Science & Technology Sep-2023
Union minister Chauhan launches C-DOT’s cyber threat detection, resolution system
Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan launched the indigenously developed cyber threat detection and resolution system TRINETRA, which has been developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). It was launched on the 40th Foundation Day of C-DOT. TRINETRA is a combination of multiple Security systems like Security information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration and Automated Response (SOAR), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), User Entity and Behaviour Analytics (UEBA), Multi-Source Threat Intelligence and others. The solution provides 24×7 near real-time actionable cyber-security status and detection and resolution of cyber-threats (Virus, Malware, Ransomware, Spyware).
Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveils ‘Sarpanch Samvaad’ mobile app
Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveiled ‘Sarpanch Samvaad’ , a mobile application app of the Quality Council of India (QCI) in Raj Bhavan. QCI launched the Sarpanch Samvaad is an initiative aimed at connecting approximately 2. 5 lakh Sarpanchs across India, which serves as a holistic platform for networking, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration. Through this initiative, Sarpanchs can spotlight developmental activities in their villages, learn about best practices, and foster connections nationwide.
Assam
- Capital: Dispur
- Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
- Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
India receives first C-295 MW transport aircraft for Indian Air Force
India received the first C-295 MW transport aircraft. According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was formally handed over by Airbus to the IAF. India has formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet. Forty aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies. All the C-295 aircraft will be handed over in transport configuration and equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The C-295 is used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for conducting logistic operations to locations that are not accessible for heavier aircraft.
After Aditya and Chandrayaan, now India aims to scale depth of oceans with Samudrayaan
In the wake of a triumphant lunar expedition, Indian scientists are poised for another audacious endeavor — Project Samudrayaan. This ambitious project aims to plunge three individuals 6,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface in a homegrown submersible, all in the pursuit of precious metals and minerals, notably cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Beyond the quest for nickel, cobalt, manganese, hydrothermal sulphides, and gas hydrates, Matsya 6000 is poised to delve into the enigmatic realm of chemosynthetic biodiversity within hydrothermal vents and the frigid depths where methane seeps emerge. Features of India’s first manned submersible Matsya 6000: India’s first manned submersible Matsya 6000, capable of taking three personnel to 6,000 metres underwater, is being prepared for deep sea exploration missions. The spherical vessel has a 2. 1 metre diametre and an endurance of 12 hours under normal operation. It’s built from an 80 mm-thick titanium alloy, enabling it to withstand extreme pressures underwater.
NASA’s Oxygen-Generating Experiment MOXIE Completes Mars Mission
NASA said that its oxygen-generating experiment aboard the Perseverance rover has successfully completed its mission. The device called MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) generated oxygen for the 16th and final time. CO2 into oxygen, which could help pave the way for future human missions to Mars. Since Perseverance landed on Mars in 2021, MOXIE has generated a totalNASA said that its oxygen-generating experiment aboard the Perseverance rover has successfully completed its mission. The device called MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) generated oxygen for the 16th and final time. CO2 into oxygen, which could help pave the way for future human missions to Mars. Since Perseverance landed on Mars in 2021, MOXIE has generated a total of 122 grams of oxygen – about what a small dog breathes in 10 hours. At its most efficient, MOXIE was able to produce 12 grams of oxygen an hour – twice as much as NASA’s original goals for the instrument – at 98% purity or better. On its 16th run, the instrument made 9. 8 grams of oxygen.
Japan:
- Capital: Tokyo
- Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
- Currency: Japanese yen
Hyderabad Firm Unveils India’s First AI-Powered Anti-Drone System
A Hyderabad-based robotics firm has unveiled a stateof-the-art autonomous anti-drone system, powered by artificial intelligence. The system can protect not just vital installations like nuclear installations and oil rigs, but also a wide area encompassing even an entire city, from multiple drones of any kind. This is the first time such a system has been developed in India. Named Indrajaal, it is said to be the world’s only wide-area Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS). It can provide a comprehensive and integrated security mechanism against moving threats that cannot be tackled with static defence systems. Indrajaal is designed to defend against all classes and levels of autonomous drones over an area of 4,000 square kilometres
India’s largest home-built nuclear plant starts operations at full capacity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the 700 MW nuclear power plant, developed entirely within India, located in Kakrapar, Gujarat, has commenced its operations at maximum capacity. While the reactor at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) had started commercial operations on June 30, it was operating only at 90 per cent of its capacity. Now, it started operating at its full capacity. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is building two 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar, which is also home to two 220 MW power plants. The NPCIL currently holds the operations of 23 commercial nuclear power reactors. Nuclear power plant projects with a capacity of 700 MW are currently in progress at two locations: Rawatbhata in Rajasthan (RAPS 7 and 8) and Gorakhpur in Haryana (GHAVP 1 and 2)
NPCIL:
- Founded: September 1987
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chairman & MD: B. C. Pathak
NASA to test end-to-end laser communication in space
NASA is launching a groundbreaking technology demonstration known as the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) to the Space Station. ILLUMA-T is scheduled to launch on SpaceX’s 29th Commercial Resupply mission. The ILLUMA-T, along with the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) launched in December 2021, will complete NASA’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system. ILLUMA-T, approximately the size of a standard refrigerator, will be secured to an external module on the ISS to conduct its demonstration with LCRD. The LCRD is currently showcasing the benefits of a laser relay in geosynchronous orbit by beaming data between two ground stations and conducting experiments to refine Nasa’s laser capabilities.
NASA:
- Formed: July 29, 1958
- Headquarters: Washington, D. C.
- Administrator: Bill Nelson
- Deputy Administrator: Pamela Melroy
Mahendragiri warship to be commission in Mumbai
The warship ‘Mahendragiri’ being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. The newly christened Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage
Features of India’s new warship Mahendragiri
- Displacement: 6,670 tonnes
- Length: 149 metres
- Width: 17. 8 metres
- Draft: 5. 22 metres
- Speed: 28 knots
- Range: 10,200 km
- Crew: 226 sailors
- Engines: 2 General Electric LM2500
ISRO-developed device for fishers’ safety successfully tested at Neendakara
‘Nabhmitra’, a device developed by ISRO-Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) for the safety of fishermen, was tested at Neendakara. It is a satellitebased communication system developed for the safety of fishermen. It enables two-way messaging services from and to the sea. The weather and cyclone warnings will be communicated in the local language, the boats can also send distress messages to the authorities. In emergency situations like capsizing and fire, fishers can press a button on the device and get in touch with the control centre. Neendakara is a suburb of Kollam city in Kerala, India
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
- Formed: 15 August 1969
- Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
- Chairman: Sreedhara Somanath
Second phase of Gaganyaan mission will launch a female space-faring humanoid robot Vyommitra
The trials for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO)’s Gaganyaan missions will start in October. Also the second phase of the mission will launch a female space-faring humanoid robot Vyommitra.
Who is Vyomitra and what can it do:
Vyommitra is a combination of two Sanskrit words Vyoma (Space) and Mitra (Friend). Vyommitra is the prototype of the half-humanoid and has been made for the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission. Female humanoid Vyommitra first made her appearance at the opening session of the 2021 event ‘Human Spaceflight and Exploration – Present Challenges and Future Trends’. Vyommitra can monitor through module parameters, send alerts and perform life support operations. It can perform activities like switch panel operations. The robot can also be a companion and converse with the astronauts, recognise them and can also respond to their queries. The half-humanoid will simulate human functions in space and also interact with the environment control life support system.
What is Gaganyaan Mission:
Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability. It plans to launch a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
