India's scientific and technological prowess continues to expand, with several notable developments reported recently. These advancements span critical sectors, underscoring the nation's drive towards self-reliance and global leadership in innovation.
Renewable Energy: IIT Roorkee's Solar Cell Breakthrough
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy with the development of silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells boasting a record 30% power conversion efficiency (PCE). This breakthrough, led by Professor Soumitra Satapathi, represents a substantial improvement over the approximately 24% efficiency of conventional silicon-based modules. The technology is crucial for India's ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported solar modules, fostering "Solar Atmanirbharta." Researchers are now working to scale this innovation for commercial applications, with the potential to reach 32% efficiency on full-sized modules within the next year.
Space Technology: Agnikul Cosmos Eyes Reusable Rockets and AstroSat Completes a Decade
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has unveiled ambitious plans for developing fully reusable rockets. Announced at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, this strategic shift aims to provide satellite-launch services at globally competitive prices by eliminating expended rocket parts. The Chennai-based company has secured multiple patents in the US, Europe, and India for its multi-purpose and reusability technologies, building on the success of its maiden sub-orbital test flight last year.
Meanwhile, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, AstroSat, marked a decade of groundbreaking operations on September 28, 2025. Launched on September 28, 2015, AstroSat has far exceeded its initial five-year mission life, continuing to provide valuable data across the electromagnetic spectrum. Its discoveries include detecting far-ultraviolet photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light-years away, studying black holes and neutron stars, and offering insights into galactic mergers. AstroSat has fostered a global user community, with over 3,400 researchers from 57 countries accessing its data.
Telecommunications: BSNL's Indigenous 4G (5G-Ready) Network
India has achieved a significant milestone in digital sovereignty with the launch of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's (BSNL) first fully indigenous 4G (5G-ready) network. This network, powered entirely by homegrown technology, involved collaboration between C-DOT (Core Network), Tejas Networks (Radio Access Network), and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for integration and deployment. The initiative includes the commissioning of nearly 98,000 Swadeshi 4G towers, reinforcing the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision and positioning India among a select group of nations capable of deploying its own telecom stack. This 4G network is designed to be 5G-ready, laying a crucial foundation for future 6G adoption.
Water Security: IISc's Siphon-Powered Desalination System
Addressing global water security challenges, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel siphon-powered thermal desalination system. This innovative system converts seawater into clean drinking water more efficiently and cost-effectively than conventional methods. By utilizing a composite siphon made of fabric and grooved metal, the system effectively prevents salt buildup and allows for continuous water flow, producing over six liters of potable water per square meter per hour under sunlight. Made from low-cost materials, this technology holds immense promise for water-stressed regions.
Emerging Technologies: AI Focus and Drone Regulation
India is gearing up to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, with preparations actively underway. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has unveiled key initiatives, including the UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest and the YuvaAI Innovation Challenge, focusing on AI's role in human capital, inclusion, and social good. NITI Aayog has also released an 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap' and launched eight indigenous foundational model projects, emphasizing AI as a critical driver for economic growth and sovereign leadership.
In parallel, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, for public consultation. This proposed legislation aims to comprehensively regulate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in India, introducing mandatory registration, type certification, pilot certification, and compulsory third-party insurance. The bill also outlines stricter penalties for violations, demonstrating a move towards a more robust regulatory framework for drone operations.
Biodiversity: New Finless Snake Eel Discovered
In a significant contribution to marine biodiversity, researchers have discovered a new species of finless snake eel off the Colachel coast in Tamil Nadu. Named 'Apterichtus Kanniyakumari' after the district, this discovery, made by a team from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), enriches India's marine taxonomy. The new species is distinguished by its unique golden-yellow body coloration and specific morphological features.