India's scientific and technological landscape has witnessed a flurry of significant advancements, reinforcing the nation's push towards self-reliance and global innovation. Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a major breakthrough in the pharmaceutical sector: the development of India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin. This antibiotic is particularly effective against resistant respiratory infections, offering a ray of hope for vulnerable patients, including those with cancer and poorly controlled diabetes. Concurrently, Dr. Singh also highlighted the successful indigenous clinical trial for gene therapy in treating Hemophilia, which demonstrated a 60-70 percent correction rate with zero bleeding episodes, with findings published in the 'New England Journal of Medicine'. These achievements signify a pivotal moment in India's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
In space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported a landmark observation by its Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter. For the first time ever, Chandrayaan-2's Chandra's Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) payload directly observed the effects of the Sun's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on the Moon's exosphere. This rare event, which occurred on May 10, 2024, led to a significant increase in the total pressure and number density of neutral atoms and molecules in the dayside lunar exosphere, validating long-standing theoretical models. This discovery provides crucial scientific insight into the lunar exosphere and space weather, with implications for future lunar missions and potential human habitats.
Further expanding India's footprint in space, private space-tech startup GalaxEye announced "Mission Drishti," set for launch in early 2026. This mission will deploy India's first multi-sensor Earth observation satellite, integrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical sensors on a single platform. This innovation is a major leap for India's private space industry, enabling AI-driven satellite data analytics for diverse applications in defense, agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
India is also making significant strides in the critical semiconductor industry. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showcased India's homegrown 2nm chip, demonstrating the nation's advanced capabilities in semiconductor design. This development marks a substantial progression from earlier 5nm and 7nm models, positioning India as a key player in the global chip manufacturing landscape. Complementing this, researchers at Digital University Kerala have developed an AI-driven system capable of identifying antenna types and detecting performance faults without the need for physical testing, a breakthrough with potential to transform communication, defense, and aerospace industries.
Beyond these, India continues to foster innovation across various scientific domains. Researchers from IIT Jodhpur and the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, have achieved a green chemistry breakthrough by developing an efficient, metal-free method to create potent anti-cancer molecules. Additionally, faculty members from NIT Srinagar secured a significant research grant for bioremediation studies, aiming to develop bioengineered microbial consortia to treat persistent environmental pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.
The nation is also actively pursuing advancements in quantum computing, with the National Quantum Mission aiming to develop quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 qubits and establish secure quantum communication networks. Karnataka is actively engaging with international partners, inviting ETH Zurich's quantum pioneer to the Quantum India Summit 2026 in Bengaluru, signaling a commitment to fostering a robust quantum ecosystem. Discussions around digital sovereignty and the transformative role of AI in healthcare, governance, and industry further highlight India's comprehensive approach to technological growth.
Looking ahead, ISRO plans to establish India's own space station by 2035, with initial modules slated for installation by 2027. The first unmanned flight (G1) of the Gaganyaan mission is also scheduled for December 2025, marking crucial steps towards India's human spaceflight capabilities. Furthermore, in a move towards sustainable energy, India has designated three major ports ā Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip ā as Green Hydrogen Hubs, aligning with the country's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.