General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2025

Jan 2025

Dec 16, 2025

ISRO Plans Seven Space Launches by March 2026

ISRO has disclosed plans for at least seven space launch missions by March 2026, including the Gaganyaan unmanned mission as part of its human spaceflight program. The schedule signals an active phase for India’s space agency, pursuing satellite technology, space services, and strategic capability. The plan underscores ISRO’s role in national development and its contribution to the global space economy, with emphasis on meticulous mission planning, safety, and industry collaboration to ensure timely outcomes while expanding India’s space footprint.

ISRO outlines seven launches by March 2026, including Gaganyaan unmanned mission.
Focus on national development and space economy growth.
Emphasis on safety, planning, and industry collaboration.

Maha CrimeOS AI Platform to Speed Up Cybercrime Investigations

MahaCrimeOS AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform, was unveiled to help Maharashtra Police accelerate cybercrime investigations. The system was developed jointly by CyberEye (a Microsoft partner), the MARVEL state vehicle, and the Microsoft India Development Centre. It is currently live in 23 police stations across Nagpur, with phased rollout planned to all 1,100 police stations in the state. MahaCrimeOS AI integrates data analytics, predictive tools, and streamlined casework, aiming to enhance investigative speed while preserving privacy and legal compliance.

MahaCrimeOS AI platform launched for Maharashtra Police.
Developed by CyberEye, MARVEL, and Microsoft IDC.
Currently active in 23 stations; rollout to 1,100 stations planned.
Features: data analytics, predictive policing, efficient casework.

DHRUV64: India Launches Indigenous 1.0 GHz Microprocessor

India announced the launch of DHRUV64, the nation’s first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz microprocessor developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). DHRUV64 aims to bolster domestic processor capability for strategic and commercial use. The processor features modern architecture, improved multitasking, and reliability, enabling integration with a range of hardware systems. Potential applications span 5G infrastructure, automotive electronics, consumer devices, and IoT. Experts say the milestone strengthens India’s chip-design self-reliance and could attract further investment and technology transfer.

DHRUV64 is India's first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz processor.
Developed by C-DAC under the MDP program.
Aims to support strategic and commercial applications.
Enhances 5G, automotive tech, IoT, and electronics sectors.

NTPC, NETRA and CSIR Win DV Kapur Energy Innovation Awards

NTPC, NETRA, and CSIR scientists received the DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards for technological breakthroughs in clean energy and efficiency. The December 2025 ceremony in New Delhi recognized two main categories: young innovators under 38, with Dr. Achu Chandran of CSIR-NIIST receiving the top accolade for Nano Electricity Generators; and organisational innovation for Green Coal Technologies led by NTPC's NETRA. The awards spotlight India’s push to promote indigenous energy solutions, decarbonization, and sustainable power systems, encouraging further research and industry collaboration across energy sectors.

DV Kapur Energy Innovation Awards presented to NTPC, NETRA, CSIR teams.
Dr. Achu Chandran (CSIR-NIIST) wins Young Innovators category.
Other category honours Green Coal Technologies (NTPC/NETRA).
Promotes indigenous energy solutions and decarbonization.

Dec 15, 2025

India ranks third in Stanford AI Vibrancy Index 2025 study

India ranked third in Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool, 2025 edition, reflecting strong performance across seven pillars: research and development, responsible AI, economy, talent, policy and governance, public opinion, and infrastructure. The 2024 data underpinning the ranking placed India at 21.59, ahead of the UK and South Korea. The study credits India’s innovation index and economic competitiveness as drivers of its climb from seventh to third between 2023 and 2024. The index tracks national readiness for AI adoption and signals ongoing growth in India’s AI ecosystem and related policy initiatives.

India ranks 3rd in Stanford AI Vibrancy Index 2025
Seven pillars include R&D, policy, infrastructure
India score: 21.59 in 2024 data (contextual)
Leap from 7th to 3rd between 2023 and 2024

Dec 13, 2025

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.

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