Category Archives: Science & Technology

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: SATELLITES: India’s 52-satellite initiative: Enhancing surveillance on adversaries including China and Pak

In what augurs well for India’s security capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reportedly approved Phase III of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission. This decision will pave the way for the launch of 52 surveillance satellites in low earth and geostationary orbits.

The Modi government’s move is likely to give sleepless nights to adversaries such as China and Pakistan, as the two neighbours among others will be under continuous monitoring once the capabilities are fully operational.

With this ramped-up capability, India will be able to detect enemy submarines operating in the Indo-Pacific region, sources familiar with the development said. In addition to this, India will improve and upgrade its ability to monitor and closely watch any illegal infrastructure development by China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The government’s decision to give a major boost to India’s space-based surveillance capabilities comes at a very significant time. This has come amid growing tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to be overassertive in a bid to expand its footprints and presence in the region, the decision aimed at bolstering India’s security measures, such as deploying surveillance satellites, to effectively monitor and respond to Beijing’s actions, is a timely action.

In response to China’s belligerence in the region, the Modi government is implementing effective measures to safeguard the country’s maritime and other security regional interests. It will also ensure that potential threats from hostile submarines are quickly detected and dealt with. Beyond maritime security, experts indicate that these satellites will also monitor infrastructure development by adversaries along India’s land borders.

The move includes monitoring along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where the construction of new roads, airstrips, and military outposts has raised major concerns over the past several years. In addition to this, increased surveillance along the Pakistan border will enable India to keep an eye on new defence-related infrastructure projects that could pose risks to national security.

Sources say that India will be able to share the information and key inputs gathered from these satellites about Chinese illegal and expansionist activities with other countries as well.

The surveillance satellite project aimed at improving land and maritime domain awareness for both civilian and military purposes is being managed by the National Security Council Secretariat in collaboration with the Defence Space Agency under the Defence Ministry’s integrated headquarters. The project, with a budget of Rs 26,968 crore, entails the construction and launch of 21 satellites by ISRO, while the remaining 31 will be developed by private companies.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: METAL INDUSTRY: India’s ship recycling industry expected to grow at 10 pc CAGR by 2028

The ship recycling industry in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 per cent by 2028, according to a new report.

India accounted for 33 per cent of the global gross tonnage (GT) dismantled in CY23, second only to Bangladesh, which handled 46 per cent, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings.

The ship recycling industry is expected to grow to 3.8-4.2 million GT in 2025, as against an estimated 2.3-2.6 million GT in 2024.

In India, Alang-Gujarat stands among the largest ship recycling facilities in the world, boasting over 140 recycling yards.

According to the report, India’s ship-recycling industry is a crucial part of the global maritime sector.

The top four countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Turkey dominate the ship-recycling industry, dismantling over 90 per cent of the global ship recycling volume.

India and Bangladesh consistently led the industry, while contributions from other countries were variable and generally lower.

According to Sajni Shah, Assistant Director, CareEdge Ratings, cooling-off of Baltic Dry Index (BDI), stabilisation of heavy melting scrap prices, and increase in obsolete ships in operations, suggest more ships to enter the recycling market from CY25 onwards.

Countries having better infrastructure and green recycling facilities are expected to attract a larger portion of ships in future, Shah added.

According to the report, prices for heavy melting scrap in Bhavnagar surged from Rs 28,800 per tonne in August 2020 to a peak of Rs 54,400 per tonne in April 2022, driven by supply chain disruptions and heightened demand for steel amid post-pandemic economic recovery efforts.

However, after peaking, scrap prices began to decline, settling at Rs 39,900 per tonne in December 2023. Since January 2023, prices have stabilised between Rs 36,000 per tonne and Rs 44,000 per tonne, the report added.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BEACON of INDIA INC. : Ratan Tata family tree: From Jamsetji Tata to Maya Tata, know all the members here

Ratan Tata Family tree: Here’s a look at the family lineage of the Tatas.

Ratan Tata complete family Tree: Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai Wednesday night. He was admitted following age-related health issues and was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Tata, a beacon of India Inc, steered his group amid India’s economic liberalisation and, subsequently, guided its global expansion.

Conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, Tata was considered one of the greatest philanthropists in the country who touched lives of millions through his work in the field of healthcare, education, drinking water and many other areas.

Here’s a look at the family tree of the Tatas

Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group was born to Nusserwanji Ratan Tata and Jeevanbai Kavasji Tata, in 1939. apart from Jamsetji, Nusserwanji had four other children — Ratanbai, Maneckbai, Virbaiji, Jerbai.

Born into a family of Parsi priests, Jamsetji broke the tradition as he started his own trading firm in 1868 at a young age of 29. He started with a textile mill in central India in the 1870s. His vision later set the foundation for technical education in India and helped the nation to be counted among the industrialised nations.

Jamsetji married Hirabai Daboo and had three children — Sir Dorabji Tata, Dhunbai Tata and Sir Ratan Tata.

Dorabji, the elder son of Jamsetji, was instrumental in translating his father’s vision into reality. It was under his leadership that the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust was created, propelling the Tata tradition of philanthropy. Jamsetji’s younger son, Ratan, was a philanthropist who created a trust to fund educational development, alleviate human sufferings and other public utility works.

Sir Ratan Tata married Navjbai Sett and adopted Naval H Tata. Naval married Sonoo Commisariat and had two sons — Ratan N Tata and Jimmy N Tata. But Naval and Soonoo divorced when Ratan N Tata was only 10 years old. Naval later married Simone Dunoyer and with her, had a son, Noel Tata. Noel is Ratan and Jimmy’s half brother.

While Ratan and Jimmy never married, Noel tied knot with Aloo Mistry, sister of late Cyrus Mistry, who served as Chairman of Tata Group. Noel and Aloo have three children — Leah Tata, Maya Tata and Neville Tata.

Neville is married to Manasi Kirloskar and together they have two children – Jamset Tata and Tiana Tata.

Again, Jeevanbai Kavasji Tata’s brother Dadabhai Kavasji Tata (adopted son of Kavasji Maneckji Tata) had a son with his wife Bhikhibai. Dadabhai’s son Ratanji Dadabhai Tata married a French woman Suzanne Briere. They had five children — Syla Petit, Jehangir Ratanji Dababhai Tata, Rodabeh Tata, Darab Tata and Jimmy Tata.

Jehangir or JRD Tata, who went on to become Tata Chairman, pioneered civil aviation on the subcontinent in 1932 by launching the airline which is now known as Air India.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: WORLD’s HIGHEST: Ladakh gets world’s highest MACE Observatory, largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia

This observatory underscores India’s advancements in space and cosmic-ray research capabilities.

The Union Territory of Ladakh gets the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) observatory, the world’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located at an altitude of over 4,300 metres in Hanle.

This observatory underscores India’s advancements in space and cosmic-ray research capabilities.

Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, officially inaugurated the MACE observatory here, an official spokesperson said.

Built indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from the Electronics Corporation of India Limited and other Indian industry partners, the MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia, he said.

The inauguration ceremony, held as part of the DAE’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, included the unveiling of commemorative plaques by Dr Mohanty at the Hanle site.

Addressing the importance of balancing tourism and scientific activities within the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR), Additional Secretary Ajay Ramesh Sule encouraged the students to pursue career in science and technology.

BARC’s Physics Group Director, Dr SM Yusuf, underscored the MACE telescope’s significance in advancing India’s capabilities in space and cosmic-ray research.

A pictorial compilation documenting the MACE project journey was released during the ceremony.

Dr Mohanty also felicitated the village leaders, the school headmaster, and the lama of the Hanle Gompa.

The MACE telescope, observing high-energy gamma rays, will contribute to global efforts to study phenomena like supernovae, black holes and gamma-ray bursts, he said

He added it aims to foster international collaborations, bolstering India’s role in multimessenger astronomy.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL:WORLD’S LARGEST / HEALTHCARE: India has launched world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, says Minister J P Nadda

WHO SEARO Regional Director Saima Wazed underlined that the best antidote for crisis is cooperation and underscored the need for collaborative regional action to build on the public health gains and overcome new threats in the region.

India has launched the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana, which covers over 120 million families, providing an annual hospitalization benefit of USD 6,000 per family, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday.

“This expansion will benefit around 45 million families, including 60 million elderly population, by providing them free health insurance coverage. It underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring universal and inclusive healthcare for India’s growing elderly demographic,” said Nadda at the 77^th session of the Regional Commission of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast Asia Region, which kicked off here.

Nadda, who was elected as the chairperson of the session, highlighted that the government has recently expanded the scheme to all citizens aged 70 years and above.

Recognizing the growing public health challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Union Health Minister said “India is implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs since 2010 to address conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This initiative has led to the establishment of 753 NCD clinics, 356 Day Care Centers, and 6,238 Community Health Centers to focus on preventive measures at an early stage.”

India as a lighthouse country in the digital health arena, is poised to share its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, e-Sanjeevani, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), SAKSHAM, etc. by providing technical and financial support through the Global Initiative on Digital Health – a WHO-managed network, launched during India’s G20 Presidency, he said.

“Following the remarkable success of the CoWIN digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has conceptualized the online digital platform-UWIN, for the Universal Immunization Programme. The portal will register, track, and monitor all vaccination events,” he added at the three-day event.

Understanding the important role that traditional and complementary medicine plays across numerous Southeast Asian member states, Nadda emphasized that India has backed the WHO in creating the Global Traditional Medicine Centre, aimed at promoting these systems on a global scale.

“India’s experience in integrating this system with the conventional system of medicine has led to the provision of holistic healthcare, promoting overall well-being and expanding the range of healthcare services,” he added. “Our Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs that are community Health & Wellness Centres are significant in providing comprehensive healthcare through both traditional and conventional systems of medicines, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our citizens,” Nadda said.

“We believe that collective experiences can drive transformative actions across countries. Health transcends borders, necessitating a holistic and collaborative approach. By learning from each other’s successes and challenges, we can enhance the resilience of health systems,” he said at the annual governing body meeting of WHO in the Region, which was attended by the member nations including Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The SEARO region has 11 member nations, including India.

He emphasized unity in addressing global challenges, fostering inclusive, human-centric growth, building trust by acknowledging aspirations, and harnessing each nation’s strengths for the global good.

“In 1948, when the first Regional Committee for South-East Asia was formed, the infant mortality rate globally was around 147. Today it is 25. Then, the antibiotic age had just begun. Today, we are faced with antimicrobial resistance. Think of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. And so, as we conquer old threats, we are faced with new ones. It is upon us to confront the perils of today, with the collective wisdom of all who came before us – and with the tools of the 21st century. This is why we are here today,” she said.

In his message to the Regional Committee, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded the Region for its many achievements in disease elimination and reiterated WHO continued support to Member States on addressing the challenges.

“Notwithstanding your many successes, the region faces many challenges, as you know: the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health; the unfinished business of reducing neonatal and under-5 mortality; the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance; inequitable access to health services and essential medicines; the continuing burden of tuberculosis,” he said.

Ministers of Health, senior health officials, public health experts, and representatives from non-governmental organizations are attending the annual governing body meeting being held in New Delhi from October 7-9.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: FIRST WOMAN CHIEF: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin is first woman to be India’s top military doctor

The appointment comes two months after Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the post.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on Tuesday took over as the director general of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), the first woman doctor to hold the position.

She has had 45 predecessors, all men.

“She has been at the forefront of motivating young women to join the armed forces and is a shining icon for the Nari Shakti initiative of the government,” the defence ministry said.

Sarin is 60 and will head AFMS for two years.

DGAFMS functions directly under the defence ministry and is responsible for medical policy matters related to the military. Before being appointed to the top position, Sarin was heading the navy’s medical services directorate. She has previously also served as DG Medical Services (Air) and director and commandant of the Pune-based Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

The development comes two months after Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the position.

Sarin was commissioned into service in December 1985 after she graduated from AFMC. She is an MD in radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Diplomate National Board in radiation oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and has trained in Gamma Knife surgery (noninvasive radiation therapy) from the University of Pittsburgh in the US.

“In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments including professor and head, radiation oncology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, commanding officer, INHS Asvini, and command medical officer in the Indian Navy’s southern and western naval commands,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

She has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the armed forces — lieutenant to captain in the army, surgeon vice admiral in the navy and as an air marshal in the Indian Air Force. To be sure, military doctors can be posted from one service to another.

Sarin was recently appointed as a member of the national task force constituted on the Supreme Court’s directions to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.

The 10-member task force was constituted in August after the apex court took suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a female resident doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, an incident that triggered nationwide protests with resident doctors in most government-run hospitals then going on strike.

According to the terms of reference, the task force will prepare an action plan categorised under two heads: a) prevention of violence against medical professionals and providing safe working conditions; b) providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: IT & MANUFATURING / MADE IN INDIA : PM Modi launches indigenously developed Param Rudra Supercomputers

Showcasing India’s technological prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched three Param Rudra supercomputers worth Rs 130 crore and developed indigenously as part of the National Supercomputing Mission.

The three supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support cutting-edge scientific research.

“With Param Rudra Supercomputers and HPC system, India takes significant steps towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and technology,” PM Modi said while launching the supercomputers via video conferencing.

The Prime Minister also launched a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system for the fields of weather and climate.

Addressing the scientific community, PM Modi said there is no sector or industry which does not rely on technology and high-computing capability. He added that in this sphere, India’s share “should not be in bits and bytes but in terabytes and petabytes”.

“Therefore, this achievement proves that we are moving in the right direction at the right pace,” said the Prime Minister.

With the PARAM supercomputer, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) will boost research in material science and atomic physics in New Delhi while the S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will focus on areas including physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

Meanwhile, the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will use the supercomputer to explore astronomical phenomena such as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).

According to the government, the Param Rudra supercomputer incorporates the latest cutting-edge hardware and software technologies. A significant portion of its components were manufactured and assembled in India.

Param Rudra is capable of handling complex calculations and simulations at a very high speed. These homegrown and developed supercomputers are prime examples of India’s technological advancements. These are used for research in fields such as weather forecasting, climate modelling, drug discovery, materials science, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The country’s National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has been set up to provide the country with supercomputing infrastructure to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL / SPACE : 40 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to travel to space: Here’s how is gearing up for ISS

In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, TOI has reported.

This mission will mark India’s first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than four decades, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission with the Soviet Union.

The Ax-4 mission is the result of a collaborative initiative between India and the United States. More than a year ago, during an official state visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, a leading American company in human spaceflight services.

Shukla, an experienced IAF test pilot, will be part of an international crew, with fellow Indian astronaut and backup pilot Group Captain Prashanth Nair also from the IAF. The mission will be commanded by renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson. Sharing details of Shukla’s responsibilities, Whitson told The Times of India, “As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures. Training will prepare him to handle emergencies and perform critical system checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments.”

The Ax-4 mission is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s space capabilities, particularly as the country prepares for its own crewed mission, the Gaganyaan project. In a recent Instagram Live session, Isro Chairman S Somanath revealed that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission, gaining valuable experience in space operations and international collaboration.

Whitson further elaborated on the rigorous training that Shukla and his fellow crew members are undergoing. “We work closely with NASA and other international space agencies to ensure smooth integration with ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain astronaut health during missions,” she explained. “By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions.”

Training for the mission will be conducted at multiple facilities, including NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The preparation covers all aspects of the mission, from safety protocols and health management to ISS systems operations. According to Whitson, “We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we’re ready for any situation.”

The Ax-4 mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, known for its advanced life support systems and automated docking capabilities. This will ensure a safe journey for the crew, who will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS.

Joining Shukla and Whitson on the mission are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, an expert in radiation testing and space electronics, is a member of ESA’s 2022 Astronaut Reserve Class, while Kapu, selected for Hungary’s Hunor Astronaut Programme, brings his expertise in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.

Whitson emphasized the global significance of the Ax-4 mission, saying, “The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realize the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and second govt-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.”

In addition to strengthening international cooperation, the Ax-4 mission will support the development of commercial space activities. “Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organizations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development,” Whitson explained.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gears up for this groundbreaking mission, India is poised to make significant strides in space exploration, bolstering its role on the global stage.

(With TOI inputs)

source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: INNOVATION for VISUALLY IMPAIRED : ### Umang Sharma, an 11th Grader, Creates Affordable Keyboard for the visually impaired using AI

Umang Sharma, a junior student of Class 11 at Princeton Day School, has developed an affordable keyboard for the visually impaired using artificial intelligence (AI). His interest in AI, robotics, and engineering, coupled with his passion for coding, led him to improve Braille technology with the help of experts. His success in creating this innovative keyboard is a result of his deep interest in computer building and technology.

Globally, around 284 million people are visually impaired, 39 million of whom are completely blind. A staggering 70% are unemployed, and 90% are illiterate, which significantly limits their opportunities. Umang’s journey began when he discovered that Braille keyboards cost over $7,000, a price he found to be unaffordable for many. Realizing the need for a cheaper alternative, he conducted research but found no better options.

A significant challenge faced by the visually impaired is the lack of access to technology, which contributes to high unemployment and illiteracy rates. Umang identified this as a vicious cycle, where the inability to afford technology like Braille keyboards prevents visually impaired individuals from securing jobs, yet employment is necessary to purchase such tools.

Current market solutions for Braille keyboards include audio keyboards built into operating systems, physical Braille devices, and one-time-use stickers for standard keyboards. After analyzing these options, Umang identified key issues, such as high cost, usability, and durability. He designed prototypes, consulted Braille experts, and made improvements to address these shortcomings.

The result is an affordable, user-friendly keyboard for the visually impaired, priced at just $10, and nearly free if donated keyboards are used. The keyboard utilizes 3D-printed keys that are durable and can be easily attached to any keyboard.

Umang presented his project at two workshops held at the National Blind Association, Delhi, and the Silver Lining Blind School, where visually impaired youths from underprivileged backgrounds tested the keyboard. The feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the design, particularly for blind students and young children learning Braille. The keyboard helped improve their typing speed and key recognition, proving to be a faster alternative compared to conventional keyboards that require pressing each key to find the right one.

The National Blind Association, Delhi, praised Umang’s efforts, and the Silver Lining Blind School expressed gratitude for his dedication and hard work in serving the visually impaired. Umang has donated over 20 keyboards and is working on providing more units, benefiting over 250 students.

Following this success, Umang plans to distribute his innovative Braille keyboards to blind schools globally and has founded a non-profit organization called “Zedable” to support his mission.

source/content: pressnote.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENTISTS: Joe Biden honours 2 Indian-American scientists Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh for remarkable medical discoveries

Two Indian American scientists were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday.

The two Indian-Americans — Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh — were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science, respectively.

President Biden also honoured leading American scientists, technologists, and innovators at the award ceremony.

The scientists, who were honoured at the event, made discoveries enabling lifesaving medical treatments, helping fight the opioid epidemic, improving food security, advancing accessibility, and much more.

“Today, President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation’s well-being, ” the White House said in a statement.

The National Medal of Science is the nation’s highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959 and administered by the US National Science Foundation. “It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences, in service to the Natio,” the statement added.

“Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” it added.

Further, according to the official statement, these trailblazers harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and communities worldwide.

The accomplishments made by the awardees have advanced American leadership in science, technology, and innovation and their work inspires the next generation of American minds, it added.