Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three flight-tests of the 4th Generation, technically-advanced miniaturised Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on 03 & 04 October 2024. The tests were carried out against high speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of maximum range and maximum altitude interception. These development trials showcased repeatability of hit-to-kill capability of the weapon system in various target engagement scenarios covering approaching, receding and crossing modes.Click here to read… [2]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the second edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. on 7 October 2024. ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies in the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems customised for military platforms and adaptive camouflage, etc. This scheme offers a grant of up to Rs 25 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) winners, focusing on critical technological areas crucial for strengthening the defence ecosystem of the country.Click here to read… [3]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empower India's defence industry by working hand-in-hand with them, and realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making the country a global manufacturing hub. Addressing the seventh annual session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi on 4 October 2024, the Minister described the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as a reminder to build a strong defence industrial base, which can be bolstered and expanded with time. He asserted that the Government, in its third consecutive term, will provide a renewed thrust to its ongoing efforts towards developing a robust, innovative and self-reliant defence ecosystem.Click here to read… [4]
Third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Ashva (Yard 337) was launched on 3 October 2024 at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited Kolkata. Contract for construction and delivery of six 25T BP Tug was concluded with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in consonance with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative of the Government of India. The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to Naval ships and submarines during berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvring in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside, and at anchorage, and will also have capability to conduct limited Search and Rescue Operations.Click here to read… [5]
The delivery of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 21’, 7th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 4 October 24 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai for NAD (Karanja). Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours. These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping.Click here to read… [6]
Rupees 1,000 crore has been earmarked for Venture Fund to Space StartUps. The decision was taken within first 100 days of Modi 3.0 government, which is an indication of high priority that the government gives to the Space sector. Space is one of the top three or four areas identified as the focus of the government in its third term 3.0, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said while briefing the media. The Minister further informed that there is 100% FDI provision allowed by the government in the space sector which has proved to be a great boost for the new initiative and new entrepreneurs.Click here to read… [7]
A shining example of this commitment is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has attained the prestigious Maharatna status, becoming the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) in India to receive this recognition. This milestone marks a significant achievement for HAL, which is a prominent player in the Indian aerospace and defence sector. The upgradation is approved by the Finance Minister, following recommendations from both the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), led by the Finance Secretary, and the Apex Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary. HAL’s recognition as a Maharatna company is a testament to its growth, resilience, and strategic contributions to India’s aerospace and defence sectors.Click here to read… [8]
XDLINX Space Labs, a prominent player in India's space technology industry, has announced the successful completion of a US $7 million seed funding round. The round was led by Ashish Kacholia of Lucky Investments with additional backing from E2MC, Mana Ventures, and a prominent family office. This funding will accelerate XDLINX's mission to revolutionize satellite technology and push the boundaries of space exploration through innovation and cost-effective solutions. Founded in 2022 in Hyderabad, XDLINX Space Labs began with a bold vision to redefine space missions and make innovative satellite technology accessible to a broader range of clients.Click here to read… [9]
Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd, a pioneering private company specializing in space architecture and analog research, is set to lead a groundbreaking 21-day Mars and Moon analog in the rugged terrain of Ladakh. This mission, conducted in collaboration with the Union territory of Ladakh and ISRO, will simulate the extreme conditions of extraterrestrial environments, marking a significant milestone in India's quest to advance human spaceflight and analog research in support of the Gaganyaan program and future missions such as bharatiya antarisk station. The Ladakh expedition represents a significant leap in analog research and human space exploration, contributing to India's Gaganyaan program and broader international efforts to explore the Moon and Mars.Click here to read… [10]
A spacecraft is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center towards Jupiter with the mission to hunt for signs of alien life on Europa one of the moons orbiting the distant planet. Previous data from studies indicate that underneath the frozen crust of Jupiter's moon there lies a huge salt-water ocean, which could possibly support life forms. "We're going on a 1.8-billion-mile journey to an ocean world - Jupiter moon, Europa!" the US space agency NASA said this morning on X ahead of the anticipated blast off. NASA's flagship spacecraft 'Europa Clipper' mission, the largest spacecraft the US space agency developed for a planetary mission, was supposed to have launched earlier but got delayed due to Hurricane Milton, which swept through Florida on 9-10 October.Click here to read… [11]
In a mega boost for the Indian Navy and surveillance capabilities of the defence forces, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the major deals for building two nuclear submarines indigenously and buying 31 Predator drones from the US. As per the plans, the Indian Navy will get two nuclear-powered attack submarines which will help boost its capabilities manifold in the Indian Ocean Region, top sources toldANI. The deal for building the two submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Vishakhapatnam will be around Rs 45,000 crore and will see a major involvement of private sector firms like Larsen and Toubro.Click here to read… [12]
Power & Instrumentation (Gujarat) Limited, one of the leading players in the electrical contracting and equipment industry, announced the successful completion of a key project for the Government of India's Department of Atomic Energy, Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Kota. The project, valued at Rs 10.18 Cr with an actual execution value of Rs10.80 Cr, involved the designing, engineering, supplying, installation, testing, and commissioning of high-voltage Diesel Generator (DG) sets, AMF & Synchronizing Panels, and Switchboards, among other critical electrical systems. This project held strategic importance, as the Nuclear Fuel Complex plays a key role in fuelling India's nuclear reactors. The systems installed by PIGL are critical to ensuring the safety and seamless operation of the NFC.Click here to read… [13]
The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory has been inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary DAE & Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, at Hanle, Ladakh, on 4th October 2024. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. Located at an altitude of ~4,300 m, it is also the highest of its kind in the world. The telescope is indigenously built by BARC with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners. The inaugural of MACE Observatory was a part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE.Click here to read… [14]
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors for "extraordinary efforts" to "achieve a world free of nuclear weapons". The winner was announced at a ceremony in Oslo, for the group, which "contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo". The group has campaigned over the years for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes said the Prize was given to the 1956 group "for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again".Click here to read… [15]
Voters in and outside Kazakhstan voted in a referendum on whether to construct the country's first nuclear power plant to overcome chronic electricity shortages,DW Newsreported. Notably, the issue is a controversial one in the former Soviet republic, which was exposed to radiation on a massive scale during nuclear tests conducted by the USSR. The possible involvement of Russia in the project has also been of concern to some. But, opposition to the project seems to have been repressed by the country's government. The local media reported dozens of arrests of critics in the run-up to the referendum. The referendum will be considered valid if at least 50 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot, with the result expected to be in favor.Click here to read… [16]
Scientists have created an artificial synaptic device that emulates the behaviour of biological synapses to transform information technology through more efficient computing models. They have used two-dimensional electron gas in oxide heterostructures for integrating architecture inspired by the biological brain, also called neuromorphic architecture and logic operations on a single chip. Modern computers inherently segregate memory and computation into independent physical units based on ’von Neumann computing’- a system which is like a set of instructions that tells the computer how to handle information and perform tasks.Click here to read… [17]
According to a report by Motilal Oswal, India's digital space presents a significant opportunity of additional US $900 billion by 2030. The report emphasized that the country's current digital sector of US $0.3 Tn accounts for about 8 per cent of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this figure is expected to quadruple to US $1.2 trillion by 2030, making up 20 per cent of the nation's GDP. The report also projected that while India's overall GDP will grow by 1.7 times by 2030, the digital sector will expand at a much faster rate, growing four times its current size. This rapid growth highlights the increasing importance of the digital economy to the nation's overall economic structure.Click here to read… [18]
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker- India’s Digital Wallet. This collaboration aims to provide citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services bringing greater convenience and allowing users to manage multiple services through a single platform. The UMANG app is accessible to all Android users with an expansion to iOS in the pipeline. And now, with just a few easy steps, these services can be accessed through the DigiLocker app as well.Click here to read… [19]
In a significant move towards bolstering technical education in India, a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology and Government of Maharashtra through its Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai on 11th October 2024.’ The scope of the work in this MoU is to establish Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (Al), Robotics, Internet of Things (IOT), Industry 4.0, 3D Printing and Allied Technologies for capacity training and Research & Development centers at Government polytechnic and Government Engineering college in Maharashtra State.Click here to read… [20]
India is paving the way towards becoming the Skill Capital of the world. With one of the youngest populations in the world, India can realise its demographic dividend through a workforce that is trained in ‘employable’ skills and is industry-ready. Significant progress has been made, with the employable percentage of final-year and pre-final-year students increased from 33.9% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2024. As India continues its journey towards becoming the skill capital of the world, various ambitious programs and policies are steering the nation towards a skilled, employable, and future-ready workforce.Click here to read… [21]
In the Joint Statement, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR reaffirmed their “commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations”. The recognized the significant role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in catalysing digital transformation and promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation in public service delivery; connecting individuals, communities, industries, organizations and countries across geographies, taking into account different domestic and international contexts.Click here to read… [22]
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India hosted a delegation from the European Union with representatives from startups in the space of battery recycling technologies from EU Member States, officials from the Delegation of EU to India along with members from select Indian startups. This important interaction was focused on the experiential learning gained by the startups through their immersion visits as an outcome of the Electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling matchmaking event held on 20th June 2024, under the aegis of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council's Working Group 2 (WG2) on Green & Clean Energy Technologies.Click here to read… [23]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with the German Federal Minister of Defence Mr Boris Pistorius on 8 October 2024. They briefly reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation activities including exercises in the air and maritime domains. The Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen the defence industrial collaboration and enhance supply chain resilience. They planned to meet in the near future to give concrete shape to the defence engagements and joint projects with an aim to transform defence as a key pillar of the India-Germany bilateral relationship.Click here to read… [24]
Prime Minister Modi and President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met on 7 October 2024 and comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Given that developments in digital and financial domains have transformational impact on governance and delivery of services, the two sides agreed to share expertise on implementation of digital and financial services; to cooperate in the domain of DPI by launch of India's UPI, Unique Digital Identity, Gati Shakti Scheme and other digital services that will enhance e-governance and delivery of services through digital domain for the benefit of people of Maldives. While welcoming the launch of RuPay card in Maldives, which will enhance ease of payments for Indian tourists visiting Maldives, to work closely to extend similar services for Maldivian nationals visiting India.Click here to read… [25]
The 6th consecutive India-US Commercial Dialogue, chaired jointly by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Gina Raimondo was held in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington D.C. The Dialogue is convened to improve business and investment climate between the two countries, with a renewed focus on new and emerging technologies. Under the Supply Chain track, the two nations signed an MoU to “Expand and Diversify Critical Mineral Supply Chains”. The Agreement will leverage complementary strengths and facilitate mutually beneficial development of Indian and US critical minerals exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and related activities.Click here to read… [26]
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is collaborating with Amkor Technology Inc. to provide local advanced packaging and test capacities in Arizona to address customer requirements for geographical flexibility in chip manufacturing. As part of the agreement, TSMC, the world’s biggest contract chipmaker, would contract turnkey advanced packaging and test services from Amkor at their planned facility in Peoria, Arizona, a joint statement said. TSMC would leverage these services to support its customers, particularly those using TSMC’s advanced wafer fabrication facilities in Phoenix, Arizona, it said.Click here to read… [27]
The EU has voted to impose tariffs as high as 45 percent on electric vehicles (EVs) from China in a move set to increase trade tensions with Beijing. The European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, can now proceed with implementing the duties, which would last for five years. Ten member states voted in favor of the measure, while Germany and four others voted against, and 12, including Spain, abstained, sources familiar with the results said. The decision by the EU comes after an investigation found that China unfairly subsidized its industry. Beijing denies that claim and has threatened its own tariffs on the European dairy, brandy, pork and automobile sectors.Click here to read… [28]
The US Department of Commerce set preliminary duties on solar imports from Southeast Asia, after an initial finding that the equipment is benefiting from illegal government aid. The determination marks an early victory for domestic panel makers who say cheap imports are harming their operations and threatening investments meant to cultivate a US solar supply chain. They asked the government to impose the duties, arguing the equipment benefits from unfair foreign subsidies and is being sold at prices below the cost of production. The targeted nations provide the bulk of US solar cell and module imports, and the swift imposition of countervailing duties means renewable developers would face higher prices for that equipment right away.Click here to read… [29]
Chinese semiconductor start-up Numemory has launched what it touts as the largest-capacity memory chip in its category designed and produced on the mainland, claiming that it is a breakthrough that bolsters the country’s technology self-sufficiency efforts amid stifling US government sanctions. Numemory, formally known as Xincun Technology (Wuhan) Co, recently introduced to the domestic market its 64-gigabyte NM101, a type of storage-class memory (SCM) chip that is “expected to break the long-term monopoly of international giants in this field”, according to a report by the government-run Hubei Daily newspaper, without providing details.Click here to read… [30]
A state-funded semiconductor lab in China said it has achieved a “milestone” in the development of silicon photonics, which could help the country overcome current technical barriers in chip design and achieve self-sufficiency amid US sanctions. JFS Laboratory – based in Wuhan, capital of central Hubei province and a national base for photonics research – was able to light up a laser light source integrated with a silicon-based chip, the first time this was successfully done in China, according to a blog post published by the lab last week. The achievement means that China has filled “one of the few blanks” in its optoelectronics technology, state mediaPeople’s Dailyreported.Click here to read… [31]
[35]
Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/29/Science-and-Technology-Issue-47
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062339
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062888
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061953
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061609
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062253
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2062671&reg=3&lang=1
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153278&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1
[9] https://aninews.in/news/business/space-tech-firm-xdlinx-space-labs-raises-usd-7-million-in-seed-round-led-by-ashish-kacholia-with-additional-backing-from-e2mc-and-mana-ventures20241009144634/
[10] https://aninews.in/news/business/aaka-space-studio-pvt-ltd-to-lead-indias-first-mars-and-moon-analog-in-ladakh20241008162413/
[11] https://aninews.in/news/world/us/nasa-spacecraft-to-probe-signs-of-life-on-jupiters-moon-europa20241014121228/
[12] https://aninews.in/news/national/general-news/india-clears-mega-deals-worth-rs-80000-crore-for-nuclear-submarines-predator-drones20241009213437/
[13] https://aninews.in/news/business/power-amp-instrumentation-guj-limited-received-commendation-from-nfc-for-their-outstanding-performance20241007184409/
[14] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063169
[15] https://aninews.in/news/world/europe/nobel-peace-prize-2024-awarded-to-japanese-nuclear-bomb-survivors-nihon-hidankyo20241011153355/
[16] https://aninews.in/news/world/europe/kazakhstan-people-vote-in-referendum-for-construction-of-first-nuclear-plant20241006232015/
[17] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061991
[18] https://aninews.in/news/business/indias-digital-space-has-opportunities-to-add-usd-900-bn-by-2030-motilal-oswal20241012135337/
[19] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063603
[20] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2064184
[21] https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153273&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1
[22] https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/38397/ASEANIndia_Joint_Statement_on_Advancing_Digital_Transformation
[23] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062183
[24] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063119
[25] https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/38384/India_and_Maldives_A_Vision_for_Comprehensive_Economic_and_Maritime_Security_Partnership
[26] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2062127
[27] https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/10/05/2003824789
[28] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-04/eu-votes-to-impose-tariffs-of-up-to-45-on-china-made-evs
[29] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-01/us-imposes-duties-on-southeast-asia-solar-panels-in-trade-probe
[30] https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3280828/chinese-start-numemory-claims-memory-chip-breakthrough-amid-us-tech-sanctions?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection
[31] https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3281156/chip-war-china-claims-breakthrough-silicon-photonics-could-clear-technical-hurdle?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection
[32] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 October 2024), Issue 47&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/29/Science-and-Technology-Issue-47
[33] http://twitter.com/share?text=Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 October 2024), Issue 47&url=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/29/Science-and-Technology-Issue-47&via=Azure Power
[34] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/29/Science-and-Technology-Issue-47
[35] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Dr-Saroj-Bishoyi/20220811