Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 16-31 March 2023, Issue 10

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

April 24 , 2023 Views: 1566 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Approval of Proposals Worth Rs 70,500 Crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition amounting to over Rs 70,500 crore under Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}. Out of the total proposals, Indian Navy proposals constitute more than Rs 56,000 crore, which largely includes indigenous BrahMos missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, Utility Helicopters-Maritime etc. For Artillery modernisation, in addition to the ongoing Dhanush Gun System and K-9 Vajra-T Gun System, AoN for procurement of 155mm/52 Caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) along with High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) and Gun Towing Vehicles (GTVs) for the Indian Army was accorded by the DAC. For more information: Click here to read...

Self-Reliance in Defence Production

In order to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ or ‘Self-Reliance’ in defence production, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has notified four ‘Positive Indigenisation Lists’ comprising 411 major weapons platforms/systems with an embargo on their import from defined timelines. Further, the MoD has also notified three Positive Indigenisation Lists in respect of DPSUs, comprising 3,738 major Line Replacement Units/sub-system/ assemblies/sub-assemblies/components & spares with an embargo on their import from defined timelines. Further, more than 26,000 defence items have been uploaded on SRIJAN Portal and offered to the Industry for indigenisation. Indigenisation is a dynamic process. So far, 7,031 items have already been indigenised, which cater to the domestic and global markets. As per data available till December 2022, the defence imports have reduced from 46 percent to 36.7 percent since 2018-19. For more information: Click here to read...

Procurement of Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’

On 24 March 2023, the MoD signed a contract with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad for procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’ at an overall cost of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. The project is under the Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category comprising contemporary and niche technologies. ‘Project Himshakti’ will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, which are sub vendors of BEL. It will generate employment of approximately three lakh man-days over a period of two years. The project is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous capabilities making the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’, in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative of the Government. For more information: Click here to read...

Contracts for Supply of Medium Power Radars and Radar Warning Receivers

In a major boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government, the MoD on 23 March 2023 signed a contract with M/s BEL for the supply of Medium Power Radars for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of Rs 2841 Crores, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The Medium Power Radar has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO and will be manufactured by M/s BEL. Successful trials of the radar have already been conducted by the Indian Air Force. Another Contract was signed with M/s BEL, Bengaluru for acquisition of 129 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) at an overall cost of Rs 947 Crores under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category. The state-of-the-art RWRs are Designed and Developed by Combat Air System- Design & Integration Centre (CASDIC), DRDO. The equipment will be manufactured by M/s BEL under Transfer of Technology (TOT) from CASDIC. The two projects will act as catalysts for the development of manufacturing capability in the industrial ecosystem. The projects essentially embody the spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and will help facilitate realizing our country’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. For more information: Click here to read...

Tactical Helmets for Sikh Soldiers

The Indian soldiers are provided requisite protection to include Bullet Proof Jackets and Bullet Proof Helmets to operate in challenging environment. A modern-day soldier needs to have all round protection from the newer and emerging threat of warfare. Sikh troops battling terrorism have been wearing Bullet Proof Patka over cloth patka while maintaining their religious identity. Tank Crew of Armoured Regiments also wear padded communication head gear. The information was provided by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 17 March. The Minister said that tactical helmets are an integral part of flying gear for combat aircraft operations and protective gear of soldiers against enemy gunfire. All pilots of fighter aircraft/combat helicopters and soldiers deployed in the areas where enemy attacks are anticipated or defending important installations are to wear the full protective gear for personal safety. Fighter Pilots and Helicopter Pilots of the Indian Defence Forces have always been wearing helmets over their religious head gear for heads up display and communication. For more information: Click here to read...

Keel Laying of Two Multi-Purpose Vessel Project

Keel laying ceremony of the two ships of Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) Project (Yard18001 – Samarthak & Yard 18002 – Utkarsh) was held at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on 20 March 2023. The contract of construction of two Multi-Purpose Vessels was concluded with L&T Shipyard in Mar 2022, in consonance with ‘Aatmarnirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Government of India. These are the first Indian Navy Warships being constructed by L&T, Kattupalli. All major machinery, auxiliary equipment and systems for the Multi-Purpose Vessels will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This will provide further impetus to defence production and employment generation within the country. These vessels, once delivered to the Indian Navy, will perform multi role support functions such as maritime surveillance, patrolling, disaster relief and launching expendable targets for exercises. For more information: Click here to read...

Proposal for Creation of Non-Lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 17 March, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt informed that a proposal for creation of Non-Lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund (DMF) is under consideration with the MoD. DMF will be available for modernization of Defence Forces and would supplement the regular yearly budgetary allocations by eliminating any uncertainty in provisioning of adequate funds for various defence capability development and infrastructure projects. A suitable mechanism for operationalising the fund is being worked out in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. For more information: Click here to read...

India Aims at Becoming ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ Building by 2030

India aims at becoming ‘Global Hub for Green Ship’ building by 2030 with launch of Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). Inaugurating India’s first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana on 22 March 2023, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush Sarbananda SonowaI said that the programme will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which will be powered by Green Hybrid Propulsion systems, and subsequently adopting non-fossil fuel solutions like (Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen). The Minister said that target has been set for the initial Green Tugs to start working in all major ports by 2025. At least, 50 percent of all the Tugs are likely to be converted into Green Tugs by 2030, which will considerably reduce emission as the country move towards achieving sustainable development. For more information: Click here to read...

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

ISRO Launches LVM3, with all 36 Satellites Deployed into Intended Orbits

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 26 March said that the LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission was accomplished with all 36 satellites deployed into intended orbits. The mission launch took place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Network Access Associates Ltd, United Kingdom (OneWeb Group Company) has signed an agreement with ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd to launch 72 satellites into Low-Earth orbits (LEO). Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated NSIL, IN-SPACe and ISRO on successful launch of LVM3. In response to a tweet by OneWeb, the Prime Minister said that “Congratulations @NSIL_India @INSPACeIND @ISRO on yet another successful launch of LVM3 with 36 @OneWeb satellites. It reinforces India’s leading role as a global commercial launch service provider in the true spirit of Aatmanirbharta." For more information: Click here to read...

ISRO Invites Indian Industries to Develop Technologies and Products

The ISRO called upon Indian industries to develop 100 technologies and products, which will be required for its launch vehicles, satellites, application sectors, human space flight, and space exploration. Inviting an Expression of Interest (EoI) from prospective industries towards self-reliance in development of technologies, products, systems for Indian space programmes, the space agency has listed 100 technologies and products. The list includes design, realisation and flight testing of sub-scale Hybrid Drone Prototype for DroneNet, development of a Head Mount Display (HMD) for Gaganyaan crew for providing situational awareness, space debris surveillance and tracking radar, urban flooding surveillance system using multi-radar and sensor network. For more information: Click here to read...

Chandrayaan 3 likely to be Launched in Mid-2023

On 22 March 2023, ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath said that the launch of Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar mission, and the first solar mission Aditya L1 will possibly happen by the middle of 2023. He was delivering the inaugural talk on “Indian Capabilities for Space and Planetary Exploration” at the 4th Indian Planetary Science Conference organised at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) here. Mr. Somanath said that “The Chandrayaan-3 craft is fully ready. It is fully integrated. Of course, there is some correction work being done, and we are building a lot of confidence in the mission through lots of simulations and tests, etc. And possibly the launch can take place by the middle of this year”. For more information: Click here to read...

Asia’s Largest 4-Metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope Inaugurated

On 21 March 2023, Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope at Devasthal in Uttarakhand. The Minister said that today’s landmark event places India at a different and a much higher level of capabilities to study the mysteries of the skies and astronomy, and to share the same with the rest of the world. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) announced that the world-class 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) is now ready to explore the deep celestial sky. It achieved its first light in the 2nd week of May 2022. The telescope is located at an altitude of 2450 metre at the Devasthal Observatory campus of ARIES, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. For more information: Click here to read...

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, S&T Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have jointly manufactured an earth science satellite, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). The mission objectives of the satellite are- Design, Develop and launch Dual Frequency (L and S band) Radar Imaging Satellite and to Explore newer applications areas using L & S Band microwave data especially in surface deformation studies, terrestrial biomass structure, natural resource mapping and monitoring and studies related to dynamics of ice-sheets, glaciers, forests, oil slick etc. While NASA is delivering the L-Band SAR payload, high precision GPS and 12m unfurlable antenna, ISRO is delivering S-band SAR payload, spacecraft bus and facilitating launch. The total expenditure incurred on realization of NISAR satellite by ISRO as on February 2023 is Rs. 469.40 Crore, excluding launch cost. For more information: Click here to read...

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

India’s Spending on Research and Development Increasing

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 16 March 2023, Dr. Jitendra Singh that India ranks 6th globally in Research and Development (R&D) investment in terms of US$ Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). He added that as per the latest available statistics, India’s spending on R&D is consistently increasing in last 10 years and has increased nearly tripled from Rs. 39,437.77 crore in 2007-08 to Rs. 1,13,825.03 crore in 2017-18. The Minister said that the Government has been making sincere efforts to enhance the R&D expenditure and create adequate opportunities for the researchers that include the competitive extramural funding schemes. For more information: Click here to read...

UIDAI and SETS Collaborate to Conduct R&D in Deep-Tech and Emerging Tech

On 23 March 2023, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS), part of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, agreed to collaborate and do joint R&D leading to development of tools and products in deep-tech domains. As part of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), both the organisations will carry out joint research in deep-tech and emerging tech areas like Cyber Security, IoT Security, Mobile Device Security, Financial Network Slice Security and Hardware Security, etc. The move is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to improve self-reliance on information and cyber security and to reduce dependence on tools developed outside the country. For more information: Click here to read...

Status of Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 16 March 2023, S&T Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Project comprises of two twin units of 700 MW each viz. GHAVP-1&2 (2X700 MW) and GHAVP-3&4 (2X700MW). Land acquisition has been completed at the Gorakhpur site in Haryana and Environmental clearance has been obtained for project. In respect of GHAVP-1&2, the piles for nuclear buildings 1&2 have been cast and poised for concreting of raft foundation. Construction works are underway in respect of other plant buildings, tunnels and trenches, water conveyance system, ware houses, township buildings etc. Purchase orders for critical equipment and major packages have been placed and some major equipment have been received at site. In respect of GHAVP-3&4, pre-project activities at site and placement of orders for long delivery equipment are underway. For more information: Click here to read...

Passengers’ Data Stored in Their Own Device under Digi Yatra

Under Digi Yatra, passengers’ data is stored in their own device and not in centralized storage. In the Digi Yatra process, there is no central storage of passenger’s Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data. All the passengers’ data is encrypted and stored in the wallet of their smartphone. It is shared only between the passenger and the airport of travel origin, where passenger’s Digi Yatra ID needs to be validated. The data is purged from the airport’s system within 24 hours of departure of flight. The data is shared by passengers directly, only when they travel and only to the origin Airport. The data cannot be used by any other entity since it's encrypted. This process is voluntary, and provides the convenience of smooth, hassle-free and health risk-free travel. For more information: Click here to read...

The eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project

The Government has launched the eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project in the country for computerization of District and subordinate courts with the objective of improving access to justice using technology. As part of the National eGovernance Plan, the project is under implementation since 2007 for ICT development of the Indian Judiciary based on the “National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the Indian Judiciary”. eCourts project is being implemented in association with e-Committee Supreme Court of India and Department of Justice. Phase I of the project was implemented during 2011-2015. Phase II of the project started in 2015 under which 18,735 District & Subordinate courts have been computerised so far. The phase II of the project is nearing its completion and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for e-Courts Phase III has been finalized and approved by eCommittee, Supreme Court of India on 21st October 2022. The meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) Meeting was held on 23.02.2023. Other, requisite approvals of eCourts Project Phase-III are at advance stage. For more information: Click here to read...

Increase Electronics Manufacturing Capability to Rs 24 Lakh crore by 2025-26

India aims to increase electronics manufacturing capability to Rs 24 Lakh crore by 2025-26, which will also help create over 10 lakh jobs. Speaking in an event at the Jnana Jyoti Auditorium as part of the ‘New India for Young India’ Initiative, Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that “Today, Young Indians are driving the country’s progress in India’s Techade. There are more than 90,000 startups, including 110 unicorns, in which Young Indians are playing a big part.” The Minister said, “At least 15 lakh young Indians from Karnataka will be given training in industry relevant Future Ready skills.” He cited examples of the opening of India offices of companies like Salesforce, Truecaller and Renesas, to highlight how opportunities are abundantly available and the skilling will help to equip young Indians to take on these opportunities.” For more information: Click here to read...

Creation and Use of AI in Health Sector

Ministry of Health has recently designated AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Rishikesh as Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) with an aim to promote creation and use of AI based solutions in Health. The Government has launched Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) which aims to create a platform enabling interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem so as to create longitudinal Electronic Health Record (EHR) of every citizen. Under ABDM, multiple registries are made to ensure that data silos can be broken and longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) of citizen is created. Further it will integrate cutting edge technologies such as AI, IoTs, blockchain etc. with existing health IT applications as per need for improving the performance of the health services. For more information: Click here to read...

Extended Collaboration in Biotech Start-Ups and Vaccine Development

India today called for Extended Collaboration in Biotech StartUps and Vaccine Development with Public Private Partnership for Global Good. Dr. Mark Feinberg, President & CEO, IAVI (The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative) Mr. Rajat Goyal MD, Country Director, India, IAVI called on Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi and urged for concrete proposals and guidance in developing Sustainable StartUps for lasting source of livelihoods. The Minister said that “India’s bio-economy has grown 8 times in the last 8 years. “We have grown from $10 billion to $80 billion. India is not too far from reaching the league of top-10 countries in Biotech’s global ecosystem”. He added that the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in Ministry of S&T has through “Mission COVID Suraksha”, delivered four vaccines, augmented the manufacturing of Covaxin, and created necessary infrastructure for smooth development of future vaccines, so that our country is pandemic ready. For more information: Click here to read...

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India-Belgium Collaboration in Space Sciences

Experts from India and Belgium and also from United States, Canada, Poland, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Ethopia, Kenya highlighted the advantages of scientific collaborations in stimulating activities in space sciences at the international workshop of the Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and astrophysics (BINA) organised by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of S&T, Indian Government. The BINA collaboration has strengthened the Indo-Belgian observational facilities in India, namely the 3.6-m DOT and 4-m ILMT, the largest-sized optical telescopes in India. The output of this collaboration has been commendable in terms of both scientific publications and manpower training for the next generation. For more information: Click here to read...

India and the Philippines Defence Tech Cooperation

The fourth Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India and the Philippines was held in New Delhi on 31 March 2023. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and discussed effective and practical initiatives to further expand the engagements. They agreed to initiate measures to enhance cooperation in Defence Industry and Technology domain and look forward to greater synergy in effectively deepening bilateral cooperative engagements across the spectrum. They discussed cooperation in multilateral forums and noted complementarities in their approaches to the Indo-Pacific region and decided to hold regular consultations on issues of mutual interest. For more information: Click here to read...

Foxconn to Produce AirPods at a New Plant in India

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group has won an order to make AirPods for Apple and plans to build a factory in India to produce the wireless earphones. The deal will see Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics contract manufacturer and assembler of around 70 per cent of all iPhones, become an AirPods supplier for the first time and underlines efforts by the key Apple supplier to further diversify production away from China. AirPods are currently made by a range of Chinese suppliers. For more information: Click here to read...

India-US Cooperation on Emerging Technologies

US Secretary for Air Force, Frank Kendall said that India and the US can work together on several emerging technologies, including intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR), jet engine, AI, and space. At a briefing in New Delhi, Frank Kendall told journalists that the US and India are finalising an air information-sharing agreement as part of growing defence cooperation between the two countries, adding that they are working towards signing certain clauses of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) signed in 2020. Frank Kendall, US Secretary for Air Force, highlighted that the US has been more open to technology sharing with India than they have been in the past. For more information: Click here to read...

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

AI Could Affect up to 80 Percent of US Workforce

Researchers from OpenAI, OpenResearch and the University of Pennsylvania argue in a new paper, posted to arXiv, argue that AI could impact the work tasks of roughly 80 percent of the U.S. workforce as the tech develops in ways that could augment or even displace some labor. Around 80 percent of the workforce could have at least 10 percent of their work affected by the implementation of large language models, including Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), in their industry. Nearly 20 percent of workers could see at least 50 percent of their work tasks impacted — and around 15 percent of all work tasks in the U.S. “could be completed significantly faster at the same level of quality” with access to the AI tool. For more information: Click here to read...

Lobbyists in Washington Want a Piece of the CHIPS and Science Act

The CHIPS and Science Act, passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, is designed to entice chip manufacturers back to the U.S. after decades of losing market share to Asia. And the bulk of the money is expected to go to established semiconductor giants like Intel and Samsung, which plan to build huge new fabrication plants with some financial help from the US government. But the new law has also attracted an armada of lobbyists repping a wide range of industries. Among them are labor unions, the social media company Snap, FedEx, home heating and cooling companies, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and even the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, according to lobbying filings from the last three months of 2022. For more information: Click here to read...

The RESTRICT Act Gives New Powers to Ban/Restrict the Chinese Techs

Only days after TikTok’s CEO endured a bipartisan flogging on Capitol Hill, a Senate bill meant to rein in the company — released with much bipartisan fanfare and a bevy of endorsements earlier this month — is starting to look shakier. The bill, known as the RESTRICT Act, would give the Commerce Department and White House sweeping new powers to ban or restrict a wide range of communications and technology products coming from China. The bill would deprive TikTok of a crucial legal defense that it used to defeat the Trump administration’s attempted ban in 2020, and is considered key to any meaningful effort by the Biden administration to ban the Chinese-owned app. For more information: Click here to read...

Chinese Government Launches Cybersecurity Probe into US Chip Firm

China’s internet watchdog is launching a cybersecurity investigation into the local sales of US memory chip giant Micron Technology to “safeguard national security”, signalling an increase in tech tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The Cyber Security Review Office under the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said in a brief statement that the probe, which is the first ever into a foreign company by the office, has been launched to “safeguard key information infrastructure supply chain security” and to “prevent cyberspace security risks due to problematic products”. It is also the first time that the Chinese government has targeted a US semiconductor company, as Washington tightens export controls on advanced chip products and equipment to China on national security concerns. For more information: Click here to read...

China’s Chip Maker SMIC Posts Record Revenue, Despite US Sanctions

China’s top chip foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), which has been on a US trade blacklist for more than two years, said it posted record revenue and profits for 2022, thanks to strong demand for legacy chips in the world’s second-largest economy. In 2022, the second full year the Shanghai-based company was restricted from importing key chip-making tools, SMIC saw its revenue grow 33.6 per cent year on year to US$7.2 billion, while net profits attributable to shareholders reached US$1.8 billion, both record amounts, according to its annual report. Its gross profit margin, a key indicator of profitability, reached 38 per cent last year, up from 30.8 per cent in 2021. Against the backdrop of tougher US sanctions that curbed its ability to develop advanced technology, SMIC’s R&D spending was equal to 10.1 per cent of total revenue, down for a third year in a row from 11.7 per cent and 17.3 per cent in 2021 and 2020, respectively. For more information: Click here to read...

China Warns the Netherlands of Retaliation for Chip Curbs

China has warned that the Netherlands will face consequences if it blocks the export of high-end semiconductor equipment to China. The Hague announced new curbs on the export of chip-making technology earlier this month, in step with the United States in curtailing China’s access to cutting-edge chips. The Chinese ambassador to the Netherlands, Tan Jian in an interview with Het Financieele Dagblad, a Dutch newspaper, said that “This will not be without consequences. I’m not going to speculate on countermeasures, but China won’t just swallow this”. The Netherlands is home to ASML, the world leader in producing the sophisticated – and expensive – photolithography machines that are essential to making advanced microchips. For more information: Click here to read...

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

II. STI in Space Sector

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

IV. International Cooperation

V. Regional and Global Trends

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS