Chapter 15 · Topic 15.2 · Prelims + Mains2 of 2
Current Science & Technology: AI, semiconductors and new technologies
Key points
- AI summit and chips.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fab | Plant that makes chips on silicon wafers |
| ATMP / OSAT | Assembly, testing, marking and packaging of chips |
| DRAM | Working memory |
| NAND | Storage memory. |
- The AI Impact Summit was held in New Delhi on 18–19 February 2026, the first in the series hosted in the Global South.
AI, semiconductors and new technologies
The AI Impact Summit was held in New Delhi on 18–19 February 2026, the first in the series hosted in the Global South. Its New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, voluntary and non-binding, was endorsed by 92 countries and international organisations (including the USA, China and the EU) and is built on seven pillars (‘chakras’), with initiatives such as the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI and the Trusted AI Commons.
Semiconductors (achieved): Micron’s assembly, test and packaging (ATMP) plant at Sanand, Gujarat, opened on 28 February 2026 as India’s first commercial semiconductor production facility and the first project approved under the India Semiconductor Mission. It converts memory wafers into finished DRAM and NAND products; it does not fabricate wafers.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fab | Plant that makes chips on silicon wafers |
| ATMP / OSAT | Assembly, testing, marking and packaging of chips |
| DRAM | Working memory |
| NAND | Storage memory |
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Semiconductors (achieved): Micron’s assembly, test and packaging (ATMP) plant at Sanand, Gujarat, opened on 28 February 2026 as India’s first commercial semiconductor production facility and the first project approved under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Likely next angle: Chip self-reliance
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Current Science & Technology with one recent example.
Flashcards (5)
AI Impact Summit?
New Delhi, 18–19 Feb 2026.
Declaration endorsements?
92 countries and organisations.
Pillars of the Declaration?
Seven chakras.
India’s first commercial chip plant?
Micron ATMP, Sanand, Feb 2026.
ATMP vs fab?
ATMP packages; fab makes wafers.
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