Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 November 2024), Issue 49

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

November 26 , 2024 Views: 201 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

DRDO Completes Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. The flight tests have been conducted in three phases at different field firing ranges. During these tests, the PSQR parameters viz., ranging, accuracy, consistency and rate of fire for multiple target engagement in a salvo mode have been assessed by extensive testing of rockets. Twelve (12) rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies have been tested. Click here to read...

Maiden Flight-Test of Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Conducted

DRDO conducted the maiden flight-test of Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on 12 November 2024 from a mobile articulated launcher. During the test, all sub-systems performed as per expectation and met the primary mission objectives. The missile performance was monitored by several range sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System and telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The missile followed the desired path using way point navigation and demonstrated its capability to perform various manoeuvres while flying at various altitudes and speeds. Click here to read...

Creating ‘Adaptive Defence’ in India to Deal with Emerging Challenges

While addressing the inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) in New Delhi on 12 November 2024, Defence Minister has voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering resolve to create an ‘Adaptive Defence’ in the country to counter the challenges posed by the fast-changing world in today’s times. He said that ‘Adaptive Defence’ is a strategic approach where a nation’s military and defence mechanisms continuously evolve to counter emerging threats effectively. “‘Adaptive Defence’ is not merely responding to what has happened but anticipating what could happen, and preparing for it proactively. In essence, it involves cultivating a mindset and capability to adapt, innovate & thrive, even in the face of unpredictable and evolving circumstances. Click here to read...

Impact of Quantum Technology on Future Warfare and Outcomes

Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, conducted the inaugural Annual Niche Technology Nexus (NTN-2024) Seminar today in New Delhi. The seminar, titled ‘Innovating Tomorrow’s Battlefront with Quantum and Electronic Mastery,’ provided insights into transforming defence operations to enhance Aatmanirbharta, aligning with India’s goal for self-reliance in defence technology. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan delivered a special address. He acknowledged the ongoing National Quantum Mission, which coincides with the centenary of Dr. S.C. Bose, and emphasised the long-term impact of Quantum Technology on future warfare and outcomes for the Armed Forces. “Quantum Technology will impact future wars with far-reaching outcomes for the Armed Forces,” he stated, underscoring its strategic importance for Indian defence, particularly in Quantum key distribution, navigation, and sensing systems. Click here to read...

DRDO Hands over AHSP of P-7 Parachute System to DGQA

The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of P-7 Parachute System has been handed over to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, a DRDO laboratory. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat handed over the AHSP in a ceremony held at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on 11 November 2024. ADRDE has successfully designed, developed and qualified the P-7 Parachute System. Gliders India Limited (Ordnance Parachute Factory), GIL (OPF), Kanpur has fabricated the parachute system, which is capable of safely dropping payloads of up to 9.5 ton from IL -76 Aircraft at an altitude of up to four kms. Click here to read...

Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide Wafers and GaN HEMT

Solid State Physics Laboratory, a DRDO laboratory, has successfully developed indigenous processes for growing and manufacturing 4-inch diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) upto 150W & Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) up to 40W for applications up to X-band frequencies. GaN/SiC technology is a critical enabler of next-generation applications across defence, aerospace, and clean energy sectors. This advanced technology offers improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and enhanced performance, making it essential for future combat systems, RADARS, electronic warfare systems, and green energy solutions. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

Enhancing Strategic Readiness in Space Warfare

Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff successfully conducted the Space Table Top Exercise Antariksha Abhyas-2024 from 11 - 13 November 2024, a significant milestone aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian Armed Forces in the domain of space warfare. This pioneering event marked a crucial step in strengthening India's space based operational capabilities, enhancing tri-services integration for space security. Key components of the exercise included focused discussions on emerging space technologies, space situational awareness and India’s space programmes. Click here to read...

India's Growing Global Role in Space Exploration & Strategic Partnerships

“Every advancement in space technology has had a transformative impact on Earth” and added that “Satellite Communication (Satcom) is not just a tool but a transformative force, bringing Digital India to every household, village, and corner of the country”, said Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, while addressing at the 3rd Indian Space Conclave being held in New Delhi on 6 November. The Minister said, “the applications of Satcom extend across sectors vital to our people's everyday lives and India's sustained growth”. The government's commitment, from the victorious Chandrayaan missions to the ambitious Gaganyaan program, has propelled India to the forefront of the global space race”. Click here to read...

ISRO Launches India's First Analog Space Mission in Ladakh's Leh

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the launch of India's first analog space mission, which commenced in Leh, Ladakh. This mission, led by ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre, has been developed in partnership with AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat and explore the challenges of establishing a base station beyond Earth. This mission is a new step forward in simulating conditions similar to Mars and the Moon. Ladakh's extreme isolation, severe climate, and unique geographical features make it an ideal setting to mimic the challenges astronauts would face on these celestial bodies. Click here to read...

Korea, US Space Agencies to Send Co-Developed Solar Coronagraph to ISS

The Republic of Korea's national space agency said that it plans to send a solar coronagraph jointly developed with the United States to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, and solar wind, reported Yonhap News Agency. The Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX), a collaboration between the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be delivered to the ISS onboard Space X's Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to KASA. Part of a bilateral solar research project, the coronagraph will be docked with the express logistics carrier on the ISS to observe the corona for up to 55 minutes per 90-minute Earth orbit. Click here to read...

University of Sharjah & UAE Space Agency Sign MoU on Space Research

The University of Sharjah (UoS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Space Agency to cooperate in space science, research, technology, and applications to activate the UAE space strategy. The MoU stipulates that the collaboration between the University and the Space Agency will focus on developing research and development (R&D) in the space sector, identifying projects of common interest, promoting the national space sector and space economic zones, and advancing space labs. The MoU also emphasises collaboration on the space facility-sharing initiative, utilising the existing space facilities at the University of Sharjah, and raising awareness of the risks within space projects. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

India Asks States To Set Up Nuclear Reactors

India has ambitious plans to set up nuclear reactors across the country, especially in states where thermal power plants have either completed its life, or where access to coal is a challenge. With its focus on clean energy, India aims to reduce its dependence fossil fuels, and for this, the central government has now asked states to set up nuclear power plants. The move has also been made keeping in mind the rapidly-growing demand for electricity in the country. In the Union Budget, the central government had proposed to partner with private investors to set up small-scale nuclear reactors to meet its growing energy demands. Click here to read...

Data Centres, AI and Cryptocurrencies Eye Advanced Nuclear

With the electricity consumption of data centres, artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrencies set to grow in the coming years, major tech companies are actively looking to advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide clean, reliable and flexible power. This could result in a new pathway for the commercialization of SMRs and other advanced reactors in markets where they are yet to emerge. Data centres (which house the servers and computing equipment needed to store digital information), AI and cryptocurrencies are driving an increase in electricity demand in several regions. Click here to read...

Fusion Energy Momentum Highlighted at Ministerial Meeting

Government ministers and senior officials from dozens of countries convened at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome for the inaugural ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) today, underscoring the growing interest and progress in developing fusion technology to provide a clean, safe and limitless source of energy. During the WFEG ministerial discussions, co-organized by the IAEA and Italy, participants widely agreed that cross-border collaboration is essential to accelerate the transition from fusion research to commercialization. Click here to read...

China Working on Nuclear Propulsion for New Aircraft Carrier

China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is advancing toward producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, according to a new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents provided to The Associated Press. China’s navy is already the world’s largest numerically, and it has been rapidly modernizing. Adding nuclear-powered carriers to its fleet would be a major step in realizing its ambitions for a true “blue-water” force capable of operating in seas far from China in a growing global challenge to the United States. China’s first carrier, commissioned in 2012, was a repurposed Soviet ship, and its second was built in China but based upon the Soviet design. Click here to read...

New App to Help Assess Radiation Threat Following Alarm

The IAEA has launched a new app to help frontline officers assess radiation alarms triggered by people at airports, border crossings and other points of entry – and ease delays. Passing through fixed radiation detection portals at airports has become part of travelers’ routines, as well as a standard security precaution. The priority is to answer the question on why the person triggered an alarm, to understand quickly if there is a nuclear security threat or not. The new mobile application – the Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT) – helps frontline officers, such as customs or law enforcement personnel, make those decisions. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Nano Material Coating Developed Can Increase Efficiency of Fertilisers

A mechanically stable, biodegradable, hydrophobic nanocoating material can enhance the nutrient use efficiency of chemical fertilizers by tuning them for slow release, thereby limiting their interaction with the rhizosphere soil, water and microbes. This coating made of nanoclay-reinforced binary carbohydrates can reduce the recommended fertiliser dose and maintaining enhanced crop production. Since the last 50 years as a part of the green revolution, frequent chemical fertilizer input practices have been used to maintain soil nutrient such that higher plant productivity can be achieved. The frequent and excessive application, pose risk on global sustainable development. Click here to read...

‘Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research’ Programme Launched

Reiterating the Prime Minister’s commitment to quality research oriented higher education, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the launch of the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme. The operationalisation of the ANRF was initiated with the First Meeting of the Governing Board (GB) in September 2024, which was chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister as the President of the Governing Board (GB). The ANRF signals a new beginning for the R&D ecosystem of the country. In line with this, the PAIR programme would bring major transformation in Indian Universities. Click here to read...

State Capacity Building on Emerging Technologies

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), organised a State Capacity Building Workshop on Emerging Technologies in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The workshop held on 5-6 November 2024, is a part of NeGD’s ongoing initiative under the Digital India programme to build capacity in emerging technologies through its Capacity Building Scheme. These workshops are designed to demystify the transformative potential of emerging technologies for improvement in service delivery and to guide policy formulation in the context of evolving digital landscapes. The primary goal of the workshop is to equip officials with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and leverage high-impact technology opportunities to enhance service delivery. Click here to read...

Initiatives to Bridge the Digital Divide in Rural India

In a significant move to bridge the digital divide in rural India and ensure that digital services reach every citizen, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is launching the Digital India Common Service Center (DICSC) project, starting with Pilibhit and Gorakhpur. This initiative will establish one model DICSC center in nearly all gram panchayats across 10 districts, totaling 4,740 centers nationwide. Specifically, Pilibhit will see the establishment of 720 DICSC centers, while Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) will have 1,273 centers. Each CSC will be equipped with high-speed broadband connectivity and modern infrastructure to function as a multi-functional service center. This project aims to empower Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), fostering local economic growth and creating job opportunities. Click here to read...

India’s Nutraceutical Industry Poised for Global Growth

The global nutraceutical market is currently estimated at around $400 billion, blending the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. India stands out as a key player, supported by its rich heritage of traditional knowledge, especially in Ayurveda, and a unique ecosystem that fosters growth in this sector. However, India's share remains under 2% globally, primarily due to a lack of defined industry classification within Indian ministries, limiting targeted sector support. Key advantages for India in the nutraceutical industry include: A longstanding history in health science, especially Ayurveda, offering unique traditional knowledge. The presence of 52 agroclimatic zones, making India ideal for cultivating medicinal plants. India has also prioritized infrastructure support, with nutraceutical incubation hubs and centers of excellence. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

India- Zambia Technology Transfer Programme

In the Joint Communique issued on 6 November, the two sides discussed the early commencement of India- Zambia Technology Transfer Programme. Given the energy shortage in Zambia, both sides discussed ways to expedite the implementation of the proposal by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for setting up of a 400 MW solar power plants in Zambia under ISA- Programme. Indian side urged for an early conclusion of tri-partite agreement between Zambia, NTPC and ISA. Both sides also discussed technical cooperation in areas of new construction technologies and techniques in mass affordable housing, sharing innovative low-cost housing technologies, which are scalable and environmentally sustainable. Click here to read...

India and the EU Partnership in Space Research and Exploration

India is set to launch the European Union’s Proba-3 Space Satellite by in the first week of December 2024, marking another milestone in its burgeoning role as a global space leader disclosing this while speaking at the 3rd Indian Space Conclave, Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, this underscores the deepening partnership between India and the EU in space research and exploration. This mission, aimed at observing the Sun, signifies both nations’ commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while reinforcing the reputation of the ISRO as a trusted partner in international space missions. The Proba-3 satellite, which arrived this morning at pòłSriharikota, is aimed at observing the Sun and reflects a new level of equal collaboration between India and other major space powers. Click here to read...

Agreement to Establish Indo-Kazakh JVC for Developing Titanium Value Chain

IREL (India) Limited, (IREL) CPSU under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India and Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC, (UKTMP JSC) Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to establish Indo-Kazakh joint venture company (JVC): IREUK Titanium Limited for production of Ti Slag in India. The JVC will act as a catalyst in developing Titanium value chain within India as it shall beneficiate low grade Ilmenite into high grade Titanium Feedstock and also result in employment generation opportunity in the State of Odisha. The offtake arrangement by UKTMP JSC shall be instrumental in bringing valuable forex for the country and aid UKTMP JSC in raw material security. Click here to read...

India-Singapore Semiconductor Cooperation

The Singapore government is in talks with the Tata Group for a partnership to develop semiconductors. Senior Singapore govt officials, led by minister for law and home affairs K Shanmugam, met group chairman N Chandrasekaran this week to discuss semiconductors. Despite its small size, Singapore has 25 foundries and a robust semiconductor value chain. India is looking to secure their supply, which are used in all equipment from cars to telecom. The semiconductor industry in Singapore was also a key topic of discussion during the recent India-Singapore ministerial round table. Shanmugam was visiting Mumbai with senior govt officials including Singapore's minister for manpower Tan See Lang on the occasion of DBS Bank commemorating 30 years in India. Click here to read...

ISA Hosts Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition

The International Solar Alliance, in a global collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society, organised the third edition of the High-level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition. This significant event took place on the sidelines of the Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly in New Delhi on 5 November 2024, uniting stakeholders worldwide. The conference’s overarching goal is to translate dialogue into action. Deep-dive sessions focusing on new-age solar technologies, emerging storage technologies, and unleashing solar's role in accelerating equitable economic, social, and environmental development formed the crux of the discussions. Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

US Penalises GlobalFoundries for Shipping Chips to Chinese Firm

As part of a settlement agreement, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has imposed a civil penalty of $500,000 against GlobalFoundries U.S. Inc., a semiconductor wafer manufacturing company headquartered in Malta, New York, and its subsidiary, GlobalFoundries U.S. 2 LLC (collectively, “GlobalFoundries”). The penalty relates to GlobalFoundries’ shipments of semiconductor wafers valued at approximately $17.1 million to SJ Semiconductor (SJS), a company on the BIS Entity List, without the requisite license or other authorization from BIS. GlobalFoundries voluntarily disclosed the conduct to BIS, cooperated with the investigation by BIS’s Office of Export Enforcement (OEE). Click here to read...

TSMC's Investment Plan in the USA Remains Unchanged after Trump Win

Chipmaker TSMC's investment plan in the United States remains unchanged, the company said, responding to a question on the election of Republican Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to companies including Apple and Nvidia, is investing $65 billion in new factories in the U.S. state of Arizona. Trump, while on the campaign trail, accused Taiwan of stealing American semiconductor business. In April TSMC's U.S. unit was awarded a $6.6 billion subsidy for advanced semiconductor production in Phoenix, Arizona, in a preliminary agreement with the Commerce Department. Click here to read...

China’s Legacy Chip Production Slows as Possibility of New US Sanctions

China’s integrated circuits (IC) output grew at a slower pace in October 2024, pointing to weak demand in the domestic chip sector ahead of an expected tightening of US sanctions in President Joe Biden’s final months in office. China’s IC output, a broad measure of semiconductor production, grew 11.8 per cent year on year in October 2024 to reach 35.9 billion units, according to data published by China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). It was down slightly from 36.7 billion units in September. While technological hurdles and US sanctions have kept China years behind in advanced chipmaking, domestic production of so-called legacy chips has maintained momentum. Click here to read...

US Chip Restrictions Hinder AI Ambitions of SMIC

The chief executive of China’s top foundry, SMIC co-CEO Zhao Haijun said that the company cannot take full advantage of surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips because of US restrictions on advanced-node technologies. Zhao Haijun made the comments the day after the chipmaker reported record revenue in the third quarter owing to strong demand for “legacy chips” such as those used in electric vehicles (EVs). US sanctions have prevented SMIC from importing advanced tools needed to upgrade its processing and narrow its technological gap with international rivals such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Yet Zhao suggested SMIC could still be benefiting from the industry-wide AI boom. Click here to read...

ASML Maintains 2030 Sales Forecast Bet on AI Demand

ASML Holding NV, a Dutch manufacturer of advanced chipmaking machines that are critical to global supply chains, yesterday reaffirmed its long-term revenue outlook as it bets on an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven boom in semiconductor demand. The Dutch firm projected that sales in 2030 would range from 44 billion euros to 60 billion euros (US$46 billion to US$63 billion), in line with its previous forecast, according to a statement issued as part of the company’s investor day. The outlook is meant to reassure investors after the company’s order intake significantly missed analysts’ estimates in the third quarter, sparking a selloff in its shares and those of other chip-related businesses. Chipmakers such as Nvidia Corp have enjoyed a boom in demand for their AI chips. However, sales to other key buyers, including automakers, and mobile phone and PC manufacturers, have remained mired in a prolonged slump. Click here to read...