India's commitment to advancing its scientific and technological capabilities has been underscored by a series of significant developments over the last 24 hours. These advancements span critical sectors including electric vehicles, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.
Electric Mobility Boost with Maruti-Suzuki e VITARA
In a major stride towards sustainable transportation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, launched Maruti-Suzuki's first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the "e VITARA". The launch took place at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad district and coincided with the inauguration of a new lithium-ion battery production facility by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso. This facility is set to support the production of batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. Following the launch, Japan's Suzuki Motor announced a substantial investment of ā¹70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years, aimed at increasing production, launching new models, and strengthening its market presence. The made-in-India e-VITARA is also slated for export to over 100 countries, including Japan.
Groundbreaking Discovery in Cell Biology by CCMB
Scientists at the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have made a revolutionary discovery, identifying a process they term "Programmed Cell Revival." This finding challenges the long-held belief that once a cell begins to die, its journey is irreversible. Led by Dr. Santosh Chauhan, the team demonstrated that cells possess an inherent mechanism to revive from the brink of death. This programmed revival has shown promising results in accelerating skin wound healing and repairing corneal burns in mice, stimulating tail regeneration in frog tadpoles, promoting nerve repair in worms, and enhancing blood stem cell production in fruit flies. The study, published in EMBO Journal, opens new avenues for regenerative medicine, although scientists also caution about its potential implications for cancer treatments, as revived cells could exhibit enhanced stem-like properties.
OpenAI's India-First Educational Initiative
In a move to foster AI literacy and access, OpenAI has launched an India-first initiative, offering 5 lakh free ChatGPT licenses for students and teachers. This program, announced on August 26, 2025, aims to democratize access to advanced AI tools for educational purposes across the country.
Vision for India's Space Sector Expansion
On National Space Day (August 23, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated an ambitious vision for India's space program, urging the private sector and startups to aim for launching 50 rockets annually. The Prime Minister highlighted India's rapid advancements in breakthrough technologies such as semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. He also confirmed that the Gaganyaan mission is nearing launch and that India intends to establish its own space station in the coming years. Modi emphasized that space technology is increasingly integral to governance, citing its use in crop insurance, disaster management, and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. He expressed happiness that the first PSLV rocket built by the private sector is soon to be launched, alongside the development of India's first private communication satellite.
Promoting Scientific Temper: India March for Science 2025
The Mumbai chapter of the "India March for Science" (IMFS) 2025 was held on August 26, 2025, gathering scientists, research scholars, educators, and students. With the motto 'Defend Science, Defend the Future,' the event aimed to promote scientific temper among the public. Key demands raised by IMFS 2025 included halting the spread of unscientific ideas, adopting evidence-based climate policies, ensuring science-based curricula, and increasing investment in research to 3% of GDP. Participants resolved to continue similar activities throughout the year to foster scientific and critical thinking among the younger generation.