solar activities

Benefits of this knowledge:

• Improved forecasting of solar storms
• Better space weather prediction
• Enhanced safety for:
  • Satellites
  • Power grids
  • Communication systems

Due to the lack of polar data, current space weather models are less accurate. Solar Orbiter’s data will significantly improve model precision.

🔸 Impact on Earth and Space Weather

• Space weather forecasting is crucial, as CMEs and solar flares can disrupt:
  • GPS signals
  • Communication networks
  • Power supply systems
• Polar data will help build early warning systems, enhancing preparedness.
• As humanity increasingly relies on satellite-based services, reliable space weather models are becoming essential for technological security.

🔸 The Road Ahead: Solar Orbiter Mission

• The spacecraft will maintain a 17-degree tilt until 2026, increasing to 33 degrees by 2030.

Upcoming goals include:

• Imaging the Sun’s northern pole
• Monitoring the evolution of magnetic fields
• Data comparison with:
  • Ground-based observatories
  • NASA’s Parker Solar Probe

🔸 A Philosophical Perspective: Science and Shifts in Viewpoint

• The mission demonstrates that scientific revolutions can sometimes arise from small shifts in perspective.
• A modest orbital tilt can yield unprecedented outcomes, emphasizing:
  • The power of curiosity
  • The harmony of imagination and engineering
  • The importance of humility and openness in science

🔸 Lessons for India’s Space Science

• India’s upcoming Aditya-L1 mission aims to observe the Sun from the Lagrange Point (L1).
• Inspired by Solar Orbiter, India should:
  • Plan future polar-observing solar missions
  • Promote international collaboration
  • Invest in long-term solar observation satellites
  • Enhance weather and climate monitoring capabilities

🔸 Conclusion

The success of the Solar Orbiter is not just a technological feat but marks the dawn of a new era in solar science.
With greater orbital inclinations and observations ahead, we are poised to uncover even more solar mysteries.

As ESA’s Carol Mundell aptly said:
"This is the beginning of a new era in our exploration of our star."

Practice Question (UPSC Mains Style):

Q. What impact does imaging of the Sun’s polar magnetic fields have on space weather forecasting? How can such missions protect Earth-based technological infrastructure from solar storms?

Supreme Court’s Directive on Domestic Violence

General Studies Paper 2 – Topic:

Background: Domestic Violence in India

Definition:
Domestic violence includes physical, mental, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse inflicted by a close relative or partner.

Key Statistics:

• According to NFHS-5 (2019–21), 31.2% of married women aged 18–49 have experienced spousal violence at some point.
• The National Commission for Women (NCW) receives over 30,000 complaints related to domestic violence annually.
• FIRs filed by NCRB are significantly fewer, indicating severe underreporting and systemic weaknesses.

Legal Framework:

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005 is a civil law providing swift reliefs such as protection orders, residence rights, and monetary support.
• It mandates the appointment of Protection Officers, Service Providers, and availability of shelter and medical services.

Key Supreme Court Directives (2024–25)

1. Appointment of Protection Officers:
   • All States/UTs must appoint an official from the Department of Women and Child Development in every district and taluka within 6 weeks.
   • These officers will ensure effective implementation of PWDVA and act as the first line of support for victims.
2. Public Awareness:
   • Protection Officers must educate women about their legal rights under the law.
3. Legal Aid:
   • NALSA has been directed to ensure that all women victims receive free legal aid through State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs).
   • Women must be made aware of their right to a legal counsel.
4. Shelter and Support Services:
   • Though no direct order was passed, the Court emphasized the importance of shelters and institutional support for women.

Issues Identified by Courts and NGOs

• Implementation Gaps:
  Despite 18 years of the Act, many States haven’t appointed sufficient Protection Officers.
  Shelters, crisis centers, and service providers are inadequate or inactive.
• Lack of Legal Awareness:
  Women in rural and semi-urban areas often remain unaware of their rights.
• Underreporting & Social Stigma:
  Many women don’t report abuse due to family pressure, financial dependence, and fear of social ostracism.
• Data Discrepancy:
  A stark difference exists between NCW complaints and NCRB FIRs, exposing flaws in the formal justice system.

Relevant Constitutional and Legal Provisions

Significance of the Supreme Court’s Directive

• Strengthens Accountability:
  Appointing designated officials ensures administrative responsibility and curbs negligence.
• Empowers Victims:
  With trained officers and free legal aid, women can access justice more effectively.
• Time-Bound Action:
  The 6-week deadline reflects urgency and commitment to enforcement.
• Judicial Activism as Social Reform:
  The judiciary filled policy and implementation gaps, upholding constitutional rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21.

India’s International Commitments

• CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women):
  India, as a signatory, is obligated to take active steps to end violence against women.
• UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG-5):
  Aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres.

Way Forward

1. Active Protection Officers:
   Appointed officers must be trained, sensitive, and well-equipped.
2. Capacity Building:
   Conduct sensitization workshops for police, judiciary, legal service providers, and service institutions.
3. Shelter and Rehabilitation Services:
   Increased investment in safe shelters, helplines, and crisis centers.
4. Monitoring and Auditing:
   Promote independent audits and evaluations by NGOs, NCW, or NHRC.
5. Use of Technology:
   Develop mobile apps, online complaint platforms, and real-time case tracking to enhance accessibility and accountability.
6. Gender Education:
   Integrate gender sensitivity into school and college curricula.

Conclusion

This Supreme Court intervention is a crucial reminder that laws are only effective when implemented on the ground.
The directive ensures prompt administrative action, institutional reform, and upholds the dignity and safety of women.
It marks a significant step toward making gender justice not just a legal principle, but a lived reality.

Practice Question (Mains)

Q. The recent Supreme Court directive regarding the appointment of Protection Officers under the Domestic Violence Act reflects the judiciary’s role in policy implementation. Critically analyze the importance of judicial activism in protecting women's rights in India.