Latest news with #SBS-3
Mint
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
India's EV reality check, TCS layoffs heat up, and a $1.5 billion rejection
For the longest time, I drove a diesel SUV as my daily commuter. It wasn't ideal, but even when the fuel gauge dipped to the dreaded 'low fuel' warning, I never panicked. What's the worst that could happen? I could always call roadside assistance through my insurance, and they'd show up with fuel cans. Life with an electric car is very different. No one's going to rush in with a giant battery to bail you out, at least not yet. There is HopCharge, a startup that'll come to your location (in five cities) and charge your car. But when things go wrong with an electric vehicle (EV), they can go really wrong. In my 3,000-km experience, I've encountered vandalized chargers, roadside hawkers refusing to move from charging spots, cars wrongly parked at EV stations, so-called 'fast' chargers working at snail's pace, glitchy mobile apps, and non-existent customer support. If you're buying an EV, a home charger isn't just useful, it's essential. And if you're thinking of long road trips, even the most enthusiastic EV owner should think twice about relying solely on public chargers for a 400-km journey. This is the story of India's EV infrastructure, and the critical loopholes that need plugging before electric vehicles can truly go mainstream. On 27 July, Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest mass tech recruiter, announced that it would lay off about 2% of its global workforce. But as Mint's Jas Bardia and Varun Sood report, insiders have flagged several inconsistencies in how the process has played out. One big question: what exactly do these layoffs achieve? During a leadership meeting with CEO K Krithivasan, business heads were instructed to tell impacted employees that this isn't about profits, it's about 'restructuring' to enable future growth. But someone ran the numbers. If the average salary of those laid off (mostly mid- and senior-level staff) is ₹ 25 lakh per year, letting go of 12,000 employees would save about ₹ 3,000 crore. That's just 6.7% of the ₹ 45,000 crore TCS paid out in dividends in FY24. So, was there another way to manage this? Soon after Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Defence allocated a $4.5 billion emergency fund to the Army, Navy, and Air Force for procuring critical defence technologies that India currently lacks. One top contender: a compact, lightweight combat drone that can be launched from almost anywhere, functions without GPS, and operates even in network-jammed environments. The Indian Air Force is particularly keen on this drone, with the deal reportedly finalized in principle and awaiting official sign-off. That's not all. India is also in the market for uninterrupted, high-resolution satellite surveillance data. While India's own SBS-3 programme aims to address this gap, existing surveillance satellites still fall short in both resolution and refresh rates. To bridge the gap, the Centre is eyeing foreign partners for round-the-clock, ultra-high-resolution data that could dramatically improve India's real-time intelligence capabilities. Read the full scoop on what's coming next for India's defence tech. India's police satellite network, PolNet, first launched in 2002, is long overdue a revamp. And now, a mix of domestic giants and global players, including Adani and Tata group subsidiaries, Navratna PSU Bharat Electronics, and Cisco, are vying to modernize it. PolNet currently relies on ageing satellite tech. The government's new plan involves bringing in modern, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites—à la Starlink—for better last-mile connectivity. But despite several extensions and interest from top vendors, the upgrade is stuck in limbo. At stake are contracts worth hundreds of crores. Who will win the race to modernize PolNet? Mint's Jatin Grover investigates. A JPMorgan note suggests that Apple could launch its first foldable iPhone next year, priced at around $2,000. The announcement can't come soon enough: after a strong quarter that beat analyst expectations, Apple's stock rose 3.5%—only to dip again by 6% in the days that followed. With AI seen as its Achilles' heel, can a sleek, foldable device revive Apple's innovation image? And finally, meet Andrew Tulloch, the AI engineer who reportedly turned down a $1.5 billion (yes, billion) offer from Meta to rejoin the company. Tulloch, who spent nearly 12 years at Meta before joining OpenAI and later Mira Murati's new venture, Thinking Machines Lab, is now at the heart of Silicon Valley's most aggressive talent war. Zuckerberg, sources say, still hasn't given up. Transformer by Mint is your weekly lens into the biggest shifts in India's technology landscape. From boardroom battles and AI breakthroughs to defence tech and electric cars, we track the innovations shaping your future.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India's big space mission, will launch 52 satellites to watch every movement of enemy countries like..., every place and location...
(Representational image: New Delhi: After Operation Sindoor, India is preparing to launch not one or two but 52 satellites. All these satellites will work completely for the armed forces. This will help in monitoring every inch of the territory of enemy countries like China and Pakistan. Apart from this, the process of finalizing a special space doctrine for the army is also going on. It is worth noting that during Operation Sindoor, India had monitored various military bases of Pakistan with great success on the basis of satellite system. This helped the Indian Army in setting accurate targets. What is Space Surveillance Programme? This satellite launch by India is a part of the third phase of the Space Based Surveillance Program. This programme was approved in October last year by the Security Cabinet Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its total cost is Rs 26,968 crore. Under this, ISRO will launch 21 satellites. At the same time, the remaining 31 satellites will be launched by private companies. The first two satellites will be launched in April next year. At the same time, all 52 satellites will be deployed by the end of 2029. Role of Defense Ministry This is part of the Defense Space Agency project, which is being run by the Ministry of Defense. According to the Times of India, sources said that every effort is being made to keep the deadline for the launch of these satellites within the scope. At present, contracts have been signed with three private companies. All of them have been asked to complete their work very fast. How much area will be covered? According to the information, the goal of SBS-3 is to monitor as many areas of China and Pakistan as possible. Apart from this, the area of the Indian Ocean will also be monitored. Apart from this, work is also going on fast regarding Space Doctrine. Along with this, the Indian Air Force is engaged in the preparation of three High Altitude Platform System aircraft. These aircraft will be unmanned and will run on the basis of satellite.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India's big step after Operation Sindoor, will keep hawk's eye on every place, street, location of Pakistan and China with..., all movements...
(Representational image: AI generated) New Delhi: Just like we can see everything easily even in the dark by lighting a bright torch, Indian Army is going to get a 'sky torch' to do something similar. After Operation Sindoor, its need is also being felt for monitoring the enemy's territory. By the way, this time also we did surveillance from the sky but India's preparation is even bigger now. What is 'sky torch' mission? Keeping in mind the defense preparations of its armed forces, India is preparing to launch 52 dedicated satellites. This is part of the process of finalizing a comprehensive military space doctrine. The third phase of the Space Based Surveillance i.e. SBS programme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year. Rs 26,968 crore will be spent on this. Under this, ISRO is to launch 21 satellites and 31 satellites with the help of three private companies. The first satellite is to be launched by April next year. All the remaining 51 satellites will be deployed by 2029. How will China and Pakistan be on continuous target? This project is being run by the Defense Space Agency under the Integrated Defense Staff (IDS) of the Ministry of Defense. According to a TOI report, a source said that work is also going on to reduce the time frame to launch these satellites quickly in low-earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit. The three private companies that have been assigned the work have been asked to speed up the construction of satellites. The purpose of SBS-3 is to keep a constant watch on very large areas of the Indian Ocean region along with China and Pakistan. Right now it takes some time hence, it is very important to reduce the gap between two consecutive monitoring trips of the same place. Also, the picture will be of better resolution. If everything goes well, with the help of Indian satellites, we will be able to easily see even the enemy's streets and neighbourhoods. What is the role of Indian Air Force? According to a TOI report, India's space doctrine is being improved. Along with this, the Indian Air Force is also working rapidly on three high altitude platform system (HAPS) aircraft. This will be an unmanned aircraft or say a 'pseudo satellite'. It will be deployed at a height of 10 to 50 km from the ground (stratosphere) for a long time on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. China's military space programme has grown from just 36 satellites in 2010 to over 1,000 by 2024. Of these, 360 are dedicated to surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
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First Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Eyes in the skies: Why India is looking to accelerate launch of military satellites
India is gearing up to launch 52 military satellites by 2029 to provide sharper surveillance. This move comes after India's Operation Sindoor highlighted the important role satellites play in modern warfare and is seen as a response to China's growing space capabilities read more India is taking a huge leap into the future — the future of modern warfare. In an attempt to ensure the country's security from external threats, the government is fast-tracking the launch of 52 defence surveillance satellites, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan, and in the Indian Ocean Region. The fast-track— the first such launch will take place in April 2026 and all 52 will be deployed before 2029-end — comes after Operation Sindoor, which saw India use domestic satellites like Cartosat as well as foreign ones to track Pakistan's military movements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why is this significant? What does it mean for India? What is India's plan for its defence satellites? The Times of India has reported that the country is looking to launch a total of 52 defence surveillance satellites by the end of 2029. Of the 52, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will launch 21 satellites, while three private firms will develop and deploy the remaining 31. This will come at a cost of Rs 26,986 crore and is part of India's Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) programme , which was cleared by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security in October last year. A source was quoted as telling Times of India, 'Work is underway to compress these timelines to launch the satellites faster into the low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit. The three private companies that have got the contracts have been told to speed up building of the satellites.' The source was further quoted as saying, 'The aim of SBS-3 is to cover much larger areas of China and Pakistan, as well as the Indian Ocean Region, with shorter revisit times (interval between two consecutive surveillance sweeps of the same location) and much better resolution.' The faster India gets the 52-satellite constellation up in space the better,' another source was also quoted telling Times of India. What is India's Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) programme? The launch of 52 defence satellites is part of the third phase of India's Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) programme. In the first phase, launched in 2001, India deployed four satellites belonging to the Cartosat and Risat series to monitor the country's enemies' movements at the border as well as important military facilities, including supply depots, airbases, and cantonments. In 2013, India launched SBS-2 — a launch of six surveillance satellites, including Cartosat-2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, Microsat 1, and Risat 2A. And then last October, the country initiated SBS-3 to build new-generation satellites. According to IDRW, the notable aspect of this phase is the international cooperation, namely with France following the signing of a letter of intent last January on 'defence space cooperation'. This partnership aims at co-developing some of the surveillance satellites, enhancing technological capabilities and sharing expertise. Why does all this matter though? Fast-tracking the launch of the satellites, which come under SBS-3, will be significant for India's security. It will substantially boost the country's real-time monitoring. This is because military satellites carry advanced cameras and sensors that are capable of taking detailed images from hundreds of kilometres away. They can see through clouds, and zoom in on tiny details, making them the perfect eye in the sky. As space expert Girish Langrana told The Week, 'Military satellites can spot suspicious activity quickly. This early warning gives the military time to plan and respond.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is of crucial importance to New Delhi at a time when it faces tensions with China and Pakistan. A Pakistani Army soldier examines a building damaged by missile attack carried out by Indian armed forces in PoK's Muzaffarabad during Operation Sindoor. File image/AP In fact, Operation Sindoor highlighted the importance of defence satellites. The constellation of Isro satellites delivered continuous surveillance across terrain, borders, and hostile airspace, giving India an edge in the hostilities. Earlier, India had access to imagery of a target once in four days. However, the satellites being launched SBS-3 will address this issue by providing better imagery faster. As The Diplomat notes, up-to-date battlefield intelligence and the ability to provide secure inter-service communication will enhance the freedom of operational commanders to execute their missions effectively. Moreover, it is reported that the new satellites will also feature AI, permitting them to interact with each other, which, in turn, will make them more effective. Expanding India's space-based defence capabilities is also crucial as China and Pakistan are ramping up their military programmes. From just 36 satellites in 2010, China today has 1,000 in 2024, including 360 satellites dedicated to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These satellites tracking aircraft, monitoring naval activity, gathering intelligence, and even experimenting with potential anti-satellite weapons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan, too, is ramping up its space-based capabilities, albeit with the help of Beijing. Its PRSS-1 (Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite), launched in 2018, is able to tracking land, water, and infrastructure changes. With inputs from agencies
Daily Tribune
17-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
India will soon have its own satellites to monitor spy satellites. How the technology works
TDT | agencies Spy satellites to monitor other spy satellites. India will soon have its own constellation of satellites to keep an eye out for other satellites that might be surveilling India. The project being undertaken by the Defence Ministry, which is in the process of being finalised, will have 'satellite mapping' capabilities and will be fully made in India, senior officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told ThePrint. 'India will be focusing on improving its presence in space in the coming years. This initiative will be a part of that larger aim,' a senior ISRO official said. This network of satellites will enhance India's space domain awareness and will also help monitor orbital threats in real-time. The project is being overseen under NETRA, a Network for Tracking Space Objects and Analysis, which detects space debris and other hazardous space objects. The official said that while ISRO will partner with the MoD in overseeing the overall design and monitoring of these satellites, a private Bengaluru-based space start-up, Digantara, has been contracted to deploy these satellites within the next year. How does satellite mapping work? The capabilities of monitoring foreign satellites is being acquired by countries including the US, Russia and China. These satellites have propulsion and guidance systems that utilise factors such as orbital inclinations and altitudes to get information and photographs from a potential target satellite. Some of these satellites are also capable of intercepting inter-satellite communications and links to ground stations. Varying versions of such technology are either already deployed or are currently being tested. In 2020, the US Space Command—an agency responsible for tracking all objects in orbit—flagged that the Russian satellite Kosmos 2543 had released an unknown object into space. This was believed to be a test of a new technology that could be used to destroy objects already in orbit. The Russian satellite released this tech in close proximity to another Russian satellite. 'Space is increasingly becoming a weapon for countries. Battles will no longer be limited to just the ground, but will also be fought in space. And countries need to be ready for it,' the ISRO official said. Focus on active orbital security India is already working on increasing its defence capabilities in next 'spy satellite programme', spacebased surveillance-3 or SBS-3, will launch a constellation of 52 surveillance satellites in the coming two years. Three private space startups, Ananth Technologies, Centum Electronics and Alpha Design Technologies, have joined hands with the government to give shape to this project. The Rs 27,000 crore project is set to significantly improve India's national security capabilities.
