Vikram I (GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup aerospace company, has unveiled, Vikram-I, a seven-storey-high multi-stage rocket with orbital satellite deployment capabilities.
- This marks a significant milestone in India's space sector, as Vikram-I is among the few private rockets globally that possess such advanced capabilities.
What is Vikram-I?
- Vikram-I is a technological marvel, designed to carry payloads of around 300 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It boasts an all-carbon-fiber body, a feature that sets it apart from other rockets in its class.
- The Vikrams series is named for Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of the Indian Space Program, and is in development to capture the multi-million-dollar small satellite launch market.
- The rockets are developed with the aim of providing multi-orbit insertion and interplanetary mission capability to not just India but also foreign customers.
- This lightweight yet robust material allows the rocket to withstand the harsh conditions of space travel while maintaining optimal performance.
Key features:
- One of the most notable features of Vikram-I is its ability to place multiple satellites into orbit simultaneously. This capability is a first for India's space sector and places the country among the global leaders in satellite deployment technology.
- The rocket also features 3D-printed liquid engines, a testament to Skyroot Aerospace's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in its designs.
- The launch vehicle's orbital adjustment module with re-start capability enables multi-orbit insertions.
- It can be assembled and launched within 24 hours from any launch site.
When will Vikram-I Launch?
- The launch of Vikram-I is planned for early 2024, marking it as Skyroot's second rocket launch following the successful deployment of the Vikram-S rocket on November 18, 2022.
- The Vikram-S launch was a historic event for the Indian space sector, marking the first such mission by a private company in the country.
MAX-Q Campus:
- In addition to unveiling Vikram-I, Skyroot Aerospace also inaugurated its new headquarters, named 'The MAX-Q Campus'.
- Located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in South Hyderabad, the facility spans 60,000 sq ft and is touted as the country's largest private rocket development facility under one roof.
- The MAX-Q Campus houses integrated design, manufacturing, and testing facilities for building space launch vehicles, providing a comprehensive solution for the company's ambitious space exploration plans.
India can reduce fossil fuel dependence, cut import bills by $29 billion through biogas adoption, Report
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- Replacing natural gas consumption with biogas and biomethane incrementally to 20 per cent by 2030 can help India cut liquefied natural gas import bills by USD 29 billion between financial years 2025 and 2030, according to a new report.
- The report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), underscores the environmental advantages of expanding biogas projects, including waste management, reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhanced renewable energy production.
Potential of biogas:
- Biogas has the potential to replace natural gas and other high-emission fossil fuels. By eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and impurities like hydrogen sulfide, its methane content can be upgraded to 90 per cent, making it calorifically equivalent to natural gas.
- This upgraded biogas, known as biomethane, is pipeline-ready and can be integrated into gas grids as a non-fossil gas.
- By adopting appropriate production methods and addressing methane leaks during production, upgrading, and supply stages, biogas can offer India a cleaner alternative to its reliance on imported natural gas.
Challenges:
- Despite its clear advantages, the biogas sector has struggled to gain traction in India.
- The report identifies several reasons for this, including the absence of a comprehensive market ecosystem, pricing challenges, complex approval processes, and fragmented government support.
Initiatives:
- The government has begun to address these issues. In 2021, various types of support were consolidated under the National Bioenergy Scheme.
- The introduction of the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme as an umbrella initiative of the government will help in this consolidation. It covers the entire gamut of schemes/policies promoting organic waste conversion to biogas or compressed biogas (CBG).
- It highlights recent policy developments, such as revising the compressed biogas rate in response to global gas price increases and plans to mandate natural gas marketing companies to procure five per cent compressed biogas.
- These measures have reignited private sector interest in compressed biogas, with companies like Reliance Industries Limited and the Adani Group showing strong enthusiasm.
Way Forward:
- The report emphasises that the government must do more to fully unlock biogas's potential in India.
- This includes encouraging increased investments and private sector involvement, improving market viability for CBG and biogas slurry, increasing financial access for biogas plant development, and promoting feedstock mapping for input availability.
- Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that energy crops are not used for biogas, as this can lead to indirect land use changes, as seen with ethanol and biodiesel in Brazil, which can have a detrimental impact on climate and the environment through increased carbon emissions.
MoU between India and Japan on Japan India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership
(GS Paper 2, International Relation)
Why in news?
- The Union Cabinet was recently apprised of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in July, 2023 between the India and Japan on Japan-India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership.
Key Highlights:
- The MoC intends to strengthen cooperation between India and Japan towards enhancement of semiconductor supply chain, recognizing the importance of semiconductor for the advancement of industries and digital technologies.
- The MoC shall come into effect from the date of signature of the Parties and shall be remain in force for a period of five years.
- Both G2G and B2B bilateral Cooperation on opportunities to advance resilient semiconductor supply chain and leverage complementary strengths.
- MoC envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT.
Background:
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been actively working to create a conducive environment for electronics manufacturing.
- Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India was introduced with a view to ensure the development of a robust and sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India.
- It aims to extend fiscal support for establishment the Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Fabs for Compound Semiconductors/Silicon Photonics/Sensors/Discrete Semiconductors and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP)/Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities. Further, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has been established under Digital India Corporation (DIC) to drive India's strategies for development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
- MeitY has also been mandated to promote international cooperation in the emerging and frontier areas of Information Technology under bilateral and regional frameworks.
- With this objective, MeitY has entered into MoUs/MoCs/Agreements with counterpart organizations/agencies of various countries to promote bilateral cooperation and exchange of information and also to ensure supply chain resilience enabling India emerge as trusted partner.
Way Forward:
- Recognizing the importance of semiconductor for the advancement of industries and digital technologies, this MoC would provide for the enhancement of semiconductor supply chain resilience.
