Science and Technology (S&T)Digest 16-30September 2023, Issue 22

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

October 30 , 2023 Views: 1092 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

MoU Singed for Technical Collaboration and JointR&D

A Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was signed at New Delhi for technical collaboration and joint research & development (R&D). The MoU is aimed to promote academic cooperation in the varied field on Engineering, enhance scientific understanding of technologies related to defence sector and undertake new developments. IN and IISc share common interest in academic exchange of scientific research activities in the field of Engineering related to defence technologies. The MoU would serve to provide a broader framework and enable both sides to enhance capacity building, solution to field-level issues, expanding of equipment vendor base and effective training through exchange of faculty/ guest lectures. Click here to read…

Launch of Third MCA Barge, LSAM 9 (YARD 77)

Third Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 77 (LSAM 9) was launched by Cmde G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam) on 22 September 2023 at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (launch site of M/s SECON). With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiatives of Ministry of Defence. Contract for construction and delivery of 08 x 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. The availability of MCA Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read…

Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC)

A three-day event, IPACC, IPAMS and SELF-2023, organised by the Indian Army with the US Army as the co-host, culminated in New Delhi on 27 September 2023. The event witnessed participation from 30 countries. The event provided an opportunity for the delegates to exchange ideas and views on security and other contemporary issues of mutual interest, with core efforts directed to promote ‘Peace and Stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region. The event commenced with a call-on by General Randy George, the Chief of Staff (COS) of the US Army, to General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Indian Army on 25th September 2023. Both Chiefs discussed issues of mutual interest and shared views on contemporary issues. Click here to read…

India’s Military Systems, War Fighting and Strategic Thought

The Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), concluded a hybrid-panel discussion under Project Udbhav on the topic “Evolution of Indian Military Systems, War fighting and Strategic Thought- Current Research in the Field and Way Forward”. Project Udbhav is an initiative set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy. The project endeavours to explore India’s rich historical narratives in the realms of statecraft and strategic thoughts. It focuses on a broad spectrum including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and intricate Kautilya Studies. This pioneering initiative stands testimony to the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s age-old wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare. At its core, Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary. Overall aim is to integrate age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy. Click here to read…

India Enhances its Military Diplomacy

Marking a significant milestone in its military diplomacy, India has concluded its premier Female Military Officers Course for officers from ASEAN countries and the Indian Army. Spearheaded by the Indian Army’s vision for gender neutrality and women empowerment, this initiative, themed on the UN framework, was organised under the stewardship of the Ministry of Defence. Hosting such a transformative course reinforces India’s commitment to fostering deeper international collaboration while championing gender equality in the armed forces. This is especially pertinent in light of India’s longstanding commitment to the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus. The course has been designed to elevate leadership competencies, strategic acumen, and operational efficacy among female officers, while offering a rich platform for cross-cultural interaction and mutual professional development. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

India’s NavIC to be Supported by ‘Made in India’ Chipsets

For the first time the chipsets or microchips which are capable of receiving and processing the signals of the indigenous navigational system NavIC will be designed and manufactured in India by an Indian company. Not all smartphones and navigational gadgets (or navigators) are compatible with NavIC. To use and decode NavIC signals, a navigating gadget should have a NavIC-compatible chipset or microchip incorporated inside it. The receivers of NavIC signals such as NavIC-compatible smartphones and other navigators, typically incorporate these chipsets or microchips which are designed to decode and process the signals coming from the seven Indian satellites. Currently, they have been using chipsets made by foreign companies such as Qualcomm Technologies of USA and Mediatek Inc. of Taiwan. Click here to read…

Resolution Adopted on India's Space Journey

On 20 September 2023, a text of the Resolution adopted by Rajya Sabha on conclusion of discussion on India's space journey; Resolution: India’s Space programme is a source of national pride. It is a continuing testimony to the Nation’s inherent, scientific and technological prowess. Affirmative ecosystem and visionary leadership has enabled our scientists to fully realise their potential, unleash their energy and attain this historical milestone. This House recognizes and appreciates the scientists, including the women scientists, for achieving this arduous feat with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near unconquered south pole of Moon. This accomplishment, along with the other space missions, will usher in long-lasting economic and social upliftment. Click here to read…

MBRSC Announces the Successful Undocking of Crew-6

On 3 September 2023, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the successful undocking of Crew-6, which includes astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, from the International Space Station (ISS). This marks the beginning of the crew's return journey after the 6-month-long space mission. The Dragon Endeavour spacecraft carrying onboard Sultan Al Neyadi along with hisCrew-6 crewmates, NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev autonomously undocked from the ISS, following which series of departure burns were executed to distance itself from the orbiting laboratory. The spacecraft is currently in a safe free drift trajectory back to Earth. The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by MBRSC under the UAE’s National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Click here to read…

UAE Astronaut Conducts over 200 Research Experiments on board ISS

Over the course of a six-month space mission on board the ISS, UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi conducted over 200 advanced research experiments and studies that took about 585 hours in collaboration with 10 international space agencies and 25esteemed UAE and global universities. The experiments covered a range of topics including the cardiovascular system, back pain, protein crystallisation growth, epigenetics, immune system, fluid dynamics, plant biology, human life sciences, material science, sleep analysis and radiation, and advanced exploration technologies. These experiments have been instrumental in helping the scientific community, researchers, and students in the UAE and around the world become an integral part of the mission, supporting it in various capacities. Click here to read…

Four Astronauts Returned Home from a six-month stay on the ISS

Four astronauts have returned home from a six-month stay on the ISS, making a splash-down landing aboard their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule off the coast of Florida, CNN reported. The astronauts, members of the Crew-6 mission run jointly by NASA and SpaceX. The crew spent the day aboard the 13-foot-wide Crew Dragon vehicle as it manoeuvred through Earth’s orbit and toward its target landing site off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, where they landed after midnight ET. The Crew Dragon capsule was travelling at more than 17,000 miles per hour(27,000 kilometres per hour), and as it began the final leg of its descent, the spacecraft’s exterior heated up to about 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,900degrees Celsius) while it sliced back into the thickest part of Earth’s atmosphere, as per CNN. Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

IAEA and Japan Sign Agreement on Safety Review of Treated Water Discharge

On 18 September 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Japan signed an agreement setting out the full scope of the Agency’s comprehensive and continuous safety review of the discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), paving the way for decades of independent monitoring, sampling and analysis at the site and at sea. It identifies five main areas of the IAEA’s safety review work: 1) monitoring and assessment, focused on the protection of people and the environment; 2) the IAEA’s presence in Japan and at the FDNPS, including for conducting onsite analysis; 3) regular Agency review missions; 4) corroboration of Japan’s source and environmental monitoring based on independent sampling and analysis; and 5) outreach and awareness activities, including sharing key information with the public. Click here to read…

IAEA Mission Observes Commitment to Safety at Research Reactors in Iran

An IAEA team of experts said the operator of two research reactors in Iran has improved safety and implemented significant upgrades to modernize the reactor’s systems and components in recent years. The team also provided recommendations and suggestions for further enhancement of the operational organizational structure, safety documents and operational safety programmes. The Integrated Safety Assessment for Research Reactors (INSARR) team concluded an eight-day mission to assess the safety of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) and Heavy Water Zero Power Reactor (HWZPR) research reactors in Iran against IAEA safety standards. The team reviewed organizational and management aspects as well as technical areas including safety analysis, operation and maintenance programmes, radiation protection, and safety of modifications and experiments. Click here to read…

Addressing Nuclear Law Challenges and Strengthening Legal Frameworks

Some 30 legal and technical experts from 17 countries across Europe and Central Asia met in Montenegro to discuss international and national nuclear legal frameworks and to share national experiences. The regional workshop on nuclear law was organized by the IAEA, in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro through the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism, and took place in Bar earlier in September 2023. A key element of the five-day workshop, from 4 to 8 September, was the roundtable discussions to identify key challenges and issues in nuclear law-making and adherence to and implementation of the relevant international instruments adopted under the auspices of the IAEA. Click here to read…

‘Net Zero Nuclear’ Calls for Unprecedented Collaboration

World Nuclear Association (WNA) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), with the support of the Atoms4NetZero initiative launched by the IAEA, on 7 September, called for unprecedented collaboration between government, industry leaders and civil society to triple global nuclear capacity to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The urgent call for rapid deployment of more nuclear technologies was made during the launch of ‘Net Zero Nuclear’; an initiative for action and advocacy for nuclear energy’s role in achieving global clean energy security, which was debuted during the opening of the World Nuclear Symposium taking place in London this week. Click here to read…

Regulating Innovative Reactor Designs

The current regulations that govern the nuclear industry are tailored to the types of reactors that have been in use since the first commercial nuclear power plants began operation in the 1960s. Those regulations have evolved based on the experience gained over the past six decades. As new advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs), are developed, regulatory authorities are working to ensure that their processes, regulations and guidance also innovate in order for first-of-a-kind technologies to be deployed safely and securely. In order to address the challenges of regulating these innovative technologies, regulators themselves are exploring different strategies, such as reviewing the applicability of existing regulations, prioritizing the recruitment of technical staff with diverse specializations, and learning from the experiences of applicants and other regulators. Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Agreement signed for ‘Development of NavIC based IST traceable PRTC

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) signed an agreement for ‘Development of NavIC-based IST traceable Primary Reference Time Clock (PRTC) for Telecom Sector’. The project focuses on the development of a device which shall provide direct Indian Standard Time (IST) traceability to all the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) within ± 20 ns. This shall benefit India in multiple ways starting from reducing the dependency on GPS, shifting to IRNSS/NavIC, digital forensic analysis of transactions, cyber secure networks, reduce call drops & further synchronise all the telecom services with one reference time source IST, developed by CSIR-NPL. Click here to read…

Improving Accuracy of Space Weather Forecasting

A new study shows that substorm or brief disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere and the resultant magnetic field dipolarization (reconfiguration of the local magnetic field from stretched tail-like to quasi-dipole-like) increases heavy ion flux in the inner magnetosphere, providing windows for understanding the change and improving the accuracy of space weather forecasting in the future. The magneto-spheric substorm is a short-lived process that depends on the magnitude and direction of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF), solar wind velocity, and on the solar wind dynamic pressure. The southward direction of the IMF is a necessary prerequisite for substorm occurrence as it causes magnetic reconnection in the dayside magnetosphere. The study published in the journal Advances in Space Research helped the scientists understand the role of plasma sheet in the transport and acceleration of ions during substorms. Click here to read…

One Week One Lab Programme of CSIR-NIScPR

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) concluded “One Week One Lab (OWOL)” programme, which commenced on 11 September 2023. During One Week One Lab programme (OWOL), CSIR-NIScPR organised 9 major events namely India’s Startup Revolution: From Idea to Market, Grassroots Innovation & Skill Development Conclave for Rural Development, Science Communication Workshop, Student-Science Connect, Science Communication: Public Engagement with Science, Science Knowledge Convention, Science Policy & Diplomacy Meet. During the OWOL programme, NIScPR invited its key stakeholders like science policymakers, diplomats, science communicators, scientists, industry, innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, farmers, teachers, students and science publishers, etc. and showcased them new initiatives and achievements of NIScPR. Click here to read…

Knowledge Sharing Session on AI and ML for more than 800 Students

Dr. Suman Tewary, Senior Scientist at the CSIR's National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, conducted a Knowledge-Sharing Session for more than 800 students from classes 5th to 12th enrolled under the Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP)- an initiative and Knowledge Alliance of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and M/S NCPL. Dr. Tewary explained that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two closely related fields that have gained significant attention and application in recent years. They are driving many technological advancements and are reshaping various aspects of our lives. In this exclusive CSIR-NML and KAMP’s workshop, we will delve into the realms of AI and ML, unlock the mysteries behind AI and ML, and demystify these powerful technologies that are revolutionizing the way we work, live, and innovate." Click here to read…

A Digital India Talk Show cum Interactive Session Organised

A Digital India Talk Show cum Interactive Session was successfully organised on 18 September 2023 at Delhi University. The second in series of workshops planned over the next 6 months, it was organized as part of the Digital India Awareness campaign by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The programme was attended by more than 500 people from the University, which included students from various colleges, faculty and varsity staff. The programme began with lamp lighting, followed by keynote addresses by officials from both NeGD and DU. One of the highlight’s of the workshop was an interactive Digital India Quiz wherein multiple choice questions related to the five projects were asked; both students and DU Professors participated in the quiz with much enthusiasm. And winners were awarded Digital India goodies and certificates. Click here to read…

India Retains 40th Rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023

India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). India has been on a rising trajectory over the past several years in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 40 in 2023. The consistent improvement in the GII ranking is owing to the immense knowledge capital, the vibrant start-up ecosystem, and the amazing work done by the public and private research organizations. All Departments of the Government, including Scientific Departments such as the Department of Science and Technology; the Department of Biotechnology; and the Department of Space, have played a pivotal role in enriching the National Innovation Ecosystem. Most importantly, the Atal Innovation Mission has played a major role in expanding the Innovation ecosystem. Click here to read…

National Awards in the Field of Science, Technology and Innovation

The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’’. The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology and technology led innovation. The RVP shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India. People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards. The awards shall be given in following four categories: Vigyan Ratna (VR) award, Vigyan Shri (VS) award, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB)award, and Vigyan Team (VT) award. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

Scientific and Technological Cooperation between IBSA Countries

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Grace Naledi Pandor, met for the 11th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission on 22 September 2023, in New York. In the Joint Communiqué, the Ministers underscored the fact that access to scientific and technological knowledge is a fundamental element for the enduring development of IBSA countries. They also recognized, with satisfaction, the important contributions to science brought by individual research efforts in all IBSA countries. The Ministers agreed, to this effect, that further dialogue and cooperation is needed among researchers and universities, as well as among innovators in all IBSA countries, to ensure that the gains obtained from technological advancements are distributed to all, and not concentrated in a small number of private actors. Click here to read…

India-Malaysia Defence Science, Technology & Industry Cooperation

The 10th meeting of India-Malaysia Joint Sub-Committee on Defence Science, Technology and Industry Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 18 September 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Mr Rajeev Prakash and Under Secretary, Defence Industry Division, Ministry of Defence, Malaysia, Mr. Eris Jemadi bin Tajudin. During the meeting, the existing defence research and industry cooperation between the two countries was reviewed and discussions were held on issues pertaining to mutual interest. Both sides explored effective and practical initiatives to further expand the ongoing interactions related to the defence industry sector. Click here to read…

A US Delegation Interacts with iDEX Team

The US delegation, led by Under Secretary (Research & Engineering), Department of DefenceMs Heidi Shyu, met a team of Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) under Ministry of Defence at IIT Delhi on 18 September 2023. Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Production) & Additional CEO of DIO Anurag Bajpai presented an overview on iDEX to the US delegation, explaining how the initiative is revolutionising the defence innovation ecosystem in India. He highlighted how iDEX is fostering innovation, in critical domains like AI, unmanned solutions, domain awareness, communications, space, cyber security etc. The Joint Secretary brought out that the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) initiative will further deepen the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two sides. He appreciated the momentum in INDUS-X activities and informed that iDEX and Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) teams have finalised two challenges to kick start joint challenges, to be launched soon. A showcase of select iDEX winners and defence innovation start-ups with cutting-edge dual-use technologies was organised. Click here to read…

BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Media Statement on S&T Cooperation

The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations held their annual meeting on the margins of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) on 20 September 2023, chaired by the Russian Federation in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2024. The Ministers reaffirmed that the Means of Implementation should be enhanced urgently by developed countries, including through new, additional, predictable, adequate and timely flow of affordable Climate Finance, Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building and Transfer of Technology for climate actions. They urged developed countries to provide adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, capacity-building, technical and scientific cooperation, and access to and transfer of technology to fully implement the KMGBF. The Ministers emphasised the responsible and ethical development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for socio-economic development and inclusive growth of all societies. Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

US to Extend China Waiver for South Korean Chip Makers

The US Commerce Department has discussed details with the South Korean chip makers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on needing licences to bring US chip equipment into China. Last year, the chip makers had received authorisation from the US Commerce Department to supply equipment needed for chip production in China for a year without seeking additional licences. The US Department of Commerce will update its “validated end user” list, denoting what entities can receive exports of which technology, to allow Samsung and SK Hynix to keep receiving certain US chip-making tools. Click here to read…

YMTC Forges Closer Ties with Domestic Supplier to Replace US Parts

China’s top memory chip maker Yangtze Memory Technologies Corp (YMTC) is forging closer ties with domestic tool suppliers in an urgent bid to replace US components in its manufacturing equipment, according to two people familiar with the matter. YMTC has recently intensified discussions and cooperation with Chinese semiconductor equipment makers, including a major Beijing-based company, to develop and produce replacements for crucial parts widely used in its equipment made by US firm Lam Research. Lam Research suspended supply of equipment and services to mainland China-based clients after Washington issued a new round of export controls in October 2022, targeting the Chinese semiconductor industry. Click here to read…

US Sees the New Tech – AI as Biggest Threat as well as Resource

An endless blitz of automated deep-fakes, disinformation and cyberattacks from America’s adversaries: this is what keeps the CIA’s director for artificial intelligence up at night. The CIA's Director of Artificial Intelligence Lakshmi Raman speaking at the Politico AI and Tech Summit on 27 September 2023 said that “What AI sometimes enables in these spaces is the ability to do it at a scale and speed that hasn’t been possible”. “It’s much more available and much easier for people.” The CIA is especially keeping an eye on China’s AI program, seen as a key threat to national security, Raman said. She noted one of the biggest concerns with China is the country’s undemocratic approach to leveraging the powerful emerging tech. But even as AI gives adversaries more tools against the U.S., it also provides the CIA with critical new capabilities. Click here to read…

Intel Sees Massive Demand for AI Chips Designed for China

Intel Corp has seen soaring demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips designed specifically for clients in China as mainland companies rush to improve their capability in ChatGPT-like technology. Sales of Intel’s Gaudi2 processors, which are tailored to comply with US export curbs while catering to Chinese clients’ demand for AI chips, have been strong since their launch in July, prompting the Californian firm to place more orders with its supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). Intel’s chief financial officer, David Zinsner, said recently that the company had seen more customers looking to its Gaudi chips as an alternative to processors that were in short supply. A race by Chinese tech firms to build their own large language models (LLMs) has sparked robust demand for advanced chips used to train algorithms that support intelligent chatbots similar to Microsoft-backed OpenAI’ sChatGPT. Click here to read…