Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has launched a National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) for boosting technology development in cyber-physical domains like AI, Robotics, IOT.

The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India is implementing the NM-ICPS, which was approved by the Cabinet on December 6, 2018 with an outlay of Rs. 3,660.00 crore. Under this mission, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been established in reputed academic institutions across India. Each TIH specializes in cutting-edge domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and FinTech etc.

Major activities under the mission include 1. Technology Development, 2. Human Resource Development 3. Entrepreneurship Development  4. International Collaborations.

Significant achievements have been made under NM-ICPS, with a large number of technologies/ technology products developed in the various domains of cyber-physical systems. Some of the major technologies and technology products developed by the TIHs established under NM-ICPS are given in Annexure I. The details of other outcomes and achievements of the Mission are as follows:

 

S. No.	Mission Activity	Outcome	Total Number Achieved
1	Technology Development	Technologies / Technology Products commercialized	389
		Publications, IPR and other Intellectual activities	2710
		Increase in CPS Research Base	2895
2	Human Resource Development	Fellowships	6483
		Training Programs	2716
		Skill Development Beneficiaries	208669
3	Entrepreneurship Development	Start-ups & Spin-off companies	888
4	International Collaborations	Number of Collaborations	148

The year-wise details of the budgetary provisions allocated under NM-ICPS by the Government since its inception are as follows:

 

About 45,000 jobs have been created through the Mission by imparting advanced skills and generating skilled manpower.

 

Annexure – I

 

Major Technologies and Technology Products developed under NM-ICPS

1. Information Technology–Operational Technology (IT-OT) Security Operations Centre (SoC), for monitoring of cyber threats on both IT and OT infrastructure of an organization.
2. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), for secure storage and management of Digital Credentials.
3. Blockchain-based technology, for maintaining tamper-proof records of Land Registry.
4. Transferable Development Rights (TDR) system, for maintaining secure, transparent and tamper-proof Development Rights Certificate used in land trading.
5. Crypto forensic tools for use by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
6. CharakDT Platform (Integrated Human Digital Twin System), for healthcare applications.
7. Robotic Arms and soft grippers, for automatic handling of objects in various manufacturing industries.
8. Technology products for fully automated Drone operations viz. Smart charging support, safe drone batteries, uninterrupted power supply for continuous drone operations etc.
9. TiHAN Testbed, a state-of-the-art testbed for autonomous navigation technology development, for both aerial and terrestrial autonomous vehicles.
10. Agri-IoT Farm Management System, to facilitate data-driven decision making by enabling real field monitoring for critical parameters viz. soil health, weather conditions, micro-climate conditions etc.
11. Holographic Technologies for Mining, for visualization of remote mines.
12. ORAN (Open Radio Access Network) Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) 32TR (Transmit-Receive) radio unit, to enhance 5G technology by utilizing large antenna arrays, thus enabling long-range connectivity for rural areas.
13. iRASTE, an application for enhancing road safety by using predictive capabilities of Artificial intelligence (AI).
14. Artificial intelligence (AI) – based Oral Cancer screening and detection App, incorporating Data collection features.
15. Autonomous Weather Station: Smart Climate Monitoring Solution, integrated with IoT enabled sensors, AI driven analytics and mobile-based alerts, to provide critical meteorological insights including temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and soil moisture, thus enabling data driven decision-making.

 

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115867) Visitor Counter : 279

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body under Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with M/s APChemi Private Limited, Navi Mumbai (2025), for production and commercialization of purified pyrolysis oil to enable downstream production of circular plastics and sustainable chemicals.

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporations of Delhi in 2019 for setting up of a plant to convert waste plastic to diesel and tiles using technologies developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), Delhi.

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad has a technology for converting different plastic waste to value-added products such as green plasticizers, fuel oil, preparation of monomers and hydrogen. Agreements have been signed with, CDG Petchem Limited, Hyderabad; Clean Seas India Private Limited, Hyderabad; Khar Energy Optimiser, Hyderabad; Resqpol Private Limited, Hyderabad and KLJ Private Limited, Delhi.

In order to foster indigenous technological advancements in sustainability, DST’s TDB has provided financial assistance for development of an integrated plant for the recovery of precious metals from E-waste, Jeweller’s waste, Automobile catalyst waste and also for setting up of a commercial plant for recycling Li batteries and E-waste using indigenous technology.

CSIR had sanctioned Rs. 345 crores to its constituent laboratories in the last three years for 15 projects supported under different categories to foster indigenous technological advancements in sustainability.

Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has setup 18 Centres of Excellences (CoE) to promote research on recycling process technologies, development of eco-friendly processes and products to minimize waste generation, reduce energy consumption, utilize renewable feedstocks, development of biodegradable and bio-based chemicals for various applications, etc.

Government of India has undertaken several steps across ministries to establish a self-reliant circular economy, generate employment and reduce dependence on imported crude oil, as detailed below:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF& CC) has issued Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, mandating recycling and reuse. The ban on single-use plastics (effective from 2022) encourages alternative materials and reducing petroleum-based imports.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP& NG) are scaling up biofuel production, reducing crude oil imports and creating rural jobs in biomass supply chains.
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has setup Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) nationwide, employing thousands in waste segregation and recycling, while promoting circularity in plastics.
• DST through Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program, has been supporting research and innovation on circular economy with potential to ameliorate the environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption lifestyle.

These efforts are collectively building self-reliant circular economy and alsohelping generation of employment.

 

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115866) Visitor Counter : 268

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission at an outlay of Rs. 6003.65 Crore for a period of eight years. The details of estimated expenditure year-wise from 2023-2031 is given below:

 

 

The cabinet approved physical targets set under NQM, year-wise till 2031 is given below:

 

 

NQM, DST in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education, has developed a curriculum on Quantum Technologies. Existing institutes offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses may use this curriculum for starting new programs or increasing seats for research and education in quantum technologies.

The Technology Innovation Hub established at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune in the area of Quantum Technologies, under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems, has supported eight startups namely QuNu Labs Private Limited, QpiAI India Pvt. Ltd, Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Prenishq Pvt. Ltd., QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd., Pristine Diamonds Pvt. Ltd., Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. and Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd. at an outlay of Rs. 68.00 Crores.

Under National Quantum Mission, expenditure of Rs. 43.07 Crore has been incurred till date.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115865) Visitor Counter : 251

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

 The following developments have been made under National Quantum Mission(NQM) since its launch:

 

1. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs), in key technology verticals namely Quantum Computing at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Quantum Communication at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in association with Centre for Development of Telematics, New Delhi; Quantum Sensing & Metrology at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and Quantum Materials & Devices at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

 

2. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), in collaboration with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai has demonstrated 6-qubit quantum processor based on superconducting circuit technology.

 

3. Department of Space (DOS) has demonstrated free-space Quantum Key Distribution over a distance of 300m with real-time processing and live exchanges of quantum-secured text, images and video calls.

 

The funds allocated and utilized for quantum research and development projects in 2024 is given below:

 

S.No.	Ministry/Department	Fund Allocated (Rs. In Crore)	Fund Utilized (Rs. In Crore)
1.	Department of Science & Technology	31.848	19.915
2.	Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology	68.032	28.823
3.	Defense Research & Development Organization	8.570	2.57
4.	Department of Space	18.5	18.5

 

The four T-Hubs have been established under NQM in consortia that foster collaborative synergy among academic institutions, with a provision for the involvement of private industry to accelerate quantum technology development.These hubs bring together a total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions across India.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2115862) Visitor Counter : 269

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan today (March 27) and met with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu.

In the morning, Mr Lee attended the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. The theme of this year’s conference is “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announced today (March 27) the rating results of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder Distributor Safety Performance Recognition Scheme for 2024.
 
All the 143 distributors under the five registered gas supply companies supplying LPG cylinders in Hong Kong joined the Scheme. Among the participants, 63 attained the highest level of safety performance, the gold rating, while 14 and 66 received silver and bronze ratings respectively.
 
Under the Scheme, independent auditing companies commissioned by the registered gas supply companies rated the distributors based on their performance in LPG cylinder delivery arrangements, safety inspection of gas appliances, record keeping of customer receipts, employee training and maintaining gas safety operation records. The rating results were verified by the EMSD.
 
Distributors will display the Scheme’s logo and the rating certificate outside and inside their shops respectively for easy identification.
 
Organised by the EMSD and registered gas supply companies, the Scheme aims to enhance the safety performance of the LPG cylinder trade. The public may visit the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/media/lpgcdsprs) or download the EMSD mobile application “E&M Connect” for details of the Scheme and the ratings of the distributors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Labour Department will hold webinars on the abolition of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement on April 30 (Wednesday) and May 13 (Tuesday) at 3.30pm. Employers, employees and human resources practitioners are welcome to attend.

The abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement will be implemented on May 1 to improve the retirement protection of employees. The Government will at the same time launch the 25-year Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement (SSA) to share out the severance payment/long service payment expenses of employers after the abolition. The key features of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement, the calculation of severance payment/long service payment after the abolition and the main points of the SSA will be introduced in the webinars. The content of the above two webinars is the same.

The online briefings will be conducted in Cantonese via Zoom, and admission is free of charge. Interested participants should enrol in either of the webinars.
 
The quota will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the enrolment deadline is April 15 (Tuesday). The enrolment form can be downloaded from the thematic website of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement (www.op.labour.gov.hk/en/pdf/Enrolment Form_webinar_Eng.pdf). For enquiries, please call 2852 3921.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 27) attended the 2025 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) in Macao and officiated alongside officials of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government and other guests at the opening ceremony.
 
The 2025 MIECF was held with the theme of “Innovation and Green Development – Solutions to Build Beautiful Cities”. The exhibition booth of the Environment and Ecology Bureau is presenting a number of innovative initiatives adopted by the Hong Kong SAR Government departments and local industries. There are information boards on carbon reduction strategies such as carbon neutrality, energy saving and environmentally friendly buildings, green transportation, community waste reduction and smart technology. Videos on related topics demonstrate the application of innovative technologies in environmental protection continuously promoted by the Hong Kong SAR Government.  
 
Mr Tse also paid a courtesy call on the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Tam Vai-man, to exchange views on various environmental subjects and collaboration opportunities.  
 
Mr Tse said that to further seize the opportunities brought by the country’s dual carbon strategies, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department are strengthening co-operation and exploring growth opportunities with neighbouring regions while supporting local innovation and technology development. These efforts include strengthening exchanges and collaboration with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in building low-carbon communities, developing decarbonisation technologies, promoting low-carbon products and nurturing talent. The goal is  to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 and reduce carbon emissions by half before 2035 as compared to the 2005 level.
 
After touring the exhibition and exchanging views with Hong Kong exhibitors, Mr Tse returned to Hong Kong in the early afternoon.