Science and Technology (S&T) Digest 16-29 February 2024, Issue 32

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

March 15 , 2024 Views: 152 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Digital Flight Control Computer for Tejas Mk1A Flown

In a significant development towards Tejas Mk1A programme, the Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) was integrated in prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on 19th Feb 2024. DFCC has been indigenously developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru for the Tejas - Mk1A. Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer features Quadraplex Power PC based Processor, high speed autonomous state machine based I/O controller, enhanced computational throughput and complex on-board software complied to DO178C level- A safety requirements. Click here to read…

DRDO Flight Tests Very Short Range Air Defence System

DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on 28th & 29th February 2024 from a ground based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives. Click here to read…

DAC Clears Capital Acquisition Proposals worth Rs 84,560 Crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 84,560 crore. In the true spirit of ‘Aatmanirbharta’, the approvals accorded on 16 February 2024 lay special emphasis on procurement of various equipment from Indian vendors. The DAC has accorded AoN under Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)} category for procurement of a new generation of Anti-tank mines having seismic sensor and provision of remote deactivation with additional safety features. Click here to read…

DRDO Hands over 23 Licensing Agreements for ToT to Industries

To enhance cooperation and synergy with the industry, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised a DRDO-Industry Meet on 25 February 2024 during the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at Pune. During the meet, DRDO handed over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and other dignitaries. The technologies transferred cover the domains of electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems and aeronautics. Click here to read…

MoU Signed for Integration of Futuristic Weapons & Sensors for LCA Tejas

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for integration of futuristic Weapons and Sensors for LCA Tejas aircraft. In present war scenario, there is a continuous need of upgrading the weapons and sensors suite of the aircraft and towards this, ADA has initiated the know-how transfer for integration of weapons and sensors to SDI. This will facilitate the IAF to independently carry out sensors, weapon integration and flight testing to enhance the operational capability of Tejas-LCA fighter. Click here to read…

II. STI in Space Sector

Government Approves Amendment in the FDI Policy on Space Sector

The government has approved the amendment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on space sector. Now, the satellites sub-sector has been divided into three different activities with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector. As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted in establishment and operation of Satellites through the Government approval route only. In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Union Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on Space sector by prescribing liberalized FDI thresholds for various sub-sectors/activities. Click here to read…

PM Inaugurates Three Space Infrastructure Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and inaugurated three important space infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1800 crores. The projects include the SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. The Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and bestowed ‘astronaut wings’ to the four astronaut-designates. Click here to read…

India’s Space Economy Opening up New Vistas

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducting a thorough review of the progress made in the Gaganyaan Mission and conferring astronaut wings upon 4 astronauts on 27 February, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that Bio-Economy and Space Economy are going to spearhead India’s future growth story, with India's economic growth already being highest in the world today at more than 6%. The Minister said that the current size of the Indian Space Economy is estimated around $8.4 billion (around 2-3% of global space economy) and it is expected that with the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023, $44 billion Indian space economy can be achieved by the year 2033. Click here to read…

Young Scientist Programme 2024 (YUVIKA) Announced

Children and youth have fascination for space and universe. They are very curious and wish to know everything about all the celestial phenomenon. To address this staunch curiosity of young minds, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organising a special programme for School Children called "Young Scientist Programme" "YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA). The key objective of this initiative is to impart basic knowledge on Space Science, Space Technology and Space Applications to the younger students in emerging trends in space science and technology. ISRO has chalked out this programme to "Catch them young". Click here to read…

III. Nuclear Technology

2D Magnetic Materials for Energy-Efficient Computing

Experimental computer memories and processors built from magnetic materials use far less energy than traditional silicon-based devices. Two-dimensional magnetic materials, composed of layers that are only a few atoms thick, have incredible properties that could allow magnetic-based devices to achieve unprecedented speed, efficiency, and scalability. An MIT team precisely controlled an ultrathin magnet at room temperature, which could enable faster, more efficient processors and computer memories. Click here to read…

Supporting Safe and Reliable Performance of Nuclear Power Plants

In February 2024, more than 50 nuclear communicators from 19 countries across the globe came together as an industry working group (I-WG) to share best practices and align as a single voice dedicated to supporting safe and reliable performance of nuclear power plants across the globe. In June 2023, communication leaders representing nuclear power operators and facilities met in Abu Dhabi for the first-ever Global Nuclear Communications Forum. Understanding the potential gains from working together, communicators formally propositioned and gained unanimous support to establish an Industry Working Group (I-WG), under the guidance of WANO, that would provide the infrastructure needed to begin tackling opportunities. Click here to read…

Optimizing Nuclear Fuels for Next-Generation Reactors

In 2010, when Ericmoore Jossou was attending college in northern Nigeria, the lights would flicker in and out all day, sometimes lasting only for a couple of hours at a time. The frustrating experience reaffirmed Jossou’s realization that the country’s sporadic energy supply was a problem. It was the beginning of his path toward nuclear engineering. Because of the energy crisis, he began his journey “to develop energy technologies that can easily be scaled to meet the energy needs of the world.” Today, Jossou uses computer simulations for rational materials design, AI-aided purposeful development of cladding materials and fuels for next-generation nuclear reactors. Click here to read…

Chad’s Accession to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

On 6 and 7 February 2024, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) visited N’Djamena to promote Chad’s accession to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The visit brought together key national stakeholders and decision-makers involved in the accession process in order to raise awareness concerning the importance of BWC universalization and to encourage broad national cooperation to that end. While the Biological Weapons Convention boasts almost universal membership, twelve States, including Chad, are not yet party to the Convention. Click here to read…

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Scientists Identify a Quantum-Based Model for Understanding New Materials

Researchers have identified a model system of quantum critical points for better understanding new materials. This model system can help understand unusual behaviors in materials near to a quantum critical point and may be used in comprehending entanglement and quantum computing. Silicon and other well-studied materials are understood with the help of well-established frameworks, such as the widely used density functional theory. However, new materials like transition metal oxides, manganates, ruthinates, and iridates are difficult to understand using these frameworks. Click here to read…

Need for Creating Synergy in Quantum Research

The brainstorming session on the call for pre-proposals for setting up the Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) brought together quantum science researchers and quantum technologists from all over India who were keen to participate in India’s historic National Quantum Mission. “We have launched this mission with a goal that as we proceed, we will be making very definitive contributions to quantum technologies along with quantum science. Quantum science and quantum technologies cannot be separated. They must go hand in hand and will need a lot of synergy,” said Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Click here to read…

Scientists Identified a Unique Mechanism of Electric Polarization

Researchers have identified a unique mechanism of electric polarization via magnetic ordering in a novel mineral named “MnBi2S4”, which can be useful for energy efficient data storage. In recent times, the research fraternity has been particularly interested in a particular type of multiferroic called “spin-driven multiferroics”. These spin-driven multiferroic materials exhibit ferroelectricity only when specific magnetic structures are present. This discovery has sparked a lot of interest in finding out new materials with different types of magnetism for various applications. Click here to read…

Government Approves Establishment of Three Semiconductor Units

The government has approved the establishment of three semiconductor units under ‘Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystems in India. All three units will start construction within next 100 days. Within a very short time, India Semiconductor Mission has achieved four big successes. With these units, the semiconductor ecosystem will get established in India. These units will generate direct employment of 20 thousand advanced technology jobs and about 60 thousand indirect jobs. Click here to read…

Facilitating Innovation and Sustainable Solutions in the EV

Experts across different areas connected to Electric Vehicles (EV) sector highlighted the need for synergy between the industry and academia to facilitate innovation and sustainable solutions in the EV, at a workshop organised on the sidelines of the National Science Day Celebrations. Dr V K Saraswat, Member Niti Aayog emphasised on the importance of strengthening the public EV infrastructure across the Nation. He said, “The guidelines and standards involve installation of EV charging stations in which the oil companies can play a key role. Success of EV mobility will need innovations, technologies, public private partnership, and policy decision. Click here to read…

V. International Cooperation

India and Colombia signs MoU on Sharing India's Open-Sourced DPIs

India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation. The MoU intends to promote digital transformation (viz INDIA STACK) through capacity-building programmes, the exchange of best practices, the exchange of public officials and experts, the development of pilot or demo solutions and the facilitation of private sector contacts to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries. Click here to read…

INDUS-X Summit Held to Drive Defence and Technology Cooperation

The much-anticipated INDUS-X Summit was held in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and the United States in defence innovation. Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, and Department of Defence (DoD), United States, in conjunction with the U.S.-India Business Council and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aimed to be a pivotal event driving strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the USA. Click here to read…

iCreate and Microsoft Signed MoU to boost AI Startups in India

International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate), Microsoft signed a MoU facilitated by the Ministry of Electronics & IT to boost AI startups in India. Microsoft and iCreate launched iMPEL-AI (iCreate-Microsoft programme for Emerging Leaders in Artificial Intelligence) programme. The programe will screen 1100 AI innovators across India to become AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and focus on priority themes of Healthcare, Financial Inclusion, Sustainability, Education, Agriculture, and Smart Cities. Microsoft and iCreate will also provide AI skilling opportunities to 11,000 innovators, startups, and young Indians from across the country through Microsoft’s Learning Management System. Click here to read…

India-Germany Cooperation in High Technology in Defence

India-Germany High Defence Committee (HDC) meeting was held in Berlin on 27 February 2024, where the two sides discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, with a focus on developing the defence cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. They exchanged views on the regional security situation, discussed likely joint exercises with Germany in the Indo-Pacific, and deliberated on potential defence industrial projects and proposals. They emphasized on the need for a closer defence partnership and connecting the defence industries from both sides together. Of particular focus was the collaboration in high technology in defence. Click here to read…

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Applied Materials Receives New Subpoenas on China Shipments

According to a company filing, a federal investigation into semiconductor equipment supplier Applied Materials, involving China shipments has widened to other U.S. agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing said that the company had received an SEC subpoena and another subpoena related to China shipments from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts in February. In November 2023, the Commerce Department also sent a subpoena "relating to certain China customer shipments". The company is under U.S. criminal investigation for potentially evading export restrictions on China's top chipmaker SMIC. Click here to read…

Nvidia Sampling Alternative AI Chips to China

Nvidia, US chip giant, said that it has started shipping alternative samples of permissible AI chips to Chinese customers, as Washington’s restrictions on sales of advanced chips to the mainland begin to take a toll on its business in China. Nvidia reported upbeat results for its fourth quarter ended 28 January on the back of robust demand worldwide for its data centre graphics processing units (GPUs), with revenue up 265 per cent year on year to US$22.1 billion, including US$18.4 billion generated from the data center segment. Click here to read…

SMIC, Huawei Projects among Top Government-Supported Endeavours

According to published government documents, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and Huawei Technologies, two key players in Beijing’s efforts to defeat US sanctions on advanced chips, are among the country’s top recipients of local government funding in 2024,. In Shanghai, 16 out of 191 major projects that have local government subsidies are related to the semiconductor industry, according to data released by the city authorities. China’s leading semiconductor companies have been heavily supported by government grants in recent years, especially after the US targeted the sector over concerns it could help modernise the Chinese military. Click here to read…

China Seeks Military Advantage from ASML Tools

The Dutch Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen said in answers to questions from parliament that ASML’s chip-making equipment will be used for Chinese military ends underlie recent decisions to deny the company export licences. Van Leeuwen said that ASML tools are used to make advanced semiconductors that can go into “high-value weapons systems and weapons of mass destruction” and the Dutch government focuses on “the risk of undesirable end use” when reviewing export licensing decisions. Click here to read…