February 2020 Science and Technology

Sakshi Education

INCOIS launched 3 technological support and alert systems
The Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) launched three new technological support and alert systems on 25 February.

The technology aims to significantly reduce damage and losses to fishermen, offshore oil exploration industries and coastal population during extreme weather and oceanic events.

Highlights:
1) Swell Surge Forecast System:
One of the products was the 'Swell Surge Forecast System'. It will provide forewarnings for the coastal population of India's vast shoreline that experiences a slew of damages caused by the swell waves. These waves originate from the distant southern Indian Ocean. This Swell Surge system can predict 'Kallakkadal' (meaning swell surge) that occurs along the Indian coast. Now, the Swell Surge can be detected 2-3 days ahead.

Swell surge is the flash-flood events that take place without any apparent signature in the coastal environment or any noticeable advance change in local winds.

2) Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS):
The second product which was launched is the Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System (SVAS). It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters. The warning system is developed on the basis of the 'Boat Safety Index' (BSI). It was derived from wave models forecast outputs including wave height, steepness of the wave, directional spread and the rapid development of wind at sea.

The SVAS can detect the potential zones where vessel overturning can take place. It provides warning 10 days in advance. It is valid for small vessels of beam width up to 7 m. This system can cover an entire range of beam widths of the fishing vessels used in all the nine coastal states and union territories (UT) of India.

3) Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS):
The third product released by INCOI is the Algal Bloom Information Service (ABIS). The system will provide timely information on harmful algal blooms. The developed system will provide service for "Detection and Monitoring of Bloom in the Indian Seas". It can be used by fishermen, marine fishery, researchers, ecologists, resource managers, and environmentalists.

Algal bloom:
An algal bloom is detrimental to coastal fisheries. It can cause respiratory problems within the coastal population from time to time. It also causes ill effects on the fishery, marine life, and water quality. Four regions that have been identified as bloom hotspots are the North Eastern Arabian Sea, coastal waters of Kerala, Gulf of Mannar and coastal waters of Gopalpur.
ISRO to launch GISAT-1
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch new-age geo- imaging satellite GISAT-1 from Sriharikota on 5 March 2020.

This is the first satellite to be launched in 2020.

GISAT-1:
The satellite has the capability to perform real-time and constant watch of the Indian subcontinent.

The satellite weighs 2,275 kg.

GISAT is an earth observation satellite that will be placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit at 36,000km altitude.

GISAT-1 will facilitate near real-time observation of the Indian subcontinent, under cloud-free conditions, at frequent intervals.

The satellite will do the full rotation of the Earth and come to the same point after every 2 hours.

It will fast image the Earth and can perform constant and rapid surveillance. The satellite can observe a point for a longer duration if needed.
Xiaomi to use ISRO's NavIC technology
Xiaomi has collaborated with ISRO to bring the space agency's Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System "NavIC technology" to its smart phones.

The announcement was made by Xiaomi Global VP and MD Manu Jain. Xiaomi is the only smartphone brand to have worked with ISRO to bring tech that has been developed in the country to the fore, so far.

NavIC technology in Xiaomi:
Many of the smartphones Xiaomi that are to be launched across multiple price points will support Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) technology. Navic was initially supported only on some Snapdragon chipsets.

The capability has been currently enabled by Qualcomm Technologies on several of its Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platforms.

This facility will be made available across multiple Xiaomi smart phones in India in 2020.

The move by Xiaomi is a step further towards the Make in India initiative. Xiaomi India has enabled the usage of NavIC technology across several of its devices in 2020.

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC):
NacIC technology is a regional geo-positioning system designed by ISRO to provide accurate positioning in India and 1,500km around the Indian mainland.

The system comprises of 7 satellites, three of which are in a geostationary orbit over the Indian Ocean and four that are in a geosynchronous orbit.

The NavIC will be accurate up to 5m, which much more efficient than GPS, which is said to be accurate up to 20 to 30 meters.
Mansukh Mandaviya launched OPV-6 VAJRA in Chennai
The 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-6) 'VAJRA' was launched on 27 February at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the launching ceremony.

VAJRA:
The 6th OPV VAJRA will strengthen the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to secure over 7500 km of vast coastline.

The vessel will secure the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that covers over 20 lakh sq km and more than one lakh merchant ships transiting per year through Indian waters for global trade.

6th OPV will enhance the Operation, Surveillance, Search & Rescue of ICG.

The vessel was delivered by M/s L&T Shipbuilding under the Make in India policy.

The ship will be used for day and night patrol or surveillance along with anti-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations in EEZ and Coastal Security.

The OPV is equipped with two Navigation Radars with ultra-modern technology, Sophisticated navigational, and latest communication systems.
India to conduct Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020 summit
The Government of India (GoI) has announced that it is to organize the mega event "Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020" (RAISE 2020).

It will be India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit. The event will be held from 11-12 April in New Delhi.

Organizing Team:
RAISE 2020 will be organized by the Government in partnership with Industry & Academia.

RAISE 2020:
The summit aims to exchange ideas and charter a course to use AI for social empowerment, inclusion, and transformation in key areas like Healthcare, Agriculture, Education and Smart Mobility amongst other sectors of great minds.

The meeting will leverage responsible AI practices for enabling the masses.

It aims to utilize the power of AI to responsibly transform the social landscape for a better tomorrow.

RAISE 2020 focuses on facilitating an exchange of ideas to further create mass awareness about the need to ethically develop and practice AI in the digital era.

The summit is expected to witness robust participation from global industry leaders, key opinion makers, Government representatives, and academia.
Bengaluru accounted highest number of digital transactions
Online payment processor Worldline India reported that Bengaluru accounted for the highest number of digital transactions in India in 2019.

The aim is to move India towards a less-cash economy.

Highlights:
As per the report, Bengaluru is followed by Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune.

United Payments Interface (UPI) was the most preferred mode of payment. It is followed by debit cards, immediate payment service (IMPS), and credit cards, in terms of volume share of digital transactions. In 2019, the four payment modes recorded a combined transaction volume of over 20 trillion and a combined value of over Rs.54 trillion.

UPI, which is operated by the National Payment Council of India (NPCI), recorded around 10.8 billion transactions in 2019, a 188% year-on-year (YoY). In terms of value, UPI facilitated transactions worth Rs.18.36 trillion in 2019, up 214% YoY compared to 2018.
NITI Aayog, NASSCOM launched AI-based Module for students in Indian schools
NITI Aayog, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), launched an AI-based Module rolled out for students in Indian schools on 27th February.

The aim is to empower the youngest minds of the country with the latest technologies.

Aim: The AI module aims to leverage the full potential of AIM's Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL). It will also empower them to innovate and create valuable solutions benefiting societies at large.

AI-based Module:
NITI Aayog is to introduce the Learn-It-Yourself module in all 5000 Atal Tinkering Labs, with over 2.5 million students having access to it.

The hands-on AI module was designed by considering academic, co-scholastic, and other ATL programs at school.

The Module was formulated to encourage young students to contribute to the journey of nation-building.

t will be a catalyst for the youth to explore, ideate, and learn the latest technologies and build a generation of innovators at the grassroots level.

The Module contains many activities, experiments, and videos that will enable students to work through and learn the various concepts of AI.

Atal Innovation Mission:
Atal Innovation Mission is the Government of India's flagship initiative. AIM's main objective is to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. AIM establishes ATLs at the school level in all districts across India. AIM has selected 14,916 schools across India from 33 different states and union territories, for the establishment of ATLs.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) Charging Stations in India
Department of Heavy Industry has sanctioned 2,636 Electric Vehicles (EVs) charging stations in 62 cities across 24 States/UTs.

This sanction approved under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India under (FAME INDIA)

Sanction in Andhra Pradesh: 92 Charging stations have been sanctioned to Vijayawada, 71stations to vishakapatnam .68 and 35 stations to TIirupathi and kakinada.

Telangana: 118 Stations to Hyderabad and 10 each stations to waranagal and Karimnagar.
NASA sends a Solar Orbiter probe to map poles of the sun
The aim is to help researchers grasp how the sun's vast bubble of energy affects Earth and humans in space.

The Solar Orbiter was launched atop an Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The satellite deployed an array of solar panels and antennas before setting off on its 10-year voyage to the Sun.

It has been designed to use the gravitational influence from Earth and Venus to whip itself as close as 26 million miles from the Sun or 95% of the distance between the sun and Earth. The probe will map the sun's poles, which could allow scientists for the first time to observe the concentrated source of solar wind that permeates our solar system.
Budget 2020 announces the largest ever science mission
The government in its budget 2020 has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) with a total budget outlay of Rs 8000 Crore for a period of five years to be implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

The new economy is based on innovations that disrupt established business models. Artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things (IoT), 3D printing, drones, DNA data storage, quantum computing, etc., are re-writing the world economic order.”

Quantum technologies are rapidly developing globally with a huge disruptive potential.

The next generation transformative technologies that will receive a push under this mission include quantum computers and computing, quantum communication, quantum key distribution, encryption, crypt analysis, quantum devices, quantum sensing, quantum materials, quantum clock and so on.

The areas of focus for the Mission will be in fundamental science, translation, technology development, human and infrastructural resource generation, innovation and start-ups to address issues concerning national priorities.

Their applications which will receive boost include those in aero-space engineering, numerical weather prediction, simulations, securing the communications & financial transactions, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, health, agriculture, education and other important sectors with focus on creation of high skilled jobs, human resources development, start-ups & entrepreneurship leading to technology lead economic growth.

What is Quantum Technology?
Quantum Technology is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy and matter on the atomic and subatomic level. It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum systems, with the goal of achieving information processing beyond the limits of the classical world.

Quantum principles will be used for engineering solutions to extremely complex problems in computing, communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography, imaging and mechanics. Quantum field has not yet matured for commercialization, due to the extreme scientific challenges involved.

Quantum computers store and process information using quantum two level systems (quantum bits or qubits) which unlike classical bits, can be prepared in superposition states. This key ability makes quantum computers extremely powerful compared to conventional computers when solving certain kinds of problems like finding prime factors of large numbers and searching large databases. The prime factorization quantum algorithm has important implications for security as it can be used to break RSA encryption, a popular method for secure communication. Indian physicists and engineers are preparing for a deep dive into the quantum world that holds the secrets for developing exciting technologies for computing, communication, cryptography and many more.
HAL to make advanced armed UAVs with Israeli Co
In a first, advanced Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) will be manufactured in India, with leading aeronautical entity Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) set to formalise a partnership with an Israeli firm that specializes in autonomous weaponry.

The advanced Heron TP, which belongs to the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class with endurance of over 36 hours, will be manufactured to cater both to Indian requirements for a combat UAV and possibly exports to third nations in the future as well.