Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 1-15 July 2023, Issue 17

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

August 7 , 2023 Views: 1560 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

MoD & HAL Sign Contract for Two Upgraded Dornier Aircraft for ICG

On 7 July 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of two Dornier Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) along with associated Engineering Support package at an overall cost of Rs 458.87 crore. The aircraft will be procured under the Buy (Indian) Category. The aircraft will be fitted with a number of advanced equipment viz., Glass Cockpit, Maritime Patrol Radar, Electro Optic Infra-Red device, Mission Management System etc. The addition will further bolster the aerial surveillance capability of maritime areas of responsibilities of the ICG.Click here to read…

DAC Approves Procurement of 26 Rafale Marine Aircraft from France

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved three proposals on 13 July 2023. The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). The DAC also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). In addition, the DAC approved the proposal to lay down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases.Click here to read…

‘Sagar Sampark’ Navigation Satellite System to Strengthen Maritime Sector

In furtherance of the digital initiative in maritime sector, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’. DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information. The DGNSS service will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas. This will lead to safe & efficient movement of vessels.Click here to read…

QA Reforms in Military Aviation for Promoting R&D and Manufacturing

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said that the government is committed to ensure Quality Assurance (QA) in military aviation and taking appropriate measures to remove obstacles in indigenization of Defence manufacturing industry. He was delivering keynote address at Workshop on “QA Reforms in Military Aviation for Promoting Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing”, held on 3 July 2023 in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, he urged the private sector to invest more in Aeronautical Quality assurance research and testing. The aviation sector is a complex domain with advanced technology and critical considerations for fight safety and mission success. To address these risks, the global aviation industries operates under the airworthiness framework governed by state or government agencies.Click here to read…

A Single window NCC Integrated Software for Cadets Launched

In a major step towards promoting digitisation and in sync with Digital India mission, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched an NCC Integrated Software in New Delhi on 7 July 2023. The NCC Integrated Software, developed in partnership with Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo Informatics (BISAG), is a single window interactive software for Cadets, designed on the ‘Entry to Exit Model’. The NCC Integrated Software is based on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Once a Cadet always a cadet”, and will digitalize the entire process from the stage of enrolment as a cadet in NCC till exit registration as alumni. This will enable seamless issue of certificates, creation of an all India database of NCC cadets at the time of their employment.Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

Successful Launch of Chandrayaan-3, Soft-Landing Expected on 23 August

India successfully launched its third moon mission on 14 July 2023. If everything goes normal then soft-landing on the moon is expected on 23 August. In a statement, Minister of Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 reiterates India's indigenous capabilities and vindicates the dream that Vikram Sarabhai saw six decades ago. Speaking at Sriharikota after the launch, the Minister said that it is also vindication of the dream of Vikram Sarabhai. Later addressing a press conference, he said, the opening up of Space sector to private players by PM Modi has helped in creating an ecosystem which enables pooling of all assets and resources, and also enables synergy of knowledge and funds. Even the Chandrayaan-3 mission has a huge contribution by the industry, he said.Click here to read…

Launch of Chandrayaan-3 to Boost Space Startups and Space Entrepreneurs

Dr Jitendra Singh said that successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 will boost Space StartUps and Space entrepreneurs. Addressing the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit, the Minister said, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unlocked the Space Sector in 2020 for private participation, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) had made history in November last year by launching successfully India’s maiden private Vikram-suborbital (VKS) rocket. He called upon the young scientists and youth of the G20 Nations to explore the space possibilities through lucrative StartUp ventures even in a Joint Mission Mode to herald a New Age of Space Entrepreneurship. The Minister informed the gathering that out of 424 foreign satellites launched till date by India, 389 were launched in the last nine years of the government headed by PM Modi. He also added that from January 2018 to till date, ISRO has successfully launched over 200 foreign satellites belonging to major G20 countries.Click here to read…

First Batch of Crew Recovery Team of Mission Gaganyaan Completed

The first batch of crew recovery team of Mission Gaganyaan completed Phase-1 of training at Indian Navy's Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) at Kochi. Utilising the state of the art facility, the team comprising of Indian Naval Divers and Marine Commandos underwent recovery training of crew module in varied sea conditions. The two weeks training capsule covered a brief on the conduct of the mission, actions to be taken during medical exigencies and familiarisation with different aircraft and their rescue equipment. The training also validated the SOPs formulated jointly by the Indian Navy and ISRO. The team trained at WSTF will now be involved in recovery of test launches planned by ISRO in the forthcoming months.Click here to read…

Over 140 Space StartUps Established within a Short Span of Time

Dr Jitendra Singh said that with over 140 Space StartUps within a short span of time, India has gained sound footing and the entire world has begun to acknowledge India’s capabilities and her potential in Space Technology. Addressing the inaugural session of the G20 4th edition of Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM), he said, even though India began its Space journey several years later compared to some other countries, yet it is India today which is offering vital clues and inputs for the benefit of world’s leading Space agencies. Lauding the private sector, Dr Jitendra Singh termed their emerging role as “pivotal” to the space economy. He said, global cooperation and alliances are vital in the light of growing ambition of humans to explore outer space. An alliance of responsible space faring nations for enhancing the share of space economy in the global economy is the need of the hour, he said.Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

Collaboration on Jaitapur Power Plant and Advanced Nuclear Reactors

India and France are making remarkable strides in the field of nuclear energy, with a focus on the Jaitapur 6-EPR power plant project. This ambitious endeavour aims to provide reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy through the construction of six cutting-edge European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs) in Jaitapur. In addition, both countries have joined forces to explore the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). These advanced nuclear technologies offer compactness, flexibility, and enhanced safety measures. Together, France and India are forging ahead to revolutionize the energy landscape and tackle global challenges.Click here to read…

Computer Security in the Nuclear World

Digital technologies support operations and automation at facilities handling nuclear material or other radioactive material, potentially leading to increased operational efficiency, reduced labour costs, and better safety and security. However, digital innovations may also pose threats and risks, underscoring the need for robust computer security within a nuclear security regime. What does information and computer security look like in the nuclear world? What are the latest trends within the computer security community? How often do cyberattacks occur? The experts answer these questions and more.Click here to read…

The Philippines Working To Establish Its National Nuclear Infrastructure

The Philippines is working to establish its national nuclear infrastructure, following its decision in 2022 to include nuclear power in the country's energy mix. A critical piece of this infrastructure is the needed legal framework for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy. To support the country in strengthening its legal framework, and at the request of the Government, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Legislative Assistance Mission was conducted from 2 to 5 May 2023. A series of awareness meetings with decision‐makers, policy-makers, senior officials and parliamentarians, provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the Philippines joining and implementing the instruments adopted under the IAEA auspices in the areas of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability.Click here to read…

Japan’s Plans to Release Treated Water Consistent with IAEA Safety Standards

An IAEA safety review has concluded that Japan’s plans to release treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station into the sea are consistent with IAEA Safety Standards. In a report formally presented by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on 4 July 2023, the IAEA also said that the discharges of the treated water would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment. The report is the outcome of nearly two years of work by an IAEA Task Force made up of top specialists from within the Agency advised by internationally recognised nuclear safety experts from eleven countries.Click here to read…

IAEA Concludes International Physical Protection Advisory Mission in Nigeria

The IAEA has completed an International Physical Protection Advisory mission in Nigeria. This peer review mission aimed to assess Nigeria’s nuclear security regime and provide recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. The twelve day mission was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government. The team reviewed the nuclear security regime for nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities and activities. The scope of the mission also included assessment of the physical protection systems installed at the Nigerian First Research Reactor, Temporary Radioactive Waste Storage Facility, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Radiotherapy Department, and the Gamma Irradiation Facility at the Nuclear Technology Centre (NTC).Click here to read…

Canada's Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework

An IAEA team of experts has concluded a five-day follow-up mission to review the emergency preparedness and response (EPR) framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies in Canada. The Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) follow-up mission took place from 26 to 30 June and aimed to assess the progress made by Canada in implementing the recommendations provided during the initial EPREV mission conducted in 2019. The EPREV team identified several strengths during the mission, including: Canada is developing a software tool to enable the most effective and efficient use of available radiation monitoring resources in response to a nuclear or radiological emergency.Click here to read…

Advancing Sustainable Nuclear Energy in Africa

World Nuclear Association (WNA) and the African Energy Chamber have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive nuclear energy adoption in Africa. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting clean, affordable and reliable nuclear energy as a crucial component of Africa’s energy mix, to support economic growth, a just transition, and sustainable energy development. As part of this partnership, WNA, the organization representing the global nuclear industry, will be a leading participant in the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2023, which takes place in Cape Town from 16-20 October this year.Click here to read…

Preparing the Next Nuclear Generation in Nuclear Power Management

Following close to a month of hands-on training, technical site visits and theoretic lectures spread across two continents and three countries, IAEA and international experts presided over the graduation of 23 young professionals from 16 countries, whose expertise in nuclear power management and related areas has now been certified by the Intercontinental Nuclear Institute (INI). For the last decade, the development of a sustainable workforce has been a priority for the nuclear power sector. Among newcomer countries, the challenge lies in establishing an academic pipeline and building professional networks; and in countries with a long tradition of nuclear power generation, ageing workforces and ongoing retirements present a growing threat.Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Bharat 6G Alliance to Drive Innovation and Collaboration

Telecom sector is a continuously evolving sector with high technological obsolescence. It has seen transformation from Wire-line to Mobile services, which has become lifeline of the people. Mobile services have also seen transformation from 2G to 3G to 4G to 5G and now 6G is in horizon. In furthering the vision of Prime Minister of Universal and Affordable connectivity, developing indigenous technology, developing telecom and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, taking lead in 6G Technology, the government announced, Formation of the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA), a collaborative platform consisting of public and private companies, academia, research institutions, and Standards development organizations. B6GA will forge coalitions and synergies with other 6G Global Alliances, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.Click here to read…

India’s Bioeconomy Jumped from $8 Billion in 2014 to $100 Billion

Dr Jitendra Singh has said that the Biotech StartUps are crucial to India’s future economy. “We had just about 50 Biotech Startups 8 to 9 years back, now we have around 6,000,” he said, while inaugurating a discussion meeting for fostering Biomanufacturing Initiative of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in New Delhi. He said, “India’s bioeconomy was just about $8 Billion in 2014 and now under Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have at least awakened to the merits of Biotechnology and Bioeconomy. It has grown up to $100 Billion, now we are targeting $150 Billion by 2025. This is going to be the ‘future value addition’ to India’s economy in the years to come,” he said, adding, “We rank 12th in the world, 3rd in the Asia Pacific as far as bioeconomy is concerned and rank One in vaccine production.” Biotechnology has the potential to become an instrument of global trade.Click here to read…

Guidelines for Operationalisation of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware Approved

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware was notified vide notification No. CG-DL-E-30052023-246165 dated 29 May 2023 with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 17,000 crore. The scheme is aimed at broadening and deepening the IT hardware manufacturing ecosystem in the country. In this regard, the Operational Guidelines of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been finalised. The application window for receiving applications under PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been extended till 31 July 2023.Click here to read…

StartUps IP Rights Protection for Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In his inaugural address at the ‘National Intellectual Property Festival’, organised by the CSIR at the National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the filing of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) including Patents and Trademark by StartUps, along with Industry linkages will encourage innovation and motivate enterprise in India. After the Government came up with the IPR Act in 2016, the Trademark Registration process has come down to one month, which was more than one year earlier. “Soon after this, 'StartUps Intellectual Property Rights Protection' scheme was brought in, which envisages 80% rebate in patent filing and 40%-50% rebate vis-à-vis the Industry and the companies,” the Minister said. The government has launched several schemes which supplement each other to reinforce the StartUp ecosystem and their Capacity Building.Click here to read…

Product Design Centre, Set up at C-DAC, Kolkata and Launch of Grain-Ex system

The Product Design Centre (PDC) has been set up at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata. The centre has prototyping and system designing facilities equipped with all the software and printing technologies for system designing, prototyping, ideation and fabrication. This facility will be beneficial to startups, enterpreneurs and MSME’s of the eastern region of the country. An appearance based detection system i.e., Grain-Ex through machine vision technology for pulses developed under ‘National programme on Electronics and ICT applications in Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’ alongwith ICAR-IARI, New Delhi was also launched on this occasion.Click here to read…

AI for India 2.0, a Free AI Skill Training Course in Indian Languages Launched

AI for India 2.0, a free online training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been launched on World Youth Skills’ Day. A joint initiative of Skill India and GUVI, this NCVET and IIT Madras accredited online programme will equip youth with frontier skills. On the occasion, Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan said that this is a good beginning towards dismantling language barrier in technology education and future-proofing our Yuva Shakti, particularly those in rural areas. India is a technology-savvy country and the success story in adoption of digital payments in India is a case in point. He expressed satisfaction that GUVI has taken this initiative to educate the bottom of the pyramid population in cutting-edge technologies.Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

G20 Research Ministers Resolve To Transform Research and Innovation Systems

The G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, concluded successfully in Mumbai, where the Research Ministers of the G20 members and invitee countries, while endorsing and supporting the four priority discussion areas identified by India’s Presidency for Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG), re-affirmed the critical role of research and innovation for enabling inclusive and sustainable development and resolved to support all efforts for transforming research and innovation systems to respond to the changing world of the 21st century and address the challenges of tomorrow. Based on the engagements and discussions on the priority areas – Materials for Sustainable Energy; Circular Bio-Economy; Eco-Innovations for Energy Transition; and Sustainable Blue Economy, which took place through a series of meetings under the broad theme of ‘Research and Innovation for an Equitable Society’, an “Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary” was issued after the meeting.Click here to read…

SCO Member States Statement on Cooperation in Digital Technologies

In a statement issued on 4 July 2023, the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) declared that digital transformation is a driver of global, inclusive and sustainable growth and can contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Digital technologies are defining new ways of working and thinking, opening up new possibilities and growth avenues. The effective and secure use of digital technologies can become a force multiplier in the decades-long global struggle against constant challenges to the global community. It noted that SCO Member States need to join forces in unlocking the full potential of digitalization across all sectors of the economy, including the digitalization of the real economy.Click here to read…

Defence Industrial Collaboration between India and Malaysia

Recognising defence exports as a key pillar of sustainable growth of the Indian defence industry, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Regional Office of HAL in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11 July 2023. This Regional Office will facilitate close defence industrial collaboration between India and Malaysia. It will also serve as a hub for the HAL’s engagement with the wider South-East Asian region and act as a window for other Indian Defense PSUs. Malaysia is home to the second largest members of the Persons of Indian Origin and has a significant presence of the NRI community. The Raksha Mantri interacted with the Indian diaspora on two different occasions.Click here to read…

India-UK Electric Propulsion Technical Workshop held in New Delhi

An India-UK Electric Propulsion Technical Workshop to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and explore the exciting possibilities in the field of electric propulsion was organized in New Delhi on 3 July 2023. The workshop served as a crucial platform for experts, researchers, and industry professionals from both countries to come together, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions on the development of electric propulsion for ships. The interaction and discussions provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, paving the way for collaboration and the exchange of ideas.Click here to read…

MoU Signed with EU Aviation Safety Agency for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India has signed a MoU with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for cooperation in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Innovative Air Mobility. This MoU will focus on collaboration on unmanned aircraft and innovative air mobility between the two civil aviation authorities. This collaboration would include cooperation between DGCA and EASA in the areas of development of certification standards and environmental standards and related requirements for the certification and use of unmanned aircraft systems and innovative air mobility operations which includes licensing of personnel, training, air traffic management and infrastructure, including Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) standards and services.Click here to read…

MoU Signed for Setting up of Campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The MoU for setting up of campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania was signed between the Ministry of Education (MoE), Govt. of India, IIT Madras and Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) Zanzibar, Tanzania. This is the first ever IIT campus to be set up outside India. It is reflective of the longstanding friendship between India and Tanzania and a reminder of the focus India places on building people to people ties across Africa and the Global South. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that MoU signing for setting up IIT Madras- Zanzibar campus marks a historic beginning towards internationalization of higher education. He further said that the initiative is an embodiment of the Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to strengthen South-South cooperation as well as forge stronger people-to-people ties with Africa. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 focuses on Internationalization and recommends that “High performing Indian universities will be encouraged to set up campuses in other countries”.Click here to read…

India-UAE Signed MoU for Establishing Campuses of IIT, Delhi in Abu Dhabi

President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi met in Abu Dhabi on 15 July 2023. In the Joint Statement, the two sides announced that the signing of a MoU for planning to establish Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi in Abu Dhabi. The leaders also discussed the significance of the tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Education of India, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi) and Abu Dhabi Department of Education & Knowledge (ADEK) for the establishment of IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi. In February last year, during the Virtual Summit between the two leaders, they agreed to establish the Indian Institute of Technology in the UAE. Both sides have worked tirelessly over the past two years to make this vision a reality.Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Cancelling Noise for Improving Quantum Devices

For years, researchers have tried various ways to coax quantum bits — or qubits, the basic building blocks of quantum computers — to remain in their quantum state for ever-longer times, a key step in creating devices like quantum sensors, gyroscopes and memories. A team of physicists from MIT have taken an important step forward in that quest, and to do it, they borrowed a concept from an unlikely source — noise-cancelling headphones. The team described a method to achieve a 20-fold increase in the coherence times for nuclear-spin qubits. The work is described in a paper published last week in Physical Review Letters. In much the same way noise-cancelling headphones use specific sound frequencies to filter out surrounding noise, the team developed an approach they dubbed an “unbalanced echo” to extend the system’s coherence time.Click here to read…

US Outlines ‘Roadmap’ for Cybersecurity Goals

The Biden administration has released a “roadmap” laying out its step-by-step plan to implement a national cybersecurity strategy unveiled earlier this year. The roadmap — which the White House noted is the “first iteration” of its implementation plan and represents a “living document” meant to be updated annually — breaks down the cybersecurity strategy into 69 initiatives, specifying various deadlines for implementation over the next three years and which agency is leading each particular initiative. The administration first released the highly anticipated strategy in March 2023, focusing on several key pillars, including defending critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, disrupting and dismantling cyber-crime and forging international partnerships.Click here to read…

China’s to Impose Controls on Gallium and Germanium

In a move widely seen as Beijing’s retaliation against the US and its allies for imposing chip restrictions on China, the country’s Commerce Ministry and Customs Administration announced that exports of the critical metals and related products will be subject to government approval from 1 August 2023. In taking the step Beijing is leveraging its quasi-monopoly position in low-quality gallium. China is responsible for over 90 per cent of the world’s output of the rare metal. Chinese experts say that China’s decision to impose export controls from next month on gallium and germanium, important materials used in semiconductor manufacturing, is a targeted measure aimed at improving national security but it may also bring about industry disruption.Click here to read…

The Biden Administration Opposes China’s Metal Export Controls

The Biden administration said that it “firmly opposes” Beijing’s new restrictions on the export of germanium and gallium, two strategic materials essential to semiconductors, communications equipment and solar panels. A spokesperson for the US Commerce Department said in an email to the South China Morning Post that these actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” adding that Washington would “engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains”. Tightening its grip over the metals is Beijing’s first major response to actions Washington has taken to limit China’s use of US technology in developing its own advanced computing and military applications.Click here to read…

Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger Concluded a Low-Key Trip to China

Despite an intensifying US-China tech war, Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger has concluded a low-key trip to China, his second to the country in three months. Gelsinger started his trip with a visit to Intel’s chip packaging and test plant in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province, where a celebration marked Intel’s 20th anniversary of operations in the city. Gelsinger’s reported itinerary included a visit to the Beijing headquarters of New H3C Group, a leading Chinese IT equipment supplier under Tsinghua Unigroup. On the same day, Gelsinger visited xFusion Technologies, a provider of computing power infrastructure and services, where he had talks with its chairman Liu Hongyun on cooperation in “green data centre innovation and AI computing power”.Click here to read…