1. IIT Madras researchers partner for development of materials and micro-device processing techniques
Tags: Science and Technology National News
IIT Madras researchers have partnered withDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists to develop sensor technology for underwater communications, which will be advantageous to defence applications, especially in the Navy.
An overview of the news
'Piezoelectric MEMS technology' is needed to develop high-performance thin films and to convert 'piezo-thin films' into future naval sensors and devices for underwater applications.
Piezo thin film is an important component of piezo MEMS devices and is considered for acoustics and vibration-sensing applications.
The installation of state-of-the-art Piezo MEMS technology enables India to advance defense efficiency and allows the nation to execute strategic operations of critical applications.
The large area piezo thin film and MEMS process technology will support the ongoing/future technologies for DRDO's next generation sonar program for the Indian Navy.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is working on several cutting-edge military technology areas, including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications
DRDO's first project for the Indian military was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
Since inception, DRDO has made several breakthroughs in developing key systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems and missile systems
It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
It was set up in 1958.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairman - Samir V Kamat
2. PM Modi lay foundation stone of scientific projects worth over Rs 5,800 cr
Tags: National Science and Technology National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several scientific projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore on the occasion of National Technology Day in New Delhi on May 11.
An overview of the news
The Prime Minister inaugurated an event to mark the day.
This year, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has received special attention in the celebration of National Technology Day.
The AIM Pavilion will showcase a range of innovative projects and provide an opportunity to the visitors to witness live tinkering sessions, engage in tinkering activities and witness outstanding innovations and products by startups.
During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated an exposhowcasing the scientific and technological advancements made in India in the recent past.
Prime Minister Modi also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.
The projects whose foundation stone was laid by the PM
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory - India (LIGO-India), Hingoli.
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni in Odisha.
Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
About LIGO-India Project
It will be an advanced gravitational-wave observatory located in Maharashtra, India, as part of a worldwide network.
It is envisaged as a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the United States of America as well as its international partners.
It will be built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Science Foundation, US, along with several national and international research and educational institutions.
It was given "in-principle" approval by the Union Cabinet in February 2016 with the objective of providing wider opportunities to Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
3. Science 20 Engagement Group meeting under India's G20 chairmanship begins in Lakshadweep
Tags: Science and Technology Summits
On 1 May, the Science 20 Engagement Group meeting on Universal Holistic Health began under India's G20 chairmanship in Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island.
An Overview of the News
The focus of the two-day event is to work towards better agricultural practices, greater access to nutritious food, healthier eating habits and more opportunities for ecologically conscious and sustainable food products.
The meeting will address the interconnectedness of physical, mental and emotional well-being, recognizing that all aspects of health are equally important.
The aim of the event is to develop a holistic approach to health that focuses on promoting wellness and preventing diseases rather than merely treating them.
It is an effort to bring together scientists, experts and policy makers from different countries to exchange ideas and knowledge on health related issues.
The Engagement Group will also explore the role of technology in promoting health and wellness, such as the use of telemedicine and digital health solutions.
The event is a significant step towards achieving India's vision of universal health coverage and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.
About Lakshadweep
Formation- 1 November 1956
Capital- Kavaratti
Administrator- Praful Khoda Patel
Largest city- Andrott
High Court- Kerala High Court
Bird- Brown Noddy
4. India will be a partner in increasing facilities in Britain's premier Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Tags: Science and Technology
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology visited theRutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL),a premier institution in the United Kingdom on 28 April 2023.
An Overview of the News
Dr Jitendra Singh is leading a high level official Indian delegation from the Ministry of Science and Technology on a 6-day visit to the United Kingdom.
During this Dr Singh met researchers including those working on the UK-India ISIS project.
The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) is one of the national scientific research laboratories operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in the UK.
In addition to the indigenous (hosting) facilities for the United Kingdom (UK), RAL also operates departments to co-ordinate the UK program of participation at major international facilities.
The biggest of these are particle physics and space science.
Minister said under mega facilities for basic research, Indian researchers are collaborating with international institutes like CERN (CERN – Geneva), FAIR (FAIR – Germany), TMT (USA), Fermilab (USA) and LIGO (USA) .
The ISIS Accelerator at RAL is one of the few major research centers undertaking neutron scattering studies in materials research.
Its Phase II (2023-28) proposal is under consideration which has 5 components,
Advanced Gravitational-wave Detector in Maharashtra:
In another breakthrough in the field of science and innovation, the LIGO-India project has been approved in Maharashtra to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector.
The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by 2030 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore.
The observatory will be the third of its kind, built to the exact specifications of the Twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories (LIGO) to operate in conjunction with those in Louisiana and Washington.
5. Cabinet approves LIGO-India, gravitational-wave detector
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Union Cabinet approved a project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 2,600 crore. The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030.
An overview of the news
This mega-science project includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA.
About LIGO-India Project
It will be an advanced gravitational-wave observatory located in Maharashtra, India, as part of a worldwide network.
It is envisaged as a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the United States of America as well as its international partners.
It will be built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Science Foundation, US, along with several national and international research and educational institutions.
It was given "in-principle" approval by the Union Cabinet in February 2016 with the objective of providing wider opportunities to Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
Significance of LIGO-India
It will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics.
It will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.
It will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies.
6. DRDO and Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal on April 21.
An overview of the news
The objective of the test was to target and destroy the effect of an enemy ballistic missile threat.
The test could place the Indian Navy in an elite club of nations with BMD capabilities.
Earlier, DRDO had successfully demonstrated the capability of the surface-based BMD system and thus achieved the capability to neutralize incoming ballistic missile threats from the enemy.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
It is a premier defence research and development agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is working on several cutting-edge military technology areas, including aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, hypersonic technology, quantum computing and communications
DRDO's first project for the Indian military was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo.
Since inception, DRDO has made several breakthroughs in developing key systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems and missile systems
It aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technology and systems.
It was set up in 1958.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairman - Samir V Kamat
7. ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C55 mission
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22nd April successfully launched its PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission, sending two Singapore-made satellites into space.
An overview of the news
The launch vehicle lifted off at its scheduled launch time from Isro's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.
About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C55 (PSLV-C55) mission
It is a ‘dedicated commercial’ mission undertaken by ISRO through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the space agency's commercial arm.
Of the two satellites, TeLEOS-2 is the primary one, and Lumelite-4, the ‘co-passenger.' These weight about 741 kg and 16 kg respectively.
TeLEOS-2 has been developed under a partnership between the Government of Singapore and Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited.
Once deployed and operational, it will meet the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies under the Government of Singapore.
On the other hand, LumiLite-4 has been jointly developed by the Institute for Infocomm Research and the National University of Singapore. It aims to enhance the maritime security of the state.
The mission also marks the 57th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
The rocket will place the two satellites into an eastward inclincation orbit.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
Founder - Vikram Sarabhai
8. SpaceX's Starship, the world's largest rocket, exploded during the first test flight
Tags: Science and Technology
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship, the world’s biggest rocket, exploded during its first test-flight to space near Brownsville, Texas.
About Starship
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket – collectively referred to as Starship.
Super Heavy rocket is the first stage, or booster, of the Starship launch system.
It is powered by 33 Raptor engines using sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine that powers the Starship system.
Super Heavy is fully reusable and will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere to land back at the launch site.
It is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
It is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tons fully reusable.
Objectives
To establish a self-sustaining human settlement on Mars.
To make Starship reusable, reducing the cost of spaceflight.
To carry both astronauts and cargo to Earth’s orbit, the Moon, Mars, and maybe even beyond.
About SpaceX
It is a private spaceflight company that sends satellites and people to space, including NASA crews to the International Space Station (ISS).
The company sent its first two astronauts to the ISS on May 30, 2020, aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon.
As of mid-2022, it is the only commercial spaceflight company capable of sending astronauts into space.
SpaceX was founded by Alan Musk, a South African-born businessman and entrepreneur.
9. ISRO to launch Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite on April 22
Tags: Science and Technology
ISRO will launch Singapore's TeLEOS-2 satellite using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
An Overview of the news
TeLEOS-1, Singapore's first commercial Earth observation satellite, was launched by ISRO in 2015 and since then, ISRO has launched nine satellites for Singapore.
TeLEOS-2 is an Earth observation satellite built by ST Engineering that will carry a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of providing 1-metre resolution data. The satellite will have a 500 GB onboard recorder and 800 Mbps downlink.
The satellite will provide valuable data to various sectors, including hotspot monitoring, haze management, aviation accidents, search and rescue operations, and enhance Singapore's earth observation capabilities and boost its economy, among others.
PSLV, the launch vehicle used for the mission, is the first Indian launch vehicle with liquid stages and is known as the 'workhorse of ISRO'. It has continuously delivered various satellites into low Earth orbits and can carry a payload of up to 1,750 kg into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 600 km.
ISRO has chosen to use the XL variant of the PSLV launcher for the upcoming C-55 mission. This version is a more powerful version of PSLV and is capable of handling heavier payloads. Its enhanced capabilities will enable TeLEOS-2 to be successfully placed in the desired orbit.
This will be ISRO's third launch of the year, with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and LVM3 being used in the previous two launches. ISRO to launch three Singapore satellites in June 2022 in PSLV C-53 mission.
About Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launched its space rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S. Somnath
Founder - Vikram Sarabhai
10. China launched Fengyun-3 satellite
Tags: Science and Technology International News
On 16th April 2023, China successfully launched the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite using Chang Zheng-4B carrier rocket from Jiuquan Cosmodrome in Gansu Province.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of the Fengyun-3 satellite is to monitor and provide information on severe weather conditions, especially heavy rainfall, which can cause natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
This was the 471st mission for the Chang Zheng rocket family.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)
It is a state-owned organisation that serves as the primary contractor for China's space program.
CASC has several subsidiaries that specialise in the design, development and manufacture of a variety of space-related technology, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, missile systems and ground equipment.
The organisation is responsible for overseeing all aspects of China's space program, from research and development to mission planning and execution.
Establishment - 1 July 1999
Headquarters - Beijing, China
President - Zhang Zhongyang
About China
Government - Unitary Marxist-Leninist One Party Socialist Republic
President -Xi Jinping
Capital -Beijing
Official language - Standard Chinese
Currency - Renminbi
