SANGAM: DIGITAL TWIN INITIATIVE 

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative. 
• This initiative is a Proof of Concept focused on revolutionizing the infrastructure. planning & design of
  • It aims at combining the prowess of Digital Twin and Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, 5G, 6G, and next-gen computational technologies. 
  • It brings all stakeholders on one platform to demonstrate practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions. 
  • It is to be conducted in one of the major cities of India in two stages i.e. Exploration stage and Demonstration stage. 
• Digital Twin is a virtual model designed to accurately reflect a real-world physical object.
  • It spans the object’s lifecycle and uses real-time data sent from sensors to simulate the behavior and monitor operations, thus helping decision making. 
  • Digital twins differ from simulations in its large scale and two-way flow of information. 
  • Digital twins are already being used in power generation equipment, large physical structures, manufacturing operations, healthcare services and automotive industry.

Digital Twins in various applications:

• Remote monitoring: Digital twins make it viable to use in hazardous operations, allowing for safer management of dangerous environments.
• Better predictions: They help in making policy decisions by providing more accurate forecasts and simulations.
• Operational efficiency: Digital twins improve operational efficiency while maintaining output quality, likely through real-time monitoring and adjustments.
• Urban planning: They aid in urban planning by creating different simulations and forecasting scenarios, helping planners make more informed decisions.

Recently, a private company has created digital twin of Hyderabad’s 16th century Qutub Shahi tombs using drone scanners.

• The site includes seven tombs dedicated to the former kings of Golconda.
• They resemble Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles that makes use of grey granite, with stucco ornamentation.
• It is a one-of-its-kind place in the world where the whole dynasty is buried at a single spot.