Total Lunar Eclipse Graces Indian Skies
India observed a spectacular total lunar eclipse, also known as a 'Blood Moon', on the intervening night of September 7 and 8, 2025. This celestial event was visible from all parts of the country, making it the longest total lunar eclipse observable from India since 2022 and the first since July 27, 2018, to be seen across the entire nation. The Earth's shadow began covering the lunar disc around 9:57 PM IST, with the moon turning a coppery red as the total eclipse phase commenced at 11:01 PM IST. The totality lasted for an impressive 82 minutes, a notably long duration for observers. The eclipse concluded in the early hours of September 8, providing a breathtaking view for skywatchers.
SEMICON India 2025 Concludes with Key Announcements
The 4th edition of SEMICON India 2025, a significant event for the nation's semiconductor industry, recently concluded in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, which focused on building a resilient and robust semiconductor ecosystem in India. A major highlight was the unveiling of the 'Vikram-32' Microprocessor. The event saw thirteen significant announcements, including the formation of the India Deep-Tech Investment Alliance (IDTA) with an initial funding commitment of USD 1 million. Discussions also emphasized the critical need for more hands-on hardware training in India, starting from middle school, to strengthen the talent pool in semiconductor design and related fields. Furthermore, Tata Electronics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Merck to bolster the semiconductor fab at Dholera, Gujarat, focusing on supply chain, materials, and workforce development.
ISRO Achieves Milestone in Space Docking Experiment
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the undocking of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This achievement marks a crucial advancement in India's indigenous space capabilities, confirming the nation's proficiency in executing complex docking maneuvers. Such capabilities are essential for future ambitious missions like Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan.
Breakthrough in Health Research by Indian Scientists
In a significant scientific discovery, Indian scientists have uncovered the crucial role of a lesser-known protein, p47, in safeguarding cells from mechanical stress. This groundbreaking research potentially opens new avenues for developing treatments for various diseases, including heart muscle disorders and laminopathies, where protein stability under physical strain is compromised.
BHEL Partners for Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based Trains
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. This collaboration aims to jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell-based trains specifically tailored for the Indian market, signaling a push towards more sustainable and green transportation solutions.