Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 Announced
The Government of India has unveiled the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, the nation's highest recognition for exceptional contributions in science, technology, and innovation. The awards are categorized into Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team. Notably, Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna for his profound impact in Physics. The awards aim to celebrate pathbreaking research and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators across 13 diverse domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, and Space Science and Technology.
ISRO Gears Up for CMS-03 Communication Satellite Launch
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the advanced CMS-03 communication satellite aboard the LVM-3 rocket on November 2, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission, which marks the fifth operational flight of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, will place India's heaviest communication satellite to date (4,400 kg) into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The multi-band satellite is designed to significantly enhance India's space-based communications and maritime security capabilities, providing robust telecommunication coverage across the country and expansive oceanic regions. It will also augment maritime defense by enabling secure communication links for the Indian Navy.
MAHA MedTech Mission to Boost Indigenous Medical Technology
A significant initiative, the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology, has been launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation. This mission aims to accelerate innovation within India's medical technology sector, reduce reliance on costly imports, and ensure equitable access to affordable, high-quality medical technologies. The mission will provide substantial funding and support for the development and commercialization of impactful MedTech solutions.
Indian Researchers Discover Baker's Yeast Survival in Martian Conditions
In a groundbreaking discovery with implications for astrobiology, a team of Indian researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad has found that common baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can survive extreme Martian-like conditions. The experiments subjected yeast cells to high-intensity shock waves, akin to meteorite impacts, and toxic perchlorate salts found on Mars. This resilience of yeast, which could serve as a model for astrobiology research, sheds light on how life might endure in extraterrestrial environments.
IIT Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalayas Partner for STEM Education
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has formalized a partnership with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) through an MoU to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for school students. This collaboration aims to provide hands-on exposure to scientific and technological advancements through interactive sessions, experiments, and expert lectures. The initiative, building on IIT Delhi's SciTech Spins Lecture Series, will encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of scientific ideas among students from classes IX to XII.
Accel and Prosus Invest in Indian Science-led Startups
Venture-capital firm Accel has partnered with investment group Prosus to co-invest in early-stage Indian startups focused on breakthrough technologies. These "LeapTech" companies are involved in fields such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence applications. The firms will match investments up to $2 million each through Accel's Atoms X programme, targeting businesses that require longer development cycles than traditional software startups.
Advancements in India's Multilingual Digital Ecosystem and 6G Vision
India is making significant strides in leveraging advanced AI and computational linguistics to build a robust multilingual digital ecosystem. The Government of India is supporting all 22 scheduled languages through platforms like Bhashini and BharatGen, aiming to democratize access to digital services, enable real-time communication, and empower education in native tongues. Furthermore, India continues to advance its 6G vision, as highlighted at the International 6G Symposium 2025. The Bharat 6G Alliance has signed MoUs for collaborative research and innovation, positioning India as a co-creator and co-leader in the global 6G revolution.