Science and Technology (S&T) Digest (1-15 May 2025), Issue 61

Dr Saroj Bishoyi, Senior Fellow, VIF

May 28 , 2025 Views: 247 Comments: 0

In this Issue

I. Defence and Security

DRDO Conducts Maiden Flight-Trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh on 3 May 2025. Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms. Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights. Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. Trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes. Click here to read...

Combat Firing of Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine Conducted

DRDO and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories - High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system. Click here to read...

Rise of Aatmanirbhar Innovation in National Security

Whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare, Operation SINDOOR marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations. Operation SINDOOR emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as grim reminder of this shift. India’s response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats. However, beyond tactical brilliance, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence. Click here to read...

DRDO Develops High-Pressure Polymeric Membrane

The DRDO has successfully developed indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure sea water desalination. Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), the Kanpur-based laboratory of DRDO, has developed the technology for desalination plant in Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships, based on their operational requirement to address the serious challenge of stability when exposed to chloride ions in saline water. The development has been completed in a record time of eight months. DMSRDE, along with ICG, successfully carried out initial technical trials in the existing desalination plant of Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV) of ICG. Click here to read...

Delivery of ‘Arnala’, the first of the eight ASW SWCs

‘Arnala’, the first of the eight ASW SWCs (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft), indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 8 May 25 at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The warship has been designed and constructed as per the Classification Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of GRSE with M/s L&T Shipyard, thus demonstrating the success of collaborative defence manufacturing. Arnala is named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra, a reflection of India’s rich maritime heritage. The 77 m long warship, is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination. Click here to read...

II. STI in Space Sector

India to Study Sustainability of Human Life in Space

In a historic announcement, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that India is set to conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sustainability of Human life in Space, as an important initiative under the BioE3 Biotechnology policy launched by PM Narendra Modi. These unique experiments, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), will be carried out as part of the upcoming ISS mission AXIOM-4, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member. The Minister shared that the first experiment at the ISS will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich potential food source for long-duration space missions. Click here to read...

Strengthening Ground-Based Space Situational Awareness

An institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner with a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) institute to utilize observational facilities at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), and its scientific expertise in exploration of space to strengthen India’s capabilities in ground-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA). ARIES is a premier research institute in the field of astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences and hosts state-of-the-art national observing facilities including the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope and ST Radar system. IRDE is a leading institution engaged in the design and development of Electro-Optical surveillance systems for the Armed Forces across ground, naval, airborne, and space platforms. Click here to read...

India’s Space Mission ‘Gaganyaan’ programme Enters Final Phase

India’s first human Space mission ‘Gaganyaan’ programme has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Disclosing this while speaking at a media interaction at National Media Centre in Delhi on 6 May, Dr. Jitendra Singh provided detailed updates on the mission’s current status, technological progress, and the broader economic dividends emerging from India’s cost-effective space programme. The successful completion of the TV-D1 mission and the first uncrewed Test Vehicle Abort Mission earlier this year have laid a strong foundation for the upcoming test schedule, the Minister said. Click here to read...

Setting up of “Space Labs” in 75 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)

In a historic step, Ministry of tribal affairs and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) announced the setting up of “Space Labs” in 75 Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) across 19 states in the country. Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India establishes EMRS to impart quality education to ST children thereby enabling them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get gainful employment in various sectors. EMRS in addition to imparting high quality education also takes care of their nutrition and overall health and development. As on date there are 470 functional EMRS across the country. Click here to read...

GLEX 2025 Draws Delegates from 30+ Countries and 10 Astronauts

India affirmed its growing prominence as Space power in global arena, Dr. Jitendra Singh said addressing the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. The high-profile summit, themed “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance,” brought together space leaders, astronauts, and scientists from across the globe, with participation of more than 35 countries and international agencies, reinforcing India’s role at the forefront of space diplomacy and innovation. The event also witnessed the inauguration of a dynamic space exhibition by Dr. Jitendra Singh, featuring 22 stalls showcasing the work of Indian space startups, international space agencies, and ISRO’s latest achievements. Click here to read...

III. Nuclear Technology

Roadmap for Development of Nuclear Power Generation

A meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power was held on 28 April 2025 under the Chairmanship of Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. The agenda for discussion was “Roadmap for Development of Nuclear Power Generation.” During the meeting, the Minister highlighted India’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and emphasized that increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based power generation is central to this vision. As the power sector contributes over 40% of global energy-related emissions, nuclear energy, being a non-fossil and stable power source, will play an increasingly important role in India’s sustainable development journey. Click here to read...

Cambodia Closer to Creating Action Plan for UNSC Resolution 1540

From 23 to 25 April, the Government of Cambodia partnered with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to host a workshop on strengthening the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). The event in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, brought together over 60 representatives from various ministries and agencies, as well as partner States, and international and regional organizations, to develop what could become the first voluntary National Implementation Action Plan for resolution 1540 (2004) to be adopted in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Click here to read...

IAEA Launches SMR School as Africa Looks to Nuclear Energy

The IAEA has launched a new initiative to inform governments, regulators and industry players in countries around the world about small modular reactors and their potential role in the energy mix. Hosted by the government of Kenya, the first such small modular reactor (SMR) workshop, known as an SMR School, took part in Nairobi from 5-9 May with a focus on African countries, with 28 participants including officials, policy makers and managers of organizations implementing nuclear programmes in Kenya, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. Future SMR Schools are already planned for Asia and Latin America. Click here to read...

Kenya Strengthens Radiation Protection of Workers with IAEA Support

An IAEA team assessing Kenya’s radiation protection processes has found that the country’s shift to digital radiation monitoring is optimizing worker protection. The team also recommended that Kenya could further strengthen occupational radiation protection by increasing training and appointing more radiation protection officers at nuclear facilities. “By hosting this mission, Kenya highlights its ongoing commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiation protection, fostering a safer work environment for those requiring radiation monitoring and safety measures,’’ said Jizeng Ma, Head of the IAEA Occupational Radiation Protection Unit and mission team coordinator. Click here to read...

Shaping Legal Path for Nuclear Power in Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

The IAEA has held a legislative assistance mission in Côte d’Ivoire to discuss the legal framework needed to embark on a nuclear power programme. The mission was arranged in response to a request from the Government through the Nuclear Safety and Security Authority (ARSN), as part of ongoing IAEA efforts to support countries in establishing a robust and comprehensive legal framework for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear power. The objective of the mission was to discuss the legal framework for nuclear power further to the country’s recent decision to consider embarking on a nuclear power programme. Click here to read...

IV. Emerging Technologies and Applications

Industry Leaders Outline India’s Role in Future of Digital Expression

WAVES 2025 witnessed a convergence of innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge technology with Artificial Intelligence at the heart of the discourse. Three sessions held on the inaugural day of the Summit in Mumbai on 1 May 2025, led by global industry figures, mapped the dynamic intersection of AI with media, storytelling, and digital production – reaffirming India’s rising stature in this creative-technological evolution. In the keynote address on "Design, Media and Creativity in the Age of AI", Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen offered an expansive perspective on the evolving creative economy. Click here to read...

Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Lubricant with Superior Performance

Scientists have developed an environmentally friendly lubricant formulation that significantly enhances friction reduction, wear resistance, and overall performance. This advancement offers a sustainable alternative to conventional lubricants, addressing both efficiency and environmental concerns. Lubrication reduces friction and wear in machinery, ensuring efficiency and longevity. Conventional mineral or synthetic oil-based lubricants pose environmental risks, driving the demand for sustainable alternatives. In order to address this issue, researchers formulated a lubricant formulation by integrating surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) into bio-based castor oil. Click here to read...

Workshop for States on Accelerating AI Datacentre Investments

Recognizing the critical role of AI infrastructure in shaping India’s economic future, the NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub hosted a high-level workshop on 8 May 2025, focused on accelerating investments in AI-ready datacentres across Indian states. The workshop brought together senior officials from key state governments, central ministries and industry leaders to chart a strategic roadmap for positioning India as a global hub for AI infrastructure. The deliberations spotlighted the widening gap between India’s digital ambitions and its current compute capabilities. Although India generates nearly 20% of the world’s data, it accounts for just 3% of global datacentre capacity. Click here to read...

Boosting Manufacturing Innovation and Localized Supply Chains

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Hafele India Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 07 May 2025 in New Delhi, to strengthen India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem by empowering product startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building resilient local supply chains and accelerating India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub. Under this strategic collaboration, Hafele will drive initiatives that support product innovation, local sourcing, and entrepreneurship through targeted investments, mentorship, and integration into global value chains. Hafele will expand its support to startups and MSMEs. Click here to read...

Seven High-Impact Projects (e-Nodes) Selected for Support

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the selection of seven e-Nodes for support under its “Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles” (MAHA-EV). ANRF MAHA-EV call for proposal focussed on three strategically defined Technological Verticals (TV) are Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells (TV-I), Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)- (TV-II) and EV Charging Infrastructure (TV-III). Each selected electric mobility nodes (e-nodes) will execute the project in consortia mode involving academic institutions/R&D laboratories with the mandatory industry participation, in order to contribute to and establish the R&D in the EV sector of the country. Click here to read...

V. International Cooperation

India-US Technology Cooperation

The 8th meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC), constituted under the auspices of the India – US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), was organised in India from 13 to 16 May 2025. A six-member US delegation headed by RAdm Casey Moton, Programme Executive Officer (PEO), Aircraft Carriers visited various defence establishments in Delhi and Goa. Both sides appreciated the remarkable work undertaken by the Joint Working Group towards valuable information exchange on Aircraft Carriers. Plans for future co-operation under various aspects of Aircraft Carrier Technology were discussed and a Joint Statement was also released. At Goa, professional interactions were undertaken with Indian Navy’s Aviation Specialists on Aircraft Carrier operations and technical aspects. Click here to read...

India-Japan Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation

Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have agreed in New Delhi to enhance defence cooperation between Japan and India during Nakatani’s visit to the Indian capital. During the meeting, Nakatani said, in light of China’s growing assertiveness, that “given our shared principles of pursuing a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, it is increasingly important for both countries to cooperate and strengthen their coordination.” Japan aims to draw India closer by building a strong track record in defence equipment and technology cooperation. At this meeting, both sides agreed that Japan would consider exporting aircraft and tank engines, among other items. Click here to read...

Japanese Delegation Visited Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility

Speaker, House of Representatives, Japan Nukaga Fukushiro and his 55 members delegation visited the ongoing Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility at Jagiroad, Assam for a collateral industrial growth in the region. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed and received Speaker, House of Representatives, Japan at the project site. Receiving the delegation, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the visit of the Japanese Speaker to Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility along with his high-powered delegation is a significant and positive development from the perspective of attracting Japanese investments to Assam. Click here to read...

IBM and TCS to Set Up Quantum Valley Park in Andhra Pradesh

IBM and TCS have announced a partnership to build a Quantum Valley Park in Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Amravati. In a joint statement, the companies highlighted that the tech park will be pivotal in boosting India’s quantum computing industry, which is projected to reach $231.8 million by 2030. The announcement was made in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who underscored that the Quantum Valley Park will make India a global hub in the quantum industry. He added the upcoming park will be a “true centre of innovation and job creation,” and will play an important role in “solving some of our country’s and the world’s most pressing and complex challenges.” Click here to read...

India-Chile Digital Services, MSMEs and Critical Minerals Cooperation

India and Chile have signed the terms of reference to negotiate a comprehensive free trade pact. The two countries implemented a preferential trade agreement in 2006 and are now planning to widen its scope for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The proposed CEPA seeks to encompass a broad range of sectors, including digital services, investment promotion and cooperation, MSMEs and the commerce and industry ministry said. Both sides reiterated their shared vision for strengthening bilateral relations and look forward to fruitful discussion during the first round scheduled for May 26-30 in New Delhi, it said. Click here to read...

VI. Regional and Global Trends

Alchip Expects Sales Drop as Key Client’s Demand Slows

Alchip Technologies Ltd, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designer specializing in server chips, expects revenue to decline this year due to sagging demand for 5-nanometer artificial intelligence (AI) chips from a North America-based major customer, a company executive said. That would be the first contraction in revenue for Alchip as it has been enjoying strong revenue growth over the past few years, benefiting from cloud-service providers’ moves to reduce dependence on Nvidia Corp’s expensive AI chips by building their own AI accelerator by outsourcing chip design. The 5-nanometer chip was supposed to be a new growth engine as the lifecycle of its 7-nanometer AI accelerator gradually comes to an end this year. Click here to read...

With AI, Researchers Predict Location of Protein Within a Human Cell

Trained with a joint understanding of protein and cell behaviour, the model could help with diagnosing disease and developing new drugs. A protein located in the wrong part of a cell can contribute to several diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, and cancer. But there are about 70,000 different proteins and protein variants in a single human cell, and since scientists can typically only test for a handful in one experiment, it is extremely costly and time-consuming to identify proteins’ locations manually. A new generation of computational techniques seeks to streamline the process using machine-learning models that often leverage datasets containing thousands of proteins and their locations, measured across multiple cell lines. Click here to read...

Deploying a Practical Solution to Space Debris

Researchers share the design and implementation of an incentive-based Space Sustainability Rating. At this moment, there are approximately 35,000 tracked human-generated objects in orbit around Earth. Of these, only about one-third are active payloads: science and communications satellites, research experiments, and other beneficial technology deployments. The rest are categorized as debris – defunct satellites, spent rocket bodies, and the detritus of hundreds of collisions, explosions, planned launch vehicle separations, and other “fragmentation events” that have occurred throughout humanity’s 67 years of space launches. Click here to read...

Radar & Communications System Extends Signal Range at Millimeter-Wave

A team from MIT Lincoln Laboratory has built and demonstrated the wideband selective propagation radar (WiSPR), a system capable of seeing out various distances at millimeter-wave (mmWave or MMW) frequencies. Typically, these high frequencies, which range from 30 to 300 gigahertz (GHz), are employed for only short-range operations. Using transmit-and-receive electronically scanned arrays of many antenna elements each, WiSPR produces narrow beams capable of quickly scanning around an area to detect objects of interest. The narrow beams can also be manipulated into broader beams for communications. Click here to read...

Making AI Models More Trustworthy for High-Stakes Settings

A new method helps convey uncertainty more precisely, which could give researchers and medical clinicians better information to make decisions. The ambiguity in medical imaging can present major challenges for clinicians who are trying to identify disease. For instance, in a chest X-ray, pleural effusion, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs, can look very much like pulmonary infiltrates, which are accumulations of pus or blood. An artificial intelligence (AI) model could assist the clinician in X-ray analysis by helping to identify subtle details and boosting the efficiency of the diagnosis process. But because so many possible conditions could be present in one image, the clinician would likely want to consider a set of possibilities, rather than only having one AI prediction to evaluate. Click here to read...