The 'Pax Silica' initiative, launched in December 2025, aims to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI technologies. Led by the US, the initiative seeks to build trusted digital infrastructure and secure supply chains for Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Major participants include Australia, the Netherlands, and Singapore. For India, joining Pax Silica offers an opportunity to integrate into global high-tech ecosystems and secure its semiconductor future, though it must navigate stringent licensing regulations and ensure its strategic autonomy is not compromised by the US-led framework.
- Pax Silica is a response to China's dominance in the supply of REEs and its use of export controls as a geopolitical tool.
- The initiative focuses on 'trusted' manufacturing and logistics for frontier technologies like semiconductors and AI.
- India is a strong candidate due to its digital infrastructure and large pool of STEM talent.
Researchers have identified a new genus and species of microscopic crustacean, Indiaphonte bijoyi, in the Kavaratti lagoon of Lakshadweep. This tiny organism, belonging to the family Laophontidae and order Harpacticoida, is less than 1 millimetre in size. It is classified as Meiofauna, which are tiny invertebrates living in aquatic sediments that play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The discovery, published in the journal Zootaxa, highlights unique morphological traits not found in previously recorded genera. The genus name honors India, while the species name recognizes Professor S. Bijoy Nandan for his contributions to marine sciences. This find emphasizes the importance of protecting lagoon biodiversity.
- Indiaphonte bijoyi is a newly discovered genus and species of copepod crustacean from the Lakshadweep islands.
- Meiofauna are microscopic invertebrates that are crucial for the ecological balance of aquatic sediments.
- The discovery was a collaborative effort between researchers from CUSAT (India) and UNAM University (Mexico).
The PSLV-C62 mission, launched on January 12 from Sriharikota, failed to deploy its primary payload, the EOS-N1 surveillance satellite, into the designated orbit. The rocket encountered an anomaly during the third stage (PS3), characterized by a 'roll rate disturbance' and a drop in chamber pressure. ISRO has constituted a Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) to investigate the mishap, with a report expected by mid-2025. This failure is notable as it is the first time the PSLV failed while carrying customer satellites from Indian and foreign entities. The incident raises questions about transparency, as recent FAC reports have not been made public.
- The PSLV-C62 mission failed during the third stage (PS3) due to technical anomalies in the rocket's flight path.
- The primary payload was EOS-N1, a surveillance satellite for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) is a non-standing body of experts tasked with reconstructing the failure using telemetry data.
Google's Project Suncatcher is experimenting with placing datacentres in low-earth orbit (LEO) to address the massive energy consumption of AI workloads. These space-based facilities would utilize solar energy directly, bypassing terrestrial electricity constraints. The project proposes a constellation of satellites that maintain a constant line of sight with the sun. While this offers a sustainable energy solution, significant challenges remain, including thermal management in a vacuum, high-bandwidth communication requirements, and the economic feasibility of launching and maintaining hardware in space. ISRO is also reportedly studying similar space-based datacentre technologies to support future digital infrastructure.
- AI models require immense processing power, leading to a surge in global electricity consumption by terrestrial datacentres.
- Project Suncatcher aims to use solar-powered satellite clusters in LEO to process AI workloads.
- Space-based datacentres face technical hurdles like heat dissipation in a vacuum and radiation-induced hardware failures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that nearly 44,000 start-ups registered in 2025, marking the highest annual addition since the Startup India mission's launch in 2016. Celebrating the scheme's 10th anniversary, the PM noted India's rise to the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally. The number of start-ups has grown from under 500 in 2014 to over 200,000 today, with nearly 125 unicorns. To further boost innovation, the government approved Fund of Funds 2.0 with a ₹10,000 crore corpus, focusing on deep tech areas like AI, machine learning, and quantum technologies to drive future economic growth.
- India is now the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally with over 200,000 registered entities.
- The Startup India mission, launched in 2016, aims to foster innovation and enable investment-driven growth.
- Fund of Funds 2.0 will specifically target deep tech sectors including aerospace, defense, and artificial intelligence.
Marine and space biotechnology are emerging as frontiers for India's scientific and economic growth. Marine biotech focuses on discovering bioactive compounds from deep-sea organisms for use in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Space biotech, led by ISRO's microgravity experiments, studies biological systems in extreme environments to support long-duration human missions and develop new materials. With a vast coastline and growing space capabilities, India aims to position itself as a leader in biomanufacturing, though private sector participation remains in its nascent stages and requires more investment.
- India's 11,000 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone offer rich marine biodiversity for biomanufacturing.
- ISRO is conducting microgravity biology experiments on microbes, plants, and algae to study life-support regeneration.
- The Deep Ocean Mission and BioE3 policy are key government drivers for these futuristic sectors.
Reports suggested the Indian government was contemplating a requirement for smartphone makers to disclose their source code to third-party testing agencies for security audits. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) has downplayed these reports, stating no final regulations have been framed. Tech companies and digital rights groups oppose such a move, arguing that exposing source code increases vulnerability to cyberattacks and compromises trade secrets. The debate centers on balancing national security needs with the privacy and intellectual property rights of global tech firms, with calls for transparent public consultation.
- Source code is the core repository of software and programs that drive a digital system.
- The Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework currently governs gear imports.
- Digital rights groups like the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) demand transparency and public disclosure of meeting minutes.
While AI's benefits are widely discussed, its environmental impact, particularly carbon footprint and water consumption, requires urgent attention. Data centers housing AI servers consume massive amounts of electricity and water for cooling. A single ChatGPT query can consume ten times more energy than a Google search. India currently lacks specific legislation for AI's environmental impact, unlike the EU's AI Act. Experts suggest integrating AI assessments into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and adopting sustainable practices like using renewable energy for data centers and deploying pre-trained models to mitigate adverse impacts.
- The ICT industry is estimated to be responsible for 1.8% to 2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Training a single Large Language Model (LLM) can generate approximately 3,00,000 kilograms of carbon emissions.
- India needs to establish measuring standards and disclosure requirements for AI's environmental footprint as part of ESG standards.
Reports indicate the Indian government is considering a requirement for smartphone manufacturers to disclose their source code to third-party testing agencies for security reviews. While the government aims to mitigate cyber threats and backdoors, tech companies like Apple and Google are resistant, citing trade secrets and the risk of exposing vulnerabilities to malicious actors. The proposal falls under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework. Critics argue that such intrusive measures could compromise user privacy and discourage global tech investment in India, while the government maintains it is keeping an 'open mind' on the issue.
- Source code is the core repository of software; its exposure is considered a major security risk by companies.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and MeitY are discussing the feasibility of these regulations.
- The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has expressed concerns over the impact on the industry.
To address the growing menace of 'digital arrests,' where scammers impersonate law enforcement to extort money, the Union government has formed a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC). Chaired by the Special Secretary (Internal Security) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the committee includes representatives from the RBI, DoT, MeitY, and major tech platforms like Google and WhatsApp. The IDC aims to identify legislative gaps, suggest corrective measures, and guide enforcement agencies in real-time. This move follows Supreme Court directions to clear the 'bane' affecting a large population, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who have lost crores to these scams.
- Digital arrest scams involve fraudulent calls claiming the victim is under investigation for illegal activities to extort money.
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) plays a central role in the new committee.
- The IDC will coordinate between multiple ministries and financial institutions to block fraudulent transactions.
As AI integration grows, its environmental costs, including high electricity consumption and carbon emissions, are coming under scrutiny. Reports suggest the ICT industry accounts for 1.8%-2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A single AI prompt can consume significantly more energy than a standard search. The article calls for India to include AI impact assessments within its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework. It suggests adopting sustainable practices like using renewable energy for data centers and following international guidelines like UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of large-scale algorithms.
- Training a single Large Language Model (LLM) can generate approximately 300,000 kilograms of carbon emissions.
- AI servers may utilize up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water for cooling by 2027, leading to water scarcity concerns.
- India needs to measure the environmental costs of developing large AI algorithms through mandatory disclosure standards.
The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, failed to reach its intended trajectory on January 12, 2026. An anomaly was detected during the end of the third stage (PS3), resulting in the loss of all satellites. This marks the second consecutive failure for the PSLV, following the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025. The EOS-N1 satellite, developed by DRDO for strategic purposes, represents a significant financial loss. Experts call for greater transparency and the release of Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) reports to restore confidence in the PSLV as a reliable commercial launch vehicle.
- The PSLV-C62 mission failed due to a 'roll rate disturbance' in the third stage, similar to the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025.
- The primary payload was the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite, built by DRDO for strategic applications, which was not insured as per government policy.
- This is the fourth failure of the PSLV since its first mission in 1993 and the second within a single year, impacting its reputation as a 'workhorse'.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the countdown for the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This marks the 105th launch from Sriharikota and the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The mission is a commercial venture by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 small satellites from various start-ups and academic institutions across India, the U.S., U.K., and other nations. A unique feature is the re-starting of the PS4 stage for de-boosting.
- PSLV-C62 is the 64th flight of the PSLV and the fifth mission of the PSLV-DL variant.
- The primary payload, EOS-N1, is an earth observation satellite intended for strategic purposes.
- The mission includes 15 co-passenger satellites developed by domestic and international entities, including student-led projects.
ISRO’s Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observatory, has provided critical insights into how massive solar plasma eruptions impact Earth's magnetic shield. By analyzing a major solar storm from October 2024, scientists found that these events significantly compress the Earth's magnetic field, potentially exposing satellites in geostationary orbit to harsh space conditions. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, highlights how solar activity intensifies currents in the auroral regions and heats the upper atmosphere. This research is vital for protecting global communication, navigation services, and power grid infrastructure from space weather disruptions caused by transient solar activity.
- Aditya-L1 is India's first solar observatory mission designed to study the sun's impact on space weather from the L1 Lagrange point.
- Solar storms can strongly compress Earth's magnetic field, pushing it unusually close to the planet and exposing geostationary satellites.
- Space weather events involve transient solar activities like plasma eruptions that can disrupt power grids, communication, and navigation systems.
Following a decade of remarkable successes, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, ISRO faces new challenges in a liberalized space sector. The transition from a state-led model to one involving private players requires clear legal structures and a comprehensive national space law, which India currently lacks. While entities like IN-SPACe and NSIL have been created to handle regulation and commercialization, ISRO must now balance its role as a primary integrator with the need to foster a competitive industrial base. Future missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4 will test ISRO's ability to execute complex projects in this new regulatory environment.
- The 2020 space reforms aimed to separate the functions of research, authorization, and commercialization.
- There is an urgent need for a national space law to provide legal certainty for private investment and liability.
- ISRO's future success depends on moving from individual "feats" to a sustained institutional performance with a routine launch cadence.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission on January 12, 2026, from Sriharikota. EOS-N1 is an earth imaging satellite designed for strategic purposes. This mission is significant as it marks ISRO's first launch of 2026 and follows a previous glitch in the PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025. The PSLV, often called ISRO's "workhorse," will also carry payloads from startups and academia. Additionally, ISRO recently successfully launched the U.S. BlueBird Block-2 satellite using the LVM-3 vehicle, demonstrating its continued capability in the global space market.
- The EOS-N1 is a strategic earth observation satellite that will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
- This will be the 105th launch from Sriharikota and the first for ISRO in the year 2026.
- The mission aims to restore confidence in the PSLV after a third-stage observation caused a mission failure in May 2025 (EOS-09).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Mann Ki Baat" address highlighted Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as a major health concern. AMR occurs when bacteria and other pathogens evolve to resist antibiotics, often due to the "misuse and overuse" of drugs. India has established the National Action Plan on AMR and the NARS-Net surveillance system to monitor resistance trends. However, experts call for expanding surveillance to non-urban areas and private hospitals to get a representative national picture. A "One Health" approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is deemed essential to combat this "silent pandemic" effectively.
- AMR is driven by the irrational use of antibiotics, including self-medication and over-the-counter purchases without prescriptions.
- India's NARS-Net provides data to the WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
- The 2015 WHO Global Plan on AMR outlines five objectives, including awareness, surveillance, and optimizing antimicrobial use.
The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is scrutinized as a potential tool for "digital authoritarianism." Initially conceived after the 26/11 attacks to link intelligence databases, its scope has expanded to include the National Population Register (NPR) and facial recognition. Critics argue that NATGRID operates without a robust statutory framework or independent oversight, potentially violating the privacy doctrine established in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case. The integration of various datasets allows for "entity resolution," which can profile individuals based on patterns rather than specific evidence, raising concerns about mass surveillance and the lack of judicial or parliamentary scrutiny.
- NATGRID was established to provide a centralized platform for 11 security agencies to access 21 categories of data from various providers.
- The project lacks a specific Act of Parliament and was created via executive order by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
- The integration with the NPR and the use of AI-driven 'entity resolution' raise significant concerns about mass surveillance and profiling.
Biomaterials, derived from biological sources or engineered through biological processes, are emerging as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products. They are categorized into bio-identical, drop-out, and novel biomaterials. For India, they offer a pathway to reduce heavy dependence on fossil-based imports for plastics and chemicals while providing new income streams for farmers through agricultural residues. While the sector is growing, challenges include feedstock competition with food sources, water stress, and the need for better waste-management infrastructure and policy coordination across ministries.
- Biomaterials can be bio-identical to petroleum products (like bio-PET) or entirely novel (like PLA).
- Indigenous biomanufacturing can significantly reduce India's import bill for plastics and chemicals.
- The Indian bioplastics market is valued at approximately $500 million in 2024 and is expected to grow.
On the second anniversary of Aditya-L1 reaching the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), ISRO has issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Indian scientists to analyze mission data. Launched on September 2, 2023, the spacecraft reached L1 on January 6, 2024. The L1 point, 1.5 million km from Earth, allows continuous solar observation without eclipses. Currently, over 23 TB of data is available in the public domain. The AO aims to maximize scientific returns by involving the broader Indian solar physics community in analyzing the first cycle of solar observations.
- Aditya-L1 is India's maiden solar mission positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L1.
- The L1 point provides an uninterrupted view of the Sun, free from occultation or eclipses.
- ISRO has released over 23 TB of scientific data for global and domestic research utilization.
Remote sensing uses satellites and drones to detect electromagnetic radiation from the Earth's surface, allowing scientists to map resources without physical contact. By analyzing 'spectral signatures'—unique reflections of light—it can identify plant health, mineral deposits, and water bodies. For instance, healthy plants reflect more near-infrared light. Satellites like NASA's GRACE measure gravitational changes to track groundwater depletion. This technology is vital for precision agriculture, identifying oil and gas traps, and monitoring environmental changes like the expansion of deserts or the health of forests.
- Remote sensing identifies objects based on their unique spectral signatures across visible and invisible light spectrums.
- The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used to assess plant health and forest density.
- Gravitational anomalies detected by satellites help map underground structures and track groundwater levels.
Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. The Bill ends the monopoly of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) by allowing private firms to own and operate nuclear plants, though NPCIL retains 51% control. It grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The Bill introduces a liability cap for operators and establishes a nuclear liability fund. While aimed at achieving net-zero targets by 2070, critics argue it dilutes accountability and limits public access to information under the RTI Act.
- The SHANTI Bill allows up to 49% private participation in nuclear power generation and fuel cycle activities.
- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is now a statutory body answerable to Parliament.
- A liability cap is set at ₹3,000 crore for large plants, with the government covering excess liability.
Despite trade tensions and tariffs, the U.S.-India relationship remains resilient through deep-seated institutional collaboration in defense and technology. Key frameworks like the 2023 INDUS-X and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) drive this 'parallel track' of cooperation. A significant 10-year defense framework was signed in October 2025. While political summits like the Quad might face delays, bureaucratic and military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas and Malabar, ensure continuity. This institutional depth helps the partnership survive short-term political volatility and divergent national interests.
- Defense and technology agreements form the backbone of the resilient U.S.-India strategic partnership.
- The 2023 India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) promotes co-production and co-development.
- Foundational agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA facilitate logistical support and information sharing.
Recent studies of samples from asteroid Bennu, collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, have revealed the presence of ribose, glucose, amino acids, and nucleobases. These findings support the 'RNA world' hypothesis, suggesting that asteroids could have delivered key molecules required for life to Earth over 3.5 billion years ago. The samples also contained nitrogen-rich polymers and presolar grains from supernovae, indicating that the asteroid's parent body formed in the early solar system. This research provides crucial insights into how Earth acquired the chemical ingredients necessary for the emergence of life.
- Samples from asteroid Bennu contain ribose (a sugar in RNA), amino acids, and nucleobases essential for life.
- The discovery supports the theory that life's building blocks were delivered to Earth via space rocks.
- Bennu contains presolar grains from supernovae, which are older than the sun itself.