1. 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 Inaugurated
The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 commenced on December 6, 2025, in Panchkula, Haryana, under the theme "Science to Prosperity: For Self-reliant India". Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressed the festival, emphasizing India's emergence as a global success story with remarkable achievements across various sectors including science, innovation, healthcare, and space. He noted India's significant leap in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 80th to 38th position within a decade, and highlighted that over 55% of patent applications in India are now filed by resident Indian innovators.
2. Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Inspires at IISF, Discusses Gaganyaan Mission
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, shared his experiences and insights at the IISF. Having returned from his 18-day mission on August 17, 2025, Shukla underscored India's rapid progress in science and technology and its growing self-reliance in the domain. He revealed that a new framework is under development to enable individuals from diverse backgrounds, beyond the Air Force, to pursue careers as astronauts, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision for the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Shukla also mentioned conducting experiments on the ISS to gather crucial information for the Gaganyaan mission.
3. DRDO Hands Over Advanced Technologies to Armed Forces
In a move to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over seven indigenously developed technologies to the Indian armed forces on December 5, 2025. These technologies, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, include a long-life seawater battery system designed for sustained underwater sensing and surveillance applications, and a waterjet propulsion system for fast interceptor craft. Additionally, DRDO approved 12 new projects spanning strategic, aerospace, naval, and electronic warfare technologies, reinforcing the commitment to reducing dependency on foreign technologies and fostering 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).
4. National Conference on AI and Digital Public Infrastructure
A national conference focusing on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047 was held in New Delhi on December 6, 2025. The event brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to discuss strategies for integrating these advanced technologies into national development.
5. India and Russia Enhance Science and Technology Collaboration
India and Russia reiterated their commitment to bolster cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. During the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit on December 5, 2025, both nations emphasized expanding their strategic partnership into areas such as space, next-generation telecommunications, AI, and 6G innovation.