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

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

July 6 , 2023 Views: 941 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Launch of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1

On 1 June 2023, a successful training launch of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1 was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.Click here to read…

‘Agni Prime’ Ballistic Missile Flight-Tested by DRDO off Odisha Coast

New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on 7 June 2023. This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system. Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.Click here to read…

MoD Signs Contract to Strengthen Indian Army’s Communication System

Giving a further boost to indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and incentivize the private sector to engage in realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Ministry of Defence inked a contract in New Delhi on 15 June 2023 with ICOMM Tele Limited, Hyderabad for the procurement of 1,035 numbers of 5/7.5 Ton Radio Relay Communication equipment containers. The value of the contract under Buy (Indian) Category is nearly Rs 500 crore. The delivery of the containers is scheduled to commence from the current Financial Year 2023-24. This will give further boost to the indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and stimulate the private sector to actively engage in realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.Click here to read…

Launch of ‘Sanshodhak’, Fourth Ship of Survey Vessel (Large) Project

‘Sanshodhak’, the fourth of four ships of Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, being built by L&T/ GRSE for Indian Navy was launched at Kattupalli, Chennai on 13 June 2023. The ship named ‘Sanshodhak’, meaning ‘Researcher’, signifies the primary role of the ship as a Survey Vessel. SVL ships will replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships, with new generation hydrographic equipment, to collect oceanographic data. With a capability to carry four Survey Motor Boats and an integral helicopter, the primary role of the ships would be to undertake full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of Ports and navigational channels.Click here to read…

IN Signs Contract for Procurement of ‘Tactical Lan Radio’ through iDEX

Continuing with the commitment towards 'Make in India' initiative the Indian Army has signed the second procurement contract through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) on 09 June 2023. With this initiative, the Indian Army has taken a lead by signing two contracts under iDEX till date. Tactical LAN solution is being developed indigenously for creating secure tactical LAN in remote and difficult terrain. ‘Tactical LAN Radio' is a state of the art high bandwidth backhaul wireless radio equipment for provisioning of reliable and failsafe communication. It offers an enhanced range of communication and embedded frequency hopping mechanism to preclude chances of interception and long-range point-to-multipoint high-bandwidth communication.Click here to read…

Indian Navy & Indian Maritime University Sign MoU for Technical Collaboration

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Navy and Indian Maritime University was signed on 2 June2023 at New Delhi for Technical Collaboration. The MoU sets forth the procedure towards collaboration in the fields of training, joint research & development, collaborative courses, resolution of field level issues by teams from Centre of Excellence (Marine Engg), INS Shivaji, Lonavala and Indian Maritime University. The MoU was signed by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel and Dr. Malini V Shankar, IAS (Retd), Vice Chancellor Indian Maritime University.Click here to read…

Indian Navy’s Environment Protection and Green Initiatives

The Indian Navy (IN), as a self-driven and environmentally responsible force, has always been committed towards environment protection and green initiatives. As guardian of the seas, the Navy employs a number of ships, submarines and aircraft that have high energy intensity, thus, increased energy efficiency is paramount in every operation and process the Navy undertakes. IN has commissioned solar power with cumulative capacity of 15.87MW which is in line with the Navy’s objective of fulfilling Govt of India’s ‘Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)’ mission. Additionally, 16 MW capacity of SPVs are at various stages of execution.Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

Chandrayaan-3 to be Launched between 12 and 19 July 2023

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath said that Chandrayaan-3, the third edition of ISRO's lunar mission, would be launched between 12 and 19 July 2023 if tests go as planned. He said that in order to avoid any problems during the upcoming launch, corrections have been made in Chandrayaan-3, in its hardware, structure, computers, software, and sensors. According to ISRO, the three mission objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 are – to demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface; to demonstrate Rover roving on the moon; and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.Click here to read…

Tata Elxsi Partners with ISRO to Develop Crew Recovery Models

Tata Elxsi has partnered with the ISRO for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. The leading global engineering company has designed and developed the Crew Module Recovery Models (CMRM) for the recovery team training of the space mission. ISRO’s Gaganyaan project envisions a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching the crew into a 400-kilometer orbit for a three-day mission and safely bringing them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters. One of the key requirements of this project is the safe recovery of the crew, which must be carried out with minimum lapse of time. The project marked Tata Elxsi’s foray into the mechanical design for space.Click here to read…

Use of India’s NavIC Satellite Signals for Navigation

For several years, India's scaled-down version of GPS, known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) has been operational. However, the civilian services offered by NavIC are not compatible with most mobile phones (which form a large segment of users). In less than two years, this is set to change and gadgets will be able to provide more accurate positioning and navigation, thanks to a new fleet of Indian satellites. NVS-01, the first among the new series of five satellites was recently launched by the Indian Space Agency. Every six months from now, a new satellite will be added, until the fleet of five is completed.Click here to read…

FDI Policy for Space Startups

Speaking at a Space Conference, INSPACe chairman Pawan Goenka said that the newly-created Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe), under the Indian government’s Department of Space, is on the verge of finalising a new FDI policy for space startups. Goenka said, “The policy has been defined, it has been agreed to by all and I believe that it is a very good, balanced policy”. He said that under the new space policy crafted by the government, the role of ISRO would move increasingly towards research and hand-holding private enterprises to whom technology would be transferred collaboratively.Click here to read…

First Startup ‘Taramandal’ to Design and Develop Indigenous Satellites

The youths from different branches of engineering stream, who are alumni of Andhra University, joined forces to form the first start-up ‘Taramandal’ in space technology in the State, incubated at A-Hub Incubation Centre in Andhra University. Naming their low cost satellite model as ‘Tarasat’, the team is now developing a sub-system for the satellite, ‘Taracon’. The startup has been co-founded by Vineel Judson, D Rajesh, M Gautam, T Neelakantasewarareddy and N Rama Jaya Lakshmi. Taramandal has been recognised by various organisations such as In-Space, ISRO, Australian Space Agency (ASA), Taiwan Space agency (TASA), Satcom Industry Association India (SIA-India) and Indian Space Association (ISpA), for its critical innovative space technologies.Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

China and Pakistan Continue to Expand their Nuclear Arsenal

China continues to rapidly expand its nuclear weapons arsenal, as does Pakistan albeit slowly, but India remains confident of its strategic deterrence capabilities with induction of new-generation Agni ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jets. As per the latest assessment of the Stockholm International Peace Institute (SIPRI), China now has 410 nuclear warheads, up from 350 in January 2022, while Pakistan has 170 and India 164.Click here to read…

In-Field Verification Activities at More Than 1300 Nuclear Facilities

The IAEA in 2022 conducted nearly 3000 in-field verification activities at more than 1300 nuclear facilities and ‘locations outside facilities’ around the world. As a result of this verification effort, the IAEA was able to draw safeguards conclusions for 188 States with safeguards agreements in force. This included Ukraine where, despite the ongoing armed conflict, the IAEA was able to conduct the in-field verification activities necessary to draw a safeguards conclusion. The IAEA verifies that nuclear material remains in peaceful use for more than 180 States with safeguards agreements.Click here to read…

IAEA Launches New Software M-INSN to Assist Nuclear Security Operations

The IAEA has launched a new software tool — the Mobile-Integrated Nuclear Security Network (M-INSN) — that provides real time radiation data on operations at high-traffic areas for goods and passengers, such as seaports, land border crossings and airports, which require nuclear security measures to be in place. The M-INSN tool enables decision-makers, to use visual real-time radiation data, to make informed decisions to protect the public in case of a potential incident involving nuclear or other radioactive material.Click here to read…

WANO Hosts the First Ever Global Nuclear Communications Forum

The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) hosted over 50 nuclear communications professionals from 15 countries came together for the first ever Global Nuclear Communications Forum (GNCF) which took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 6-7 June 2023. Nuclear communications professionals and representatives from nuclear utilities, stations and facilities worldwide discussed how strategic communications can shape a positive future for nuclear organisation and the global nuclear industry.Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

PLI Schemes in Production, Employment Generation, and Economic Growth

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes have led to a significant increase in production, employment generation, economic growth and exports in the country. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT said that due to PLI Schemes, there was a significant increase of 76 per cent in FDI in the Manufacturing sector in FY 2021-22 (USD 21.34 billion) compared to previous FY 2020-21 (USD 12.09 billion). The PLI schemes as envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the objective of making India 'Aatmanirbhar' is built on the foundation of 14 sectors with an incentive outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore (about US$ 26 billion) to strengthen their production capabilities and help create global champions.Click here to read…

Transfers of Li-ion Battery Recycling Technology to Industries and Startups

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has transferred cost effective Li-ion battery recycling technology to nine recycling industries and startups as part of Mission LiFE under “Promote circularity campaign”. The novelty of the indigenously developed technology could process assorted types of discarded Li-ion batteries, recovering more than 95 per cent Lithium (Li), Cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) contents in the form of their corresponding oxides/carbonates of about 98 per cent purity. The recycling process involves leaching followed by hierarchical selective extraction of metal values through solvent extraction process.Click here to read…

Low-Cost Secure Long-Distance Communication by Overcoming Distortions

In this digital age, keeping one’s data secure is both a challenge and constant worry. With an increased usage of online services and payment gateways, personal data like Aadhar, PAN, phone numbers, photos, and all classified information remain highly vulnerable. In order to counter possible data breaches by miscreants and secure communication for both personal and strategic purposes like defence and national security, scientists at the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have come up with a solution. They have tried to solve the problem arising due to distortion of photon-polarization posed by the constant movement of satellites as well as scrambling of polarization in optical fibres, over large distances.Click here to read…

DST Supported Technologies Brings Solutions for Plastic Pollution

A slew of technologies supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) are gearing us up to beat plastic pollution by tackling the increasing menace through reducing, reusing and recycling plastic, paving the path towards sustainable development. Many of these technologies are being used at a pilot scale and scaling them up could bring relief from this ever growing challenge. The technology development and transfer division of the department funds technology development projects including materials, devices and processes. A pilot scale vehicle-mounted mobile plant has been developed using an indigenously designed process to convert various types of plastic waste into carbon-densified HC-Oil (Hydrocarbon Oil) with maximum carbon recovery.Click here to read…

‘Start-up Conclave’ at Udhampur Organized by CSIR-IIIM

Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the Startup movement promoted by PM Narendra Modi is now reaching every part of India including the B-Towns and the 2-day “Young Start-up Expo” at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for industry as well as entrepreneurs in the region. The Minister said, Start-ups in India grew 300 times in the last 9 years as from just around 350 Start-ups before 2014, there has been a quantum jump in Start-ups to more than 90,000 with more than 100 Unicorns.Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

Startup20 Engagement Group of the G20 Held in Goa

The Startup20 Engagement Group of the G20 kicked off its third meeting, the Goa Sankalpana, with an atmosphere of unwavering energy and determination in Goa. The day commenced with the presentation of the eagerly anticipated Policy Communiqué, followed by a series of engaging sessions and addresses, driving the conversation on startup innovation and collaboration. The morning session commenced with a warm welcome note delivered by Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, esteemed Chair of Startup20. Around 250+ National and international delegates took part in Startup20 Goa Sankalpana on the first day and around 40+ Startups from around the country showcased their innovative products.Click here to read…

VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme to Connect Indian STEMM Diaspora

The Government has launched a new fellowship programme to connect the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions for collaborative research work leading to sharing of knowledge, wisdom, and best practices in the frontier areas of science & technology. The Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships programme to be implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, would be awarded to outstanding scientist/technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO), who are engaged in research activities in their respective countries. The 75 selected fellows would be invited to work in 18 identified knowledge verticals including quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences amongst others.Click here to read…

BRICS Cooperation on Responsible and Ethical Development and Use of AI

The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations met on 1 June 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa, where the Ministers, in line with paragraph 57 of the Beijing Declaration, emphasised the responsible and ethical development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for socio-economic development and inclusive growth of all societies. They supported communication and cooperation on AI technology to promote mutual benefits, called for strengthening AI international governance and encourage policy exchanges and dialogues on AI, with a view to exploring to establish an effective global governance framework with the aim to protect human rights and spur innovation and economic growth.Click here to read…

India-US Defence Tech Cooperation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in New Delhi on 5 June 2023, who was on a two days visit to India. During the visit, the two sides discussed a substantial range of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with particular focus on identifying ways to strengthen industrial cooperation. The two Ministers explored ways of building resilient supply chains. Both sides will identify opportunities for co-development of new technologies and co-production of existing & new systems and facilitate increased collaboration between defence start-up ecosystems of the two countries.Click here to read…

India-Germany Defence Tech Cooperation

Following his bilateral meeting with Defence Minister Singh, German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius attended an event of iDEX start-ups at Research & Innovation Park, IIT Delhi on 06 June 2023. Partner Incubator of iDEX, FITT-IIT Delhi co-hosted the event. The event included a briefing on iDEX followed by showcasing of game-changing technologies by Indian start-ups on Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Energy Systems, Smart Drones and Anti-drone systems, Space Propulsion systems and other allied technologies. The event also brought into focus the promotion of co-development and co-production in India, including potential areas and projects where Indian and German start-ups can work together.Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Power Sector Professionals Get Training from NTPC

A team of forty professionals from Myanmar, who are working in power sector and associated areas is in India to enhance their professional competencies. The forty participants have come to India, to attend two training programmes, one on “Microgrids” and the other on “Electric Vehicles, Batteries & Charging Stations”. The programmes are being conducted by India’s largest integrated energy company NTPC Limited. The two programmes are a part of five training programmes for Myanmar’s power sector professionals, which are being conducted by NTPC, under the India-Myanmar Government-to-Government framework for cooperation in power sector.Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

TSMC Announced the Opening of its Advanced Backend Fab 6

On 8 June 2023, TSMC announced the opening of its Advanced Backend Fab 6, the Company’s first all-in-one automated advanced packaging and testing fab to realize 3DFabric™ integration of front-end to back-end process and testing services. The fab is prepared for mass production of TSMC-SoIC™ (System on Integrated Chips) process technology. Construction of Advanced Backend Fab 6 commenced in 2020 to support the next generation of HPC, AI, mobile applications and other products, and help customers achieve product success and win market opportunities.Click here to read…

Role of Cyberspace in Growing US-China Tension

As the two powers, US and China, continue to spar over trade, technology, sanctions and Taiwan, cyber is increasingly being used by the two nations to achieve some of their goals in the defence, economic and political realms. U.S. intelligence agencies recently released a joint advisory based on a Microsoft report that found a Chinese state-sponsored cyber actor, known as Volt Typhoon, has been accessing credentials and network systems of critical infrastructure organizations in parts of the U.S., including the territory of Guam, which has a military base of strategic interest to the U.S.Click here to read…

Sales of Semiconductor Equipment to China Dropped by 23 Per Cent

During the March quarter, sales of chip-making equipment to companies in China were down 23 per cent year on year and 8 per cent from the previous three months to US$5.86 billion, according to data released on by SEMI, a global industry association. Despite the drop, China was still the world’s second-largest market for semiconductor equipment, behind Taiwan and ahead of South Korea. For comparison, semiconductor equipment sales to China in the first quarter of 2022 surged 27 per cent year on year to US$7.6 billion, SEMI data showed. At the time, the country was the world’s largest market for semiconductor equipment.Click here to read…

Chinese President Xi Jinping Called for Tech Self-Sufficiency

According to an internal speech made public for the first time in a new book titled On Technology Self-reliance and Self-improvement, a collection of Xi’s remarks on the topic from 2013 to 2022, President Xi Jinping determined as early as 2013 that China had little choice but to pursue self-sufficiency in key technologies, and that the country could rely on its socialist system to seek technological advantages. In remarks to science and technology delegates at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) meeting in 2013, Xi said China’s growth in the previous three decades was a result of importing and leveraging foreign and “second-hand” technologies from the last industrial revolution, which would put China at a disadvantaged position.Click here to read…

Chip Subsidies from the US and Europe Could Impose “False Barriers”

David Koh, chief executive of Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency, warned that planned chip subsidies from the United States and Europe could impose “false barriers” that “end up driving up costs.” Singapore is worried that the massive subsidies Washington and Brussels are about to spend on new microchip projects will upset a “finely balanced” global market. Despite its small size, Singapore produces 5 percent of the world’s semiconductor wafers. Both Singapore and Malaysia subsidize semiconductor companies that operate in their countries.Click here to read…