Sixth-generation aero-engine can be developed by tying up with foreign firm: DRDO chief

India will have to invest close to $4 billion-$5 billion, says Samir V. Kamat

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Samir V. Kamat. | Photo Credit: ANI


The only way India can develop a sixth-generation aero-engine and other technologies required is by co-development with a foreign manufacturer, Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said while noting that India currently invests only 5% of its defence budget for research and development, which needs to increased to 15%.

To realise that capability, he said the country will have to invest close to $4 billion to $5 billion, that’s ₹40,000 crore to 50,000 crore.

His remarks come against the backdrop of huge delays in the development of indigenous fighter jets, while China has made rapid progress in this area. Incidentally, India is in talks with France for the co-development of a 110KN engine for the fifth-generation jet, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), that is on the drawing board and at least a decade away from the roll-out of a prototype.

There are still critical issues that need to be worked out before an agreement can be reached, sources said on the status of discussions between India and France.

The decision for the co-development of a new engine was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in July 2023. Since then discussions have been going on between the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), and Safran to work out the specifications and other modalities.

“If we look at what we need to do in terms of technologies, the first priority is aero-engines. Today, we have demonstrated a fourth-generation aero-engine for our fighter aircraft but going ahead we will need a sixth-generation aero-engine where the thrust to weight ratios exceed 10,” Mr. Kamat said, speaking at an event two days ago.

He detailed various technologies that need to be developed such as single-crystal blade powder metallurgy discs and ceramic matrix composites for static parts to begin with.

“And if we have to do this and deliver an aero-engine the only way I can see is if we do a co-development with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer.”

Elaborating further, he said various facilities have to be to set up — testing facilities for each sub-system, a high-altitude test facility, flying test-bed, manufacturing facilities to make the disc which would need investing in a forge press which can press 50,000 tonnes, and so on.


In this regard, Mr. Kamat said that when it comes to platforms India had reached a “certain level of maturity” in fighter aircraft, but needs to build capacity. “Today, we are not able to deliver 16 aircraft per year. For that we should increase our capacity. Whether it should be in the public sector, private sector or joint, is a decision we all have to arrive at.”

Further, addressing an oft demand that a separate assembly line should be set up by the private sector for the LCA, Mr. Kamat noted that only U.S., and may be Russia, has two players in the fighter space. Overall, in other countries you have only one major player because the volumes are not sufficient, he stated adding, “So we have to take a call and support whatever decision we arrive at after due deliberations.”

The jet-engine technology is a closely guarded secret due to its extreme criticality in modern warfare. India made unsuccessful attempts in the past to develop an engine locally under the now shelved ‘Kaveri’ project. The Kaveri project was sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in 1989 and over the course of 30 years, before it was shut down, saw an expenditure of ₹2035.56 crore and the development of nine full prototype engines and four core engines.


The General Electric (GE) F-414 engine deal, which Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. bagged, is for manufacturing licence of an already operational engine. The deal gives India access to several technologies and industrial processes involved in the manufacture of jet engines and will upskill the capabilities of the Indian industry, both public and private, officials stated earlier.

The F-414 engines are meant to power the LCA-MK2, a larger and more capable variant of the LCA currently in service, and also the initial version of the under-development AMCA. The AMCA is planned in two phases — MK1 with the GE414 engine and a MK2 with an engine to be co-developed with France.

Speaking at the same event, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said that R&D loses its relevance in case it is not able to meet timelines. “Technology delayed is technology denied. There has to be an increased aptitude for acceptance of risks involved and failures in R&D,” he stated, adding that they haven’t yet received the first 40 LCA.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sixth-generation-aero-engine-can-be-developed-by-tying-up-with-foreign-firm-drdo-chief/article69081772.ece

India Takes a Giant Leap in Genomics: Launch of Indian Genomic Data Set & IBDC Portals to Empower Global Research

 "India’s Genomic Revolution: 10,000 Whole Genome Samples Now Accessible Globally"
"Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Scientific Community as India Poised to Lead the Next Generation Revolution in Biotech"

Posted On: 09 JAN 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

Making a vital move towards self-reliance in the field of genomics, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, today announced that India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data. At the Genome India Data Conclave, held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi,

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Indian Genomic Data Set unveiled and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED)’ and the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible to researchers across India and the globe.

Addressing the conclave, Dr. Singh proudly stated, “India has developed its own genomic data set, a monumental achievement that will fuel future medical and scientific breakthroughs. The entire collection of 10,000 whole genome samples, archived at IBDC, is now made available for research purposes not only within India but globally. This data set will serve as a critical resource for genomics research, contributing to advancements in personalized healthcare and medicine.”

The Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) will facilitate seamless access to valuable genetic information, enabling researchers to explore genetic variations and design more accurate genomic tools. The 10,000 whole genome sequencing (WGS) samples come from diverse Indian populations and provide a rich catalog of genetic variations. This initiative is set to position India as a leader in genomics, enabling the development of genomic chips tailored to the Indian demographic, thereby enhancing the precision of genetic studies.

Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of the 'GenomeIndia' project, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which aims to create a robust and comprehensive database of India’s genetic diversity. The data will serve as a foundation for cutting-edge research and will catalyze innovations in areas such as mRNA-based vaccines, protein manufacturing, and genetic disorder treatments. He said in India there is diversity not only in food, culture and geography but also in Genome.

The launch of the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines ensures that the high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared in a transparent, fair, and responsible manner. The Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, introduced in 2021, are a testament to India’s commitment to ethical and secure data sharing.

Dr. Singh highlighted the impressive growth of India’s bioeconomy, which has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with projections to hit $300 billion by 2030. The Minister attributed this growth to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Bioeconomy Policy, which is set to make India a global leader in biotech, positioning the country to lead the 4th industrial revolution.

India now ranks 12th globally in biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. The Minister also pointed out that India is the largest vaccine producer in the world and the third-largest startup ecosystem. The rapid rise of biotech startups—from just 50 in 2014 to over 8,500 in 2023—demonstrates India’s growing leadership in biotechnology and its potential to revolutionize the global bioeconomy.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further announced a future target of sequencing 10 million genomes to accelerate India’s advancements in genomics and personalized medicine. He also suggested expanding the initiative by collaborating with prominent institutions such as the Tata Memorial Hospital to enhance data enrichment efforts.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT said with Genomic Data Avialble we can counter genetic and hereditary diseases.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, spoke about the transformative potential of this data, emphasizing its role in the prevention and cure of genetic disorders. He also highlighted that the data generated from the GenomeIndia project would not only strengthen healthcare but also provide invaluable insights for agricultural, environmental, and industrial research.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR; Dr. Y Narahari, CBR, IISc Bengaluru; Dr. Arvind Sahu, Executive Director RCB and senior officials from the concerned scientific ministries were present at the event, underscoring the collective effort behind the success of this project.

In his video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientific community on this achievement and laid out a roadmap for India’s future in genomics. He praised the initiative as a testament to India’s scientific prowess and its vision for the future of healthcare and biotechnology. This initiative will also develop an ecosystem which would act as Knowledge hub and Innovation Hub and contribute to make Viksit Bharat @2047. He also reiterated that Pro-people governance, Digital Public infrastructure development and Genomic Data Bank will empower India.

The ‘GenomeIndia’ project is poised to make India a global hub for genomic research, positioning the country at the forefront of the next scientific and medical revolution.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091577

Tech jobs to see highest growth: Report

NEW DELHI: Traditional jobs such as farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction and food processing workers and salespersons are expected to see the highest growth in absolute numbers over the next five years, although in percentage terms, it will be the tech jobs with AI and machine learning (ML) being the most sought-after skills, said a new report released on Wednesday.

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Future of Jobs report concluded that clerical and secretarial workers could see the largest decline in absolute numbers with health workers and education seeing robust rise. In India, specialists in Big Data, AI and ML, and security management are seen to be in demand.

The report said that structural factors - from broadening digital access to higher cost of living, climate change mitigation, demographic shift and geopolitical fragmentation - could displace 8% or 92 million of the current workforce, but they will also create around 170 million new jobs, which is 14% of the current workforce.
In India, increased digital access, geopolitical tensions and climate-mitigation efforts are seen to be the primary trends shaping the future of jobs. The report said that Indian companies are heavily investing in AI, robotics and autonomous systems, and energy technologies with employers looking to outpace global adoption in technologies such as semiconductors and computing technologies and quantum and encryption to transform their operations.

The WEF study said that the US and India are seeing the highest enrolment for AI skills with corporate sponsorship playing a significant role in boosting GenAI training uptake in the country.

"Analytical thinking remains the most sought-after core skill among employers, with seven out of 10 companies considering it as essential in 2025. This is followed by resilience, flexibility and agility, along with leadership and social influence," the report said on the global outlook.

While identifying skill gaps as the biggest block for businesses, the report said: "On average, workers can expect that two-fifths (39%) of their existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated over the 2025-2030 period."

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/tech-jobs-to-see-highest-growth-report/articleshow/117068575.cms#:~:text=Traditional%20jobs%20such%20as%20farmworkers,also%20create%2014%25%20new%20jobs.

India must prioritise frontier AI research to drive innovation: Nadella

During his visit to India, Nadella announced strategic partnerships with the Government of India and industry leaders to advance cloud and AI transformation.



NEW DELHI: India must prioritise frontier research in artificial intelligence (AI) and develop foundational models to drive innovation, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said on Wednesday.

However, he noted that major investment is required to overcome the entry barrier and a single groundbreaking mathematical discovery can revolutionise the entire AI landscape.

“There is no reason why India can’t do frontier work, but you can even define frontier pretty unique. For example, I don’t think the last known big breakthrough in AI frontier has happened. I always say we are one mathematical breakthrough away from that entire edifice being thrown out and being going after something else,” said Nadella

During his visit to India, Nadella announced strategic partnerships with the Government of India and industry leaders to advance cloud and AI transformation. This comes on the heels of its plan to invest $3 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in India over next two years, including establishment of new data centres.

Microsoft has partnered with RailTel to advance digital, cloud, and AI transformation in the Indian Railways and public sector space. As part of this five-year partnership, Microsoft will support RailTel in establishing an AI center of excellence (CoE).

The company has also joined forces with the Mahindra Group to transform automotive, farm and financial services with AI. Additionally, it has partnered with Apollo Hospitals to co-innovate, jointly develop products and drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector. The partnership will also focus on research in areas such as disease progression and genomics.

Furthermore, Microsoft has entered a strategic partnership with Bajaj Finance to enhance digital transformation and deliver seamless experiences for Bajaj Finance’s customers. The company has signed a MoU with India AI, a division of Digital India Corporation, to collaborate on advancing AI and emerging technologies in India.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2025/Jan/09/india-must-prioritise-frontier-ai-research-to-drive-innovation-nadella

Cornell transfers accessible, affordable anemia detecting tech to Indian government

BATHINDA: AnemiaPhone, a technology developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly and cheaply assess iron deficiency, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programs for anemia, women’s health, and maternal and child health throughout the country.
In a press release on Wednesday Cornell University has stated that AnemiaPhone will enable access to rapid screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency at the point of need. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, a condition which can cause a range of symptoms, from fatigue and shortness of breath to multi-organ failure and death. Anemia affects 50-70% of pregnant women in India.

The technology, a test strip that can be coupled with small, portable wi-fi or Bluetooth-enabled test strip readers, was developed and tested in the laboratories of Dr Saurabh Mehta, David Erickson and Julia Finkelstein, founding director and co-directors of the Joan Klein Jacobs Center for Precision Nutrition and Health, and was formally transferred recently at no cost to India.
The technology requires a small finger stick, a drop of blood on a test strip similar to a COVID-19 home test, and a few minutes for the reader to assess. Then the information is uploaded to a clinical database via mobile phone, wireless tablet, or computer. Healthcare workers can interpret the test and provide guidance, triage and referral, or intervention on the spot.


Gold standards for biomarker assessments often have lab-intensive methodologies that much of the world cannot access or afford, said Finkelstein, whose lab in India validated the accuracy of the technology. AnemiaPhone can help bridge this gap, allowing iron deficiency to be quickly and cheaply diagnosed at home, in clinic, or during door-to-door healthcare surveys, reducing costs and speeding intervention.

“We’re not trying to replace traditional or reference laboratories, but in places where people don’t have access to laboratory and medical settings, this is a way to decentralize health care and extend the reach of central labs,” said Mehta. “It’s empowering across the whole system, enabling clinicians, community health workers and patients themselves to make real-time decisions and course corrections upon screening and diagnosis.”


AnemiaPhone has the potential to address current challenges in screening and diagnosing iron deficiency anemia within India’s Anemia Mukt Bharat programme, said Dr Bharati Kulkarni, the new Director of the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Nutrition and former head of ICMR’s Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition Division.


“If scaled to its full capacity, it could play a pivotal role in India’s health care landscape where anemia remains a significant concern, particularly among women and children, offering new possibilities in combating this recalcitrant public health problem,” Kulkarni said.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/cornell-transfers-accessible-affordable-anemia-detecting-tech-to-indian-government/articleshowprint/117061314.cms

Vaachan Sankalp Maharashtracha: 1st to 15th January 2025

 

Book Exhibition on 20th and 21st January 2025