Innovation
Virgin Galactic Completes First Commercial Spaceflight After Setbacks, Delays THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, JUNE 29, 2023
Virgin Galactic completed its first revenue-generating flight to the edge of space nearly two years after its scheduled test flight. Carrying four individuals, including Italian Air Force officers and a Virgin Galactic astronaut, the spacecraft reached an altitude of 279,000 feet, just below the Kármán Line. The company plans to begin regular commercial flights to suborbital space, with the next commercial trip scheduled for August. This spaceflight adds to the attempt by aerospace companies to develop their private and commercial space/suborbital space services, seen as a potential industry in the near future.
China’s First ‘Zero-Altitude Astronomical Observation Station’ Successfully Handed Over For Demonstration GLOBAL TIMES, JUNE 27, 2023
China's first "zero-altitude astronomical observation station," independently developed and built by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd., was handed over for demonstration application to the Chinese authorities in Xinjiang. The observatory, located at an altitude of 4,526 meters, is specially designed for plateau astronomical work. The building can increase the atmospheric pressure to one standard atmospheric pressure to create a comfortable indoor environment similar to low-altitude areas, effectively reducing the impact of altitude sickness. With the capability to support scientific research and residential and office functions, this facility is expected to make significant advancements in China's astronomical research.
L&T Likely to Fuel Space Exploration Plans of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin BUSINESS STANDARD, JUNE 26, 2023
India's leading engineering firm, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is in preliminary discussions with Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, for potential collaboration in the space industry. The talks involve providing orbital launch capabilities, including liquid rocket engines, and space habitat solutions. A partnership with Blue Origin would strengthen India's presence in the global space market and enhance its indigenous orbital launch capabilities. L&T's engineering expertise, combined with Blue Origin's advanced technologies, could lead to the production of advanced liquid rocket engines and the development of sustainable space habitats. This collaboration could contribute to India's growth in the space industry and support future space exploration missions.
Intel to Spend $33 Billion in Germany in Landmark Expansion THE ECONOMIC TIMES, JUNE 20, 2023
Intel has announced its plan to invest over 30 billion euros ($33 billion) in Germany, marking the largest foreign investment in the country. The investment includes the construction of two leading-edge semiconductor facilities in Magdeburg and involves $10.9 billion in German subsidies. The agreement with Intel is seen as an important step for Germany as a high-tech production location and for strengthening its resilience. The investment in Germany comes after Intel's recent investments in Poland and Israel. This investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance Germany's technological capabilities in microchip production.
Google DeepMind Unveils AI System to Discover Faster Algorithms THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, JUNE 7, 2023
Researchers at Google DeepMind, the Alphabet-owned artificial intelligence (AI) research lab, have developed a new AI system called AlphaDev that can discover faster computer algorithms, potentially making computing more efficient and sustainable. The system, based on the AlphaZero AI model, uses reinforcement learning to find faster algorithms for sorting and hashing, which are fundamental functions used by companies on a large scale. The new algorithms are found to be significantly faster and are available to developers in open-source libraries.
Regulatory
Indian Union Cabinet Approves Introduction of National Research Foundation Bill, 2023, in Parliament to Strengthen Research Ecosystem in the Country PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU OF INDIA | JUNE 28, 2023
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, in the Indian Parliament. The bill will provide high-level strategic direction to scientific research in India. An amount of 50,000 crore rupees has been earmarked for the NRF over the next five years. The NRF Bill aims to put in place policy frameworks that can encourage collaboration between industry, academia, and government departments, as well as enhance the level of research and development (R&D) expenditure by such industries.
European Parliament Ready to Negotiate First-Ever Rules for Safe and Transparent AI EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT | JUNE 14, 2023
The European Parliament has passed the AI Act, a draft law aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that AI developed and used in Europe complies with European Union (EU) rights and values, including human oversight, safety, privacy, non-discrimination, and social and environmental well-being. The law imposes restrictions on risky uses of AI, such as severe limitations on facial recognition software and increased transparency requirements for AI systems like ChatGPT. It adopts a risk-based approach, targeting applications with potential for human harm and requiring thorough risk assessments before its widespread implementation. The Act includes exemptions for research activities and promotes regulatory sandboxes. The final version of the law will be negotiated by the European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of the European Union to reach an agreement by year-end.
Germany Introduces Its First National Security Strategy THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, GERMANY | JUNE 14, 2023
Germany has revealed its first comprehensive national security strategy, driven by the transformation of Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The strategy centers around three pillars: first, a “robust” defense system through military spending and an emphasis on deterrence; second, building resilience to protect values and reduce economic dependencies; and third, addressing sustainability concerns like climate change. Additionally, Germany plans to establish a federal agency to defend against severe cyber attacks and collaborate with the European Union, NATO, and other affected countries to identify and sanction cyber attackers.
U.S. Congress to Consider Two New Bills on Artificial Intelligence THE ECONOMIC TIMES | JUNE 9, 2023
U.S. senators introduced two bipartisan AI bills on June 8, 2023, in response to the growing interest in addressing technology-related concerns. One bill aims to ensure transparency when the U.S. government uses AI to interact with people, while the other seeks to establish an office to assess U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI. Additionally, the former bill mandates that agencies establish a mechanism for individuals to challenge and contest any decisions made by AI.
China Releases First National Standard for Blockchain Technology to Accelerate Development GLOBAL TIMES | JUNE 2, 2023
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released the country's first national standard for blockchain technology. The standard aims to accelerate the development of the industry by providing guidance, standardizing functional architecture, and offering a basic and universal reference guide for the application and use of the country’s blockchain technology.
Technology and International Affairs
U.S. and India Announce Defense and Technology Deals During State Visit by PM Narendra Modi THE WHITE HOUSE | JUNE 22, 2023
During a state visit to the U.S., Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden announced comprehensive technology partnerships focused on various sectors. In the semiconductor industry, Micron Technology will invest over $800 million in a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India, while Applied Materials plans to build a Semiconductor Centre for Commercialization and Innovation. The two countries have also launched joint task forces for the development of Open RAN systems and advanced telecommunications research. They will collaborate on space exploration, with India joining the Artemis Accords and working toward joint efforts with NASA. The partnership extends to quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge research. In the defense sector, India intends to purchase armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, and General Electric proposes joint production of F414 jet engines in India. The partnership emphasizes energy collaboration, clean infrastructure investment, and decarbonizing transportation, with a focus on biofuels and renewable energy projects in India.
Global DPI Summit Successfully Organised Over Last Two Days PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU OF INDIA | JUNE 13, 2023
India is engaging in discussions with multiple developing countries to expand its digital public infrastructure (DPI) partnerships. Recently, India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Antigua and Barbuda to share its "India Stack" digital solutions. These agreements were made during the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Conference, held alongside a G20 working group on the digital economy. India is now in talks with various countries in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to extend DPI partnerships.
The Atlantic Declaration: A Framework for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership THE WHITE HOUSE | JUNE 8, 2023
The United States and the United Kingdom have announced an Atlantic Declaration, an economic partnership to adapt and strengthen their alliance for the challenges of the current era. It emphasizes U.S.-UK leadership in critical and emerging technologies such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, AI, and synthetic biology. The countries aim to collaborate on R&D, promote private investment in strategic technologies, and facilitate talent flows. They will update regulatory frameworks to align with the evolving geostrategic and technological environment. The partnership aims to build resilient and secure supply chains, minimize disruptions, shape the policy environment for technology, cooperate on data flows, AI collaboration, privacy-enhancing technologies, and work toward building a clean energy economy.
Indian Defence Minister & Defence Minister of Germany Hold Talks to Enhance Bilateral Defence Cooperation, Particularly Industrial Partnership PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU OF INDIA | JUNE 6, 2023
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi to review and enhance defense cooperation between the two countries. They discussed the potential for German investments in India's Defence Industrial Corridors in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They also discussed the involvement of the Indian defense industry in the supply chains of German defense companies. Singh emphasized the importance of a symbiotic relationship based on shared goals and strengths.
Beijing Calls on Arm to Intensify Chip Cooperation with Chinese Companies FINANCIAL TIMES | JUNE 1, 2023
Beijing has urged Arm, a British semiconductor designer, to collaborate more with Chinese institutions, highlighting its critical role in China's semiconductor industry amid U.S. export restrictions. China's access to Arm's core designs is crucial for its semiconductor industry and its pursuit of self-sufficiency in the sector. However, U.S. and UK export controls have limited Arm's ability to provide advanced designs to Chinese customers. Despite the challenges, Arm China recorded a profit of $49 million and sales of nearly $700 million in the year ending March 2022. Arm's annual report stated that the transfer of ownership interest in Arm China had been completed but not yet registered in China. The report also mentioned that Arm had received advice indicating that the registration status does not impact the validity of the transfer.
Next 30 days
International Conference on Green Hydrogen to Be Held in New Delhi During July 5–7, 2023 PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU OF INDIA | JUNE 28, 2023
The International Conference on Green Hydrogen seeks to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem and catalyze the attainment of global goals for decarbonization through green hydrogen. It also aims to bring together the global scientific and industrial community to discuss recent advances and emerging technologies in the entire green hydrogen value chain. The conference will enable the sector stakeholders to explore the evolving green hydrogen landscape and innovation-driven solutions in the sector and to learn best practices from experts to help attain production targets under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
PM Narendra Modi to Attend France's Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour ANI | JUNE 27, 2023
On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the France-India Strategic Partnership, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend Bastille Day celebrations on July 13 as the guest of honour and hold bilateral talks with President Macron. The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter will participate in the Bastille Day fly-past on July 14. The visit aims to further strengthen the India-France Strategic Partnership and establish new goals for cooperation in various sectors, including strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic fields. Furthermore, on June 26, 2023, the inaugural India-France Strategic Space Dialogue took place in Paris. The meeting was led by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra from India and Secretary-General Anne-Marie Descotes from France.
Chandrayaan-3 Will Be Launched in Mid-July: ISRO Chairman THE HINDU | JUNE 8, 2023
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S. Somnath, announced plans to launch the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission in mid-July. The satellite has been moved to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and the initial operations for checking the orbiter and lander plus rover are underway. The launch vehicle, LVM 3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III), has reached the launch port, and integration will occur at the beginning of July. The mission will follow a similar path as Chandrayaan-2, with the orbiter and lander orbiting the moon before landing on the same site.
China’s Newest Quantum Computer Wukong is Expected to Launch in July: Report GLOBAL TIMES | JUNE 8, 2023
China's new quantum computer, Wukong, is set to launch in July after final adjustments by Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co. Additionally, a proposal has been made to establish an intercity quantum communication network in the Yangtze River Delta region, connecting cities over a distance of about 2,860 kilometers. The network will feature self-developed systems to protect integrated quantum communication and mark the world's first space-ground integrated quantum network with extensive coverage.