Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (16-31 May 2024), Issue 38

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

1. Delivery of 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Baljeet to Indian Navy
2. Delivery of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20
3. Developing Novel Medical Devices to Address Diverse Health Issues
4. Fostering Innovation & Advancing Sustainable Transport Solutions

II. STI in Space Sector

1. Space Startup Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Test Launched Maiden Rocket
2. ISRO Aims to Explore Human Space Flight Activities & Build Space Stations
3. Astronaut Sunita Williams Set to Fly into Space
4. NASA Launches Small Climate Satellite to Study Earth's Poles

III. Nuclear Technology

1. Russia Offers Next-Generation Nuclear Fuel Technology to India
2. Strengthening and Sustaining Nuclear Security amid Emerging Threats
3. Thailand Preparing to Construct Two New Research Reactor
4. Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

1. Measures to Encourage the Startup Ecosystem and the Industry
2. Platform for Startups to Leverage Open Network for Digital Commerce
3. Transforming Science, Technology and Innovation Ecosystem of India
4. MoU on MRI and Technology Transfer of Linear Accelerator with Industry

V. International Cooperation

1. India Hosts Event on Digital Health at Geneva
2. India-US Defence Technology Cooperation
3. India-US Emerging Technologies Cooperation
4. India-Mongolia Defence Technology Cooperation

VI. Regional and Global Trends

1. China Creates Largest Semiconductor Investment Fund of US$47.5 billion
2. OpenAI Establishes a New Safety Panel to Review Safety and Processes
3. Huawei Technologies Races to Fill Void Left by Nvidia in China
4. AI to Become a Second Vital Industry in Taiwan
5. EU Creates ’AI Office’ to Regulate Technology

I. Defence and Security

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

25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Baljeet has been delivered to Indian Navy (IN) on 30 May 2024. Contract for construction and delivery of three 25T BP Tugs was concluded with M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd (M/s SSPL), an MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. The availability of Tug will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and maneuvering in confined waters. The Tug will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, at anchorage and will also have capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations. Click here to read... [2]

Delivery of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20

The delivery of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20’, 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 May 24 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai for NAD(Karanja). The contract for building 11 X ACTCM Barge was signed between MoD and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21. Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. Click here to read... [3]

Developing Novel Medical Devices to Address Diverse Health Issues

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad to collaborate on research and training. The MoU aims to foster innovation and research in developing novel medical devices and addressing health issues specific to soldiers serving in varied terrains. IIT Hyderabad will provide the necessary technical expertise to tackle the diverse medical challenges faced by the Armed Forces. Key areas of collaboration discussed include drone-based patient transport, telemedicine innovations, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the medical field, and advancements in nanotechnology. Click here to read... [4]

Fostering Innovation & Advancing Sustainable Transport Solutions

Displaying a firm resolve towards finding green and sustainable transport solutions, the Indian Army has collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology. A MoU was signed between the Indian Army and the IOCL to foster innovation and advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future. Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology offers a clean and efficient alternative by converting Hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process. The process leaves water vapour as the only by product, thus ensuring zero emission. Click here to read... [5]

II. STI in Space Sector

Space Startup Agnikul Cosmos Successfully Test Launched Maiden Rocket

Chennai-based private space technology startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully test launched their maiden rocket on 30 May 2024, from India's first and only private launchpad within the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), holds the unique distinction of being powered by the world's first 3D printed engine, Agnilet, that has been designed and built in India. The rocket is powered by a semi-cryogenic engine that uses commercially available aviation turbine fuel kerosene and liquid oxygen. Click here to read... [6]

ISRO Aims to Explore Human Space Flight Activities & Build Space Stations

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Sreedhara Somanath said that the space agency aims to explore human space flight activities and build space stations. While speaking with the reporters, ISRO Chairman lauded the Chandrayaan Mission and said, "I would like to say today, after the successful Chandrayan Mission, the world is looking at us. We have announced Space Act Reforms in 2020 and there is a new Indian Space Policy 2023 by the government which has enabled private companies and institutions to come and work together." He added, "We also want to do a lot of economic activities in the space sector to create job, industries, and startups in the country." Click here to read... [7]

Astronaut Sunita Williams Set to Fly into Space

Boeing’s Starliner first crewed spacecraft to be piloted by Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is expected to be launched between 1 June and 5 June 2024 after the flight was postponed earlier this month due to a technical snag. A statement from the US space agency NASA said: “Mission managers from NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) continue to evaluate a path forward toward launching the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station.” Click here to read... [8]

NASA Launches Small Climate Satellite to Study Earth's Poles

NASA has successfully launched the first of two climate satellites into orbit, designed to study heat emissions at Earth's poles. The satellite, part of the PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission, was carried by Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from the company's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on 25 May 2024. The PREFIRE mission consists of two shoebox-size cube satellites, or CubeSats, that will measure the amount of heat Earth radiates into space from the coldest and most remote regions on the planet. Click here to read... [9]

III. Nuclear Technology

Russia Offers Next-Generation Nuclear Fuel Technology to India

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev said that India will get next-generation nuclear fuel this summer, further calling India a key partner in the nuclear area, reported Russia Today (RT). Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty was hosted by the Russian Atomic Chief in Siberia's Tomsk region in Russia and the Russian Atomic Chief showed Mohanty the fourth-generation site that will host the safest atomic reactor in history. Moreover, the head of Rosatom Likhachev also praised the cooperation between the two nations, calling India a key partner in the nuclear area. Click here to read... [10]

Strengthening and Sustaining Nuclear Security amid Emerging Threats

Over 130 countries met at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to strengthen nuclear security efforts to counter the threat of nuclear terrorism and other malicious acts in the face of emerging risks. At the opening session of the International Conference on Nuclear Security, a major nuclear security event happening every four years, the Co-Presidents released a joint statement recognising how the growing use of nuclear science and technology requires robust nuclear security measures to enhance and protect nuclear material and other radioactive material against theft and nuclear facilities against sabotage. Click here to read... [11]

Thailand Preparing to Construct Two New Research Reactor

Thailand has more than four decades of experience in research reactor operation, with its TRR-1/M1 reactor coming online in 1977. It is now preparing to build on this experience and aims to construct two new research reactors, one at SUT and the other at TINT. At the request of the Thai government, an international team of experts led by the IAEA has concluded a second Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review for Research Reactors (INIR-RR) mission in Thailand. The follow-up mission assessed Thailand’s preparedness to move forward with plans for two new research reactors. Click here to read... [12]

Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation

From 14 to 15 May 2024, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons of the Republic of Guinea gathered thirty national stakeholders and decision makers from twenty-four national institutions to raise awareness about the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). This event took place after the Republic of Guinea attended UNODA regional workshop on the universalization and effective implementation of BWC in Western Africa, subsequent to which Guinea requested assistance under UNODA’s project aimed at bolstering the implementation of the BWC across Africa. Click here to read... [13]

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Measures to Encourage the Startup Ecosystem and the Industry

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is undertaking various measures to encourage the startup ecosystem and the industry at large to foster innovation in manufacturing by supporting and collaborating with startups and developing manufacturing incubators. Landmark reforms and initiatives have enhanced India’s manufacturing capabilities in recent years and India has witnessed significant diversification of its manufacturing portfolio. Through long-term initiatives to boost manufacturing, India has emerged as a dynamic hub for manufacturing, led by innovation, technology, and skilled labor. Click here to read... [14]

Platform for Startups to Leverage Open Network for Digital Commerce

The DPIIT organised the ‘ONDC Startup Mahotsav’, a first of its kind event, on 17th May 2024 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The event symbolized the celebration and collaboration of two of DPIIT’s flagship initiatives – the Startup India initiative and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The event witnessed participation of around 5,000 startups in hybrid mode. Over 125 ecosystem stakeholders including startups, unicorns and high growth businesses such as EaseMyTrip, OfBusiness, Winzo, Livspace, GlobalBees, Pristyn Care, Cars24, Physics Wallah, PolicyBazaar, and Zerodha, signed Letter of Intent (LoI) during the event. Click here to read... [15]

Transforming Science, Technology and Innovation Ecosystem of India

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) organized a national brainstorming session on “Transforming Science, Technology, and Innovation Ecosystems of India” at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi on 22 May 2024. The day-long discussions were hosted by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and focused on critical areas like research and innovation; equity and inclusion; technology development, translation, innovation, and entrepreneurship; international cooperation; and science, technology, and innovation governance. The expected outcomes from the sessions are to develop a comprehensive roadmap for national science policy development. Click here to read... [16]

MoU on MRI and Technology Transfer of Linear Accelerator with Industry

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has spearheaded the development of two critical healthcare technologies, namely the 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and 6 MEV Linear Accelerator, through the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), Mumbai. The MRI scanner is a non-invasive medical imaging test used to visualize soft tissues, while the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is utilized for cancer treatment using high-energy X-rays or electrons. Both projects have received financial support from MeitY, to make India move towards import substitution. Click here to read... [17]

V. International Cooperation

India Hosts Event on Digital Health at Geneva

During the ongoing 77th World Health Assembly, India hosted a side event on Digital health which saw participation by the Quad countries (Australia, Japan and the United States of America). The purpose of the event was to emphasize the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Addressing Social Determinants of Health. It was attended by delegates from over 100 countries highlighting collaborative efforts in advancing digital public infrastructure globally. India's approach to leveraging DPI not only transforms healthcare delivery but also fosters a resilient, equitable society. Click here to read... [18]

India-US Defence Technology Cooperation

The second annual U.S.-India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue (AD3) took place at the Pentagon on 23 May 2024. During the dialogue, US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy Vipin Narang and India's Joint Secretary for International Cooperation, Vishwesh Negi discussed opportunities to strengthen space cooperation and identified potential areas for collaboration with U.S. industry. The dialogue executes a commitment by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and Indian Minister of Defense during the 2022 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to deepen collaboration on evolving and emerging defense domains, including space. Click here to read... [19]

India-US Emerging Technologies Cooperation

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited Bengaluru to meet with space sector business leaders and entrepreneurs. Ambassador Garcetti, along with US Consul General Chris Hodges held a meeting with ISRO chairman S Somanath and discussed space collaboration, including the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission, known as NISAR. During his visit to Bengaluru, Garcetti also spoke with industry leaders and members of the American Chamber of Commerce India, focusing on the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) as an important mechanism for expanding the strategic security and technology cooperation between two nations. Click here to read... [20]

India-Mongolia Defence Technology Cooperation

Aiming to strengthen bilateral defence ties the 12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting took place in Ulaanbaatar from 16-17 May 2024. Both sides had discussions on ongoing defence cooperation, reviewing progress and identifying areas for further enhancement. The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad of India, Joint Secretary, Indian Ministry of Defence and Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj of Mongolia. During the discussions the two countries expressed satisfaction with the existing defence cooperation and exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation. Click here to read... [21]

VI. Regional and Global Trends

China Creates Largest Semiconductor Investment Fund of US$47.5 billion

China has doubled down on efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in its semiconductor industry by creating the country’s largest-ever chip investment fund. The third phase of the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, also known as the “Big Fund”, was established with a registered capital of 344 billion yuan (US$47.5 billion). The size of that new fund – roughly on par with the US$53 billion in incentives under the Chips and Science Act, which was enacted by US President Joe Biden in 2022 – shows the Chinese government’s “whole nation” approach to build a self-sufficient semiconductor industry and overcome Washington’s export restrictions that have handicapped the sector. Click here to read... [22]

OpenAI Establishes a New Safety Panel to Review Safety and Processes

OpenAI said that it is establishing a new safety panel that will make recommendations to the company’s board regarding “critical safety and security decisions.” The generative AI company announced in a blog post that the new committee will be led by chief executive Sam Altman and directors Adam D’Angelo, Nicole Seligman and Bret Taylor, who will also serve as the group’s chair. The company said the committee’s first task will be to “evaluate and further develop” OpenAI’s processes and safeguards over the next 90 days. Click here to read... [23]

Huawei Technologies Races to Fill Void Left by Nvidia in China

US-sanctioned Huawei Technologies has emerged as a key supplier of AI chips in China after Washington implemented export curbs on Nvidia’s advanced processors, according to industry insiders. Use of the Chinese company’s self-developed 910B Ascend chips have proliferated in various industries across the country through “AI boxes” – all-in-one machines that combine AI chips, industry-specific algorithms and pre-trained large AI models. Huawei’s chips are becoming popular components in these Chinese-made machines, setting up the company to take over a market that has so far been dominated by Nvidia. Click here to read... [24]

AI to Become a Second Vital Industry in Taiwan

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a second economic pillar for Taiwan, after the booming semiconductor industry, National Development Council (NDC) Minister Paul Liu said during an informal meeting with media. Taiwan’s powerful semiconductor industry is often referred to as a "huguo shenshan" protecting it because the country produces more than 90 percent of the world’s high-end chips. With semiconductors and AI as the dual cores of Taiwan’s economy, Liu pledged that the council would work with relevant government agencies to attract investment capital and talent to help these two industries develop. Click here to read... [25]

EU Creates ’AI Office’ to Regulate Technology

On 29 May 2024, the European Union announced the creation of an "AI Office" of tech experts, lawyers and economists to regulate AI under a sweeping new law. The EU this year approved the world’s first comprehensive rules to govern AI, especially powerful systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT after long, intense negotiations. The 140-member AI Office will be established within the commission, which is the EU’s executive arm and also acts as the bloc’s powerful tech regulator. The EU’s law known as the "AI Act" has tougher rules for general-purpose AI systems such as ChatGPT and takes a risk-based approach to the technology. Click here to read... [26]