India's scientific and technological prowess continues to grow, with several key announcements and events shaping its trajectory towards innovation and self-reliance. The last 24 hours have highlighted significant progress across various critical sectors, from outer space to advanced defense systems and cutting-edge emerging technologies.
Space Exploration and Satellite Expansion
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a monumental step forward in its human spaceflight program by finalizing the configuration for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's indigenous space station. This multi-module station is projected to be fully operational by 2035, with the launch of its first module, BAS-01, scheduled for 2028. This move positions India as a major player in deeper space exploration.
In a related development, ISRO announced plans to significantly expand India's satellite fleet, aiming to nearly triple the number of operational spacecraft from the current 57 to approximately 150 within the next two to three years. This expansion is geared towards enhancing services across communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and earth observation. Additionally, ISRO is set to launch seven satellite missions by March 2026, including the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan program and dedicated earth observation platforms.
Further bolstering India's space capabilities, Russia has agreed to a 100% technology transfer for its advanced RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engines to ISRO. This strategic agreement is expected to be a "game-changer," potentially transforming India into a heavy-lift space power by enabling heavier payloads and fostering the development of next-generation reusable heavy-lift vehicles. On a related note, the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) on AstroSat, India's first dedicated space observatory, successfully completed 10 years of operation, showcasing India's sustained presence in space-based astronomical research.
Advancements in Defence Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant contributions to India's defense indigenization efforts. DRDO recently handed over seven newly developed indigenous defense technologies to the Indian armed forces. These include crucial innovations such as a long-life seawater battery system for underwater sensing and surveillance and a waterjet propulsion system for fast interceptor craft. These technologies, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, aim to boost domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Concurrently, DRDO approved 12 new projects spanning strategic, aerospace, naval, and electronic warfare technologies, further emphasizing the focus on building domestic capability in critical defense domains. The organization also successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sledge test of a fighter aircraft escape system, a complex dynamic test that places India among an elite group of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capabilities.
Focus on Emerging Technologies and Collaborative Research
The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 commenced today in Panchkula, Haryana, running until December 9. With the theme "Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat," the festival aims to showcase India's science-led progress, bridge traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific research, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders.
Adding to the momentum, the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch a ā¹1 lakh crore fund dedicated to boosting private sector-led research and development. During the conclave, significant deep-tech breakthroughs were unveiled, including QSIP (India's own quantum security chip), a 25-qubit QPU (India's first quantum computing chip), and CAR-T Cell Therapy (India's first indigenous cancer cell therapy), highlighting India's rapid advancements in quantum science and biotechnology. India aims to be a global leader in quantum tech patents by 2035 and to deploy 1.2 lakh trained professionals in the quantum sector by 2040.
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the crucial role of deeper and sustained collaboration between industry, academia, and government in establishing India as a global research and innovation center. This collaborative spirit is also evident in international partnerships, with India and Russia reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in space, science, and technology, including human spaceflight programs and critical minerals.
In other significant developments, Anil Jain joined an expert panel to shape "Aadhaar Vision 2032," a roadmap for a strategic and technological upgrade of India's digital identity platform, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing. Furthermore, SAIL Bokaro has partnered with Primetals Technologies to implement a hydrogen gas injection system for green steelmaking, pioneering decarbonization in Indian blast furnace operations.