Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (16-30 April 2024), Issue 36

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

May 14 , 2024 Views: 301 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Developing Technologies to Address Health Problems Faced by Soldiers

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on 18 April 2024. Under this MoU, AFMS and IIT Kanpur will team up to undertake research and develop new technologies to address health problems faced by soldiers in difficult terrains. IIT Kanpur will also provide technical expertise for developing AI diagnostic models, at Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine established in Armed Forces Medical College, which is first of its kind amongst medical colleges in India. Click here to read…

Indigenous Leading Edge Actuators & Airbrake Control Module

DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has handed over the first batch of the indigenous Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Module to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking a significant leap towards self-reliance in aeronautical technologies. The HAL, Lucknow has already made preparations for the production of these units for the current 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A order. These high pressure, redundant servo actuators and control module, characterised by astute design, precision manufacturing, assembly, and testing, represent a culmination of ADA's relentless pursuit of indigenous technological prowess. Click here to read…

Launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)

The launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 29 April 2024 at M/s Suryadipta Project Pvt. Ltd. (launch site of M/s SPPL). The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read…

2024 the Year of Technology Absorption, Empowering the Soldier

A seminar cum exhibition was conducted by the Indian Army on the theme “Year of Technology Absorption - Empowering the Soldier”. The event was conducted by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), on behalf of the Indian Army in Manekshaw Centre. The seminar brought together technology experts and industry professionals to deliberate on the adoption of modern technologies like AI and advanced hardware in the military domain. It aimed at fostering a collaborative environment for academia and the defence industry to fast-pace the ongoing initiatives for technological absorption in the military. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

Financial Support for M/s Dhruva Space's Solar Array Project

As a significant step towards indigenization in the space sector and aligning with its mission of advancing indigenous capabilities, The Technology Development Board (TDB) announced its financial support for the project titled "Space Grade Solar Array Fabrication and Test Facility" by M/s Dhruva Space Private Limited, Hyderabad. With TDB’s backing, Dhruva Space is undertaking an ambitious initiative to develop and commercialize space-grade solar array fabrication and testing processes tailored for spacecraft applications. The primary objective of this project is to pioneer technological innovations in solar panel manufacturing to meet the rigorous demands of on-orbit usage. Click here to read…

Space Zone India, a Space Startup, Developing a Reusable Hybrid Rocket

Tamil Nadu-based space startup, Space Zone India, led by Founder and CEO Anand Megalingam, is developing RHUMI-1. This rocket, designed as a demonstrator, will carry three cube satellites and incorporates a reusable mechanism. The hybrid propulsion system, utilizing both solid fuel and liquid oxidizer technologies, aims to reduce the cost of hybrid rocket operations while ensuring environmental safety. Anand Megalingam revealed that the demand for small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is increasing in India, prompting the company to focus on capturing the small satellite market while employing a Hybrid Propulsion system to ensure cost-effectiveness. Click here to read…

India Aims To Create Debris Free Space Missions by 2030

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath said that India aims to create debris free space missions by 2030. "Debris free space missions by all Indian actors, governmental and non-governmental by 2030. India also encourages all other space actors to follow this initiative for long term sustainability in the outer space," Somanath said. The ISRO Chief said that India is in the process of creating mechanisms and structures to ensure that debris is not generated. He stressed that the world space community needs to develop skills to go far beyond Earth's orbit, like the Earth-moon systems and solar planetary exploration. Click here to read…

Technology Support and Collaboration with ISRO

Madhya Pradesh government has sought very high resolution satellite data and technical support for integrating the NavIC navigation in mobile apps to improve the accuracy of geographic information system (GIS) surveys among other technical support from the ISRO. It will also improve the efficiency of field surveys by the government departments. The state government is eyeing to collaborate with ISRO in the sector of remote sensing, GIS and drone technology for better governance and analysis of government related projects. Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

Nuclear Industry Statement calls for Continued Support for Nuclear Energy

Representatives of the nuclear industry presented an industry statement to H.E. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Italy, at an event held alongside the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Turin, Italy, called for the continued support of the G7 countries for nuclear energy, including on efforts to secure necessary financing avenues for new nuclear projects. The associations call upon G7 governments to embrace nuclear deployment as a strategic priority, by maximizing use of existing nuclear power plants and setting clear plans for further deployment that would fulfil the targets they set at COP28, to triple global nuclear capacity. Click here to read…

Nuclear Power Back in Global Spotlight at 26th World Energy Congress

Nuclear power was back in the global spotlight last week at the 26th World Energy Congress as an IAEA delegation led by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi highlighted its key role on energy security and climate change. The world’s longest-running energy event is the flagship event of the World Energy Council, the oldest independent energy organization whose members include governments, corporations, academia and civil society in some 100 countries. This year’s edition of the four-day event, held in the Dutch city of Rotterdam under the slogan “Redesigning Energy for People and Planet”, brought together 70 ministers from 150 countries as well as a broad spectrum of international energy stakeholders. Click here to read…

Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons

The Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons, an innovative learning programme launched in 2023 by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) with the generous financial support from the government of Japan, has reached a significant milestone with the conclusion of its inaugural online course component. As the programme progresses towards its overarching goal of empowering young leaders to advocate for a nuclear- weapon-free world, the successful completion of the online course by 85 percent of participants marks a key achievement of this first phase. Click here to read…

Poland’s Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development

Poland is making progress towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix, including in developing the necessary infrastructure for a safe and sustainable nuclear power programme, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission. An IAEA team of experts concluded an 11-day mission to Poland to review its infrastructure development for the Polish Nuclear Power Programme (PNPP). The PNPP was approved in January 2014 by the Polish Council of Ministers. The establishment of nuclear power is an objective of the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040, which sets the framework for the country’s energy transition to strengthen energy security and to reduce reliance on coal power plants to meet climate goals. Click here to read…

Japan’s ALPS Treated Water Release Progressing as Planned, IAEA

The discharge of treated water from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) is progressing in accordance with the Implementation Plan approved by Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), the Task Force set up by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed. Japan began discharging the treated water on 24 August 2023, and IAEA expert analysis of the five batches released since then have confirmed the tritium concentration in each batch of ALPS treated water released to date is far below Japan’s operational limit. Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

CSIR Implements New In-House ‘Accounts Manager Software’

CSIR has set an example for all other Central autonomous institutions in the country by successfully implementing its in-house developed ‘Accounts Manager Software’ for financial management. On 01 April 2024, CSIR generated its Annual accounts for the financial year 2023-24, well ahead of the General Financial Rules (GFR) deadline of 30 June. The Annual Accounts for the financial year 2023-24 have already been submitted to the Office of the CAG. With an intuitive interface designed for ease of use, software users can effortlessly input, track, and manage financial data. Click here to read…

Automated Service Management in Network of 5G and beyond Using AI

C-DOT, the premier Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India and IIT, Jodhpur (IIT-J) signed an agreement for “Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks Using AI”. The primary objective is to develop AI frameworks for automated network management, fault detection, and diagnostic techniques by utilizing continuous information generated within the network like 5G. The service will establish a real time 5G and Beyond testbed (in compliance with O-RAN) for the demonstration of the developed automated network management and slicing techniques in conjunction with specific application use-cases such as smart metering, remotely operated vehicles, etc. Click here to read…

Role of Emerging Technology in India

During an interactive session on Northeast India’s integration with Southeast Asia and Japan at Kirori Mal College, Delhi, External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar emphasis on India's future, and said the future will be semiconductors, electric mobility, space industry and drones. When asked about India’s future, Jaishankar responded, “To me, the future will be semiconductors, it will be electric mobility, it will be space industry, it will be drones, it will be clean tech, it will be renewables. I would like the sunrise industries to be in the north-east." Click here to read…

Making India Hub of the Semiconductor Industry

India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) has unveiled a report to position India as a global leader in the semiconductor product design and IP creation. The report outlines a strategic blueprint for India's semiconductor sector. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities facing India's semiconductor industry amidst evolving global geopolitics. The report recommends a robust design ecosystem for India's semiconductor industry, advocating for strategic support for semiconductor design firms, bridging the skill gap through industry-oriented curricula and training programs, and enhancing funding mechanisms to support semiconductor design ecosystem. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

India-Norway Sign MoU for Floating Solar Energy Technology

NHPC Limited, the largest organization for hydropower development in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Ocean Sun, a Norwegian company operating as a technology provider to the floating solar industry. As per the MoU, NHPC and Ocean Sun will explore key areas of cooperation for demonstration of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels. The panels would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at relevant sites to be identified by NHPC. Click here to read…

India-Japan Cooperation on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Export Control

The 10th Round of India-Japan Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control was held at Tokyo on 24 April 2024. The two sides exchanged views on developments in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation relating to nuclear, chemical and biological domains, outer spacesecurity, non-proliferation issues, conventional weapons and export control. Click here to read…

India-Korea Cooperation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

India-Republic of Korea Consultations on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation were held in Seoul on 26 April 2024. The two sides discussed developments in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation relating to nuclear, chemical and biological domains, as well as regional non-proliferation issues, outer space security- related matters, conventional weapons including AI in the military domain and multilateral export control regimes. The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs. Click here to read…

India-US Collaboration in the Space Technology

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in a statement said that India’s liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in space sector will enhance US-India space collaboration, both in the private and the public sector. The USISPF congratulated India and the Department of Space for permitting 100 per cent FDI in all three sectors of space manufacturing. Moreover, automatic FDI of up to 49 per cent for launch vehicles and associated systems, and subsystems, adding that 100 per cent FDI in automatic route for manufacturing of components and system/subsystems for satellites, ground segment and user segment. Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

President Biden Signed a Bill to Force a Sale of TikTok or Ban

President Joe Biden has signed a bill forcing TikTok to find a new owner within a year or face a ban — setting the course for what’s likely to be a drawn-out legal battle with potential political costs for the president. His endorsement capped a nearly four-year effort spanning two administrations to cut off China’s access to the video app used by 170 million Americans. “This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court,” TikTok said in a statement after the president signed the bill. The company claims it violates the First Amendment rights of its users. Click here to read…

Micron to Receive $6.1 Billion to Build Semiconductor Plants in USA

The Biden administration will give Micron up to $6.1 billion in grants to help build its semiconductor plants in New York and Idaho, the latest multibillion dollar award aimed at ramping up the nation’s production of vital semiconductors. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, announced the grant and said the “monumental” investment would help the company construct two new chip manufacturing plants in New York by the end of the decade, along with another plant under construction in Idaho. Click here to read…

China’s Semiconductor Output Jumps 40 Percent in First Quarter

China’s total integrated circuit (IC) output surged 40 percent to 98.1 billion units in the first quarter, a sign that the country is expanding its production of older-generation chips while being constrained by US trade restrictions on advanced chip-making equipment. National IC output jumped 28.4 percent to 36.2 billion units in March alone, reaching an all-time high, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The government agency said China’s “hi-tech manufacturing has grown faster”. Click here to read…

Taiwan Semiconductor Firm KYEC to Exit Mainland China

Taiwan’s King Yuan Electronics Co (KYEC), one of the world’s largest semiconductor testing and packaging services firms, has divested its entire stake in a subsidiary at manufacturing hub Suzhou, in eastern Jiangsu province, as part of efforts to exit mainland China amid geopolitical tensions and cross-strait chip supply chain changes. KYEC unit KYEC Microelectronics Co has disposed of its entire 92.16 percent share in subsidiary King Long Technology (Suzhou) for 4.9 billion yuan (US$676 million) to a consortium. Click here to read…

Apple Look Into Building First Manufacturing Facility in Indonesia

Apple Inc, opens new tab will look into building a manufacturing facility in Indonesia, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said after meeting President Joko Widodo, who hoped the tech giant would increase its local content by partnering with domestic firms. Apple chief Cook arrived in Jakarta after visiting Vietnam. He met with Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, and will inaugurate its fourth developer academy on the island of Bali. Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, but since 2018 it has been setting up app developer academies, which including the new academy have a total cost of 1.6 trillion rupiah ($99 million). Click here to read…