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EV startup Vidyut on Tuesday said it has raised $10 million in its Series A fundraise (a mix of equity and debt funding) led by 3one4 Capital, and will deploy new funds to scale its new offerings that include EV insurance, lifecycle management and EV resale. The round also witnessed participation from new and existing investors namely, Saison Capital, <keyword id="20657706" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="zephyr-peacock" source="keywords">Zephyr Peacock</keyword>, Force Ventures, a venture debt fund Alteria Capital and CEO of Udaan, <keyword id="20483955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sujeet-kumar" source="keywords">Sujeet Kumar</keyword>. Founded in 2021, the startup said it aims to expand its presence to 40 cities and will double its team size by the end of FY25 as it prepares to build a full stack EV ecosystem. "Our focus is not just on financing but on elevating the entire EV ownership journey for India's SMBs, who are the backbone of our economy," said <keyword id="20657704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gaurav-srivastava" source="keywords">Gaurav Srivastava</keyword>, co-founder of Vidyut. The company already offers ownership solutions for Mahindra, Piaggio, Altigreen, Murugappa Group's Montra Electric, Euler Motors and OSM vehicles. "Vidyut's model removes EV adoption barriers, especially in the large but price sensitive driver cum owner segment. At 3one4 Capital, we are excited to back the Vidyut team in their mission to simplify EV ownership," said <keyword id="20657703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sonal-saldanha" source="keywords">Sonal Saldanha</keyword>, Vice President, Investments, 3one4 Capital. "After hitting an inflection point, customised financing and lifecycle management solutions will play a central role in large scale EV adoption, requiring lenders to evaluate asset risk alongside borrower risk," added <keyword id="20657705" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dhairen-tohliani" source="keywords">Dhairen Tohliani</keyword>, Vice President, Alteria capital. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8-pro-review/articleshow/107726935.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8-pro-review/articleshow/107726935.cms" target="_blank">Pixel 8 Pro review: ‘Okay Google’ – The flagship smartphone ticks almost all boxes</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/dell-xps-17-9730-review/articleshow/107330203.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/dell-xps-17-9730-review/articleshow/107330203.cms" target="_blank">Dell XPS 17 9730 review – Feature-packed laptop but at a premium</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/viewsonic-vx3219-2k-pro-review/articleshow/106729348.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/viewsonic-vx3219-2k-pro-review/articleshow/106729348.cms" target="_blank">ViewSonic VX3219 2K PRO gaming monitor – Reliable at an affordable price</a>

EV startup Vidyut raises $10 mn to build full-stack ecosystem

As the world goes gaga over <keyword id="7795449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-chatbots" source="Orion">AI chatbots</keyword>, Union Minister of <keyword id="9950217" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="state-for-electronics" source="Orion">State for Electronics</keyword> and IT <keyword id="205969" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajeev-Chandrasekhar" source="Orion">Rajeev Chandrasekhar</keyword> has a clear vision: To make India a global powerhouse of AI which does not just stop on integrating foreign chatbots but building next-generation of AI-based innovations to <keyword id="13880162" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="empower" botkeyword="" source="ET" sourcekeytype="COMPANY" meta.keywordsubtype="EQ" meta.aliasname="empower" meta.entityname="Empower India Ltd." meta.entityid="3850" meta.seoname="empower-india-ltd">empower</keyword> billions of citizens. <keyword id="79017" type="General" weightage="90" keywordseo="chandrasekhar" source="Orion">Chandrasekhar</keyword> told IANS that artificial intelligence (AI) is a "kinetic enabler" of the digital economy and the government will infuse more of this disruptive technology into its '<keyword id="3264646" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india-stack" source="Orion">India Stack</keyword>'. "AI will certainly transform the digital economy and grow the business economy in the country. We are launching a very comprehensive programme called the INDIAai Programme and you will see more AI use cases via the India stack -- Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (<keyword id="6358921" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="upi" source="Orion">UPI</keyword>), DigiLocker, CoWIN and more," Chandrasekhar emphasised. "AI, as I have said, is a 'kinetic enabler' of the digital economy and we want to be the global leader in AI," the Minister told IANS. This week, Chandrasekhar met Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and had a "good, interesting conversation about India Stack and Artificial Intelligence (AI)". The government, in the Union Budget for FY24, announced to open three centres of excellence for artificial intelligence (AI) at the top educational institutions, for realising the vision of "Make AI in India" and "Make AI Work for India". According to Chandrasekhar, the government is expanding the INDIAai initiative in partnership with homegrown tech companies, startups and academic institutions under a comprehensive AI programme. The Bhashini team at the IT Ministry aims to build a National Public Digital Platform for languages to develop services and products for citizens by leveraging the power of AI and other emerging technologies. It is creating a unifying architecture, underpinned by principles of open data and open source software, to enable contributions from the research initiatives and the ecosystem. Bhashini, the natural language AI platform, "will enable automated language translation", according to Chandrasekhar who had a three decades' long career in the technology domain before making his foray into politics. According to him, India Stack will become more nuanced, intelligent and sophisticated in its next avatar, as more and more enterprises and countries across the world innovate and integrate, execute, and implement digital transformation. "Our mission as a nation is to offer India Stack or the part of the stack to those enterprises and countries across the world who want to innovate and further integrate, execute, and implement digital transformation," said the Minister. India currently ranks first in terms of AI skill penetration and AI talent concentration and fifth in AI scientific publications, a Nasscom report said last month. India's 'AI Skills Penetration Factor' has been reported to be 3.09 -- the highest among all G20 and OECD countries. More than 1,900 AI-focused startups are providing innovative solutions in the country, primarily in the areas of conversational AI, NLP, video analytics, disease detection, fraud prevention and deep fakes detection. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/us-received-enough-visa-applications-to-meet-h-2b-cap-for-h2-fy23/articleshow/98383408.cms">US received enough visa applications to meet H-2B cap for H2 FY23</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/ronaldinhos-son-joao-mendes-follows-fathers-footsteps-joins-barcelona-academy/articleshow/98383353.cms">Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes follows father's footsteps, joins Barcelona academy</a>

We're building next-gen AI to become a global powerhouse: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Earlier this week, the death of yet another corporate employee shook the nation. Various other incidents also made headlines last month, where employees of some big companies reportedly died of work pressure. With a rise in such incidents, people are talking about the importance of <keyword id="19901232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-life-balance" source="keywords">work-life balance</keyword> and <keyword id="19956983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health" source="keywords">mental health</keyword> at workplace. <keyword id="20253489" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zoho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Zoho" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Zoho">Zoho</keyword> CEO and Co-founder <keyword id="19914274" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sridhar-Vembu" source="keywords">Sridhar Vembu</keyword>, in a new interview with PTI, has called for a fundamental shift in how companies treat their employees. In the interview, the entrepreneur warned that organisations pushing their workforce to unsustainable limits will not be able to keep up the pace. He also called for a shift in mindset and said that people are being put in a "very big pressure cooker." <h2>Zoho CEO on putting employees in pressure cooker </h2> <keyword id="21154651" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vembu" source="keywords">Vembu</keyword>, who has spent over two decades building Zoho into one of India’s leading tech companies, expressed deep concern over the increasing pressure faced by employees, particularly in large cities. He said that we are creating environments where workers are trapped in a ‘pressure cooker’, referring to the convergence of long working hours, grueling commutes, and the isolation many young professionals experience after migrating from smaller towns. "You already have loneliness, long-commutes, stressful work condition. So, you are throwing people into a very big pressure cooker, and very tragically, some people break, other people are broken," he told PTI. Reflecting on his own experience, Vembu stressed the importance of pacing oneself in order to sustain a long and productive career. “I have been working for 27-28 years, and I hope to work for another 28 if possible. But to do that, I cannot allow myself, or my employees, to burn out,” he explained. He argued that companies prioritising short-term gains at the expense of their workers’ health are doomed to falter in the long run. <h2>What's the solution?</h2>Vembu’s advocacy for a healthier work culture is grounded in his broader vision for corporate India. A long-time proponent of decentralising business operations, he believes that one solution to the high-stress environment is to diversify away from major urban centres. “We bring young people from small towns into big cities, and their first challenge is loneliness. Then, they face commutes that can stretch up to two hours each way, particularly in cities like Bengaluru. It’s no surprise that many feel overwhelmed,” he said. The Zoho chief pointed out that by expanding operations into smaller towns and rural areas, companies can alleviate some of these pressures, allowing employees to stay closer to their homes and communities. This approach, he believes, not only reduces stress but also fosters a more sustainable, human-centric model of growth. Beyond <keyword id="22447710" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="workplace-stress" source="keywords">workplace stress</keyword>, Vembu touched on the role of technology in shaping the future of business. He reiterated his call for tighter regulations on big tech companies, particularly in preventing the monopolisation of digital services. Drawing parallels between email, which is an open standard, and messaging services that are often locked within proprietary ecosystems, he urged the government to push for greater interoperability. “Messaging platforms should not operate in silos. We need standards that prevent monopolies and ensure a level playing field for all,” he remarked. Vembu also praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives, calling them a “shining success story” and a model for other nations. He highlighted how India has become a global leader in digital infrastructure, with initiatives such as the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and the health stack setting new standards for the world to follow.

People being thrown in pressure cooker, different mindset is needed: Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu on India’s work culture

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is set to mark a historic occasion on August 23 with the celebration of its first-ever <keyword id="22301946" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Space-Day" source="keywords">National Space Day</keyword>. This day was declared by the Indian government to commemorate the anniversary of <keyword id="19915128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandrayaan-3" source="keywords">Chandrayaan-3</keyword>’s successful soft landing on the <keyword id="19899207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moon" source="keywords">Moon</keyword>'s south pole in 2023 — a momentous achievement that placed India among the elite group of nations capable of such a feat. With events and activities planned across the country, National Space Day is designed to foster public engagement in <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword>. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a complete novice, this is the perfect time to delve into the fascinating world of <keyword id="21072131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="astrophotography" source="keywords">astrophotography</keyword> and <keyword id="21808035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sky-watching" source="keywords">sky watching</keyword>. This guide will help you get started, offering tips and insights to make the night sky more accessible and awe-inspiring than ever before. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112625183" title="India set to celebrate first National Space Day on August 23" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Getting started with astrophotography</h2>Astrophotography might sound intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you begin: <h3>Basic Equipment</h3>Astrophotography might sound like an expensive hobby, but beginners can start with surprisingly simple equipment. The essential tools include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens. The camera allows you to control key settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, which are critical for capturing faint celestial objects. If you're just starting out, even a smartphone with a good camera can be used, provided you download specialised apps such as StarTracker or SkyView, which help in aligning and tracking celestial objects. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109921023" title="Here’s what falling inside a black hole would look like, according to a NASA supercomputer simulation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>For those ready to invest a bit more, a wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm) is ideal because it captures more of the sky in each shot. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable; it keeps the camera steady during long exposure shots, preventing blurriness. As you advance, consider purchasing a star tracker, which compensates for the Earth's rotation, allowing for even longer exposures without star trails. This can be particularly helpful in locations with minimal light pollution, which are abundant in rural India <h3>Choosing the Right Location</h3>In astrophotography, location is everything. The clearer and darker the sky, the better your shots will be. Light pollution from cities is the biggest enemy, as it washes out the stars and makes it difficult to capture the <keyword id="20080902" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Milky-Way" source="keywords">Milky Way</keyword> or faint celestial objects. India, however, offers some excellent locations that are relatively free from light pollution. Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and the deserts of Rajasthan are renowned for their crystal-clear skies. These places, far from urban centres, provide ideal conditions for both sky watching and astrophotography. However, if travelling to these remote areas isn’t feasible, consider venturing to the outskirts of your city or visiting a local hill station. Even areas just a couple of hours outside major cities like Bengaluru or Pune can offer much darker skies. Additionally, checking weather forecasts and moon phases is crucial before heading out. A clear night with no moon (New Moon phase) is perfect for capturing stars and other deep-sky objects <h3>Perfect Timing</h3>Timing is crucial when it comes to astrophotography. The best time to photograph the night sky is during the new moon phase, when the absence of moonlight allows fainter stars and celestial objects to be visible. In India, the Milky Way is most visible between April and September, making this period ideal for astrophotography. The core of the Milky Way, which is the most photogenic part, is visible just after sunset during these months. Moreover, consider the time of night as well. The hours immediately after sunset and before sunrise are known as the "golden hours" in <keyword id="22383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="photography" source="Orion">photography</keyword>. However, for capturing the night sky, "astronomical twilight" (the period when the sky is dark enough for all astronomical observations) is the best. You can use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to find the exact times and positions of celestial objects based on your location <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112647806" title="Investments made in space program have benefited society, says ISRO Chairman Dr S Somnath" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h3><keyword id="20890294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="camera-settings" source="keywords">Camera Settings</keyword></h3>Getting the camera settings right is essential for capturing stunning astrophotographs. Start by setting your camera to manual mode, which allows you to control exposure settings independently. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow as much light as possible to hit the sensor. Set the ISO between 1600 and 3200; while higher ISOs make the sensor more sensitive to light, they can also introduce noise, so it's important to find a balance. Shutter speed is another critical setting. A good starting point is 15-30 seconds; longer exposures capture more light, but if you go beyond 30 seconds, the Earth's rotation will cause stars to appear as trails rather than points. To avoid blur from camera shake, use a remote shutter release or set a short timer on the camera. Finally, focus manually on a bright star, zoom in using the live view mode, and fine-tune the focus until the star appears as a sharp point of light <h3>Post-Processing</h3>Post-processing is where your astrophotography truly comes to life. Even with perfect settings and conditions, raw images might look underwhelming straight out of the camera. This is where software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop comes in. Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast to bring out the details in the Milky Way or other celestial objects. Noise reduction is also crucial, especially if you use a high ISO setting. This helps to clean up the grainy appearance that can detract from the image’s clarity. You can also enhance the colours in your image by adjusting the white balance and saturation. Tweaking these settings can make the Milky Way pop against the dark sky. For those serious about astrophotography, stacking multiple images is a technique used to reduce noise and increase detail. There are free software options like DeepSkyStacker that allow you to combine several exposures into one high-quality image <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112569406" title="ISRO targets first Gaganyaan mission launch by December: Chairman" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Sky Watching: The Beginner’s Guide</h2>But if you’re more of an observer than a capturer, why not just sky watch? Sky watching is the more laid-back cousin of astrophotography and requires minimal equipment. Here’s how you can start: <ol><li>Know Your Sky: Begin by familiarising yourself with constellations and prominent stars. Mobile apps like SkySafari and Star Walk can help you identify celestial objects and track events like meteor showers.</li><li>Best Viewing Spots in India: Urban areas are often too bright for proper sky watching. Instead, head to rural areas or designated dark-sky parks. Popular spots include Coorg in Karnataka, Lonar Crater in Maharashtra, and Nubra Valley in Ladakh.</li><li>What to Look For: Start with easy targets like the Moon, planets (especially Jupiter and Saturn), and bright constellations. As you grow more confident, you can look for fainter objects like nebulae and galaxies using binoculars or a small telescope.</li><li>Join a Community: Connect with local astronomy clubs or online communities. This not only enhances your knowledge but also offers opportunities to participate in group sky-watching events and astrophotography workshops.</li></ol>Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, National Space Day is the perfect time to look up and appreciate the vastness of our universe. With India's growing interest in space, there has never been a better time to start your journey into the night sky. So grab your camera or simply your eyes, and begin exploring the cosmos from your own backyard.

National Space Day: Here’s the beginner’s guide to astrophotography and sky watching in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>North Korea unveiled a new "tactical nuclear attack submarine" in a ceremony in September.</li><li>It comes five years after South Korea launched its own diesel-electric ballistic-missile submarine.</li></ul>On September 6, North Korea <a href="https://beyondparallel.csis.org/north-korea-launches-new-ballistic-missile-submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> its <a href="https://www.38north.org/2023/09/the-sleeper-has-awakened-six-key-takeaways-from-the-roll-out-of-north-koreas-tactical-nuclear-attack-submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">newest naval vessel</a> — a "tactical nuclear attack submarine" powered by diesel-electric engines and capable of launching nuclear-armed missiles while submerged.After a <a href="https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1694192751-794229801/respected-comrade-kim-jong-un-makes-congratulatory-speech-at-ceremony-for-launching-newly-built-submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lengthy speech</a> at the ceremony in a shipyard on the country's east coast, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un presided over the official launch of what North Korean state media <a href="https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1694181036-940196985/great-event-heralding-arrival-of-new-era-turning-point-in-bolstering-up-juche-based-naval-force-ceremony-of-launching-newly-built-submarine-held-with-splendor-in-presence-of-respected-comrade-kim-jon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> "an invincible treasured sword capable of defeating any formidable enemy."It comes five years after South Korea launched its own diesel-electric ballistic-missile sub, a class of vessel designated SSB, and it marks an important moment in the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-north-koreas-and-south-koreas-navies-compare-2021-7" target="_top">naval balance</a> on the peninsula.<h2>North Korea's No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok</h2><div type="image" title="North Korea submarine" height="1333" width="2000" msid="105795351" hostid="261" sizebytes="339204"></div>North Korea's new sub, called Submarine No. 841 and named "Hero Kim Kun Ok" after a Korean War-era naval officer, is actually North Korea's second SSB. The first was launched in 2014 but only has one vertical-launch tube and is regarded as <a href="http://www.hisutton.com/Analysis%20-%20Sinpo%20Class%20Ballistic%20Missile%20Sub.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a testing platform</a>.Little is known about the new sub. Construction is believed to have begun in 2016. In 2019, almost three years after North Korea's <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/08/north-korea-tests-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-as-us-south-korea-exercises-begin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first fully successful</a> submarine-launched ballistic-missile test, Pyongyang <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29122/north-koreas-new-ballistic-missile-submarine-is-a-refurbished-antique" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released photos</a> of Kim inspecting what state media called "a newly built submarine."Though parts of the sub were blurred or out of shot, it was clear from the photos that it was a <a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/romeo.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Romeo-class</a> attack sub, a diesel-electric sub designed by the Soviets in the 1950s and adopted by North Korea in the 1970s. At the time, it was suggested that North Korea was attempting to <a href="http://www.hisutton.com/ROMEO-Mod_Submarine.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expand the sail</a> to enable the sub to carry at least three sub-launched ballistic missiles.There were few updates about the program until 2021, when it was <a href="https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/04/103_306962.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the US and South Korea believed construction had finished. When the sub was rolled out in September, it was clear it had been <a href="http://www.hisutton.com/North-Korea-Submarines-Compared.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extensively modified</a> since 2019.<div type="image" title="North Korea submarine TV news broadcast" height="1136" width="1514" msid="105795353" hostid="261" sizebytes="106208"></div>The sub is estimated to be 282 feet long, 21 feet wide, and have a submerged displacement of 1,830 tons. It has a new missile compartment in the sail with two rows of five vertical-launch cells. While the sub had been lengthened by an estimated 32 feet, its bow had been shortened, rounded, and slightly widened, and bow diving planes had been moved to the sail.The makeup of the Kim Kun Ok's arsenal is not clear. North Korea has so far built and tested three sub-launched ballistic missiles: the <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kn-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pukguksong-1</a>, <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/pukguksong-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pukguksong-3</a>, and an unnamed model strongly resembling the <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/kn-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KN-23 short-range ballistic missile</a> that was unveiled <a href="https://www.38north.org/2021/10/north-koreas-new-type-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-more-political-than-military-significance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in 2021</a>. Three more models have been <a href="https://opennuclear.org/publication/emerging-capabilities-unflown-slbms-dprk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shown off</a> at parades but not tested.Only four of the new sub's 10 launch cells appear large enough for ballistic missiles, the most likely candidate being a naval version of the KN-23. The other six cells are likely intended to house submarine-launched cruise missiles, specifically a version of the <a href="https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/military-balance/2023/04/pyongyangs-sea-cruise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hwasal-1</a>, two of which were <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-fires-missiles-submarine-underwater-target-2023-03-12/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly launched</a> from North Korea's first SSB in a test in March.Kim labeling the SSB a "tactical nuclear attack submarine" is significant, as it implies that the sub is intended for "tactical" strikes on military targets in its neighborhood rather than for strikes on more distant "strategic" targets, including those in the US.<h2>South Korea's Dosan Ahn Changho class</h2><div type="image" title="South Korean submarine Dosan Ahn Changho" height="767" width="1364" msid="105795354" hostid="261" sizebytes="87012"></div>The <a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/june/south-koreas-sophisticated-kss-iii-submarines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dosan Ahn Changho-class</a>, officially called the KSS-III, is South Korea's approach to the SSB.Domestically built and with a displacement of well over 3,000 tons, it is South Korea's largest class of submarine. It borrows from the designs of South Korea's previous two submarine models, the <a href="https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Republic-Korea-Navy/Submarine/Jang-Bogo-class.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jang Bogo</a> and <a href="https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Republic-Korea-Navy/Submarine/Son-Won-il-class.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Son Won-Il</a> classes, which are versions of Germany's Type 209 and Type 214 diesel-electric attack subs.The first boat of the class, ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho, was launched in 2018. It is 273 feet long, 31 feet wide, and has a crew of 50. It is a sophisticated design, featuring <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-us-british-navy-submarines-have-new-kind-of-periscope-2021-6" target="_top">optronic masts</a>, an <a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/march/promise-better-submarine-air-independent-propulsion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air-independent-propulsion</a> system, and bow, flank, and towed array sonars. It also has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-us-navies-working-together-to-build-new-dreadnought-submarine-2023-8" target="_top">anechoic tiles</a>, a rare feature for non-nuclear-powered subs.ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho has six torpedo tubes at the bow and six vertical-launch cells aft of the sail. The cells can house either six <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/south-korea-successfully-completed-k-slbm-test-launch-from-kss-iii-submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyunmoo-4-4</a> ballistic missiles or six <a href="https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/hyunmoo-3-abc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyunmoo-3</a> cruise missiles.Two Dosan Ahn Changho-class SSBs have been commissioned: ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho in 2021 and ROKS Ahn Mu in April this year. A third, <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/south-koreas-hhi-launches-3rd-kss-iii-submarine-for-the-rok-navy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ROKS Shin Chae-ho</a> is slated for delivery next year.South Korea plans to build nine Dosan Ahn Changho-class SSBs in three batches of three boats. Batch II and III boats will be larger and equipped with 10 vertical-launch tubes and with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-and-china-japan-launches-sub-with-lithium-ion-battery-2018-10" target="_top">longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries</a>. The keel of the first Batch II boat <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/03/south-koreas-dsme-lays-keel-of-first-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was laid</a> in March and all nine are planned to be operational by the early 2030s.Seoul is considering <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/09/south-korea-to-develop-new-vls-and-slbm-for-its-submarines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other upgrades</a> to future Dosan Ahn Changho-class vessels, including a new <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/09/south-korea-to-develop-new-vls-and-slbm-for-its-submarines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vertical-launch system</a> and possibly building <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/11/south-korean-admiral-claims-that-nuclear-powered-submarines-are-necessary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a nuclear-powered variant</a>. It's also looking into exporting them, proposing sales to <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2021/2021/06/madex-2021-dsme-sheds-light-on-submarine-offer-to-india-for-p-75i/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a>, <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/09/south-korea-pitches-kss-iii-submarine-to-poland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Poland</a>, and <a href="https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/11/113_351075.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada</a>.<h2>Korean SSBs</h2><div type="image" title="North Korea Kim Jong Un submarine" height="1325" width="2000" msid="105795355" hostid="261" sizebytes="84196"></div>The logic behind North and South Korea's pursuit of sub-launched ballistic missiles and subs to launch them is straightforward and strategically sound — both want a second-strike or even a secure pre-emptive strike capability that is less vulnerable to attacks from the other's artillery, aircraft, and missiles.The actual capabilities of the Hero Kim Kun Ok are unknown. As a 1950s-era design, it is already at a disadvantage against modern anti-submarine weapons, and it's unlikely that a Romeo-class sub can be so extensively modified and still operate effectively.The North Koreans "took a submarine that wasn't designed for the purpose they are now using this for, and they added a whole bunch of things onto it," Bruce Bennet, an expert on Korean security issues at the RAND Corporation think tank, told Business Insider.When the sub was launched, Bennet added, "it looked awfully awkward and looked like there could be some stability or other problems."<div type="image" title="North Korea submarine" height="1325" width="2000" msid="105795356" hostid="261" sizebytes="231438"></div>The Hero Kim Kun Ok is likely too slow, too loud, and too old to operate reliably in the same way as the Dosan Ahn Changho-class."By no means will this submarine be highly maneuverable and exhibit high endurance for operations at sea," said <a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/experts/1860" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ankit Panda</a>, an expert on nuclear weapons and missile defense at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "I think the North Koreans will be sparing in how much they expose this vessel to outside of port."The sub is more likely to operate in or close to North Korean waters and in a manner similar to the country's ground-based and mobile <a href="https://www.nknews.org/2022/04/north-korea-may-have-more-mobile-launchers-for-its-icbms-than-previously-known/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transporter erector launchers</a>, or TELs."Basically, think of this submarine as a submerged missile TEL of sorts: It is not meant to be survivable against sophisticated" anti-submarine warfare, Panda said, "but it is meant to add to the overall strike power of North Korean tactical nuclear forces."<div type="image" title="icbm intercontinental ballistic missile north korea hwasong 14 RTX39YI2" height="1333" width="2000" msid="105795357" hostid="261" sizebytes="180038"></div>At the launch ceremony, Kim said all of North Korea's remaining Romeo-class attack subs will be converted into SSBs and that Pyongyang will "continue to push ahead with the nuclear weaponization of our Navy," including by building a nuclear-powered submarine.Bennet said there is limited ability to realize those ambitions, either with a fleet-wide conversion or a new purpose-built sub."I think Kim is grasping at straws. He doesn't have a lot of money for doing big developments," Bennet said. "He's undoubtedly trying to keep his navy people loyal and feeling like they're relevant."Despite those challenges, North Korea's production of another nuclear launch platform, as well as its apparent progress on <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/02/world/asia/north-korea-nuclear.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">miniaturizing warheads</a> to fit on cruise and ballistic missiles, does increase the threat that Pyongyang can pose to its neighbors.Consequently, South Korea cannot afford to take any chances. "Prudent planning has to consider seriously the possibility of nuclear armaments on these vessels," Panda told Business Insider.

North and South Korea are taking their missile race underwater. Here's how their new missile-launching submarines stack up

Surat, To compete with China on the economic front, India should focus on manufacturing, a key sector which was ignored by governments before Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> came to power in 2014, External Affairs Minister <keyword id="19922782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="s-jaishankar" source="keywords">S Jaishankar</keyword> has said. Noting that tension at the border with China has caused "abnormality" in New Delhi-Beijing relations, he said India's thinking is absolutely clear that unless there is peace and stability in the border areas, the ties between the two Asian powers will not improve. "If we have to compete with China, which we should, then its solution is that we should focus on manufacturing here. Our approach towards manufacturing has changed after Modiji came to power. Before that, people did not give much emphasis on manufacturing," <keyword id="19920247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jaishankar" source="keywords">Jaishankar</keyword> said during his interaction with industry leaders at a programme in Surat on Monday. There is no other way to counter China on the economic front, insisted the career diplomat-turned-politician while replying to questions from audience members on how he saw India's relationship with the world's second largest economy as it moves towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. Jaishankar was speaking at a corporate summit on "Bharat's Economic Rising," organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI). "If we talk of rising Bharat, it will rise through technology. You cannot build strong technology on weak manufacturing. At any cost, we should put special emphasis on manufacturing, because that is the only economic response," the Union minister maintained. Jaishankar, a former ambassador to China, emphasised that tension at the border has affected Sino-Indian ties. "As you know, there is tension at the border (with China). And this has caused abnormality in our relations. For that our thinking is very clear that unless there is peace and stability at the border, the relations will remain in the same deteriorated condition," he said. Asked about relationship with Pakistan which remains strained and New Delhi's fight against terrorism sponsored from across the border, Jaishankar asserted India should never compromise on terrorism. "For us to tolerate, justify (terrorism) -- are all wrong. The only response to terrorism is counter-terrorism. And they should understand this to make it a deterrent," he added. Asked about the future of the <keyword id="20139090" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-trade-organisation" source="keywords">World Trade Organisation</keyword> amid China dumping goods in India through dubious methods and advanced countries using the WTO to their own convenience, the minister said while it has its own set of challenges, New Delhi should never leave the global forum. "It (WTO) is a formal and accepted forum for talks. Here we would put forward our point, work with allies to save our interest. We recently held a meeting on fishing. We should also explore arrangements at bilateral and group levels," he noted. In his speech at the corporate summit, Jaishankar emphasised that reforms carried out by the government and policies framed to counter COVID-19 have helped India emerge from the pandemic and strengthen its economic position to such an extent that today "we are the fastest growing large economy". "This is one reason why global perception about India has changed," he said. Given India's leadership role, vision, stability, confidence and foreign investment figures, the world wants to collaborate with "us in our journey", the external affairs minister said. "This is a very auspicious occasion for us to engage with the world in different ways in different spheres. This is the India of Chandrayaan and UPI, 5G stack and Covaxin which is respected by the world, and where the Modi government will ensure the safety of its people in any corner of the world. We have done this during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Ukraine, Sudan, and Israel," he noted. There is no doubt that India is rising, and now it is up to "us to see how we connect ourselves with the world and use opportunities and challenges thrown by it," Jaishankar said. "I want to assure you that the world's idea about India has changed a lot," the former IFS officer added. In the last 10 years, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) thinking about India has changed. The UAE has entered into a free trade agreement with India and trade volume between the two countries has now reached the USD 80 billion-mark, Jaishankar pointed out. The scenario changed after PM Modi's UAE visit in 2015, which was the first trip to the Gulf country by an Indian prime minister after <keyword id="19913949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indira-gandhi" source="keywords">Indira Gandhi</keyword> went there in 1981, he said. When the US thinks of technology, it establishes a connection with India, he said and cited a roundtable on the issue organised at the White House during PM Modi's visit to buttress his point. An agreement for an economic corridor between India and Europe through Saudi Arabia and the UAE reached during G-20 meet last year and collaboration with the western world on emerging technologies such as semiconductors and drones have put the country in a unique position, he said. These countries think "that India is a unique, non-replaceable partner and (hence they) want to work with India at any cost," Jaishankar added. "Many countries want to enter into an FTA with India. Many of our negotiations are underway, but we believe we will only enter into such FTAs when benefits for us are clear and we are not hurt by opening doors for dumping," the minister said. Indian doctors and engineers are in great demand across the world, and the country wants to protect the interest of its people going abroad and ensure they are given equal treatment, he said. "For this, we enter into a mobility agreement with different countries. In the last two years, we have entered into mobility agreements with Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Australia. For us opportunities exist even outside the country, and they can come in different forms," Jaishankar said.

India must focus on manufacturing to compete with China on economic front: Jaishankar

<ul><li>Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> announced that the country’s “data has been democratised” with India’s new data laws expected to be tabled during the upcoming session of Parliament.</li><li>These new laws will dictate how your data is collected, stored, used and shared.</li><li>Business Insider India’s new campaign called ‘<keyword id="10780452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="datacracy">Datacracy</keyword>’ dives into how technology has the power to improve democracy or undermine it, depending on how it is used and who controls it.</li></ul>“Data has been democratised. Several government services are now being delivered online.The poor and middle class have not only benefited from the convenience, but also seen relief from corruption,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during software industry association NASSCOM’s Technology and Leadership Forum (NTFL) 2021. <div type="image" title="BI-Take-and-Modi (1)" msid="81062990" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Business Insider India dives into India&amp;#39;s journey to becoming a data democracy&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> These comments from Modi have come at a time when India is getting set to debate a new bill for data protection — likely to be tabled on March 15. It is imperative that India’s new governance mechanisms as well as industrial advances, built on precious consumer data, should be guided by democratic values. And, that is why, Business Insider India’s campaign for awareness and advocacy around <keyword id="2617070" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Personal-Data-Protection-Bill">Personal Data Protection Bill</keyword>, 2019, is titled ‘Datacracy’. These new laws will set the foundation for India’s evolution, as a <keyword id="10780455" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="data-democracy">data democracy</keyword>, in the digital era. <div type="twitter" handle="BiIndia" handlename="Business Insider India🇮🇳" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1232926719016718336/sfffJHNV_normal.jpg" favoritecount="26" retweetcount="6" status="#Datacracy: 'Cuz it is as personal as it gets.Stay with us for the next few weeks for all you want to know about… https://t.co/bExdqWG9eH" createdat="1613385000000" id="1361261470395363336"></div> What is Datacracy? Just as people treasure the power of an electoral vote in a political democracy, every individual consumer’s personal data would be considered as precious in a ‘data democracy’, such as the one promised by the Indian Prime Minister. The rights of ⁠— and the responsibilities towards⁠ — the citizen or consumer, in lieu of the power to collect and use their data, whether it is for governance or business, will also be immense. The Indian government and India Inc. should ensure transparency and accountability in the way this data is collected, stored and managed, keeping in mind the sanctity of the consumer’s privacy. Just like one wouldn’t appreciate the local cop, or neighbourhood grocer, to track every bit of your daily routine —- like what you like to eat, who you go out with, and so on — it is every consumer’s right to demand the same level of privacy in the digital space as well. And, that is where the new data protection bill will play an important role. Since this bill is yet to be debated and approved by the Parliament, we have the opportunity to highlight the issues and get them fixed before it becomes a law. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[]]></cdata></div> India’s new laws will dictate how your data is collected, stored, used and shared. The government has proposed setting up a non-personal data authority (NPDA) in the Data Protection Bill. However, the bill is vague on the incentives and accountability of the NDPA. However, there is no transparent, predictable and targeted regulatory regime as per the review done by <a href="https://www.ikigailaw.com/summary-of-the-revised-report-of-the-committee-of-experts-of-non-personal-data/#acceptLicense">Ikigailaw</a>. <div type="image" title="Non-Personal" msid="81061352" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Role of the NPDA as per the Data Protection Bill 2019&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Technology has the power to improve democracy or undermine depending on how it is used and who controls it. Neither politicians nor big corporations ⁠— like witnessed in the Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018 ⁠— can be trusted entirely with data that can be used to manipulate the consumer’s choices. However, in India, the debate so far has been reduced to this Hobson’s choice for the consumer between private corporations and the government. Hobson’s choice is basically a “take it or leave it” situation, where there is pragmatically only one choice on offer. India made a bold choice when it created the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/the-india-stack-that-bill-gates-and-sundar-pichai-so-love-is-set-to-get-much-bigger-thanks-to-the-indian-governments-new-blockchain-strategy/articleshow/80718403.cms">India Stack</a>. The government gave private developers access to a lot of personal data of citizens to create applications on top of it. <div type="image" title="india stack1" msid="81061445" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Layers of India Stack&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> This led to a lot of improvement in both government services like the creation of the Digi-Locker, and digital payments revolution — including India-specific innovations like Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Moreover, it created a new crop of millionaires and billionaires from the startup world. A similar experiment is due with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/the-india-stack-that-bill-gates-and-sundar-pichai-so-love-is-set-to-get-much-bigger-thanks-to-the-indian-governments-new-blockchain-strategy/articleshow/80718403.cms">blockchain technology</a>. While these innovations are welcome, they would be incomplete — or even be a failure — if the access to people’s personal data is democratised without providing adequate safeguards, including the right to be forgotten, in the consumer’s interest. This is what Business Insider aims to achieve with its ‘Datacracy’ campaign. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/a-japanese-supercomputer-is-on-a-mission-to-find-out-how-our-universe-went-from-nothing-to-everything-in-less-than-a-microsecond/articleshow/81048254.cms">A Japanese supercomputer is on a mission to find out how our universe went from nothing to everything in less than a microsecond</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/its-round-its-two-sided-and-it-could-be-the-most-accurate-world-map-created-till-date/articleshow/81033263.cms">It’s round, it’s two-sided and it could be the most accurate world map created till date</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/from-ambani-adani-to-godrej-indias-treasure-trove-of-satellite-data-goes-beyond-helping-startups/articleshow/80989166.cms">From Ambani, Adani to Godrej — India's treasure trove of satellite data goes beyond helping startups</a>

Datacracy: Indian Prime Minister's 'data democracy' must avoid the flaws of the country’s political system

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Investors are pulling billions of dollars from China – and reinvesting the money in India instead.</li><li>The Asian countries' economies appear to be headed in different directions.</li></ul>China's loss is India's gain.That's the latest chatter on Wall Street, where top investment managers have seized on the idea that the two Asian countries' economies appear to be headed in different directions.<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-17/goldman-says-more-global-money-will-flock-to-india-post-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goldman Sachs</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/28/a-year-of-volatility-morgan-stanley-names-its-top-stocks-as-india-prepares-to-head-to-the-polls.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morgan Stanley</a> are among the top banks that've touted India in recent months, at a time when foreign investors are <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/china-economy-chinese-stock-market-foreign-investor-cash-flow-money-2023-12">pulling billions of dollars out of China</a> due to concerns about the country's fragile economy and leader Xi Jinping's hardline rule.Indian stocks have also trounced their Chinese rivals over the past year. <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/etfs/ishares-msci-india-etf-us46429b5984">MSCI's India index</a> has climbed 31%, according to data from Dow Jones, while its <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/etfs/ishares-msci-china-etf-us46429b6719">gauge of Chinese equities</a> has tumbled 26% over the same period.<h2>China struggles</h2>China's stock market struggles have been one of the defining stories of 2024. The country is battling deflation, so-so growth, and a seemingly never-ending property crisis – and that's driven away both foreign and local investors.Both the Hong Kong <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/hang_seng">Hang Seng index</a> and the mainland-focused <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/index/csi-300">CSI 300</a> gauge have tumbled close to multi-year lows, extending a rout that had already wiped out over <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/china-markets-mainland-hong-kong-stocks-losses-economy-woes-2024-1">$6 trillion in market valuation</a> since the start of 2021.Beijing has tried to stop the sell-off through a variety of measures – including <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-economy-markets-xi-jinping-fires-markets-regulator-control-reforms-2024-2">firing the boss of the country's top financial watchdog</a> on Thursday – but it'll struggle to lure stockpickers back into the market until its economy is looking more healthy, experts say."Beijing's priority right now appears to be lifting the stock market but there won't be a lasting turnaround until investors have more confidence in the direction of the economy," Capital Economics' Mark Williams told Business Insider."There are two problems – one is how weak the economy is right now, and the other is a loss of confidence in the outlook further ahead," he continued. "Some of the incoming data could start to look better in the next few months, but it is hard to be optimistic about China's long-run economic trajectory."Leader <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-economy-faltering-recession-xi-jinping-john-kerry-janet-yellen-2023-7">Xi Jinping's ever-tightening grip</a> on power hasn't helped matters.The Chinese president made an obvious power grab at the Communist Party conference in late 2022, unveiling a new leadership team stacked with political allies and publicly disrespecting his business-friendly predecessor.Last year, his government banned US semiconductor maker <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/micron-technology-stock-china-ban-trade-war-nvidia-biden-beijing-2023-5">Micron's chips</a>, sent state police to the Shanghai offices of American consulting giant <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/26/business/bain-shanghai-china-questioning-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bain &amp; Co.</a>, and pressed ahead with a crackdown on <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/beijings-regulatory-crackdown-wipes-11-trln-off-chinese-big-tech-2023-07-12/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local Big Tech firms</a> – all of which signal that China has become less open to doing business with the West.<h2>India surges</h2>Many of the foreign traders pulling out of China have pivoted to India, the fastest-growing economy in <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/india-seizes-crown-of-fastest-growing-g20-economy-dec23.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the G20 group of countries</a>. In January, the country's stock market briefly overtook Hong Kong's to become the <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/india-stock-market-capitalization-hong-kong-trading-china-economy-stimulus-2024-1">fourth-largest in the world</a>, although it's since given up that position.The main US ETF that buys Indian stocks pulled in record investor inflows over the final three months of 2023, according to data from Bloomberg, while assets in a similar Japanese mutual fund recently climbed to a four-year high.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has showcased his country's business-friendly credentials by pressing ahead with a trillion-dollar <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-01/india-boosts-infrastructure-spending-in-interim-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infrastructure spending project</a> and hosting execs from US semiconductor makers like <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/CDNS/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Micron and Cadence</a>.All of that makes for a pretty straightforward investment case for westerners, M&amp;G Investments portfolio manager Vikas Pershad told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-06/goldman-morgan-stanley-bet-on-india-stocks-as-wall-street-shifts-from-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg</a>."People are interested in India for several reasons — one is simply it's not China," he said. "There's a genuine long-term growth story here."

India is the surprise winner amid China's economic chaos and investor exodus

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China's and India's navies have both received new aircraft carriers in recent weeks.</li><li>The Chinese carrier Fujian and the Indian flattop Vikrant are both domestically designed and built.</li></ul>On June 17, China officially launched its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-navy-growth-and-search-for-overseas-bases-worries-us-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">newest and most advanced aircraft carrier</a>, Fujian.Fujian is China's third aircraft carrier and the first to be totally designed and built domestically. It symbolizes <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-pentagon-maps-show-chinas-increasing-military-power-and-reach-2020-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Chinese military's rapid expansion</a> and is seen as a potential rival to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-us-navy-aircraft-carriers-supercarriers-to-ford-class-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the US Navy's nuclear-powered supercarriers</a>.But China isn't the only Asian country getting a new carrier this year. In the final days of July, India's navy <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">took delivery</a> of its new carrier, Vikrant.Vikrant is also domestically designed and built, and its arrival is a major milestone for India, which is Asia's second largest military power and shares a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-border-dispute-tensions-how-china-and-india-militaries-compare-2020-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">long and contentious border</a> with China.In addition to their many improvements over their predecessors, both carriers are important firsts for their countries. It will be years before either is fully operational, but here's how the two flattops stack up.<h2>Fujian</h2><div type="image" title="China aircraft carrier Fujian" height="1338" width="2000" msid="93284323" hostid="261"></div>A Type 003-class carrier, Fujian is about 1,035 feet long and displaces about 80,000 tons fully loaded. This makes it slightly larger than its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chinas-aircraft-carriers-compare-to-us-navy-flattops-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">predecessors</a>, the Type 001 Liaoning and Type 002 Shandong, which were about 1,000 feet long and displaced 60,000 to 70,000 tons.Liaoning is a Soviet-designed Kuznetsov-class carrier that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chinese-navy-went-rogue-to-get-first-aircraft-carrier-2021-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China bought in 1998</a> and modified extensively before commissioning it into service in 2012. Shandong was based on Liaoning and entered service in 2019.All three of China's carriers use conventional engines <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chinas-aircraft-carriers-compare-to-us-navy-flattops-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rather than nuclear reactors</a>, limiting the power they can generate and the time they can spend at sea.Among Fujian's upgrades is a command island that is <a href="https://twitter.com/louischeung_hk/status/1537402220303376388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1537402220303376388%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fchina-launches-the-fujian-its-most-capable-aircraft-carrier-yet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slimmer and more refined</a> than those of its predecessors, freeing up space on the flight deck.The most striking change, however, is the replacement of the short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system, and the ski-jump ramp it requires, used on both Liaoning and Shandong.Fujian has a completely flat deck and three catapults, reflecting China's effort to adopt the catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) system used on US aircraft carriers.<div type="image" title="China aircraft carrier type 001a" height="844" width="1500" msid="93284324" hostid="261"></div>STOBAR allows jets to take off on shorter decks but limits how much fuel and weaponry they can carry when taking off. This is especially problematic for China, as the only fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft it has in service, the J-15, is already the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-chinas-j-15s-stack-up-against-us-fa-18s-2020-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heaviest carrier-based fighter in service</a>.A CATOBAR system can launch jets with bigger payloads and more fuel. It can also launch larger aircraft, like those suited for airborne early warning and control.Parts of Fujian's flight deck were covered during the launch ceremony, obscuring its catapults, but they are believed to use an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that can launch aircraft more efficiently and more frequently than steam-powered catapults.Until Fujian, the only carriers with EMALS were those of the US Navy's nuclear-powered <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-new-carrier-ford-ready-to-deploy-after-shock-trials-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ford-class</a>. Chinese sailors' unfamiliarity with the CATOBAR system and the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-admiral-navy-too-much-new-tech-aircraft-carrier-ford-2021-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">challenges the US Navy has had with EMALS</a> suggest it will be some time before Fujian <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-fujian-still-needs-long-testing-period-2022-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reaches its full potential</a>.The exact size and makeup of the Fujian's air wing is still not known, but it is expected to be larger than the roughly 36 aircraft carried by both Liaoning and Shandong and to include J-15 fighters and Z-18 helicopters.In the future, Fujian's air wing may comprise <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-j-35-carrier-capable-stealth-fighter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J-35 stealth fighters</a> (a naval version of the <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/the-fc-31-chinas-other-stealth-fighter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FC-31</a>), <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/38680/this-is-our-best-look-yet-at-chinas-z-20f-seahawk-clone-toting-air-to-ground-missiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Z-20F</a> helicopters, and, thanks to EMALS, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/09/13/chinas-new-carrier-plane-is-more-than-a-hawkeye-clone/?sh=4164fbd517a5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KJ-600 airborne early-warning</a> aircraft and even <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hisutton/2020/07/23/stealth-uavs-could-arm-chinas-type-076-assault-carrier/?sh=23b76c6e6f3d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">carrier-based drones</a>.<h2>Vikrant</h2><div type="image" title="India aircraft carrier Vikrant" height="1100" width="1466" msid="93284325" hostid="261"></div>Vikrant was officially launched in 2013 and is expected to be commissioned on August 15, but it won't be India's first or only carrier.India had former British carriers in service from 1961 to 1997 and from 1987 to 2016, and <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/ins-vikramaditya-aircraft-carrier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INS Vikramaditya</a>, a modified Kiev-class carrier purchased from Russia and commissioned in 2013, is the Indian navy's current flagship.At 860 feet long and with a full displacement of about 45,000 tons, Vikrant is the biggest warship India has ever constructed. It was designed and built by India's largest shipbuilder, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and 76% of its components were developed domestically, according to India's Defense Ministry.Vikrant is crewed by about 160 officers and 1,400 sailors and is powered by four gas turbines capable of generating 88 megawatts of power and of pushing it to a top speed of 28 knots. It can carry about 30 jets and helicopters, and like INS Vikramaditya, it uses a STOBAR system with a ski-jump ramp.<div type="image" title="India aircraft carrier Vikrant" height="742" width="990" msid="93284326" hostid="261"></div>Vikrant's initial air wing is expected to be made up of MiG-29Ks, the carrier version of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/combat-jets-russia-and-ukraine-are-using-in-ukraine-war-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Russian-made MiG-29</a>. The jet has served on INS Vikramaditya but its <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2021/12/28/the-indian-navys-mig-29s-keep-crashing-will-new-delhi-seek-a-replacement-fighter/?sh=510ac55c1b8c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poor track record</a> has led India to seek 26 new carrier-based fighters — the finalists are Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Dassault Aviation's Rafale-M.The F/A-18 has been the backbone of US Navy carrier aviation for decades, and Boeing has <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/07/f-a-18-super-hornet-completes-operational-demo-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demonstrated</a> its ability to operate on STOBAR decks in India. The Rafale-M has operated on the French aircraft carrier <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-frances-charles-de-gaulle-aircraft-carrier-is-no-joke-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles de Gaulle</a>, which uses catapults, and has been demonstrated <a href="https://www.spsnavalforces.com/features/?id=195&amp;h=Rafale-maritime-fighter-displays-ski-jump-capability" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on an Indian STOBAR system</a>. (India's air force already operates the Rafale.)India's <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/better-than-rafale-super-hornet-meet-indias-indigenous-tedbf-fighters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HAL twin-engine fighter</a> has also been proposed as an indigenous aircraft for Vikrant. The new carrier's air wing is likely to be rounded out by a mix of <a href="http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/kamov_ka31.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KA-31</a>, <a href="https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/MH-60R-Seahawk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MH-60R</a>, and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/dhruv.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HAL Dhruv</a> helicopters.INS Vikrant is expected to play a major part in boosting the Indian Navy's capabilities in the face of a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rising Chinese threat in the waters around India</a>.

Asia's 2 biggest militaries are both getting new aircraft carriers. Here's how China's and India's latest flattops stack up.

<ul><li>The Indian government has drafted a <keyword id="10714457" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-strategy-on-blockchain">National Strategy on Blockchain</keyword>.</li><li>This could be the next big step in the <keyword id="3264646" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-stack">India Stack</keyword> – an ambitious technology project Indian government embarked upon over 10 years ago.</li><li>If the implementation of UPI was revolutionary, the scale of changes that the addition of <keyword id="6355684" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Blockchain">blockchain</keyword> infrastructure can facilitate will be way, way bigger.</li></ul>Over 10 years ago, the Indian government opened up its database for private players to build products upon it. The combination of Aadhaar ⁠— the world’s largest identity database ⁠— along with the government’s payments infrastructure, riding on the proliferation of mobile phones, allowed millions of Indians to leapfrog into the digital payments era. <div type="image" title="india stack1" msid="80718503" hostid="261"></div> The sheer scale of the ambition and its success in bringing financial inclusion got the Indian government laurels from some of the biggest icons of modern technology, including <keyword id="45830" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bill-Gates">Bill Gates</keyword>, Satya Nadella and <keyword id="164502" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sundar-Pichai">Sundar Pichai</keyword>. And now, India is set to add blockchain infrastructure to that India Stack and the benefits could be way, way bigger than what the unified payments interface (UPI) achieved. According to the draft National Strategy on Blockchain, a government-led blockchain infrastructure can become the hub for private developers to build applications. If the India Stack allowed developers to build payments products, access to blockchain infrastructure can revolutionise products and services across healthcare, cyber security, governance, media, logistics &amp; hospitality, education, legal, energy, smart cities and so on. <div type="image" title="Blockchain" msid="80718512" hostid="261"></div> “Blockchain being a single source of truth can be used for authentication and verification of all the transactions and data, produced by various government departments,” said the draft. The government is currently accepting public opinions on the draft until February 16 through the MyGov platform. Now, what can this technology be used for? The latest draft from The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has laid out some of its targets. <ul><li>Setting up a national framework for blockchain.</li><li>Architecture options for blockchain including private participation.</li><li>Applications of national interest for blockchain which includes e-voting, land records, pharmaceutical supply, power distribution, identity management among others.</li><li>Build centres of excellence of blockchain technology.</li></ul>The success of the India Stack is fuelling excitement around the ‘India ledger’ By opening up its database securely for private developers, India had done what no other country had. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, which owns the internet giant Google, in an <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/if-upi-payments-work-in-india-it-will-work-everywhere-sundar-pichai-ceo-google/articleshow/56341566.cms">interview</a> in 2017 had said that UPI and India Stack conversations get him excited. Pichai, who had then said we will see products being built out of India for a global stage, has since then gone on to commit $10 billion into the country’s technology ecosystem. <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/digital-india-and-india-stack-have-made-the-country-stand-out-satya-nadella/articleshow/79783076.cms?from=mdr">Talking about India Stack</a>, Microsoft founder Bill Gates had said that India is at the “cusp of leapfrogging” whereas his successor Nadella said ,”'Digital India' framework has made India 'stand out' from the rest of the world”. One of the architects of India Stack Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys, had called it the “single most important innovation India needs”. Opening up a blockchain infrastructure for similar innovations may lead to bigger advancements in technology than UPI, which is hailed as India’s most successful digital project. “We can create our own massive blockchain ledger, say India Ledger, where all researchers and experts come together. The third is that we need to create our own journey with blockchain. Now, is the time to really work on these thoughts,” said Prasanna Lohar, head of digital innovations at DCB Bank and a blockchain expert who has been privy to the discussions around blockchain with the government. Along with the blockchain strategy, India is toying with the idea of banning private cryptocurrency and instead bringing out its own “digital rupee”. “Niti Aayog, India's think tank has been working on IndiaChain, India's own ambitious project to develop a nationwide blockchain network, which has revolutionized India’s position as one of the emerging technology players. A few months ago, a blockchain project named Vajra designed by the National Payments Corporation of India for various payment companies providing secured transactions on their online platforms or mobile applications, shows the government is taking proactive initiative to support blockchain,” said Neeraj Khandelwal, co-founder of cryptocurrency and bitcoin startup CoinDCX. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/india-becomes-the-first-asian-country-allow-small-investors-to-directly-lend-to-the-government/articleshow/80701417.cms">India becomes the first Asian country to allow small investors to directly lend to the government</a>

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