Science and Technology

 

Science and Technology, Important Development for Competitive Exams. 

Indian Scientists Develop ‘Smart’ Cancer Drug RK-251 to Target Tumour Cells

Indian scientists have developed a new “smart” cancer drug, RK-251, designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.

  • Developed by: Scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and IIT-Guwahati.
  • Drug name: RK-251.
  • How it works: It is activated by high levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) commonly found inside cancer cells.
  • Active compound released: NBDHEX, which targets proteins that help cancer cells survive and resist treatment.
  • Key advantage: Designed to remain relatively inactive in healthy tissues, potentially reducing damage caused by conventional chemotherapy.
  • Preclinical results: Showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells.
  • Safety testing: Zebrafish embryo studies showed no obvious signs of toxicity.
  • Research significance: Fluorescence produced by the drug confirmed its activation in an ROS-rich environment.
  • Current status: Preclinical stage; further studies are needed before human clinical trials.
  • Published in: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, an American Chemical Society (ACS) publication.

India’s First 14D Virtual Zoo Inaugurated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

India’s first 14D Virtual Zoo has been inaugurated at Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 16 August 2026. The facility was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and developed at a cost of about ₹4.5 crore under the PPP model.

Key Facts

  • Location: Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, Indore
  • Major attractions: 14D Cinema, 360° Virtual Jungle Safari, holograms, glow garden and roar maze
  • Ticket: ₹70 per person
  • Shows: 16 shows daily, each lasting 20 minutes
  • Timing: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM

The 14D cinema uses sensory effects such as moving seats, water sprays, wind, fog, bubbles and vibrations, while the 360° virtual safari creates an immersive jungle experience through digital technology.

The project aims to combine wildlife education, entertainment and conservation awareness, while also boosting tourism and generating revenue for the Indore Municipal Corporation.

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme

NASA has invited ISRO to participate in its Moon Base programme, discussed during the India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting held in Bengaluru on 5–6 August 2026. The initiative aims to establish a permanent human outpost near the Moon’s South Pole.

  • Phase 1 (2026–2029): Robotic exploration and technology testing.
  • Phase 2 (2029–2032): Development of infrastructure for sustained lunar presence.
  • Phase 3 (Post-2032): Establishment of a permanent lunar base.
  • India’s role: Strengthen lunar exploration, technology cooperation and scientific data sharing with the U.S.
  • Artemis Accords: India joined in June 2023 as the 27th signatory.
  • NISAR: The partnership builds on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission launched in 2025.
  • Strategic significance: The collaboration strengthens India-U.S. space cooperation and supports future Moon and Mars exploration, including resource utilization such as extracting water and producing fuel.

One-liner extra facts: The Artemis Accords were established in October 2020 by NASA and the U.S. Department of State as a non-binding framework for peaceful civil space exploration, building on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) on 7 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

  • Conducted by: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), with DRDO support
  • Type: Two-stage, surface-to-surface ballistic missile
  • Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket motors
  • Range: Up to 4,000 km
  • Test result: All operational and technical parameters were successfully validated
  • Significance: Strengthens India’s strategic deterrence and indigenous missile capability
  • Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh congratulated SFC and DRDO, calling it a “textbook mission.”

Key Takeaway: The successful Agni-4 test demonstrates India’s continued advancement in strategic missile technology and national defence capabilities.

Gaganyaan Mission: First Uncrewed Flight Targeted for Q4 2026

India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme has made significant progress, with the first uncrewed experimental mission targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first crewed mission planned for 2027, the government informed Parliament.

  • First uncrewed experimental mission: Q4 2026, including Vyommitra, a half-humanoid robot.
  • First crewed Gaganyaan mission: Targeted for 2027.
  • Two additional uncrewed missions are planned before the maiden crewed flight.
  • The Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) propulsion stages and structures have completed development and ground testing.
  • The Crew Escape System has undergone major successful tests, while Test Vehicle Mission TV-D1 successfully validated crew-escape technology.
  • Selected Gaganyatris have completed generic spaceflight training in Russia and are undergoing mission-specific training in Bengaluru.
  • The Union Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore for eight Gaganyaan missions in September 2024.
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is targeted to become operational by 2035 and will comprise five modules.
  • India is collaborating with ESA, Australia, France and Russia for various aspects of the programme.

Key Facts:
🚀 Gaganyaan first uncrewed mission → Q4 2026
👨‍🚀 First crewed mission → 2027
🛰️ Bharatiya Antariksh Station → 2035
💰 Gaganyaan allocation → ₹20,193 crore

India Develops First Indigenous 350 kg Thrust Class Expendable Turbo Jet Engine

India has successfully developed its first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class, marking a major milestone in the country’s defence technology.

The engine was designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). It was successfully manufactured and delivered to GTRE by Azad Engineering.

The Ministry of Defence described the achievement as a result of years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and collaboration between DRDO and the Indian defence industry. Since jet engine technology is among the world’s most complex engineering fields, this development significantly strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated GTRE and Azad Engineering, calling the project a historic milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology.

India Successfully Launches First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1

India achieved a historic milestone on 18 July 2026 with the successful launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. Developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, the launch mission, named “Aagaman”, marks India’s entry into the private orbital launch era.

The 20-metre-tall, four-stage rocket is capable of placing 350–450 kg payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It carried several technology demonstration payloads and artistic payloads, including a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the words “Vande Mataram”.

Vikram-1 is India’s first orbital-class rocket developed by a private company, ending ISRO’s exclusive role in orbital launches. The mission showcases advanced technologies such as 3D-printed engines and lightweight carbon composite structures, strengthening India’s position in the global commercial space industry and opening new opportunities for small satellite launches.

Key Points

  • Mission: Aagaman
  • Rocket: Vikram-1
  • Developer: Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad)
  • Launch Date: 18 July 2026
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
  • Achievement: India’s first privately developed orbital rocket
  • Payload Capacity: 350–450 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of India’s private orbital launch capability and boosts the country’s commercial space ambitions.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Flagged Off Between Jind and Sonipat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat from Jind railway station, Haryana, on 17 July 2026.

Key Highlights

  • First hydrogen-powered train in India, designed, engineered, and integrated using indigenous technology.
  • Route: Jind – Sonipat (Haryana).
  • Maximum design speed: 110 km/h; operational speed on this route: 75 km/h.
  • Features a 10-coach configuration, making it one of the world’s longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains.
  • Powered by a 3,200 HP hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, among the most powerful hydrogen trainsets in operation.
  • Uses hydrogen fuel cell technology, producing only water vapour as a by-product, resulting in zero carbon emissions during operation.
  • Does not require continuous overhead electric lines, as electricity is generated onboard from hydrogen.
  • Equipped with advanced safety systems to detect hydrogen leaks, heat, flames, and smoke.
  • With this launch, India joins Germany, Japan, China, and the United States among countries operating hydrogen-powered trains.

India Wins Five Gold Medals at 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026

Five Indian students won gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from 4–12 July 2026. The gold medal winners are Kanishk Jain (Pune), Riddhesh Anant Bendale (Indore), Rishit Garg (New Delhi), Shresth Suraiya (Mumbai), and Svarit Joshi (Ahmedabad).

With this achievement, India secured the joint first position along with Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Taiwan, among 381 participants from 87 countries. The success highlights the excellence of India’s Olympiad programme, conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

IIT Delhi Demonstrates Indigenous AI-Enabled Aerostat Surveillance System

On 2 July 2026, IIT Delhi successfully demonstrated an indigenous AI-enabled tethered aerostat surveillance system developed under a DRDO-supported project in collaboration with deep-tech startups. The helium-filled 24 m³ aerostat was deployed at a height of 30 metres and carried a payload of up to 10 kg for surveillance, security, and communication purposes.

Equipped with AI-powered real-time object detection and analytics, the system offers longer endurance, higher payload capacity, and lower operating costs than drones. The technology has applications in border surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, environmental observation, traffic management, and emergency response.

Developed under the DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, the project supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous aerospace and surveillance technologies.

China’s Chang’e-7 Mission Achieves Breakthrough in Lunar Water Exploration

On 8 June 2026, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced a major milestone in lunar exploration through its Chang’e-7 mission. The mission successfully demonstrated the extraction and analysis of water molecules from the Moon’s south pole region, marking a significant step toward the utilization of lunar resources.

The Chang’e-7 mission aims to directly detect and map water ice deposits in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon’s south pole, including the Shackleton Crater. The mission includes an orbiter, lander, rover, relay satellite, and a flying mini-probe (hopper) designed to explore deep craters that never receive sunlight.

The discovery is important because lunar water could support future human missions by providing drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel. It is also expected to play a key role in China’s plan to establish an International Lunar Research Station in the 2030s.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train to Run on Jind–Sonipat Section

The Indian Railways has approved the rollout of the country’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana. This eco-friendly train, developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), represents India’s entry into the global league of nations experimenting with hydrogen rail technology, alongside Germany, Japan, China, and the United States.

⚙️ Key Features

  • Trainset: 10-car passenger train
  • Propulsion: 1,200 KW hydrogen fuel cell system
  • Speed: Maximum 75 kmph during pilot phase
  • Emission: Zero carbon; only water vapor and heat released
  • Refuelling Hub: Indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility set up at Jind station
  • Safety: Equipped with hydrogen leak detectors, flame sensors, and 24×7 monitoring systems

India Successfully Tests Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV Technology

India successfully tested an Advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology on 8 May 2026 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile carried multiple payloads aimed at different targets across the Indian Ocean Region. Tracking systems on ground stations and ships monitored the entire flight, and all mission objectives were successfully achieved.

The test demonstrated India’s capability to strike multiple strategic targets using a single missile. Developed by DRDO with support from Indian industries, the missile strengthens India’s defence preparedness and strategic deterrence capability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the defence industry for the successful trial.

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology allows one missile to carry several warheads that can hit different targets independently. Agni-5, with a range of 5,000+ km, is now MIRV-capable.

Mission Drishti: GalaxEye Launches World’s First OptoSAR Satellite

Indian space start-up GalaxEye has successfully launched Mission Drishti on 3 May 2026, placing the world’s first OptoSAR satellite into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This 190 kg satellite is India’s largest privately built Earth observation spacecraft, combining optical and radar sensors to deliver all-weather, day-and-night imagery.

🚀 Mission Drishti: Key Facts

  • Launched on: 3 May 2026, 12:30 PM IST
  • Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
  • Developer: Bengaluru-based start-up GalaxEye Space Solutions, founded by IIT Madras alumni in 2021
  • Satellite Mass: ~190 kg (India’s largest privately built EO satellite)
  • Orbit: Sun-synchronous LEO at ~500 km altitude
  • Technology: Proprietary OptoSAR (Optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar) fusion
  • Resolution: 1.2–3.6 metres (combined SAR + optical)
  • Processing: Onboard AI with NVIDIA Jetson Orin chip for real-time analysis
  • Special Feature: Deployable 3.5 m radar antenna + electric propulsion system

🌐 What is OptoSAR Technology?

  • Optical Imaging: Provides clear, photo-like images but fails in cloudy or dark conditions.
  • SAR Imaging: Works day/night and through clouds, but produces coarse, harder-to-interpret data.
  • OptoSAR Fusion: Drishti combines both sensors on a single platform, capturing data simultaneously and fusing it in real time.
  • Advantage: Delivers three times more information than traditional satellites, ensuring sharper, analysis-ready datasets.

Artemis II Mission 2026: NASA’s Historic Crewed Lunar Flyby

Artemis II is a historic NASA mission (April 1–10, 2026) in which four astronauts successfully traveled around the Moon and are now returning to Earth.

  • It is the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17.
  • The spacecraft reached a record distance of 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13.
  • Astronauts performed a lunar flyby, observed the Moon’s far side, and tested critical systems.
  • The mission validates the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) for future deep-space missions.
  • Splashdown is planned for April 10, 2026 in the Pacific Ocean.

👉 Overall, Artemis II is a major step toward future Moon landings (Artemis III) and eventual human missions to Mars.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam Achieves Criticality

India has achieved a major milestone in its nuclear energy programme as the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained criticality, meaning it has started a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

  • The 500 MW reactor is operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  • It is a crucial part of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, advancing the second stage and paving the way for thorium utilization in the third stage.
  • The PFBR can produce more fuel than it consumes, showcasing advanced nuclear technology.
  • It is called a breeder reactor because it produces more fissile fuel (Plutonium-239) than it consumes by converting Uranium-238.
  • Once fully operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercial fast breeder reactor.
  • The project is fully indigenous, involving over 200 Indian industries, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

BHASHINI Platform Integrates Advanced AI Models to Boost India’s Multilingual AI Capabilities

BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India) has enabled the availability of advanced AI models, including the open-sourced Sarvam models, on its platform to strengthen India’s capacity to build population-scale artificial intelligence systems.

Operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, BHASHINI’s National Hub for Language Technologies runs on India’s first vendor- and cloud-agnostic AI Sovereign Cloud, ensuring data sovereignty, scalability, and system resilience.

The platform manages over 350 optimized AI models, supports more than 500 government websites, and processes over 15 million AI inferences daily. It offers more than 20 Natural Language Processing (NLP) services—such as automatic language detection, speaker diarization, and keyword spotting—across 36 text languages and 23 voice languages, including several tribal dialects and international languages.

BHASHINI aims to enable multilingual digital services and AI-driven communication, helping bridge language barriers and improve access to government services across India.

DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from P-8I Aircraft

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft off the coast of Goa between 21 February and 1 March 2026.

The ADC-150 is designed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kg, enabling rapid supply of critical stores, equipment, and medical aid to naval ships deployed far from the coast. The successful trials demonstrated the system’s capability under various extreme release conditions.

With the completion of all developmental flight trials, the ADC-150 system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, strengthening its operational logistics and emergency response capability in the open seas.

DRDO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

India’s human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, achieved a significant milestone with the successful qualification-level load test of its drogue parachute system. The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on 18 February 2026.

Key Highlights

  • The drogue parachute is a critical component of the crew module’s deceleration system, designed to stabilize and slow down the spacecraft before the deployment of the main parachutes.
  • The qualification-level load test validated the parachute’s strength, reliability, and performance under extreme aerodynamic conditions.
  • The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the RTRS facility is a specialized dynamic test center extensively used for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
  • The successful trial demonstrates India’s growing expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes, a technology crucial for astronaut safety during re-entry and landing.
  • The test was jointly overseen by teams from DRDO and ISRO, marking another step forward in ensuring the safety and success of India’s first human spaceflight mission.

AI Impact Summit 2026: Key Highlights, Objectives and Global Significance

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark global event being hosted in New Delhi, India, from February 16–20, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam. It marks a strategic shift from “action” to “impact,” focusing on how artificial intelligence can drive inclusive development, sustainability, and equitable progress worldwide.

🔑 Core Objectives

  • Inclusive Human Development – Ensuring AI benefits reach diverse communities across the globe.
  • Environmental Sustainability – Leveraging AI for climate solutions and ecological protection.
  • Equitable Progress – Bridging the global AI divide through multilateral cooperation.
  • Policy & Governance – Establishing frameworks for responsible AI deployment.

🌍 Global Participation

  • Attended by Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, and international organizations.
  • Key figures include Sundar Pichai (Google) and Bill Gates, alongside other global tech leaders.
  • Delegations from 13 countries (including UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Russia, Italy).

📅 Structure of the Summit

  • Day 1 (Feb 16): Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Feb 17–20: Open sessions, panels, and the AI Impact Expo showcasing innovations.
  • Over 700 sessions covering AI in healthcare, education, governance, ethics, and industry.

India Climbs Four Places to 45th in Network Readiness Index 2025

India has made notable progress in the Network Readiness Index 2025 (NRI 2025), climbing four places to rank 45th among 127 economies, according to a report released on February 4 by the Portulans Institute, a Washington DC–based non-profit research organization.

The index evaluates countries across **four pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—**using 53 indicators to measure how effectively economies leverage information and communication technologies (ICT). Along with the ranking improvement, India’s overall score increased from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025, reflecting steady digital progress.

India achieved top global rankings in several key areas, including annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation. The country also ranked second in FTTH/building internet subscriptions, domestic mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth, and third in domestic market scale and income inequality.

Overall, the NRI 2025 highlights India’s growing strength in leveraging digital technologies to support economic growth, innovation, and social development.

DRDO Successfully Demonstrates SFDR Missile Propulsion Technology at Chandipur

On 3 February 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The test marks a major milestone in India’s missile development programme and places India among a select group of countries with this advanced propulsion capability.

SFDR technology is crucial for next-generation long-range air-to-air missiles, as it significantly enhances range, speed, and manoeuvrability, giving the Indian armed forces a strong tactical edge. During the flight test, all key subsystems—including the nozzle-less booster, ramjet motor, and fuel flow controller—performed as expected. After initial boost to the required Mach number, the ramjet system operated smoothly.

The system’s performance was validated using flight data from multiple tracking instruments deployed along the Bay of Bengal coast. Senior scientists from DRDL, HEMRL, RCI and ITR monitored the test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat congratulated the DRDO teams and industry partners on the successful demonstration.

ASC ARJUN: First Humanoid Robot Deployed by Indian Railways at Visakhapatnam

Indian Railways has deployed its first humanoid robot, ASC ARJUN, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station to strengthen passenger safety, security, and service delivery. The robot will function alongside Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, especially during periods of heavy passenger movement, reflecting Indian Railways’ commitment to adopting emerging technologies for improved operational efficiency and public convenience.

The robot was unveiled by Inspector General (RPF) Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra, in the presence of senior RPF officials. Developed entirely in Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology, ASC ARJUN is the outcome of over a year of work by a dedicated technical team, highlighting Indian Railways’ growing capability to integrate advanced systems into routine operations.

ASC ARJUN is equipped with a Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection, AI-based crowd monitoring, and real-time alert generation for RPF control rooms. It can make automated public announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu, enhancing passenger assistance and safety awareness.

With semi-autonomous navigation and obstacle-avoidance, the robot can patrol platforms round the clock, supporting surveillance and optimizing manpower deployment. Additional features include fire and smoke detection systems for emergency response, as well as interactive functions such as greeting passengers with a Namaste, saluting RPF personnel, and providing information through a user interface.

The Ministry of Railways stated that ASC ARJUN’s deployment is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology-driven and indigenously developed innovations to create a safer, more secure, and passenger-friendly railway environment.

PSLV-C62 Mission Launched: Reports Anomaly During Third Stage

The PSLV-C62 mission, the 64th flight of India’s PSLV launch vehicle, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 12 January 2026, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) along with 14 commercial payloads. The mission was executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and marked the ninth dedicated commercial launch, with strategic support from DRDO, which developed the EOS-N1 for high-precision imaging. The rocket also carried satellites from both domestic and international customers, including seven from Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, making it a milestone for India’s private space sector.

However, the mission experienced an anomaly near the end of the third (PS3) stage, where the vehicle reported higher roll disturbances and a flight path deviation. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that the PSLV’s performance up to the PS3 stage was nominal and that data is currently being analysed to assess the impact of the anomaly.

ISRO Successfully Launches AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Using LVM3

India successfully carried out another significant space mission as ISRO, through its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, launched the United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on 24 December 2025 at 8:55 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The satellite was placed into Low Earth Orbit by ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, marking its sixth operational flight and reinforcing ISRO’s reliable launch capabilities. The mission was particularly notable as BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit and also the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

Owned by AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird Block-2 is part of a global LEO constellation designed to enable direct-to-mobile connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G calls, messaging, video, and data services worldwide.

DRDO Successfully Conducts High-Speed Rocket-Sledge Test of Fighter Escape System

The DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sledge test of a fighter aircraft escape system on 2 December 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability.
The test, conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, involved collaboration with ADA, HAL, and was witnessed by officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

The dynamic test used a dual-sledge system to propel the LCA aircraft forebody at controlled high velocity, simulating real ejection conditions. An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy was used to measure loads and accelerations experienced by pilots during ejection.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated all agencies, calling it a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology.

DoT Issues New SIM-Binding Rules to Prevent Misuse of Messaging Apps

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new security guidelines for major app-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Signal, ShareChat, Josh, Arattai, and JioChat.

These directions aim to stop the misuse of telecom identifiers and strengthen security in India’s digital communication ecosystem.

Under the new rules:

  • Apps must remain continuously linked to the active SIM card in the user’s device.
    ➤ This will prevent users from operating these apps after the SIM is removed, deactivated, or used abroad.
  • Web versions of these services must automatically log out periodically, requiring QR code verification for re-login.
  • Platforms using Indian mobile numbers for user identification must comply with the rules within 90 days and submit a compliance report within 120 days.

The Ministry stated that these measures are necessary to prevent cybercrimes such as anonymous scams, digital arrest frauds, and fake government calls, which are often conducted from overseas using Indian numbers.

With cyber-fraud losses exceeding ₹22,800 crore last year, the government said these mandatory SIM-binding rules will ensure traceability, enhance security, and protect public trust under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules.

DAE Launches India’s First Nitric-Oxide Wound Dressing and New Rare-Earth Reference Material

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) announced two major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in healthcare and rare-earth research.

India’s first nitric-oxide-releasing wound dressing, “ColoNoX,” was launched for treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

  • Developed by BARC in collaboration with Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd.
  • Successfully completed Phase II and III clinical trials.
  • Received DCGI approval for commercial production.
  • DAE Secretary Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said the innovation will offer affordable and effective treatment for diabetic patients.

DAE also released a new Certified Reference Material (CRM) named Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B140, developed for rare earth element (REE) exploration and processing.

  • Created jointly by BARC’s NCCCM and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad.
  • Provides certified values for 13 rare-earth elements and 6 major elements.
  • It is India’s first CRM of this type and only the fourth in the world.

ISRO Launches India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03)

On 2 November 2025, ISRO successfully launched the GSAT-7R (CMS-03), India’s heaviest communication satellite (4,410 kg), using the LVM3-M5 (Baahubali) rocket from Sriharikota.

The indigenously built satellite will boost the Indian Navy’s communication and maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region. It is designed to operate for 15 years.

ISRO Chief V. Narayanan called it a “shiny example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” praising teams for executing ISRO’s heaviest-ever payload launch. The LVM3 achieved its 8th consecutive success and will be used for the upcoming Gaganyatri-2 mission.

Aadhaar Vision 2032 Framework Launched by UIDAI

On 31 October 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework — a strategic roadmap to make Aadhaar future-ready through advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Encryption.

The initiative aims to reinforce Aadhaar’s security, scalability, inclusiveness, and compliance with data protection and privacy standards, ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of India’s digital governance and economy.

A High-Level Expert Committee, chaired by Neelkanth Mishra (Chairperson, UIDAI), has been formed to draft the vision document. Members include experts from academia, industry, and administration such as Vivek Raghavan (Sarvam AI), Dheeraj Pandey (Nutanix), Sasikumar Ganesan (MOSIP), Rahul Matthan (Trilegal), Navin Budhiraja (Vianai Systems), Anil Jain (Michigan State University), and others.

The Aadhaar Vision 2032 document will outline a next-generation architecture aligned with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and global cybersecurity standards, focusing on AI-driven authentication, Blockchain-based trust, Quantum security preparedness, and advanced data encryption.

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