Tag Archives: Robotics

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

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security
  1. Indian Navy and Coast Guard Being Equipped with Advanced Equipment
  2. DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Akash Weapon System
  3. Space Defence Mission
  4. ‘Dare to Dream’ Scheme for Promoting Start-Ups
II. STI in Space Sector
  1. ISRO to Develop “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’
  2. Usage of NaviC System Increased in India
  3. Developing Technologies for Autonomous Precision Landing of Space Rockets
  4. DoS Establishing a Robust Regulatory System for Space Activities
III. Emerging Technologies and Applications
  1. A Total of 84,102 Entities Recognised as Start-ups by the DPIIT
  2. Biotech Start-ups Significantly Increased in Last 8 Years
  3. Guidelines for PLI Incentive Scheme to Support Indigenous Drone Industry Issued
  4. FAME and PLI Schemes Launched for Promoting Use of EVs
  5. Steps Taken to Promote Charging Infrastructure for EVs
  6. Rolling out of 5G Network Services
  7. Government Proposes to Set up More Nuclear Power Plants for Clean Energy
  8. Remaining Four units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants to be completed by 2027
  9. Scope for New and Renewable Energy
  10. Space Satellites Herald Agritech Revolution and Agritech Start-Ups
  11. Intra-Nasal Vaccine for COVID Developed by India
  12. AICTE Focuses on Outcome Based Model Curriculum
  13. A Centre of Excellence in AI and Robotics Inaugurated
  14. Digitization of MSMEs
IV. International Cooperation
  1. Setting up of Vedanta FOXCONN Semiconductor Plant in India
  2. India-UAE Space Cooperation
  3. India-Germany Strengthen Partnership on the Skills Agenda
  4. India not Reliant on China for Accessing Rare Earth Minerals
V. Regional and Global Trends
  1. Biden Administration Adds 36 More Chinese firms to its Export List
  2. President Biden Boosts New Semiconductor Fab Facility in Arizona
  3. Apple Plans to Move Production Outside of China to other Countries
  4. Germany Blocks Sale of Two Semiconductor Factories to Chinese Firms
  5. 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…

China: Daily Scan, February 28, 2022

China appoints new minister of civil affairs: Xinhuanet
February 26, 2022

Tang Dengjie was appointed minister of civil affairs by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Monday. Click here to read…

Xi stresses firm adherence to China’s path of human rights development: Xinhuanet
February 26, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed unswerving adherence to China’s path of human rights development. Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Xinhuanet
February 25, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese FM elaborates on China’s basic position on Ukraine issue: Xinhuanet
February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday elaborated on China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue. Wang also had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine during his phone talks with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as well as Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron, respectively. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone talks with EU’s top diplomat: Xinhuanet
February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU)’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Click here to read…

China’s lithium-ion battery output surges in 2021: Xinhuanet
February 27, 2022

China’s lithium-ion batteries reported solid growth last year amid nationwide endeavors to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, official data shows. The output of lithium-ion batteries reached 324 GWh in 2021, soaring 106 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland’s sci-tech cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao makes advances: Xinhuanet
February 25, 2022

Efforts to promote the integration of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong and Macao into the national innovation system have made advances, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said Friday. Click here to read…

Former senior municipal legislator under probe: Xinhuanet
February 25, 2022

Chen Jiadong, a former senior legislator in the city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian Province, is under probe for suspected severe violations of discipline and law. Click here to read…

China’s robotics industry catches up, eyes on higher development: Quishi
February 28, 2022

According to statistics released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the country’s robot industry reported revenue of over 100 billion yuan (about $15.7 billion) for the first time in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the output of industrial robots surged from 72,000 sets to 212,000 sets, with an average annual growth of 31 percent. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Quishi
February 28, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers deliberate draft decision on ranks for active-duty soldiers: China Military
February 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Sunday began discussing a draft decision on the ranks for active-duty soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army. The draft was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, for review. Click here to read…

SPP pledges to deepen supervisor system: China Daily
February 26, 2022

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate pledged to deepen the work of the people’s supervisor system and public hearings to promote democracy in the judicial sector. The people’s supervisor system-an external mechanism to oversee the case-handling activities of procuratorates-guarantees orderly public participation in judicial activities and the practicing of democracy, Li Xuehui, spokesman of the top procuratorate, said at a news conference on Thursday. Click here to read…

Stabilizing economy to be major government task: China Daily
February 26, 2022

A Party leadership meeting has underlined the priority of stabilizing the country’s economy for this year’s government work, urging stronger measures to implement macroeconomic-control policies. The meeting on Friday of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, also emphasized the need to prevent and mitigate financial risks and ensure financial stability. Click here to read…

Third pension system to help aging population: China Daily
February 25, 2022

Pensions are projected to rise this year, as the government explores a flexible policy to push back the retirement age and establish an additional pension system. The moves are designed to cope with the increasing percentage of seniors in the population. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine jokes hit social media wall: China Daily
February 28, 2022

Chinese social media platforms are moving to crack down on inappropriate remarks in regard to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, such as denigrating jokes made by some netizens. Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, along with Douyin, a short-video platform known as TikTok overseas, and the WeChat social media app all reiterated management rules over the weekend, calling for objective and serious discussions on such a weighty topic. Click here to read…

COVID outbreaks affect more regions on Chinese mainland: China Daily
February 28, 2022

The novel coronavirus is spreading in multiple regions on the Chinese mainland, with the coastal province of Guangdong facing a complicated situation, the National Health Commission said over the weekend. The Chinese mainland registered 112 locally transmitted confirmed infections on Saturday, up from 93 on Friday, the commission said. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy in Ukraine mulls alternative plans apart from charter flights to evacuate Chinese nationals amid rising tensions: Global Times
February 27, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine is mulling alternative plans to evacuate local Chinese apart from charter flights amid the deteriorating situation in the country, and as long as safety premises are met, they will immediately take action and launch the evacuation plan, the embassy told Global Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday. Click here to read…

PLA airborne troops take delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft with better power, handle ability: Global Times
February 27, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) airborne troops recently took delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft that boasts significantly enhanced power, avionics and handle ability, with experts saying on Sunday that the aircraft is expected to host training missions for paratroopers and potentially carry out special forces tasks. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine conflict starts to affect China-Europe trade: Global Times
February 27, 2022

Chinese traders and logistics service providers have been ramping up efforts to cope with the rapidly evolving situation in Europe, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict raised concerns over potential impact on certain aspects of the China-Europe freight train and shipping routes by sea and air. While the actual impact remains unclear given the fast changing developments, some Chinese and international traders have canceled or diverted certain trading channels and routes to fend off possible disruptions, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…

Disinformation on China in full bloom in US: People’s Daily
February 25, 2022

As if the supply of anti-China disinformation has exceeded the demand in the US, the American government decided to blow federal money to export it. On February 4, the US House of Representatives greenlighted the America COMPETES Act, in which a sum of 500 million dollars was allotted to “produce journalism for overseas audiences that is critical of China,” according to American Prospect, a US-based magazine. Click here to read…

China not coming to Russia’s aid, US official says: Taipei Times
February 28, 2022

China so far does not appear to be helping Russia evade Western financial sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but doing so would “do profound damage” to China’s reputation, a senior official from the administration of US President Joe Biden said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China willing to work with U.S. on Build Back Better World initiative: Reuters
February 28, 2022

China is willing to work with the United States on a G7-led global infrastructure plan and welcomes Washington to join its Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday. The Group of Seven (G7) richest democracies, consisting of United States and its allies, proposed the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative in June to help developing countries meet infrastructure needs, as they sought to counter China’s growing influence. Click here to read…

Backlash in China over vulgar social media mocking of Ukraine conflict: South China Morning Post
February 28, 2022

Chinese authorities have called for caution over online comments about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid concerns that public internet sentiment stoked anger towards citizens abroad. The conflict is hotly debated on Chinese social media, with some internet users sympathetic towards the plight of Ukrainians and others mocking the conflict and cheering on Russia’s aggression. A number of users appeared to endorse sexual violence against fleeing Ukrainian women, saying they would “gladly take care of them”, prompting widespread criticism of their behaviour. Click here to read…

Why is China being blamed for the stalled G20 debt relief plan for distressed countries? : South China Morning Post
February 27, 2022

More than a year has passed since the G20 launched a debt restructure plan to help potential defaulters but developing countries have yet to see the benefits – something the US and multilateral groups are blaming on China. The Group of 20 wealthy nations set up the Common Framework in late 2020 to help 70 countries in danger of default. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 29, 2021

CPC leadership stresses enhancing historical confidence, unity, fighting spirit: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2021

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed strengthening the Party members’ historical confidence, unity and their fighting spirit. The two-day meeting of criticism and self-criticism, themed on studying the Party’s history, stressed carrying forward the Party’s great founding spirit and upholding its historical experience from the endeavors over the past century. Click here to read…

Full Text: China’s Export Controls: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2021

The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “China’s Export Controls” on Wednesday. Following is the full text of the white paper:

China’s Export Controls

The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China Click here to read…

China issues plan on digitalization, networking of manufacuturing: Xinhuanews
December 28, 2021

China will see 70 percent of its major manufacturing firms basically digitalized and networked by 2025, according to a development plan on smart manufacturing. The plan, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments, also states that all of China’s manufacturing firms above a designated size will be digitalized and networked by 2035. Click here to read…

China to see breakthroughs in robotics by 2025: People’s Daily
December 29, 2021

China has pledged to achieve breakthroughs in core robotic technologies and related high-end products by 2025, according to a guideline released Tuesday. The country will strive to become a global hub for robotics innovation by then, attaining the performance and reliability for key robot components to meet international standards, said the guideline jointly issued by state organs such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Click here to read…

China’s central bank governor pledges stronger support for real economy: Quishi
December 29, 2021

As China has mapped out priorities for the economic work of 2022 at a key meeting earlier this month, the country’s central bank governor Yi Gang in a recent interview elaborated on the bank’s working agenda for the coming year. Speaking to Xinhua, Yi, governor of the People’s Bank of China, talked about stronger financial support for the real economy and carbon-neutrality goals. Click here to read…

Near miss in outer space prompts call for US respect: China Daily
December 29, 2021

China on Tuesday revealed that its space station has had to avoid two collisions with SpaceX satellites, and called on the United States to respect the international order in outer space and to safeguard the safety of astronauts in orbit. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks while confirming that China’s permanent mission to the United Nations had submitted a note verbale to the UN secretary-general for safety reasons earlier this month. Click here to read…

HK police arrest six people linked to Stand News following new charge against Apple Daily staff on inflammatory publications: Global Times
December 29, 2021

The Hong Kong Police Force National Security Department arrested seven people on the suspicion of sedition on Wednesday, including six linked to an online news site and one from the secessionist tabloid Apple Daily. Over 200 police officers also searched the offices of Stand News and took away about 30 boxes of materials of evidence including computers and documents Wednesday noon. Click here to read…

China outlines vision for four mega data centre clusters: Reuters
December 29, 2021

China has approved plans to build four mega clusters of data centres in the country’s north and west with the aim of supporting the data needs of Beijing and major coastal centres, according to the country’s top state planner on Wednesday. The clusters will be built in the northern Inner Mongolia region, northwestern Ningxia region, Gansu province and southwestern Guizhou province, the National Development and Reform Commission said in four separate statements. Click here to read…