Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 01-15 January 2023, Issue 5

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

January 19 , 2023 Views: 1968 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

DAC Approves AoN for Three Capital Acquisition Proposals

On 10 January 2023, a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals - HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, and Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) - amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals - two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy - are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. For more information: Click here to read...

Keel Laying of the Two Warships of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft

Keel laying of the two warships (Yard 3033 and Yard 3036) of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft (ASW SWC) project under construction by GRSE, Kolkata, was undertaken on 31 December 22 by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80 percent indigenous content, ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units thereby generating employment and capability build up within the country. For more information: Click here to read...

Successful Training Launch of Prithvi-II Carried Out off

On 10 January 2023, a successful training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II, was carried out on from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. A well-established system, Prithvi-II missile, has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. The missile struck its target with high accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile. For more information: Click here to read...

ICG Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones

In a major boost to Marine Surveillance and Interdiction capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has concluded maiden contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology. These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance & Security operations. For more information: Click here to read...

Startup Firm IG Drones Develops India’s First 5G-Enabled Drone, Skyhawk

Startup firm IG Drones, which was born out of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) campus in Odisha’s Sambalpur has developed a 5G-enabled drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. The drone named Skyhawk can be used in defence and medical applications, among other sectors. The drone can carry a 10 kg payload and has an endurance of around five hours. With Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) providing 5G services in the country, these drones can be controlled with much more precision and can be controlled from the command centre directly rather than being on the field. For more information: Click here to read...

Technology Acquiring Centre Stage

Addressing Indian Army personnel and other persons on the occasion of 75th Army Day on 15 January, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with technology acquiring centre stage in today’s world, the majority of the weapons are operated through Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby eliminating the need for any in-person human presence. He added big armies in the world are working on modernization and working on new thoughts, ideas, technology and organizational structure. They are doing research on new platforms and equipment. Keeping in mind future requirements, we should also work on strategies, tactics and policies. For more information: Click here to read...

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

The MoS&T Notifies National Geospatial Policy, 2022

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) has notified the National Geospatial Policy, 2022. After liberalizing the use of geospatial data under the draft Geospatial Data policy in February 2022, the Indian government has now outlined a 13-year guideline for the development of the geospatial data industry in the country, developing a national framework to use geospatial data for improving citizen services, and more. As part of its outlay, the policy will seek to develop a national geospatial data framework, and enable “easy availability” of data to businesses and general public. For more information: Click here to read...

Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial Ecosystem

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh has launched “Geospatial Hackathon” to promote Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial ecosystem. After launching the “Geospatial Hackathon” on 14 January 2023, the Minister said that the Hackathon will promote Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial ecosystem. He invited the nation’s youth to participate and contribute towards the building of the nation’s geospatial economy. For more information: Click here to read...

Symposium on Space Science and Technology

The symposium on Space Science and Technology was organised on the second day of Indian Science Congress on 4 January at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Campus of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully undertaken many near impossible space expeditions and projects. DTH Service, Weather Forecast has been possible due to satellite technology. The scientists participating in the Symposium opined that the objective of the expeditions and projects by ISRO are aimed at developing technology that can be helpful to the common people. For more information: Click here to read...

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Anticipated To be Launched in August 2023

According to a report by The Hindu, Chairman of the ISRO, S. Somnath, at a conference stated that the Chandrayaan-3 mission is anticipated to be launched in August 2023. While the mission’s criteria would stay the same, the design was changing in a number of ways, according to Dr Somnath. In contrast to Chandrayaan-2, “the design and engineering are drastically changed to make it more resilient and avoid the issues from the previous time.” For more information: Click here to read...

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Start-up India Innovation Week

The Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organizing Start-up India Innovation Week from 10th January 2023 to 16th January 2023 to celebrate the Indian Start-up Ecosystem. With an aim to reach ecosystem stakeholders and enablers across the length and breadth of the nation, several events were successfully conducted during the Start-up India Innovation Week, including Start-up India, in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) organised a two-day physical workshop on women for startups, in Kochi, on 10th and 11th January 2023; organised a Virtual Mock Pitching Session for all existing women entrepreneurs from the eight states of northeast; and, hosted a webinar on the topic “Bridging the Bridge: Going Global”. For more information: Click here to read...

India’s Fastest Payment App, PayRup, Launched

India’s fastest payment app was launched on 8 January 2023. PayRup is built by cutting-edge technology of web 3.0. It provides advanced digital payment experience with outstanding user experience. PayRup users can pay utility bills and landline bills, recharge their mobile, broadband, DTH, and purchase Gift Cards. PayRup services are planned to expand across various financial instruments, including multiple payment services such as school fees, pay rent, and other payment collection services. Recently, PayRup has announced ticketing and booking services for flights, buses, and hotels along with a few other USPs. For more information: Click here to read...

‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Launched

On 6 January 2023, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “One Week One Lab” campaign highlighting India’s global excellence in technology, innovation and Start-Ups. The Minister informed that in the “One Week One Lab” Campaign of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), each of its 37 constituent laboratories, spread Nationwide, will showcase their legacy, exclusive innovations and technological breakthroughs every successive week. During the campaign each CSIR lab shall be organizing week long events including industry & start-ups meet, students connect, society connect, display of technologies, etc. For more information: Click here to read...

Symposium on Emerging and Strategic Technologies

A seminar on ‘Emerging and Strategic Technologies’ was organised on 5th January at the Dr. A.K. Dorley Auditorium in the ongoing Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. During the symposium, P Siva Prasad, gave a presentation on ‘Asymmetric Technology’. He explained how heterogeneous technologies are cost-effective, subtle and disruptive. Prof. RP Singh, PRL Ahmedabad, spoke about ‘Quantum Technologies and Photonics: Application Oriented Research’. For more information: Click here to read...

Vidisha Becomes First District in India for Deployment of 5G Use

Vidisha, an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh became the first ever district in India for on ground deployment of innovative 5G use cases offered by startups - a joint initiative by Vidisha District Administration and Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the guidance of Additional Secretary (Telecom) & Administrator USOF. For more information: Click here to read...

Effective Use of S&T Important for Progress of Agriculture

Speaking in the inaugural function of Farmers Science Congress, organised in Nagpur as a part of 108th Indian Science Congress, on 5 January, Basant Kumar Das, Director, Central Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said that “The nation has made tremendous progress in food grain production and our farmers’ meticulous efforts have made the biggest contribution to it. However, it is seen that the economic condition of the farmers has not improved much. Hence effective use of modern S&T is important for the progress of agriculture”. He asserted that farmers need to be aware of market techniques. For more information: Click here to read...

Start-ups in Agriculture Sector

On 5 January 2023, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated “National Genome Editing & Training Centre” at National Agri-food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) Mohali, Punjab. The Minister said that the Start-Up movement has picked up momentum in India and led to creation of over 80,000 Start-Ups whose number was only about 350 before 2014. This quantum jump in the number of Start-Ups must equally and proportionally reflect in Agri and Bio-tech as well because this area is yet to be fully explored and taken advantage of by Indian entrepreneurs and youth. The Minister insisted on creating awareness about lucrative livelihood and income avenues in Agri-tech entrepreneurship. For more information: Click here to read...

Intelligent Tray Retrieval System

Minister for MSME Narayan Rane inaugurated virtually Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS), Manufactured by M/s SJK Innovations Pvt. Ltd, a MSME-Make in India Company at MOPA (GOA) International airport. The ITRS is an AI based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology. The machine is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools that makes it easy for the screener to take correct decisions against every baggage. This in turn helps the passenger to complete the screening much faster and easier when compared to the conventional machines. For more information: Click here to read...

Contribution of Women in STEM & Biodiversity Conservation

The contribution of women in all walks of life, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as conservation of biodiversity, was highlighted at the 10th Women Science Congress (WSC), organised as a part of the 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University during 5-6 January 2023. For more information: Click here to read...

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India’s Role in the Technology Sector in G20

India has a crucial role to play in its G20 presidency in the technology sector. As a country with a strong focus on technology and innovations, it has a significant role to play in bridging the digital divide. India’s Chief Coordinator for G20, Harsh V. Shringla said that the principle of data for development will be an integral part of the overall theme of India’s presidency of the group of the world’s developed and emerging economies. For more information: Click here to read...

Stay Safe Online’ and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ Launched

As part of India’s G20 presidency, the Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the “Stay Safe Online” campaign and the “G20 Digital Innovation Alliance” (G20-DIA). MeitY, the Nodal Ministry for the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG). During its G20 presidency, MeitY will focus on three priority areas, namely Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Cyber Security, and Digital Skill Development, together with the Stay Safe Online campaign and DIA programme under the DEWG. MeitY aims to carry forward the vision of the digital transformation of the global digital economy for public service delivery through innovation and a future-ready digitally skilled workforce in a secure cyber environment. For more information: Click here to read...

India-France Technology Cooperation

India’s National Security Adviser, Ajiit Doval and Diplomatic Adviser to the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Bonne co-chaired the annual India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 5 January 2023. During the Strategic Dialogue and the meetings, the two sides discussed global security environment, expanding the scope of defence cooperation to include co-development of futuristic technologies in line with India’s priorities of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Both sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation including in the South West Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific and pursuit of new initiatives in Critical and Emerging Technologies. For more information: Click here to read...

Joint Projects with Japan for Digital Transformation of ITS and Mobility

Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reiterated India’s intense support towards cooperation with Japan in the sector of highways development, administration, and monitoring with the implementation of digital technology-enabled Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) services in his interaction with the Japanese Delegation led by Mr. Koichi Hagiuda and Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki. The Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has always placed the Indo-Pacific at the heart of its engagement with the countries of Southeast and East Asia vide India’s Act East Policy. For more information: Click here to read...

Emagia, USA, and Osmania University Sign Agreement on AI and Fintech

Advancing its commitment to innovations and future ready workforce, Emagia, USA announced the launch of Fintech Innovation Labs at Osmania University (OU) in collaboration with Osmania Foundation, Hyderabad. Emagia and Osmania Foundation will set up joint Emagia-OU Fintech Innovation Labs at the OU College of Engineering to focus on research and development of the latest digital technology solutions using AI, ML, Blockchain, Web3, IoT, and other technologies aimed to accelerate fintech innovations. An agreement to this effect was signed between Emagia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California USA, and Osmania Foundation, Hyderabad, India. For more information: Click here to read...

India-US Emerging Technology Cooperation

A high level US delegation led by Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, National Science Foundation visited India for discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation on the areas of emerging technologies. During the visit, Dr Panchanathan “proposed deeper cooperation with India in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Quantum, Semiconductor, Clean Energy, Advanced Wireless, Biotechnology, Geosciences, Astrophysics and Defence.” He also called on Dr Jitendra Singh who told the US delegation that Prime Minister Modi has opened new opportunities and possibilities in all areas of Scientific Endeavors, but more so in areas of Space, Biotech, Geospatial and Sustainable Start-ups. These are the best of the times for both India and America to forge a durable and strong bond for global leadership in fighting global challenges. For more information: Click here to read...

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

‘US Needs to Boost Tech Investments to Stay Competitive’, Senate Democrats

Three US Senate Democrats - Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) - said at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) that the US needs to boost its investments in tech advancements in order to stay competitive on a global market. Sen. Warner (D-Va.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said one of his priorities for the year is pushing for investments in AI, quantum computing, advanced engineering and synthetic biology. The senators underscored the importance of investments in domestic production of key technologies by noting the vast array of innovations on display at the show, ranging from advancements in automobiles to kitchen appliances. For more information: Click here to read...

US-China Quantum Technology Race

A team of Chinese researchers, led by Professor Long Guilu of Tsinghua University, have claimed a breakthrough to solve vulnerabilities of mainstream encryption mechanisms. They have claimed that their new, quantum code-breaking algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer. The team claimed that their newly-discovered algorithm could reduce scale of a practical quantum computer to 372 qubits. However, the claim has been met with doubts from researchers in the United States. For more information: Click here to read...

US Sanction China on Chips Yield No Immediate Effect

The US has been trying to sanction China for some time now and has asked Japan and the Netherlands to put up sanctions that would stop tech companies from working with the Chinese chip industry. These sanctions won’t show any immediate effect. The White House will discuss a recent crackdown on exports of chip-making tools to China with Japanese and Dutch officials during upcoming visits, but they will not result in “immediate” pledges from the two countries to impose similar curbs. For more information: Click here to read...

China Published More Scientific Papers than the US

In 2022, Chinese researchers published three times as many papers on AI as US researchers and also outnumbered US papers by a 2-to-1 ratio in the top 1 percent most-cited research in the field. By at least one measure, China now leads the world in producing high-quality science. It is not the only nation to drastically improve its science capacity in recent years, but China’s rise has been particularly dramatic. This has left US policy experts and government officials worried about how China’s scientific supremacy will shift the global balance of power. For more information: Click here to read...

Drone Advances in Ukraine Could Mark a New Age of Warfare

According to military analysts, combatants and AI researchers, drone advances in Ukraine have accelerated a long-anticipated technology trend that could soon bring the world’s first fully autonomous fighting robots to the battlefield, inaugurating a new age of warfare. The longer the war lasts, the more likely it becomes that drones will be used to identify, select and attack targets without help from humans. That would mark a revolution in military technology as profound as the introduction of the machine gun. 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