India Accelerates AI Ambitions with 1-Trillion Parameter Model
India's artificial intelligence mission has entered a new significant phase, with the government selecting eight organizations, including prominent institutions like IIT Bombay, Tech Mahindra, and Fractal Analytics, to develop foundational large language models (LLMs) under the IndiaAI Mission. Announced by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, this initiative aims to build a massive 1-trillion parameter AI model, a critical step towards establishing indigenous AI capabilities that can rival global leaders. IIT Bombay, through its BharatGen consortium, is leading one of the most ambitious projects. A higher parameter count in AI models typically translates to a more sophisticated understanding of language, positioning this as a major milestone for India's AI development.
Kolkata Hosts International Quantum Conference, Highlights India's Edge
India's burgeoning profile in quantum research was prominently featured as Kolkata hosted the International Conference and Exposium on Quantum Sensing and Metrology (ICEQSM) 2025. Organized by CQuERE and TCG CREST, the four-day event brought together scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and students globally. The conference, held in celebration of the United Nations' International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and aligned with India's National Quantum Mission, emphasized the transition of quantum research from laboratories to real-world applications. Discussions covered how quantum technology could enhance GPS navigation precision, improve MRI scan resolution and speed, and open new frontiers in defense, climate monitoring, and precision agriculture. Emerging areas such as quantum radar and quantum-enhanced inertial navigation were also showcased.
Biotechnology Identified as Key Driver for India's Future Economy
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has declared biotechnology as the "next industrial revolution" and a key driver for India's future economy and healthcare solutions. Speaking at SYMRESEARCH 2.0: International Conference on Bioengineering for Global Health in Pune, Dr. Singh highlighted India's established global standing in biotechnology through breakthroughs like indigenous COVID-19 and HPV vaccines, new antibiotic development, and gene sequencing initiatives. He noted the sector's growth from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 130 billion today, with a target of USD 300 billion in the next five to seven years. The Minister also emphasized growing collaboration between biotech and space research, citing experiments by astronaut Shubhanshu Sharma on the International Space Station.
ISRO Achieves Space Docking Milestone and Advances Hydrogen Fuel for Missions
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the undocking of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), marking a crucial advancement in India's space capabilities. This controlled separation of two satellites confirms India's ability to execute complex docking maneuvers, a key requirement for future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan. Additionally, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan underscored the transformative role of hydrogen in India's space missions. Speaking at the National Workshop on Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends, he highlighted hydrogen's use in the successful GSLV Mk III rocket launch and its potential as a green and clean fuel for future applications. Furthering space innovation, the ISRO Chairman also inaugurated OrbitAID's new Bengaluru lab, India's largest commercial test site for on-orbit refueling and docking, aiming to extend satellite lifespans and reduce space debris.