Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 May 2024), Issue 37

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Research Fellow, VIF

May 20 , 2024 Views: 324 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Status of Induction of Technologies into CAPFs, Police & NDRF

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) organised the 8th Technology Council Meeting in New Delhi on 9 May 2024. The meeting was held to review the status of induction of DRDO technologies into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). An exhibition of various DRDO-developed products was also organised as part of the meeting, where latest technologies across diverse domains such as Weapon systems, Communications, Internal security, VIP security, Sustenance etc were showcased. Click here to read...

Manufacturing & Supply of Marine-Grade Aluminum for Construction of Ships

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Hindalco Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 9 May for the manufacturing and supply of indigenous marine-grade aluminium to Indian public and private shipyards for the construction of ships. The MoU will also provide benefits such as quarterly pricing, priority in supplies and Turnover discount. The ICG fleet is presently operating 67 ships with aluminium hull with capability of operating in shallow waters. To further boost coastal security, it has planned to induct more such vessels. Click here to read...

Technology Driving the Revolution in Military Affairs

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan has stated that technology is driving the Revolution in Military Affairs, underscoring the need for amalgamation of present technologies and investment in future emerging technologies. He was addressing a gathering of scientists and engineers of the Department of Atomic Energy on the occasion of National Technology Day on 11 May 2024. He also inaugurated a two-day thematic programme on ‘Atoms for Society: Securing Water, Food & Health’ at BARC, Mumbai. CDS accentuated the nation’s historical prowess in science and technology, encouraging the revival of the imaginative spirit to realise the technologies necessary for national security. Click here to read...

SMART System Successfully Flight-Tested off the Coast of Odisha

Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on 1 May 2024. SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedo. This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. Click here to read...

Keel Laying Ceremony of first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

Keel laying ceremony of the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) (ex-GSL) was held at M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd, Goa on 3 May 2024. The contracts for indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPV were concluded on 30 March 2023 between MoD and M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard M/s GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard M/s GRSE. The NGOPVs will be utilised for performing missions such as Anti-Piracy, Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue and Protection of Offshore Assets. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

ISRO Conducts Successful Hot Testing of Liquid Rocket Engine

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting hot testing of a liquid rocket engine manufactured using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. This achievement marks a remarkable advancement in propulsion technology for space missions. The engine uses the earth-storable bipropellant combinations of Nitrogen Tetroxide as oxidizer and Mono Methyl Hydrazine as fuel in pressure-fed mode and was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO. Click here to read...

Carbon Reduction Initiative of SFO Technologies

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, S Somanath unveiled the carbon reduction initiative of SFO Technologies, the flagship company of the NeST Group on 11 May. Besides planting a sapling at the first private SEZ in India, NeST HiTek Park to mark the occasion, he also unveiled a replica of Chandrayaan at the campus highlighting the cooperation of SFO Technologies and ISRO. Click here to read...

Starlink Satellites under "a Lot of Pressure" due to Geomagnetic Storm

Elon Musk, the owner of the satellite arm of SpaceX, Starlink, issued stern warnings on 11 May, stating that the Starlink satellites are under "a lot of pressure" due to the powerful geomagnetic storm hitting Earth right now. The Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) highlighted that the conditions reached level 5 on the 5-point scale of geomagnetic activity on 10 May evening. The SWPC added that its satellites observed an "extreme" event--the first such storm to reach that level since October 2003, reported Fox News. The company has about 6,000 satellites in low-earth orbit that communicate with ground transceivers, delivering high-speed internet to customers. Click here to read...

Start of New Phase of Second Analog Study with Emirati Crew Member

On 12 May 2024, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the commencement of phase two of the second analog study under the UAE Analog Programme, with Emirati crew member Shareef AlRomaithi entering the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA at 2 AM (UAE time) on 11 May. AlRomaithi was joined by his fellow primary crew members Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, and Piyumi Wijesekara, as they embarked on the 45-day mission within the HERA facility. Click here to read...

Meridian Forum for Space Diplomacy held in Washington

The annual Meridian Forum for Space Diplomacy, held in the US capital, Washington, presented the first annual award for global leadership in the field of space diplomacy to His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the United States of America, in honor and recognition of the country's efforts and celebrating its achievements in the field of outer space. Alia Al Suwaidi, Deputy Head of the UAE Mission in Washington, DC, received the award on behalf of His Excellency. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

Turning Nuclear Waste into an Asset

Fast neutron reactors operating in a closed fuel cycle could make that happen. Fast neutron reactors, which use neutrons that are not slowed by a moderator such as water to sustain the fission chain reaction, offer advantages over existing thermal nuclear reactors. When operated in a fully closed fuel cycle, in which nuclear fuel is recycled and reused, fast reactors have the potential to extract 60 to 70 times more energy from the same amount of natural uranium than thermal reactors, thereby significantly reducing the amount of high level radioactive waste. Click here to read...

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. Click here to read...

President Biden signed into Law a Ban on Russian Enriched Uranium

US President Joe Biden signed into law a ban on Russian enriched uranium on 13 May 2024, the White House said. The ban on imports of the fuel for nuclear power plants begins in about 90 days, although it allows the Department of Energy to issue waivers in case of supply concerns. Russia is the world's top supplier of enriched uranium, and about 24 percent of the enriched uranium used by U.S. nuclear power plants come from the country. The law also unlocks about $2.7 billion in funding in previous legislation to build out the U.S. uranium fuel industry. Click here to read...

Russia Conducts Tactical Nuclear Weapons Drills amid Western 'Threats'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian forces to conduct tactical nuclear weapons exercises in response to what he termed as "threats" from the West. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has hinted at the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons against Western nations. However, on 6 May 2024 marked the first public announcement of such drills by Russia. According to Russia's defence ministry, the exercises will encompass preparations and deployment scenarios involving non-strategic nuclear weapons. Tactical nuclear weapons, unlike their strategic counterparts, are designed for battlefield use and possess lower destructive capabilities, as reported by CNN. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Leveraging Digital Twin Technology

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the selected participants for Stage 1 of the ground-breaking ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’. The Sangam initiative, which was launched on 15 February 2024, aims to revolutionize infrastructure planning and design by leveraging digital twin technology to create precise, dynamic models of physical environments. This innovative approach enables real-time insights and predictive analytics, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of infrastructure projects. Click here to read...

Startups, Academia on “Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint”

In a novel initiative, the DoT brought together start-ups/MSMEs, academia and research institutions under the "Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint". This Sprint was organised by DoT at IIIT, Bangalore. Fifteen leading startups/MSME in the Radio Access Network (RAN), Core ecosystems, esteemed institutions such as IIT Madras, C-DOT, IIT Delhi and other network entities participated. This collaboration engaged in deep-Tech rapid ideation and innovative solution towards developing a comprehensive and future-ready telecom stack encompassing comprehensive 5G solution and setting the stage for future advancements to 6G. Click here to read...

Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development

A National Symposium and Industry Meet on ‘Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development’, was organised by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi on 9 May 2024. The two-day event, with the participation from the Armed Forces, academia, industry and DRDO, aims to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies in infrastructure development in line with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Click here to read...

State of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Banks

A workshop on the ‘State of Artificial Intelligence in Banks’ was held in New Delhi on 9 May 2023. The NASSCOM made a presentation during the workshop to provide banks and financial institutions with insights into best practices for AI adoption and risk mitigation. The event featured several industry experts who shared their experiences and insights on the AI. The workshop served as a platform for participants to learn about various case studies and strategies for implementing AI in the banking sector. By leveraging the expertise of industry leaders, the workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of AI technologies and their potential impact on the financial services industry. Click here to read...

Jigyasa Hosts Student-Science Connect Programme

Jigyasa Division of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NISCPR) hosted a Student-Science Connect programme titled “Impact of Climate Change: Food and Water Sustainability” at the Vivekananda Hall, CSIR-NISCPR campus, New Delhi on 8 May 2024. The programme aimed to engage school students and inspire action towards sustainability through science education. A total of 55 students participated in the program from two schools: Kendriya Vidyalaya BSF Camp Chawla and Cambridge School, Srinivaspuri, New Delhi. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

India-Indonesia Cooperation in Defence Research & Joint Production

Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, M.D.S. was on a visit to India from 2-4 May 2024. During the visit, Secretary General co-chaired the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi on 3 May 2024. He also visited the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi as well as TATA Advanced Systems and L&T Defence facilities in Pune. He held deliberations with other Indian defence industry partners like Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence & Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and discussed ways to enhance defence industrial capabilities by cooperation in research & joint production. Click here to read...

India-Sweden Cooperation in Emerging Techs

India and Sweden held the 7th session of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on 03 May 2024 in Stockholm. Both sides stressed on the need to focus on new emerging technologies like semiconductors, green steel and green batteries. They welcomed the progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and deliberated on the way forward in priority sectors of Innovation & sustainability, trade & investment. The contribution of LeadIT under India Sweden Industry Transition Partnership in combating climate change found a special mention. The two sides also discussed security aspects including cyber security and also agreed to consider having joint collaborations in the defence sector. Click here to read...

Micron's India-Made Semiconductor Chips Set To Hit Markets in 2025

In a significant development for India's semiconductor ambitions, Micron Technology's semiconductor packaging unit in Sanand, Gujarat, is poised to roll out the country's first domestically produced chips in the first half of 2025. According to Anand Ramamoorthy, Managing Director, Micron India, the majority of these chips will be exported right from the outset, reported Mint. He emphasised that no factory in India would cater solely to the domestic market, with a small portion allocated for local consumption and the bulk destined for export markets. The chips produced at the Sanand facility could find applications across various sectors, including data centres, smartphones, notebooks, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Click here to read...

Tata Electronics Starts Exporting Chip Samples to Partners Countries

Tata Electronics Ltd has commenced exporting a limited number of semiconductor chips packaged at its pilot line in its Bengaluru-based R&D centre. These packaged chips are being sent to some of Tata Electronics' partners located in Japan, the US, and Europe. This development comes as the Tata group company prepares for its new chip packaging unit in Assam and a $10 billion chip foundry in Gujarat. According to an ET report quoting a source, "Tata Electronics has packaged chips there which they are sending to customers right now outside the country. They have multiple partners and are expanding their customer base. Some of these (products) are still in the pilot stage." Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

US Imposes a Drastic Tariff Increase on Chinese Goods

On 14 May 2024, President Joe Biden announced that he is imposing a drastic tariff increase on Chinese electric vehicles and new levies on computer chips, solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, also known as EVs, will be quadrupled to a 100% rate. Solar cell and semiconductor imports from China will be subject to a 50% tariff, double the current rate. The rate on certain steel and aluminum imports will increase to 25%, more than triple the current level. The tariff increase will cover $18 billion in Chinese products. Click here to read...

US Revokes Some Licenses for Exports to China's Huawei

The United States has revoked certain licenses for exports to Chinese tech giant Huawei, the Commerce Department said, drawing opposition from Beijing. The move came after criticism last month by Republican lawmakers, who urged President Joe Biden's administration to block all export licenses to the company after it released a new laptop powered by a processor by U.S. chip giant Intel. Huawei has long been caught in an intense technological rivalry between Beijing and Washington, which has warned that the firm's equipment could be used for Chinese espionage operations. Click here to read...

US and China Begin Talks on AI Security Concerns

U.S. and Chinese officials held closed-door talks in Switzerland to discuss security concerns about artificial intelligence (AI). U.S. officials said the Geneva talks will not open the door for China to influence technology policy. Representatives from both countries will discuss ways to reduce the dangers associated with AI, they said. Beijing and Washington are in a tight race to dominate the AI landscape. China is leveraging AI “capabilities across civilian as well as military/national security sectors," a U.S official said, adding that Beijing’s use of AI could compromise “both U.S. and allied national security." Click here to read...

Huawei’s New Pura 70 Pro Smartphone Uses More China-Made Parts

Huawei Technologies’ latest high-end smartphone features more Chinese suppliers, including a new flash memory chip and an improved processor, a teardown analysis showed, pointing to the progress China is making towards tech self-sufficiency. Online tech repair company iFixit and consultancy TechSearch International examined the inside of Huawei’s Pura 70 Pro for Reuters. Huawei’s resurgence in the high-end smartphone market after four years of US sanctions is being widely watched by both rivals and US politicians, as it has become a symbol of growing US-China trade frictions and the mainland's bid for technology self-sufficiency. Click here to read...

Using MRI, Engineers Found a Way to Detect Light Deep in the Brain

Scientists often label cells with proteins that glow, allowing them to track the growth of a tumor, or measure changes in gene expression that occur as cells differentiate. MIT engineers have come up with a novel way to detect this type of light, known as bioluminescence, in the brain: They engineered blood vessels of the brain to express a protein that causes them to dilate in the presence of light. That dilation can then be observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing researchers to pinpoint the source of light. Click here to read...