Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 1-15 September 2023, Issue 21

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

October 18 , 2023 Views: 1148 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Induction of Second ACTCM Barge of the series LSAM 16 (Yard 126)

The contract for construction and delivery of Eleven Ammunition Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. Second Barge of the series LSAM 16 (Yard 126) has been delivered to Indian Navy on 6 September 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, the Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiatives of Ministry of Defence. Induction of ACTCM Barge will provide impetus to operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ammunition to Indian Navy Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read...

Mahendragiri, the 7th Stealth Frigate of Project 17A, Launched

Mahendragiri, the seventh Stealth Frigate of Project 17A being built at MDL, was launched at the shipyard on 1 September 2023. Project 17A Frigates are the follow-on class of the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors and platform management systems. Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE. The design of Advanced Stealth Frigates also showcases the prowess of the Warship Design Bureau, in designing technologically advanced warships for the Indian Navy. With the launch, the Nation's indigenous expertise and engineering capabilities receives a major boost, reducing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers, promoting self-reliance and fostering a robust defence industrial base. Over 75% of the orders AatmaNirbhar of Project 17A, have been placed on indigenous firms including MSMEs, keeping in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Bharat’. Click here to read...

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

Drone technology has revolutionised the civil and defence sectors by increasing efficiency, reducing exposure to risk as also by being a capability enhancer. The usage of drones in India is also seeing an increase - both, in the military, as well as in the civil domain. The IAF uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft extensively for Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance operations. Its faith in the emerging Drone design and development capabilities in India are borne by its initiatives like the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition that sought to tap this indigenous potential. Further iterations of this competition are currently underway. To exploit its rich experience in using these unmanned platforms, the IAF is partnering with the Drone Federation of India to co-host the 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' on 25th & 26th September 2023. Click here to read...

DAC Approves AoN for Nine Capital Acquisition Proposals

On 15 September 2023, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals of approx. Rs 45,000 crore. All these procurements will be made from Indian vendors under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDMM)/Buy (Indian) category which will give substantial boost to the Indian defence Industry towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. To enhance protection, mobility, attack capability and increased survivability of Mechanised Forces, the DAC accorded the AoN for procurement of Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System (ISAT-S). The DAC cleared AoN for procurement of High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles for swift mobilisation and deployment of Artillery Guns and Radars. Click here to read...

Keel for Recreation of Ancient Stitched Ship

The Keel for recreation of Ancient Stitched Ship was laid on 12 September 2023 at M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS and Mr Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisor Council to the Prime Minister and dignitaries from the Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy. Recreation of Ancient Stitched Ship is a multi-ministerial project with design and construction being overseen by the Indian Navy and funded by Ministry of Culture. The tripartite contract for construction and delivery of the vessel in 22 months was concluded between Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture and M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa on 18 July 2023. It is aimed to design and construct a 'Stitched Ship', a type of wooden boat which is carvel built with the planks stitched together with cords/ ropes, a technique popular in ancient India for constructing ocean going vessels prior advent of metallic fasteners. Click here to read...

Increasing Investment in Defence R&D

Addressing the North Tech Symposium on 12 September 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called upon the domestic defence manufacturers to invest more in Research & Development (R&D) for India to keep up pace with the continuously-evolving world. The Defence Minister was of the view that although R&D is a risky venture as it requires out-of-the-box thinking and sometimes does not give desired results, it still remains one of the basic elements for the development of any country. Hence, capital investment in R&D becomes a necessity. He urged the industry partners to focus on creating a culture that encourages R&D, based on skilled human resources. He suggested linking the work of institutes such as IITs, IIMs and IISCs with the defence sector in order to create an R&D ecosystem in the field. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

PSLV-XL Launched India’s First Solar Mission, Aditya-L1

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL) launched India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya-L1 from Sriharikota Range on 2 September 2023. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh termed it as India’s “sunshine moment”. Aditya-L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. Through various orbit raising manoeuvres and the cruise phase over about the next four months, the spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses. This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time. The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors. Click here to read...

Data from Aditya-L1 to Explain Celestial Phenomena, Aid CC Studies

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G Madhavan Nair said that data from Aditya-L1 will help explain various celestial phenomena taking place in the atmosphere and aid Climate Change (CC) studies. Speaking to ANI ahead of the launch, Nair said, "This mission is very important. Aditya L-1 will be placed around Lagrangian Point 1, where the gravitational force of Earth and the Sun is virtually nullified, and with minimum fuel, we can park the spacecraft there. It will also enable 24/7 observation of the Sun. Seven payloads or instruments have been included on board the spacecraft." He said that "The data from this mission will help explain various phenomena taking place in the atmosphere and aid climate change studies". The Aditya-L1 mission holds the promise of significantly advancing our understanding of the Sun's behaviour and its interactions with Earth and the space environment. Click here to read...

Pragyan Rover Records Natural Event on Moon's South Pole

The ISRO said that the Pragyan Rover module of the Vikram lander has recorded a natural event on the south pole of the moon. However, the detection of its source is underway. Earlier, in a post on 'X', ISRO said that the Rover has confirmed the presence of Sulphur on the moon. Chandrayaan-3's Rover ramped down from the Vikram lander to the lunar surface on 25 August. Chandrayaan-3 mission has three components- The propulsion module, which transferred the lander and the rover module to 100 kilometres of lunar orbit, the Lander module, which was responsible for the soft landing of the lunar craft and the Rover module, which is for exploring components on the moon. Click here to read...

ISRO Conducted Training in Bhutan for about 35 Officials

The ISRO major centres Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Space Applications Centre (SAC), and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) are conducting training in Thimphu, Bhutan for about 35 officials. Taking to X India in Bhutan posted, "The Indian Space Research Organisation in collaboration with GovTech inaugurated a 5-day training for officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan on applications of remote sensing technology for good governance." Earlier ISRO successfully launched India’s first solar mission, Aditya L1 and Chandrayaan-3. India’s first solar mission, Aditya L1 has successfully performed the third earth-bound manoeuvre, ISRO said. Click here to read...

Japan Successfully Launches XRISM Research Satellite

Japan has successfully launched a rocket carrying a new research satellite to unravel the evolution of the universe and space-time. The H2A rocket carrying the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite and the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima, and the first phases unfolded as planned without problems, according to the Japan’s space agency- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The Japanese space agency further said that XRISM was successfully separated from the launch vehicle at about 14 minutes and 9 seconds after launch. The Japanese space agency is leading the mission in collaboration with NASA. The European Space Agency contributed to the telescope’s construction, which means that astronomers from Europe will be allotted a portion of the telescope’s observing time. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

Thorium’s Long-Term Potential in Nuclear Energy

The sands of India are brimming with potential to fuel the country’s carbon-free future. As India is home to the world’s largest reserves of thorium, its long-term nuclear power strategy culminates in exploiting this silvery, slightly radioactive metal, which is considered cleaner and more efficient than conventional nuclear fuels. India is not alone in its intentions to reap thorium’s unique properties. In June 2023, China issued an operating permit for an experimental molten salt thorium nuclear reactor. Built in the middle of the Gobi Desert in the country’s north, the reactor will undergo testing over the next few years. Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and other countries have also demonstrated enthusiasm for research into the possible application of thorium in nuclear power. Click here to read...

Decarbonization, Energy Security and SMRs Drive Increase in Nuclear Capacity

The global effort to decarbonize energy supplies, heightened political commitment to ensuring energy security and sovereignty, and growing interest in deploying SMRs along with larger reactors has led to significant increases in projections for future nuclear capacity, and demand for nuclear fuel cycle services, in the latest edition of the Nuclear Fuel Report: Global Scenarios for demand and Supply Availability 2023-2040. Geopolitical instability, notably resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war has also led to increased interest in nuclear power for energy security and sovereignty. The same instability has had significant implications for the globalized market for nuclear fuel cycle services, with utilities, suppliers and governments in North America and Europe pursuing opportunities to diversify supplies. Extending the planned operating lifetimes of the existing fleet of nuclear reactors is one of the positive changes from the previous edition of the report. Click here to read...

Decarbonizing Steel Production with Nuclear Hydrogen

Steel production accounts for more than 7% of global CO<> emissions. This proportion will surge in the coming decades as demand for steel continues to grow in various fields, from energy and transportation to construction and home appliances. However, nuclear energy can help put steel production on a net-zero path. The world produces around 20 billion tonnes of steel annually. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), steel demand is expected to grow by more than a third by 2050, mainly in developing countries. A growing number of global companies are looking for ways to decarbonize the industry's energy-intensive industrial processes. The steel industry relies heavily on coking coal to power blast furnaces, which convert iron ore into steel, a process that emits large amounts of carbon dioxide. Click here to read...

IAEA Conducts First Independent Sampling of Seawater near FDNPS

The IAEA’s first independent sampling and analysis of seawater near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) since discharges of ALPS treated water started on 24 August confirms that the tritium levels are below Japan’s operational limit. Agency staff present at the IAEA’s Office at the site sampled seawater from several locations within three kilometres from the site, at sea and from the coast. The Agency’s independent sampling and measurement of the seawater from the coast shows consistency with the values reported by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) - operator of the FDNPS - as well as the Ministry of Environment of Japan. Click here to read...

Technology Development and Applications of SMR Take Place in China

Two interregional IAEA workshops, one on Technology Development and Applications, and the other on Generic User Requirements for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), have brought together 142 participants from 51 IAEA Member States to learn more about small modular reactors, and technological advancements in this field, with the aim of building national understanding of the role of SMRs and supporting eventual decision-making on their potential deployment. Small Modular Reactors, including microreactors (MRs) have small footprints, built in safety features and minimal carbon emissions, and are transportable and adaptable to various power grids. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Commercialization of Eco-friendly-1.5V AA Size Aloe Vera-Based Batteries

In consonance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative, 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment), the Technology Development Board (TDB) announced its collaboration with M/s Aloe Ecell Pvt. Ltd., an innovative startup rooted in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. With a project valuation of Rs. 2.98 crores, TDB's substantial contribution of Rs. 1.91 crores as a soft loan amplifies the project's potential to drive eco-friendly innovation to new heights. The start-up’s ingenious approach entails the creation of an eco-friendly 1.5V AA size battery, which may help in departure from conventional counterparts laden with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Leveraging the inherent properties of Aloe Vera, Aloe Ecell has formulated an electrolyte that not only matches the performance of established market standards but also champions environmental responsibility. The company will create facilities for commercial production of primary batteries in Bundi, Rajasthan. Click here to read...

Tool-Kits and Machineries Provided to Artisans

The Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manoj Kumar distributed tool-kits and machineries to artisans in a distribution ceremony in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) on 1 September 2023. During this event, Electric Wheels were distributed to 100 potters, Footwear Toolkits were provided to 75 Leather Artisans and Paper Massey Machines were given to 60 artisans as a part of the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana. The achievements of KVIC in the last 9 years under the leadership of the Prime Minister Modi was highlighted. It was emphasized that KVIC is actively contributing to the realization of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision and playing a vital role in generating employment opportunities in rural India. Click here to read...

TRAI Paper on “Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies”

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper (CP) on “Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies” on 14th September 2023. The consultation paper aims to explore and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, with a focus on ensuring inclusivity for all segments of society and industries particularly Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The TRAI has also identified various challenges being faced by MSME sector in the country from the adoption of new and emerging digital technology solutions. Click here to read...

Necessity of an Open Science Policy to Keep Pace with the Global Shift

Speaking at the CSIR NIScPR's One Week One Lab program (OWOL) on 15 September 2023, Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary, Science Engineering Research Board (SERB) and Senior Advisor, Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the need for an open science policy implemented by creating a dynamic landscape through the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy and said that this could play a pivotal role in keeping pace with the global shift from a closed to an open world. Dr. Gupta also highlighted the significance of developing the National STI Observatory as a central repository for all kinds of data related to and generated from the STI ecosystem, as suggested in the STI policy as also the India Science and Technology Archive, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the CSIR NIScPR's One Week One Lab program (OWOL). Click here to read...

Innovations, Science Communication and Science Connect Programme

On 13 September 2023, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organized the day 3 of its One Week One Lab (OWOL) programme at CSIR-NPL Auditorium, Pusa, New Delhi. ‘Grassroot Innovations & Skill Development Conclave for Rural Development’ event was dedicated to our farmers.” An exhibition on CSIR technologies for rural livelihood was also organised in which more than 10 CSIR labs participated. This exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Former DG, CSIR. In the workshop on science communication, more than 50 teachers joined the event and received the training of various facets of science communication by the experts. Under the ‘Jigyasa’ initiative of CSIR, ‘Student-Science Connect’ programme was organized in Vivekananda Hall of CSIR-NIScPR campus. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

CEO of Nvidia, Mr. Jensen Huang, met with Prime Minister Modi

The CEO of Nvidia, Mr. Jensen Huang met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 September 2024. NVidia is an American software and fabless company. The Prime Minister posted on X, formerly twitter: "Had an excellent meeting with Mr. Jensen Huang, the CEO of @nvidia. We talked at length about the rich potential India offers in the world of AI. Mr. Jensen Huang was appreciative of the strides India has made in this sector and was equally upbeat about the talented youth of India." Click here to read...

Twenty Digital Economy Ministers Reached a Consensus on DPI

In a historic move, under India’s Presidency, G20 Digital Economy Ministers reached a groundbreaking consensus on how to effectively shape digital public infrastructure (DPI) of the future. Minister Rajeev Chandarsekhar said that the consensus between nations focused broadly in three key areas – Digital Public Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Digital Skills. India has entered into eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with countries such as Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Papua New Guinea, and Mauritius, offering them the India Stack and DPI at no cost and with open-source access. These nations now have the opportunity to adopt and utilize these resources within their borders, further developing their unique innovation ecosystems. Click here to read...

Building Digital Public Infrastructure

Under India’s presidency, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration recognized that “safe, secure, trusted, accountable and inclusive digital public infrastructure, respectful of human rights, personal data, privacy and intellectual property rights can foster resilience, and enable service delivery and innovation. To this end, they welcomed the G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure, a voluntary and suggested framework for the development, deployment and governance of DPI. They also welcomed India’s plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, voluntarily shared by G20 members and beyond. Click here to read...

India-France Defence Technology Cooperation

In the joint statement issued during the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi on 10 September 2023, Prime Minister Modi and President Mr. Emmanuel Macron “reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap.” Click here to read...

India-US S&T Cooperation

In the joint stated issued in New Delhi on 8 September 2023, Prime Minister Modi and President Joe Biden reaffirmed technology’s defining role in deepening strategic partnership and lauded ongoing efforts through the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to build open, accessible, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems and value chains, based on mutual confidence and trust, which reinforce our shared values and democratic institutions. The United States and India intend to undertake a midterm review of iCET in September 2023 to continue to drive momentum toward the next annual iCET review, co-led by the National Security Advisors of both countries, in early 2024. The leaders hailed the signing of an Implementation Arrangement between the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and India’s Department of Biotechnology to enable scientific and technological research collaborations in biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovations. Click here to read...

A 3-year Partnership with Meta, Education to Entrepreneurship, Launched

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan launched a 3-year partnership “Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a Generation of Students, educators and entrepreneurs” between Ministry of Education, Ministry Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Meta in New Delhi on 4 September 2023. Three Letters of Intent (LoI) were exchanged between Meta and NIESBUD, AICTE and CBSE. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pradhan said that ‘Education to Entrepreneurship’ partnership is a game-changer which will take Digital Skilling to the grassroots. This will build capacities of our talent pool, seamlessly connect students, youth, workforce & micro-entrepreneurs with futuristic technologies, and transform our Amrit Peedhi into new-age problem solvers and entrepreneurs. Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

US Lawmaker Calls for End to All Tech Exports to Huawei, SMIC

The chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on China, Republican congressman Mike Gallagher said that the US Commerce Department should end all technology exports to Huawei Technologies and China’s top semiconductor firm following the discovery of new chips in Huawei phones that may violate trade restrictions. The comments from Representative Mike Gallagher come after Chinese electronics giant Huawei last week started selling a phone called the Mate 60 Pro. The phone contains a chip that analysts believe was made with a technology breakthrough by Semiconductor International Manufacturing Corp (SMIC). Gallagher said in a statement that “This chip likely could not be produced without US technology and thus SMIC may have violated the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Direct Product Rule.” Click here to read...

Huawei and Xiaomi Reach Global Patent Cross-Licensing Deal

Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi Corp, two of China’s largest smartphone vendors, have set aside their intellectual property (IP) dispute to forge a global patent cross-licensing deal that covers multiple communications technologies including 5G, which could help bolster the expansion initiatives of both companies. Xu Ran, general manager of corporate business development and IP strategy at Xiaomi, said in the joint statement that the new patent cross-licensing agreement between Huawei and Xiaomi “shows that both parties recognise and respect each other’s intellectual property”. The agreement underscores the sharpened focus of both Huawei and Xiaomi to compete against Apple in the smartphone market’s high-end segment, where the US tech giant’s iPhone has led on the mainland and around the world. Click here to read...

Chinese Tsinghua Unigroup Wants To Expand Manufacturing in Southeast Asia

Chinese state-owned semiconductor conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup plans to accelerate its international expansion, with Southeast Asia an important target region, its chairman, Li Bin, said. Tsinghua Unigroup operates three factories in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Li told a forum in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on the sidelines of a regional summit, and it aims to expand manufacturing and R&D capabilities in Southeast Asia. Li also said the Tsinghua Unigroup was considering establishing an investment platform to fund projects in the region, adding that Southeast Asian investment institutions were encouraged to participate in the platform. China is seeking to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing in the face of increased sanctions from the US and its allies. Click here to read...

Taiwan’s TSMC Puts Hopes in New Japan Chip Fab

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which is making an unprecedented push into chip manufacturing overseas, is taking an increasingly optimistic view of Japan as a production base, two industry sources said, as problems persist at its new factory in Arizona. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip maker, is frustrated in Arizona, the sources said, where it has struggled to recruit workers for the gruelling chip-making trade and faced pushback from unions on efforts to bring in workers from Taiwan. The company has growing confidence in Japan, where an US$8.6 billion fab under construction in a chipmaking hub on the island of Kyushu is on track to start producing mature-technology chips in 2024. While keen to ensure a smooth ramp up at the first fab, the chip maker is considering adding capacity and a second fab in Japan, which could include the production of more advanced chips. Click here to read...