Sentynl drug for Menkes disease gains U.S. FDA nod
Sentynl Therapeutics, a Zydus Lifesciences subsidiary, received U.S. FDA approval for Zycubo (copper histidinate) to treat Menkes disease in paediatric patients. This marks the first and currently the only approved treatment for a rare, fatal genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism in children. Zydus stated that the approval could offer a critical therapeutic option for affected families and may stimulate further research into metabolic disease management. The development highlights ongoing biopharmaceutical innovation and the global interest in rare disease therapies.
FDA approves Zycubo (copper histidinate) for Menkes disease
First and only approved treatment in the U.S.
Significant milestone for Sentynl and Zydus Lifesciences
Potential impact on rare disease management
Could spur further research in metabolic disorders
KAIST researchers reprogram tumor immune cells to fight cancer
Researchers at KAIST developed a method to reprogram immune cells inside tumors into cancer-fighting agents. A drug injected directly into the tumor is taken up by macrophages, prompting them to attack cancer cells and activate nearby immune responses. This approach avoids lab-based cell extraction and modification. In animal models, the strategy slowed tumor growth and elicited strong anticancer immune activity. The team, led by Professor Ji-Ho Park, believes the technique could offer a new pathway for treating solid tumors and could complement existing therapies in humans after further testing.
KAIST method reprograms tumor macrophages to attack cancer
Direct intratumoral drug activates immune response
No need for ex vivo cell manipulation
Shown to slow tumor growth in animal models
Potential new avenue for solid tumor therapies
Jan 13, 2026
ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 with EOS-N1 mission on January 12, 2026
ISRO announced the PSLV-C62 mission, set for 12 January 2026 at 10:17 IST from Sriharikota. The primary payload is EOS-N1, also called Anvesha, an Earth observation satellite developed for DRDO. The mission will carry 18 co-passenger satellites from domestic and international partners. The launch marks India’s first space mission of 2026 and the 64th PSLV flight. The mission will bolster remote sensing capabilities for agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. Observers view PSLV-C62 as a milestone that demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space science and global collaboration in satellite ventures.
PSLV-C62 launch scheduled for 12 January 2026, 10:17 IST.
Primary payload EOS‑N1 (Anvesha) for DRDO.
18 co-passenger satellites from multiple partners aboard.
First ISRO launch of 2026; 64th PSLV flight.
Supports remote sensing for agriculture, urban mapping, environment.
Meta to power AI data centres with 6.6 GW of US nuclear power by 2035
Tech giant Meta announced agreements with three U.S. nuclear energy companies to supply up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean power by 2035 for its artificial intelligence data centres. The deals position Meta as one of America’s largest corporate buyers of nuclear energy and align with its strategy to run AI workloads on low-emission electricity. The arrangement supports Meta’s data centre expansion and sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions while enabling faster processing capabilities for large-scale AI tasks. The partnerships reflect growing industry use of nuclear energy in extensive data operations.
Meta signs power deals for up to 6.6 GW of nuclear energy by 2035.
Power supports AI data centres; aims for low-emission electricity.
Positions Meta among top US corporate buyers of nuclear energy.
Supports expansion of AI workloads with sustainable power.
Signals broader industry shift to nuclear energy for data needs.
Jan 11, 2026
Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative launched for 2026
India announced the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI) 2026 to strengthen the interface between science, technology, and diplomacy. This institutional effort aims to embed science diplomacy within India’s Raisina Dialogue framework. The initiative is a collaborative project between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation. RSDI seeks to create a dedicated platform during the Raisina Dialogue to discuss how science and technology influence international relations, policy making, and global collaboration. The move reflects India’s emphasis on using science to advance strategic diplomacy and international partnerships.
RSDI 2026 announced to integrate science diplomacy with Raisina Dialogue.
Joint effort by the Prime Scientific Adviser’s office and ORF.
Aims to host a dedicated platform within Raisina Dialogue.
Focus on science, technology, and diplomacy in policy discourse.
Jan 10, 2026
MeitY launches Param Shakti at IIT Madras, hosting PARAM RUDRA system
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan inaugurated Param Shakti at IIT Madras in January 2026, hosting the indigenous PARAM RUDRA system. The facility, developed by C‑DAC under the National Supercomputing Mission, runs on open-source software and delivers a peak performance of 3.1 petaflops. Param Shakti strengthens India’s self-reliant high-performance computing ecosystem, with NSM aiming to scale up national capacity through additional systems nationwide. Researchers will apply the system across domains such as aerospace, materials science, climate modelling, drug discovery, and advanced manufacturing, accelerating simulations and reducing dependence on external technologies.
Param Shakti housed at IIT Madras; inaugurated January 2026
India’s first hydrogen train: Haryana pilot enters final stage
India is advancing its first hydrogen-powered train pilot on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Northern Railway reported a stable 11 kV power supply for the hydrogen plant at Jind, enabling commissioning and routine operations. The project features a hydrogen storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is in its final commissioning phase. Officials say the pilot will demonstrate a clean energy option for rail traction, reduce emissions, and inform future scale-up across the national network. Safety checks and regulatory clearances are ongoing as the project moves toward full-scale deployment.
Hydrogen-powered train pilot on Jind–Sonipat (Haryana)
Stable 11 kV power supply for hydrogen plant
Hydrogen storage capacity of 3,000 kg
Final commissioning stage; aims at clean energy rail traction
Plans for future scale-up contingent on safety clearances
ICDMAI 2026 to Bring Academia and Industry Together at St. Xavier’s College
The tenth edition of the International Conference on Data Management, Analytics and Innovation (ICDMAI 2026) is being held from January 9 to 11 at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. The conference aims to strengthen engagement between academia and industry in data science and analytics. ICDMAI has grown as a platform for researchers, educators, industry professionals, and institutional leaders. This year’s edition is chaired by Professor Kanadpriya Basu and Professor Saptarsi Goswami, long associated with the conference. St. Xavier’s College organises the event with Society 4 Data Science, Pune, as the coordinating partner, featuring international and Indian speakers across sectors.
ICDMAI 2026 held January 9–11, Kolkata
Aims to strengthen academia–industry collaboration in data science
Chaired by Professors Kanadpriya Basu and Saptarsi Goswami
Organised by St. Xavier’s College; partner Society 4 Data Science, Pune
Includes international and Indian speakers across sectors
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