Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 August 2024), Issue 43

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

1. India Attaining 'Aatmanirbharta' in Defence
2. DRDO Showcases Made-in-India Weapon Systems
3. IAF Gives Clearance to DRDO, BDL for Astra Missile
4. MP Government Invites Aerospace and Defence Development Wing

II. STI in Space Sector

1. August 23rd Declared as ‘National Space Day’
2. New Method of Forecasting Space Weather
3. New Method of Forecasting Space Weather
4. Role of the Space Sector in the Development of the Nation
5. AI for Space Immersion Programme for Startup and Student-Research Teams

III. Nuclear Technology

1. Pioneering Advancements in Nuclear Medicine
2. Verifying Spent Nuclear Fuel in Deep Geological Repositories
3. Regional Industry Outreach Conference for Central Asia
4. Agreement between AUKUS Countries Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion
5. Bulgaria Enhances its Nuclear Regulatory Capabilities

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

1. e-Courts Phase-III Aims To Usher in a Regime of Maximum Ease of Justice
2. Providing Digital and Hi Technology Services to Farmers
3. The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)
4. 'National Geospatial Data Repository' for Utilisation of Start-up Ecosystems
5. Government Allocated US $10 bn for Chip & Display Manufacturing

V. International Cooperation

1. India-Vietnam Innovation, S&T, Defence and Security Cooperation
2. India-Nepal Space Tech Cooperation
3. BIMSTEC Focuses on Partnership in Supply Chains, E-Commerce, and DPI
4. A US Business Administration Delegation Visits iDEX-DIO

VI. Regional and Global Trends

1. China’s Semiconductor Imports Continue to Expand
2. ASML, Tokyo Electron Dodge New US Chip Export Rules
3. China’s Supply Chain under Scrutiny
4. AI Fundraising in Taiwan Survives Market Maelstrom
5. TSMC Sales Grow 45 Percent on Strong AI Chip Demand

I. Defence and Security

India Attaining 'Aatmanirbharta' in Defence

While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on the occasion of 78th Independence Day on 15 August 2024, PM Narendra Modi said that India is attaining 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and is emerging as a global manufacturing hub due to the steps taken by the central government in the last few years. The Prime Minister pointed out that there was a time when the majority of the defence budget was used to procure weapons/equipment from abroad, but his government focused on indigenous manufacturing to make the nation self-reliant. He lauded the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for taking a series of decisions.Click here to read… [2]

DRDO Showcases Made-in-India Weapon Systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its multiple made-in-India weapon systems at the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Tamilnadu's Sulur. Chairperson of DRDO Samir V Kamat pointed out that the Tarang Shakti exercise of the Indian Airforce is an opportunity for the DRDO to showcase domestic weapons. When asked about the AMCA fighter Jet, which is developed by DRDO, he said, "AMCA is the 5.5 generation fighter, it's a stealth aircraft, we have just started the development project, design is now complete and we hope to complete our development trials by 2034 and it should get inducted by 2035".Click here to read… [3]

IAF Gives Clearance to DRDO, BDL for Astra Missile

In a boost to indigenous missile manufacturing capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has given clearance to public sector firm Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of 200 Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missiles. The Astra Mark1 missiles have been developed by the DRDO with BDL as its production agency. The production clearance to the BDL was given during a visit by the Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Hyderabad recently, Indian Air Force officials said. The Astra missiles will be integrated on both the Russian-origin Su-30 as well as the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft after production.Click here to read… [4]

MP Government Invites Aerospace and Defence Development Wing

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) headquarters in Bengaluru and invited HAL to open a branch in Madhya Pradesh. He reached for a two-day interactive session for investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh being held in Bengaluru on 7 August and 8 August 2024. CM Yadav said, "HAL has units in many places in the country. The Madhya Pradesh government intends to establish one of the aerospace and defence development wings in the state by HAL.Click here to read… [5]

II. STI in Space Sector

August 23rd Declared as ‘National Space Day’

The Government of India has declared August 23rd as "National Space Day" to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which accomplished safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover on the lunar surface near the South Pole. This historic achievement places India among an elite group of space faring nations, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so near the south pole of the Moon. This achievement is being celebrated across the country during July and August 2024, with the goal of engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of Space Science and Technology.Click here to read… [6]

New Method of Forecasting Space Weather

Astronomers have discovered a new correlation using 100 years of solar data from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, which will help predict the strength of an upcoming solar cycle maximum as well as help in space weather forecasting. The intricacies of the solar cycle and forecasting space weather are important fields of current research, including in India. Space weather is concerned with the varying conditions within the Solar System and its heliosphere influenced by the sun and solar wind. The main components of space weather are the solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.Click here to read… [7]

Role of the Space Sector in the Development of the Nation

While addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the role of the space sector in the development of the nation and noted that the space sector is an important element in strengthening the country and achieving the target of 'Developed India-2047'. PM Modi said that “The space sector is an important aspect. We have done many reforms in this sector. Today, many startups are entering this sector. The space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea.”Click here to read… [8]

AI for Space Immersion Programme for Startup and Student-Research Teams

ISRO-NRSC and International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) organized an Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Space Immersion Programme for startup and student-research teams from across the country. This day-long event brought together a dynamic community of startups, students, researchers, and industry experts, to foster innovation and explore the transformative potential of AI in the space sector. Ideas were reviewed by the scientists and guidance was given to refine and improve the ideas, CIE-IIIT Hyderabad and ISRO, with support from IN-SPACe, organized this innovation event to seed interesting new ideas and solutions for space. The participants had the opportunity to validate their ideas and connect with potential mentors and investors.Click here to read… [9]

III. Nuclear Technology

Pioneering Advancements in Nuclear Medicine

Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital has announced ground-breaking advancements in nuclear medicine, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering patient care and clinical excellence. Established with the mission of delivering affordable and quality healthcare, the hospital has consistently been at the forefront of medical excellence in India. Nuclear medicine plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating numerous medical conditions using advanced imaging technology and radiopharmaceuticals. The Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics Department features the latest PET/CT scanner, gamma camera (SPECT) and radionuclide therapy, providing detailed images, precise localisation of diseases and therapeutic solutions.Click here to read… [10]

Verifying Spent Nuclear Fuel in Deep Geological Repositories

As the world looks to alternatives to fossil fuels to combat climate change, several countries are developing nuclear power programmes to provide a sustainable source of low carbon energy. Countries operating nuclear reactors are responsible for providing geological disposal capacity for high-level radioactive waste. The internationally well-established approach for such disposal is a mined deep geological repository (DGR). Canada, Finland, France, Sweden and Switzerland have the most advanced DGR programmes. Examples of the new facilities under development include the Encapsulation Plant (EP) and DGR in Finland.Click here to read… [11]

Regional Industry Outreach Conference for Central Asia

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany supported the Government of Kazakhstan’s delivery of the ‘UNSCR 1540(2004) Regional Industry Outreach Conference for Central Asia and Neighbouring States (Wiesbaden Process)’ from 31 July to 1 August 2024 in Astana. This was the second event in which UNODA worked with Germany to implement the Wiesbaden Process at the regional level in the Asia Pacific. The first – for Southeast Asian States – took place in Bangkok, Thailand, in September 2023. The rationale behind a “regionalised” approach is to help account for regional differences in strategic trade management and private sector regulatory practices.Click here to read… [12]

Agreement between AUKUS Countries Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion

The IAEA was informed that on 5 August 2024 the Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion was signed by representatives of the three countries in Washington D.C. and it has been submitted to their legislative authorities for consideration and approval. The Agency noted that the Agreement reiterates the commitment made previously by these countries to set the highest non-proliferation standard in Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.Click here to read… [13]

Bulgaria Enhances its Nuclear Regulatory Capabilities

The Bulgarian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (BNRA) has enhanced its regulatory capabilities by modernizing its knowledge management and human resource development systems, with support from the IAEA. “The IAEA has been instrumental in enhancing Bulgaria’s regulatory capabilities,” said Eve-Külli Kala, Director of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Division for Europe. The BNRA faced numerous challenges, including increasing demands on technical staff, limited training opportunities, an aging workforce, and the need to preserve accumulated nuclear regulatory knowledge.Click here to read… [14]

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

e-Courts Phase-III Aims To Usher in a Regime of Maximum Ease of Justice

Taking the gains of Phase-I and Phase-II to the next level, e-Courts Phase-III aims to usher in a regime of maximum ease of justice by moving towards digital, online and paperless courts through digitization of the entire court records including legacy records and by bringing in universalization of e-Filing/ e-Payments through saturation of all court complexes with e-Sewa Kendras. The eCourts Project Phase-III intends to put in place intelligent smart systems enabling data-based decision making for judges and registries while scheduling or prioritizing cases. The main objective of the Phase-III is to create a unified technology platform for the judiciary, thus providing a seamless and paperless interface between the courts, the litigants and other stakeholders.Click here to read… [15]

Providing Digital and Hi Technology Services to Farmers

A component called “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” has been launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) in 2018-19 with the objective of promoting innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. Under this programme, start-ups are encouraged to use innovative technologies to resolve challenges faced in agriculture and allied sectors. A total of 1176 start-ups have been selected in various areas of agriculture and allied sectors under this programme for providing financial support through Knowledge Partners and Agri Business Incubators appointed by the Department for implementation of this programme.Click here to read… [16]

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) is a comprehensive digital platform designed to synergize and transform the skills, education, employment, and entrepreneurship landscape in India. It represents the aspirations of millions of Indians seeking better opportunities by providing access to industry-relevant skill courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. As the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Skilling, Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, SIDH serves as a comprehensive information gateway for government initiatives in these domains, making it a go-to hub for citizens pursuing career advancement and lifelong learning.Click here to read… [17]

'National Geospatial Data Repository' for Utilisation of Start-up Ecosystems

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has proposed a National Geospatial Data Repository and PPP model while chairing a joint meeting of all the Science Ministries and Departments of the Government of India at Prithvi Bhavan. Addressing the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh instructed the Department of Space, Department of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Earth Sciences to create a unified Geospatial interface for the utilisation of industry and Start-up ecosystems to create innovative and indigenous products for the welfare of farmers, rural artisans and others.Click here to read… [18]

Government Allocated US $10 bn for Chip & Display Manufacturing

The Government of India has announced a substantial allocation of US $10 billion under the Semicon India Programme for the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem, according to Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation agency of India. This initiative underscores the nation's commitment to reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and enhancing resilience in global supply chains. The semiconductor market in India is projected to reach US $110 billion by 2030, driven by the growing adoption of technologies like 5G, AI, IoT, and electric vehicles. The display market is expected to reach US $15 billion by 2025.Click here to read… [19]

V. International Cooperation

India-Vietnam Innovation, S&T, Defence and Security Cooperation

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, Pham Minh Chinh paid a State Visit to India from 30 July - 01 August 2024. In the Joint Statement, the leaders reiterated the significance of digital technologies and encouraged the development of a framework to promote bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and digital payments between Vietnam and India. The encouraged greater exchanges and cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, space technology applications, renewable energy, biotechnology, disaster resilience technologies, and in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy, defence and security.Click here to read… [20]

India-Nepal Space Tech Cooperation

On 10 August 2024, a MoU was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for grant assistance for the launch of Munal satellite. Munal Satellite is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN), a Nepali space startup, has assisted Nepali students in the design and fabrication of this satellite. The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database of the Earth’s surface. This satellite is expected to be launched soon on NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.Click here to read… [21]

BIMSTEC Focuses on Partnership in Supply Chains, E-Commerce, and DPI

BIMSTEC members should re-examine the priorities of member nations with regards to trade negotiations so that the delayed Free Trade Agreement can be finalized, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal said while delivering his speech at the inaugural edition of the BIMSTEC Business Summit. The Minister said that there should be a focus on reducing trade deficit, strengthening of trade facilitation measures to strengthen partnership in e-commerce, digital public infrastructure and better integration of custom borders with the aid of technology.Click here to read… [22]

A US Business Administration Delegation Visits iDEX-DIO

A US delegation led by Isabel Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) visited Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), Department of Defence Production, and witnessed the techno-showcase organised by iDEX-DIO at IIT Delhi. The delegation interacted with the Indian side led by Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Production). Both sides also lauded the INDUS-X (India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem) initiative which is strengthening the technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. The key initiatives under INDUS-X include joint innovation projects in critical domains and the capacity building of startups.Click here to read… [23]

VI. Regional and Global Trends

China’s Semiconductor Imports Continue to Expand

China’s semiconductor imports continue to expand, amid reports mainland enterprises are rushing to stockpile integrated circuits (ICs) ahead of potential new restrictions on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips by the United States. In the first seven months of 2024, chip imports totaled 308.1 billion units, worth about US $212 billion, according to data published by the General Administration of Customs. That marked a 14.5 per cent year-on-year jump in volume and 11.5 per cent increase in dollar value. The surge in IC imports reflects expectations that the US will impose fresh unilateral restrictions on the mainland’s access to HBMs.Click here to read… [24]

ASML, Tokyo Electron Dodge New US Chip Export Rules

The US is preparing to exclude semiconductor-equipment makers in the Netherlands and Japan from its latest round of restrictions targeting China, people familiar with the situation said, while warning the plans are fluid and may change. The Biden administration is working on a sweeping new trade restriction ¬– known as the foreign direct product rule, or FDPR – to keep specific firms in China and other countries of concern from accessing advanced semiconductor technology. But Tokyo Electron Ltd., ASML Holding NV and other chip companies in the Netherlands and Japan are expected to be exempt.Click here to read… [25]

China’s Supply Chain under Scrutiny

United States-based personal computer giant HP said it remains committed to its operations in China after denying a report that it was shifting more production outside the world’s second-largest economy, which sparked fresh scrutiny of the mainland’s manufacturing supply chain. HP – the world’s second-largest PC vendor behind Lenovo Group, according to research firm IDC – told Chinese tabloid The Global Times that Nikkei Asia’s report about the company’s “most aggressive shift of production away from China” was false.Click here to read… [26]

AI Fundraising in Taiwan Survives Market Maelstrom

A new convertible bond offering by a major supplier to Apple Inc is to add to the US dollar funds raised by Taiwanese tech firms this year, thanks to the hybrid securities’ popularity and demand for artificial intelligence (AI) investments. Quanta Computer Inc, a MacBook contract manufacturer, is seeking to raise up to US$1 billion by selling convertible notes, it said in a filing. The company said it would use the proceeds to buy raw materials. Taiwanese companies have sold US$1.3 billion of US dollar-denominated convertible bonds so far this year, already surpassing the annual total raised in each of the past two years, Bloomberg-compiled data showed.Click here to read… [27]

TSMC Sales Grow 45 Percent on Strong AI Chip Demand

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC) revenue rose 45 percent in July 2024, accelerating its pace of growth from the second quarter and bolstering hopes for sustained strong demand for AI chips from the likes of Nvidia Corp. Sales for the month reached NT$256.95 billion (US$7.92 billion). For the third quarter, analysts project TSMC revenue should grow 37 percent to NT$747.4 billion, with July’s result suggesting TSMC could surpass those expectations. Taiwan’s biggest company is one of the key bellwethers for AI demand, as the go-to chipmaker for leading accelerator makers Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.Click here to read… [28]