Sympol 2025 hosts ocean technology discussions at CUSAT
Sympol 2025, the Ocean Technology International Symposium, was held at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). The two-day event, organized by the Department of Electronics in association with the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, brought together researchers, technologists, and industry experts from around the world. The event was inaugurated by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory director Duvvuri Seshagiri, with CUSAT vice-chancellor M. Junaid Bushiri presiding. In his address, Seshagiri highlighted the growing importance of ocean technology for national security, climate research, underwater sensing, and autonomous marine systems. Attendees discussed collaborations and funding for future ocean tech initiatives.
Sympol 2025 at CUSAT; two-day event.
Organized with IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society.
Inaugurated by Duvvuri Seshagiri; presided by M. Junaid Bushiri.
Topics: national security, climate research, underwater sensing, autonomous systems.
Emphasis on academia-industry collaboration.
Dec 12, 2025
Google appoints Amin Vahdat as Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure
Google has appointed Amin Vahdat as the new Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure, a senior leadership role guiding the company’s AI computing backbone. In this capacity, Vahdat will oversee architectural choices and the long-term vision for Google’s data centers, networking, and accelerators used in training and running large-scale AI models and cloud workloads. The appointment emphasizes Google’s intensified focus on strengthening hardware and software foundations to power next-generation AI services. Industry observers see this move as part of a broader trend among tech giants to invest in custom silicon, high-performance computing, and energy-efficient systems to sustain rapid AI progress.
Amin Vahdat appointed as Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure at Google.
Role covers data centers, networking, and AI accelerators for training and inference.
Signals Google’s emphasis on scalable AI computing backbone.
Reflects industry trend toward significant investment in AI hardware and energy efficiency.
Vahdat will report to the Chief Technology Officer.
Part of Google’s broader AI strategy for cloud and enterprise workloads.
Indian Railways tests first hydrogen-powered train as part of green initiative
India’s national transporter has begun testing its first hydrogen-powered train as a pilot to demonstrate clean propulsion for future rail travel. The project follows standards set by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation and includes a plan to establish a dedicated hydrogen plant at Jind to produce fuel through electrolysis. Officials say the trial aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and climate commitments by showcasing hydrogen as a viable, green energy option for rail networks. If successful, the initiative could accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in inland and regional rail corridors.
Hydrogen-powered train tested by Indian Railways as a pilot.
Standards guided by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO).
Hydrogen production plant planned at Jind via electrolysis.
Part of India’s sustainable transport and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Potential to scale hydrogen propulsion in rail networks.
Sarbananda Sonowal flags off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel at Varanasi's Namo Ghat, inaugurating its commercial operation. The 24-meter catamaran can carry about 50 passengers and operates with a hydrogen fuel-cell system, supported by a hydrogen plant planned nearby to produce fuel through electrolysis. The vessel integrates solar power and battery storage to deliver a clean propulsion system with zero emissions and reduced noise. The initiative, part of Harit Nauka and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, aims to modernize inland waterways and showcase India’s capability in green transport technologies.
First indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel flagged off in Varanasi (11 December 2025).
Hydrogen propulsion with LT-PEM fuel cells; 24 m length; 50 passengers.
Hydrogen produced via electrolysis at a planned plant near Jind or similar site.
Part of Harit Nauka and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision to modernize waterways.
Dec 11, 2025
Google and Telangana launch Google for Start-ups Hub in Hyderabad
Google, in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, launched the Google for Start-ups Hub at T-Hub in Hyderabad. The inauguration was led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and IT & Industries Minister Sridhar Babu. The hub aims to support AI-first start-ups, nurture talent, and provide pathways to international markets. It forms part of Telangana’s broader incubation and innovation ecosystem to accelerate scale-up of world-class innovations. The initiative seeks to connect researchers, founders, and investors, offering mentorship and resources to help Indian start-ups grow and compete globally in the AI and tech sectors.
Google for Start-ups Hub opened at T-Hub, Hyderabad.
Inaugurated by CM A. Revanth Reddy and IT Minister Sridhar Babu.
Focus on AI-first start-ups and talent development.
Aims to connect Indian innovators with international markets.
Part of Telangana’s broader incubation and innovation ecosystem.
Satya Nadella pledges USD 17.5 billion for AI in India
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a landmark commitment to invest USD 17.5 billion in India to accelerate artificial intelligence development. The pledges include building AI infrastructure, expanding skills and training programs, and enabling startups to scale AI-enabled solutions. The plan aligns with India's digital economy strategy, aims to create jobs, and positions India as a global hub for AI innovation. Both Indian and international partners welcomed the announcement as a major boost to the technology ecosystem, supporting research, education, and industry-wide adoption of AI across sectors including healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing.
Nadella pledges USD 17.5 billion for AI in India.
Investments cover AI infrastructure, skills, and startup support.
Aims to position India as a global AI hub and stimulate jobs.
Part of broader collaboration between India and cloud/tech leaders.
Supports AI adoption across healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing.
IIT Ropar’s AI-Data Engineering courses show rising popularity in 2025
IIT Ropar’s 2025 admissions data reveal growing interest in AI and data engineering. The Joint Implementation Committee’s choice-count shows Computer Science and Engineering remains highly popular, with 18,702 choices in 2025, up from 16,326 in 2024. Notably, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering recorded a 17.27% rise, with 16,141 choices in 2025. The trend underscores the expanding demand for AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data analytics in India's engineering education landscape, reflecting shifts in student preferences and the job market toward data-driven technologies.
IIT Ropar 2025 admissions show AI/data engineering growth.
CSE remains highly popular with 18,702 choices in 2025.
AI and Data Engineering up 17.27%; 16,141 choices in 2025.
Reflects rising demand for AI, ML, cybersecurity, analytics.
Indicates shifts in student interests toward data-driven tech.
Two new jumping spider species discovered in Meghalaya
Zoological Survey of India scientists described two new jumping spider species from Meghalaya: Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar. These Salticidae spiders are known for speed and predatory hunting rather than web-building. The discovery adds to India’s biodiversity knowledge and informs future ecological and conservation research. Researchers noted distinctive morphological features and habitat preferences, which may help in species identification and conservation planning in fragile montane ecosystems. The finding underscores ongoing taxonomic work in India’s rich arachnid fauna and the importance of field studies in remote regions.
Two new jumping spider species identified in Meghalaya.
Species named Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar.
Belong to Salticidae (jumping spiders) family.
Highlights biodiversity and conservation implications.
Emphasizes importance of field taxonomy work in India.
IIT Hyderabad launches IPSS Design Certificate with POLI.design
IIT Hyderabad announced an International Certificate Programme in Integrated Product–Service System (IPSS) Design, developed with POLI.design, Milan, and supported by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI). The 54-hour online certificate begins on January 15, 2026, with 30 hours of live online modules and 24 hours of hands-on workshops. Delivered by IIT Hyderabad’s Department of Design and POLI.design faculty, the programme aims to strengthen cross-border learning and introduce advanced design frameworks to Indian learners, enhancing collaboration between Indian and Italian design communities.
IPSS Design Certificate launched by IIT Hyderabad with POLI.design.
54-hour online program starting January 15, 2026.
30 hours live modules and 24 hours workshops.
Supported by IICCI; collaboration with Italian design community.
Aims to strengthen cross-border learning and design frameworks.
China and Brazil launch joint space research laboratory
China and Brazil have launched a joint laboratory for space technologies as part of a growing scientific partnership. The China–Brazil Joint Laboratory for Radio Astronomy Technology will be developed by CETC’s Network Communications Research Institute and two Brazilian universities. The facility will support frontier research in observational astronomy, advanced instrumentation, and deep-space studies, creating a platform for collaboration in space science. The collaboration enhances international research ties and helps researchers share equipment, data, and expertise in astronomy and related technologies, contributing to broader scientific advancement in both countries.
China–Brazil joint laboratory for space technologies established.
Led by CETC’s Network Communications Research Institute and Brazilian partners.
Focus on radio astronomy, instrumentation, and deep-space research.
Aims to strengthen international scientific collaboration.
Provides shared access to equipment and data for researchers.
Dec 10, 2025
NASA ISS mission: Jonny Kim returns after eight months in space
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts, returned to Earth on December 9, 2025, completing an eight-month science mission aboard the International Space Station. The Soyuz MS-27 landed in Kazakhstan, marking a landmark mission involving 245 days in space and over 3,900 orbits of the planet. This mission contributed to life science, nanomaterial research, and robotics demonstrations in microgravity. Kim’s return closes Expedition 72/73 and adds to the historical record of international collaboration in space exploration. NASA plans post-flight medical checks and continued research deployment, with a focus on future deep-space missions.
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim returns from ISS on 9 December 2025.
Mission lasted 245 days with 3,920 orbits of Earth.
Para-landing near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, via Soyuz MS-27.
Research included bioprinted tissues and Space Robotics demonstrations.
Tata Electronics signs Intel as first major customer for a $14 billion chip-foray
Tata Electronics has signed Intel as the first major customer for its upcoming semiconductor facilities in India, signaling confidence in India’s chip-manufacturing push. The group plans to invest about $14 billion to build a fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing facility in Assam. Intel will work with Tata on advanced packaging and scaled AI-ready solutions for India’s market. The partnership coincides with Prime Minister Modi’s push to position India as a global semiconductor hub. Timelines indicate initial production in Assam by 2026 and first chips from Gujarat around 2027, with collaboration spanning design, manufacturing, and ecosystem development.
Tata Electronics signs Intel as first major customer for its Indian chip facilities.
Total investment around $14 billion for Gujarat fab and Assam OSAT facility.
Intel-to-Tata collaboration focuses on advanced packaging and AI-ready chips.
Assam operations expected to begin by 2026; Gujarat fab mid-2027 for first production.
Marks a significant milestone in India’s domestic semiconductor ambitions.
IISF 2025 ends with emphasis on women in science and youth engagement
The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 closed with a strong emphasis on women in science and youth engagement. The closing sessions highlighted Nari Shakti and leadership in science, alongside discussions on gene editing, climate research, and space technology. Organisers reported continued collaboration between government ministries, universities, and industry to promote STEM education and encourage grassroots participation. IISF 2025 demonstrated India’s science diplomacy by reaching thousands of students and researchers, and it is expected to influence policy and STEM outreach in the coming years.
IISF 2025 closes with focus on women in science and youth engagement.
Closing tracks include gene editing, climate research, and space tech.
Public outreach and cross-sector collaboration emphasized.
Event aims to shape STEM policy and education strategies.
IIT Bombay launches India’s first incubator-linked deep-tech VC fund
The Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay announced India's first incubator-linked deep-tech venture capital fund, Y-Point Venture Capital Fund, with a total size of Rs 250 crore. The fund, announced on December 9, 2025 in Mumbai, will back early-stage deep-tech startups, providing risk capital and mentorship through the incubator network. IIT Bombay becomes the first Indian academic institution to manage its own venture fund. The move aims to accelerate translation of research to market-ready products, especially in areas like AI, robotics, and advanced materials. Industry partners and academia expect stronger early-stage support for deep-tech ventures.
IIT Bombay, via SINE, launches Y-Point Venture Capital Fund worth Rs 250 crore.
First incubator-linked deep-tech VC fund in India.
Targets early-stage deep-tech startups, with customized risk capital.
Announced on December 9, 2025, in Mumbai.
Aims to accelerate lab-to-market translation of research.
India International Science Festival 2025 concludes in Panchkula
The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 concluded in Panchkula on December 9, 2025, after four days of exhibitions and workshops. The event drew more than two lakh visitors and included tracks on New Age Technology, Blue Economy, Clean and Nuclear Energy, and Himalayan studies. The final day emphasized Nari Shakti and women’s leadership in science, with discussions on women-led development in S&T. The festival showcased youth participation and collaboration between academia, industry, and government to strengthen India’s science and innovation ecosystem. Organizers highlighted the need for broader outreach to students and rural communities.
IISF 2025 concluded in Panchkula on 9 December 2025.
Four-day festival attracted over 200,000 attendees.
Highlights included women-led S&T development discussions.
Tracks covered technology, energy, blue economy, and climate topics.
Dec 09, 2025
Software Edition of SIH 2025 Inaugurated at GHRCE, Nagpur
G H Raisoni College of Engineering (GHRCE), Nagpur, inaugurated the Smart India Hackathon 2025 – Software Edition at its nodal centre on December 9, 2025, under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and MIC. The event continues SIH’s national open-innovation platform, with extensive participation from student teams and problem statements sourced from government ministries, PSUs, and industry partners. SIH 2025 has seen high levels of engagement, with notable participation across multiple states, reinforcing India's commitment to innovation-driven growth and youth skill development.
SIH 2025 Software Edition inaugurated at GHRCE, Nagpur.
Nodal centre under MIC, AICTE; runs Dec 9 onward.
Hundreds of student teams participate; problems from ministries and industry.
Part of India's ongoing innovation and skilling push.
IIT Kharagpur Hosts SIH 2025 Hardware Edition Grand Finale
IIT Kharagpur will host the grand finale of the Smart India Hackathon 2025 – Hardware Edition from December 8–12. The event marks the institute’s platinum jubilee and continues the open-innovation format launched in 2017, organised by the Innovation Cell of the Ministry of Education and AICTE. Teams from across the country compete to solve real-world challenges posed by ministries and industry partners. The finale will showcase student ingenuity, with demonstrations of hardware prototypes and demonstrations of problem-solving approaches intended to boost national competitiveness in technology development.
IIT Kharagpur to host SIH 2025 hardware finale (Dec 8–12).
Platinum jubilee of IIT Kharagpur; open-innovation platform since 2017.
Hosted by MIC and AICTE; challenges from ministries and industry.
Showcases student prototypes and national technical talent.
Deloitte India Launches AI-Powered Tax Pragya Platform
Deloitte India introduced Tax Pragya, an AI-powered platform for tax research, in December 2025. The tool analyzes over a million tax-related court judgments and two decades of Deloitte’s internal papers to deliver near-instant, insight-rich analyses. It is designed to reduce time spent on legal research and provide real-time guidance to clients facing complex tax laws and litigation. By leveraging natural language processing and machine learning, Tax Pragya highlights relevant precedents, summarizes outcomes, and suggests implications for case strategy. Deloitte anticipates broad adoption across corporate tax teams as AI-augmented advisory becomes more common.
Tax Pragya is an AI-driven tax-research platform by Deloitte India.
Analyzes over a million tax judgments and two decades of papers.
Provides near-instant insights and summarized outcomes.
Aims to reduce time spent on legal research for tax professionals.
Expected wide adoption across corporate tax advisory teams.
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