Tag Archives: India

NATIONAL: DRONE PATENTS: Patent Granted: Path-Breaking Drone Technology Developed by Anna University Researchers to Revolutionise Package Delivery Applications

A path-breaking technology has been developed by the researchers at the Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chennai that may open up a new era of drone operations.

The airborne-based intelligent autonomous landing system for mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that come with accurate identification of geographical location of landing sites from the plurality of images captured has been granted patent by the Indian Patent Office, Intellectual Property India.

“The technology would immensely help in the delivery/pick up of load such as weapons, ammunition, medicines, food etc. to armed forces deployed along hilly terrains or inaccessible locations along the border,” said Dr K. Senthil Kumar, Professor and Director, Dr Kalam Advanced UAV Research Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT,

The system developed by his team of researchers is capable of not only finding the precise location of a marker like a particular coloured dress or object on the site and land there safely even if it were to be a hilly terrain with uneven surface and slope. At present, existing UAVs were designed to land at a pre-determined well prepared plain surface locations,

Dr Senthil Kumar explained, “Once the landing site is identified, the position coordinates are obtained and UAV lands at the target including moving platforms. Further, QR code can also be used to enhance reliability. The efficiency of the UAV landing system is increased, landing time is reduced, and the complete process is on-board and autonomous using AI and deep learning algorithms. The system is particularly useful for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) applications.”

According to Dr Senthil Kumar, the UAV landing system could be utilised in high-altitude logistics drones to assist armed and border security forces in day-to-day essential supplies delivery to border posts, emergency relief and rescue operations or delivery of certain goods to strengthen combat missions.

“We now have UAVs with the capability to fly up to 50 kg load to 20 km. Efforts are on to enhance the load to 100 kg and flying distance to 50 km,” he added.

Highlighting the UAVs utility, Dr Senthil Kumar said, besides defence, firefighting and surveillance operations, the intelligent autonomous landing system for mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles could also be used for civilian missions such as organ/medicine delivery in healthcare, product delivery in e-commerce etc.

“The invention marked a significant breakthrough in drone technology as it would revolutionise the package delivery applications. The existing delivery methods were done only by way of airdrop from certain altitudes,” he remarked.

source/content: raksha-anirveda.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH: Single-Molecule Transistor Breakthrough in Nanoelectronics

In a major achievements for nanoelectronics , researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences have developed a pioneering transistor design that utilises single molecules controlled by mechanical forces.

This innovative approach marks a significant departure from conventional electronic technologies, promising advances in ultra-compact electronics, quantum information processing, and advanced sensing applications.

The breakthrough centres on a technique known as the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ). This method diverges from traditional transistors by using mechanical forces to regulate electronic properties instead of electrical signals. To achieve this, the researchers employed a piezoelectric stack to precisely fracture a macroscopic metal wire, creating a nanometer-scale gap tailored for the insertion of single molecules, such as ferrocene.

Ferrocene, a molecule consisting of an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings, displays unique electrical behaviours when subjected to mechanical manipulation. This phenomenon occurs because the mechanical gating process alters the molecular structure, influencing how electrons are transported through the junction.

By exploiting this characteristic, the researchers have demonstrated how mechanical forces can control electronic behaviour at the molecular level, opening new avenues for advanced electronic devices.

Dr Atindra Nath Pal and Biswajit Pabi, leading the research team, found that the orientation of ferrocene molecules between silver electrodes plays a critical role in the transistor’s performance. Their experiments revealed that the device’s electrical conductivity could either be enhanced or diminished based on the specific alignment of the molecules. This discovery highlights the crucial impact of molecular geometry on electronic properties and device functionality.

In further studies, the researchers investigated the use of gold electrodes in combination with ferrocene at room temperature. The results were remarkable: the transistor exhibited a low resistance of approximately 12.9 kΩ, which is about five times the quantum of resistance.

This is notably lower than the typical resistance found in molecular junctions, which averages around 1 MΩ. Such low resistance suggests the potential for developing highly efficient, low-power molecular devices that could revolutionise several technology sectors.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond traditional electronics. The ability to precisely control electron transport through single molecules could lead to the development of ultra-compact devices with applications in quantum computing, where managing electron flow with high precision is crucial.

Additionally, the advancements in sensing technology could benefit from the enhanced sensitivity and specificity provided by these molecular-scale devices.

This innovative approach also aligns with broader trends in the technology sector, where there is a growing focus on miniaturisation and energy efficiency. By harnessing mechanical forces to control electronic behaviour, researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in nanoelectronics and paving the way for next-generation technologies that could reshape the digital landscape.

India is making significant headway in the field of Nanotechnology , with groundbreaking advancements in sensor technology and material science that promise to enhance healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to highly sensitive sensors using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and 2D materials. These low-cost, point-of-care devices quickly detect health conditions, food safety parameters, and environmental pollutants.

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have developed sensors that excel in accuracy and reliability, addressing critical needs in health, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

This achievement by researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanoelectronics. By integrating single molecules into transistor designs and controlling their properties through mechanical forces, the research team has set new standards for electronic devices.

As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of advancing multiple fields, including quantum information processing, ultra-compact electronics, and advanced sensing applications, heralding a new era of technological innovation.

source/content: opengovasia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENCE – RESEARCH & DISCOVERY: Living walls: Indian student Prantar Tamuli develops carbon capturing building material in University College London(UCL)

Tamuli developed the C-ELM under the guidance of research supervisors during his MSc in Bio-Integrated Design, even innovating new methods to culture cyanobacteria at home during the Covid-19 lockdown in London.

An Indian student at University College London (UCL) has developed an innovative construction biomaterial that utilises living microorganisms to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially revolutionising the building industry’s carbon footprint.

Prantar Tamuli, a Master’s student in UCL’s Biochemical Engineering Department, recently introduced this material as part of an art installation at St Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland.

The biomaterial, known as a cyanobacterial engineered living material (C-ELM), incorporates living cyanobacteria within translucent panels that can be mounted on the interior walls of buildings. As the microorganisms grow through photosynthesis, they capture carbon dioxide from the air.

“My goal with developing C-ELM is to shift the construction of our future human habitats from being a significant carbon-emitting activity to one that actively sequesters carbon,” Tamuli was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Through a process called biomineralisation, the captured CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate, effectively trapping the carbon.

A kilogram of C-ELM can capture up to 350g of carbon dioxide, while the same amount of traditional concrete would emit approximately 500g of CO2. A wall covered with 150 square metres of these panels could sequester about one tonne of carbon dioxide.

“The potential of this biomaterial is immense. If scaled up and widely implemented, it could significantly reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint,” said Professor Marcos Cruz of UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture and co-director of the Bio-Integrated Design Programme, according to the report by PTI.

Tamuli developed the C-ELM under the guidance of research supervisors during his MSc in Bio-Integrated Design, even innovating new methods to culture cyanobacteria at home during the Covid-19 lockdown in London.

Dr Brenda Parker, co-director of the Bio-Integrated Design Programme, added, “By breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers, we can enable breakthroughs like these. Biotechnology is now in a position to transform sustainable design and construction,” PTI reported.

Inspired by studying stromatolites—ancient structures formed by algal mats—Tamuli focused on the cyanobacteria species *Kamptonema animale*, which grows in long strands that easily bind to surrounding materials within the panels. The calcium carbonate produced by the cyanobacteria strengthens and reinforces the panels.

These panels offer multiple benefits for buildings, including being lightweight, sound-absorbing, translucent enough to allow light to pass through, and thermally insulating to improve energy efficiency.

The first panels were publicly displayed inside the “Bioscope” pavilion at St Andrews Botanic Garden, showcasing low-carbon, nature-inspired construction methods designed by the collective Studio Biocene. A patent for C-ELM technology has been filed by UCL’s commercialisation company, UCL Business.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ASIA : SPORT – BADMINTON : Tanvi Patri wins Badminton U-15 Girls singles Asia title, beats Nguyen Thi Thu Huygen in final

Tanvi Patri’s victory is a testament to her talent and hard work. Her success at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships bodes well for her future in the sport.

Indian badminton sensation Tanvi Patri has clinched the U-15 girls singles title at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships. This remarkable achievement solidifies Patri’s position as one of the rising stars in the sport.

Dominant Performance: Tanvi Patri

The top-seeded Tanvi Patri showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, remaining undefeated in her quest for the title. In the final, she faced a tough challenge from second-seeded Nguyen Thi Thu Huygen of Vietnam but emerged victorious in straight sets.

Joining the Elite List

Tanvi Patri’s triumph adds her name to an illustrious list of Indian champions who have won the U-15 girls singles title at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships. Previous winners include Samiya Imad Farooqui (2017) and Tasnim Mir (2019).

Semifinal Battle

In the semifinals, Patri faced a stern test against Kakanik of Thailand, the sixth seed in the tournament. Despite a closely contested first game, Patri ultimately prevailed, winning 21-19, 21-10.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huygen of Vietnam, got the better of China’s Liu Yu Tong 21-18, 17-21, 21-19 in the other semifinal.

Bright Future

Tanvi Patri’s victory is a testament to her talent and hard work. Her success at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships bodes well for her future in the sport. As she continues to develop her skills, she has the potential to become a major force in international badminton.

source/content: insidesport.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: AGRICULTURE: SEEDS 0NLINE : Now buy certified seeds and planting material online for 1st time from National Seeds Corporation(NSC’s) MyStore platform

The onboarding of the National Seeds Corporation offices on the online marketplace will encourage farmers to buy certified seeds.

The state-run National Seeds Corporation (NSC) has initiated the onboarding of its area and regional offices on MyStore, an online marketplace connected to the Government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce. The move aimed at easing access to quality seeds will enable farmers across the country to buy seed and planting material online.

An official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare said the NSC has 48 area offices, 11 regional offices, and five farms across the country. Of these, 12 offices and farms (six area offices, four regional offices and two farms) have been onboarded on the MyStore platform, and started selling seeds and planting materials. The remaining offices will be onboarded by the first week of September, the officer added.

The dozen offices are located at places including Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh; Agra in Uttar Pradesh; Bengaluru, Chikkamagaluru, Dharwad, Davangere and Raichur in Karnataka ; Hisar and Karnal in Haryana; Jaipur in Rajasthan ; and Bhubaneswar in Odisha. These offices and farms have 211 products, of which 88 are available for sale on the MyStore.

The NSC sells seeds and planting material of 80 crops–38 field crops and 42 horticulture crops. The NSC has so far made seeds available through a network of 5,000 dealers, including 861 cooperatives and 1,354 farmer producer organisations. This is the first time it has made them available through an online platform so that farmers in far-flung areas could easily buy authentic seeds, the official said.

Apart from seeds, some of the NSC offices are also selling indoor and outdoor plants online, the official said. For instance, the Bhopal-based NSC office is selling plants such as aglaonema (lipstick plant), snake plant Haiti, golden pothos (money plant), peace lily, aloevera, and ashwagandha on the platform, where anyone can order.

The move to onboard the NSC offices will enable and encourage farmers to buy certified and quality seeds, the official said, adding that it would also help to increase the seed replacement ratio of major field crops.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS: Jammu Kashmir administration celebrates ‘World Craft City’ tag for Srinagar

The recognition would not only provide a new identity to Srinagar in the global market but craftsmanship would re-establish its position as a prestigious occupation, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

Srinagar was the venue of a special function on July 31 to celebrate its recognition as ‘World Craft City’. Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, president of the World Crafts Council International (WCCI), present on the occasion.

Mr. Al-Qaddumi, who visited a few craft clusters after his arrival in Srinagar, praised local craftsmanship and efforts to preserve old and traditional hand techniques by locals, including women. “I congratulate the J&K government on the recognition of Srinagar as a World Craft City. Srinagar has joined the well-deserved ranks of craft cities across the world,” Mr. Al-Qaddumi said.

Hundreds of artisans and traders attended the function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre. “In honouring Srinagar city, the World Crafts Council has also honoured the 5,000-year rich Indian civilisation, which kept alive creative traditions and always promoted gifted artisans for their ingenuity and craftsmanship,” J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.

Srinagar earned the World Craft City tag from the council, which works to empower artisans and safeguard heritage globally, in June this year. Many see the tag as a window for Kashmir to reopen its old linkages with craft centres in Central Asia and Iran.

“We are determined to ensure that their creative products are financially attractive and the work is professionally satisfying. I am sure this recognition as World Craft City will not only provide a new identity to Srinagar in the global market but that craftsmanship will re-establish its position as a prestigious occupation,” Mr. Sinha said.

Srinagar is the fourth city in India to secure the prestigious World Craft City tag. The L-G said J&K was proud to have an inclusive cultural ecosystem, which always inspired weavers and craftspeople. He commended the efforts of the Handloom and Handicrafts Department, and the Industries and Commerce Department for leading the change in a sector that is vital to J&K’s economy.

Saleem Beg, head of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’s (INTACH) Kashmir chapter said the tag could open a window to trace Kashmir’s journey into the craft sector. “I expect a fillip to Kashmir’s traditional linkages with Central Asia and Iran after this recognition. Fourteen Iranian cities are already listed as craft cities, and I look forward to knowledge exchange too,” Mr. Beg said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INDIA: MANUFACTURING: 80% of Indian Steel Producers have Labelled ‘Made-in-India’ on products

The source said that the ‘Made in India’ branding, along with a QR code, provides for labeling of domestic steel products with details of the product. “

Following the Ministry of Steel’s initiative to brand products with ‘Made in India’, Indian steel producers (ISPs) have labelled 80 per cent of their products since November last year, said an official on Monday.

“Ministry of Steel was the first to initiate and complete the branding exercise. The efforts would result in branding of 80 million tonnes of steel out of the production of 125 million tonnes in the first phase,” the official added.

Indian steel producers have finalised common labels across the product categories and allocated size and space for the ‘Made in India’ logo for each label.

“All the ISPs have started roll out of branding with selected categories of steel products in their product portfolio by fixing of new ‘Made in India’ label on their products from November 4, 2023 onwards,” the source said, adding RINL, JSPL and TATA Steel Ltd have covered 100 per cent of their product range, while the rest will complete the branding by the end of June.

Explaining the need of the branding, the source said, “the label will help to create a common brand value for all Made-in-India steel products nationally and internationally and to further encourage manufacturers to maximise their local manufacturing process, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the Indian economy.

In the long run, it will be a key identifier for Indian steel sector markets across the world, further cementing India’s position in global markets. The Made in India Label along with the overall country branding through the Brand India Mission will complement each other and help in achieving the final goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ making for India and the world.”

According to sources, the concept was initially suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , which was later conceptualised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and implemented by the Steel Ministry.

The source said that the ‘Made in India’ branding, along with a QR code, provides for labeling of domestic steel products with details of the product. “The vision is to boost credibility of ‘Made in India’ and promotion of domestically-produced steel and to enable the Indian consumers to make an informed choice. ‘Made in India’ Label is intended for both domestic market and also for exports,” the source said.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPACE : Indian-Origin Shawna Pandya on Virgin Galactic’s New Space Research Flight

Shawna Pandya, an Indian-origin physician and bioastronautics researcher, will be part of Virgin Galactic’s upcoming space research mission. This mission, a collaboration between Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), will be conducted aboard the Delta Class spaceship.

Pandya, a prominent figure in space medicine and Director of IIAS’ Space Medicine Group, joins a distinguished crew for this second research mission. The team includes Kellie Gerardi, Director of Human Spaceflight Operations at IIAS, and Norah Patten, an aeronautical engineer from Ireland. The mission follows the success of the ‘Galactic 05’ mission in November 2023, which tested novel healthcare technologies and analyzed fluid dynamics in microgravity to aid the design of future medical technologies and life-support systems.

Pandya, who has extensive experience in space research, was part of the first crew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero gravity in 2015. Her impressive record includes flying in 10 parabolic flight campaigns, amassing over 160 parabolas in micro- and reduced gravity conditions.

“We were thrilled with the results from our fluid cell experiment on ‘Galactic 05’, which demonstrated our ability to accurately predict fluid behavior in a weightless environment”, said Gerardi, reflecting on the mission’s success.

Sirisha Bandla, Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Research, emphasized the ongoing collaboration with IIAS. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with IIAS in an expanded capacity”, said Bandla, who flew on the ‘Unity 22’ spaceflight, becoming the second Indian-born woman to travel to space.

This mission highlights the growing role of Indian-origin researchers in advancing space science and technology, further solidifying international collaborations in space exploration.

source/content: siliconindia.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: MEDIA : Annurag Batra Founder of exchange4media elected to International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Annurag Batra is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of exchange4media, which manages several major media brands.

In Short

  • Annurag Batra elected to International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
  • He founded exchange4media and chairs BW Businessworld
  • The academy has over 900 members from 60 plus countries

Annurag Batra, Founder of exchange4media and Chairman of BW Businessworld, has been elected as a Member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The prestigious academy consists of over 900 members from more than 60 countries, representing the world’s leading television and media companies.

Annurag Batra is well-known in the media and television industry. He set up exchange4media, creating a new platform for media and television and has made a big impact on the digital media industry.

Batra has created a new sector that others in the field respect and follow. He is a serial entrepreneur, author, angel investor, TV show host, and a believer in the power of dreams.

He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of exchange4media, which manages several major media brands. He is also the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of BW Businessworld Media Group.

Since acquiring BW Businessworld in late 2013, he has transformed it into a modern media conglomerate.

Batra has also served on the Board of Governors at the Management Development Institute in Gurgaon, his alma mater. He was the first graduate of MDI’s flagship program to serve on its Board of Governors from January 2020 to June 2023.

As the founder of exchange4media, he has spent over 24 years engaging with leading media owners, editors, journalists, and news media professionals.

He has built several media brands and large-scale events under exchange4media and is an accepted authority in media and television and has written extensively on these subjects. He is set to release his book in 2025 titled “Media Moguls of India.”

He is expanding his initiatives to the UAE and the MENA region. He is also investing in many media tech startups that are shaping the Indian digital media landscape.

Annurag Batra’s election to the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a testament to his influence and contributions to the media industry.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL : PATENT RECORD: Indian patent office grants record 1 lakh patents in past year, March 2023 – March 2024

The Patent Office granted over one lakh patents in the last 1 year (15-Mar-2023 to 14-Mar-2024). Every working day, 250 patents were granted, the ministry said.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Saturday (March 16) that the Patent Office has granted an unprecedented one lakh patents within a single year. As per an official release, in the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the Patent Office received an all-time high of 90,300 patent applications.

The Patent Office granted over one lakh patents in the last 1 year (15-Mar-2023 to 14-Mar-2024). Every working day, 250 patents were granted, the ministry said. Alongside patent grants, there has been a notable surge in GI registrations, demonstrating a threefold increase compared to the previous year. Currently, India boasts 573 registered GIs, with 98 new registrations in the fiscal year 2023-24, according to the release.

Additionally, copyright registrations have reached a record-breaking 36,378, underscoring the vast potential within the creative sector. In the realm of design, the fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed the highest number of registrations to date, totalling 27,819, alongside the final disposal of 30,450 applications.

Noteworthy initiatives such as Toycathon, jointly organized by J&K SCERT and the Indian IP Office, have facilitated the registration of 115 novel designs by J&K school students, according to the release. The Trade Marks Registry has also redoubled its efforts to expedite trademark protection, committing to issuing examination reports within 30 days of receiving trademark applications.

In parallel, the National Intellectual Property Academy (NIPAM) has played a pivotal role in raising IP awareness, offering training to 24 lakh youths, particularly students and teachers, across over 7,000 institutions in the last two years. The announcement coincided with the official notification of the Patent Rules, 2024, which introduces several provisions aimed at simplifying the patent prosecution and maintenance processes.

These rules are poised to streamline the acquisition and management of patents, thereby nurturing an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth. Notable features of the revamped rules include provisions for acknowledging inventors’ contributions through a new ‘Certificate of Inventorship’ and reducing the time limit for filing examination requests to accommodate the fast pace of technological advancements, read the press release.

Highlighting the significance of these developments, government officials emphasized their commitment to enhancing the IP ecosystem and administration in the country. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters innovation and economic development through robust IP protection mechanisms.

The surge in patent grants reflects India’s emergence as a hub for technological innovation, with one technology seeking IP protection every six minutes.

source/content: indiatvnews.com (headline edited)