India Tests Longest-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-5
India successfully conducted a test of its longest-range ballistic missile, the Agni-5, on September 20, 2025. This significant development underscores India's continuous efforts to enhance its strategic defense capabilities. The Agni-5, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), possesses a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, placing it within reach of neighboring countries like China and Pakistan.
While the recent 2025 test focused on standard configurations, it builds upon previous innovations, including a 2024 test of an Agni-5 equipped with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV). A MIRV allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, significantly augmenting its strategic potential. Analysts suggest that this test is a technological demonstrator for India's emerging submarine-launched ballistic missile capability. The DRDO is also reportedly developing an upgraded variant of the Agni-5 with an extended range of 7,500 kilometers.
ISRO Engages North Eastern Students Through NE-SPARKS Program
In a move to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), recently concluded its NE-SPARKS (North Eastern Space Applications Centre ā Promotion of Awareness, Research, Knowledge, and Skill Development) program.
On September 20, 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually interacted with 394 meritorious science students from all eight North Eastern states who visited premier ISRO centers under this initiative. The program, launched in 2025, aims to bridge geographical and informational gaps by providing hands-on exposure to India's cutting-edge space technology. Minister Scindia applauded the students' enthusiasm, highlighted India's recent space accomplishments such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, and encouraged them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The NE-SPARKS program targets 800 students annually, with 100 selected from each North Eastern state, spread across eight batches throughout the year.