Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (16-31 October 2024), Issue 48

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

November 13 , 2024 Views: 86 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Inauguration of TATA Aircraft Complex for Manufacturing of C-295 Aircraft

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Mr Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C-295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on 28 October 2024. Noting the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, PM Modi said that it would not only strengthen the relations between the two nations, but also give momentum to the mission of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. Modi conveyed his best wishes to the entire team of Airbus and TATA on the occasion. He underlined that the factory of C-295 aircraft is a reflection of the new work culture of New India.Click here to read…

ADITI 3.0 Challenge & DISC 13 to Advance Indigenous Defence Technologies

The third edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 3.0) challenge and 13th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13) were unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 29 October 2024. These challenges aim to advance indigenous defence technologies and operational efficiencies. The ADITI 3.0 features a challenge from the Indian Navy to design a High-Power Microwave Weapon System. The DISC 13 presents seven challenges – three from Indian Army and two each from Indian Navy & Indian Air Force – in the domains of AI, military communication and autonomous bots among others.Click here to read…

Framework & Guidelines to Integrate Trustworthy AI into Defence

Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) Framework and Guidelines for the Armed Forces were launched by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat in New Delhi on 17 October 2024. The ETAI Framework and Guidelines mark a pivotal role in the country’s approach to integrate Trustworthy AI into critical defence operations. In his address, the CDS underscored the urgent need to incorporate trustworthy AI, pointing out that recent global conflicts have demonstrated how AI is revolutionising modern warfare. The DRDO Chairman pointed out that reliability and robustness are no longer optional, but are essential to prevent mission failures and unintended consequences.Click here to read…

Two Fast Patrol Vessels with over 60 percent Indigenous Content

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) simultaneously launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’, with over 60% indigenous content, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) on 28 October2024. The vessels are part of the contract signed with GSL for eight such FPVs to be built at a cost of Rs 473 crore. With the primary role of protection, monitoring, control and surveillance, these advanced FPVs will help ICG protect offshore assets and island territories. Each FPV has a length of 52m, breadth of 8m, max speed of 27 knots, Controllable Pitch Propeller-based propulsion system and displacement of 320 tons. The ships have been designed and constructed to meet the specific requirements of the ICG under stringent dual class certification of American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping.Click here to read…

MoD Inks Contract for Six Air Cushion Vehicles for ICG

Ministry of Defence, on 24 October 2024, signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Goa for procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 387.44 crore. These amphibious vessels, also called ‘Hovercrafts’, will be procured under the Buy {Indian) category. These ACVs will be indigenously manufactured in India for the first time in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the Government, representing a pivotal step in the nation's shipping landscape. The project will also significantly enhance the technical expertise and growth of indigenous ancillary, especially the MSME sector.Click here to read…

Towards More Precise Atomic Clocks Useful for Navigation

A team of experimentalists working with cold Rydberg atoms have used Quantum magnetometry to help the atomic clocks and magnetometers used for precise time keeping in navigation, telecommunication and aviation, achieve higher precision and make them additionally robust. A Rydberg atom is an excited atom with one or more electrons that have a very high principal quantum number. This state of excitation is measured with a spectroscopic method called the Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT). Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have leveraged the Doppler effect to their advantage and achieved a ten times enhanced response to the magnetic field.Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

For Establishment of a Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund Approved

The government has approved the establishment of a Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund dedicated to supporting India’s space sector. This pioneering initiative, developed under the aegis of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), aims to propel the growth of space startups, strengthen India’s space economy, and position the country as a global leader in space technology. The establishment of this fund aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting innovation, ensuring economic growth, and fostering self-reliance in high-tech industries, thus supporting the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.Click here to read…

Impact of Venture Capital Fund for Space Sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness about the cabinet's decision to establish a Venture Capital Fund dedicated to the space sector. "The Cabinet's decision to establish a Venture Capital Fund dedicated to the space sector will have a phenomenal impact on the youth. It will give opportunities to several innovative minds and add momentum to our space programme," Prime Minister Modi added in his social media post on X. The average deployment amount could be Rs.150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements. The Centre, as part of its 2020 space sector reforms, established IN-SPACe to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities.Click here to read…

MoU Signed to Integrate Biotechnology with Space Technology

In a significant development, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was singed which marks a unique collaboration aimed to integrate biotechnology with space technology, heralding a new era of scientific innovation in India. On the occasion, Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative journey of biotechnology, which has traditionally been confined to laboratories, now reaching the vast expanse of space. He emphasised that this MoU represents a pivotal step towards practical applications of biotechnology, moving beyond theoretical research.Click here to read…

MyGov’s National Space Day Quiz Engages Citizens

In a landmark achievement for India’s space exploration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had officially declared 23 August 2023, as National Space Day, celebrating the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon’s south pole. To commemorate this significant achievement, MyGov (a citizen engagement portal of Government of India) organized the National Space Day Quiz, providing an unparalleled opportunity for citizens to deepen their engagement with India’s space sector. Out of the lakhs of citizen’s participation in the National Space Day Quiz, the top 100 winners were given the exclusive opportunity to visit the ISRO at Sriharikota.Click here to read…

AI Solution to Boost Efficiency, Productivity in Oil, Gas Industry

Space42, the UAE's first AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global reach, and UAE technological leaders nybl, the science-based artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer, on 15 October revealed the first-of-its-kind satellite-enabled AI solution for oil and gas (O&G) companies that will optimise oil wells' efficiency and productivity. The new solution, the first outcome of the partnership between nybl and Space42's satellite mobility arm Thuraya, under the Yahsat Space Services business division, is focused on developing AI-powered Satellite Communications (SatComs) solutions. This collaboration also allows Thuraya to deliver these capabilities to its customers through the nybl AI platform, n.lift.Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

L&T Secures Order for Nuclear Fusion Project in France

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a significant new order from the France-based intergovernmental organization ITER, responsible for the world's largest nuclear fusion project, the company informed the exchange in a filing. The company stated that it will be responsible for deploying critical advanced technologies to assemble ports and complex components with the Vacuum Vessel at the ITER facility in Cadarache, Southern France. L&T's expertise in advanced manufacturing will be central to the project, which aims to replicate the nuclear fusion process that powers the Sun to create a large-scale, carbon-free energy source. In addition to the order, L&T has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITER to establish a technical collaboration on this ambitious project.Click here to read…

Fusion Energy’s Role in the Global Response to Climate Change

For many decades, fusion has been touted as the ultimate source of abundant, clean electricity. Now, as the world faces the need to reduce carbon emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change, making commercial fusion power a reality takes on new importance. In a power system dominated by low-carbon variable renewable energy sources (VREs) such as solar and wind, “firm” electricity sources are needed to kick in whenever demand exceeds supply — for example, when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing and energy storage systems aren’t up to the task. Fusion technologies may be a decade away from commercial deployment, so the detailed technology and costs of future commercial FPPs are not known at this point.Click here to read…

New Momentum for Arms Control and Disarmament

On 8 October, the Vienna Office of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Austrian Research Association, hosted a panel discussion entitled “After the Summit of the Future: New Momentum for Arms Control & Disarmament?” as part of the Office’s recurring Vienna Conversation Series. The panel explored key dynamics emanating from the Summit of the Future process and the role of different stakeholders in advancing disarmament-related actions.Click here to read…

Latvia’s Commitment to Improve Nuclear and Radiation Safety

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said Latvia has made clear improvements to its regulatory infrastructure, making it more efficient and effective. The team also encouraged Latvia to continue efforts to complete its work programme to further align regulatory framework with the IAEA safety standards. Latvia does not have any nuclear power plants. Latvia uses radiation sources in medical, scientific and industrial applications, as well as in science and research. The country’s research reactor has been permanently closed since 1998 and is currently in the early stage of decommissioning. All spent highly enriched uranium fuel was sent back to the country of origin.Click here to read…

IAEA Completes IPPAS Mission in the Congo

An IAEA team of experts completed the first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to the Republic of the Congo. The Congo uses nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes in various sectors, including industry, health, mining, education and environment. The IPPAS team peer reviewed the country’s implementation of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), which the Congo acceded to in 2021 and ratified its amendment in 2023, and of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Mechanisms That Limit Electron Mobility in Semiconductors

In a significant advancement for the semiconductor industry, researchers have unveiled novel insights into the mechanisms that limit electron mobility in semiconductors. The study which represents a major leap forward in understanding the electronic properties of semiconductors, holds promise for developing more efficient electronic devices. Semiconductors form the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones and computers to advanced medical devices and space technologies. The search for new semiconductor materials has intensified as the demand for faster, more efficient, and more reliable electronic devices continues to grow.Click here to read…

Innovative and Affordable Self-Powered Smart Windows Developed

Groundbreaking studies have led to novel smart window technologies which do not require external electrical energy for their operational needs, hence enhancing their energy efficiency and functionality. Existing electrochromic smart windows technology requires external power for its operational needs. It is limited to changing colour from transparent to blue and vice versa (switching optical transparency functionality) upon application of an electrical stimulus and blocks both visible and near-infrared radiation, leading to a decrease in the room temperature. Moreover, the cost of electrochromic smart windows is unaffordable to many due to the expensive process and materials involved in it.Click here to read…

Proposal for Development of Electric Vehicle (EV) Sub-System’

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) today announced the Joint Call for Proposals for the development of EV Sub-systems at a ceremony held at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi. While launching this joint call for this proposal for development of EV Sub-System, S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said that “The Innovators and Researchers in collaboration with industry and academia can boost the technology development and make available indigenous product for EV Ecosystem” and Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, MHI stated that “MeitY-MHI joint call for proposal will enhance the development of indigenous technologies in the EV sector”.Click here to read…

India Commits to Safe and Trusted AI with New EoI Initiative

The IndiaAI Mission has selected eight Responsible AI Projects against the Expression of Interest (EoI) floated under the Safe and Trusted AI Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Recognizing the need for adequate guardrails to advance the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of AI, the selected Responsible AI projects include the development of indigenous tools and frameworks, and establishing guidelines for ethical, transparent, and trustworthy AI technologies. As AI continues to permeate various sectors of society, India is committed to invest in agile mechanisms for developing indigenous governance tools, frameworks, and guidelines that are based on Indian datasets and reflect its unique challenges, opportunities, and datasets.Click here to read…

Transforming to a Zero-Waste Through Green Technology Interventions

Aandhi, a tiny village in the district of Jaipur, and about 43 Km from Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur is transforming itself to a zero-waste model with the help of green technology interventions. Food waste, agro waste, waste water, hospital waste coming from various village sources including institutions like schools, agricultural fields, community health centres could now be converted to resources with the help of a package of technology interventions that have been recently installed in the village. The package of technology interventions consisting of Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, resource recovery centre, stands as a unique and socially relevant initiative, creating a zero-waste model through the integration of innovative technologies.Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

India-Spain Defence Industrial and AI Cooperation

At the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, President of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez paid an official visit to India on 28 -29 October 2024. In the Joint Statement, both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India. They have also agreed to make 2026 as the Year of India and Spain in Culture, Tourism and AI.Click here to read…

India-Germany Defence Industrial Cooperation

PM Modi and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz co-chaired the seventh round of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (7th IGC) in New Delhi on 25 October 2024. Recognizing the shared goal of intensifying defence ties between the two countries, the Government of India welcomed the efforts of the German Federal Government to facilitate faster export clearances, including through favourable regulatory decisions such as the General Authorisation/General Licences (AGG) regime. Both sides committed to supporting strategic exports to India and encouraged co-development, co-production and joint research between the respective defence industries. Both governments appreciated the defence roundtable held in New Delhi on 24 October, to strengthen the defense industrial partnership between India and Germany.Click here to read…

Nvidia Launches AI Model with Hindi Language Support in India

Nvidia on 24 October launched a lightweight AI model with support for Hindi language, as it looks to tap into a growing market for AI technologies. The model is called Nemotron-4-Mini-Hindi-4B and it can be easily deployed on any NVIDIA GPU-accelerated system for optimised performance. IT services and consulting company Tech Mahindra is the first to use the Nemotron Hindi NIM microservice – on which the model is available – to develop an AI model called Indus 2.0, which is focused on Hindi and dozens of its dialects. “The Nemotron Hindi model has 4 billion parameters and is derived from Nemotron-4 15B, a 15-billion parameter multilingual language model developed by NVIDIA.Click here to read…

Apple Exports US $6 billion of iPhones from India

Apple Inc’s iPhone exports from India soared by one-third in the six months through last month, underscoring its push to expand manufacturing in the country and reduce dependence on China. The US company exported nearly US$6 billion of India-made iPhones, a one-third increase in value terms from a year earlier, people familiar with the matter said. The dollar figure refers to the devices’ estimated factory gate value, not the retail price. Apple is expanding its manufacturing network in India at a rapid clip, taking advantage of local subsidies, a skilled workforce and advances in the country’s technological capabilities. India is a crucial part of the company’s effort to lessen its reliance on China, where risks have grown along with Beijing’s tensions with the US.Click here to read…

India’s Benefit from US-China Trade War Limited

India’s attempts at boosting its manufacturing sector by capitalizing on the US-China trade war have fallen short, with other Asian rivals benefiting to a much greater extent from escalating tensions between the world’s biggest economies, an Oxford Economics study showed. It noted that between 2017 and 2023, India’s total share in US imports rose by 0.6 percentage points to 2.7 percent while China’s portion dropped by about 8 percentage points to under 14 percent. The biggest beneficiary from the trade diversion in the region has been Vietnam, whose total share in US imports grew by 1.7 percentage points to 3.7 percent in the period.Click here to read…

BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative (BCBPI)

The Leaders of BRICS countries met in Kazan, Russian Federation, from 22 to 24 October 2024 for the XVI BRICS Summit. In the Kazan Declaration, the leaders “reiterate our commitment to enhancing financial cooperation within BRICS. We recognise the widespread benefits of faster, low cost, more efficient, transparent, safe and inclusive cross-border payment instruments built upon the principle of minimizing trade barriers and non-discriminatory access.” They welcomed “the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners.” They encouraged “strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative (BCBPI), which is voluntary and non-binding, and look forward to further discussions in this area, including in the BRICS Payment Task Force.”Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

OpenAI, Broadcom Working to Develop AI Chip

OpenAI is working with Broadcom Inc to develop a new artificial intelligence (AI) chip specifically focused on running AI models after they have been trained, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The AI start-up and chipmaker are also consulting with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world’s largest chip contract manufacturer, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. OpenAI has been planning a custom chip and working on such uses for the technology for about a year, but the discussions are still at an early stage, the sources said.Click here to read…

Taiwan Emerges as Center of Global AI Supply Chain

When Jung Yoonseok was looking for an assembly partner for his AI chip startup, he had his pick of almost any country in Asia, including his native South Korea. Instead, the Rebellions strategy chief opted for Taiwan because of what he sees as an unparalleled combination of talent, cost and speed. From Nvidia Corp and Microsoft Corp to OpenAI, the world’s AI frontrunners are increasingly turning to Taiwanese companies to fabricate their chips, build their servers and cool their devices. That in turn has made the nation’s stock market the hottest major bourse in Asia over the past year, led by TSMC and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.Click here to read…

EU Imposes Tariffs from 17 to 35.3 percent on Chinese EV Manufacturers

The EU has imposed duties on imports of electric vehicles (EVs) from China starting after talks between Brussels and Beijing failed to find an amicable solution to their trade dispute. EVs have become a major flashpoint in a broader trade dispute over the influence of Chinese government subsidies on European markets and Beijing’s burgeoning exports of green technology to the bloc. “By adopting these proportionate and targeted measures after a rigorous investigation, we’re standing up for fair market practices and for the European industrial base,” European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said.Click here to read…

Samsung Delays ASML Chip Gear Deliveries in US

Samsung Electronics Co has postponed taking deliveries of ASML Holding NV chipmaking equipment for its upcoming factory in Texas as it has yet to win any major customers for the project, three people familiar with the matter said. Samsung has been also holding off on placing orders to some other suppliers for the US$17 billion factory in Taylor, prompting them to look for other customers and send staff deployed on site back home, three other people familiar with the matter said. The delay in equipment deliveries is a fresh setback to the Taylor project, which is at the heart of Samsung chairman Jay Y. Lee’s ambition to expand beyond its bread-and-butter memory chips into contract chip manufacturing, which Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co dominates.Click here to read…

Intel Invests US$300 million in China Chip Packaging and Testing Plant

US semiconductor giant Intel said that it would expand its chip packaging and testing base in Chengdu, in a show of commitment to the mainland market despite a recent call by a Beijing-backed cybersecurity group to review the company’s products. In addition to enlarging packaging and testing capacity for server chips, the facility will also establish a “customer solutions centre to improve the efficiency of the local supply chain, increase support for Chinese customers and improve response time”, Intel China said on its WeChat account. The Santa Clara, California-based company will inject US$300 million into its local entity, Intel Products (Chengdu), to support the expansion.Click here to read…