NIT Srinagar establishes India’s first campus-based astronomical observatory
National Institute of Technology Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir has established India's first campus-based astronomical observatory, named the NSOAA. The facility provides students and researchers with on-campus access to night-sky observations, spectroscopy, and data collection, supported by a dedicated telescope and data lab. NSOAA aims to promote observational astronomy, astrophysics research, and science outreach within the campus and nearby schools, while facilitating collaborations with national astronomy networks. The project reflects India's broader push to expand science education and research opportunities in northern regions and to inspire student participation in space science.
Institution: NIT Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Facility: NSOAA (NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics).
Features: dedicated telescope, data lab, campus-based access.
Impact: enhanced training and regional science engagement.
Strategic relevance: ties to national space science initiatives.
Sep 21, 2026
QDENGA dengue vaccine to reach India’s private market by 2027
QDENGA, India’s first approved dengue vaccine, is expected to enter India’s private market in the first half of 2027. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will promote and distribute the vaccine under a new agreement with Takeda, the Japanese drugmaker. CDSCO granted marketing authorisation in July 2026. The vaccine targets individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Though not immediately available, regulatory processes and import clearances will determine the timing of availability. Dengue vaccination is seen as a critical tool for reducing disease burden in densely populated regions at high vector activity.
QDENGA approved by CDSCO in July 2026; private market entry planned for H1 2027.
Dr. Reddy’s to market and distribute under Takeda agreement.
Suitable for ages 4–60 years.
Regulatory processes determine actual rollout timeline.
Potential public health impact in dengue-endemic regions.
Sep 19, 2026
SEMICON India 2026 highlights silicon-to-systems ecosystem in New Delhi
SEMICON India 2026, titled Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystems, is being held in New Delhi from 17 to 19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi. The fifth edition brings together stakeholders across the global semiconductor value chain, including manufacturers, designers, researchers, and policymakers. The event covers manufacturing, design, supply chains, advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and workforce development. It offers a platform to align India’s domestic ecosystem with international partners, showcase investment opportunities, and highlight Make in India efforts in microelectronics. Organizers include the government-supported ISTI network and partner industry bodies, with sessions on incentives, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration.
Participants: global manufacturers, designers, researchers, policymakers
Objectives: domestic–international collaboration and investment opportunities
Sep 18, 2026
TCS launches Custom SoC Design Services
On 17 September 2026, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched Custom System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Services for automotive manufacturers and semiconductor companies. The end-to-end engineering service helps design, verify, implement and validate customized chips for next‑generation software‑defined vehicles. The initiative aligns with rising demand for specialised computing in cars, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric mobility, connectivity and centralized computing architectures. TCS says its service will assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce development time and costs while improving performance. The move signals India’s growing role in global semiconductor and automotive technology ecosystems.Industry experts say the offering could attract foreign partners and spur local talent in chip design.
Launched on 17 September 2026 by TCS.
Targets automotive OEMs and semiconductor companies.
End-to-end design, verification, implementation and validation.
Focus on ADAS, electric mobility and centralized computing.
Possible attraction of foreign partners and growth of local talent.
Sep 17, 2026
India’s 51st Doppler Weather Radar Inaugurated in Sambalpur
India inaugurated its 51st Doppler Weather Radar in Sambalpur, Odisha, strengthening national weather surveillance. Located near the Mahanadi river basin, the radar will improve nowcasting, crop protection planning, and water-management decisions around the Hirakud Reservoir region. The instrument is part of a nationwide radar network intended to enhance short-range forecasting and disaster readiness. Officials say the radar will provide timely advisories to farmers and enable authorities to issue early warnings during extreme weather events. Sambalpur’s installation demonstrates ongoing investment in meteorology and climate-resilient infrastructure as India expands capacity to monitor atmospheric conditions.
51st Doppler Weather Radar inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha.
Aids nowcasting, crop protection, and water management near Hirakud Reservoir.
Part of national radar network for better disaster readiness.
Will provide timely farmer advisories and early warnings.
Reflects ongoing investment in meteorology and climate resilience.
SEMICON India 2026 Inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi, marking the fifth edition of the flagship event. Organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and SEMI, the theme was Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem. The conference focuses on strengthening India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, supply chains, and innovation ecosystem. Leaders highlighted policy support, investments in fabrication facilities, talent development, and international partnerships to accelerate domestic production. The inauguration signals India’s ambition to become a global chip and electronics manufacturing hub and to advance digital transformation across sectors through collaborative R&D and industry ties.
PM Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 in New Delhi.
Fifth edition organized by ISM, MeitY, and SEMI.
Theme: Silicon to Systems—Building the Ecosystem.
Focus on manufacturing, supply chains, and partnerships.
Aims to position India as a global semiconductor hub.
Sethuraman Panchanathan Receives 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award
Sethuraman Panchanathan, a renowned Indian American scientist, has received the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award from the National Academy of Engineering in the United States. The honor recognizes outstanding contributions to engineering, technology, and innovation. Panchanathan serves as the director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, leading federal efforts to advance research, development, and STEM education. He is the first Indian American to receive the Bueche Award, highlighting increasing contributions from Indian-origin scientists on the global stage. The award acknowledges decades of work in computing, information technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration that have accelerated discovery and practical applications. His achievement is celebrated by peers and Indian communities worldwide.
First Indian American to win the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award.
Award given by the National Academy of Engineering for engineering, technology, and innovation.
Panchanathan is director of the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Recognition reflects contributions in computing and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Significance for Indian-origin scientists on the global stage.