Prelims Focus 3rd March 2026

03/03/2026

42 3 minutes read

India’s First Major ATMP Semiconductor Facility

In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) plant of Micron Technology in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a significant step forward in strengthening India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector under the India Semiconductor Mission.

About the ATMP Facility

Located in Sanand, Gujarat.
First large-scale semiconductor assembly and testing plant in India.
Focuses on Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) of memory chips.
Investment of about $2.75 billion (with government incentives).

Significance

Strengthens India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Boosts domestic electronics manufacturing and reduces import dependence.
Generates employment and promotes high-tech skill development.
Supports the “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Bihar Declared Naxal-Free

In News: Following the surrender of the final armed Maoist in Munger district, Bihar has been officially declared free from Naxal activity. This development represents a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).

Background

Naxalism, inspired by the Maoist ideology, emerged from the Naxalbari uprising of 1967.
Bihar, particularly districts like Munger, Jamui, and Aurangabad, had witnessed Maoist activities for decades.
The movement in India is mainly led by the banned organization Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Key Factors Behind Success

Coordinated security operations by central and state forces.
Improved intelligence and modernization of police forces.
Development initiatives in LWE-affected districts.
Surrender and rehabilitation policies for former extremists.

Significance

Enhances internal security and governance in rural areas.
Promotes development, infrastructure growth, and investment.
Reflects India’s broader progress in reducing LWE-affected districts across the country.

Controller General of Accounts (CGA)

In News: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) introduced the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual in order to tighten the belt of the governance and efficiency of banks that are doing government transactions.

The General of Accounts of India (CGA) lies under the ministry of finance in the department of expenditure.
He happens to be the Principal Accounting Adviser to the Government of India and is entrusted with the responsibility of setting in place and sustaining a technically sound Management Accounting System.
The CGA also compiles the monthly and annual reports of government spending, revenues, and borrowing and major fiscal indicators.
It also presents to Parliament the Annual Appropriation Accounts (Civil) and the Union Finance Accounts under Article 150 of the Constitution and an M.I.S Report entitled Accounts at a Glance is also prepared and distributed among Hon’ble Members of Parliament.

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)

In News: Prime minister Narendra Modi also led a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to discuss the situation in the West Asian region that was changing.

- The cabinet committee on security, commonly referred to as CCS, is a body responsible for ensuring national security in the UAE.
- It is the highest decision making organ in India on issues to do with national security and defence.
- This is led by the Prime Minister and it usually has the key ministers like the Home Minister, the Defence Minister, the Finance Minister and the External Affairs Minister.
- The National Security Advisor (NSA) serves as a secretary-level policy-maker on matters of its concern.

Key Functions of the CCS

- Defence and Security: Resolves internal and external security issues such as military policies and intelligence actions.
- Foreign Affairs: Manages foreign policies and security partnerships.
- Nuclear and Space Policy: Manages key decisions involving nuclear power and space exploration.
- Major Appointments: Consents to high-level appointment in the defence and intelligence agencies.

Coconut Promotion Scheme

In News: A scheme proposed in the 2026-27 Union budget was a Coconut Promotion Scheme.

Purpose: To increase productivity through rescuing old and non-productive gardens and planting new gardens along the coast having high yielding coconut varieties.
Such a scheme has already been introduced by Coconut Development Board (CDB) and revitalized the old gardens and has further spread farming in non-traditional regions such as the Gujarat, Assam, and other non-peninsular states.