Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 1-15 February 2024, Issue 31

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

March 14 , 2024 Views: 770 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Defence Budget Crossed over Rs 6.21 lakh crore in FY 2024-25

In the current geopolitical scenario and with the twin objective of promoting self-reliance and exports, the Defence Budget has touched Rs 6,21,540.85 crore in the Financial Year 2024-25. This comes out to be 13.04% of total Union Budget, which was presented by Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on 1 February 2024. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to receive the highest allocation among the Ministries. The budgetary allocation to Defence for FY 24-25 is higher by approx. one lakh crore (18.35%) over the allocation for the FY 2022-23 and 4.72% more than allocation of FY 23-24. Click here to read…

INS Sandhayak, first Survey Vessel Large Ship, Commissioned into IN

INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship, was commissioned into the Indian Navy (IN) in a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on 3 February 2024. The primary role of the ship is to carry out full scale hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels/routes, coastal areas and deep seas, towards enabling safe marine navigation. In its secondary role, the ship will be capable of undertaking a range of naval operations. In his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the commissioning as historic, exuding confidence that INS Sandhayak will further strengthen India's role as a superpower in the Indo-Pacific region. Click here to read…

Delivery of 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Mahabali to Indian Navy

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Mahabali has been delivered to Indian Navy on 2 February 2024. This Tug is a proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Government of India. Contract for construction and delivery of three 25T BP Tugs was concluded with M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (M/s SSPL), an MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. These Tugs are being built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and maneuvering in confined waters. Click here to read…

DRDO Carries Out Flight Trials of HEAT ‘ABHYAS’

Four flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) - ABHYAS were successfully carried out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha during 30 January to 2 February 2024. The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad to provide reduced launch acceleration. The objectives like safe release of booster, launcher clearance and attaining the required end of launch velocity were achieved. During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated. Click here to read…

Plans To Strengthen India Defence Ecosystem

The Government of India has drawn various action plans to strengthen the country’s defence ecosystem. Indian industry, both public and private, is encouraged to participate in design, development and manufacture of Defence Systems under 'Make Procedure' prescribed at chapter-III of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020) wherein provisions to provide financial assistance for prototype development are also incorporated. A Green Channel Policy for procurement of Defence stores and spares has been launched for awarding Green Channel status to firms having predefined financial and quality credentials. Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme has been launched to boost domestic defence and aerospace manufacturing with primary aim to set up Greenfield Defence Testing Infrastructure. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

Big Leap in Space Defence Technology

A Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO, has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission. This project - 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellite - was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency). This innovative technology has resulted in non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space. Click here to read…

Time for Building Aatmanirbhar Defence Space Ecosystem

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan has stressed that as the country is going through Amrit Kaal, it is time for building a highly capable Aatmanirbhar defence space ecosystem. Inaugurating 'DEFSAT', a three-day Space Seminar and Exhibition at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on Feb 7, 2024, Gen Anil Chauhan underlined that from space augmentation to exploration, the Government has envisioned big targets for the nation. Highlighting the vitality of Space for the mankind and also for the armed forces engaged in combat, CDS said that Space can be used as a force multiplier to enhance combat capabilities in traditional domains of land, air, sea and even cyber. Click here to read…

India’s Future Moon Exploration Missions

The roadmap for India’s future moon exploration missions is under conceptualization, with feasibility studies being undertaken for further robotic exploration of moon through orbiters, landers and rovers. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the proposed configuration of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), to be developed by ISRO, is in conceptualization phase, wherein the overall architecture, number and type of modules, docking ports, etc. are being studied. The Minister said, towards setting up the space station by 2035, ISRO has been working on the overall configuration of the BAS and the station is planned to be assembled in a phased manner. Towards this, a prospective roadmap is being evolved for realization of different modules and their respective launches. Click here to read…

Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" to Fly into Space

Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead of ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission, which will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space. Disclosing this in New Delhi during an interaction with media, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Vyommitra” is a name derived from two Sanskrit words namely, “Vyoma” (meaning Space) and “Mitra” (meaning Friend). This Female Robot Astronaut, said the Minister, is equipped with the capability to monitor Module Parameters, issue Alerts and execute Life Support operations. It can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to the queries. Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

Building Fuel Supply Chains for SMRs and Advanced Reactors

Engineers are preparing for the next generation of nuclear power reactors, aimed at improving energy security and mitigating climate change. Many advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs), will require high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, which ranges from 5 to 20 per cent of uranium-235 — beyond the 5 per cent level that powers most nuclear power plants in operation. HALEU is produced in the Russian Federation and the United States of America, mostly for use in research reactors and for possible use in operating light water reactors. Click here to read…

Decarbonizing Steel Production with Nuclear Hydrogen

Steel production accounts for more than seven per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. That percentage is set to soar in the coming decades, along with a rising demand for steel, which is vital for sectors ranging from energy and transport to construction and consumer appliances. However, nuclear energy could help put steel production on a path to net zero. About two billion tonnes of steel are produced annually around the world. A growing number of global companies are looking for ways to decarbonize the energy-intensive industrial processes of this sector. Click here to read…

Strengthening the Implementation of Biological Weapons Convention

In January 2024, 26 National Contact Points (NCPs) and representatives from 14 States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) from the Middle East and North Africa, attended a two-day training course in Doha to share information, knowledge and best practices on strengthening the implementation of the BWC. The Regional Training Course was organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in cooperation with the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons (NCPW) of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the State of Qatar. Click here to read…

Incident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

On 7 February 2024, Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) operator, informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that water containing radioactive materials was found to have leaked from a caesium absorption tower at the plant. The estimated 5,5 cubic metres (m3) of water was assessed to have leaked from a valve left open during cleaning work at the absorption tower. The leaked water was from the system filtering water as part of the ongoing decommissioning activities at the site. Click here to read…

Launch of the “Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons”

In December 2023, the first-ever iteration of the “Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons” initiative got underway. The new innovative learning programme, coordinated by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and funded by the Government of Japan, aims to equip aspiring leaders of the future with the knowledge, skills, and network essential to join global efforts for the elimination of nuclear weapons, the most dangerous weapons on earth. Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Plan to Bolster the Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem

In a transformative move towards sustainable transportation, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman announced an ambitious plan to bolster the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem while presenting the Interim Budget 2024-25 in Parliament on 1 February 2024. This strategic initiative focuses on both manufacturing and charging infrastructure, aiming to fortify and broaden the landscape for electric vehicles. With a dedicated focus on enhancing public transportation, the government is set to encourage the widespread adoption of electric buses. Click here to read…

Emphasis on Innovation and Startups in the Interim Budget 2024-25

The Interim Budget 2024-25 reflects the emphasis on Innovation and Startups to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat @2047. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the Interim Budget proposing a corpus of Rs One Lakh Crore to boost private investment in sunrise technologies. As the Minister said, “This will mark a golden era for our tech savvy youth,” and added, it will encourage programmes that combine the powers of our youth and technology. The Minister said, Atmanirbharta in Science & Technology will also get a fillip with the proposed new scheme to be launched for strengthening Deep-Tech technologies for Defence Sector. Click here to read…

Inauguration of Digital India FutureLABS at IIIT in New Delhi

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched the "Digital India FutureLABS” and delivered the keynote address at the ‘Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024,’ focused on ‘Catalyzing the Next-generation Electronics System Design through Digital India FutureLABS.’ The Summit also witnessed an announcement of 22 MoUs of C-DAC with Industry for implementation of the futureLABS. Companies like NXP Semiconductors, Tenstorrent and Qualcomm India have signed MoUs in areas like High Performance Computing space, Design & Innovation in Compute space and Indian Telecom Stack. Click here to read…

Startups to Catalyze the Semiconductor Chip Design Ecosystem

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced that two futureDESIGN semiconductor fabless companies - Parag Naik, founder, Saankhya Labs and Vijay Muktamath, founder, Sensesemi Technologies - to catalyze the semiconductor chip design ecosystem under the Semicon India Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. These two Karnataka based futureDESIGN semiconductor fabless companies announced for financial support under the DLI Scheme has been providing range of chipsets and solutions for communication and med-tech sectors. Click here to read…

Promoting Agri-startups by Providing Financial and Technical Support

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” programme under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) from 2018-19 with an objective to promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial and technical support for nurturing startups ecosystem in the country. So far, 5 Knowledge Partners (KPs) and 24 RKVY Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) have been appointed for training & incubation of agri-startups and implementation of this programme. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

India’s Space Cooperation with Major Spacefaring Nations

At present, India has signed space cooperative documents with 61 countries and five multilateral bodies. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the major areas of cooperation are satellite remote sensing, satellite navigation, satellite communication, space science and planetary exploration and capacity building. The Minister informed that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is already working with the space agency of USA (NASA) for realising a joint satellite mission, named ‘NISAR (NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)’ which is in the advanced stages of realisation. ISRO is also working with CNES (French National Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Click here to read…

India-France Defence Cooperation

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of the French Mr. Emmanuel Macron paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India. In the joint statement, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi reiterated their commitment to further deepening the integration between the two countries’ respective defence industrial sectors and to work together to identify opportunities for co-design, co-development, co-production with the objective of not only fulfilling the defence needs of the Indian armed forces, but also of providing a viable and reliable source of defence supplies to other friendly countries. Click here to read…

India-France Space and S&T Cooperation

French President Macron’s state visit to India witnessed several outcomes. The two countries signed agreements in space and S&T, including Memorandum of Understanding between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace S.A.S, French Republic; Framework Cooperation Arrangement between Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Institut national de recherche pour L’Agriculture, L’Alimentation Et L’Environnement (INRAE), French Republic; and, Framework Arrangement on cooperation concerning funding of research projects between Department of Science &Technology (DST), Government of India and Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), French Republic. Click here to read…

India-UAE S&T Cooperation

President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met in Abu Dhabi on 13 February 2024. In the joint statement, the two leaders appreciated the commencement of the first Master’s program in Energy Transition and Sustainability by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in Abu Dhabi, the first IIT in the Middle East. They reiterated the shared commitment of both countries for cooperation in education and research with a focus on advanced technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainable energy. They also welcomed the MoU to jointly explore, assess and evaluate investment cooperation in the digital infrastructure sector. Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Technique to Improve the Sensitivity of Quantum Sensing Devices

In quantum sensing, atomic-scale quantum systems are used to measure electromagnetic fields, as well as properties like rotation, acceleration, and distance, far more precisely than classical sensors can. The technology could enable devices that image the brain with unprecedented detail, for example, or air traffic control systems with precise positioning accuracy. As many real-world quantum sensing devices are emerging, one promising direction is the use of microscopic defects inside diamonds to create “qubits” that can be used for quantum sensing. Qubits are the building blocks of quantum devices. Click here to read…

Preparing Medical Physicists for AI in the Medical Use of Radiation

From processing vast amounts of data to providing insights beyond human capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to power unprecedented progress in the medical uses of radiation to improve diagnosis and treatment. As the deployment and use of AI-based tools grow over the next decade, clinically qualified medical physicists (CQMPs) will play an essential role in facilitating the safe, effective and appropriate application of such tools. Click here to read…

Exploring Quantum Phenomena through an Engineering Perspective

Guoqing Wang loves to play the erhu, a Chinese stringed musical instrument, remembering lessons he learned from his father as a young boy. He sees similarities between the music from the bowed instrument and the research subject he works on today: quantum systems. Wang says, “Tuning an instrument is pretty similar to the concept of quantum control. By applying echo to the quantum system, you can achieve better coherence.” And better coherence is a good thing in quantum applications because it leads to more stable and longer-lived quantum systems for a variety of applications, including computing. Click here to read…

ASML Says Geopolitics, New Export Curbs Remain Risks

ASML, the largest supplier of equipment to computer chip makers, said that geopolitical tensions and any expansion of a U.S.-led campaign to restrict its exports to China remain business risks. In its annual report published recently, the Dutch company flagged the growing list of restrictions imposed by the United States, mostly with the assent of the Dutch government. Those include Dutch licensing requirements for most of ASML's advanced product lines, as well as a unilateral move by the U.S. in October 2023 to restrict exports of older equipment to unspecified Chinese plants. Click here to read…

Huawei Reclaims Top Spot in China’s Smartphone Sales Ranking

Huawei Technologies climbed back to the number one spot of China’s smartphone market in the initial two weeks of this year, putting more pressure on 2023 industry leader Apple and major mainland rivals in the world’s largest handset market. This marks the first time Huawei reclaimed the top smartphone sales ranking on the mainland since Washington imposed sanctions on the Shenzhen-based company when it was added to the US trade blacklist in May 2019, which crippled the firm’s once-lucrative handset business. Click here to read…