Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 1-15 December 2023, Issue 27

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

December 29 , 2023 Views: 1943 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Sandhayak, First of Four Survey Vessel Ships, Delivered to Navy

Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 4 December 23. The SVL ships are designed and built to the rules of Indian Register of Shipping Classification society by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The primary role of the ship would be full scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Survey of Port/ Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes. Zone of operation includes maritime limits upto EEZ/ extended continental shelf. Click here to read...

MoD Signs Contract with TCIL for Digital Coast Guard Project

In alignment with the Government of India’s strategic vision for Digital Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) on 8 December 2023, at a total cost of Rs 588.68 crore, for the acquisition of Digital Coast Guard (DCG) project, under the Buy (Indian) category. A pivotal Initiative for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the DCG Project will unfold a comprehensive narrative of technological progression, encompassing the construction of an advanced Data Centre, the establishment of a robust Disaster Recovery Data Centre, amplification of connectivity across ICG sites, and the development of the ERP system. Click here to read...

iDEX-DIO Signs 300th Contract for Defence Innovation

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Department of Defence Production, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 300th contract. The contract relates to the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors which is essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence applications ranging from radars to EW (Electronics Warfare) jammers. The proposal aims to design, develop and manufacture GaN components for defence in India using completely indigenous GaN technology. Click here to read...

Successful Training Launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’

Training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’ was carried out successfully from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on 7December 2023. Agni-1 is a proven very high precision missile system. The user training launch, carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, successfully validated all operational and technical parameters. Click here to read...

Keel Laying of Fourth Ship and Fifth Ship of ASW Shallow Water Craft

Keel Laying of the fourth ship (BY 526, Malpe) and fifth ship (BY 527, Mulki) of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) (CSL) project was done in Kochi on 8 December 23. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these ships are the proud flag bearer of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in 2024. The high indigenous content on these ASW SWC ships will ensure large scale defence production by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country. Click here to read...

MoD to Operationalize a Non-lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund

Articles 112-114 & 266 of the Constitution provide that no money can be spent by the Government from Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) without authorisation through an Annual Budget presented before the Parliament. Since authorisation under the Appropriation Act is meant for that particular financial year, the same does not allow operationalization of a Public Fund which is non-lapsable in nature. In this regard, separate mechanism is being worked out by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with MoD, to explore a special dispensation to MoD to operationalize a Non-lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

Space Sector Becoming an Important Component of India's Economy

Space sector is becoming an important component of the India's economy. Space StartUps attracted private investment amounting to more than Rs.1,000 crore in this Financial Year since April. The Union Minister of State S&T and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said this while participating in a National TV Conclave in Delhi on 13 December 2023. The Minister said, “India’s Space economy today stands at a modest $8 billion, but our own projection is that by 2040 it will multiply manifold… we could have the potential of $100 Billion by 2040.” Click here to read...

Space Technology Incubational Centres

Space Technology Incubation Centre (S-TIC) has been set-up to attract and nurture the young academia with innovative ideas/ research aptitude for carrying out research, motivating and encouraging them to initiate the start-ups and business in the field of Space technology & applications and developing the Academia–Industry ecosystem for Space Technology. ISRO has set up Space Technology Cells (STC) at premiere institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) – Bombay, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee, Guwahati and Delhi, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Click here to read...

Space Start-Ups Increased from just 1 in 2014 to 189 in 2023

The number of Space Start-Ups have gone up from just 1 in 2014 to 189 in 2023 as per the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Start-Up India Portal. The investment in Indian Space Start-Ups has increased to $ 124.7 Million, the Union Minister of State for S&T and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 14 December 2023. The government has announced the Indian Space Policy 2023, which enables end-to-end participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in all domain of Space activities. Click here to read...

ISRO Steadily Leveraging AI and ML in Space Domain

Over the last three years, ISRO has been steadily leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Space domain, adapting with fast-paced technological developments in these areas. AI and ML solutions are being developed for Launch Vehicles, Spacecraft Operations, Big Data Analytics, Space Robotics, Space Traffic Management, among others. The projects and programmes in the domains of AI being undertaken by Department of Space are at different stages of feasibility studies and implementation. Click here to read...

Increasing Supply Chain Manufacturing Footprint in India

In a significant move towards fortifying India's aerospace manufacturing and MRO sector, the Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia urged leaders of aerospace manufacturing majors to present a collaborative plan outlining their requirements from each department of the Government of India, in order to help them expand supply chains for aerospace manufacturing in India. During the Advisory Group meeting of Aerospace Manufacturers and MROs, the Minister also engaged in detailed discussions with MROs on their operational and taxation challenges. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) to Make Clean Energy Transition

The Indian government is working on new technologies such as Small Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) to make clean energy transition. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 6 December, Union Minister of State S&T, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that nuclear power is considered as one of the most promising clean energy options for power generation. There is a thrust world over for a strategy to use nuclear power that could reduce reliance on fossil fuels over the coming years. Click here to read...

Breakthrough Nutraceutical ‘AKTOCYTE’ Set to Transform Cancer Care

In a breakthrough towards enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, scientists from Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and M/s. IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru have joined hands to develop AKTOCYTE tablets. Experts from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai; Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai collaborated with the IDRS Labs with a primary aim of minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy. The AKTOCYTE tablets have shown remarkable results, particularly in pelvic cancer patients suffering from radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine). Click here to read...

Nuclear Energy Makes History as Final COP28 Agreement

On 13 December 2023, nuclear energy made history as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) wrapped up in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai. For the first time since the annual climate summits commenced in 1995, the 198 signatory countries to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially called for accelerating the deployment of low-emission technologies including nuclear energy to help achieve deep and rapid decarbonization, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and through the low carbon production of hydrogen. Click here to read...

Twenty-Second Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

The twenty-second Republic of Korea-United Nations Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues took place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, from 4-5 December 2023. This year’s conference was dedicated to addressing the critical theme of “Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Military Domain.”Key discussions at the Conference explored are: the multifaceted implications of AI in military applications, spanning benefits, risks, legal, and ethical considerations. Click here to read...

Ministerial Declaration Puts Nuclear Energy at the Heart of Action on CC

On 2 December 2023, a historic Ministerial Declaration signed at the COP28 UN climate change (CC) conference in Dubai by more than twenty countries sets a clear goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The declaration was announced on the second day of the world climate action summit by the heads of state of France, Romania, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, and the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, as well as energy ministers and senior officials of the other countries signing the declaration. Click here to read...

WANO and the NEA Host a Country Specific Safety Culture Forum for Japan

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) jointly hosted a Country Specific Safety Culture Forum for Japan, which took place in Tokyo from 14 - 15 December 2023. It was the fourth Forum which WANO has organised with the NEA and the first to be conducted in Asia. A key part of WANO’s mission is a focus on nuclear safety culture, which WANO defines as the core values and behaviours resulting from a collective commitment by leaders and individuals to emphasise safety over competing goals, to ensure protection of people and the environment. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Implementation of e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project

Under Digital India Programme, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) with the aim to making Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), more transparent, accountable, and effective as local self-governments. Building on the achievements in the past, the Ministry launched eGram Swaraj, a work-based comprehensive application for PRIs under the e-Panchayat MMP on 24th April 2020. This application encompasses all aspects of Panchayat functioning viz. planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, asset management etc., on a single digital platform including online payments. Click here to read...

Free of Cost Digital Tools to Marginalised Communities

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 calls for investment in digital infrastructure, online teaching platforms and tools, virtual labs, digital repositories, online assessments, technology and pedagogy for online teaching-learning etc., with the promotion of multilingualism and the power of language in teaching and learning through innovative and experiential methods. NEP further mentions that certain subjects, skills, and capacities should be learned by all students. These skills also include digital literacy, coding, and computational thinking which are promoted through various digital initiative. Click here to read...

Total 580 Projects under MSE-CDP Approved Across the Country

A total of 580 projects {227 Common Facility Centers (CFCs) & 353 Infrastructure Development (ID) projects} under Micro and Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) are approved across the country, out of which, 307 projects (97 CFCs & 210 ID projects) have been completed. No State/UT Govt. has reported any non-functional MSME cluster in their respective State/UT under the scheme. MSE-CDP is a demand driven Central Sector Scheme wherein, State Governments send proposals for establishment of Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and establishment /up-gradation of Infrastructure Development (ID) projects as per requirements in clusters. Click here to read...

Use of AI-Enabled Technology to Enhance Capacity of CPGRAMS Portal

The Indian government is using Next Generation AI-enabled technology to enhance capacity of the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal. Data Strategy Unit has also been established for root cause analysis of grievances and bringing systemic reforms, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 13 December. The Minister said that these reforms have resulted in decrease in pendency and improvement in average time of disposal of Public Grievances. Click here to read...

Inauguration of a Deeptech Startup Accelerator Programme

A Deeptech Startup Accelerator Programme inaugurated which is dedicated to catalyzing innovation in agriculture and water technology called SAMRIDHI (Strategic Acceleration for Market, Research, Innovation & Development: a Holistic Initiative for ICPS Startups) hosted by iHubAwaDH, a Technology and Innovation Hubs set up UNDER National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). The SAMRIDHI conclave in which five strategic collaborations were formalized, featured five deep-tech innovations. A total of 13 startups shortlisted through rigorous evaluation, presented their ideas while 25 startups showcased their solutions at the exhibition. Click here to read...

Skill Development in Rural Areas

Under the Government of India, Skill India Mission (SIM) aims at Skilling, Re-skilling and Up-skilling to ensure all young Indians are prepared for the large number of opportunities coming up as the economy expands and India moves from the 10th largest economy to 3rd largest economy in the world. SIM is aimed at giving access to all youth in India to get future ready, Industry ready skill.Under the SIM, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) provides skill, re-skill and up-skill training to youth across the country including Uttar Pradesh through a comprehensive network of skill development centers/institutes under various schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Sikhshan Sansthan (JSS), etc. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

Foxconn Won Approval to Invest at Least US$1 billion in India

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, known as Foxconn Technology Group internationally, has won approval to invest at least US$1 billion more in a plant it is building in India that is to make Apple Inc products, a major ramp-up in its goal of building a hub beyond China. The world’s biggest assembler of iPhones plans to spend that amount on top of the US$1.6 billion it earlier set aside for the 120-hectare site close to Bengaluru’s airport. The new capital would bankroll additional capacity for Apple devices, including the iPhone. Click here to read...

Micron’s Semiconductor Project in Gujarat on Fast Track

The Indian government had approved the proposal of Micron Technology for setting up a semiconductor unit in India with capital investment of ₹22,516 crore (2.75 billion dollars) in June 2023, providing 50 per cent fiscal support on pari-passu basis. Ground breaking of the unit at Sanand, Gujarat was done within 3 months in September 2023. Construction of the unit is going on in full swing and is expected to be completed in about 12 months. The memory and storage products manufactured in this unit will cater to domestic consumption and be exported globally. Click here to read...

Research Symposium at the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) 2023

As one of the founding members of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a multi-stakeholder initiative, in 2020, the current incoming Support Chair of GPAI, and the Lead Chair for GPAI in 2024, India is hosting the Annual GPAI Summit in Delhi from 12 – 14 December 2023. The GPAI Summit brought together representatives from 28 member countries and the European Union, forging an extraordinary platform for profound discussions on the urgent matters shaping the ever-evolving landscape of AI. With a laser focus on healthcare, priority sectors, and responsible AI, the morning sessions showcased the insights of over 25 speakers hailing from diverse countries and fields. Click here to read...

Social Innovators from India win accolades at the AIGIF in Malaysia

Two grassroots innovators and one student innovator from India won prizes in the grassroots innovation and student innovation competition respectively at the 4th edition of ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF), a flagship programme hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) which concluded on 30November 2023. The AIGIF is an annual programme focused on fostering a strengthened relationship between India and ASEAN Member States (AMS) on the premise of cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Click here to read...

India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) Launched

India and Korea have launched the India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES), in New Delhi on 6th December 2023. The EODES is aimed at facilitating the smooth implementation of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by way of electronic exchange of origin information between the two customs administrations in respect of the goods traded under the CEPA. The data fields in a Certificate of Origin (CoO) shall be electronically shared by the exporting customs administration with the importing customs, as soon as the certificate is issued. This would facilitate faster clearance of imported goods. Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Engineers Find a Way to Determine How Surfaces of Materials Behave

Designing new compounds or alloys whose surfaces can be used as catalysts in chemical reactions can be a complex process relying heavily on the intuition of experienced chemists. A team of researchers at MIT has devised a new approach using machine learning (ML) that removes the need for intuition and provides more detailed information than conventional methods can practically achieve. Using ML, the computational method can provide details of how materials work as catalysts, semiconductors, or battery components. Click here to read...

US and BAE Systems, Inc. Announce Plans to Quadruple Chip Production

The U.S. Department of Commerce and BAE Systems Electronic Systems, a business unit of BAE Systems, Inc., have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide approximately $35 million in federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the modernization of the company’s Microelectronics Center, a mature-node production facility in Nashua, New Hampshire. The project will replace aging tools and quadruple the production of chips necessary for critical defence programmes including the F-35 fighter jet programme. Click here to read...

China’s CXMT Indicates Design Capabilities for Gate-All-Around Transistors

ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China’s top dynamic random access memory (DRAM) developer, this week presented a paper to the 69th annual IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) in San Francisco, giving an indication of its design capabilities for gate-all-around (GAA) transistors – the most advanced transistor type for cutting-edge 3-nanometre grade chips.CXMT in a statement said the paper “describes fundamental research related to DRAM structure and the feasibility of 4F2 design”. Click here to read...

China Is Running Away With Strategic Industries

According to the “China Is Running Away With Strategic Industries” a report by the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF), China was the world’s leading producer in computers and electronics; chemicals; machinery and equipment; motor vehicles; basic metals; fabricated metals; and electrical equipment. But while the rest of the world outperformed China in just pharmaceuticals and information technology services, the dominance might not be sustainable. Click here to read...

ASML and Samsung to Build an Advanced Semiconductor Plant in Korea

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Netherlands’ ASML and Samsung Electronics agreed to jointly invest 1 trillion won ($762 million) to build a research fab in Korea to develop cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing technologies using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment. Another Korean chip giant, SK Hynix, also signed a deal with the Dutch firm to jointly develop technology to reduce energy loss in semiconductor production by using EUV equipment. Click here to read...