SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 2013

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 2013

• A state-of-the-art integration centre for the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) was inaugurated by the outgoing Director of the laboratory SV Rangarajan in Vishakapatnam, on 26th September. The Electrical Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) building, christened Talvar Building, would serve the needs of the prestigious heavy weight torpedo ‘Varunastra’ project and the future heavy weight projects to be undertaken by the laboratory.Speaking on the occasion Dr. Rangarajan advised the Varunastra Project Director P. Trimurthulu to involve the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which would undertake production of Varunastra, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which would manufacture electronic components required for the purpose, at the development-stage itself so that induction-ready torpedoes could be manufactured. Speaking on the occasion, he said that this facility would be the state-of-the-art integration centre for NSTL’s prestigious heavy weight torpedo ‘Varunastra’, and future heavy weight torpedoes to be undertaken by the Lab. He expressed the hope that torpedoes developed by this lab would be world class in the days to come, with this facility being set up.
  
• The government will set up the world’s largest solar power project, having a total generation capacity of 4,000 MW, in Rajasthan. The ultra mega green solar power project, whose idea has been mooted by the Heavy Industries Ministry, would be set up close to Sambhar Lake and about 75 kilometers from the state capital Jaipur.“Total capacity of this project will be 4,000 MW and, therefore, this will be the largest solar based power project in the world,” an official release said on 21st September. The project would be spread across 23,000 acres area of Sambhar Salts Ltd, a subsidiary of central enterprise Hindustan Salts Ltd.Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Praful Patel said the first phase of the project — having 1,000 MW capacity — is likely to be commissioned by the end of 2016, according to the release. Once fully implemented, the project would generate 6,000 million units of electricity annually. The first phase would be implemented through a joint venture company, whose stakeholders would be Bharat Heavy Electricals, Solar Energy Corporation, Power Grid Corporation, SJVN, SSL and Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Ltd (REIL).Being the first project of this scale anywhere in the world, this project is expected to set a trend for large scale solar power development, it added. India, which is a power deficit country, is working on ways to increase contribution from renewable, especially solar, to its total energy mix. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission aims to have about 20,000 MW of grid-connected solar power by 2022.
  
• Giving impetus to the long standing strategic airlift of the Indian Air Force, the Defence Minister AK Antony on 2 September, formally inducted the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III into the IAF at a special ceremony held at Hindan airbase of the IAF. Describing the induction of the C-17 Globemaster III in the Indian Air Force as a ‘defining moment’, Antony said, “With this, the IAF has taken a giant stride towards its goal of acquiring multi- spectrum strategic capabilities, essential to safeguard India’s growing areas of interest”. Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said “The induction of ten C-17 aircraft promises to be a game changer on how we conduct air transport operations. The C-17 fleet will provide tremendous flexibility in terms of operational response options in any future campaign. The long range, heavy lift capability will allow the commanders to induct Troops, squadrons, Re-locate Forces as well as shift forces between theatres rapidly”. The C-17 would form an extremely important component of the strategic airlift capability and reach of the IAF. The government accorded approval to buy 10 C-17 Globemaster III along with associated equipment for the IAF in June 2011. The first of the 10 aircraft touched down in India on 18th June 2013 and the delivery of all 10 is expected to be completed by November 2014. This aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance and would augment the strategic reach of the nation during Operations, Disaster Relief or any similar mission. The induction of the C-17 is a major milestone in the modernization drive of the IAF. Presently three aircrafts have been delivered and are operational. The newly inducted C-17 Squadron (81 Squadron) will be based in Hindan.
  
• Pakistan on 3 September, inducted PNS Aslat, its first ever indigenously constructed frigate with Chinese collaboration at a ceremony at Karachi shipyard. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that bringing all four frigates into service within eight years is a remarkable achievement. The construction of the F-22P Frigate at Karachi Shipyard was carried out under a transfer of technology arrangement.