India's scientific and technological prowess has been highlighted by a series of significant advancements and strategic initiatives. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been at the forefront, achieving several "world-firsts" in 2025 across critical sectors. These include the development of the world's first genetically modified cotton fully resistant to pink bollworm by CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), a pest causing substantial crop losses. In conservation science, CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) developed the world's first DNA-based test to detect illegal shahtoosh in pashmina shawls, aiding in curbing wildlife crime and protecting the endangered Tibetan antelope. CCMB also established India's first Zoo Bio Bank at Darjeeling Zoo to preserve genetic material of endangered species.
In biomedical innovation, CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) developed India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, with technology transferred to industry for affordable clinical deployment. Additionally, CSIR-CCMB developed a rapid, low-cost molecular test for sickle cell anaemia, facilitating early diagnosis. Significant strides were also made in sustainable construction, with CSIR–Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) unveiling India's first climate-resilient buildings, designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%. CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) notably developed the world's first port road using steel slag technology at Hazira, Gujarat, converting industrial waste into durable, eco-friendly infrastructure.
The private sector is also making substantial contributions to India's technological advancement. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) officially launched its artificial intelligence arm, Reliance Intelligence (REIL), on December 20, 2025. This unit aims to drive AI innovation in India, build large-scale AI infrastructure, and collaborate with global technology giants like Google and Meta Platforms. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, emphasized India's potential to become a global leader in AI, presenting a development model that combines intelligence with empathy.
Government initiatives continue to bolster the startup ecosystem. As of December 20, 2025, 1,706 startups have received support under the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs 2.0 (TIDE 2.0) scheme. This scheme focuses on promoting technology-based entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, Blockchain, and Robotics, by providing financial and technical support to incubators.
In a significant educational push, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project on December 20, 2025, to establish five artificial intelligence (AI), STEM, and robotics laboratories in government schools in Karnataka. Named 'VijAIpatha', this initiative aims to democratize access to advanced technological education in rural and semi-urban areas, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Furthermore, India's nuclear energy framework is undergoing a major transformation with the Parliament passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. This landmark legislation fundamentally restructures the sector by allowing private participation in nuclear power plant operations and related activities, moving away from its historically state-dominated structure. India aims to significantly increase its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047.