New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday. According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence the SMART system is the next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system which aims to bolster the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities beyond conventional ranges of lightweight torpedo. This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system. The missile was launched from the ground mobile launcher. Several state-of-the-art mechanisms such as symmetric separation, ejection and velocity control have been validated in this test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners on the successful flight-test of SMART. "The development of the system will further enhance the strength of our Navy," he said. Secretary, Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat lauded the synergistic efforts of the entire SMART team and urged it to continue on the path of excellence. The SMART system's successful flight test signifies a significant advancement in India's defence capabilities, particularly in maritime security. The enhanced range and precision of SMART system holds promise in enhancing the Navy's ability to effectively counter the threats. The successful test also highlights DRDO's commitment to developing cutting-edge defence technologies to safeguard the nation's interests. DRDO is India's largest defence research organisation under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in New Delhi, DRDO was formed in 1958 by amalgamating the Defence Science Organisation and a few technical development establishments. It has a network of laboratories engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems. —ANI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release 

India Successfully Tests SMART Missile System

New Delhi (The Hawk): NHPC Limited, the largest organization for hydropower development in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Ocean Sun, a Norwegian company operating as a technology provider to the floating solar industry. As per the MoU, NHPC and Ocean Sun will explore key areas of cooperation for demonstration of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels. The panels would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at relevant sites to be identified by NHPC. The agreement is in continuation of efforts towards sustainable development and addition of renewable energy capacity by NHPC, which is engaged not only in hydro power development but also in various renewable energy projects such as solar, wind and green hydrogen projects. The MoU was signed in hybrid mode on 29th April, 2024, by Executive Director (Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen), NHPC, Shri V.R. Shrivastava and CEO, Ocean Sun, Mr. Kristian Tørvold. Ambassador of Norway to India, H.E. Ms. May-Elin Stener; Director (Technical), NHPC, Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary and Executive Director (Strategy Business Development &amp; Consultancy), NHPC, Shri Rajat Gupta joined the signing ceremony from Embassy of Norway, New Delhi and Ambassador of India to Norway, H.E. Dr. Acquino Vimal joined from Oslo.

NHPC Limited, the largest organization for hydropower development in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Ocean Sun

NHPC Limited To Collaborate With Norwegian Company For Implementation Of Floating Solar Energy Technology In India

Chennai (The Hawk): Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have identified the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal as potential storage sinks for storing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Called ‘CO2 sequestration,’ this process envisages the ocean acting like a storage reservoir for greenhouse gas which will help to decarbonize industrial clusters. The researchers found that CO2 can be stored permanently in the ocean in the form of solid hydrate beyond 500 m of sea depth through the liquid CO2, thereby can be helpful to make our industrial clusters carbon neutral. The key findings of this research is that it can help devise large-scale CO2 storage and utilize the fullest potential of oceans to decarbonize the world without harming marine ecology. This research can also help India achieve its National decarbonisation and climate change goals. The stored carbon dioxide can create an eco-friendly ice-like substance called ‘Gas Hydrates’. One cubic meter of gas hydrate can sequester approximately 150-170 cubic meters of CO2 under oceanic conditions beyond 500 meters. Thus, gas hydrates-based storage has huge potential to decarbonize India’s industrial clusters. This research will pave pathways to develop large-scale sequestration in subsea sediments that help the scientific community to fulfill India’s net-zero targets. The research was led by Prof. Jitendra Sangwai, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, and Mr. Yogendra Kumar Mishra, Research Scholar (Prime Ministers Research Fellow), IIT Madras. The findings were published in several research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals including Energy Fuels (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c00581, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c02311) and Fuel (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.130990). Highlighting the importance of this research to India, Prof. Jitendra Sangwai, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “Methane hydrates have been in the ocean for millions of years without affecting the environment. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. This attracts researchers to explore the ocean to store CO2 permanently. Our analysis shows that at above 2,800 m depth, CO2 is denser than seawater, which offers an additional gravitation barrier for CO2 to escape.” Prof. Jitendra Sangwai added, “Our dependence on fossil fuels will continue for foreseeable future till we find reliable source of energy to completely replace fossil fuels. Thus, CO2 capture and sequestration is a very important precursor to achieve net-zero goal. Once CO2 is captured from source, it needs to be sequestered safely. CO2 sequestration in oceans will be beneficial for India as, according a conservative estimate, the Bay of Bengal alone can be able to sequestrate several hundred giga tonnes of anthropogenic CO2 in oceans and marine sediments, which is equivalent to several years of total GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emission emitted by India. Some countries in Europe (e.g., Norway and Denmark) are working on CO2 storage in the North Sea.” Once the CO2 is permanently stored as a gas hydrates, it does not allow for any reemission into the atmosphere owing to gravitational and hydrate permeability barrier in the subsea sediments. The Key findings of their research include = Beyond 2,800 m of sea depth, CO2 liquid is denser than seawater. = Thus, beyond 2800 m sea depth, CO2 can be stored permanently in the form of liquid pool and solid hydrate, and = It will not permit any reemission into the atmosphere owing to the gravitational and permeability barrier offered by subsea sediments.  = The subsea clay sediments improve the mechanical and thermal stability of gas hydrates which help for long-term CO2 storage potential. Elaborating further, Mr. Yogendra Kumar Mishra, Research Scholar (Prime Ministers Research Fellow), IIT Madras, said, “There are different ways to sequester CO2 to reduce its impact on the environment. Using the ocean as a CO2 storage sink is an attractive proposition but storing CO2 directly into the ocean at shallow depth can harm marine life. Hence, CO2 needs to be stored permanently in the ocean in the form of liquid pools or solid hydrates beyond a certain depth.” Further, Mr. Yogendra Kumar Mishra said, “Another attractive option is to store CO2 in subsea sediments as this will have less impact on marine ecology. The subsea sediments have tiny spaces that can hold CO2 and over the period of time stored gas form ice-like gas hydrate crystals in the pores. This will further reduce the permeability of hydrate-bearing sediments and create a permeability barrier.” The IIT Madras Research team has observed that hydrate formation is more efficient and stable at higher clay concentrations. The clay inclusion in seawater improves the kinetics of hydrate formation as compared to seawater alone. Some promoters such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) further enhance hydrate kinetics synergistically with clay that will help in large-scale CO2 storage in subsea sediments.  Studying the concentration of clay, properties of additives, and local bathymetry information of the ocean can help figure out the best way to store CO2 in the subsea sediments. BACKGROUND The last 100 years of the Industrial Revolution have seen a significant rise in the living standards of mankind and industrial growth. Consequently, CO2 emissions were found to have increased from 5 Giga tonnes of carbon (GtC)/year to 9.9 GtC/year in the last 40 years due to the combustion of fossil fuels, construction, manufacturing, and various industrial activities. Moreover, expeditious urbanization, deforestation, and construction activities made the situation difficult in terms of CO2 emissions. Immediate steps are required to confine the global temperature increase within 2 °C and global carbon dioxide emissions to ~1100 Gt CO2 between 2011 and 2050. However, with the current and predicted use of fossil fuels and various industrial activities, it is a challenging task but there is also an opportunity to address it. CO2 sequestering offers a promising alternative to managing CO2 emissions and helping the world achieve its climate targets. There is no other attractive option than oceans as it covers 2/3 the surface of our earth.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have identified the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal 

IIT Madras Researchers Identify Indian Ocean & Bay Of Bengal As Potential CO2 Sinks That Decarbonize Industrial Clusters

New Delhi (The Hawk): Chairperson &amp; Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) Shri Pradip Kumar Das participated in a panel discussion on "The New Interdependencies: Trust, Security and Climate Resilience", at the 26th edition of World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands. During the discussion, the IREDA CMD shared insights into India's journey towards energy transition and underscored IREDA's crucial role in advancing renewable energy adoption within the country. He said that India's ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel energy capacity by the year 2030 positions it as a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change. He also highlighted India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by the year 2070. He pointed out that with rapid progress in renewable energy sector, India stands fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity. As the largest pure-play green financing NBFC of the country, IREDA plays a pivotal role in expediting energy transition. The CMD emphasized IREDA's efforts in facilitating financing for energy transition projects, through utilization of innovative financial instruments to mitigate risks and encouraging private sector involvement in the renewable energy sector. A group of people sitting on a stageDescription automatically generatedA group of people sitting on a stageDescription automatically generated The World Energy Congress panel also discussed the ongoing global energy crisis, with the CMD stressing the importance of diversification and robust infrastructure to ensure energy security. He emphasized the significance of integrating regional markets through strong power networks. He also proposed the mandate of allocating 4%-5% of Assets Under Management (AUM) from domestic pension / insurance funds into renewable energy bonds, to deepen the bond market and increase additional global and local investments. In conclusion, the CMD reaffirmed IREDA's constant commitment to a green economy. The company continues to attract investments, foster technological advancements, and advocate for policy reforms. The CMD said that as India progresses towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, IREDA remains at the forefront, guiding the way towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Senior Vice President, Europe &amp; Head of Country, UK, bp, Ms. Louise Kingham CBE; Global Energy &amp; Resources Strategy Leader, EY, Mr. Andy Brogan; and Administrator, Panama Canal Authority, Mr. Ricuarte Vásquez Morales were the other participants in the panel discussion on "The New Interdependencies: Trust, Security and Climate Resilience", held on 24th April, 2024.&nbsp;

Chairperson & Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA)

World Energy Congress 2024: IREDA CMD Highlights Need For Innovative Financing Solutions For New And Emerging Renewable Energy Technologies

Chennai (The Hawk): Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced the top 25 teams that form the fourth Cohort of the annual Carbon Zero Challenge, a pioneer pan-Indian competition to encourage start-ups in the Sustainability Sector. The teams were announced during the ‘Embarkment’ event held on the campus today (24th April 2024). The CZC 4.0 launched the fourth cohort during January 2024 and has provided funding to 100 tems with over Rs. 5 crore in total. It has served as a seedbed for 13 start-ups and has transformed 42 students/researchers and eight faculties into entrepreneurs. The selected top 25 teams comprise students, early-stage startups, faculties, and researchers who showcased their sustainable and circular economy solutions in Water and wastewater, renewable energy, sustainable packaging and building materials, eco-friendly cold storage and transportation and waste management. These teams will be given six months and upto Rs. 5 lakh to develop their prototype. The Challenge is being supported by Thales, a French multinational company, and Aquamap Centre for Water Management - IIT Madras. The latest edition of CZC4.0 received 850 applications with validated proof of concept from 25 States, from which 25 teams were shortlisted after two rounds of stringent evaluations by 50 experts. The primary goal of Carbon Zero Challenge is to foster cutting-edge deep-tech and circular economy solutions that address environmental challenges in Energy, Materials, Agriculture, Air and Water domains. By leveraging the collective ingenuity and expertise of talented individuals from across India, the challenge seeks to build eco-start-ups which can address planetary crises such as Climate change, Pollution and Food security. Addressing the event, Chief Guest Thiru A.R. Rahul Nadh, IAS, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The Theme of Carbon Zero Challenge 4.0 is ‘circularity and sustainable innovative solutions’ in resources, which is the need of the hour. The world is grappling with a growing demand for resources while the supplies are limited. The world needs to move towards circular economy and the Carbon Zero Challenge serves as a great platform towards this purpose. The prototypes developed here will have the potential to revolutionize various sectors from energy to water and waste management.” Thiru A.R. Rahul Nadh added, “It is important to equip and empower the cities to face the challenge of climate change. The climate change and its impact are based on the impact of using natural resources. Our department has taken various initiatives such as alternatives to plastic shopping bags. We are facing a climate crisis and reaching net-zero emission is no longer an option but a necessity. I appreciate Carbon Zero Challenge and IIT Madras for working in this direction. The Government of Tamil Nadu looks forward to working with all of you in developing sustainable solutions.” The Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC) is a pan-India Eco-Innovation and Entrepreneurship contest aimed at accelerating the transition from lab-scale models to prototypes. It has completed three cohorts and supported 75 prototypes. CZC 4.0 has inducted another 25 teams, thereby supporting a total of 100 teams. Addressing the event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras recycles 100% of its water in the campus. Sustainability has now become important in many fields with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) being a driving force. With this in mind, IIT Madras started the School of Sustainability, which has more than 80 faculty and 100s of students who are working on varous aspects of SDGs. They are working on everything from public policy to water, renewable energy, battery systems, and electric vehicles besides many other areas. Our goal is to get these research outputs to market with many faculty involved in nurturing statups” Prof. V. Kamakoti added, “We are also seeing a number of patents on sustainability and a large number of start-ups are coming up focussed on SDGs. India is a country with a lot of diversity. You solve a problem for India, you solve the problem for the world. I am extremely happy to note that the Carbon Zero Challenge has now funded 100 innovations in the sustainability sector.” Highlighting the need for such events to achieve a sustainable future, Prof. Indumathi Nambi, Principal Coordinator, Carbon Zero Challenge, IIT Madras, said, “Carbon Zero Challenge has reached a milestone today with 100 teams coming on board our family of eco-startups since we started in 2017. Our teams are on a mission to reduce carbon footprint and water footprint while working on circular solutions for resource recovery with each team reducing 100 to 500 CO2 equivalents /annum. Our teams collectively address 12 of the 17 sustainable development goals. Look forward to support the journey of more eco-innovations from lab to market” Prof. Rajnish Kumar, Associate Faculty, School of Sustainability, IIT Madras, said, “The School of Sustainability has three different ways to improve our sustainability - Through Teaching sustainability-related courses, Strengthening research on sustainability and helping in policies on sustainability through engagement with the Government. IIT Madras is ranked No: 3 in India in QS Sustainability Ranking and we aspire to take it to No:1.” Each CZC team has demonstrated the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 100-600 kgCO2eq. The theme for this contest is ‘Circularity in Resource Conservation’, covering domains such as Air, Energy, Material, Soil, and Water. As part of the Carbon Zero Challenge, a three-day, in-person boot camp for the top 25 teams was conducted at IIT Madras. The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia) conducted the boot camp as the official knowledge partner of Carbon Zero Challenge 4.0. The boot camp was led by SusMafia mentors and focused on equipping the teams with essential entrepreneurial skills. Over the next few months, these mentors will provide dedicated support, covering crucial topics such as Customer Discovery, Customer Research, Startup Fundamentals, Business Modeling, Ethical &amp; Sustainable Leadership, Impact Measurement and Reporting, and an introduction to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced the top 25 teams that form the fourth Cohort of the annual Carbon Zero Challenge

IIT Madras Carbon Zero Challenge Announces Top 25 Teams With Promising Sustainable Tech Innovation

Hello everyone! Beyond sending texts and playing games, did you realise that our phones and other devices can do more? They are also providing us with some extremely great techniques to take care of our mental health! Let us explore the ways in which technology is transforming our mental landscape.  1. Virtual Reality Therapy: Venturing into virtual worlds to relieve pain  Imagine yourself putting on a specialised headset and then finding yourself in a serene, quiet location. That’s treatment via virtual reality! It is like embarking on a brief journey without getting out of your chair. This allows people to confront their issues in a secure, made-up world, which helps those who struggle with things like anxieties or depression.  2. Wearable Technology: Utilising your body’s sensations to promote calm: Do you know the wrist-worn fitness monitors that folks wear? Indeed, a few of the latest models actually monitor your body’s emotional state in addition to movement patterns. They can detect when you’re becoming anxious and offer you relaxation techniques like taking deep breaths or taking a walk.  3. Smart Computers: Assisting in the detection of issues before they get big: Modern computers are becoming incredibly intelligent. By observing our online behaviour, they are able to determine whether we require further support in managing our emotions. It’s similar to having a buddy who recognises trouble and extends assistance.  4. Brain Games: Brain Training with Fun Games: Do you know anything about brain games? They are similar to games or puzzles you can play on your phone, but their purpose is to strengthen your brain. Not only are they entertaining, but they can also be beneficial for issues like depression or difficulty focusing.  5. Virtual companions: Speaking with understanding individuals might sometimes significantly improve one’s mood when they are down. Online communities and groups can help with that. They resemble large social circles of close friends who support one another even when they live far apart.  In conclusion, that concludes the matter! Our devices help us take better care of our minds in addition to being entertaining. Technology is making it simpler than ever to feel better, whether it is through playing mental games, going on virtual excursions, or listening to our bodies. What’s the best thing, then? All of it is only a tap away!

Beyond sending texts and playing games, did you realise that our phones and other devices can do more?

Tech and Mental Health: How Cool Gadgets Are Helping Us Feel Better

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on 18 April 2024. The MoU was signed by Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen Daljit Singh &amp; Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur Prof S Ganesh. Under this MoU, AFMS and IIT Kanpur will team up to undertake research and develop new technologies to address health problems faced by soldiers in difficult terrains. IIT Kanpur will also provide technical expertise for developing AI diagnostic models, at Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine established in Armed Forces Medical College, which is first of its kind amongst medical colleges in India. Under the ambit of this MoU, faculty exchange program, joint academic activities and development of training modules will also be planned. On this occasion, Lt Gen Daljit Singh informed that AFMS is dedicated to provide highest level of medical care to soldiers and collaboration with institutes of national importance like IIT is a significant step towards this commitment. Prof S Ganesh emphasised the need for inter-professional collaboration and utilisation of advanced technologies like computational medicine and AI in health care.

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and training 

AFMS & IIT Kanpur To Collaborate On Developing Technologies To Address Health Problems Faced By Soldiers In Difficult Terrains

New Delhi (The Hawk): Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on April 18, 2024. During the test, all subsystems performed as per expectation. The missile performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force. A rocket launching with smoke and cloudsDescription automatically generated The missile followed the desired path using way point navigation and demonstrated very low altitude sea-skimming flight. This successful flight test has also established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. The missile is also equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure better and reliable performance. The missile is developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) along with contribution from other laboratories and Indian industries. The test was witnessed by many senior scientists from various DRDO laboratories along with the representatives from the production partner. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful flight-test of the ITCM and stated that successful development of indigenous long range subsonic cruise missile powered by indigenous propulsion is a major milestone for Indian defence R&amp;D. Secretary Department of Defence R&amp;D &amp; Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire team of DRDO on successful conduct of the ITCM launch.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) 

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile Successfully Flight-Tested By DRDO Off The Odisha Coast

Chennai (The Hawk): Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has partnered with two German universities - RWTH Aachen (RWTH), and TU Dresden (TUD) - to launch a new Joint Master’s Program (JMP) on ‘Water Security and Global Change’; in association with AIT, Bangkok, and UNU-FLORES, This program will enable the mobility of enrolled students among the three universities. The students will commence the academic year at IIT Madras and spend at least one semester at TUD and RWTH, with the flexibility to execute their Master’s thesis at the University of their choice. 30th April 2024 is the last date to apply for this program. The classes for the First Batch will commence on 29 July 2024. Those interested can apply through the following link - https://abcd-centre.org/master-program/ Speaking about this program, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “As we all collectively move towards meeting the objectives and milestones of Sustainable Development Goals, it is very important that we develop human capacity. Specifically, we instil knowledge in students, not about a single nation but about a global perspective on SDGs.” This program will provide students with interdisciplinary research and studies, empowering them with the skills to address water security challenges and climate adaptation realms in a global environment. Indian as well as International students with specified Engineering backgrounds are eligible to apply for this Master’s Program. Highlighting the importance of this new program, Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IITM, said, “IITM has been systematically enhancing its international academic programs with partner universities. This international program with RWTH and TUD as degree-granting partners will be a first of its kind and will be a great opportunity for Indian and International students.” Internships and Master theses will be conducted closely with companies, governmental agencies, and NGOs. The program will combine the expertise of all partner institutes, serving the needs of Regional, National, and International stakeholders. It will have a modular structure that includes a mobility window for study abroad and options for specializations. In conversation with IIT Madras’ German partner institute, Prof. Holger Schüttrumpf, Head, IWW, RWTH Aachen said, “Climate adaptation starts with water. To meet this challenge, a new global JMP was launched by four well-known universities in three countries on two continents. Motivated students are invited to apply for this program to become future leaders in Climate Adaptation Science.” Prof. Jürgen Stamm, Chair Hydraulic Engineering, Dean Faculty Civil Engineering, TUD, added, “Climate change is well underway. We need appropriate strategies and adaptation measures to address the consequences of climate change now to secure our future. Study the JMP offered by us and become a future environmental leader dedicated to ensuring water security for both humanity and nature.” In this Master’s Program, IITM will offer five courses, TUD and RWTH will be offering six courses each. The Final semester is dedicated to the execution of a Master’s Thesis with advisors from one or more of the partners and/or associated universities. INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY MASTER’S IIT Madras, through the Office of Global Engagement, offers several programs for International Students, including International Interdisciplinary Master’s degree programs (I2MP) exclusively for foreign students. IIT Madras also offers nine interdisciplinary degrees exclusively for Foreign Students. Students from any engineering/science discipline can apply. In addition to core and elective courses in various disciplines, international students will take up courses in Indian culture and basic research skills as well. The second year of the program will be dedicated to a research-based master’s thesis. The two-year program is specially crafted for highly motivated top-tier international Science and Engineering students interested in an interdisciplinary master’s degree. Further information can be found at the following link - https://ge.iitm.ac.in/I2MP/#popular-programs International candidates who have qualified for the award of the Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Technology or Master's degree in Science are eligible to apply for admission to the I2MP program.

 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has partnered with two German universities

IIT Madras Launches New International Master’s Program On Water Security And Global Change With German Varsities

New Delhi (The Hawk): A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&amp;D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024. The SPACE, set up by the Naval Physical &amp; Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines and helicopters. The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement. It will consist of two distinct assemblages - a platform which floats on the water surface, and a submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using winch systems. Upon completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform. The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers. It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation. It will cater to the needs of data processing and sample analyses in modern, well equipped scientific laboratories heralding a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.

A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary

SPACE, A Premier Testing & Evaluation Hub For Sonar Systems For Indian Navy, Set Up By DRDO, Inaugurated In Kerala

New Delhi (The Hawk): Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), has been field evaluated in different flight configurations several times with the objective of proving the technology with high superiority. The system consisted of the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and the Fire Control Unit. Adequate number of missile firing trials have been successfully conducted towards achieving compliance of complete operational envelop as stipulated in the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (Infantry, Indian Army). The Warhead Flight Trials were successfully conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan on April 13, 2024. Missile performance and warhead performance were found to be remarkable. Penetration trials of the Tandem Warhead System of MPATGM have been successfully completed and it is found capable of defeating modern armour protected Main Battle Tank. The ATGM system is well-equipped with day/night and top attack capability. Dual mode seeker functionality is a great value addition to the missile capability for tank warfare. With this, technology development and successful demonstration have been concluded and the system is now ready for Final User Evaluation Trials leading towards its induction into the Indian Army. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful trials of the system, terming it as an important step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defence system development. Secretary, Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the trials.

Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System, indigenously designed and developed by DRDO

DRDO & Indian Army Conduct Successful Trials Of Indigenous Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Weapon System

Washington: Gopi Thotakura, an entrepreneur and a pilot, is set to become the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission.
Thotakura was selected as one of the six crew members for the mission, making him the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to venture into space after the Indian Army's Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.  The flight date is yet to be announced, the aerospace company said.  This mission will be the seventh human flight for the New Shepard programme and the 25th in its history. To date, the programme has flown 31 humans above the Karman line, the proposed conventional boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.  New Shepard is a fully reusable sub-orbital launch vehicle developed for space tourism by Blue Origin.
According to Blue Origin, "Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive."  He is the co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  In addition to flying jets commercially, he pilots bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, and has served as an international medical jet pilot.  A lifelong traveller, his most recent adventure took him to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.  Andhra Pradesh-born Thotakura is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Other crew members of the flight include Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who was selected by President John F Kennedy in 1961 as the nation’s first Black astronaut candidate but was never granted the opportunity to fly to space.  During the flight, each astronaut will carry a postcard to space on behalf of Blue Origin’s foundation, Club for the Future.  This programme gives students access to space on Blue Origin’s rockets, including an all-digital method to create and send postcards. The Club’s mission is to inspire and mobilise future generations to pursue careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) for the benefit of Earth.  From an environmental standpoint, nearly 99 per cent of New Shepard’s dry mass is reused, including the booster, capsule, engine, landing gear, and parachutes.  New Shepard’s engine is fuelled by highly efficient liquid oxygen and hydrogen. During the flight, the only byproduct is water vapour with no carbon emissions, the company said.
—PTI

Gopi Thotakura is on Blue Origin's NS-25 mission, as he becomes the first Indian space tourist.

Gopi Thotakura to become first Indian space tourist

New Delhi: iPhone maker Apple has issued a series of fresh notifications to users in 91 other countries, including India, cautioning them of 'mercenary spyware' including Pegasus malware that has stirred up significant controversy in recent times. These new alerts, also received by users in India, are part of cautionary measures warning owners about potential risks to their privacy and data security.
In October 2023, Apple had sent a similar notification to political leaders across various parties in the country, including Congress's Shashi Tharoor, Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha, and Trinamool Congress' Mahua Moitra. The alert warned of a "potential state-sponsored spyware attack" targeting their iPhones. In 2021, the Supreme Court had formed a committee of technical experts to look into allegations of unauthorised surveillance using the Pegasus software developed by Israeli firm NSO Group. In August 2022, the Supreme Court-appointed committee concluded that the spyware was not found in the 29 mobile phones examined by it, but malware was found in five mobile phones.
Apple noted that according to public reporting and research by civil society organisations, technology firms and journalists, individually targeted attacks of such exceptional cost and complexity have historically been associated with state actors, including private companies developing mercenary spyware on their behalf, such as Pegasus from the NSO Group. It said, though deployed against a very small number of individuals - often journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats - mercenary spyware attacks are ongoing and global. Since 2021, Apple said that it has sent out threat notifications multiple times a year as it has detected these attacks, and to date the company has notified users in over 150 countries in total. "The extreme cost, sophistication and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today. As a result, Apple does not attribute the attacks or resulting threat notifications to any specific attackers or geographical regions," it said. The phone maker in its notification provides additional steps that users can take to help protect their devices, including enabling Lockdown Mode. Apple advised its users to update their devices with the latest security patches and exercise caution while interacting with suspicious links or messages.
—ANI

Apple warns users in 91 countries, including India, about mercenary spyware like Pegasus, stressing the significance of device security.

Apple warns users in 91 countries, including India, of Pegasus-like 'mercenary spyware' attacks

New Delhi: A total solar eclipse is slated to take place today when the Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking out the Sun's light. It will be a treat for skywatchers to witness one of the biggest celestial phenomena of 2024. 
The Sun will remain cloaked for four minutes, during which its enigmatic outer layer will be illuminated. While the solar eclipse won't be visible to people in India, a partial eclipse can be witnessed by those who live in Colombia, Spain, Venezuela, Ireland, Portal, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and some Caribbean countries. Ahead of this astronomical spectacle, Google curated a special animation. When users type the search term "solar eclipse" on Google, then they can see a graphic overlay depicting the phenomena: the moment when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, revealing just the sun's outermost layer called the corona.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/Solar%20Eclips.webp" alt="Solar Eclips google" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

One can experience the total solar eclipse with NASA. The space agency will start its live stream on April 8 at 5:00 pm GMT (10:30 pm IST) and continue until 8:00 pm GMT (1:30 am IST). The whole event will take about two and a half hours, but totality will only last about four minutes.
—ANI

Experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! Join NASA's live stream for a celestial spectacle unseen in many parts of the world. Don't miss out!

Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Google marks Surya Grahan with special animation

Moscow: A Russian descent vehicle landed safely in Kazakhstan on Saturday, returning from the International Space station with astronauts from Russia, Belarus and the United States, live footage broadcast by Russia's Roscosmos space agency showed.
Russian Oleg Novitsky and Belarusian Marina Vasilevskaya departed for the ISS last month on a Soyuz spacecraft. They returned to Earth on Saturday along with U.S. astronaut Loral O'Hara, who had been aboard the orbital station since September.  Footage showed the three astronauts being pulled from the space capsule and smiling for the cameras.
—Reuters

Successful return of ISS astronauts from Russia, Belarus, and the USA, as their descent vehicle lands in Kazakhstan.

Russian descent vehicle lands in Kazakhstan with three astronauts

Texas [US]: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will unveil a 'robotaxi' on August 8. He made the announcement in a post on social media platform X. In a post on X, Musk stated, "Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8." In the past, Musk has expressed liking for self-driving vehicles, stressing that they will be one of Tesla's most important products.
In the past, Elon Musk said that Tesla will make a car that did not have human controls. He had also said that Tesla cars, which will have full self-driving capability will through software, gradually become better and better at driving, CNN reported. He said that the cars, at some point, will have the capability of operating as fully autonomous taxis and could earn money for their owners by giving taxi rides on their own. So far, Tesla has passed several of Musk's predictions for when actual self-driving would be possible. In April 2019, Tesla said it expected to start operating robotaxis by 2020. The company predicted that the autonomous car would last 11 years and drive 1 million miles, which would make the company and the car operators earn a profit of USD 30,000 each year.
However, Elon Musk has admitted that his track for predictions can be off sometimes by a mile. In an event in April 2019, he said, "The only criticism and it's a fair one, sometimes I'm not on time. But I get it done and the Tesla team gets it done," according to CNN report. Presently, people can buy full self-driving capability with a new Tesla Model 3 for an additional USD 12,000 added to the car's roughly USD 40,000 purchase price. The full self-driving capability can be bought on a subscription basis for up to USD 199 a month, based on how the car was originally equipped. In small gray type, Tesla's on-line description reads, "The currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous," implying that it is not, in fact, capable of fully self-driving today. According to Musk, the system will one day make Tesla cars incredibly valuable. In the company's call for the third quarter in 2023, he noted, "You can think of every car we sell or produce that has full autonomy capability as something that in the future may be worth five times what it is today." Experts who have tested the system have said that, as of now, it is still far from being able to drive on its own without human control, CNN reported. Kelly Funkhouser, associate director of vehicle technology for Consumer Reports, recently tested the system. Funkhouser said she is less worried about its safety than she is about ordinary Tesla Autopilot, which is made to give more limited driving assistance, particularly on highways.  She said, "You're not likely to tune out and become complacent or over-reliant on it." Funkhouser added, "In fact, I would say you're potentially more alert, CNN reported. A number of companies, including Google's parent company Alphabet's subsidiary and GM subsidiary Cruise, are working on autonomous ride-sharing services. Cruise has halted testing work after one of its self-driving cars hit and dragged a pedestrian. An internal review found that representatives of Cruise did not fully open up with regulators regarding the incident. The US Department of Justice is conducting an investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, Waymo, recently, recalled its own cars after two of its cars hit the same tow truck within minutes of one another. Meanwhile, a report in the Financial Times had on April 3 said that Tesla Motors will send a team to scout locations in India this month for a proposed USD 2-3 billion electric car plant. This development comes after India lowered tariffs on higher-priced imported EVs last month for companies that commit to making them in the country within three years.
—ANI

Elon Musk announces Tesla's Robotaxi reveal on 8/8, spotlighting Tesla's journey towards autonomous vehicles.

Elon Musk announces Tesla to unveil robotaxi on August 8

New Delhi [India]: Noting that he decided not to let digital divide hamper the progress of the country and digital facilities are being extended to villages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he used Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the G20 Summit hosted by India last year and also uses it for some other tasks. In an interaction with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role and benefits of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also emphasising the need of regulations.
He said AI was used for interpretation and translation during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi. The Prime Minister also told Bill Gates how his Hindi speech was translated into Tamil during Kashi Tamil Sangamam event and the use of AI in NaMo App. "We had extensive discussions before the G20 Summit, and as you might have seen, the Summit's proceedings took a lot of turns. I believe we have now aligned with G20s core purposes and objectives, bringing them to the mainstream. I hope your first-hand experience echoes this sentiment," he said.
"Recently, I went to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam event. As I can't speak Tamil, I delivered my speech in Hindi, which was translated into Tamil in real-time using AI, allowing attendees from Tamil Nadu to understand me clearly," he added. PM Modi said during the first and second industrial revolutions, India lagged behind because it was a colony. "Now, in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, the digital element is at its core. I am confident that India will gain a lot in this," he said
The Prime Minister said that children call their mother "aai" in some parts of the country. "AI is very important. Sometimes, I jokingly say that in our country, we call our mother 'Aai'. Now I say that when a child is born, he says 'Aai' as well as AI as children have become so advanced," he said. PM Modi referred to NaMO app and demonstrated how AI adds significant value. "I am using my NaMo app, and I use AI extensively, which proves immensely beneficial across the country. Here is my photo booth, take a selfie. You can see, every photo of you and me, from the last 20 years is available here. even if you're barely visible in a public event photo, as long as I am in it, and even if your one tenth part is visible, it recognises and retrieves it. This illustrates the day-to-day applications of technology and I believe, such innovations add significant value," he said.
"We should embrace these technologies to enhance daily life for everyone. My aim is to ensure that users feel comfortable and recognise its utility and encouraging them to innovate and contribute new features," he added. PM Modi stressed the intelligent use of AI and said that using it as a magic tool would be a great injustice. He underscored that effort should be to surpass the capabilities of AI, not to rely on them because of personal laziness.  "Labeling AI merely as a magic tool, will lead to great injustice. If I am relying on AI due to laziness,. For example, I am too lazy to draft a letter, so I use ChatGPT, which is not the right approach. Instead, we should compete with AI, challenge it, and strive to surpass its capabilities. Currently, I'm pushing AI to recognise and adapt to the myriad languages and dialects we have," he said. "During an introduction with astronauts, I was trying to understand the work progress while I am interacting with the robot. I interacted with the robots a lot in varying tones which resulted in nuanced responses. Then I called the robot with a changed name, and it led to no response at all. This prompted a conversation with AI, where, despite speaking for several minutes it failed to recognise my voice without hearing its name. I expressed the need for it to identify my voice, without a direct prompt. I consistently present new challenges to AI, fostering its growth and adaptability," PM Modi said, referring to his interaction with the AI-powered robot. He said government is using technology for ease of living of people. "I had decided that I would not let digital divide hamper the progress of my country. Digital public infrastructure is a big requirement in itself. Today, I am extending digital facilities to all our villages," he said. AI has been one of the focus areas of the government. The Cabinet had recently approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with a budget outlay of Rs. 10,371.92 crore. The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
—ANI

PM Modi champions AI and technology for India's growth, from G20 translations to village digitalization.

AI used during New Delhi G20 Summit, digital facilities reaching India's villages: PM Modi tells Bill Gates

New Delhi [India]: Elon Musk, the owner of X, (formerly Twitter), took to the platform and declared that accounts with over 2500 verified subscribers would receive Premium features for free, while those with over 5000 followers would be entitled to Premium+ features at no cost, on Thursday. The announcement, made via Musk's official X account, signifies a shift in the platform's strategy towards rewarding high-engagement users and fostering a more vibrant creator ecosystem.
Elon musk posted on X, "Going forward, all X accounts with over 2500 verified subscriber followers will get Premium features for free and accounts with over 5000 will get Premium+ for free."
<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1773147956041978257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1773147956041978257%7Ctwgr%5Ec9b525b902d47de99ce8548160262cf680593def%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Felon-musk-announces-free-premium-features-for-x-accounts-with-over-2500-verified-subscribers20240328083133" target="_self">https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1773147956041978257?</a>
X has an extensive range of premium features available to subscribers across its Premium and Premium+ tiers. These features aim to empower creators, influencers, and users alike with tools for content creation, monetization, and enhanced interaction.  The Premium tier offers functionalities such as the Edit Post feature, enabling users to make limited changes to published content within a one-hour window. Additionally, subscribers can exceed the traditional character limit, posting up to 25,000 characters for more detailed and comprehensive content sharing. Moreover, Premium members can upload longer videos, extending up to approximately three hours in duration and 8GB in file size, enhancing the capacity for multimedia storytelling. Furthermore, Premium subscribers have the privilege to create communities on X, facilitating connections with like-minded individuals sharing similar interests. For users opting for the Premium+ tier, exclusive benefits include the coveted Blue Checkmark Verification, signifying authenticity and credibility upon meeting eligibility criteria. Premium+ subscribers are also eligible to receive a share of revenue generated from verified accounts' organic impressions of ads displayed in replies to their content, through the Ads Revenue Sharing feature. Moreover, Premium+ users can monetize their content by offering subscription-based access to their exclusive content, enabling them to earn a living on the platform.
The Premium and Premium+ tiers also offer an enhanced ad-free experience, with reduced or no ads in their "For You" and "Following" timelines, fostering uninterrupted content consumption and user experience. Additionally, verified accounts can engage with posts limited to replies from verified accounts only, fostering meaningful interactions within the verified community. Furthermore, Premium and Premium+ subscribers have the option to hide their verification checkmark for greater privacy and control over their online presence. To bolster security and authenticity, Premium and Premium+ users can verify their accounts with a government-issued ID, adding an additional layer of protection. Premium subscribers also gain access to Media Studio, allowing them to manage their uploaded images and videos effectively. Furthermore, Premium+ subscribers unlock access to X Pro, offering advanced features such as multiple configurable timelines, advanced search, and contributor management.
Premium+ subscribers can publish long-form written content through the Articles feature, enabling them to share in-depth stories and insights with their audience.
—ANI

Elon Musk rolls out free Premium upgrades for users with 2500+ followers and Premium+ for 5000+, elevating content creation and interaction.

Elon Musk announces free premium features for X Accounts with over 2500 verified subscribers

New Delhi: Microsoft has internally merged the Windows and Surface teams once again, appointing IIT Madras alumni Pavan Davuluri to lead development on both fronts. According to Windows Central- a news site that tracks developments at Microsoft, the decision comes after a brief separation, during which Windows briefly fell under Microsoft's new AI organisation.
The reunion of Windows and Surface teams marks a return to a familiar structure within Microsoft's Engineering and Devices organisation, headed by Rajesh Jha. Pavan Davuluri, previously overseeing Microsoft's hardware endeavours, will now take the helm of Windows engineering as well. The reshuffle follows the departure of ex-Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay last September, whose role was effectively split between Davuluri and Mikhail Parakhin. Parakhin took charge of Windows, alongside his existing responsibilities as CEO of Web and Advertising at Microsoft, overseeing products such as Bing, Edge, and Copilot.
However, recent developments within Microsoft, including the appointment of DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of a new AI division, prompted a re-evaluation of team structures. With Parakhin's team absorbed into the new AI division, he has announced his intention to explore other roles, likely outside the company. As a result, Windows is now realigned under Rajesh Jha's leadership, ensuring that development is overseen by the same individual who guides Surface development. This move is welcomed by Windows enthusiasts, as it promises increased collaboration and cohesion between Microsoft's hardware and software endeavours. Over the past year, Pavan Davuluri has been instrumental in driving Microsoft's efforts to optimize Windows for Arm-based devices. On March 22, Davuluri posted on X "Today, we announced our first ever #Surface AI PCs built exclusively for business: Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business! I'm incredibly proud of the team for the work they did to bring these devices and experiences to life for our customers #Copilot."
Anticipation is building for May 20, when Microsoft is expected to unveil new next-generation AI features and Arm-based Surface hardware, offering further insights into the company's vision for Windows and AI integration.
—ANI

Microsoft merges Windows & Surface teams under Pavan Davuluri, promising tighter integration and innovation in AI and Arm tech.

IIT Madras alumni Pavan Davuluri to lead Microsoft Windows and Surface teams

Brussels/Stockholm: Big Tech is facing its biggest challenge in decades as antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic crack down on alleged anti-competitive practices that could result in break-up orders to Apple and Alphabet's Google, a first for the industry.
That in turn could inspire watchdogs around the world to pile on, as evidenced in the growing number of antitrust probes in various countries following the opening of EU and US cases. Since AT&amp;T was broken up exactly 40 years ago, no company has faced the possibility of a regulator-led break-up in the United States until now.  Google has said it disagreed with the EU's accusations while Apple said the US lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law.  In 1984, AT&amp;T, also known as Ma Bell, was broken up into seven independent companies called "Baby Bells" to open up one of the most powerful monopolies of the 20th century. AT&amp;T, Verizon and Lumen are currently the only surviving entities.  Regulators now allege companies such as Apple and Google have built impenetrable ecosystems around their products, making it difficult for customers to switch to rival services, which led to the coining of the term walled gardens.
The US Department of Justice on Wednesday warned Apple, a $2.7 trillion company, that a break-up order is not excluded as a remedy to restore competition after it teamed up with 15 states to sue the iPhone maker for monopolising the smartphone market, thwarting rivals and inflating prices.  Even so, it will likely take years to decide the case, which Apple has vowed to fight.  The US actions come on the heels of other mounting threats across Europe this week.  Big Tech will face more scrutiny shortly with Apple, Meta Platforms and Alphabet likely to be investigated for potential Digital Markets Act (DMA) violations that could lead to hefty fines and even break-up orders for repeated breaches, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday, on the condition of anonymity.  EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager helped pave the way for drastic measures last year when she accused Google of anti-competitive practices in its money-spinning adtech business and that it may have to divest its sell-side tools.
She said that requiring Google to sell some of its assets seemed to be the only way to avoid conflicts of interest as it would prevent Google from allegedly favouring its own online digital advertising technology services versus advertisers and online publishers.  Vestager is expected to issue a final decision by the end of the year.  European Parliament lawmaker Andreas Schwab, who was heavily involved in drafting landmark EU DMA tech rules that kicked in this month, said lawmakers want bold action against Big Tech which flouts rules.  "If they don't comply with the DMA, you can imagine what Parliament will ask for. Break-ups. The ultimate goal is to make markets open, fair and allow more innovation," he said on Friday.  Breaking up is hard to do  It is far from certain that regulators will issue break-up order as they mull options and any action may just result in a fine. Legal experts also suggested the case against Apple, drawing from the 1998 case against Microsoft, could be more difficult this time.  "In the European Union, there is less of a tradition, with splitting a company seen as a last resort. It has never happened before," said a Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity.  Apple's highly integrated system would also make a break-up difficult compared with Google, said lawyer Damien Geradin at Geradin Partners, who is advising several app developers in other cases against Apple.  "It seems to me much more complicated. You are talking about something that is integrated, for example you can't force Apple to divest its App Store. That doesn't make sense," he said. He said it would be better to impose behavioural remedies on Apple that obligates it to do certain things while in the case of Google, a break-up order could simply target acquisitions made to strengthen its key services.  "What's more likely is they (DOJ) go for remedies like opening up hardware functionality, or making sure developers aren't being discriminated against in terms of pricing," said Max von Thun, director of advocacy group Open Markets.  "I think they want to say that everything's on the table, but it doesn't necessarily mean they'll choose that path," he said.  Apple gets most of its nearly $400 billion-a-year revenue from selling hardware -- iPhones, Macs, iPads and Watches -- followed by its Services business, which will brings in roughly $100 billion a year.  Structural remedies such as break-ups will ultimately be tested in courts, said Assimakis Komninos, partner at law firm White &amp; Case.  "I would say that experiences of imposed structural measures, such as breakups, are not many, but the small past experience shows that this is very tricky, aside from the formidable legal challenges," he said.
—Reuters

Antitrust regulators target Big Tech, with potential break-up orders for Apple and Google over anti-competitive practices, marking a historic move to dismantle tech monopolies and foster market fairness.

Google, Apple breakups on the agenda as global regulators target tech

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