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Hard Factual Recall

Technological Autonomy in Silicon Architecture

Review Technological Autonomy in Silicon Architecture through logical deduction.

Official Question UPSC 2026

Which of the following statements about DHRUV64 is/are correct ? 1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India. 2. It is India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Select the answer using the code given below :

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C
Let us evaluate the achievements of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in deep-tech hardware:
•Statement 1 is Correct: To eliminate dependence on foreign intellectual property, India launched the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme. The initiative successfully rolled out its first two chips, THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. The DHRUV64 proudly marks the third major silicon fabrication under this ambitious national sovereignty program.
•Statement 2 is Correct: The DHRUV64 was designed and developed entirely in-house by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). It is officially verified as India's first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Because it is built on the open-source RISC-V architecture, it operates free of foreign proprietary licensing.
Conclusion: Both statements accurately document this major milestone in India's semiconductor journey.

Quick Recall

To secure technological sovereignty, India launched the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme. Following the THEJAS chips, DHRUV64 marks the third fabrication. Developed by C-DAC, DHRUV64 is officially recognized as India's first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, eliminating reliance on foreign proprietary architectures.

Concept Flow Mapping

DHRUV64
Fabricated Under
DIR-V Programme
DHRUV64
Developed By
C-DAC
DHRUV64
Is A
64-bit Microprocessor

Concept Question

Which indigenous chip, developed by C-DAC under the DIR-V programme, is recognized as India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor?

Key Takeaway

DHRUV64.

Examiner's Trap

This question tests awareness of highly specific deep-tech current affairs. Examiners rely on the fact that while most candidates know about 'Semiconductor PLI schemes' generally, very few track the exact nomenclature (DHRUV vs THEJAS) or the technical specs (64-bit, 1.0 GHz) of indigenous hardware.

Core Insight

Most global microprocessors run on proprietary architectures (like x86 by Intel or ARM). Using these requires paying massive licensing fees to foreign corporations and leaves India vulnerable to geopolitical sanctions. 'RISC-V' is an open-source architecture. By building on it, India achieves total strategic autonomy, building chips without asking permission or paying royalties to the West.

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