Raksha Mantri launches 75 Artificial Intelligence products/technologies during first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition in New Delhi; Terms AI as a revolutionary step in the development of humanity

Why is it in news?

“Timely infusion of technologies like AI & Big Data need of the hour to stay level with technological curve”, RM

“India does not desire domination; Developing AI capability only to protect the Nation from future threats” Shri Rajnath Singh continued.

“AI should only be used for development & peace of humanity”, says Shri Rajnath Singh

Highlights

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched 75 newly-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) products/technologies during the first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ (AIDef) symposium and exhibition, organised by Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on July 11, 2022.

The products, launched as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, fall under various domains. These include:

Ø AI Platform Automation;

Ø Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotics systems;

Ø Block Chain-based Automation;

Ø Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance;

Ø Cyber Security;

Ø Human Behavioural Analysis;

Ø Intelligent Monitoring Systems;

Ø Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems;

Ø Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operational Data Analytics; Manufacturing and Maintenance;

Ø Simulators/Test Equipment and speech/voice analysis using Natural Language Processing.

Besides,  several AI products developed by the DPSUs possess dual use applications and good market potential, viz.,

Ø AI-enabled Voice Transcription/Analysis software developed by Bharat Electronics Limited;

Ø Driver Fatigue Monitoring System developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited;

Ø and AI-enabled evaluation of Welding defects in X-rays of Non-destructive Testing developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

were screened during the event.

Moreover, the point to be noted is that these products are expected to open up new business avenues for the Defence PSUs.

A Few More Prominent Details about ‘AI in Defence’ symposium & exhibition

·       The Raksha Mantri released the physical as well as e-version of the book comprising the details of these 75 products, showcasing the collective efforts put on by the Services, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), iDEX start-ups and the private industry in last four years in the field of AI.

·       Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that AI has built inroads in almost every sector, including defence, health & medicine, agriculture, trade & commerce and transport.

·       He called upon all the defence stakeholders to enhance the jointness of human consciousness and the ability of AI to bring a radical change in the sector. “When there has been full human participation in wars, new autonomous weapons/systems have been developed with the help of AI applications. They can destroy enemy establishments without human control. AI-enabled military devices are capable of handling large amounts of data efficiently. It is also proving to be very helpful in training the soldiers. In the coming times, Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies will also be used effectively,” he said.

·       The Raksha Mantri appreciated the fact that MoD, Armed Forces, DRDO, DPSUs and the Industry are making meaningful efforts to provide innovative & indigenous AI solutions for defence and are developing futuristic technologies.

·       He echoed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of developing AI-enabled and AI-led applications to ensure social welfare & national security and making India a ‘Global Hub for AI’. He hoped that India will soon be among the leading countries in the field of AI.

·       Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that weapons/systems are being developed, keeping in mind the crucial role AIcan play in future warfare. “We have started incorporation of AI applications in remote piloted, unmanned aerial vehicles etc. There is a need to move further in this direction so that we can develop autonomous weapon systems. Timely infusion of technologies like AI & Big Data in the defence sector is of utmost importance, so that we are not left behind the technological curve and are able to take maximum advantage of technology for our services,” he said.

·       “Russia is a technologically advanced country and is continuously progressing in the field of Science & Technology. On AI, Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin had said ‘Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world’. Although India believes in the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family) and has no intention to rule the world, we must develop the capability of our AI technology so that no country can even think of ruling us,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Shri Nitin Gadkari says  Dwarka Expressway being developed as the first elevated urban expressway in India-will be operational in 2023

Why is it in news?

Dwarka Expressway, also known as the Northern Peripheral Road in Haryana, is being developed as the first elevated urban expressway in India.

Highlights

·       In a series of tweets Shri Nitin Gadkari said that Dwarka Expressway will reduce pressure on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway (part of the Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral) and arterial roads that experience severe traffic congestion, primarily from the commuters of West Delhi.

·       50%-60% traffic on NH-8 will be diverted onto the new expressway, thereby improving traffic movement towards Sohna Road, Golf Course Road and air extension.

·       Once operational in 2023, the expressway shall immensely help reduce the air pollution in Delhi-NCR as well.

·       Shri Gadkari said Government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is actively prioritizing the development of World Class Infrastructure across all the corners of country & paving the path for 'Prosperity through Connectivity'.

·       The Minister said it is a 16-lane access-controlled highway with a provision for a minimum of 3-lane service roads on both sides.

·       The Expressway connecting Dwarka in Delhi to Gurugram in Haryana is being developed at a total cost of Rs 9,000 Crore with total length of 29 km out of which 19 km length falls in Haryana while the remaining 10 km of length is in Delhi.

PM unveils National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament Building

Why is it in news?

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the National Emblem cast on the roof of the New Parliament Building.

Highlights

·       The PM interacted with the Shramjeevis involved in the making of the Parliament. The Prime Minister tweeted: “This morning, I had the honour of unveiling the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament.”

·       The National Emblem comprises 9500 Kg of bronze and stands 6.5 m tall at the top of the Central Foyer of New Parliament Building. A supporting structure of steel weighing around 6500 Kg has been constructed to support the Emblem.

·       The concept sketch and process of casting of the National Emblem on the roof of New Parliament Building has gone through eight different stages of preparation from clay modeling/computer graphic to bronze casting and polishing.

Ministry of Culture and VIBHA Pay Tribute to Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray

Why is it in news?

Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA) and Ministry of Culture organized a curtain raiser for the International Conference on Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray spanning for 2 days. His contributions as a chemist and freedom fighter were acknowlwdeged and brought to the forefront of the Indian psyche. The programme was held at the Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi.

Highlights

·       The Conference will be held on 161^st birth anniversary of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray on 2nd-3rd August 2022,  under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

·       The Conference aims at expanding the legacy and contribution of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray in Society with an aim to increase general awareness and background of ancient chemistry along with its importance.

·       It is fortuitous that the Ministry of Education, Government of India is updating the education system from traditional concept of 80's to align with the aspirational goals of the current times.

·       To promote and popularise the Two-Day Conference, Competition and Exhibition on Contributions of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray as a Chemist and Freedom Fighter curtain raisers of the event will be held across the country.