[Newsbits] 10-23.07.2024: RAMSES Mission, U-WIN Portal & more

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES), aimed at studying asteroid 99942 Apophis during its close flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029. This mission is part of ESA’s broader planetary defense initiative, prompted by the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet impact on Jupiter in 1994. RAMSES will focus on how Earth’s gravity affects Apophis, including changes in its shape, rotation, and surface features. In collaboration with NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which will pursue Apophis post-flyby, the mission will provide critical data to enhance asteroid deflection strategies and ensure planetary safety.

The Indian government is set to launch U-WIN, an online platform for managing vaccinations, as part of a 100-day health plan. Building on the successful CoWIN digital infrastructure used during the Covid-19 vaccination program, U-WIN targets children under six and pregnant women. It tracks immunization records using government IDs and cellphone numbers, provides SMS reminders for upcoming vaccines, and facilitates easy access to vaccination centers. U-WIN integrates with the eVIN system to manage vaccine stock and minimize waste. It aims to improve compliance, ensure portability of records, reduce errors, and provide granular data for policy-making. This initiative modernizes immunization processes in India, enhancing healthcare delivery and governance.

Rogue waves are exceptionally large waves, more than twice the height of surrounding waves, that pose significant dangers to ships and coastal structures. Historically unpredictable, these waves have caused numerous fatalities and shipwrecks. Mathematicians at the University of Maryland have developed an AI model using data from 172 ocean buoys to predict rogue waves with up to 75% accuracy one minute before they occur. This AI, which has shown promising results even with data outside its initial training set, could revolutionize safety measures for maritime activities. Future improvements might include incorporating additional environmental data and more advanced AI techniques, aiming for near-perfect forecasting capabilities.

Prahlad Chandra Agrawal, a distinguished Indian astrophysicist, was honored with the COSPAR Harrie Massey Award 2024 on July 15 at the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Busan, South Korea. This accolade recognizes Agrawal’s significant contributions to space science, notably his leadership in the AstroSat project, India’s first multi-wavelength space telescope launched by ISRO in 2015. AstroSat, developed in collaboration with TIFR, IIA, and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO, continues to provide valuable data on various astrophysical phenomena beyond its expected lifespan. Agrawal’s extensive academic and professional background includes key roles in NASA and TIFR projects. The COSPAR Harrie Massey Award, established in 1999, honors exceptional contributions to space research and promotes international scientific collaboration.

The Union Budget 2024 is set to significantly impact India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, aligning with the Narendra Modi government’s goal for 30% of all cars sold by 2030 to be electric. The budget may allocate around 10 billion rupees to the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) strategy, with the Ministry of Heavy Industry submitting plans for final decisions. Stakeholders are keen on a clear FAME-III policy outline, although immediate details might be delayed. Incentives such as subsidized capital spending, higher depreciation rates for machinery, and streamlined GST on EVs and parts are expected to boost EV adoption. With EV sales tripling in FY24, challenges remain, particularly in charging infrastructure. Tata Motors anticipates the industry will achieve self-sufficiency with continued government support, including developing domestic battery manufacturing to compete with China. The FAME initiative, launched in 2019, aims to promote electric and hybrid vehicles, reduce costs, enhance local manufacturing, and expand charging infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner environment and sustainable energy future.