Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 June 2024), Issue 39

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

June 21 , 2024 Views: 144 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Indian Army Inducts Indigenous Nagastra-1 Kamikaze Drones

Indian Army has inducted indigenous Loiter Munition, Nagastra-1, developed by Nagpur-baser Solar Industries. The Indian Army has placed an order with Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, for the supply of 480 Loiter Munitions under an emergency purchase agreement, signaling the readiness of Indigenous defence capabilities, Defence Industry officials said. EEL, in collaboration with Z-Motion Autonomous Systems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, has spearheaded the development of Nagastra-1, with over 75 per cent indigenous content. Click here to read…

Launch of ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13 (Yard 81)’

The launch of ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13 (Yard 81)’, the fifth Barge of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 10 Jun 24 at M/s Vinayaga Marine Petro Ltd, Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra (launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd). The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy (IN) by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read…

A Woman-led Start-up Develops an AI tool ‘Divya Drishti’

Ingenious Research Solutions Pvt Ltd., a start-up established by a woman entrepreneur, Dr. Shivani Verma after winning the prestigious Dare to Dream Innovation contest 2.0, a pan India theme-based contest organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully developed an AI tool “Divya Drishti” that integrates face recognition with immutable physiological parameters such as gait and skeleton. This innovative solution marks a significant advancement in biometric authentication technology, offering enhanced accuracy and reliability in identifying individuals. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

AESI Inaugurates New Space Applications Centre

On 7 June 2024, the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) inaugurated its Ahmedabad Branch at the Space Applications Centre, ISRO Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in advancing aeronautical sciences and fostering collaboration among professionals in the aerospace sector. Siddharth Kumar from AeSI Headquarters introduced the society and its mission, emphasising the role of the new branch in Ahmedabad in contributing to the national aerospace objectives, highlighting the importance of AeSI in promoting aeronautical research and innovation in India. Click here to read…

AgniKul Cosmos in Advance Talks with 13 Customers

Delighted over the successful launch of the Agnibaan SOrTeD (sub-orbital technological demonstrator), the co-founder and CEO of AgniKul Cosmos, Srinath Ravichandran revealed that the spacetech startup is "in advanced stage talks with 13 customers." The space tech startup is in talks with entities from Europe, Japan and the USA, he told in an interview with ANI. "All of our customers are based out of Europe and Japan and in addition, a few are in the US." Ravichandran said, "We will see some of these talks translated into the actual business contract when we launch our next flight." Click here to read…

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Entered the ISS

The US space agency said that Indian-origin Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on 7 June 2024 morning entered the International Space Station (ISS). NASA's Boeing Starliner carrying the two astronauts had docked with the ISS at 1:34 pm (EDT) after lifting off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on 5th June. The journey wasn't without challenges, as new issues arose en route, but NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams safely arrived aboard the station after overcoming obstacles. The docking occurred with additional steps taken to secure the connection between Starliner and the station's port. Wilmore expressed his delight, stating, "Nice to be attached to the big city in the sky." Click here to read…

China's Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe Lands on Far Side of Moon

China's Chang’e-6 lunar probe has achieved a historic feat by landing on the far side of the Moon and embarking on a groundbreaking mission to collect samples from this rarely explored terrain, Chinese State media reported on 2 June 2024. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced this milestone, marking the first time in human history that samples will be gathered from this enigmatic region of the lunar surface. The chosen landing site, the Apollo Basin, holds immense scientific potential for exploration. Huang Hao, a space expert from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), explained that the decision to target the Apollo Basin was influenced by its scientific significance and favourable landing conditions. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka Approves Starlink’s Satellite Internet Service

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sharing that the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has approved the launch of Starlink's satellite internet services in the country, contingent on a two-week public consultation period. In his post, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the transformative potential of this move for Sri Lanka, particularly for the country's youth. Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, promises to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe. Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

International Expert Group on Nuclear Liability Meets in Vienna

The International Expert Group on Nuclear Liability met at the IAEA last month to share knowledge about civil liability for nuclear damage. The IAEA hosted the 24th meeting of the Group, known as INLEX, at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, on 28-30 May 2024. During the meeting, members reported on the most recent developments in the field of nuclear liability, including national aspects and the implementation of the international legal instruments. The Group also discussed several nuclear liability topics, including the geographical scope of the 2004 Paris Convention, the 1997 Vienna Convention and the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), as well as the current liability limits of the Parties to the 1963 Vienna Convention. Click here to read…

IAEA Conducts Safety Review of Sri Lanka’s First Nuclear Power Plant

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded a seven-day safety review of Sri Lanka’s selection process to identify potential sites to build its first nuclear power plant. The South Asian country is pursuing the introduction of nuclear power to increase its low carbon power production to meet energy demand, tackle climate change and increase energy security. The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place from 30 May to 5 June 2024, reviewed Sri Lanka’s adherence to IAEA guidance on site selection, including exclusion and screening criteria. Click here to read…

Global Consensus on the Necessity of Using Nuclear Energy

As part of growing interest from non-traditional audiences about the potential of expanding nuclear energy to meet climate goals, the Director General travelled to Zurich, Switzerland to address the Nuclear Pools’ Forum. Mr. Grossi spoke on how a secure, thriving and sustainable future requires the use of nuclear power, calling it our opportunity and responsibility. He described the clear consensus on the necessity of using nuclear energy for the world to reach net zero climate emissions, as was agreed at COP28, the first climate change conference ever to feature nuclear in the list of low emission technologies that need accelerating. Click here to read…

Verifying Spent Nuclear Fuel in Deep Geological Repositories

As the world looks to alternatives to fossil fuels to combat climate change, several countries are developing nuclear power programmes to provide a sustainable source of low carbon energy. Countries operating nuclear reactors are responsible for providing geological disposal capacity for high-level radioactive waste. The internationally well-established approach for such disposal is a mined deep geological repository (DGR). Canada, Finland, France, Sweden and Switzerland have the most advanced DGR programmes. Click here to read…

Role of Non-Nuclear Codes in Standardizing SMR Deployment

IAEA-led efforts to accelerate the deployment of SMRs through standardization are making progress. A new working paper produced by the IAEA’s Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) explores how integrating non-nuclear codes and standards into small modular reactor (SMR) production and harmonizing these across jurisdictions could significantly reduce both the cost and time required for SMR deployments. The group is meeting in Vienna this week to discuss additional pathways that could support SMR project harmonization. Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Over 40 Quantum Technology Start-ups Created in 2 Years

Chairing a review meeting of Department of Science & technology, the Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said that “India has produced over 40 Quantum Technology start-ups in 2 years, few of them with global potential.” The Minister directed the officials to focus on the flagship National Quantum Mission and work on development of quantum technologies and quantum communication. As India is currently on an equal pedestal with other nation in terms of Quantum technologies are concerned, he added. According to the Minister, our mission and vision should be to establish India as a global leader as far as Quantum technologies are concerned. Click here to read…

Initiative to Support MSMEs and Startups in Industry 4.0 Transformation

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning a new initiative aimed at aiding organisations and startups through the adoption of Industry emerging technologies. It has called for a proposal for "Industry 4.0 a baseline Survey among MSMEs" that aligns with the broader vision of fostering digital transformation and preparing industries for the advent of 5G and 6G technologies. The survey will be targeted on understanding the challenges faced by MSMEs in adapting to Industry 4.0 and utilizing advanced technologies. Click here to read…

Young Innovators Shine at the ‘Student Entrepreneurship Programme

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with La Foundation Dassault Systems India celebrated the culmination of its flagship program for school students, ‘Made in 3D – Seed the Future Entrepreneurs’ under AIM’s Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP) season – 2023-24 during the grand finale held in Pune. This event marked the conclusion of an eight-month journey dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young minds. The season 2023-24 of this program witnessed a special focus on connecting students with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, resulting in a significant number of projects centered around the rural ecosystem theme. Click here to read…

C-DOT Awarded UN’s WSIS 2024 “Champion” Award

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Government of India, awarded UN’s WSIS 2024 “Champion” Award for the project “Mobile-Enabled Disaster Resilience through Cell Broadcast emergency Alerting”, recognised under AI, C-7, E-environment, in the category of 'Benefits in all aspects of life - E-environment”. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 Forum 2024, a High-Level Event, conducted by International Telecom Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland from 27th May - 31st May, 2024. Click here to read…

Financial Assistance for EV Technology in Intercultural Farming Operations

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) announced financial assistance to M/s Krishigati Pvt. Ltd., Pune for EV technology in Intercultural farming operations on 27th May 2024 in New Delhi. The project titled "Axle-Less Multipurpose Electric Vehicle for Modern and Precision Farming" is a step towards the indigenization of electric vehicle technology for intercultural farming operations, TDB has sanctioned financial assistance to this innovative agricultural start-up, demonstrating confidence in the project's potential to drive technological advancements in the agricultural industry. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi Participates in the Outreach Session on AI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Outreach Session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy today. He congratulated the Group on its 50th anniversary milestone. Talking of India’s AI Mission premised on "AI for All”, Prime Minister emphasised that this technology should be aimed at fostering progress and well-being of all. He underlined that with this broader objective in mind, India was fostering international collaboration as a founding member of Global Partnership for AI. He expressed that for technology to be successful it had to be underpinned by a human-centric approach. Click here to read…

India’s Role in Drafting Global Standards for Responsible & Trustworthy AI

Additional Secretary (Telecom) Niraj Verma has highlighted that India is leading in drafting global standards for responsible and trustworthy AI, and the TEC (Standard’s body of DoT, India) has released a Standard for assessing and rating fairness in AI Systems. He also informed that TEC is now framing another Standard for assessing and rating robustness of AI systems. Secretary Verma was addressing a session on ‘Harmonizing Global Collaborations in AI Industry: A Roundtable on the Future of AI Standardisation, Regulation and Industry Development’, in Geneva, Switzerland. Click here to read…

UNESCO-MeitY Organise National Stakeholder Workshop on Ethics of AI

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted the National Stakeholder Workshop on Safe, Trusted and Ethical AI at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi. The event was held at a crucial juncture, following the Government of India’s recent approval of the IndiaAI Mission, which has been allocated more than Rs 10,000 crore, marking a significant step towards bolstering India’s AI ecosystem. Click here to read…

India-France Defence Tech Cooperation under Make in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to bolster strategic defence cooperation, with a heightened emphasis on promoting India's 'Make in India' initiative. They held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. France is India's closest strategic partner in Europe and the two sides have built up close cooperation, especially in security and defence. India is presently in negotiations with France to acquire 26 Rafale jets for the Indian Navy and earlier purchased 36 jets for the Indian Air Force under a 2016 deal worth Euro 7.87 billion. “They also agreed to expand cooperation in the realms of AI, critical and emerging technologies”. Click here to read…

India-Germany Cooperation for Indigenous Sonar Project

An Indian engineering firm and a German defence major have come together to supply 12 indigenous low-frequency variable depth Sonar systems for an indigenous project. A subsidiary of the German defence conglomerate Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH partnered with CFF Fluid Control Ltd for the supply of 12 indigenous low-frequency variable depth sonar systems, marking a notable step towards enhancing the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities of the Indian Navy, utilizing indigenous resources and technology. Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

NVidia Unveils the Next-Generation Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

During a speech in Taipei, Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang unexpectedly unveiled the company’s next-generation graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture, codenamed Rubin, to be available in 2026. To go with the Rubin GPUs, Nvidia also plans to introduce a new-generation CPU called Vera in 2026, Huang said at the National Taiwan University Sports Center. He said that the company plans to launch an enhanced version of the upcoming Rubin GPUs, called Rubin Ultra, in 2027. The company’s Blackwell GPU architecture, announced in March to succeed the Hopper framework, are to hit the market this year followed by the Blackwell Ultra units next year. Click here to read…

New US Restrictions Could Deny China Access to Chip Making Services

The Biden administration is considering more restrictions on China’s access to a cutting-edge chip architecture known as gate all-around, or GAA, and high bandwidth memory (HBM) AI memory chips. This move could restrict China’s access to an advanced semiconductor architecture and high-end memory chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications could cut it off from access to leading wafer foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics. Click here to read…

Samsung Unveils Its AI Chip Technology Road Map

Samsung Electronics Co unveiled a number of forthcoming advancements to its technology aimed at attracting makers of AI chips. Although, Samsung is the world’s No. 1 memory chip maker, it has been trying to catch up with rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) in the foundry market, where companies manufacture customer-designed chips. Samsung’s share in the foundry market slid to 11 percent in the first quarter of this year from 11.3 percent in the previous quarter, while TSMC’s share climbed to 61.7 percent from 61.2 percent during the same period, according to Taipei-based research house Trend Force Corp. Click here to read…

China’s Top Memory Chip Maker YMTC Sees Rising Domestic Demand

China’s top memory chip maker, Yangtze Memory Technologies Corporation (YMTC), is seeing a surge in demand for its flash memory chips, which have become a top choice for local clients, particularly those working in government and military-related projects, as Beijing strives to cut reliance on foreign semiconductor products. Demand for locally manufactured components, from graphics processing units to flash memory chips, has been surging, as China embarks on an ambitious drive to expand computing infrastructure to support generative AI development. Click here to read…

Beijing Falls Behind Singapore in Global Start-Up Ecosystem

According to the latest Global Start-up Ecosystem Ranking (GSER) published by research firm Startup Genome, Beijing has fallen three places from 2022 to No 8 in the latest ranking of the world’s top 40 start-up ecosystems, as a weak domestic economy and growing tensions with Washington deter investment interest in China’s capital. Silicon Valley came out on top, while New York and London were tied in second place. Singapore, in seventh place, was the top-ranking Asian city this year. Seoul and Tokyo stood at No 9 and 10, respectively. Click here to read…