In a significant stride towards leveraging advanced technology for public health, India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven community screening program for diabetic retinopathy (DR). This initiative, rolled out by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) in collaboration with the Dr. Raje Institute, aims to combat the rising incidence of vision loss caused by diabetes across the country.
Further bolstering the nation's healthcare landscape, Indian scientists have identified a crucial missing link in the body's cells, a discovery that holds immense potential for advancing therapies for debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's and various forms of cancer. This research signifies a significant step forward in understanding cellular mechanisms and developing targeted treatments.
The government is also actively scaling up cancer care, research, and the availability of affordable advanced therapies nationwide. Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized a multi-pronged and future-ready strategy to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research, ensuring advanced care is accessible to all sections of society.
While AI's application in healthcare expands, its integration into judicial processes remains in a pilot phase. The government informed the Lok Sabha that while AI tools are being explored to enhance judicial efficiency under the eCourts Mission Mode Project Phase-III, no formal policy or guidelines have yet been established for their widespread adoption.
These recent advancements are part of a broader momentum in India's science and technology ecosystem throughout 2025. India secured the 38th position in the Global Innovation Index 2025, demonstrating steady progress among the world's most innovative economies. The country also ranked 6th globally in intellectual property filings and placed third worldwide in research publications, reinforcing its expanding academic and scientific footprint.
Driving this progress are major government initiatives such as the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, approved with a substantial outlay of ā¹1 lakh crore over six years. This scheme is designed to attract private-sector participation and focuses on high-impact research in sunrise sectors like AI, quantum technologies, clean energy, biotechnology, space, and the digital economy. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act, 2023, has become operational and is providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research across the country.
In the realm of space technology, ISRO is preparing for the launch of a US satellite on December 24, indicating continued activity in India's space program. Additionally, Agnikul Cosmos successfully test-fired an indigenous 3D-printed rocket engine, marking a significant milestone for private sector involvement in India's space capabilities.