Tag Archives: STEM

In this Issue

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.
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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.

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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.

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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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”.
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Science and Technology (S&T) Digest

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

February 3, 2023 vd@admin

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

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

II. STI in Space Sector

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

III. Emerging Technologies and Applications

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

IV. International Cooperation

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

V. Regional and Global Trends

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

I. DEFENCE AND SECURITY

DAC Approves AoN for Three Capital Acquisition Proposals

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

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

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

Successful Training Launch of Prithvi-II Carried Out off

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

ICG Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones

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

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

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

Technology Acquiring Centre Stage

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

II. STI IN SPACE SECTOR

The MoS&T Notifies National Geospatial Policy, 2022

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

Innovation and Start-Ups in India’s Geospatial Ecosystem

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

Symposium on Space Science and Technology

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

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Anticipated To be Launched in August 2023

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

III. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

Start-up India Innovation Week

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

India’s Fastest Payment App, PayRup, Launched

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

‘One Week One Lab’ Campaign Launched

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

Symposium on Emerging and Strategic Technologies

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

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

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

Effective Use of S&T Important for Progress of Agriculture

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

Start-ups in Agriculture Sector

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

Intelligent Tray Retrieval System

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

Contribution of Women in STEM & Biodiversity Conservation

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

IV. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

India’s Role in the Technology Sector in G20

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

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

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

India-France Technology Cooperation

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

Joint Projects with Japan for Digital Transformation of ITS and Mobility

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

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

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

India-US Emerging Technology Cooperation

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

V. REGIONAL AND GLOBAL TRENDS

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

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

US-China Quantum Technology Race

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

US Sanction China on Chips Yield No Immediate Effect

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

China Published More Scientific Papers than the US

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

Drone Advances in Ukraine Could Mark a New Age of Warfare

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