Tag Archives: 5G

In this Issue

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Defence Budget for the Financial Year 2023-24

The Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total Budget of Rs 5,93,537.64 crore (about US $72 billion), which is 13.18 percent of the total Union Budget for Financial Year (FY) 2023-24. Accordingly, the Capital Allocations pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development of the Defence Services has been increased to Rs 1,62,600 crore representing a rise of Rs 10,230 crore (6.7 percent) over FY 2022-23. Towards strengthening Research and Development in Defence, the allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been enhanced by 9 percent, with a total allocation of Rs 23,264 crore in BE 2023-24. To further foster innovation, encourage technology development and strengthen the Defence Industrial ecosystem in the country, iDEX and DTIS have been allocated Rs 116 crore and Rs 45 crore respectively representing an enhancement of 93 percent for iDEX and 95 percent for DTIS over 2022-23. For more information: Click here to read…

Mission Mode Projects of the DRDO

As on 3 February 2023, the DRDO is working on 55 Mission Mode (MM) Projects for a total sanctioned cost of Rs 73,942.82 crore. These are in the area of Decoys, Nuclear Defence Technologies, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Combat Suite, Propulsion System, Air Droppable Container, Torpedo, Fighter Aircraft, Cruise Missile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, AEW&C Aircraft System, Gas Turbine Engine, Assault Rifle, Warhead, Light Machine Gun, Rocket, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Infantry Combat Vehicle Command, Ordnance Disposal System, Tactical Radios, EW Systems, Radars, Life Support System, Geographical Information System, Surface to Air Missile, Anti-ship Missile, anti-Airfield Weapon, Glide Bomb, Simulator etc. For more information: Click here to read…

PM Modi Inaugurates HAL’s Helicopter Manufacturing Factory

In yet another step towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ or Self-Reliant in defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory to the nation in Tumakuru, Karnataka on 6 February 2023. The Prime Minister lauded the talent and innovation of Karnataka youth and said the manufacturing sector’s strength is manifested in products from drones to Tejas fighter planes. “Double-engine government has made Karnataka the first choice of investors” the Prime Minister asserted and illustrated the point by the HAL project dedicated for which the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in 2016 with a pledge for reducing the foreign dependence for defence needs. For more information: Click here to read…

PM Modi Inaugurates 14th edition of Aero India 2023

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India 2023 at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru on 13 February 2023. The theme of Aero India 2023 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’ and will witness participation by more than 80 countries along with 800 defence companies including around 100 foreign and 700 Indian companies. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, the event will focus on displaying indigenous equipment/technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies. Prime Minister’s emphasis on Aatmanirbharta in the Indian Defence sector will also be displayed, as the event will showcase the country’s progress in design leadership, growth in UAVs Sector, Defence Space and futuristic technologies. For more information: Click here to read…

MoD Signs Contract with L&T for Procurement of 41 Indigenous Modular Bridges

In a major boost to indigenisation of defence equipment under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved the proposal for indigenous manufacture of 41 sets of Modular Bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. These game-changing bridges have been designed and developed by the DRDO and shall be produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as DRDO-nominated production agency. The contract for the procurement of Modular Bridges was signed with L&T on 8 February 2023 at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,585 crore. For more information: Click here to read…

Indigenous Manufacturing of AK-203 Rifles

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenized assault rifle at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The Rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage. Indigenization of AK-203 Rifles will lead to self-sufficiency in respect of Assault Rifles for Indian Defence Forces, which is in the spirit of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. For more information: Click here to read…

Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor

In Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), five nodes namely Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli have been identified. As per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, arrangements have been made through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore by 53 Industries & Organisations in TNDIC. As on date, Rs 3,861 crore have already been invested by the Industries/Organisations. The setting up of new industries in an area generates opportunities for direct and indirect employment. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

SSLV Launches Three Satellites

On 10 February 2023, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) successfully launched three satellites into their intended orbits. In its second developmental flight, the SSLV-D2 vehicle placed EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into their intended 450 km circular orbit with an inclination of 37 degrees. It took-off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota at 09:18 hours IST and took about 15 minutes to inject the satellites. SSLV is the new small satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO to cater the launch of small satellites up to 500 kg to Low Earth Orbits on ‘launch-on-demand’ basis. For more information: Click here to read…

Total Imports and Exports in Space Tech-Based Industry

In FY 2021-22, items worth Rs. 2,114 Crore (approx.) were imported for executing various projects/ programmes; and, Rs. 174.90 Crore was generated towards export of launch services, data sales and in-orbit support services and post-launch operations. As on 8 February 2023, 135 applications have been received by IN-SPACe from 135 Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the Space Sector, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha in reply to a question on Start-Ups in Space. The Minister informed that a new Seed fund scheme has been approved by IN-SPACe Board to provide initial financial assistance to Indian space start-ups. A revised FDI policy in space sector to facilitate overseas investment in NGEs and a National Space Policy are also in the process of final approval of the Government. For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Objects Orbiting the Earth

There are a total of 111 payloads and 105 Space Debris identified as Indian Objects orbiting the Earth, as tracked and catalogued by USSPACECOM and published in spacetrack website, as on 20 January 2023. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, all orbiting debris will have impact on the sustainability of outer space and future missions and added that ISRO has been carrying out many studies on impacts of growing space debris on space environment. ISRO has carried out 21 collision avoidance manoeuvres of Indian Operational Space assets in 2022 to avoid collision threats from other space objects. For more information: Click here to read…

Augmenting Domestic Capacity for Realisation of Space Tourism

The Indian Government is taking measures to augment domestic capacity for future realisation of space tourism. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO has also carried out a few feasibility studies for a sub-orbital space tourism mission onboard a liquid propellant stage booster. Gaganyaan, India’s maiden human spaceflight programme, ISRO is engaged in development of various technologies, which are essential building blocks for human space missions. The Minister informed that the objective of the Gaganyaan programme is the demonstration of human spaceflight capability to Low earth orbit. Future missions will be taken up after the accomplishment of Gaganyaan mission. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the capability of AI-enabled machines to use existing text, audio files, or images to create new content. The use of Generative AI is still in its early stages, and its impact is likely to grow as technology continues to evolve and improve. The Government is cognizant of the emergence of these technologies and their rapid proliferation in sectors like education, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and others. There is no data available on Generative AI employment. However, as per NASSCOM data, the overall AI employment in India is estimated at about 416,000 professionals. The growth rate for the sector is estimated at about 20-25 percent. Further, AI is expected to contribute an additional USD 957 billion to India’s economy, by 2035. For more information: Click here to read…

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), a flagship scheme under Startup India initiative has been implemented with eﬀect from 1st April 2021. Under the Scheme, Rs. 477.25 crore has been approved to 133 incubators of which Rs. 211.63 crore has been disbursed as on 31st December 2022, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash said in his reply to a Parliament Question on 3 February 2023. The SISFS has been approved with a corpus of Rs. 945 crore for the period of 4 years starting from 2021-22. Other ﬂagship schemes under Startup India initiative include Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) extend support to startups at various stages of their business cycle. For more information: Click here to read…

Use of Drone Technology in Coal Mines

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), the premier Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal has introduced drone technology in coal mines by launching a web- based portal VIHANGAM along with a drone and ground control system. The portal allows an authorised person to access real time drone video from the mine through a dedicated 40 Mbps internet lease line near the mines. There is a control station that flies the drone and the system can be operated through the portal from anywhere. This pilot project is at present operational at Bhubaneswari and Lingraj opencast mines of Talcher Coalfields. MCL is making use of drone technology for environmental monitoring, volume measurement and photogrammetric mapping of mine for digitalization of mining process. Besides deploying state- of- art technology to further enhance record coal production, MCL has also stepped up the use of latest equipment to further enhance safety standards. For more information: Click here to read…

Promoting Drones in Agriculture Sector

The Indian government has released funds amounting to Rs. 126.99 crores towards Kisan Drone promotion based on the proposals received so far. This includes Rs. 52.50 crores released to the ICAR for purchase of 300 Kisan Drones and organizing their demonstrations on the farmers’ fields in 75000 hectares through 100 KVKs, 75 ICAR institutions and 25 SAUs. It also includes funds released to various State Governments for supply of more than 300 Kisan Drone to farmers on subsidy and establishment of more than 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs to provide drone services to the farmers. The use of Kisan Drones has a potential to provide ample opportunities of employment to people in rural areas. For more information: Click here to read…

5G Services in India

Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have started providing 5G services in the country from 1st October 2022 onwards. As on 31 January 2023, 5G services have been started in 238 cities distributed across all license service areas. The Indian Government has established a road map to make 5G services available in different parts of the country through rollout obligations. As per the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) dated 15 June 2022 for auction of spectrum and the license conditions, the rollout obligations are required to be met over a period of five years, in a phased manner, from the date of allocation of spectrum. For more information: Click here to read…

Initiatives to Promote Electricity Mobility and Increase Charging Stations for EVs

Several initiatives have been taken to promote electricity mobility including Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The steps taken to increase the number of the charging stations across the country include: Ministry of Power along with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Heavy Industries and NITI Aayog has launched a nationwide “Go Electric” Campaign on 19 February 2021 to educate the general public on the benefits of EVs. Action plans for 9 major cities have been prepared by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for installation of Public Charging Stations. As per the initial estimates, a total of 46,397 Public Charging Stations (PCS) are being targeted in these cities by 2030. For more information: Click here to read…

TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Digital Connectivity Infrastructure

On 11 February 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Consultation Paper on “Introduction of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider Authorization under Unified License (UL)”. The purpose of this Consultation Paper is to seek views of stakeholders on the proposed DCIP authorization under Unified License. A robust Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) contributes significantly to economic development both by increasing productivity and by providing amenities that enhance the quality of life. DCI plays a vital and leading role in successful implementation of various Government schemes under Digital India, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and development of Smart Cities. For more information: Click here to read…

Digital Transactions Increasing in India

Digital payment transactions have significantly increased as a result of coordinated efforts of the Government as a whole, along with all stake holders concerned, from 2,071 crore transactions in FY 2017-18 to 8,840 crore transactions in FY 2021-22 (Source: RBI, NPCI and banks). During last five years, various easy and convenient modes of digital payments, including Bharat Interface for Money-Unified Payments Interface (BHIM-UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), and National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) have registered substantial growth and have transformed digital payment ecosystem by increasing person-to-person (P2P) as well as person-to-merchant (P2M) payments. BHIM UPI has emerged as the preferred payment mode of the citizens and has recorded 803.6 crore digital payment transactions with the value of ₹ 12.98 lakh crore in January 2023. For more information: Click here to read…

Digitization of Courts in India

The Indian Government has launched the eCourts Integrated Mission Mode Project in the country for computerization of District and subordinate courts with the objective of improving access to justice using technology. As part of the National eGovernance Plan, the project is under implementation since 2007 for ICT development of the Indian Judiciary based on the “National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology in the Indian Judiciary”. eCourts project is being implemented in association with e-Committee Supreme Court of India and Department of Justice. Phase I of the project was implemented during 2011-2015. Phase II of the project started in 2015 under which 18,735 District & Subordinate courts have been computerised. For more information: Click here to read…

Six Greenfield Airports Operationalised since 2019

Since 2019, six Greenfield airports namely, Kalaburagi (project cost Rs. 175.57 crore), Orvakal (Kurnool) (project cost Rs. 187 crore), Sindhudurg (project cost Rs. 520 crore), Itanagar (project cost Rs. 646 crore)Kushinagar (project cost Rs. 448 crore) and Mopa (project cost Rs.2870 crore) have been operationalised, out of which Kushinagar and Mopa airports are International airports. For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Nuclear Power Capacity Increasing

India’s Nuclear Power capacity witnessed a quantum jump since 2014. Going by the exact figures, in the year 2013-14 if the annual nuclear power generation stood at 35,333 Million Units, in the latest year of 2021-22 it stands at 47,112 Million Units which is nearly 30 to 40 percent increase within a short span of over eight and a half years. Dr Jitendra Singh noted that the world’s first thorium based nuclear plant “Bhavni” using Uranium-233 is being set up at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu. It is going to be entirely indigenous and the first-of-its-kind. The experimental thorium plant “Kamini” already exists in Kalpakkam. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India-Argentina S&T Cooperation

A high level delegation led by Argentina’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation of Argentina, Mr Daniel Filmus visited India and called on Dr Jitendra Singh. During the visit, the two sides discussed bilateral collaboration on a wide range of areas, including the Argentina Minister sought India’s support to deploy technologies for implementation by industry and facilitating the entrepreneurs in Argentina. Dr Jitendra Singh informed his Argentinian counterpart Mr Filmus that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with world-class expertise and facilities, is one of the largest industrial R&D organizations in the world with 37 multi-disciplinary R&D institutes located across India. With its state-of-the-art expertise, capacities and capabilities CSIR could contribute effectively towards Research and Innovation Collaborations, Technology Partnerships, Research Infrastructure Development & Sharing, and Capacity Building. For more information: Click here to read…

India-EU Technology Cooperation

On 6 February 2023, under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), India and the EU announced the establishment of the three Working Groups: i) Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity; ii) Green & Clean Energy Technologies; and, iii) Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains. The TTC is a strategic coordination mechanism that will allow both partners to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology and security, and thus deepen cooperation in these fields between India and the EU. It will be co-chaired on the Indian side by the Ministers for External Affairs; Commerce & Industry; and Communications, Electronics & Information Technology. For more information: Click here to read…

India-France Tech Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi participated in a video call with President of France Emmanuel Macron on the occasion of the launch of a partnership between Air India and Airbus. Air India and Airbus have signed a contract for the supply of 250 aircraft, 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody A350s to Air India. This commercial partnership between these two players of the aviation sector also displays the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Complimenting the strong presence of French companies in India, Prime Minister also recalled the recent decision by French aerospace engine manufacturer SAFRAN to set up its largest MRO facility in India to service aircraft engines for both Indian and international carriers. For more information: Click here to read…

India-US Tech Cooperation

On 14 February 2023, President Joe Biden had a phone call with Prime Minister Modi to discuss the historic agreement for Air India to purchase over 200 American-made aircraft from Boeing. President Biden noted how the sale will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and help Air India meet growing demands for air transportation in India. The two leaders also discussed the importance of the strategic technology partnership between the two countries, highlighting the recent inaugural launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) hosted in Washington in January 2023. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

AI Chatbots: Next US-China Tech War

After Chip War, China is getting ready for the next tech war against the US amid rapid advances in generative AI in recent months. Chinese companies are stepping up efforts to enter the fast-growing AI content sector. But apart from the hype and excitement, people are probably missing the threat factors, especially with China in the AI game. An American company, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has swept the globe because of its advanced conversational features since its launch in November 2022. On 6 February 2023, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the launch of its own AI chatbot, Bard, in a blog post. Google’s Chinese equivalent, Baidu Inc, revealed on 7 February that it will complete internal testing of Ernie Bot, a comparable AI chatbot project, by March and then go live. For more information: Click here to read…

Japan, Netherlands to Join US in Restricting Chinese Accesses to Advanced Materials

The US, Japan, and the Netherlands are also in discussions to restrict China’s access to materials for semiconductor technology and for the manufacturing of advanced processor chips which, they claim, can be used in weapons. The Chinse government has protested the move and continue to do so, claiming the West is trying to “maintain its hegemony” and containing China by abusing export controls. It charges the United States of encouraging other countries ganging up against China as well. For more information: Click here to read…

ASML says Chinese Employee Stole Information about Its Technology

The Netherlands’ ASML, one of the world’s major suppliers to the semiconductor industry and the sole producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography photolithography devices, has claimed that a former employee in China stole sensitive technological information in a data breach. Based on its preliminary investigations, ASML believes that the misappropriated data will not have a negative impact on its current operations, although it concedes that some “export control requirements” may have been breached. ASML has subsequently disclosed the data breach to the appropriate authorities, and it is “implementing further corrective steps in light of this event.” According to a Gartner report, ASML is a crucial cornerstone of the worldwide technology supply chain, holding over 90 per cent of the global market for chipmaking lithography equipment by 2021. For more information: Click here to read…

South Korea Concerned about Possible Leakage of Trade Secrets to China

As a result of the United States sweeping sanctions on Chinese tech companies, South Korea, one of China’s largest trading partners is now worried that certain companies may leak trade secrets to the Chinese. After getting Japan and the Netherlands to impose certain trade restrictions on the country, particularly those that would not allow tech companies based in these countries to sell technology or machinery that would allow the Chinese to develop the latest generation of semiconductors, the US is now going after China’s trade with South Korea. According to Korean specialists, as US’ efforts to deny China access to chip innovations increase, South Korea is on the lookout for technical knowledge and guides being leaked to China. In the last 5-6 years, China has reportedly been involved in over 110 cases of corporate espionage and industrial espionage with South Korean tech companies. Of these, about 36 have been related to tech which is at the centre of South Korea’s tech industry. For more information: Click here to read…

US Military Shot Down the Chinese Surveillance Balloon and Unidentified Objects

The US military shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon in early February 2023 and subsequently three unidentified objects. Since then US-China tensions have been high. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly called off his planned 5 February trip to Beijing. Just days later, the Pentagon said China refused a call from US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Administration officials say the device was part of an international “high-altitude balloon programme for intelligence collection” by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) that has flown over 40 countries. Beijing maintains that the balloon was a civilian airship used for meteorological research. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said that the incident “underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between our diplomats and military professionals” and reiterated that his administration is “not looking for a new Cold War” with China. For more information: Click here to read…

The UK Falling Behind in the Global Semiconductor Race

As nations around the world scramble to secure crucial semiconductor supply chains over fears about relations with China, the UK is falling behind. Britain’s government has been readying a plan to diversify supply chains for key components and boost domestic production. However, a lack of experience and joined-up policy-making in Whitehall, a period of intense political upheaval in Downing Street, and new US controls on the export of advanced chips to China, have collectively stymied the UK’s efforts to develop its own coherent plan. Against this backdrop, many of the UK’s allies are investing billions in domestic manufacturing. The Biden administration’s CHIPS Act, passed last summer, offers $52 billion in subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing in the US. The EU has its own €43 billion plan to subsidize production — although its own stance is not without critics. Emerging producers like India, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan are also making headway in their own multi-billion-dollar efforts to foster domestic manufacturing. Now the UK government is under mounting pressure to show its own hand. For more information: Click here to read…

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 01-15 January 2023, Issue 5

February 3, 2023 vd@admin

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

DAC Approves AoN for Three Capital Acquisition Proposals
Keel Laying of the Two Warships of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft
Successful Training Launch of Prithvi-II Carried Out off
ICG Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones
Startup Firm IG Drones Develops India’s First 5G-Enabled Drone, Skyhawk
Technology Acquiring Centre Stage

II. STI in Space Sector

The MoS&T Notifies National Geospatial Policy, 2022
Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial Ecosystem
Symposium on Space Science and Technology
Chandrayaan-3 Mission Anticipated To be Launched in August 2023

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Start-up India Innovation Week
India’s Fastest Payment App, PayRup, Launched
‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Launched
Symposium on Emerging and Strategic Technologies
Vidisha Becomes First District in India for Deployment of 5G Use
Effective Use of S&T Important for Progress of Agriculture
Start-ups in Agriculture Sector
Intelligent Tray Retrieval System
Contribution of Women in STEM & Biodiversity Conservation

IV. International Cooperation

India’s Role in the Technology Sector in G20
‘Stay Safe Online’ and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ Launched
India-France Technology Cooperation
Joint Projects with Japan for Digital Transformation of ITS and Mobility
Emagia, USA, and Osmania University Sign Agreement on AI and Fintech
India-US Emerging Technology Cooperation

V. Regional and Global Trends

‘US Needs to Boost Tech Investments to Stay Competitive’, Senate Democrats
US-China Quantum Technology Race
US Sanction China on Chips Yield No Immediate Effect
China Published More Scientific Papers than the US
Drone Advances in Ukraine Could Mark a New Age of Warfare

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

DAC Approves AoN for Three Capital Acquisition Proposals

On 10 January 2023, a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals – HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, and Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) – amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. For more information: Click here to read…

Keel Laying of the Two Warships of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft

Keel laying of the two warships (Yard 3033 and Yard 3036) of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft (ASW SWC) project under construction by GRSE, Kolkata, was undertaken on 31 December 22 by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80 percent indigenous content, ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units thereby generating employment and capability build up within the country. For more information: Click here to read…

Successful Training Launch of Prithvi-II Carried Out off

On 10 January 2023, a successful training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II, was carried out on from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. A well-established system, Prithvi-II missile, has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. The missile struck its target with high accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile. For more information: Click here to read…

ICG Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones

In a major boost to Marine Surveillance and Interdiction capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has concluded maiden contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology. These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance & Security operations. For more information: Click here to read…

Startup Firm IG Drones Develops India’s First 5G-Enabled Drone, Skyhawk

Startup firm IG Drones, which was born out of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) campus in Odisha’s Sambalpur has developed a 5G-enabled drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. The drone named Skyhawk can be used in defence and medical applications, among other sectors. The drone can carry a 10 kg payload and has an endurance of around five hours. With Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) providing 5G services in the country, these drones can be controlled with much more precision and can be controlled from the command centre directly rather than being on the field. For more information: Click here to read…

Technology Acquiring Centre Stage

Addressing Indian Army personnel and other persons on the occasion of 75th Army Day on 15 January, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with technology acquiring centre stage in today’s world, the majority of the weapons are operated through Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby eliminating the need for any in-person human presence. He added big armies in the world are working on modernization and working on new thoughts, ideas, technology and organizational structure. They are doing research on new platforms and equipment. Keeping in mind future requirements, we should also work on strategies, tactics and policies. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

The MoS&T Notifies National Geospatial Policy, 2022

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T) has notified the National Geospatial Policy, 2022. After liberalizing the use of geospatial data under the draft Geospatial Data policy in February 2022, the Indian government has now outlined a 13-year guideline for the development of the geospatial data industry in the country, developing a national framework to use geospatial data for improving citizen services, and more. As part of its outlay, the policy will seek to develop a national geospatial data framework, and enable “easy availability” of data to businesses and general public. For more information: Click here to read…

Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial Ecosystem

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh has launched “Geospatial Hackathon” to promote Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial ecosystem. After launching the “Geospatial Hackathon” on 14 January 2023, the Minister said that the Hackathon will promote Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial ecosystem. He invited the nation’s youth to participate and contribute towards the building of the nation’s geospatial economy. For more information: Click here to read…

Symposium on Space Science and Technology

The symposium on Space Science and Technology was organised on the second day of Indian Science Congress on 4 January at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Campus of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully undertaken many near impossible space expeditions and projects. DTH Service, Weather Forecast has been possible due to satellite technology. The scientists participating in the Symposium opined that the objective of the expeditions and projects by ISRO are aimed at developing technology that can be helpful to the common people. For more information: Click here to read…

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Anticipated To be Launched in August 2023

According to a report by The Hindu, Chairman of the ISRO, S. Somnath, at a conference stated that the Chandrayaan-3 mission is anticipated to be launched in August 2023. While the mission’s criteria would stay the same, the design was changing in a number of ways, according to Dr Somnath. In contrast to Chandrayaan-2, “the design and engineering are drastically changed to make it more resilient and avoid the issues from the previous time.” For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Start-up India Innovation Week

The Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organizing Start-up India Innovation Week from 10th January 2023 to 16th January 2023 to celebrate the Indian Start-up Ecosystem. With an aim to reach ecosystem stakeholders and enablers across the length and breadth of the nation, several events were successfully conducted during the Start-up India Innovation Week, including Start-up India, in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) organised a two-day physical workshop on women for startups, in Kochi, on 10th and 11th January 2023; organised a Virtual Mock Pitching Session for all existing women entrepreneurs from the eight states of northeast; and, hosted a webinar on the topic “Bridging the Bridge: Going Global”. For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Fastest Payment App, PayRup, Launched

India’s fastest payment app was launched on 8 January 2023. PayRup is built by cutting-edge technology of web 3.0. It provides advanced digital payment experience with outstanding user experience. PayRup users can pay utility bills and landline bills, recharge their mobile, broadband, DTH, and purchase Gift Cards. PayRup services are planned to expand across various financial instruments, including multiple payment services such as school fees, pay rent, and other payment collection services. Recently, PayRup has announced ticketing and booking services for flights, buses, and hotels along with a few other USPs. For more information: Click here to read…

‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Launched

On 6 January 2023, Dr Jitendra Singh launched “One Week One Lab” campaign highlighting India’s global excellence in technology, innovation and Start-Ups. The Minister informed that in the “One Week One Lab” Campaign of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), each of its 37 constituent laboratories, spread Nationwide, will showcase their legacy, exclusive innovations and technological breakthroughs every successive week. During the campaign each CSIR lab shall be organizing week long events including industry & start-ups meet, students connect, society connect, display of technologies, etc. For more information: Click here to read…

Symposium on Emerging and Strategic Technologies

A seminar on ‘Emerging and Strategic Technologies’ was organised on 5th January at the Dr. A.K. Dorley Auditorium in the ongoing Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. During the symposium, P Siva Prasad, gave a presentation on ‘Asymmetric Technology’. He explained how heterogeneous technologies are cost-effective, subtle and disruptive. Prof. RP Singh, PRL Ahmedabad, spoke about ‘Quantum Technologies and Photonics: Application Oriented Research’. For more information: Click here to read…

Vidisha Becomes First District in India for Deployment of 5G Use

Vidisha, an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh became the first ever district in India for on ground deployment of innovative 5G use cases offered by startups – a joint initiative by Vidisha District Administration and Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the guidance of Additional Secretary (Telecom) & Administrator USOF. For more information: Click here to read…

Effective Use of S&T Important for Progress of Agriculture

Speaking in the inaugural function of Farmers Science Congress, organised in Nagpur as a part of 108th Indian Science Congress, on 5 January, Basant Kumar Das, Director, Central Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said that “The nation has made tremendous progress in food grain production and our farmers’ meticulous efforts have made the biggest contribution to it. However, it is seen that the economic condition of the farmers has not improved much. Hence effective use of modern S&T is important for the progress of agriculture”. He asserted that farmers need to be aware of market techniques. For more information: Click here to read…

Start-ups in Agriculture Sector

On 5 January 2023, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated “National Genome Editing & Training Centre” at National Agri-food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) Mohali, Punjab. The Minister said that the Start-Up movement has picked up momentum in India and led to creation of over 80,000 Start-Ups whose number was only about 350 before 2014. This quantum jump in the number of Start-Ups must equally and proportionally reflect in Agri and Bio-tech as well because this area is yet to be fully explored and taken advantage of by Indian entrepreneurs and youth. The Minister insisted on creating awareness about lucrative livelihood and income avenues in Agri-tech entrepreneurship. For more information: Click here to read…

Intelligent Tray Retrieval System

Minister for MSME Narayan Rane inaugurated virtually Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS), Manufactured by M/s SJK Innovations Pvt. Ltd, a MSME-Make in India Company at MOPA (GOA) International airport. The ITRS is an AI based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology. The machine is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools that makes it easy for the screener to take correct decisions against every baggage. This in turn helps the passenger to complete the screening much faster and easier when compared to the conventional machines. For more information: Click here to read…

Contribution of Women in STEM & Biodiversity Conservation

The contribution of women in all walks of life, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as conservation of biodiversity, was highlighted at the 10th Women Science Congress (WSC), organised as a part of the 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University during 5-6 January 2023. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India’s Role in the Technology Sector in G20

India has a crucial role to play in its G20 presidency in the technology sector. As a country with a strong focus on technology and innovations, it has a significant role to play in bridging the digital divide. India’s Chief Coordinator for G20, Harsh V. Shringla said that the principle of data for development will be an integral part of the overall theme of India’s presidency of the group of the world’s developed and emerging economies. For more information: Click here to read…

Stay Safe Online’ and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ Launched

As part of India’s G20 presidency, the Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the “Stay Safe Online” campaign and the “G20 Digital Innovation Alliance” (G20-DIA). MeitY, the Nodal Ministry for the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG). During its G20 presidency, MeitY will focus on three priority areas, namely Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Cyber Security, and Digital Skill Development, together with the Stay Safe Online campaign and DIA programme under the DEWG. MeitY aims to carry forward the vision of the digital transformation of the global digital economy for public service delivery through innovation and a future-ready digitally skilled workforce in a secure cyber environment. For more information: Click here to read…

India-France Technology Cooperation

India’s National Security Adviser, Ajiit Doval and Diplomatic Adviser to the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Bonne co-chaired the annual India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 5 January 2023. During the Strategic Dialogue and the meetings, the two sides discussed global security environment, expanding the scope of defence cooperation to include co-development of futuristic technologies in line with India’s priorities of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Both sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation including in the South West Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific and pursuit of new initiatives in Critical and Emerging Technologies. For more information: Click here to read…

Joint Projects with Japan for Digital Transformation of ITS and Mobility

Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reiterated India’s intense support towards cooperation with Japan in the sector of highways development, administration, and monitoring with the implementation of digital technology-enabled Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) services in his interaction with the Japanese Delegation led by Mr. Koichi Hagiuda and Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki. The Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has always placed the Indo-Pacific at the heart of its engagement with the countries of Southeast and East Asia vide India’s Act East Policy. For more information: Click here to read…

Emagia, USA, and Osmania University Sign Agreement on AI and Fintech

Advancing its commitment to innovations and future ready workforce, Emagia, USA announced the launch of Fintech Innovation Labs at Osmania University (OU) in collaboration with Osmania Foundation, Hyderabad. Emagia and Osmania Foundation will set up joint Emagia-OU Fintech Innovation Labs at the OU College of Engineering to focus on research and development of the latest digital technology solutions using AI, ML, Blockchain, Web3, IoT, and other technologies aimed to accelerate fintech innovations. An agreement to this effect was signed between Emagia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California USA, and Osmania Foundation, Hyderabad, India. For more information: Click here to read…

India-US Emerging Technology Cooperation

A high level US delegation led by Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, National Science Foundation visited India for discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation on the areas of emerging technologies. During the visit, Dr Panchanathan “proposed deeper cooperation with India in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Quantum, Semiconductor, Clean Energy, Advanced Wireless, Biotechnology, Geosciences, Astrophysics and Defence.” He also called on Dr Jitendra Singh who told the US delegation that Prime Minister Modi has opened new opportunities and possibilities in all areas of Scientific Endeavors, but more so in areas of Space, Biotech, Geospatial and Sustainable Start-ups. These are the best of the times for both India and America to forge a durable and strong bond for global leadership in fighting global challenges. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

‘US Needs to Boost Tech Investments to Stay Competitive’, Senate Democrats

Three US Senate Democrats – Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) – said at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) that the US needs to boost its investments in tech advancements in order to stay competitive on a global market. Sen. Warner (D-Va.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said one of his priorities for the year is pushing for investments in AI, quantum computing, advanced engineering and synthetic biology. The senators underscored the importance of investments in domestic production of key technologies by noting the vast array of innovations on display at the show, ranging from advancements in automobiles to kitchen appliances. For more information: Click here to read…

US-China Quantum Technology Race

A team of Chinese researchers, led by Professor Long Guilu of Tsinghua University, have claimed a breakthrough to solve vulnerabilities of mainstream encryption mechanisms. They have claimed that their new, quantum code-breaking algorithm could reduce the scale of a practical quantum computer. The team claimed that their newly-discovered algorithm could reduce scale of a practical quantum computer to 372 qubits. However, the claim has been met with doubts from researchers in the United States. For more information: Click here to read…

US Sanction China on Chips Yield No Immediate Effect

The US has been trying to sanction China for some time now and has asked Japan and the Netherlands to put up sanctions that would stop tech companies from working with the Chinese chip industry. These sanctions won’t show any immediate effect. The White House will discuss a recent crackdown on exports of chip-making tools to China with Japanese and Dutch officials during upcoming visits, but they will not result in “immediate” pledges from the two countries to impose similar curbs. For more information: Click here to read…

China Published More Scientific Papers than the US

In 2022, Chinese researchers published three times as many papers on AI as US researchers and also outnumbered US papers by a 2-to-1 ratio in the top 1 percent most-cited research in the field. By at least one measure, China now leads the world in producing high-quality science. It is not the only nation to drastically improve its science capacity in recent years, but China’s rise has been particularly dramatic. This has left US policy experts and government officials worried about how China’s scientific supremacy will shift the global balance of power. For more information: Click here to read…

Drone Advances in Ukraine Could Mark a New Age of Warfare

According to military analysts, combatants and AI researchers, drone advances in Ukraine have accelerated a long-anticipated technology trend that could soon bring the world’s first fully autonomous fighting robots to the battlefield, inaugurating a new age of warfare. The longer the war lasts, the more likely it becomes that drones will be used to identify, select and attack targets without help from humans. That would mark a revolution in military technology as profound as the introduction of the machine gun. For more information: Click here to read…

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest

Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 01-15 December 2022, Issue 3

January 2, 2023 vd@admin

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment
DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System
Space Defence Mission
‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

II. STI in Space Sector

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’
Usage of NaviC System Increased in India
Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets
DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT
Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years
Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued
FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs
Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs
Rolling out of 5G Network Services
Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy
Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027
Scope for New and Renewable Energy
Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups
Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India
AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum
A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated
Digitization of MSMEs

IV. International Cooperation

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India
India-UAE Space Cooperation
India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda
India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

V. Regional and Global Trends

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List
President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona
Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries
Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms
China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment

Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are being equipped with indigenous state-of-the-art ships and weapons to protect the maritime borders of the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement on 2 December 2022. The Minister highlighted a number of initiatives taken by the Government to encourage indigenous manufacturing of weapons/ products and minimise imports by DPSUs. The initiatives include notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists comprising Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems and SRIJAN portal. For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of Akash Weapon System (Indian Army Version) to Missile Systems Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) in Hyderabad on 3 December 2022. The handing over was held at Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) which, as a nodal agency, has designed and developed the Akash weapon system. Akash is the first state-of-the-art indigenous surface-to-air missile system which has been with Armed Forces for nearly a decade defending the Indian skies and providing national security. For more information: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission

Mission DefSpace was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during DefExpo in October 2022 with 75 Defence Space Challenges relevant to the end users. These challenges have been categorised into existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I and Make-2. Private Industries, including Start-ups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators, are eligible to apply. The challenges, classified into five buckets viz. Launch System, Satellite System, Communication & Payload System, Ground System and Software System, provide a holistic 3600 overview of space. In this regard, several policy initiatives and reforms have been brought to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment, there by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing & technology in the country. For more information: Click here to read…

‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups

A total of 52 individuals and 34 start-ups have been awarded under three ‘Dare to Dream’ contests out of 5,637 applications received in last three years. A total of 07 projects have been sanctioned and awarded to start-ups of Dare to Dream contest winners so far. DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups, recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and with Indian founders, for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Government of UT – Ladakh has approached the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for developing “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’ for UT-Ladakh”. The project encompasses spatial database generation (water resources, vegetation and energy potential) using remote sensing, geospatial techniques and the development of a Geo-portal for hosting this database. For more information: Click here to read…

Usage of NaviC System Increased in India

Dr Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 7 December 2022, said that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NaviC system) has increased in India. The NaviC system finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety, etc. Other upcoming initiatives viz. common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. are in the process of adopting NavIC system. The Minister said that many mobile phone models in the country are already having NaviC compatibility. For more information: Click here to read…

Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets

The Department of Space (DoS) has initiated studies towards undertaking the development of critical technologies required to achieve Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets and their demonstration through Vertical Take-off & Vertical Landing (VTVL) of Test Vehicles. In order to become an active stakeholder in the small satellite market, ISRO/DoS has initiated development of Spacecraft buses for the small satellites, which includes nano-satellite and micro-satellites. For more information: Click here to read…

DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities

The DoS is in the process of establishing a predictable, forward-looking, enabling regulatory regime for space activities in India, through a comprehensive, well-defined policy for the entire gamut of such activities, Minister Jitendra Singh said on 7 December in a Statement in the Lok Sabha in reply to a question regarding launch of Vikram-S Rocket. The New Space India Limited (NSIL) a Public Sector Enterprise under the DoS, has been empowered to bring a commerce-oriented approach to space activities. For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT

Under Start-up India Initiative, a total of 59,787 entities were recognised as start-ups in the last ﬁve years (years 2017-2021) by the DPIIT. As on 30th November 2022, 84,102 entities have been recognised as start-ups by the DPIIT. Recognized startups are spread across 56 sectors. Sustained Government eﬀorts in this direction have resulted in increasing the number of recognized Startups from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 in 2022 (as on 30th November 2022), Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash said in reply to a parliament question on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years

Addressing an “International Conference on Emerging Trends in Biosciences and Chemical Technology- 2022”, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s bio-economy has grown 8 times in the last 8 years under Prime Minister Modi from $10 billion in 2014 to over $80 billion in 2022. Biotech Start-ups have grown 100 times in the last 8 years from 52 odd startups in 2014 to 5300 plus in 2022. The Minister pointed out that from a paltry investment of Rs 10 Crore in Bio-economy in 2014, the fund growth saw 400 times hike to Rs 4200 crore in 2022, creating over 25,000 high skilled jobs. For more information: Click here to read…

Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued

For the effective operation and smooth implementation of the PLI scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has formulated and notified the operational guidelines. The guidelines have been notified on 29th November 2022 for the information of all the stakeholders and the public. To make India a global hub for the research and development, testing, manufacturing, and operation of drones under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021 were released to create a growth-oriented regulatory framework for drones. To facilitate further growth, the Government has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drones and Drone Components in India. For the implementation of this scheme during 2022-23 to 2024-25, a corpus of Rs 120 crores has been allocated. For more information: Click here to read…

Reform Measures to Promote Drone Industry

The Government of India has undertaken a series of reform measures to promote India’s upcoming drone industry which include: Drones Rules, 2021 notified on 25 August 2021 provide the necessary regulatory framework for commercial use of drones; Drone Airspace Map published on 24th September 2021; PLI scheme to promote the growth of drone manufacturing by private companies launched in 30 September 2021; and, UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Policy Framework was published on 24th October 2021. Ministry of Civil Aviation has proactively engaged with various Union Ministries and State/UT Governments across the country to promote drone applications. For more information: Click here to read…

FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs

For promoting the use of electric vehicles in the country and to make their manufacturing cost effective, following three schemes have been formulated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries: Phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme initially for a period of three years commencing from April 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore; the PLI Scheme for Automotive Sector with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores approved in September 2021; and, PLI Scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore approved in May 2021. For more information: Click here to read…

Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs

Under phase-II of FAME-India Scheme, Rs. 1000 Cr. is allocated for the development of charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 2,877 electric vehicle charging stations in 68 cities across 25 states/UTs. Further, 1576 charging stations across 9 Expressways and 16 Highways under phase-II of FAME India Scheme has also been sanctioned. For more information: Click here to read…

Rolling out of 5G Network Services

The Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 14 December said that Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have started providing 5G services in the country from 1st October 2022 onwards and as of 26 November 2022, 5G services have started in 50 towns distributed over 14 States/UTs. As per the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) dated 15 June 2022 for auction of spectrum and the license conditions, the rollout obligations are required to be met over a period of five years, in a phased manner, from the date of allocation of spectrum. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Energy

Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy

The Government of India has proposed to set up more nuclear power plants for augmenting production of clean energy. In addition to the eleven (11) reactors (8700 MW) under construction, the Government of India has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode. The Government has also accorded in principle approval for five new sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the future. The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises of 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW. In addition, one reactor, KAPP-3 (700 MW) has also been connected to the grid. For more information: Click here to read…

Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027

At present, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 1&2 of 1000 MW capacity each are already in operation and the remaining four units of 1000 MW each are under construction. On their progressive completion, the full capacity of Kudankulam site of 6000 MW is expected to be reached by the year 2027, Dr Jitendra Singh said in a statement laid on the table of the Rajya Sabha in reply to a question on 8 December. For more information: Click here to read…

Scope for New and Renewable Energy

In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement at COP26, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working towards achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and achieving Net Zero by 2070. A total of 172.72 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources has been installed in the country as on 31 October 2022. This includes 119.09 GW Renewable Energy, 46.85 GW Large Hydro and 6.78 GW Nuclear Power capacity. This constitutes a share of 42.26% of total installed generation capacity in the country i.e. 408.71 GW as on 31 October 2022. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Agriculture

Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups

Space Satellites herald Agritech revolution and Agritech Start-Ups which is going to mark a major next breakthrough for India’s Agriculture sector after the Green revolution of yesteryears. Dr Jitendra Singh and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, formally released the data products and services of RISAT-1A satellite for the user community in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 December. The Trinity of Geospatial Systems, Drone Policy and Unlocked Space Sector will be a game-changer for Indian Agriculture in both augmenting the farmer’s income and realising the vision of the $5 trillion economy. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Health

Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India

World’s first intra-nasal vaccine for COVID developed by India has got approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for restricted use in emergency situations in the age group of 18 and above. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the Product development and Clinical trials were funded by the Department of biotechnology, Government of India and BIRAC under the Mission COVID Suraksha Programme. India’s efforts through Mission COVID Suraksha under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi has not only strengthened AtmaNirbhar Bharat but also bolstered India’s status as a worldwide vaccine development and manufacturing center showcasing the strength of Science and Technology. For more information: Click here to read…

S&T in Education

AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the importance of focusing on student learning outcomes and making quality education accessible, affordable, equitable and inclusive. Accordingly, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has revamped the existing curriculum and launched outcome based Model curriculum for Diploma, Undergraduate and Post Graduate courses in Engineering and PGDM/MBA. AICTE has also prepared Model curriculum for courses in Emerging Areas like (i) Artificial Intelligence (AI), (ii) Internet of Things (IoT), (iii) Block Chain, (iv) Robotics, (v) Quantum Computing (vi) Data Science (vii) Cyber Security (viii) 3D Printing and Design and (ix) Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) etc., and permitted in engineering institutes from academic year 2020-21. For more information: Click here to read…

AIM Launches Community Innovator Fellowship

On 1 December 2022, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with UNDP India announced the launch of applications for Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) to facilitate knowledge building and provide infrastructure support to aspiring community innovators essential for their entrepreneurship journey. Currently there are 22 Community Innovator fellows being incubated at the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) programme of AIM. For more information: Click here to read…

A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated

On 3 December 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics at the Jyothi Engineering College in Thrissur, Kerala and expressed hope that it will encourage young Indians to venture into innovation and applications of AI and robotics in different fields. The Minister said there is already a wave of opportunities for innovation and startups in India. For more information: Click here to read…

MoU Signed for Learning in the field of AI and ML

Chitkara University announced its collaboration with NEC Corporation India, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, for a comprehensive academic programme for aspiring students to facilitate them with hands-on training and research facilities in the area of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Al/ML) and High-Performance Computing (HPC). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NEC Corporation India and Chitkara University. The agreement will provide an opportunity for the University to upskill its students, faculty and academic researchers in the field of AI. For more information: Click here to read…

Other Socio-Economic Sectors

E-Shram Portal, Database on Migrant Workers, Launched

Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched e-SHRAM portal, a National Database of the Unorganised Workers on 26 August 2021. It has been made available to the States/ UTs for registration of unorganised workers on e-SHRAM portal. The main objective of the e-SHRAM portal is to create a national database of all unorganised workers including Construction Workers, Gig and Platform workers, Street Vendors, Domestic Workers, Agriculture Workers, Migrant workers and similar other workers seeded with Aadhaar. For more information: Click here to read…

Digitization of MSMEs

As on date 1.24 crore Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are registered in Udyam Registration portal and further benefitted through various programmes. Under the MSME Champions Schemes ‘Digital MSME’ component has been included for digital empowerment of MSMEs in the country. The Ministry of MSME propose to support MSMEs through “Digital MSME” a component of MSME Champions Scheme to bring in digitization and digitalization and to make MSMEs digitally empowered and motivate them to adopt digital tools, applications and technologies in their production & business processes with a view to improve their competitiveness. For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India

Vedanta Semiconductors Ltd., a Joint Venture between Vedanta and Foxconn is an applicant under the Scheme for setting up of semiconductor Fabs in India. As per their application, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, were proposed as possible locations. However, the applicants in their final submissions have informed that they had decided Dholera Industrial City, Gujarat as final location for their proposal, and have submitted definitive agreement and Government orders from the Government of Gujarat stating the details of support from the State. This information was provided by the Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 7 December. For more information: Click here to read…

India-UAE Space Cooperation

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) summit, “Abu Dhabi Space Debate” on 5 December 2022, Dr Jitendra Singh described India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and reiterated that under Prime Minister Modi, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the UAE to newer heights. The Minister said that development of the Space sector is one of the priority areas for the leaders of both India and the UAE and added that India started its space journey seven decades back from a scratch and is today acknowledged to be a leading space power. He said that the indigenously developed Space sector of India and the fast-growing Space sector of the UAE have a lot of complementariness that can be harnessed. He shared that India’s active space partnership with the UAE dates back to 2017, when our PSLV launched UAE’s first nanosatellite – ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data. For more information: Click here to read…

India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda

To propel economic growth by empowering the youth with the right skills and providing them the access to right opportunities, 12th meeting of the Indo-German joint working group was held in New Delhi on 7 December to encourage Vocational Education and Training (VET). The deliberations at the meeting were aimed at institutionalizing a standard mechanism for VET to meet the skill requirements in priority sectors as per the German standards. A skill mapping exercise will be undertaken to assess the skill gaps and based on the same, bridge courses and upskilling programmes will be designed for skill training of Indian workers. For more information: Click here to read…

India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on 14 December, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is not reliant on China for accessing rare earth minerals. In India, capacity and capabilities in terms of mining, processing, extraction, refining and production of high pure RE oxides is adequately available. The Minister said that the production of Monazite the primary source of rare earth mineral in India is around 4000 MT per annum. For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List

On 15 December 2022, the Biden administration added 36 Chinese firms to its export blacklist on efforts to block Beijing’s access to advanced military and surveillance technology from the U.S. Yangtze Memory Technologies, one of China’s largest chip makers, was added to the U.S.’s “Entity List” alongside 34 other Chinese companies and one Chinese subsidiary located in Japan, essentially blocking the firms from receiving U.S. technology. US Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Alan Estevez in a statement said that the additions to the Entity List will severely restrict China’s ability to “leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses.” For more information: Click here to read…

President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona

On 6 December 2022, US President Joe Biden’s visit to a massive construction project in north Phoenix highlighted Arizona’s role in a major U.S. policy shift on semiconductor manufacturing.
The Biden administration is pushing to boost domestic chips manufacturing with more than $50 billion in subsidies in the new CHIPs and Science Act. President Biden’s visit to the new fabrication facility being built by Taiwanese chips giant TSMC came as the firm announced it would build a second fabrication facility and triple its investment in Phoenix to $40 billion. For more information: Click here to read…

Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. smartphone giant Apple Inc. is accelerating plans to move some China-based production lines to other southeastern Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. That would represent a significant shift in the so-called de-Sinification of global supply chains after manufacturers become aware of risks of concentrating production in China. Stephen Ezell, director of global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in Washington told Voice of America (VOA) that more multinationals might follow suit if Apple succeeds in shipping products from India, as it had produced a small percentage of iPhone 14s there. For more information: Click here to read…

Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms

Geopolitica.Info reported that Germany by blocking the sale of two semiconductor factories to Chinese companies showcased that it “will not allow China to swallow up its companies of strategic and critical importance”. Berlin’s decision comes despite German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China in November amid criticism by lawmakers from his country and the European Union. For more information: Click here to read…

China Spending $143 Billion on Semiconductor Tech to Counter US Ban

China is spending $143 billion to combat U.S. moves to cut off its supply of semiconductor technology. The funds will be used to provide financial subsidies and incentives to help China’s chipmakers develop and acquire semiconductor technology to withstand the U.S. move. Meanwhile, China has initiated the process of challenging the U.S. order at the World Trade Organization. Its Commerce Ministry has accused the United States of “generalizing the concept of national security and abusing export control measures, which hinders the normal international trade in chips and other products.” For more information: Click here to read…

VIF Cyber Review

VIF Cyber Review: July 2022

August 10, 2022 vd@admin

NATIONAL

Government of India issued a consultation paper on the “Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunication in India”.

On 28 July 2022, the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, Govt. of India, prepared a consultation paper on the requirement for a new legal framework governing the telecom sector in India. Various stakeholders have requested an evolution of the legal framework concerning the changing technology. The consultation paper can be accessed from: Click here to read…

The legal framework for telecommunications in India is governed by the laws enacted before the independence from colonial rule. In recent decades, technology has changed significantly. To keep pace with the dynamics of technology, many nations, including the United States (in 1996), Australia (1979), the United Kingdom (2003), Singapore (1999), South Africa (2000), and Brazil (1997) have advanced the telecommunication legislation.^[1]

Indian Telecom Service Providers are likely to launch 5G mobile services during 2022-2023

In a notification dated 15 June 2022, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of Communication has initiated the process of auction of spectrum in 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz Bands which includes the spectrum required for the launch of 5G Services in India. It is expected that the Indian Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) will launch 5G mobile services in India during 2022-2023.

To enable design-led production of 5G-related products in India, the DoT has modified the rules for the Production Linked Initiative (PLI) plan for manufacturing telecom and networking products. One of the amendments included a 01 per cent higher incentive for products qualifying the design-led criteria. ^[2]

Indian Air Force launched an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence

Under the aegis of UDAAN (Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking), the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for AI. The CoE was inaugurated by Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), on 10 July 2022 at Air Force Station Rajokri, New Delhi. A Big Data Analytics and AI platform for managing all aspects of Analytics, Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Neural Networks, and Deep Learning algorithms has been commissioned in the IAF’s AI Centre. The newest servers powered by Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) would handle the high-end compute requirements.

“The IAF has taken proactive steps to embed Industry 4.0 and AI-based technologies in its war-fighting processes. The AI CoE with high-end compute and Big Data storage capabilities, coupled with full-spectrum AI Software suites, would substantially enhance operational capabilities of IAF,” said the VCAS while addressing the gathering.^[3]

MeitY released the Draft “National Data Governance Framework” Policy for public consultation

On 27 July 2022, the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics & Information Technology (E&IT)— Rajeev Chandrasekhar, informed the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament) that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the Draft “National Data Governance Framework” policy on 26 May 2022, for public consultation, and the draft policy is under finalisation. The policy aims to ensure that non-personal data and anonymised data from both government and private sector are safely accessible by Research and Innovation eco-system. It will also provide a framework for data/datasets/metadata rules, standards, guidelines, and protocols for sharing non-personal data sets while ensuring privacy, security, and integrity/trust.^[4]

Government of India may introduce new law regarding IT and Data Protection

On 22 July 2022, the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT)— Rajeev Chandrasekhar, informed the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament) that government aims to ensure Open, Safe & Trusted, and Accountable Internet for all users. The Ministry continues to engage in discussions with various stakeholders, including industry, legal experts, and academicians, to achieve the objective of new legislation, amendments to the Rules, etcetera. The existing Information Technology (IT) Act was enacted in 2000, around 22 years ago. Since then, technology and the Internet have evolved at a fast pace.^[5]

CERT-In issued an advisory about multiple vulnerabilities in Apple macOS

On 29 July 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory highlighting the multiple vulnerabilities that have been reported in Apple macOS, which a remote attacker could further exploit to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, and cause a denial of service conditions on the targeted system.
The vulnerabilities exist in Apple macOS due to out-of-bounds read in Apple Script, SMB and Kernal; out-of-bounds write in audio, ICU, PS Normaliser, GPU drivers, SMB and WebKit; authorisation issue in AppleMobileFileIntegrity; information disclosure in Calendar and iCloud photo library; logic issue in File System Events, PluginKit, Windows Server and Automation. A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a victim to visit maliciously crafted web content. The advisory also suggested applying appropriate patches as mentioned in the Apple Security Updates. ^[6]

INTERNATIONAL

Chinese government’s PR entity approached TikTok to open a “Stealth” propaganda account

According to news reported by Bloomberg, the Chinese government’s entity responsible for Public Relations attempted to open a “stealth” TikTok account targeting western audiences with propaganda. In response, TikTok executives pushed-back the attempt for the stealth account. The push-back highlighted the internal tensions ongoing within TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Inc., as it has constantly attempted to distance itself from Chinese state propaganda and influence.

“Chinese government entity that’s interested in joining TikTok but would not want to be openly seen as a government account as the main purpose is for promoting content that showcases the best side of China (some sort of propaganda),” said a TikTok employee and colleague of Elizabeth Kanter, TikTok’s Head of government relations in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Israel, via a message in April7 2020.^[7]

Russia fined WhatsApp, Snapchat and others for storing user data outside the nation

On 28 July 2022, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court imposed a fine on Meta Platforms Inc’s— Meta, WhatsApp messenger, Snapchat owner— Snap Inc., and other firms, including Match Group, Hotels.com, and Spotify, for their alleged refusal to store the data of Russian users within the country. Amid the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict, Russia has clashed with big tech firms over content, censorship, data and local representation in escalated disputes.

Following a 04 million rouble fine in August 2021, WhatsApp was penalised 18 million roubles (roughly USD 301,255) by the Tagansky District Court for a repeat offence. The fine imposed on WhatsApp was higher than the 15 million roubles fine imposed in July 2022 for a repeat infraction on Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. The Court also fined “Tinder” owner— Match Group around 02 million roubles, Snap and Hotels.com, owned by Expedia Group Inc., 01 million roubles, and Spotify— a music streaming service, 500,000 roubles. “The five companies had not provided documents ensuring the storage and processing of Russian users’ data was taking place in Russia in time,” said the Communications Regulator— Roskomnadzor.^[8]

China may transform the “Global Internet Conference” into an “International Internet Organisation”, claimed the Chinese State news agency

Since 2014, China’s Cyberspace Administration has been organising a World Internet Conference, where technology companies and government representatives of other nations convene to discuss the Internet and where China propagates its vision of State Internet control. Recently, according to a Chinese State news agency— Xinhua, “Beijing plans to transform the global internet conference into International Internet Organisation.” The organisation’s founding members include institutions, organisations, businesses, and individuals from nearly 20 countries. Some other State news agencies indicated that Afghanistan, Cambodia, North Korea, and Syria are among the member countries. On its successful transformation, Chinese-led International Internet Organisation could threaten global technology standards and the global Internet itself. ^[9]

A network of 11,000 phoney investments sites targeted Europe

Researchers at a cyber security firm— Group-IB, discovered a network of more than 11,000 domains engaged in promoting numerous fake investment schemes to users in Europe. As a modus operandi, the platforms show fabricated evidence of enrichment and falsified celebrity endorsements to create an image of legitimacy and lure many victims. In the phoney process, the user gets tricked into an opportunity for high-return investments and is convinced to deposit a minimum amount of EUR 250 (₹ 20,410) to sign up for the fake services. At the time of reporting, the countries targeted included the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.^[10]

Endnotes :

^[1] “Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunications in India”, Ministry of Communications- Press Information Bureau, 28 July 2022, accessed on 06 August 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845920
^[2] “5G Networks”, Ministry of Communications, 27 July 2022, accessed on 06 August 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845325
^[3] “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) launched by IAF”, Ministry of Defence, 10 July 2022, accessed on 05 August 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1840695
^[4] “National Data Governance Framework Policy”, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, 27 July 2022, accessed on 05 August 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845318
^[5] “New law relating to information technology and data protection”, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, 22 July 2022, accessed on 05 August 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1843845
^[6] “CERT-In Vulnerability Note CIVN-2022-0313: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple macOS”, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, 29 July 2022, accessed on 07 August 2022, available from: https://www.cert-in.org.in/
^[7]Olivia Solon, “Chinese government asked TikTok for Stealth propaganda account”, Bloomberg, 29 July 2022, accessed on 06 August 2022, available from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-29/chinese-government-asked-tiktok-for-stealth-propaganda-account
^[8] “Russia fines WhatsApp, Snap and others for storing user data abroad”, Reuters, 28 July 2022, accessed on 06 August 2022, available from: https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-fines-snapchat-owner-data-law-violation-ifax-2022-07-28
^[9]Justin Sherman, “China’s New Organisation Could Threaten the Global Internet”, Slate, 29 July 2022, accessed on 06 August 2022, available from: https://slate.com/technology/2022/07/china-world-internet-conference-organization-standards.html
^[10]Bill Toulas, “Huge network of 11,000 fake investment sites targets Europe”, Bleeping Computer, 31 July 2022, accessed on 08 August 2022, available from: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/huge-network-of-11-000-fake-investment-sites-targets-europe/

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, July 14, 2022

July 15, 2022 vd@admin

PLA’s attack helicopters start routine border patrols in high-altitude Karakoram: Global times

July 14, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) attack helicopters started to join transport helicopters in routine border patrols in the high-altitude Karakoram Mountains, a move analysts said on Thursday will enable the PLA border defense troops to gain enhanced air support and better safeguard the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Click here to read…

IMF says China needs more fiscal, monetary support to fight COVID slowdown: Reuters

July 14, 2022

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that China needs to add more fiscal and monetary policy support to combat an economic slowdown brought on by continued COVID-19 lockdowns, but less-restrictive pandemic containment policies also were needed. Click here to read…

Former provincial legislator stands trial for accepting bribes: Xinhuanet

July 14, 2022

Zhang Xinqi, a former senior legislator of east China’s Shandong Province, on Thursday stood trial at the Intermediate People’s Court of Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, charged with accepting bribes. Click here to read…

China approves new domestically developed “artificial heart”: Xinhuanet

July 14, 2022

China’s National Medical Products Administration has issued marketing approval for a China-developed “artificial heart” for severe heart failure. The “heart” is an implantable ferrofluids-driven left ventricular assist device, according to the TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital based in north China’s Tianjin Municipality. Click here to read…

Former Shandong official accused of bribery: China Daily

July 14, 2022

Zhang Xinqi, former deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial People’s Congress, was accused of taking 155 million yuan ($23 million) in bribes by the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu province on Thursday. Click here to read…

Media outlets fulfill social responsibility, report says: China Daily

July 14, 2022

More than 300 media outlets in China have issued social responsibility reports this year, tripling the number in the previous year, according to the 2021 Media Outlets Social Responsibility Report released recently. Click here to read…

Xi inspects Urumqi in China’s Xinjiang, second visit in eight years: Global Times

July 15, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected a university, an international land port area, a residential community and a museum in the city of Urumqi, capital of Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Click here to read…

More Chinese volunteers take actions to bring back clearer water and fresh air to Xizang: Global Times

July 15, 2022

A group of people wearing blue waistcoats scatter around the hillside bending down to pick up garbage such as discarded plastic bottles left by tourists. Suddenly a Golden Retriever dog runs into the crowd holding a plastic bottle in its mouth. Click here to read…

Xi says Xinjiang is a hub in Belt and Road cooperation: Xinhuanet

July 15, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said as the Belt and Road cooperation advances, Xinjiang is no longer a remote corner but a core area and a hub. Click here to read…

Xi stresses making Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps stronger, more prosperous: Xinhuanet

July 15, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed efforts to make the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) stronger and more prosperous. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official urges BRICS to build anti-corruption governance system: Xinhuanet

July 15, 2022

A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday called on the BRICS countries to jointly safeguard multilateralism and build a fair and reasonable international anti-corruption governance system. Click here to read…

World 5G Convention to be held in China’s Heilongjiang: Xinhuanet

July 15, 2022

The 2022 World 5G Convention will be held from August 10 to 12 in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, the event organizers said. The event, to be held both online and offline, will be co-hosted by the Heilongjiang provincial people’s government, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Industry and Information TechnologyClick here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 64 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

July 15, 2022

The Chinese mainland Thursday reported 64 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 30 in Gansu and 17 in Guangdong, the National Health Commission said Friday. Altogether 368 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified in 10 provincial-level regions on Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese premier pledges to ease burden of receiving medical treatment: China Daily

July 15, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang has stressed the need to reduce the burden that people face in receiving medical treatment, and to advance medical reforms. Efforts should be accelerated to ensure that high-quality medical resources become more broadly available and are distributed in a more balanced manner, Li said in an instruction to a national teleconference on medical reform held in Beijing on Thursday. Click here to read…

VIF Cyber Review

VIF Cyber Review: June 2022

July 8, 2022 vd@admin

National

“Cyber secure India is integral to national security and development”: Union Minister of Home Affairs

Addressing a national conference on cyber security and national security on 20 June 2022, the Union Minister of Home Affairs (MHA)— Amit Shah, emphasised the need for public awareness about cyber security being an integral part of national security and the government of India led by Prime Minister Modi is committed to making it robust.

“With the initiatives of PM Modi, India is going forward in all areas, and the usage of technology has been taken to all levels; but if cyber security is not ensured, this strength can become a huge challenge for us. It is important that every Indian understands the challenges of cyberspace so that a secure cyber-India can be created,” said the Minister of Home Affairs. The Government of India is already preparing a National Cyber Security Strategy, which focuses on the need for a legislative framework to address the emerging challenges in the technology space.^[1]

Cabinet approved the auction of the IMT/5G spectrum

On 15 June 2022, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, approved a proposal of the Department of Telecommunications to conduct a spectrum auction for providing 5G services to the public and enterprises. Digital connectivity is integral togovernment initiatives through Digital India, Start-up India, and Make in India. Through these flagship programmes, the government has promoted access to innovative banking/mobile banking, online education, telemedicine, and e-Ration, to “Antyoday” families.

India’s 4G ecosystem is now paving the way for 5G indigenous development. Establishing a 5G test bed in eight of India’s top technology institutes is accelerating the launch of domestic 5G technology in India. The Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) schemes for mobile handsets and telecom equipment, as well as the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission, are expected to help build a robust ecosystem for the launch of 5G services in India. The day is not far off when India will emerge as a leader in the field of 5G technology and the upcoming 6G technology.^[2]

“India’s ICT strategy centres on inclusive growth for all sections of society”: Minister of State for Communications

On 01 June 2022, the Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan, addressed a session organised by the World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022 and said that ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is having a growing impact on our daily lives, as a powerful tool for more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies. For the development of reliable ICT infrastructure, around 600,000 villages in India are connected through optical fibre cable, whereas small and remote islands and other inaccessible areas are connected through satellite communication services and submarine cable networks.

During the high-level dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the minister apprised the audience of the Government of India’s policy initiatives to mobilise AI’s emerging sector. India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) has formulated the way forward to harness the power of AI in various fields, especially in healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities and infrastructure, and smart mobility and transportation. Emphasising the India-Japan collaborations in the telecom sector, the minister urged the Japanese companies to be part of India’s initiatives in telecom sectors. He also points out that India-Japan collaboration in the area of Open RAN, Massive MIMO, Quantum Communications, Connected Cars, 5G uses cases, and 6G innovation will bring forth the strengths of two ecosystems allowing the creation of leading global solutions.^[3]

CERT-In issued an advisory on multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Product

On 16 June 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory— CIAD-2022-0017, regarding multiple vulnerabilities that have been discovered in various Microsoft products which an attacker could exploit to access confidential information, bypass security restrictions, perform a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, escalating privileges, and perform spoofing attacks or executing arbitrary codes on the targeted system.^[4]

Cabinet approved MoA by India to set up BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Centre in Sri Lanka

On 14 June 2022, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a Memorandum of Association (MoA) by India for establishing the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Technology Transfer Facility (TFF), which was signed by the BIMSTEC member countries at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit held at Colombo, Sri Lanka on 30 March 2022. As the primary objective, the BIMSTEC TFF are to coordinate, facilitate, and strengthen cooperation in technology transfer among BIMSTEC member nations by promoting the transfer of technologies, sharing of experiences and capacity building. The TFF shall have the Governing Board, and overall control of activities of the TFF shall be vested in the Governing Board^[5].

Public Consultation on Draft National Data Governance Framework Policy held in Delhi

A Public Consultation/stakeholder interaction on Draft National Data Governance Framework Policy was organised on 14 June 2022 in New Delhi, India. Over 250 stakeholders from industry, start-ups, academics, think-tanks, international alliances and government officials from various ministries attended the event. Minister of State of Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship— Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the rapid digitisation of the government and Nagriks within India, and the subsequent rise in data volumes necessitates a framework for harnessing the potential of this data. “PM Narendra Modi encourages public consultations as the most effective way to develop policies with wide inputs from a broad universe of stakeholders.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) follows Public Consultation to ensure international standard laws for India’s globally competitive digital economy and startups,” said Minister Chandrasekhar. The draft policy and its solid foundation will focus on improving the institutional framework for government data sharing, promoting privacy and security by design principles, encouraging the use of anonymisation tools, and ensuring equitable access to non-personal data for both the public and private sectors.^[6]

International

G7 agreed to counter cyber threats and disinformation from Russia

On 28 June 2022, the G7 leaders agreed to strengthen their respective countries’ cyber defences against foreign cyber-attacks and disinformation, including threats from Russia. “We commit to strengthen our internal security amidst transnational threats including those posed by Russia and other authoritarian regimes,” read the G7 communique at the end of the Summit held in Germany.^[7]

Canadian national police force admitted the use of spyware to hack phones

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed the information on the usage of spyware to hack mobile devices and gather data, including by remotely turning on the camera and microphone of the suspect’s phone and laptop. However, the RCMP said it only uses such tools in the most serious cases, where less invasive techniques are unsuccessful. Between 2018 and 2020, the RCMP deployed this technique in 10 investigations.

According to the document introduced in the House of Commons (Canada), “the RCMP can use spyware programmes to collect a broad range of data, including text messages, e-mail, photos, videos, audio files, calendar entries, and financial records. The police can also collect “audio recordings of private communications and other sounds within the range of the targeted device, and photographic images of persons, places, and activities viewable by the camera(s) built into the targeted device.”^[8]

NATO building cyber response force amid emerging Russian and Chinese threats

On 29 June 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) heads of State and other governments participating in a high-level Summit in Madrid, Spain, announced the creation of the “virtual rapid response cyber capability” to quickly respond to cyber-attacks and other malign activity in cyberspace. According to the Madrid Summit Declaration, NATO plans to bolster its cyber defences through increased civil-military cooperation and expanded partnerships with industry.

“We [NATO] are confronted by cyber, space, hybrid, and other asymmetric threats, and by malicious use of emerging and disruptive technologies. We face systemic competition from those, including China, who challenge our interests, security, and values, and seek to undermine the rules-based international order,” read the document.^[9]

Russian hacker group targeted Norway’s public service websites

On 29 June 2022, Norway’s National Security Authority (NSA)’s Director-General Sofie Nystrom informed reporters that the Russian hacker group— Killnet targeted a string of Norwegian public service websites in the latest cyber-attacks. Some websites experienced instability or disruption, but there are no indications that any sensitive or personal information has been compromised. In the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, the Public Administration Portal, the corporate page of an online banking identification service, and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA) were affected. The website of Norway’s largest newspaper was also down for 25 minutes.^[10]

China lured jobseekers into cyber-espionage

At a mysterious tech firm, the graduates of Chinese universities have been bagged to pursue a job. It was discovered that the mysterious firm concealed the actual work, which aimed at analysing western objectives for snooping and interpreting hacked data concerning China’s commercial-scale findings system. The recruitment procedure comprised interpretation assessments on confidential papers accessed from the United States government offices and directions to examine people at Johns Hopkins University as a significant intelligence target. In 2021, a United States court accused the company of espionage for the APT40 hacking association of China.

Western intelligence agencies have made allegations against the Chinese association for invading ministry offices, firms, and universities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, following China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS)’s commands. The firm’s selection of recently graduated Chinese University students seems to have unknowingly drawn them into the world of spying. When posting job openings on the universities’ websites, the tech company only mentioned the position as a translator and withheld all other employment-related details.^[11]

Endnotes :

^[1]HT Correspondent. “Cyber-secure India Key for development: Amit Shah”, Hindustan Times, 21 June 2022, Available from: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amit-shah-calls-for-making-india-cyber-secure-nation-101655711986417.html
^[2]Government of India. “Cabinet approves Auction of IMT/5G Spectrum”, Press Information Bureau-Cabinet, 15 June 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1834126
^[3]Government of India. “India’s ICT strategy hinges on inclusive growth for all sections of the society: Shri Devusinh Chauhan at WSIS 2022”, Press Information Bureau-Ministry of Communications, 02 June 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1830362
^[4]Government of India. “CIAD-2022-0017”, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, 16 June 2022, Available from: https://www.cert-in.org.in/
^[5] Government of India. “Cabinet approves MoA by India for establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Centre at Colombo, Sri Lanka”, Press Information Bureau-Cabinet, 15 June 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1834126
^[6]Government of India. “Public Consultation on Draft National Data Governance Framework Policy”, Press Information Bureau-Ministry of Electronics and IT, 16 June 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1834520
^[7] “G7 to tackle cyber threats and disinformation from Russia: communique”, Reuters, 28 June 2022, Available from: https://www.reuters.com/world/g7-tackle-cyber-threats-disinformation-russia-communique-2022-06-28/
^[8]Forrest, Maura. “Canada’s national police force admits use of spyware to hack phones”, Politico, 29 June 2022, Available from: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/29/canada-national-police-spyware-phones-00043092
^[9]Demarest, Colin. “NATO forging cyber response force amid growing Russian, Chinese threats”, 30 June 2022, Available from: https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2022/06/30/nato-forging-cyber-response-force-amid-growing-russian-chinese-threats/
^[10]Treloar, Stephen. “Russian hackers target Norway in latest volley of cyber attacks”, Bloomberg, 30 June 2022, Available from: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-30/russian-hackers-target-norway-in-latest-volley-of-cyber-attacks#xj4y7vzkg
^[11]Ghosh, Riya. “China lured graduate jobseekers into digital espionage”, Tech Story, 02 July 2022, Available from: https://techstory.in/china-lured-graduate-jobseekers-into-digital-espionage/

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, July 06, 2022

July 6, 2022 vd@admin

Chinese vice premier stresses consolidating poverty alleviation outcomes: Xinhuanet

July 5, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua has stressed efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements and push forward rural vitalization on all fronts to ensure that people do not return to poverty in large numbers. Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region from July 1 to 4. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses crackdown on IPR infringements: Xinhuanet

July 5, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stressed efforts to fight intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements and counterfeits and speed up fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Click here to read…

China to step up supervision of hog futures market to tame pork price hikes: Xinhuanet

July 5, 2022

China will strengthen its supervision over the country’s hog spot and futures markets in a bid to rein in pork price hikes, the country’s top economic planner said on Tuesday. Joint efforts will be made to promptly detect abnormal transactions and enhance penetrative supervision, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement after a meeting with the Dalian Commodity Exchange, where hog futures are traded. Click here to read…

China sees wider high school education coverage: Xinhuanet

July 5, 2022

Significant progress has been made on China’s high school education coverage over the past 10 years, the Ministry of Education said Tuesday. China had 14,600 regular high schools with 26.05 million students by 2021, up 7.97 percent and 5.59 percent from 2012, respectively. Click here to read…

Average life expectancy in China hits 77.93 years: China Daily

July 5, 2022

Chinese people’s average life expectancy has increased to 77.93 years, a senior health official said on Tuesday. In 2016 when China rolled out the Healthy China 2030 blueprint, the figure was 76.5. Click here to read…

Mastermind behind Karachi Confucius Institute attack busted with foreign forces suspected of playing a role: Global Times

July 5, 2022

Pakistan has arrested the main suspect of the attack on the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi, who was linked to two separatist groups in an attempt to sabotage the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Pakistani authorities announced on Tuesday, adding that foreign forces are suspected of manipulating behind the scenes. Click here to read…

Shenzhen passes regulation respecting patients’ end-of-life decisions, becoming first Chinese city to allow death with dignity: Global Times

July 5, 2022

Shenzhen in South China’s Guangdong Province has recently passed a regulation on a person’s “right to die,” making it the first city in the Chinese mainland to allow critically ill patients to refuse “excessive life-saving treatment”.Click here to read…

Indian financial crime agency raids Chinese-owned Vivo: Reuters

July 5, 2022

India’s financial crime-fighting agency on Tuesday raided the offices of smartphone maker Vivo, owned by China’s BBK Electronics, and its related entities, a senior government official and an industry executive told Reuters. Click here to read…

Chinese university sanctioned by US declares success of hypersonic test flight: South China Morning Post

July 5, 2022

A Chinese university sanctioned by the US said it had successfully carried out a test flight of a new hypersonic aircraft on Monday. Feitian 1, which was developed by a research team at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xian, Shaanxi province, used a combination of rocket and air-breathing engines and could generate a thrust faster than Mach 5, according to a statement posted on the university’s social media account on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s GDP target ever more distant, with second quarter growth tipped for 2-year low: South China Morning Post

July 5, 2022

China’s economy is expected to post its lowest quarterly growth rate in more than two years next week, as it counts the cost of lockdowns and other hardline coronavirus control measures imposed during its “darkest hours” of April and May. Gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to grow by 1.4 per cent from a year ago in the April-June period, according to Chinese data provider Wind. Click here to read…

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei seeks employee input on business direction amid struggle to reinvent company under US sanctions: South China Morning Post

July 6, 2022

Ren Zhengfei, founder of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co, has called for employees to contribute ideas about the company’s future direction, according to an internal memo, as the company struggles to remake itself after US sanctions crippled its smartphone business. Click here to read…

Silk Road Fund inks investment agreement with Indonesia Investment Authority: Xinhuanet

July 6, 2022

China’s Silk Road Fund has inked an investment framework agreement with the Indonesia Investment Authority to jointly pursue investment cooperation opportunities in Indonesia.
The two parties will establish a long-term and win-win strategic partnership and leverage their respective resources and expertise to promote socioeconomic development and connectivity between China and Indonesia, according to the Fund. Click here to read…

China, Thailand reach consensus on future ties, railway, cyber security: Xinhuanet

July 6, 2022

China and Thailand have agreed to work together to build a community with a shared future, and step up cooperation in areas including railway and cyber security, visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 112 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

July 6, 2022

The Chinese mainland Tuesday reported 112 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, 81 of which were in Anhui Province, the National Health Commission said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Courts look at legal standing of emoji use: China Daily

July 6, 2022

Ambiguity in usage of pictograms for agreement, consent in law examined. If your business partner sends you an OK emoji when you ask for an opinion about a contract, how would you understand its meaning? Does it signal agreement with the contract, or just that the message was received? Click here to read…

Hunan police cracks down on online criminal gang targeting overseas internet users: Global Times

July 6, 2022

Police in Changning city, Central China’s Hunan Province, cracked down on a criminal gang targeting overseas internet users with phone and online scams. The seven members of the gang, led by a 30-year-old man surnamed Zhou, won the trust of victims through romantic relationships before tricking them into gambling or financing schemes or asked for money directly. Click here to read…

US seeks China’s help to ease inflation in latest interaction: Global Times

July 6, 2022

The US is seeking help from China to ease its economic pressure, hinting that it may ease tariffs on Chinese goods and engage in dialogue with senior Chinese officials more often. However, analysts said Beijing will approach Washington’s overtures with caution, as it is still trying to use the tariffs as bargaining chips rather than sincerely correcting its mistakes that have harmed both sides. Click here to read…

China builds world’s largest 5G network three years after issuance of 5G commercial licenses: People’s Daily

July 6, 2022

Since the issuance of 5G commercial licenses in China three years ago, remarkable progress has been made in the country’s 5G construction. As of the end of April, China had built over 1.6 million 5G base stations nationwide, or over 60 percent of the global total. The number of 5G mobile phone users in the country hit a record high of 413 million. Besides, China is also leading the world in the number of 5G standard-essential patents. Click here to read…

China fights COVID flare-ups on multiple fronts including Shanghai: Reuters

July 6, 2022

China is fighting COVID-19 flare-ups on multiple fronts across the country including an emerging cluster in Shanghai, spurring mass testing drives and fresh restrictions, as pressures mount on local officials to avert a wider spread and huge disruptions. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022 vd@admin

China’s top legislature concludes standing committee session: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) concluded its 35th session Friday in Beijing. At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt a revised Law on Physical Culture and Sports, a black soil conservation law, a decision to amend the Anti-monopoly Law, and a decision to amend the procedural rules of the NPC Standing Committee. Click here to read…

China steps up support for unemployed college graduates: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

China has launched a campaign to help unemployed college graduates and young people under the age of 35 secure jobs, in a bid to maintain employment stability and ensure stable economic performance. Nine pro-employment measures have been outlined to provide better services to job hunters in the campaign, which will last until December this year, according to a circular released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Friday. Click here to read…

Wang Xiaohong appointed Minister of Public Security: China Daily

June 24, 2022

Wang Xiaohong was appointed Minister of Public Security on Friday, replacing Zhao Kezhi, according to a decision adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. Click here to read…

Explosion killed 2, injured 20 in Beijing’s neighbor: China Daily

June 24, 2022

A gas explosion occurred on Friday morning at a commercial street at Yanjiao town in Sanhe city, Langfang, Hebei province, leaving two dead and 20 injured as of Friday afternoon, according to a statement from the city’s government. Click here to read…

Traditional drug use down, as synthetic use rises: China Daily

June 24, 2022

While the proportion of traditional drug-related crime is decreasing in China, synthetic drug crime is rising, a senior prosecutor from the Supreme People’s Procuratorate said. Drug users have been turning to synthetic narcotics and psychotropics — drugs controlled by the State — in recent years, as tough control measures block access to more traditional drugs forcing users to find alternatives, Chen Guoqing, the SPP’s deputy-general prosecutor, told a news conference on Friday, two days ahead of the 35th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit TraffickingClick here to read…

China launches cybersecurity review into online academic database to ‘prevent data security risks, safeguard natl security’: Global Times

June 24, 2022

China on Friday launched a cybersecurity review of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the country’s largest academic research database, in an effort aimed at “preventing national data security risks, maintaining national security, and protecting the public interest,” said an official from the country’s cybersecurity review office on Friday. Click here to read…

Political advisors discuss protection of excellent culture, art of ethnic minorities: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body, held a video conference on Friday to discuss the protection and inheritance of the excellent culture and art of ethnic minoritiesClick here to read…

China to enhance legal protection of farmlands: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

China will expedite the formulation of a farmland protection law, a further step to safeguard the country’s farmlands, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Existing regulations, such as the prohibited non-agricultural use of arable land, will be elevated to law, the ministry said. Click here to read…

Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the High-level Dialogue on Global Development: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the High-level Dialogue on Global Development on Friday in virtual format. Following is the full text of the remarks by President Xi at the meeting: Click here to read…

Full text of Chair’s Statement of the High-level Dialogue on Global Development: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

Following is the full text of the Chair’s Statement of the High-level Dialogue on Global Development. Chair’s Statement of the High-level Dialogue on Global DevelopmentClick here to read…

China to provide 50 million yuan of emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

After the earthquake disaster in Afghanistan, the Chinese government has decided to provide 50 million yuan (about 7.46 million U.S. dollars) of emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Airbus to set up China research center to boost innovation: Xinhuanet

June 25, 2022

Airbus will establish the Airbus China Research Center in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, to strengthen the company’s footprint and innovation partnerships in China, the company announced Friday. Click here to read…

PLA monitors US spy aircraft flyover in Taiwan Straits, vows to safeguard national sovereignty: Global Times

June 25, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) monitored the flyover of a US spy aircraft over the Taiwan Straits on Friday, vowing to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity amid large-scale military drills in the region in response to repeated provocations by the “Taiwan independence” secessionists and US, Japanese interference forces. Click here to read…

China proposes rules to regulate private pension investment via mutual funds: Reuters

June 25, 2022

China’s securities regulator proposed rules to regulate private pension investment via mutual funds, setting the criteria for qualified products and sales agents under a scheme that will channel fresh savings into the country’s capital markets. Click here to read…

Guangdong floods caused billions in economic losses: China Daily

June 26, 2022

The recent floods inflicted by heavy downpours between June 13 and 21 in Guangdong, the most serious in seven decades for the province, caused direct economic loss of more than 7.4 billion yuan ($1.11 billion). Click here to read…

Xi underscores importance of better respecting public opinion, following aspirations of the people: Global Times

June 26, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the importance of better listening to the people’s voices by making good use of the internet and other channels, after millions of public suggestions were made on the work related to the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Click here to read…

Chinese authorities unveil plans to ‘maximise display of police force’ two weeks after group assault on women: South China Morning Post

June 26, 2022

China has promised a “maximum” display of police force in a 100-day campaign the public security ministry said would improve public safety. The announcement comes two weeks after a brutal group attack against women on the streets of the northern Chinese city of Tangshan that sparked a nationwide outcry. Click here to read…

Officials vie to offer pledges of loyalty to Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of 20th Party Congress: South China Morning Post

June 26, 2022

Senior officials in the Communist Party around the country are lavishing praise on President Xi Jinping in the final run-up of the 20th Party Congress, using words such as “beacon”, “compass” and “fulcrum” to refer to his status. The acclaim comes months before China’s important political event when Xi is expected to kick off his third term as the party’s leader, and the party is expected to see a new leadership line-up. Click here to read…

G-7 leaders to ban Russia gold imports, monitor assertive China: Kyodo

June 27, 2022

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday looked set to tighten sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine after U.S. President Joe Biden said the group will ban Russian gold imports in a show of unity as the forum navigates the broader consequences of the prolonged war. Click here to read…

G7 aims to raise $600 billion to counter China’s Belt and Road: Reuters

June 27, 2022

Group of Seven leaders on Sunday pledged to raise $600 billion in private and public funds over five years to finance needed infrastructure in developing countries and counter China’s older, multitrillion-dollar Belt and Road project. Click here to read…

China’s fourth telecom player China Broadnet comes online, connects to 5G signal: Global Times

June 27, 2022

China’s state-owned radio and TV carrier China Broadnet launched its official website on Monday, announcing it has started 5G mobile phone services. Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Monday that China Broadnet had acquired a telecom carrier operation license, which is the same as ones held by China’s another three telecom giants China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. China Broadnet has since become the fourth player in the sector. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 5 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

June 27, 2022

The Chinese mainland Sunday reported five locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, three of which were in Beijing and two in Shanghai, the National Health Commission said Monday. A total of 18 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified on Sunday in seven provincial-level regions, including six in Liaoning. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, June 07, 2022

June 7, 2022 vd@admin

Full text of Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to National Event on Environment Day 2022: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

The following is the full text of Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the National Event on the Environment Day 2022.

On the holding of the National Event on the Environment Day 2022, I would like to extend my warm congratulations! Natural environment is the basis of human survival and development, and to preserve a sound ecological environment is the shared aspiration of the peoples of all countries. Since the Party’s 18th National Congress in 2012, we have made ecological conservation an initiative vital for sustaining the Chinese nation’s developmentClick here to read…

China reiterates concern over AUKUS-related nuclear material transfer: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

China on Monday reiterated concerns over the nuclear weapon material transfer involved in AUKUS, saying the issue should be addressed under the international non-proliferation regime. Click here to read…

Shenzhen to build 20 advanced manufacturing industrial parks: Xinhuanet
June 6, 2022

The southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen plans to build 20 advanced manufacturing industrial parks for strategic emerging sectors and industries of the future. The 20 industrial parks will cover a total area of 300 square kilometers in the districts of Bao’an, Guangming, Longhua, Longgang, Pingshan, and Shenshan, the municipal government announced on Monday. Click here to read…

China EximBank issues bonds to support production resumption in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank), a state-owned policy bank, has issued financial bonds worth 5 billion yuan (about 749.7 million U.S. dollars) to facilitate the resumption of production and work in Shanghai. Click here to read…

Seven arrested for testing misconduct: China Daily

June 6, 2022

The people’s procuratorate of Beijing’s Fangshan district decided to approve the arrest of seven people related to a testing lab on suspicion of obstructing prevention and control of infectious diseases on Monday afternoon, according to an announcement from the government’s official WeChat account. Click here to read…

Tattoo parlors barred from serving minors: China Daily

June 6, 2022

The guideline — released by a high-level task force established to coordinate efforts related to the protection of minors under the State Council, China’s Cabinet — aims to promote the management of tattoo work to protect minors’ legal rights, according to the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Click here to read…

China remains global leader in 5G patent declarations: China Daily

June 6, 2022

China’s standard essential patent declarations for 5G account for about 40 percent of the global total, ranking first in the world according to a report issued by a national intellectual property research center. Click here to read…

Wang Yi to attend FMs’ meeting with Central Asian nations, jointly tackle security challenge: Global Times

June 6, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to attend the third “China+Central Asia” (C+C5) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kazakhstan and pay an official visit to the country from June 6 to 9. Click here to read…

Nation to open sci-tech sector wider to world while continuing pursuit of indigenous innovation, says minister: Global Times

June 6, 2022

China will open up its science and technology sector wider to the outside world while continuing the pursuit of indigenous innovation, Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang said on Monday. China’s sharing of its sci-tech advances contributes immensely to addressing global issues spanning energy, the environment and coronavirus containment, experts said, while calling for corresponding opening-up moves by other economies. Click here to read…

China pilots low carbon bonds to help companies become greener: Reuters

June 6, 2022

China is rolling out so-called low carbon transition bonds to help companies become greener, the country’s interbank bond market regulator said on Monday, as Beijing strives toward carbon neutrality. Click here to read…

Chinese tech ADRs rise as end of Didi probe raises hope of easing crackdowns: Reuters

June 6, 2022

U.S.-listed Chinese technology stocks rose on Monday after a report that regulators in China are concluding a probe into ride-hailing giant Didi Global raised expectations of easing crackdowns on the country’s internet sector. Click here to read…

China able to take on Taiwan, allies by 2027, says MND: Taipei Times

June 6, 2022

The Chinese military would be capable of fighting against Taiwan and allied forces by 2027, a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report said yesterday. China has set a goal of modernizing its warfare capabilities by that year, which is to mark the 100th anniversary of its army’s founding, and it might by then be able to act more aggressively toward Taiwan, said the report, which the ministry submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.Click here to read…

Chinese jet threatens Australian surveillance plane over South China Sea: Kyodo

June 6, 2022

A Chinese fighter jet dangerously intercepted an Australian maritime surveillance plane over the South China Sea, endangering the aircraft and its crew, according to the Australian Defense Department. The department said Sunday the Chinese J-16 aircraft intercepted an Australian P-8 Poseidon on May 26 while it was conducting routine maritime surveillance in international airspace over the highly disputed body of water. Click here to read…

China’s unemployment woes see Yunnan offer big cash subsidies to entice college graduates: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

Keen on attracting college graduates for essential jobs in rural villages, one Chinese province is looking to sweeten the pot by splashing out on cash handouts. The move by authorities in Yunnan province, announced on Sunday, comes as the nation’s youth unemployment rate and the number of fresh college graduates have both reached record highs, further straining China’s already battered economy. The central government has also ordered local cadres to take the lead in boosting economic growth and employment, as China is struggling to keep the unemployment rate under the government’s target of “within 5.5 per cent” this year. Click here to read…

China brings forward plans for space solar power plant: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

China plans to launch an ambitious space solar power plant programme in 2028, two years ahead of the original schedule, according to scientists involved in the project. A satellite will be launched that year to test wireless power transmission technology from space to the ground from an altitude of 400km (250 miles), according to the updated plan in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Chinese Space Science and Technology on Thursday. In the paper, the researchers said the satellite would convert solar energy to microwaves or lasers and direct the energy beams to various targets, including fixed locations on Earth and moving satellites. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists say ‘Midas’ touch helps to fine-tune CRISPR gene editing: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

Chinese scientists say they have discovered a new method that can significantly improve the efficiency of genome-editing tools. The method, called Improving Editing Activity by Synergistic Engineering, or Midas, “robustly and significantly increased” the human gene-editing efficiency of three tools they used, the researchers said. Moreover, based on Midas, the researchers found new genome editing tools that had higher efficiency and “very low” off-target effects. Click here to read…

China’s top political advisor holds virtual meeting with Singaporean parliament speaker: People’s Daily

June 7, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang and Tan Chuan-Jin, speaker of the parliament of Singapore, on Monday held a virtual meeting to discuss bilateral ties. Wang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that the China-Singapore ties feature geographical proximity, shared benefits, close cultural links and people-to-people affinity. Click here to read…

Canadian warplanes’ actions ‘provocative’: China Daily

June 7, 2022

China firmly opposes close reconnaissance and provocative actions by Canada’s warplanes, which threaten China’s national security, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said on Monday. Click here to read…

Former head of local education department under investigation for smearing Chinese traditional festival, historical figure: Global Times

June 7, 2022

The Education Department of Southwest China’s Yunnan Province is investigating its former head, Luo Chongmin, for his controversial remarks about the Dragon Boat Festival, one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals. Yunnan’s Education Department said in an announcement on Monday that it has set up a working group to investigate Luo Chongmin and will release the findings to the public in a timely manner. Click here to read…

More sci-tech innovation a national goal: China Daily

June 7, 2022

China will enhance efforts to make more original breakthroughs in core technologies, train quality talent, conduct institutional reforms, expand international cooperation and contribute more to tackling global challenges, officials said on Monday. Click here to read…

BRICS countries vow to deepen financial cooperation: Xinhuanet

June 7, 2022

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of BRICS countries issued a joint statement at a virtual meeting on Monday, reaching consensus on deepening financial cooperation and strengthening coordination on macroeconomic policy. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 39 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

June 7, 2022

The Chinese mainland Monday reported 39 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 20 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the National Health Commission’s report Tuesday. Click here to read…

Book of Xi’s discourses on rural work published: China Military

June 7, 2022

A compilation of discourses of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on work concerning agriculture, rural areas and farmers has been published by the Central Party Literature Press. Click here to read…

China Digest

China: Daily Scan, February 9, 2022

February 9, 2022 vd@admin

Former senior official of Henan indicted for graft: Xinhuanet

February 9, 2022

Gan Rongkun, a former senior official of central China’s Henan Province, has been indicted on charges of taking bribes, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Wednesday. Gan had been a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Henan Provincial Committee and secretary of the political and legal affairs commission of the provincial Party committee, the SPP said in a statement. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature slams U.S. bill with negative China content: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to a U.S. bill containing negative content related to China. The so-called “America COMPETES Act of 2022,” recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, is steeped in Cold-War mentality and zero-sum game mindset, and denigrates China’s development path as well as its domestic and foreign policies, the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement. Click here to read…

China boasts over 1.4 mln 5G base stations: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

China has set up a total of 1.43 million 5G base stations as of the end of 2021 amid the country’s efforts to boost information and communication technologies, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Click here to read…

China’s banks handle record 3.13 trln yuan of non-performing assets in 2021: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

China’s banking sector handled 3.13 trillion yuan (about 492.4 billion U.S. dollars) worth of non-performing assets last year, effectively reducing credit risks, official data showed. The figure saw an increase by 0.11 trillion yuan from a year ago, a record high, according to the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Click here to read…

China approves more cross-border e-commerce pilot zones: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

China’s State Council has approved setting up more cross-border e-commerce pilot zones in 27 cities and regions as the government seeks to stabilize foreign trade and foreign investments. The new pilot zones, including those in Erdos in Inner Mongolia and the city of Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, will replicate and advance the experience learned from the previous five batches of pilot zones, according to a statement released by the State Council. Click here to read…

China to further open up high-level education: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

China will continue to advance the opening-up of its high-level education, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said in its key tasks for 2022 released Tuesday. Efforts will be made to step up cooperation with other countries in the sector, such as advancing the high-quality development of the Education Action Plan for the Belt and Road Initiative and stepping up cooperation with ASEAN countries in vocational education and mutual recognition of academic qualifications, according to the ministry. Click here to read…

China to enhance regulation of off-campus tutoring: Xinhuanet

February 8, 2022

China will enhance its regulation of off-campus tutoring by stepping up legislation and enhancing supervision, said the Ministry of Education in its 2022 work plan. According to the plan, posted on its official website on Tuesday, the ministry will conduct regular inspections on national holidays, at weekends, as well as in winter and summer vacations. Any off-campus tutoring activities featuring curriculum subjects during these periods will be shut down, said the ministryClick here to read…

China issues 5-year plan for financial standardization: People’s Daily

February 9, 2022

China’s financial regulators have issued a plan to advance standardization of the financial sector over the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The authorities plan to improve standardization in a wide range of areas, including supervision, risk prevention, financial technology, green finance and digital currency, with the goal of basically establishing a financial standard system that fits modern finance in 2025. Click here to read…

Second-hand goods a first choice for more Chinese: People’s Daily

February 8, 2022

Right after moving into her new apartment, Li Yuanyuan, a designer living in Shanghai, set up an online group chat and started sending invites to all her neighbors. She wanted to buy some second-hand stuff, and setting up an online group in a residential community is a popular and convenient way to achieve that. Click here to read…

Police in Beijing punish individuals for illicit resales of Olympic mascots: Global Times

February 9, 2022

Local police in Beijing’s Dongcheng district announced on Tuesday that three individuals had been penalized for illicit sales of Beijing 2022 Bing Dwen Dwen mascots. Officials in Beijing said that Bing Dwen Dwen mascots have gone viral amid the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympic Games, but they found some resellers were charging excessively high prices, which disrupted the normal market order. Click here to read…

China vows to take powerful measures against US’ latest arms sale to Taiwan island: Global Times

February 8, 2022

China on Tuesday vowed to take countermeasures after the US announced a plan to sell $100 million worth of Patriot missile upgrades to the island of Taiwan, which would be the first US arms sale to the island in 2022 and the second under the Biden administration. The arms sale, again leeching money from Taiwan, will not bring safety to “Taiwan independence” secessionists but instead push the island further toward catastrophe, said experts. Click here to read…

Bilibili establishes support group, increase new recruits over employee’s sudden death: Global Times

February 9, 2022

Bilibili, one of China’s leading video-sharing platforms, said it has established a special group to support the family of the deceased employee, and the company pledged to increase recruitments to relieve the work load of its employees. The company is facing growing criticism over the death of an employee in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province. The company earlier denied claims that excessive overtime led to the death. Click here to read…

Chinese market regulators summon iron ore information providers, to maintain price stability: Global Times

February 9, 2022

Chinese iron ore market information providers were summoned by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and State Administration for Market Regulation amid recent volatility seen in iron ore prices, and called for publishing accurate market information.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202202/1251813.shtml” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

China didn’t buy any of $200 bil. U.S. exports pledged in deal: Kyodo

February 9, 2022

China did not purchase any of the extra $200 billion in U.S. exports pledged under a bilateral trade deal signed in 2020, an analysis by a U.S. research institute showed Tuesday, highlighting the failure of the agreement that was touted as “historic” by then U.S. President Donald Trump. Click here to read…

Chinese funding of sub-Saharan African infrastructure dwarfs that of West, says think tank: Reuters

February 9, 2022

China’s development banks provided $23 billion in financing for infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa from 2007 to 2020, more than double the amount lent by such banks in the United States, Germany, Japan and France combined, a new study showed. The Center for Global Development think tank said a review of 535 public-private infrastructure deals funded in the region in those years showed that China’s investments dwarfed those of other governments and multilateral development banks. Click here to read…

Defense Ministry criticizes US arms sale to Taiwan: China Daily

February 9, 2022

The Chinese military resolutely opposes the United States approving a possible $100 million sale of equipment and services to Taiwan, a spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Monday that the US Congress had greenlit the deal following State Department’s approval. The arms package aims to upgrade the island’s Patriot air defense system and maintain its credible defensive capability, the agency said. Click here to read…

Is the deglobalisation writing on the wall? How China is reversing cultural openness with the West: South China Morning Post

February 9, 2022

In the last two months, staff at subway stations in the Chinese capital Beijing and the neighbouring city of Tianjin have been on a mission. Signs and route maps with English names at the stations have come down and been replaced with ones with pinyin, or romanised, transliterations of the Chinese characters. Instead of maps pointing out the stop for Tianjin Binhai International Airport, the directions are now to Binhai Guo Ji Ji Chang. Beijing Railway Station is now referred to as Beijing Zhan, and Olympic Park is Gaolinpike Gongyuan. Click here to read…

Shanghai company at heart of Beijing’s semiconductor self-sufficiency drive red-flagged by Washington: South China Morning Post

February 8, 2022

A prominent company at the heart of China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency drive has been red-flagged by the US, signalling that rivalry between the world’s two-largest economies over strategic technology is intensifying. Shanghai Microelectronics (SMEE), which is perhaps Beijing’s best current hope to produce machines that can manufacture advanced chips, was one of 33 Chinese entities added to an export watch list by the US Commerce Department on Monday, a move that could restrict the company’s imports of US technologies and products. Click here to read…