What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

For the Kudankulam breach: Examiners will test if you know the breach was ONLY in Balance of Plant (conventional non-nuclear systems), NOT in nuclear safety/security systems. A common trap would be framing the breach as affecting 'critical nuclear infrastructure' vs 'conventional service facilities'. For ISM 2.0: The trap lies in comparing subsidy percentages between ISM 1.0 (50% uniform) and ISM 2.0 (40% silicon fabs, 35% other fabs) - swap the numbers to confuse. For China ICBM: The trap is confusing JL-2 (range equivalent to DF-31) with JL-3 (range equivalent to DF-41), or claiming the test was 'land-based' when it was submarine-launched.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Kudankulam data breach - 14.3 GB, 19,000+ files, World Leaks ransomware, Yotta server, Reliance Infrastructure EPC contract (2018) 2. Target this Nodal Body: NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) under Department of Atomic Energy 3. Target this Scheme: India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 - ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, 6-year duration, 40% subsidy for silicon fabs, 35% for advanced packaging 4. Target this Legal Point: India-UK CETA includes Double Contribution Convention (DCC) for social security - 60-month exemption for Indian professionals 5. Target this Data: China ICBM - 7,300 km range, JL-2 (8,000-9,000 km) or JL-3 (>9,000 km), Type 094 SSBN, Treaty of Rarotonga South Pacific nuclear-free zone

Science_TechEconomy

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News 12 of 32

Cabinet Approves ₹1.27 Lakh Crore India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 for Chip Supply Chain

Q: Which organisation is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in India, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant?

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), The article specifically mentions that NPCIL is the body that operates nuclear power plants in India and issued the statement on the data breach. BARC is focused on research, AERB is the regulatory body for safety, and DAE is the parent department. NPCIL is the operating entity that manages all nuclear power reactors in India.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): 1. Under CETA, 99% of Indian goods entering the UK will either be duty-free or attract reduced tariffs. 2. The agreement reduces tariffs on imported British cars from up to 110% to 30% in year one, with a quota of 20,000 vehicles. 3. Agriculture and dairy products are fully included in the tariff reduction commitments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2, Statement 1 is correct: the article states '99 per cent of Indian goods entering the UK...will either be duty-free or attract reduced tariffs'. Statement 2 is correct: tariffs on British cars are reduced from up to 110% to 30% in year one, with an annual quota starting at 20,000 vehicles. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article explicitly states 'agriculture and dairy continued to remain off-limits', meaning they are NOT included in the tariff reduction commitments.

Q: What is the total outlay approved by the Union Cabinet for the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0?

₹1.27 lakh crore over 6 years, The article states the Cabinet approved ISM 2.0 'with an outlay of Rs 1.27 lakh crore' and 'the duration of the scheme is six years'. Option A is wrong on duration (5 years vs 6). Option B is the cumulative investment under ISM 1.0 (₹1.64 lakh crore), not the outlay for ISM 2.0. Option D is the budget allocation for FY 2026-27 only, not the total outlay.

Q: What is the primary objective behind reducing the uniform 50% capex subsidy in ISM 1.0 to differential subsidies (40% for silicon fabs, 35% for others) in ISM 2.0?

To shift focus from fabrication to building the entire semiconductor manufacturing supply chain including gases and chemicals, The article explicitly states ISM 2.0 'will carry a key focus on subsidising the supply chain around chip manufacturing to attract companies producing commodities like gases, and chemicals used in the production process'. The reduction in subsidy on fabs is a strategic reallocation of resources toward supply chain inputs rather than just fabrication, aiming to build a comprehensive ecosystem. Option A is a consequence, not the primary objective. Option C is incorrect as advanced packaging gets 35% vs 25% for conventional. Option D contradicts the goal of attracting global suppliers.

Science & Tech Economy Intl. Relations Security & DefenceCORE

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

16 Jul 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:₹1.27 lakh croreISM 2.0 6-year duration40% subsidy silicon fabs35% subsidy other fabs35% advanced packaging subsidyIndia-UK CETA 99% Indian goods duty-free

Bodies:NPCILCERT-InReliance InfrastructureYottaWorld Leaks ransomware groupUnion CabinetIndia Semiconductor MissionPLA NavyIAEA

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.NPCIL confirms Kudankulam data breach (14.3 GB, 19,000+ files) is limited to conventional Balance of Plant systems; critical nuclear networks remain air-gapped. CERT-In investigating.

2.Cabinet approves India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay over 6 years, focusing on supply chain subsidies (gases, chemicals), R&D, and talent development.

3.India-UK CETA kicks in: 99% of Indian goods enter UK duty-free or with reduced tariffs; UK car tariffs drop from 110% to 30% in year one; whisky tariff falls from 150% to 75% initially.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

A single edition of UPSC Key covers four high-impact stories: NPCIL confirms Kudankulam data breach is limited to non-critical Balance of Plant systems; Cabinet approves ISM 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay to deepen semiconductor supply chain; India-UK CETA comes into force with major tariff cuts on cars and whisky; China tests its first submarine-launched ICBM in international waters, raising concerns for the Indo-Pacific.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Kudankulam Units6 units of VVER (Pressurised Water Reactors). Units 1 & 2 operational; Units 3 & 4 due by 2027.

Data Breach Size14.3 GB, 19,000+ files, published by World Leaks ransomware group on dark web.

ISM 2.0 Outlay₹1.27 lakh crore over 6 years. FY 2026-27 Budget: ₹1,000 crore.

ISM 2.0 Subsidy CutsSilicon fabs: 40% (was 50%); other fabs: 35%; advanced packaging: 35%; conventional packaging: 25%.

India-UK CETA TariffsUK cars: 110%→30% in year 1, 10% by year 5. Quota: 20,000→37,000 cars. Scotch whisky: 150%→75% initially, 40% by year 10.

India-UK Trade VolumeMerchandise: $25.1 bn (2025-26); Services: $35.4 bn (2024). Target to double ~£48 bn trade by 2030.

China ICBM TestSubmarine-launched (Type 094 SSBN, Jin-class). Warhead travelled 7,300 km. Possible JL-2 (8,000-9,000 km range) or JL-3 (>9,000 km range).

1-Minute Revision

›Kudankulam Units: 6 units of VVER (Pressurised Water Reactors). Units 1 & 2 operational; Units 3 & 4 due by 2027.
›Data Breach Size: 14.3 GB, 19,000+ files, published by World Leaks ransomware group on dark web.
›Target this Data: Kudankulam data breach - 14.3 GB, 19,000+ files, World Leaks ransomware, Yotta server, Reliance Infrastructure EPC contract (2018)
›Target this Nodal Body: NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) under Department of Atomic Energy
›Target this Scheme: India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 - ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, 6-year duration, 40% subsidy for silicon fabs, 35% for advanced packaging
›Target this Legal Point: India-UK CETA includes Double Contribution Convention (DCC) for social security - 60-month exemption for Indian professionals

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News Snapshot

☢️

Kudankulam Breach: Non-Critical Systems Compromised

NPCIL confirms ransomware-led data leak of 14.3 GB from Reliance Infrastructure's server (Yotta data centre) containing conventional Balance of Plant drawings for Units 3 & 4; safety systems and air-gapped internal networks remain unaffected.

💻

ISM 2.0: ₹1.27 Lakh Crore for Chip Supply Chain Deepening

Cabinet approves second phase of India Semiconductor Mission with reduced capex subsidies (40% for silicon fabs) but expanded focus on attracting gases/chemicals suppliers, R&D, and talent development. Target: 70-75% domestic chip capability by 2029.

🌍

India-UK CETA Operationalises with Major Tariff Cuts

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement comes into force with 99% Indian goods entering UK duty-free; UK tariffs on cars slashed from 110% to 30% in year one; Scotch whisky tariff reduced from 150% to 75%.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Kudankulam Data Breach: Ransomware Attack on Third-Party Server

The World Leaks ransomware group published a 14.3 GB cache with over 19,000 files related to Kudankulam Units 3 & 4 on the dark web. The breach occurred on a server managed by Yotta, a third-party data centre provider, belonging to Reliance Infrastructure Ltd which holds the EPC contract for conventional Balance of Plant common service facilities. NPCIL clarified that the compromised data includes only indicative drawings and technical specifications provided during public tendering and detailed engineering drawings prepared by Reliance Infra. The critical internal networks controlling nuclear safety and security systems remain completely air-gapped and unaffected. CERT-In is actively investigating the incident.

ISM 2.0: Strategic Shift from Fabrication to Supply Chain Ecosystem

The Union Cabinet's approval of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 marks a strategic evolution from ISM 1.0's focus on building fabrication and packaging capacity to deepening the entire chip manufacturing supply chain. The scheme's key innovation is subsidising the production of gases, chemicals, and equipment used in chip manufacturing, aiming to attract global suppliers to set up in India. Under ISM 1.0, cumulative investments of around ₹1.64 lakh crore were committed across 12 chip plants in Gujarat, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. ISM 2.0 also includes government subsidies for R&D and talent development, with a ₹1,000 crore provision for FY 2026-27.

India-UK CETA: A 'New Gold Standard' Trade Pact Comes into Force

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, operationalised with 99% of Indian goods entering the UK duty-free or at reduced tariffs, and 90% of UK goods entering India similarly. Key concessions include: UK car tariffs reduced from up to 110% to 30% in year one (10% by year five) with an annual quota of 20,000 cars peaking at 37,000; Scotch whisky tariffs reduced from 150% to 75% initially (40% by year 10). Agriculture and dairy remain excluded. The Agreement on Social Security (Double Contribution Convention) exempts Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments of up to 60 months from dual social security contributions. Bilateral trade is expected to double from the current ~£48 billion annually by 2030.

China's Submarine-Launched ICBM Test: Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific

China tested its first-ever submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile in international waters (July 6), launched from a PLA Navy Jin-class Type 094 SSBN based in the South China Sea. The dummy warhead travelled 7,300 km over the Philippines and landed in the South Pacific Ocean within the Treaty of Rarotonga's South Pacific nuclear-free zone. This is only the second PLA ballistic missile launch in international waters since 1980, following a land-based DF-31 test on September 21, 2024. The missile could be either JL-2 (range 8,000-9,000 km, developed with DF-31) or JL-3 (range >9,000 km, developed with DF-41). The test signals China's overt demonstration of its improving nuclear capabilities and raises concerns for India, given the missile's potential to cover much of the Indian mainland.

Ladakh's Seven Autonomous Hill Development Councils: Decentralisation vs Representation

The Ladakh administration's decision to create Autonomous Hill Development Councils in all seven districts (including the five new ones: Drass, Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar) has sparked debate. The Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance argue this could weaken the demand for a powerful UT-level representative body under Article 371. LAHDCs, created under a 1997 Act, are statutory bodies responsible for district planning, development, budgets, implementation of schemes, and collection of local taxes. Unlike Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils in NE states, they lack constitutional status, independent legislative powers, or judicial authority over customary matters. The debate highlights the tension between administrative decentralisation demanded by Ladakh's unique geography (60,000 sq km, barely 3 lakh population) and the need for a unified political voice.

Essential textbook concepts you must know to understand this news.

Balance of Plant (BoP): In a nuclear power plant, BoP refers to conventional (non-nuclear) systems and equipment that support the nuclear steam supply system, such as cooling water systems, electrical distribution, compressed air, and fire protection. These systems do not involve nuclear safety or security.
Pressurised Water Reactor (VVER): A type of nuclear reactor where water under high pressure acts as both coolant and moderator. VVER is a Russian design (water-water energetic reactor) used in the Kudankulam plant. It uses enriched uranium fuel and has three coolant loops to prevent radioactive release.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): A government initiative launched in 2021 to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem in India, including fabrication (fabs), assembly, testing, marking, packaging (ATMP), and display manufacturing. ISM 1.0 offered a uniform 50% capex subsidy; ISM 2.0 has differential subsidies with a focus on supply chain inputs.
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): A type of free trade agreement that goes beyond tariff reduction to cover services, investment, intellectual property, government procurement, and regulatory cooperation. India-UK CETA also includes a Double Contribution Convention on social security.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): A long-range ballistic missile with a minimum range of 5,000 km, capable of delivering nuclear warheads. ICBMs follow a ballistic trajectory (suborbital flight path) and are classified by launch platform: land-based (silos, mobile launchers) or sea-based (submarine-launched ballistic missiles - SLBMs).
Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC): A statutory body constituted under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997, responsible for district-level planning, development, budget preparation, implementation of schemes, and collection of local taxes. Unlike Sixth Schedule councils, they lack constitutional status and independent legislative powers.

Key Facts at a Glance

Kudankulam Units6 units of VVER (Pressurised Water Reactors). Units 1 & 2 operational; Units 3 & 4 due by 2027.

Data Breach Size14.3 GB, 19,000+ files, published by World Leaks ransomware group on dark web.

ISM 2.0 Outlay₹1.27 lakh crore over 6 years. FY 2026-27 Budget: ₹1,000 crore.

ISM 2.0 Subsidy CutsSilicon fabs: 40% (was 50%); other fabs: 35%; advanced packaging: 35%; conventional packaging: 25%.

India-UK CETA TariffsUK cars: 110%→30% in year 1, 10% by year 5. Quota: 20,000→37,000 cars. Scotch whisky: 150%→75% initially, 40% by year 10.

India-UK Trade VolumeMerchandise: $25.1 bn (2025-26); Services: $35.4 bn (2024). Target to double ~£48 bn trade by 2030.

China ICBM TestSubmarine-launched (Type 094 SSBN, Jin-class). Warhead travelled 7,300 km. Possible JL-2 (8,000-9,000 km range) or JL-3 (>9,000 km range).

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which organisation is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in India, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA):

1. Under CETA, 99% of Indian goods entering the UK will either be duty-free or attract reduced tariffs.

2. The agreement reduces tariffs on imported British cars from up to 110% to 30% in year one, with a quota of 20,000 vehicles.

3. Agriculture and dairy products are fully included in the tariff reduction commitments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

What is the total outlay approved by the Union Cabinet for the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, Banking

What is the primary objective behind reducing the uniform 50% capex subsidy in ISM 1.0 to differential subsidies (40% for silicon fabs, 35% for others) in ISM 2.0?

All 25 MCQs ▸

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Cabinet Approves ₹1.27 Lakh Crore India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 for Chip Supply Chain

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Kudankulam Breach: Non-Critical Systems Compromised

ISM 2.0: ₹1.27 Lakh Crore for Chip Supply Chain Deepening

India-UK CETA Operationalises with Major Tariff Cuts

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Kudankulam Data Breach: Ransomware Attack on Third-Party Server

ISM 2.0: Strategic Shift from Fabrication to Supply Chain Ecosystem

India-UK CETA: A 'New Gold Standard' Trade Pact Comes into Force

China's Submarine-Launched ICBM Test: Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific

Ladakh's Seven Autonomous Hill Development Councils: Decentralisation vs Representation

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance