Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 16-31 October 2023, Issue 24

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

November 29 , 2023 Views: 977 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Delivery of Second MCA Barge, LSAM 8 (Yard 76)

Contract for construction and delivery of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge was concluded with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. Second Barge of the series LSAM 8 (Yard 76) has been delivered to Indian Navy on 19 October 2023. The Barge has been built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) with a service life of 30 years. With all major and auxiliary equipment/ systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers. Induction of MCA Barge will provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles / ammunition to Indian Naval Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read...

Third Project 15B Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer Delivered to the IN

Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by M/s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, this ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world. Being a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters, Imphal is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, she is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h). Click here to read...

Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 17 Launched

Third Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127) was launched by Cmde V Pravin, AWPS (Mbi) on 27 October2023 at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence. Contract for construction and delivery of 11 x ACTCM Barge was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with “AatmanirbharBharat” initiatives of the Government of India. The MSME shipyard has successfully delivered two Barges. The availability of ACTCM Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating embarkation and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to Indian Navy Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read...

The State-of-the-Art Technology in the Defence Sector

India today is armed with state-of-the-art technology in the Defence sector. “Our Armed Forces are equipped with advanced weaponry including drones, heliborne operations and UAVs and are ready to adapt to new frontiers like Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security”, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Space and S&T, said while addressing the Indian Military Heritage Festival, organised by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi. The Minister said that India is at par with the leading nations in adapting new disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform the defence landscape. This not only enhances the country’s national security but also positions India as a global technology leader in the defence sector. Click here to read...

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Mahabali’ Launched

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Mahabali’ was launched by Cmde Sunil Kaushik, NM, WPS(Mbi) on 28 October2023 at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat. This Tug is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence. Contract for construction and delivery of three 25T BP Tug was concluded with M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (SSPL), an MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvring in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, and at anchorage, and will have capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations. Click here to read...

Launch of ‘DSC A 21’, Second Ship of 05 x Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project

The launch of ‘DSC A 21’, the second ship of 05 x Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 30 October2023 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) onto Hooghly River. These ships are designed to undertake diving operations at harbours and coastal waters and are being fitted with state of the art diving equipment. They are 30 m long catamaran hull ships, with a displacement of approx 300 tons. The contract for building 05 x Diving Support Craft (DSC) was signed between MoD and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata on 12 February2021. The hydrodynamic analysis/ model testing of the ships during design stage were undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

India Stands for International Space Collaborations for the Larger Benefit

Delivering the keynote address at the 2-day Conference on ‘Space - The final frontier for China in its quest for global leadership’, organised by the Centre for Contemporary China Studies, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi, Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that India stands for international Space collaborations for the larger benefit of mankind. It is our solemn commitment that the Outer Space is used only for peaceful purposes and kept free of conflict. Underlining that India’s Space programme is not only globally competitive but also excelling, DrJitendra Singh reiterated that India’s Space programme is entirely peaceful and that ISRO is collaborating with world’s leading Space agencies to bring ‘Ease of Living’ for the common citizen. Referring to applications of Space Technology to different sectors like SVAMITVA, PM Gati Shakti, Infrastructure such as Railways, Highways & Smart Cities, Agriculture, Water Mapping, Telemedicine and Robotic Surgery, Dr Jitendra Singh said this ‘Whole of Nation’ approach has brought about ‘Ease of Living’ for the common man. Click here to read...

Test Flight Success of Abort Mission-1 Conducted Before “Gaganyaan”Launch

On 21 October 2023, Test flight success of Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) heralds successive sequential trial flights before the final “Gaganyaan” launch. The Minister of State for Space and S&T Dr Jitendra Singh said, this is a critical step in the ISRO journey to launch a crewed human spacecraft through “Gaganyaan” mission. The Minister said that Today’s exercise tested the performance of the Crew Escape System on the Crew Module of the Gaganyaan mission. Basically, it tested the safety mechanism that will allow the crew of the "Gaganyaan" mission to escape the spacecraft in case the mission is aborted due to a malfunction. Click here to read...

The Startup Boom in Space Sector

Dr Jitendra Singh said that “unshackling” of the Space sector by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led to StartUp boom, as a result of which, within a short span of just about four years, the number of Space StarUps has gone up from a mere single digit to over 150, with some of the earlier ones like the “Skyroot” turning into lucrative entrepreneurs. During a visit to the newly setup facility of Skyroot in a premises of 60,000 Square Feet in Hyderabad which is possibly India's largest rocket factory in private sector, the Minister said, Skyroot is not only example of India’s superlative talent and scientific acumen but it also has message for all of us that a huge potential was lying dormant for several decades before Prime Minister Modi came and broke the taboos of the past and opened India’s Space Sector for Public Private Partnership (PPP). Click here to read...

US Raises Concerns over the Russian Satellite's Unusual Maneuver in Space

US-based Slingshot Aerospace officials grew alarmed when they detected Russia maneuvering one of its Luch satellites to approach within 60 kilometers of another satellite launched by an unnamed Western nation. Slingshot Aerospace, which employs AI to track satellites in space, identified the Luch-5X satellite closing in at a worrisome proximity, reported the Daily Star. The United States Space Force Chief of Space Operations, General John Raymond, said, "This test is further proof of Russia’s hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control proposals designed to restrict the capabilities of the United States while clearly having no intention of halting their counter-space weapons programmes. The United States is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending the nation, our allies, and US interests from hostile acts in space.” The reasons behind Russia’s recent satellite maneuvers remain unclear, and the satellite appears to have maintained its position for several days. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

Fostering India-IAEA Ties Across Diverse Sectors

As part of his four-day visit to India, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 23 October 2023. The two leaders discussed ways to foster India-IAEA ties across diverse sectors. MrGrossi said, “India’s civil nuclear programme is key for its decarbonization. Prime Minister Modi and I agreed on the importance of financing and technology access, placing nuclear at the forefront of global solutions”. Prime Minister Modi said that the "fruitful discussion” with Director General Grossi, “explored avenues for expanding the role of nuclear energy to meet [India’s] net zero commitment, and extending nuclear technology applications in areas like food, health, water treatment and countering plastic pollution in the Global South.” Click here to read...

WEO Report Shows an Increased Recognition for Nuclear Energy

The Report World Energy Outlook 2023 (WEO) shows an increased recognition for nuclear energy in their Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) scenario, the most ambitious aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C. At the same time, this trajectory to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach, still underestimates the potential of nuclear energy to meet climate, energy security and sustainable development goals. Commenting on the report, Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association (WNA), said: “While we are encouraged by the growing role of nuclear in the IEA NZE scenario to more than double today’s capacity, this still does not reflect the opportunities 24/7 carbon-free nuclear energy offers to decarbonize electricity systems and the entire economy.” The WEO report recognizes that the prospects for nuclear power have improved in leading markets, with support for lifetime extensions of existing nuclear units and for new nuclear projects. Click here to read...

FAO-IAEA Launched Flagship Initiative on Food Security – Atoms4Food

We find ourselves in an unprecedented time, where hunger and malnutrition are on the rise, posing a threat to humanity. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is indispensable for achieving a world free from hunger and malnutrition. The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is unique in the UN System, combining complementary mandates, common objectives, joint programming, co-funding and coordinated management. To further strengthen the strategic partnership between FAO and IAEA, the two organizations jointly launched the flagship initiative on food security – Atoms4Food. The Atoms4Food Initiative seeks to provide Member States with ground-breaking solutions, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, by harnessing the advantages of nuclear techniques along with other advanced technologies. Click here to read...

IAEA Mission Finds Progress in Nuclear and Radiation Safety in Australia

Australia has made significant progress in building a resilient and adaptable regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission said. The team has also identified areas for potential enhancements, such as the completion of a national strategy on radiation safety. Noting ongoing activities to address consistency in the State and Territories radiation safety programmes, the team said further efforts were warranted in this area, which the establishment of a national strategy would support. The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements, and guidance to ensure safety. Click here to read...

IAEA Reviews Estonia’s Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development

The IAEA team has concluded an eight day mission to Estonia to review the country’s infrastructure development for a nuclear power programme. The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) was carried out at the request of the Government of Estonia. The IAEA team of experts said that Estonia has developed a comprehensive assessment of its nuclear power infrastructure needs to enable the government to decide whether to launch a nuclear power programme. Estonia, seeking to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, is looking at nuclear power as a reliable and low carbon option to diversify its energy mix by 2035 when the country plans its phase-out of domestic oil shale. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

India Working Towards Development of Silicon Photonic Processor Chips

In a momentous event that marks a significant leap towards India’s technological advancement, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), S Krishnan inaugurated the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuit and Systems (CPPICS) in Chennai, on 20 October. The inauguration ceremony, held at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), was a testament to India’s commitment to fostering innovation and propelling the nation to the forefront of photonics and digital technology. Digital India, a pioneering initiative of the Government of India, has been the driving force behind the country’s remarkable journey towards a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy. The advent of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), promising faster and more energy-efficient data processing and digital computing devices, is poised to revolutionize various sectors in the coming decade. Click here to read...

“Made-In-India” 2KW DC Portable Charger to Help Boost EV Adoption

Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), S Krishnan has witnessed the launch of indigenous Technology of 2KW DC Portable Charger developed by Centre of Excellence at IIT Madras Research Park to help Boost Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption, at IIT Madras on 20 October 2023. This further underlines the importance of developing Make-In-India chargers to aid in the proliferation of EVs in India. These chargers sporting an efficiency of >95% and functioning at a maximum operating ambient of 50 Degree Celsius are built with over-load, over-voltage, reverse polarity and in-built EMI/EMC filter. The chargers are designed to meet safety Standard IEC 60950-11. Charger design also includes optional provision to communicate with battery for adaptive charging based on battery requirements and hooks for IoT to enable live tracking of charging related parameters. Power output settings can be customized based on the volume of the manufacturing to suit the requirement of individual OEMs. Successful large-scale manufacturing of this technology can significantly make difference in the portable charger market. Click here to read...

Advancing India's Wireless Communication Technology

Prime Minister Modi aptly stated that “India's progress hinges on our ability to embrace technology and innovation”. These words resound with the Government of India's dynamic initiatives in the field of wireless communication technology. Building upon this vision, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has announced its support for M/s Lekha Wireless Solutions Pvt Limited, Bengaluru for their innovative project "Tactical Advanced SDR for Space, Defence and Aviation Applications." This agreement shows a significant stride towards promoting innovation and technological advancement in India, particularly in the realm of wireless communication. TDB has approved financial assistance of Rs. 4.17 Crores out of Rs. 17.92 Crores. This ambitious initiative holds great potential for strengthening India's capabilities in the field of wireless communication technology. The project's primary aim is to bring to market an array of cutting-edge products under the brand name "Antares." Click here to read...

Facility to Promote Entrepreneurship in Blockchain Technology Set up

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has marked a significant milestone as the MeitY, Secretary S Krishnan inaugurated a state-of-the-art incubation facility of Apiary Center of Entrepreneurship (CoE) at STPI-Gurugram. Apiary is one of the CoEs of STPI which is focused on Blockchain Technology and is setup in collaboration with MeitY, STPI, Govt. of Haryana, Padup Ventures, IBM, Intel, GBA and FITT. This CoE is a first-of-its-kind initiative to identify and support promising startups and promote entrepreneurship in the field of Blockchain Technology. It has a fully furnished incubation infrastructure of 7,000 sq. ft. equipped with 80 plug-n-play seats, conference rooms and an auditorium. It targets to incubate an overall 100 startups in a period of five years. Click here to read...

NaMo App Helps to Connect with the Local MP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed that NaMo App has significant section which helps to connect with the local Member of Parliament. Prime Minister Modi said that this section will go a long way in furthering our democratic spirit. He also said that it will enable an easy way to deepen connect with concerned local MP, facilitate engagement with the MP and also help to participate in various activities being organised. The Prime Minister posted on X that “NaMo App has a very interesting section which will go a long way in furthering our democratic spirit. It will enable an easy way to deepen connect with your local MP, facilitate engagement with the MP and also help to participate in various activities being organised. From interesting cultural programmes to vibrant sporting tournaments, it will be easier for MPs and their constituents to connect nm-4.com/mymp”. Click here to read...

New LASC Develops Probe Stations to Probe Opto-Electronic Properties

A new Laboratory of Advance Synthesis and Characterisation (LASC) at Gujarat is developing LASC probe stations for universities in India and abroad for investigation of opto-electronic properties in a wide range of materials, including semiconductors, thin films, LEDs, and solar cells. With the capabilities of the probe station, researchers can study the opto-electronic characteristics of these materials while varying temperature and wavelength. This comprehensive approach allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of their materials and optimize their properties more effectively. The LASC at Pandit Deendayal Energy University Incubation Centre serves diverse domains, encompassing the creation of both basic and advanced automated probe stations. Developing such probe stations indigenously can provide Indian researchers with greater design flexibility at lower costs so that they can make modifications to their experimental setups as needed – facilities that were previously not possible with imported systems. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

MeitY Signs MoU with IBM on Quantum, AI & Semiconductor

On 18 October 2023, IBM announced the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three entities engaged with the MeitY to advance and accelerate innovation in AI, Semiconductor and quantum technology for India. This body of work will aim to accelerate India’s comprehensive national strategy for AI, strengthen efforts to be self-reliant in Semiconductors and advance its National Quantum Mission. These MoUs will help MeitY access IBM’s expertise to build and advance India’s Competency and scale its growth mission in the AI, semiconductor and quantum industries. The plans under which IBM would work with India AI, ISM and C-DAC to focus on skill Development, engaging the ecosystems and accelerating R&D efforts in semiconductors, AI and quantum are envisioned to advance and accelerate India’s innovation in these areas. Click here to read...

India-Japan Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister has approved Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on Japan-India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership. In July 2023, India and Japan signed a MoC on Japan-India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership. The MoC intends to strengthen cooperation between India and Japan towards enhancement of semiconductor supply chain, recognizing the importance of semiconductor for the advancement of industries and digital technologies. The MoC shall come into effect from the date of signature of the Parties and shall remain in force for a period of five years. Both G2G and B2B bilateral Cooperation on opportunities to advance resilient semiconductor supply chain and leverage complementary strengths. It envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT. Click here to read...

NASA and ISRO to Launch Earth-Observing Satellite in 2024

For the first time, the space agencies of the U.S. and India are cooperating to develop the hardware for an Earth-observing mission. NASA and the ISRO are putting the finishing touches on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. After it launches in 2024, NISAR will continually scan Earth's surface with radar. One of its key goals is to track how our planet's landscapes change over time. Every 12 days, NISAR will scan all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice over. The satellite contains two different synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, each one observing Earth with a different set of wavelengths. NASA is developing one, the L-band SAR, whereas ISRO is developing the S-band SAR, which scans with shorter-wavelength radio waves. Click here to read...

India-Italy Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement

India and Italy signed an agreement on defence cooperation to promote engagement in various defence domains — such as security and defence policy, research and development, industrial co-development, co-production and setting up of joint ventures. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who in the first leg of his two-nation official tour, held talks with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Rome focusing on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation, as India is keen on increasing its defence equipment footprint abroad. During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security, the Ministry of Defence officially stated. It added, “The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation”. Click here to read...

India and Tanzania Elevate their Ties to Strategic Partnership

India and Tanzania has elevated their ties to the level of strategic partnership, inked six pacts to boost cooperation in several key areas and agreed on a five-year roadmap to significantly expand defence engagement at talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. In his media statement after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said both sides are also working on an agreement to increase trade in local currencies, and described Tanzania as a “valued partner” in the Indo-Pacific. The six agreements firmed up at the talks will provide for cooperation in the digital domain, culture, sports, maritime industries and white shipping information sharing. Prime Minister Modi said use of space and nuclear technology for public welfare was emphasised and both sides decided to move forward by identifying concrete initiatives in these important areas. On the defence roadmap, Modi said it will ensure new dimension of cooperation. Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Biden Administration Picks 31 Regional Hubs to Spur Tech Innovation

The United States’ Commerce Department said that it was naming 31 regional technology hubs from 370 applicants, making the areas eligible for US$500 million in federal funding to help spur innovation across a variety of sectors. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters the programme aimed to diversify the world’s largest economy away from its traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle and Boston. The programme is part of President Joe Biden’s belief the government should help fund key sectors to attract more private-sector investments in industries like electric vehicle battery production, semiconductors and clean energy. The designated regional tech hubs are in places like Montana, Wisconsin, upstate New York, Vermont, Nevada, Illinois and Puerto Rico, and are focused on areas including semiconductors, clean energy, critical minerals, biotechnology, AI and quantum computing. Click here to read...

US Takes Steps to Curb on AI Chip Exports to China

As part of the Biden administration's upcoming actions to block more AI chip exports, the U.S. will take steps to prevent American chipmakers from selling semiconductors to China that circumvent government restrictions. The new rules will block some AI chips that fall just under current technical parameters while demanding companies report shipments of others, said a US official. The latest crackdown on tech exports to China coincides with U.S. efforts to thaw difficult relations between the world's two largest economies. Several senior members of the Biden administration have met their Chinese counterparts in recent months, and the latest round of rules risks complicating the diplomatic effort. Click here to read...

US Adds 13 Chinese Entities, including Biren and Moore Threads to its EL

The Biden administration has added Thirteen Chinese entities, including Biren Technology and Moore Threads “involved in the development of advanced computing chips” to its Entity List (EL), potentially barring their access to advanced foundries and US chip design software. The EL, published by the US Department of Commerce, already includes Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies and the country’s top memory chip maker Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC). Washington’s decision to target Biren and Moore Threads, along with updated export controls prohibiting the export of chips tailor-made by Nvidia and Intel for the mainland Chinese market, have intensified tensions between China and the US. Click here to read...

ASML Expects Demand from Chinese Chip Makers to Remain Strong

Despite the growing list of export restrictions imposed by the US and Dutch governments, ASML expects demand from Chinese chip makers to remain strong. The chief executive of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding NV said that one more of its products falls under new export restrictions rules affecting China announced by the U.S. CEO Peter Wennink said at a press conference that "In principle the 1980s would fall under the export control restrictions, but only when ... (they) are used for advanced semiconductor manufacturing”. It was not immediately clear whether the U.S. rules were imposed with consent of the Dutch government, but ASML said it would comply. Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher said that the Netherlands shares U.S. security concerns. Click here to read...

Geopolitical Tensions Prompting Investors to Move Away from TSMC

Intensifying Chinese pressure on Taiwan is prompting some equity investors to buck the trend and exit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). Martin Currie’s Zehrid Osmani began winding down his TSMC position early in 2022 and was fully divested by May. Shelton Capital Management’s Bruce Kahn started selling TSMC shares last October and eliminated his stake by January, while Sydney-based hedge fund Plato Investment Management said it’s “nervous” about the world’s largest foundry business. At the same time, Martin Currie and Plato are among those finding an alternative in ASML Holding, a crucial TSMC supplier. According to Morgan Stanley’s analysis, these are bold bets when considering TSMC was the most widely held Asian stock among the world’s 40 largest actively managed global equity funds as recently as July. The company’s stock is up 22 per cent this year, outperforming ASML’s near 10 per cent gain. Click here to read...