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Science and Technology (S&T) Digest, 16-31 January 2023, Issue 6

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security
  1. Indian Navy Commissioned the Fifth Kalvari Class Submarine Vagir
  2. Indian Army Displayed ‘Made In India’ Weapons
  3. India to Launch the Long-Delayed Super Sukhoi Programme
II. STI in Space Sector
  1. NID and ISRO Sign MoU for Human Spaceflight Programme
  2. ISRO’s Rocket SSLV Set for Launch
  3. India’s Rocket LVM3 to be launched in early March 2023
  4. The Kerala Space Park Project
III. Emerging Technologies and Applications
  1. India Unveils World’s First Intranasal COVID19 Vaccine
  2. India Developed Four Indigenous Vaccines in Two Years
  3. Creating a Deeptech Health Care R&D and Supply Chain Ecosystem
  4. Quantum Computing in India
  5. Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System Launched
  6. Technology for Biosensing System Launched
  7. Framework for Catalyzing India’s Techade
  8. TRAI Issued the Consultation Paper on Digital Technologies and Services
  9. Government Invites Comments on Amendment Proposed to ‘IT Rules’
  10. India International Science Festival, IISF-2022 Inaugurated in Bhopal
  11. Use of Technology and Elections Integrity
  12. Training Students in the Areas of Emerging Technologies
  13. Empowering Young Scientists of India
IV. International Cooperation
  1. India-Egypt Defence and S&T Cooperation
  2. India-US held the Inaugural iCET Dialogue
  3. India-US Space Cooperation
  4. India-France Defence Tech Cooperation
  5. G20-Startup20 Engagement Group Set To Meet in Hyderabad
  6. First G-20 International Financial Architecture Working Group Inaugurated
V. Regional and Global Trends
  1. NASA Tests New Propulsion System for Deep Space Missions
  2. China Launches Classified Remote Sensing and Tech Test Satellites
  3. China to Launch 60 Space Missions and Over 200 Spacecraft in 2023
  4. China’s Potential Claim to Resource-Rich Regions of the Moon
  5. US Sanctions Chinese Firm for Sending Satellite Imagery to Russia’s Wagner Group
I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Indian Navy Commissioned the Fifth Kalvari Class Submarine Vagir

The Indian Navy’s fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into the Indian Navy today, 23 January 2023 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Six Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. INS Vagir would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the Command’s arsenal. The submarine has advanced stealth features and long range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Army Displayed ‘Made In India’ Weapons

Ahead of Republic Day 2023, the Indian Army displayed ‘Made In India’ weapons including Akash air defence missiles and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles atthe India Gate.The weapons displayed included K-9 Vajra howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag anti-tank guided missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defence missiles and the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles.

For more information: Click here to read…

India to Launch the Long-Delayed Super Sukhoi Programme

As per media reports, India is about to launch the long-delayed Super Sukhoi programme. Four billion USD has already been requested by the Indian Ministry of Defence. 150 fighters out of 260 operationally ready Su-30MKI will go through complete modernization. The Super Sukhoi programme was supposed to start nearly two years ago. In 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and this delayed the plans of the Indian Air Command. However, the time has come for a change, and seeing the threat from China, India is ready to invest in the backbone of its Air Force. The modernization will mainly affect the replacement of electronics, sensors, and weapons. Realistically, if the programme is completed on time, India will have a better Su-30 than the original manufacturer – the USSR/Russia.

For more information: Click here to read…

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR
NID and ISRO Sign MoU for Human Spaceflight Programme

The National Institute of Design (NID) officials and Human Spaceflight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at NID Ahmedabad on 20 January 2023 for the ‘Design of System and Products for Indian Human Spaceflight Programme’. NID director Praveen Nahar, and HSFC director, Dr R Umamaheshwaran, signed the MoU in the presence of officials from both institutions. As per media reports, the collaboration would cover fields ranging from spacesuits to user consoles. “So far, only a few countries like Russia and the US have advanced in space design as a discipline.”
For more information: Click here to read…

ISRO’s Rocket SSLV Set for Launch

ISRO’s latest rocket, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), is all set for launch with the space agency aiming for carrying three payloads. While the main payload will be an Earth observation satellite – the EOS-7 – the mission is also expected to launch Janus-1 from US firm Antaris and a third payload from a domestic player. The Earth observation satellite SSLV is scheduled to carry will be in the small satellite class with its mass not exceeding 200kg, while the other two satellites sharing the ride will be smaller.
For more information: Click here to read…

India’s Rocket LVM3 to be launched in early March 2023

India’s heaviest rocket LVM3 (also known as GSLV Mk3) is likely to take to the skies in early March 2023, as part of its second commercial launch. This launch is part of a commercial deal between UK-based satellite broadband firm One Web and ISRO’s commercial arm New Space India Limited (NSIL). The deal is worth approximately USD 122.65 million (INR 1,000 crore), and involves the launch of 72 satellites in two batches of 36 each, on board the LVM3 rocket. While the first LVM3/One Web launch was successfully completed on 23rd October 2022, the second launch is slated for March 2023.
For more information: Click here to read…

The Kerala Space Park Project

The Kerala Space Park project opens up immense opportunities for the State to establish a thriving space industry, Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal said, while inaugurating a seminar ‘Sustainability in Space Science and Technology – Challenges and Possibilities,’ organised by the ISRO Staff Association as part of its golden jubilee celebrations. Space science is highly relevant at a time when debates centre on climate change and global warming and the need to protect the planet, he said.
For more information: Click here to read…

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
India Unveils World’s First Intranasal COVID19 Vaccine

On 26 January 2023, the Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the iNNCOVACC COVID19 vaccine in the presence of Minister of Science and Technology, DrJitendra Singh. iNNCOVACC is the world’s first intranasal COVID19 vaccine to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a heterologous booster dose. It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC), a PSU under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.
For more information: Click here to read…

India Developed Four Indigenous Vaccines in Two Years

India has developed four indigenous Vaccines in last two years. The four vaccines are- ZyCoV-D- World’s 1st and India’s indigenously developed DNA Vaccine, CORBEVAXTM-India’s first protein subunit vaccine, GEMCOVAC™-19 – World’s 1st and India’s indigenously developed mRNA vaccine and iNCOVACC-World’s 1st and India’s indigenously developed intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine. The DBT in Ministry of S&T has through “Mission COVID Suraksha”, delivered four vaccines, augmented the manufacturing of Covaxin, and created necessary infrastructure for smooth development of future vaccines, so that the country is pandemic ready.
For more information: Click here to read…

Creating a Deeptech Health Care R&D and Supply Chain Ecosystem

SAMEER, India’s premier R&D Institute of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) signed a MoU with Siemens Healthineers in Bengaluru on 27 January that will contribute towards the development of new, improved and innovative technologies for advancing healthcare and diagnostic access in India. Digital India Programme which was launched in 2015 paved way for India to move from being a consumer of technology to a producer of technology, devices, and products. “The MoU today is a significant step in this direction.”
For more information: Click here to read…

Quantum Computing in India

The Quantum Computing will be at the core of India’s growth and expansion in India’s Techade. The MeitY Chandrasekhar said that “It is PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to create a India centric Quantum tech ecosystem with partners and players around the world. We are working together to build an ecosystem of innovation, along with startups, R&D laboratories, higher education institutions.” The Minister said that “We need to really work together to build a complete quantum ecosystem of innovation, startups, research labs, higher academic institutions, domestic companies, foreign companies, foreign academics for creating an India centric Quantum Ecosystem that works very well with other partners and players around the world”.
For more information: Click here to read…

Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System Launched

The Secretary, MeitY, Alkesh Kumar Sharma has launched the Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System (AI-AQMS v1.0) developed under MeitY supported projects, on 17 January 2023. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata in collaboration with TeXMIN, ISM, Dhanbad under the ‘National programme on Electronics and ICT applications in Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’ has developed a outdoor air quality monitoring station to monitor environmental pollutants which includes parameters like PM 1.0, PM 2.5, PM 10.0, SO2, NO2, CO, O2, ambient temperature, relative humidity etc., for continuous air quality analysis of the environment.
For more information: Click here to read…

Technology for Biosensing System Launched

The Secretary, MeitY, Alkesh Kumar Sharma has launched the Technology for Biosensing system for the detection of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in aquatic ecosystems (MEAN) developed under MeitY supported projects, on 17 January 2023. The C-DAC, Kolkata in collaboration with ICAR-CIFRI, Baraackpore under the ‘National programme on Electronics and ICT applications in Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’ has developed a biosensing system for detection of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) in aquatic ecosystems, for qualitative and quantitate analysis of EDC content in water bodies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Framework for Catalyzing India’s Techade

The Indian Government will put in place a less prescriptive and more principle-based comprehensive legal framework for catalyzing India’s Techade and to build a trillion-dollar economy, the Meity Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in Bengaluru on 19 January 2023. The Minister said that “The Government is working on a comprehensive legal framework that will include legislations like the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the National Data Governance Framework, the amended IT rules etc. and the upcoming Digital India Act — which will be less prescriptive and more principle-based-to enable and support a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem”.
For more information: Click here to read…

TRAI Issued the Consultation Paper on Digital Technologies and Services

On 30 January 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Consultation Paper on “Regulating Converged Digital Technologies and Services –Enabling Convergence of Carriage of Broadcasting and Telecommunication services”. Over the period of time, various technological developments in digital markets have resulted in the convergence of devices, services, and networks. The convergence of digital and physical products through the use of Machine to Machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies is paving the way for Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).
For more information: Click here to read…

Government Invites Comments on Amendment Proposed to ‘IT Rules’

In pursuance of the Government’s commitment to ensure an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet for citizens (Digital Nagriks), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invited comments from stakeholders and general public on amendment proposed to rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules”) with respect to obligations of social media and other intermediaries regarding sharing of information which is patently false and untrue or misleading in nature.
For more information: Click here to read…

India International Science Festival, IISF-2022 Inaugurated in Bhopal

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Minister for Science & Technology, DrJitendra Singh jointly inaugurated India International Science Festival, IISF-2022 in Bhopal on 21 January with the theme, “Marching towards AmritKaal with Science Technology and Innovation”. In his address Chief Minister Chouhan said that 2600 Start-ups came up in Madhya Pradesh alone in one year and it is not only confined to city of Indore but even tier-2 and tier-3 cities are dotted with successful start-ups. He called upon the students and entrepreneurs from Madhya Pradesh to develop a zeal for innovations. For more information: Click here to read…

Use of Technology and Elections Integrity

Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioner’s Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel inaugurated a two day international conference on the theme ‘Use of Technology & Elections Integrity’. The conference which is second in a series of three conferences to be organized by Election Commission of India is hosted at New Delhi under Cohort on Election Integrity led by ECI. Sixteen countries including Heads/Dy Heads of nine EMBs or Election Authorities are participating.
For more information: Click here to read…

Training Students in the Areas of Emerging Technologies

Atal Innovation Mission – NITI Aayog, Central Board of Secondary Education -Ministry of Education, and Intel India have collaborated to bring a change in the education sector by embedding future skills such as AI and Tinkering in the formal curriculum. The larger aim is to align the NEP 2020’s guidance to increase the pace of tech integration for youth, the need to bridge the future skills gap in the country, and optimize the current infrastructure (ATLs, etc.) towards making India AI-ready. Together, they launched the AIoT Integration in School Curriculum in September 2022 and initiated a pilot.
For more information: Click here to read…

Empowering Young Scientists of India

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI, IIT (BHU), Varanasi and INYAS jointly organised the “National Brainstorming Session on Empowering Young Scientists of India” on 24th and 25th January 2023 to assimilate ideas for enhancing the avenues of empowering young scientists of India in the current research ecosystem. The two-day brainstorming session was held with the aim of collating inputs on a new policy document to nurture and empower the next generation of young scientists and researchers (≤45 years) that would translate into excellence in scientific and technological leadership for furthering the research and development in the country.
For more information: Click here to read…

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
India-Egypt Defence and S&T Cooperation

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited India from 24-27 January 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day on 26 January. During the visit, India and Egypt “agreed to further enhance and deepen defence cooperation in all fields, especially by exchanging technology between defence industries, widening the footprint of military exercises, and exchanging best practices. They emphasized the need for co-production in the defence sector and to discuss specific proposals in the framework of the JDC.” They also noted “their longstanding science and technology cooperation with satisfaction”. They agreed that the two countries “could work together in areas of emerging technologies through sharing best practices and undertaking joint research in areas of mutual interest such as nano-technology, bio-technology and renewable energy”.
For more information:
Click here to read…

India-US held the Inaugural iCET Dialogue

India and the US held the inaugural Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue in Washington DC on 31 January 2023 which was co-led by the two National Security Advisors, NSA AjitDoval and NSA Jake Sullivan. They were joined by senior government officials, leading industry representatives and academia. As per the White House fact sheet, the two sides have identified six areas of planned cooperation which would include Strengthening innovation ecosystems; Defence innovation and technology cooperation; Resilient semiconductor supply chains; Space; STEM talent; and, Next generation telecommunications.
For more information: Click here to read…

India-US Space Cooperation

The officials from India and the US participated in the eighth meeting of the US-India Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG) in Washington DC from 30-31 January 2023. As per the State Department press release, “the CSJWG discussions covered collaboration in earth and space science as well as human space exploration, global navigation satellite systems, spaceflight safety and space situational awareness, and policies for commercial space”. The two sides also “considered implementation of guidelines and best practices developed by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.”
For more information: Click here to read…

India-France Defence Tech Cooperation

In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement was signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France in Mumbai on 23 January2023 to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines. The AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance by several folds.
For more information: Click here to read…

G20-Startup20 Engagement Group Set To Meet in Hyderabad

The G-20 Startup20 Engagement Group will hold its inception meeting in Hyderabad, featuring delegates from G20 nations and nine special invitees from observer countries, representatives from multilateral organizations as well as the Indian startup ecosystem. The group formed under G20 after India assumed presidency will convene from 28-29 January anticipating a productive development of policy recommendations on entrepreneurship and innovation priorities of and across G20 countries for the years ahead. The meeting will create a global narrative for supporting startups and fostering synergies between startups, corporates, investors, innovation agencies, and other key ecosystem stakeholders.
For more information: Click here to read…

First G-20 International Financial Architecture Working Group Inaugurated

The two-day meeting of the first International Financial Architecture Working Group of G-20, under the chairmanship of India, was inaugurated in Chandigarh on 30 January 2023. On this occasion, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar said that India is developing rapidly with science and innovation, both of them are deeply connected with the future of India. We have leveraged technology to create the digital public infrastructure. We have been a significant contributor to financial inclusion in global healthcare and the move to sustainable energy while people-centric development is the basis of our national strategy. This is the same philosophy that the theme of our G-20 Presidency, – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, also underlines.
For more information: Click here to read…

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS
NASA Tests New Propulsion System for Deep Space Missions

Propulsion development engineers at NASA have developed and tested the agency’s first full-scale rotating detonation rocket engine, or RDRE. It is an advanced rocket engine design that could revolutionise how future rocket propulsion systems are built, according to the space agency. The RDRE is different from conventional rocket engine designs and generates thrust using a “supersonic combustion phenomenon” known as detonation. The design allows the engine to generate more power while using less fuel than propulsion systems that are currently being used. According to NASA, it has the potential to power both human landers and interplanetary vehicles going to deep space destinations like the Moon and Mars.
For more information: Click here to read…

China Launches Classified Remote Sensing and Tech Test Satellites

China launched three new satellites in January 2023, providing no details of the work they will do in orbit. A Long March 2D rocket lifted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 2:00 a.m. EST (0700 GMT, or 3:00 p.m. local time) on 13 January 2023, sending three classified satellites into orbit. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which produced both the rocket and satellites, announcedthe successful launch of the Yaogan 37 and Shiyan 22A and 22B satellites within an hour of liftoff. No details about the three satellites were provided.
For more information: Click here to read…

China to Launch 60 Space Missions and Over 200 Spacecraft in 2023

After conducting over 50 launches in 2022, China has bigger and bolder plans for 2023. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has said that Beijing is planning to launch 60 space missions and over 200 spacecraft this year. In a blue paper, unveiled recently, China has revealed that the country’s space science and technology activities will see a significant boost in 2023 including big-ticket missions like Tianzhou-6 cargo craft, the Shenzhou-16, and the Shenzhou-17 flight missions to further solidify its Tiangong space station activities. Apart from launching these missions, the corporation will also ensure that the construction of a new-generation commercial remote-sensing satellite system.
For more information: Click here to read…

China’s Potential Claim to Resource-Rich Regions of the Moon

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has warned that China could claim resource-rich regions of the moon as its own as the country intends to gain economic benefits through space exploration, the Indo-Pacific Center for Strategic Communications (IPCSC) reported. According to the IPCSC report, China’s efforts to use its space programme to transform itself into a military, economic, and technological power will soon reshape the world order. China in 2020, announced its plans to establish an economic zone with an output value of USD 10 trillion. China in 2022 built a space station orbiting the Earth and performed several missions around the moon to extract samples. Beijing also plans to build an autonomous lunar research station near the moon’s South Pole, which is expected to begin in 2025.
For more information: Click here to read…

US Sanctions Chinese Firm for Sending Satellite Imagery to Russia’s Wagner Group

On 26 January 2023, the United States Treasury Department and the State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese company for sending satellite imagery orders from locations in Ukraine to Russia’s Wagner Group, according to the statement released by the US Department of the Treasury. US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said that “As sanctions and export controls on Russia from our international coalition continue to bite, the Kremlin is desperately searching for arms and support, including through the brutal Wagner Group, to continue its unjust war against Ukraine.”
For more information: Click here to read…

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

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security
  1. DAC Approves AoN for Three Capital Acquisition Proposals
  2. Keel Laying of the Two Warships of Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Craft
  3. Successful Training Launch of Prithvi-II Carried Out off
  4. ICG Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones
  5. Startup Firm IG Drones Develops India’s First 5G-Enabled Drone, Skyhawk
  6. Technology Acquiring Centre Stage
II. STI in Space Sector
  1. The MoS&T Notifies National Geospatial Policy, 2022
  2. Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial Ecosystem
  3. Symposium on Space Science and Technology
  4. Chandrayaan-3 Mission Anticipated To be Launched in August 2023
III. Emerging Technologies and Applications
  1. Start-up India Innovation Week
  2. India’s Fastest Payment App, PayRup, Launched
  3. ‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Launched
  4. Symposium on Emerging and Strategic Technologies
  5. Vidisha Becomes First District in India for Deployment of 5G Use
  6. Effective Use of S&T Important for Progress of Agriculture
  7. Start-ups in Agriculture Sector
  8. Intelligent Tray Retrieval System
  9. Contribution of Women in STEM & Biodiversity Conservation
IV. International Cooperation
  1. India’s Role in the Technology Sector in G20
  2. ‘Stay Safe Online’ and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ Launched
  3. India-France Technology Cooperation
  4. Joint Projects with Japan for Digital Transformation of ITS and Mobility
  5. Emagia, USA, and Osmania University Sign Agreement on AI and Fintech
  6. India-US Emerging Technology Cooperation
V. Regional and Global Trends
  1. ‘US Needs to Boost Tech Investments to Stay Competitive’, Senate Democrats
  2. US-China Quantum Technology Race
  3. US Sanction China on Chips Yield No Immediate Effect
  4. China Published More Scientific Papers than the US
  5. 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…

China: Daily Scan, June 10, 2022

China to improve public interest litigations on water resources: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

A new regulation on establishing and improving the cooperation mechanism between water resources law enforcement and procuratorial public interest litigations was made public Thursday. Click here to read…

China’s State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several officials on Thursday. Xu Lin replaced Nie Chenxi as head of the National Radio and Television Administration, and no longer serves as director of the State Council Information Office. Chen Daojiang was appointed China’s permanent representative to the International Seabed Authority, replacing Tian Qi. Click here to read…

Chinese president appoints new ambassadors: Xinhuanet

June 9, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed nine new ambassadors in accordance with a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, according to a statement from China’s top legislature on Thursday. Sun Haiyan was appointed China’s ambassador to Singapore, replacing Hong Xiaoyong. Zhang Jianwei was appointed ambassador to Kuwait, replacing Li Minggang. Zhang Yiming was appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, replacing Ni Jian. Click here to read…

Chinese-invested uranium mine exceeds budgeted production targets in 2021: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

Rossing Uranium, a Chinese-invested company in Namibia, exceeded budgeted production targets by a significant margin, as the 2,882 tonnes of U3O8 produced during 2021 represented a 16 percent increase compared to 2020, the company’s managing director Johan Coetzee said. Click here to read…

China releases new geologic map of Moon: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

China has released a new geologic map of the Moon on a scale of 1:2,500,000, the first one in the world, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Chinese scientists from the Institute of Geochemistry of the CAS and other research institutes and universities have created the map based on data from the country’s Chang’e project and other data and research findings from international organizations. Click here to read…

Ex-manager of China’s power firm given death with reprieve over bribery: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

A former manager of state-owned China Huadian Corporation Ltd. was sentenced Thursday to death with a two-year reprieve for taking bribes worth 468 million yuan (about 70.05 million U.S. dollars). Click here to read…

China launches manhunt for telecom, online fraud suspects: Xinhuanet
June 9, 2022

China launched a manhunt on Thursday for major heads and key members of telecom and online fraud gangs across the country. The yearlong operation, launched by a joint task force under the State Council, vowed to bring the suspects to justice and demanded that they surrender in order to receive leniency. Click here to read…

Guideline to help MSMEs stay afloat: China Daily
June 9, 2022

New measures to lower taxes, increase financing for companies struggling due to COVID-19 outbreaks. China is beefing up support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by enacting measures to alleviate the financial burden brought on by outbreaks of COVID-19. Click here to read…

PLA jet crash with the pilot surviving: China Daily
June 9, 2022

A J-7 fighter jet belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force crashed on Thursday morning in Hubei province’s Xiangyang, with the pilot surviving, according to China Central Television. A local resident was killed, and two others were injured. Click here to read…

Breakthrough achieved in quantum computing: China Daily
June 9, 2022

Chinese physicists have created a large-scale, ordered and tunable lattice of Majorana zero mode, one of the most exotic phenomena in condensed matter physics-the study of the physical properties of matter, according to a study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists make breakthrough in push toward intelligent robotics: Global Times
June 09, 2022

Chinese scientists have developed a multimode-fused spiking neuron (MFSN) array that can sense different shapes, temperatures and weights just like people’s multisensory perception. It can contribute to the development of highly intelligent robotics in future. Click here to read…

China-Russia trade up 28.9% in Jan-May; further growth expected: Global Times
Jun 09, 2022

China’s trade with Russia saw faster growth in the first five months of 2022, according to Chinese customs data on Thursday, as Russia accelerated the shift of its supply chain to Asia amid US-led Western economic sanctions. Click here to read…

China’s securities regulator says no assessment pending on Ant IPO: Global Times
June 09, 2022

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said on Thursday that it is not assessing or studying the potential revival of Ant Group’s IPO, in response to media reports claiming that the agency has set up teams to review the fintech firm’s listing plan. Click here to read…

China’s smartphone makers chip away at Samsung, Apple’s Russian market share: Reuters
June 9, 2022

China’s market share in the Russian smartphone market jumped significantly in May as manufacturers like Apple and Samsung (005930.KS) paused new sales in Russia and Western sanctions weighed on the Russian economy. Click here to read…

Another district in Beijing shuts entertainment venues to contain COVID outbreak: Reuters

June 9, 2022

China’s capital city of Beijing shut down entertainment venues in its Dongcheng district from Thursday in an effort to contain a new outbreak of COVID-19, the state-backed Beijing Daily said late on Thursday. The move came after Beijing’s largest district, Chaoyang, also ordered entertainment venues and internet cafes to shut from 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) on Thursday. Click here to read…

Japan, China defense chiefs to meet June 12 amid Chinese naval activity: Kyodo
June 9, 2022

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi will meet with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe Sunday on the sidelines of a security forum in Singapore to air concerns over Beijing repeatedly sending ships around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, a government source said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese state broadcasting gets a new chief: Xi protégé Xu Lin: South China Morning Post
June 9, 2022

Xu Lin, a protégé of President Xi Jinping, has taken over as head of the National Radio and Television Administration, which oversees state broadcasting in China. The 59-year-old attended an event at the NRTA in Beijing on Wednesday as its director and Communist Party branch secretary, according to a post on the agency’s website. It said Xu spoke about creating television shows that focus on ordinary people’s stories for the ruling party’s national congress later this year. It was the first confirmation that Xu has been appointed to the top job at the NRTA and comes ahead of a twice-a-decade political reshuffle at the party congress, to be held in autumn. While China is likely to see a new leadership line-up unveiled at the event, Xi is expected to secure a third term as the party’s top leader. Click here to read…

Chinese court awards woman US$4,500 compensation for 7 years of housework and child-rearing from ex-husband after divorce: South China Morning Post
June 9, 2022

A woman in China who received 30,000 yuan (US$4,500) in compensation for being a full-time wife and mother during her marriage has kicked off a national discourse about housework in mainland China. The woman, surnamed Wang, from Suzhou city in Jiangsu province, eastern China, was awarded the payment as compensation for being the full-time family carer for about seven years after she and her husband, surnamed Tan, divorced this year. During the marriage, Wang was a stay-at-home wife and looked after their son who was born prematurely shortly after the couple married in 2015. Wang also handled all the housework while Tan worked full time. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 30 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
June 10, 2022

The Chinese mainland Thursday reported 30 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 15 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, seven in Beijing, six in Shanghai and two in Liaoning, the National Health Commission said Friday. Click here to read…

Several local cases reported in Beijing, Shanghai: China Daily
June 10, 2022

Beijing and Shanghai reported new clusters of COVID-19 infections on Thursday, involving a bar in Beijing and a beauty salon in Shanghai. The cases show the insidious risks of a rebound of infections still exist, the two cities’ health officials warned. Click here to read…

Xi stresses support for employment of college graduates, development of private sector in tour to Sichuan: Global Times
June 10, 2022

During an inspection tour in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Wednesday, President Xi Jinping stressed the need to adhere to the dynamic zero-COVID strategy of containing the virus while ensuring economic development, called for more effective measures to tackle specific issues such as employment for college graduates and boosted morale by pointing to the bright path ahead. Click here to read…

Shanghai to restart lockdowns, testing in Minhang District: Taipei Times
June 10, 2022

Shanghai tomorrow is to lock down a district of 2.7 million people to conduct mass testing for COVID-19, city authorities said yesterday, as the Chinese metropolis struggles to fully emerge from punishing curbs. Click here to read…

VIF Cyber Review: April 2022

NATIONAL

Cabinet approves upgradation of mobile sites in LWE-affected areas

On 27 April 2022, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ‘Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)’ project for upgrading 2G mobile services to 4G at security sites in the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas. The Cabinet also authorised Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) payment of LWE Phase-I 2G site operations and maintenance costs for an additional five years beyond the contractual period of five years at a cost of ₹541.80 crore. The extension will last up to 12 months from the date of Cabinet approval or the commissioning of 4G sites, whichever comes first.

The upgrade will improve internet and data services in certain LWE locations. It satisfies the standards of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as well as the state governments. It will also meet the communication requirements of the security forces stationed in these regions. The suggestion is consistent with the goal of increasing rural mobile connectivity. Furthermore, delivery of various e-governance, banking, tele-medicine, tele-education, and other services via mobile broadband will be possible in these locations. [1]

CERT-In issued advisory on multiple vulnerabilities in Oracle products

On 22 April 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory on multiple vulnerabilities in Oracle products which could be exploited by an attacker to bypass security restrictions, execute arbitrary code, disclose sensitive information, and cause Denial of Service (DoS) attack on the targeted system. Such vulnerabilities are remotely exploitable without authentication, i.e., may be exploited over a network without requiring user credentials. [2] As a solution, CERT-In provided link to apply appropriate patches available at: Click here to read…

India Post issued warning against fraudulent URLs/Websites claiming to give prizes through certain surveys

On 23 April 2022, the India Post issued a warning against various URLs/Websites getting circulated in social media and communication platforms, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and through e-mail/SMS containing tiny URLs, claiming to provide government subsidies as prize money through certain surveys. “We wish to inform the citizens of the Country that India Post is not involved in any such activities like announcing Subsidies, Bonus or Prizes based on Surveys etc. Public receiving such notifications/messages /emails are requested not to believe or respond to such fake and spurious messages or share any personal details.

It is also requested not share any personally identifiable information such as date of birth, Account numbers, mobile numbers, place of Birth & OTP etc”, read the advisory issued by the India Post. The India Post and Fact Check Unit of Press Information Bureau (PIB) have declared these URLs/Websites as fake through social media. [3]

CERT-In issued advisory on Malware targeting ICS/SCADA systems

On 16 April 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory about the Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors targeting Industrial Control Systems (ICS)/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems through custom made tools. The tools enabled cyber threat actors to scan for, compromise, and control affected systems after gaining access to the operational technology (OT) network.

The APTs are targeting ICS/SCADA and have capabilities to gain complete access control of certain ICS/SCADA devices including:

– Schneider Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

– OMRON Sysmac NEX PLCs, and,

– Open platform communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Servers.
According to the advisory, the APT actors could also exploit a known-vulnerable ASRock-signed Motherboard driver— “AsrDrv103.sys”, exploiting CVE-2020-15368, to execute malicious code in the Windows kernel to move laterally within an IT or OT environment and disrupt critical devices or functions. [4]

Qualcomm and MeitY’s C-DAC partner to support Indian Semiconductor start-ups

For 2022, Qualcomm India announced a collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an autonomous scientific society of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to initiate and conduct Qualcomm® Semiconductor Mentorship Program (QSMP) 2022 for select start-ups from the semiconductor space in India, with further programme to provide and facilitate mentorship, technical training, and industry outreach. Under the collaboration, the C-DAC and Qualcomm India intend to work towards following broad objectives:

– Nurture technical advancements and intellectual-property-driven innovation and product development required for semiconductor design in the Indian ecosystem.

– Help reduce risks in innovation; accelerate the pace of business development; and develop soft skills and knowledge base of Indian start-ups engaged in semiconductor design.

– Facilitate access for the selected start-ups with domain experts, VCs, accelerators, incubators, industry associations and large companies that could help them scale up their business.

– Create platforms and forums that provide opportunities to work with high-growth-potential small businesses and start-ups who have potentially disruptive technologies that could develop or reshape semiconductor supply chains in the future.

Up to ten Indian semiconductor start-ups will be shortlisted for QSMP 2022 by Qualcomm India. Each nominated firm will be connected with a Qualcomm India executive for product development and planning mentoring. Through meetings, webinars, seminars, and tradeshows, C-DAC and Qualcomm India will help these entrepreneurs gain exposure to government stakeholders. [5]

CERT-In issued advisory for safe and trusted Internet

On 28 April 2022, The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued directions related to the best information security practices, procedure, prevention, response, and reporting of cyber-crimes under the provisions of sub-Section (6) of the Section 70B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. The directions will become effective after 60 days.

The directives included aspects relating to synchronisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system clocks; mandatory reporting of cyber incidents to CERT-In; maintenance of logs of ICT systems; subscriber/customer registrations details by Data centres, Virtual Private Server (VPS) providers, Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service providers, Cloud service providers; KYC norms and practices by virtual asset service providers, virtual asset exchange providers and custodian wallet providers. These directions shall enhance overall cyber security posture and ensure safe & trusted Internet in the country. [6] The directions are available at: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL

Eurojust and Europol cracked an online investment fraud scheme responsible for losses of at least Euro 20 million

On 21 April 2022, Authorities in Finland, the Netherlands, Lativa, France, Germany, and Ukraine, supported the operation during which more than 50 servers and services were seized in six countries. “At the request of the Estonian authorities, Eurojust and Europol assisted in taking down an online investment fraud scheme, which defrauded victim 21 April 2022.

As modus operandi, the perpetrator— belong to an international Organised Crime Group (OCG) contacted victims by telephone via Internet. They project themselves as brokers of online trading platforms, dealing with Cryptocurrencies, to convince victims to make investments. It is believed that more than 30,000 people from at least 71 countries, at least 522 victims are registered in Estonia alone. [7]

Japan proposed first domestic quantum computer use by March 2023

The Japanese government proposed its intentions to enter the global Quantum Computing campaign by placing its first indigenous quantum computer into service within current fiscal year ending March 2023. As per the new strategy, Japan plans to establish four quantum research centres across the country, which could be finalised this month, after the ruling party— Liberal Democratic Party proposed expanded investment in quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI). [8] Also, the Japanese government expects 10 million users by the end of decade too.

As for the research centres, one of the two will be established at Tohoku University in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on the north-eastern coast of Japan. The centres will train personnel and support research and development. The other new site, at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, will serve as a hub for advancing joint research by global scientists,” read a report by Nikkei. [9]

Russian hacktivists launched DDoS attacks against Romania’s govt. websites

On 29 April 2022, the Romanian National Cyber Security and Incident Response Team— DNSC, issued a statement informing a series of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting several public websites management by the State authorities. The attacks had been claimed by pro-Russia hacktivist group— ‘Killnet’. According to the statement released by the DNSC, the hacktivist group targeted the following Romania-based servers:

– gov.ro (official website of Romania’s Government),

– mapn.ro (official website of Romania’s Ministry of Defense),

– politiadefrontiera.ro (official of Romanian Border Police),

– cfrcalatori.ro (official website of Romania’s National Railway Transport Company), and

– otpbank.ro (site of a commercial bank operating in Romanian).

According to the Romania’s primary domestic intelligence services— SRI (Serviciul Roman de Informatii), the DDoS attack began at 0400 hrs local time, and it originated from a compromised network equipment outside Romania, and that had been compromised by exploiting security vulnerabilities. [10]

China-backed hackers are targeting Russian State officials

Security researchers discovered a phishing campaign led by China-based threat actors, Mustang Panda aka HoneyMyte, and Bronze President) targeting Russian State officials. Earlier, the threat group— Mustang Panda, was spotted orchestrating intelligence gathering campaigns against the European targets, employing phishing lures inspired by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite, two countries— Russia and China, maintains good geopolitical relationships, Russia has always remained in the Mustang Panda’s cross hair.

Although the files sent are Windows executables (.exe), they are made to appear as PDFs and are named after Blagoveshchensk— Russian city closer to the border with China. This suggests that the targets of this campaign are Russian personnel in the region, which further supports the theory that China may be shifting to new intelligence gathering objectives. Upon launching the executable, a host of additional files are fetched, including the previously mentioned decoy EU document, a malicious DLL loader, an encrypted PlugX variant, and a digitally signed .EXE file. [11]

Endnotes :

[1] Government of India. “Cabinet approves upgradation of 2G mobile sites to 4G at security sites in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas”, Press Information Bureau, 27 April 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1820512
[2] Government of India. “Multiple Vulnerabilities in Oracle Products— CERT-In Advisory CIAD-2022-0011”, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 22 April 2022, Available from: https://www.cert-in.org.in/
[3] Government of India. “India Post warns public against fraudulent URLs/Websites claiming to provide subsidies/prizes through certain surveys”, Press Information Bureau, 23 April 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1819189
[4] Government of India. “Malware targeting ICS/SCADA systems— CIAD-2022-0010”, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 16 April 2022, Available from: https://www.cert-in.org.in/
[5] Government of India. “Qualcomm and MeitY’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) partner to support Indian semiconductor start-ups”, Press Information Bureau, 29 April 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1821268
[6] Government of India. “CERT-In issues directions relating to information security practices, procedure, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents for Safe & Trusted Internet”, Press Information Bureau, 28 April 2022, Available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1820904
[7] “Takedown of Infrastructures of call centre involved in online investment fraud responsible for losses of at least EURO 20 million”, European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, 21 April 2022, Available from: https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/take-down-infrastructure-call-centres-involved-online-investment-fraud-responsible-losses
[8] “Tokyo sets Quantum Computing Deadline— Japan Times”, Asia Financial, 08 April 2022, Available from: https://www.asiafinancial.com/48334-2
[9] Kaur, Dashveenjit. “Japan’s first domestic quantum computer targets 10m users by 2030”, Techwire Asia, 18 April 2022, Available from: https://techwireasia.com/2022/04/japans-first-domestic-quantum-computer-targets-10m-users-by-2030/
[10] Toulas, Bill. “Russian hacktivists launch DDoS attacks on Romanian govt sites”, Bleeping Computer, 29 April 2022, Available from: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/russian-hacktivists-launch-ddos-attacks-on-romanian-govt-sites/ ; Government of Romania. “Atacuriciberneticeasupra site-urilorunorinstituțiipubliceșifinanciar-bancare”, SRI, 29 April 2022, Available from: https://www.sri.ro/articole/atacuri-cibernetice-asupra-site-urilor-unor-institutii-publice-si-financiar-bancare.html
[11] Toulas, Bill. “Chinese state-backed hackers now target Russian state officers”, Bleeping Computer, 27 April 2022, Available from:https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/chinese-state-backed-hackers-now-target-russian-state-officers/

China Daily Digest February 18, 2022

Chinese vice premier stresses food safety: Xinhuanet
February 17, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng Thursday called for the application of new technologies including big data to ensure food safety. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the food safety commission of the State Council, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the commission. Click here to read…

U.S. labeling China “non-market” entirely false: Xinhuanet
February 17, 2022

The United States labeling China’s economic system as “non-market” has no grounds in terms of international economic and trade rules, and is entirely against the facts, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday. Click here to read…

China approves mega project for greater computing power, digital future: Xinhuanet
February 18, 2022

China has approved a project involving the construction of eight national computing hubs and plans to build 10 national-data center clusters, indicating that its strategy to channel more computing resources from the country’s eastern regions to its less developed yet resource-rich western regions is in full swing. Click here to read…

China releases new quantum computing software: Xinhuanet
February 17, 2022

China has released a new quantum computing programming software named “isQ-Core” and deployed it to the country’s superconducting quantum hardware platform. It represents a significant step forward in the combination of home-grown quantum computing hardware and software, said its primary developer, the Institute of Software under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Click here to read…

Former Inner Mongolia senior political advisor gets life sentence for bribery: Xinhuanet
February 17, 2022

A Chinese court on Thursday sentenced Ma Ming, a former senior political advisor in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to life in prison for bribery. Ma Ming, former vice chairman of the Inner Mongolia regional committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, was deprived of political rights for life, according to the intermediate people’s court of the city of Zibo in east China’s Shandong Province. Click here to read…

Chinese schools to appoint vice principals to tackle delinquency, bullying: Xinhuanet
February 17, 2022

Primary and secondary schools in China will appoint vice principals who will be in charge of law-related affairs to ensure better protection for students and tackle juvenile delinquency and school bullying. The relevant measures that will come into effect on May 1 require that at least one vice principal responsible for such work is appointed in each primary or secondary school, the Ministry of Education said Thursday. Click here to read…

Media workers urged to tell China’s stories better: Xinhuanet

February 17, 2022

A senior publicity official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called on Chinese journalists to tell China’s stories better. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the Museum of the Communist Party of China on Thursday. Click here to read…

China’s revised Patent Law introduces open licensing system to promote use of idle patents: Quishi
February 18, 2022

Thanks to a new amendment to China’s Patent Law that entered into force on June 1, 2021, patents in the country that have lain idle can be put into actual use easier. Wu Zhenyu, a professor with the School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, is one of the patent owners who have benefited from the new amendment, which introduces an open licensing system to facilitate the utilization of patents. Click here to read…

Authorities offering rewards for smuggling and stowaway tips: China Daily
February 17, 2022

The rewards for the capture of smugglers and stowaways from outside the mainland are being offered after four of 15 people who illegally entered into Guangdong from the Hong Kong special administrative region have been detected to be positive for novel coronavirus, according to a local media on Thursday. Click here to read…

Robot shark making a big splash in Shanghai: China Daily
February 18, 2022

Researchers at China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, a State-owned defense contractor, have developed and made the world’s first robot whale shark. The robotic shark has been on display in an aquarium at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park in the city’s Pudong New Area since January. The whale shark is a slow-moving carpet shark and the largest known living fish. Click here to read…

Large amphibious plane forges ahead: China Daily
February 17, 2022

China is stepping up development of the homegrown AG600 large amphibious aircraft, the company developing the plane said on Wednesday. Three AG600s are expected to enter the final phase of assembly this year and maiden flights are planned for three aircraft, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the country’s leading plane-maker, said. Click here to read…

China establishes office to promote exports of the FC-31 stealth fighter: Global Times
February 18, 2022

China has established an office dedicated to promoting the country’s independently developed FC-31 stealth fighter jet on the international market in an effort by the aircraft’s manufacturer to actively find customers. Click here to read…

China’s flourishing display industry mirrors country’s passion for innovation: People’s Daily
February 18, 2022

At the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the interaction between a huge ground LED display covering 11,000 square meters and a gigantic LED screen standing in the middle of the venue caught the eyes of the world. This innovative combination of digital technology and aesthetics has built an ice world that only exists in dreams. Click here to read…

China expresses serious concerns on India banning Chinese apps: Reuters
February 17, 2022

China on Thursday expressed serious concerns regarding India’s ban of Chinese apps over security reasons, adding that it hopes India would treat all foreign investors, including Chinese firms, in a transparent, fair and non-discriminatory manner. Click here to read…

Taiwan, with eye on China, to boost protection for its semiconductor secrets: Reuters
February 17, 2022

Taiwan’s government proposed on Thursday a new law to prevent China from stealing its chip technology, amid rising concern in Taipei that Beijing is stepping up its economic espionage. Click here to read…

In China, buying trafficked women and children gets less jail time than buying illegal plants or animals: South China Morning Post
February 18, 2022

If you buy illegal plants or their by-products in China, you could be jailed for up to seven years. Buying endangered animals could result in life imprisonment or death. But for someone found guilty of buying a trafficked woman or child, the maximum jail term is three years. And if the court rules that the buyer did not abuse the trafficked person or hinder rescue efforts, they may serve less time. Click here to read…