A Fortnightly newsletter on S&T, Science Policy and Diplomacy
India-EU Cooperation in Deep Space Exploration: A Brief Overview
In a first endeavour of its kind, ISRO recently launched the Proba-3 mission for the EU on 5 December 2024. This effectively marks an important milestone within India-EU cooperation in deep space exploration. Anupama Vijayakumar writes on the substance and scope of this cooperation.
The United States of America and China signed a protocol to amend the Science and Technology Agreement and extend it for five years. The Agreement focuses on basic research.
Healthcare, life sciences, clean energy and quantum sensors have been identified as priority areas for collaboration. The projects bring together UK and Swiss businesses, research institutes and universities.
The document announces the setting up of three task forces on: inclusive economic growth, food security and AI, data governance and STI for innovation.
The two countries adopted a joint roadmap on "expanding multidimensional cooperation in peaceful atom development", which shall focus on areas including training high-skilled personnel and joint nuclear projects.
The Critical Minerals Assessment evaluated 82 raw materials to identify 34 critical minerals including Gallium, Germanium, Silicon, Magnesium, Tellurium and Indium.
The recommendations on Solar Radiation Management technologies were proposed by the EU Scientific Advise Mechanism. While highlighting the risks emanating from SRMs, the EU was advised to focus on emissions reduction mechanisms to combat global warming.
The talks were held in Busan, South Korea during 25 November-1 December 2024. The event saw over 200 nations try to arrive at a legally binding agreement to address millions of tonnes of plastic waste.
The meeting held during 9-10 December 2024 was supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). The participants deliberated upon crucial aspects related to internet governance and India’s role in the same.
Held during 2-5 December, the conference was attended by personnel from government, industry and international space agencies. It focused on how the integration of geospatial tech with Digital Public Infrastructure can foster economic growth.
Named BhashaAnuvad, the Dataset has been launched by AI4Bharat. This would help programmers and users “to address India-specific challenges like code-switching and dialectal diversity”.
The framework scores datasets on the ‘fairness, privacy, and regulatory’ scale and is tailored to the Indian context. It can be employed in creating responsible AI datasets.
JNU's Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, identified a human protein, Hsp70. In collaboration with Russian researchers, a molecular inhibitor which can target Hsp70 to treat multiple infections has also been developed.
In a meeting held in New Delhi, two countries deliberated on ways to bolster cooperation in areas including space, AI, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and quantum technologies.
Japan committed to boosting cooperation with the state in fields including manufacturing, auto industry and renewable energy, with a special focus on Rajasthan’s vast solar energy potential.
A new order from the Centre has brought solar cells under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This further means that “only specific models from approved manufacturers can be supplied to government-supported projects beginning 1 June, 2026”.
Researchers at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Odisha utilised advanced radio telescopes in Chile's Atacama Desert to detect molecular emissions from the GG Tau A system.
The problem:Error correction is a major concern in quantum computing. This is because the qubits ( basic unit of computation n in quantum computers) exchange information with their environment, making it difficult to facilitate precise computing.
Willow:According to Google, “the more qubits we use in Willow, the more we reduce errors” It can perform calculations that a normal computer takes 10 septillion years in a mere matter of five minutes.
Future Prospects:The chip significantly boosts the scope of what can be achieved through advances in AI. Google expressed optimism that the Willow generation of chips can demonstrate a first "useful, beyond-classical" computation on today's quantum chips that is relevant to a real-world application.
The problem: Marine plastic waste and pollution has been a persistent challenge for the past several decades and poses huge challenges to marine biodiversity and the environment.
The Biodegradable Plastic: Developed by Researchers at the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science, the new plastic can dissolve in seawater and soil. The plastic is composed of food-s afe components and can be employed in a variety of applications.
Potential Applications: The plastic can be utilised in eco-friendly packaging solutions, while reduc- ing hazardous impact on the environment. It can also be employed in manufacturing medical devices and equipment.
The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024 was held on December 9-10, 2024 in New Delhi. The event was supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). The forum focuses on bridging the digital divide, enhancing trust and safety in the online environment, and leveraging advanced technologies for nation-building while emphasizing the need for a secure, inclusive, and ethically governed Internet. The discussions revolved around issues on
Empowering Connections, emphasizing enhanced access, inclusion, and digital rights to bridge the digital divide.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks to create balanced, growth-oriented policies that strengthen Internet governance.
Responsible AI, promoting the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence for societal benefit.
Building a Greener and Sustainable Internet highlighting energy-efficient practices and environmental sustainability in the digital realm, and
Trust and Safety which will address measures to enhance cybersecurity and boost user confidence in the
online environment.
These comprehensive discussions will unite stakeholders from various sectors to tackle pressing challenges and harness opportunities in Internet governance.
The International Atomic Energy Agency Director General launched a three-volume report during the National Liaison Office Meeting, Prospects and Achievements of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme in the 21st Century.
The report provides an overview of the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s technical cooperation programme during the past two decades in around 150 countries, including at least 35 least developed countries.
The three volume publication examines the programme’s achievements, presenting country overviews and case studies, programme facts and figures, and the findings of a survey conducted to measure the impact of the technical cooperation programme in the 21st century.
The publication also covers the wide scope of technical cooperation programme activities, from regional, thematic and Member State perspectives, to build capacity in the safe, secure and peaceful application of nuclear science and technology, and outlines how this contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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