Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 January 2025), Issue 53

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

January 21 , 2025 Views: 16 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Indian Navy to Commission Three Frontline Fleet Assets

In a landmark day, the Indian Navy prepares to commission three frontline combatants - Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project - together at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 15 January 2025. This historic event will provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s combat potential while underscoring the country’s pre-eminent status in indigenous shipbuilding. All three platforms have been designed and constructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in the critical domain of defense production. Click here to read…

2025 Declared as ‘Year of Reforms’ a Step in Modernisation Journey

In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the MoD. This would aim at transforming the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations. The broad areas were identified for focussed intervention in 2025, including reforms should aim to further bolster Jointness & Integration initiatives and facilitate establishment of the Integrated Theatre Commands; reforms should focus on new domains such as Cyber and Space, and emerging technologies; and, develop a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation & training. Click here to read…

Delivery of Sixth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vaghsheer’

Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the Project 75 class, was delivered to Indian Navy on 9 January 2025 after successful completion of mandatory sea trials. The submarine was launched in April 22 and commenced her sea trials in December 23. The submarine has been constructed by the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai in collaboration with Naval Group, France. It is planned to be commissioned in an event that will mark the culmination of Project 75 that successfully built six state-of-the-art submarines for the Indian Navy. Click here to read…

Induction of the Seventh MCA Barge, LSAM 14 (Yard 82)

Induction ceremony of the seventh Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA) Barge, LSAM 14 (Yard 82) was held on 7 January 20 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The contract for construction and delivery of eight MCA Barges was concluded with a MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam on 19 February 2021. These Barges have been indigenously designed by the shipyard in collaboration with an Indian Ship Designing firm and successfully model tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam to ensure their seaworthiness. The Barges have been built in accordance with the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Click here to read…

Induction of Eighth ACTCM Barge, LSAM 22 (Yard 132)

Induction ceremony of eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22 (Yard 132) was held on 6 January 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The contract for construction and delivery of eleven ACTCM Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., Thane on 5 March 2021, a MSME Shipyard. Seven ACTCM Barges have already been delivered and the shipyard has also been awarded a contract for construction and delivery of four Sullage Barges to the Indian Navy thereby highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment towards encouraging MSMEs. Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read…

Two Fast Patrol Vessels Constructed by GSL for ICG Launched

Two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) - Amulya and Akshay - indigenously designed and constructed by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were launched in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar in Goa on 5 January 2025. The two FPVs are the third and fourth vessels of the fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL for ICG, underscoring the shipyard’s pivotal role in realising the vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence production. In his address, the Secretary (Defence Production) lauded the enduring collaboration between ICG and GSL, stating that the launch epitomises the resilience and ingenuity of the shipyard, achieved in close collaboration with Indian industry. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

ISRO’s SPADEX Mission a Giant Leap for India in Space Technology

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) marks a groundbreaking achievement, placing India on par with global leaders in space docking technology. Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the SPADEX mission is a pivotal project by ISRO aimed at developing and demonstrating technologies for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites. These capabilities are critical for future missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration. The primary objectives of SPADEX, include Demonstrating technology for spacecraft rendezvous and docking, showcasing controllability in docked conditions to extend the life of target spacecraft and Testing power transfer between docked satellites. Click here to read…

ISRO's 2025 Space Missions Include ‘Uncrewed’ Mission under ‘Gaganyaan’

Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a high-level review of ISRO’s major upcoming space missions for 2025, alongside outgoing Chairman Dr. S. Somnath, his successor Dr. V. Narayanan, and other senior officials, including Mr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe. With ambitious projects on the horizon, including the first "uncrewed" orbital mission under "Gaganyaan", India’s space exploration efforts are poised for groundbreaking achievements. The ISRO is gearing up for a busy first half of 2025, with a lineup of significant missions showcasing technological prowess and international collaboration. Among the highlights is the launch of Gaganyaan’s uncrewed orbital test mission. This critical endeavour will pave the way for India’s human spaceflight programme, aiming to validate systems for crew safety and recovery. Click here to read…

Dr V Narayanan Assumes Charge as ISRO Chairman

On 14 January 2025, Dr V Narayanan took charge as the Chairman of the ISRO, succeeding S Somnath. As a distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade), Narayanan brings nearly four decades of experience at ISRO to his new role. According to a statement from ISRO, he previously held the position of Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), one of the main centres of the ISRO, which has a unit in Bangalore and its headquarters in Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram. In his capacity as Director, he gave LPSC techno-managerial leadership. LPSC is involved in the development of chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles, liquid, semi-cryogenic, and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles, and transducers for propulsion system health monitoring. Click here to read…

NASA Awards 2025 Innovative Technology Concept Studies

NASA selected 15 visionary ideas for its NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) program which develops concepts to transform future missions for the benefit of all. Chosen from companies and institutions across the United States, the 2025 Phase I awardees represent a wide range of aerospace concepts. The NIAC program nurtures innovation by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization. The combined award for the 2025 concepts is a maximum of $2.625M in grants to evaluate technologies that could enable future aerospace missions. Click here to read…

Secretary Blinken Warns of Russia-North Korea Space Tech Cooperation

North Korea fired a missile as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea, where he warned Pyongyang was working ever more closely with Russia on advanced space technology. Secretary Blinken’s trip came as investigators were trying to arrest conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has entrenched himself in his residence after being impeached for a failed attempt to impose martial law. Blinken, who had planned to encourage South Korea to maintain Yoon’s policy of enhancing cooperation with Japan, was in talks in Seoul when North Korea fired a ballistic missile that fell into the sea. The missile flew around 1,100 kilometres (680 miles), the South Korean military said. Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

US Announces Necessary Steps to Delist Indian Nuclear Entities

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval held a meeting with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in New Delhi on 6 January 2025. NSA Sullivan spoke about US' efforts to finalise the necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities, which will promote civil nuclear cooperation US NSA Sullivan briefed the Indian side on the updates brought out by the Biden administration to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India. In a press release, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “Reflecting the progress the United States and India have made--and will continue to make--as strategic partners and countries with a shared commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation”. Click here to read…

New Project to Strengthen Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security in Asia

The IAEA has launched a new Regulatory Infrastructure Development Project for Asia and the Pacific as part of its efforts to strengthen radiation safety and nuclear security in the region. Building on the success of ongoing Regulatory Infrastructure Development Projects (RIDPs) in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, the new RIDP for Asia and the Pacific kicked off in December 2024 with a week-long meeting in Vienna attended by 32 participants from 17 countries, including the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, which are not IAEA Member States. Their discussions resulted in a draft workplan which will inform the project’s implementation and ensure effective and tailored support to participating countries. Click here to read…

Atoms4NetZero Initiative Helps Countries to Leverage the Nuclear Power

The road to net zero entails a series of complex choices. Policy makers must chart an energy course based on available resources, energy technologies (including those still under development) and costs. By leveraging advanced energy scenario modelling, the IAEA’s Atoms4NetZero initiative helps countries to make science-based decisions about the full potential of nuclear energy – including for sectors beyond electricity generation – in order to prepare for the transition towards net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An increasing number of countries are interested in, or embarking on, the introduction or expansion of nuclear power. At COP28 in Dubai, more than 20 countries pledged to work towards tripling nuclear capacity to achieve net zero. Click here to read…

North Korea Unveils ‘Toughest’ Strategy against US Citing ‘Threats’

Claiming that military ties among South Korea, the US, and Japan have evolved into a "nuclear military bloc for aggression," North Korea announced its "toughest" counter strategy against the United States,Yonhap News Agency reported, citing North Korea’s state media KCNA. According to a report by KCNA, this policy direction was outlined during the year-end plenary session of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. During the meeting, the North Korean leader accused the military cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo of expanding into "a nuclear military bloc for aggression," and added that South Korea has turned into "an out-and-out anti-communist outpost of the US." Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules aim to safeguard citizens’ rights for the protection of their personal data. These rules seek to operationalize the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), in line with India’s commitment to create a robust framework for protecting digital personal data. Framed with simplicity and clarity, the rules are designed to empower citizens in a rapidly growing digital economy. They seek to protect citizens’ rights in accordance with the DPDP Act, while achieving the right balance between regulation and innovation, so that the benefits of India’s growing innovation ecosystem are available to all citizens and India’s digital economy. Click here to read…

AI Touch Receives Grant to Develop AI-Driven 5G RAN Platform

AI Touch LLP has been awarded funding under the Department of Telecommunications' TTDF scheme of USOF (now “Digital Bharat Nidhi”). AI Touch will develop components for disaggregated 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) including RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) modules. The project aims to develop a platform integrating SMO, RIC, and NWDAF modules for 5G RAN with an AI/ML-powered intent engine. It facilitates intelligent and automated control of RAN and Core nodes through AI/ML-based applications and closed-loop automation. The platform will demonstrate a sample application for managing user experience during congestion scenarios and provide interfaces for onboarding third-party applications. Click here to read…

Sustainable, Efficient Nano Catalyst Developed

A new copper-based catalyst with star-like Nano structure has been developed by scientists through the controlled growth of copper oxide nanostructures on a sporopollenin template offers a pathway to more sustainable industrial chemical reactions, with the potential to lower costs and reduce environmental impact across sectors, including pharmaceuticals and materials science. To fulfil the need for replacing harmful processes with environmentally friendly methods, scientists are working towards materials that address the growing need for green solutions in catalysis, which can minimize environmental impact in industrial chemical processes. Click here to read…

Indigenous Conductive Ink Manufacturing Technology Transferred to Startups

In an event held at NIT Warangal on 10 January, indigenous knowhow of silver nanowire-based conductive ink technology was transferred to the startups M/s Chematico Technologies Private Limited (incubated at IIT Ropar) and M/s Vasanthbala Functional Materials Pvt Ltd, (incubated at NIT Warangal). The global market for silver nanowire-based conductive ink and adhesive is projected to surpass $16.87B by 2032 due to a rapid increase in the electronics, semiconductor, solar photovoltaic, and RFID market. The market growth can be attributed to key factors, including robust demand from end-use industries. India imports ink worth no more than $15,72,000 every year. Click here to read…

Technology Developed to Shape Light for Future Technologies

A new cutting-edge platform for controlling light at the nanoscale, paves the way for advancements in quantum communication, data encryption, and next-generation photonic devices. Highly efficient and spectrally pure single photon sources are desirable in fundamental studies of quantum physics and in many varied applications like in quantum metrology and quantum cryptography where the ability to generate and manipulate individual photons with high purity and brightness is a game changer. 2D semiconductor colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) are quite appropriate as nanoscale photon sources because of their giant oscillator strengths and large absorption cross sections. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

India-US S&T Cooperation under iCET

NSA Ajit Doval met with U.S. National Security Adviser Mr. Jake Sullivan in New Delhi on 6 January 2025. NSA Sullivan was accompanied by a delegation of senior U.S. government officials. The two NSAs have engaged regularly in a high-level dialogue through extensive discussions on a broad bilateral, regional and global agenda. Following the launch of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), the two NSAs have driven concrete initiatives between the two countries across a range of areas including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Defence and Space. The current visit gave them the opportunity to review ongoing progress in their high-level dialogue, including in diverse fields such as Defence, Cyber and Maritime Security. Click here to read…

IndiaAI and Microsoft Join Hands to Harness AI’s Potential

IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to drive the adoption and development of artificial intelligence (AI) in India. This strategic partnership is aligned with the core objectives of India AI Mission. The key highlights of the collaboration are: Microsoft, in partnership with IndiaAI, will skill 500,000 individuals, including students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs, by 2026. Establish "AI Catalysts," a Center of Excellence, to promote rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and an AI marketplace. Click here to read…

India-Singapore Singapore’s PTW to Boost Semicon Industry

Fintech business solutions provider Bartronics India Ltd inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based semiconductor solutions provider PTW Group to boost India’s semiconductor industry. The move, marking PTW Group’s entry into the Indian market, will see a merger of PTW and Bartronics to set up production, refurbishing, and training facilities in India to cater to the growing demands of the semiconductor industry. “This will drive innovation in products, services, and training, thereby transforming the Indian semicon landscape," Bartronics said. Torsten Seifried, Managing Director, PTW Group, said, “We are excited about the potential for semicon production equipment in India, especially in the power-semi segment.” Click here to read…

Foxconn Requests India Production Subsidies

Apple Inc. supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, also known as Foxconn Technology Group, and Dixon Technologies India Ltd are asking India to pay them billions of rupees in subsidies they think they are entitled to under the government’s production incentives programme. The government pledged a total of 410 billion rupees (US$4.8 billion) in subsidies to manufacturers, and part of that remains unallocated because some companies did not meet estimated production targets. Foxconn and Dixon argue that, according to the programme rules, they are eligible for some of the unallocated funds, people familiar with the matter said. The government is reviewing the two requests, the people said. Click here to read…

Indian Genomic Data Set & IBDC Portals to Empower Global Research

Making a vital move towards self-reliance in the field of genomics, Dr. Jitendra Singh said at the Genome India Data Conclave, held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 9 January 2025. Addressing the conclave, Dr. Singh stated, “India has developed its own genomic data set, a monumental achievement that will fuel future medical and scientific breakthroughs. The entire collection of 10,000 whole genome samples, archived at IBDC, is now made available for research purposes not only within India but globally. This data set will serve as a critical resource for genomics research, contributing to advancements in personalized healthcare and medicine.” Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Biden Administration Proposes New Rules on Exporting AI Chips

US President Joe Biden’s administration has proposed a new framework for exports of advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence (AI), an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries. However, the framework proposed also raised concerns of chip industry executives who say the rules would limit access to existing chips used for video games and restrict in 120 countries the chips used for data centers and AI products. Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland are among the nations that could have limited access to chips needed for AI data centers and products, though much of the underlying focus is aimed at China. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said that it is “critical” to preserve the US’ leadership in AI and the development of AI-related computer chips. Click here to read…

Microsoft to Spend about $80 billion on AI in 2025

Microsoft Corp president Brad Smith said that the company is on track to pump about US$80 billion into artificial intelligence (AI) this fiscal year ending at the close of June 2025. Smith contended AI is poised to transform all aspects of life, and it is imperative that the US be the global leader when it comes to the technology, he wrote in an online post. “In many ways, artificial intelligence is the electricity of our age, and the next four years can build a foundation for America’s economic success for the next quarter century,” Smith said. He called on US president-elect Donald Trump and Congress to expand support for AI innovation with moves such as increased funding for research at universities and the National Science Foundation. China and the US are racing to spread their AI systems to other countries in an effort to become the de facto standard, Smith said. Click here to read…

Taiwanese Ministry Lifts Overseas Limits on TSMC

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), a major chip supplier to Nvidia Corp, would no longer be restricted from investing in next-generation 2-nanometer chip production in the US, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said. However, the ministry added that the world’s biggest contract chipmaker would not be making any reckless decisions, given the weight of its up to US$30 billion investment. To safeguard Taiwan’s chip technology advantages, the government has barred local chipmakers from making chips using more advanced technologies at their overseas factories, in China particularly. Chipmakers were previously only allowed to produce chips using less advanced technologies, specifically those that were at least two generations less advanced than those being used domestically, it said. Click here to read…

China Struggles to Build Car Chip Supply Chain

China’s surging electric vehicle (EV) output has ignited demand for automotive chips, but domestic firms remain reliant on foreign suppliers for more than 90 per cent of their needs. Officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Development Research Centre of the State Council have repeatedly underscored China’s low self-sufficiency in automotive semiconductors. “Currently, the self-sufficiency rate of automotive chips in China is less than 10 per cent,” according to Luo Daojun, deputy director of the Institute of Components and Materials at MIIT. China’s dependence on imported auto chips has become a more pressing issue as Beijing seeks to assert leadership in the global EV market amid heightened geopolitical tensions with the US. Click here to read…

iPhone Loses Global Market Share with Apple AI

Apple Inc sold 5 percent fewer iPhones and lost ground to Chinese rivals in the final quarter of 2024, reflecting the absence of Apple Intelligence in its largest market outside the US. The iPhone slipped a point to 18 percent market share in 2024. Archrival Samsung Electronics Co also gave up share to faster-growing Android device makers from China, led by Xiaomi Corp and Vivo Communication Technology Co. Apple marked a 2 percent sales decline for the full year, the data showed, at a time that the wider market grew 4 percent globally. California-based Apple has been playing catchup on artificial intelligence (AI), with its suite of AI enhancements rolling out in stages following the launch of the iPhone 16 in September last year. Click here to read…