The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India has launched two mobile applications—Digital Layout Map (DLM) and Census 2027-House-list—for the trial phase of the 16th Census. This will be India's first-ever digital census. A self-enumeration portal is also being tested, allowing citizens to submit details online. The apps enable enumerators to collect data on housing amenities and geo-tag households using coordinates. This transition from paper-based to digital collection aims to improve data accuracy, ensure faster processing, and provide enhanced monitoring of the census exercise scheduled for 2027.
- The 2027 Census will be India's first digital census, utilizing mobile apps for data collection.
- The Digital Layout Map (DLM) app replaces manual paper sketches with digital geo-tagging of households.
- Self-enumeration facility allows residents to submit details online prior to enumerator visits.
ISRO Chairman announced that the first Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) developed by a private consortium led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is scheduled for launch in February 2026. This initiative marks a major step in privatizing India's space technology and production. Currently, Indian industry contributes 80% to 85% of systems for major missions like LVM-3 M5. The goal is to transfer at least 50% of PSLV production directly to the industry consortium to enhance India's global competitiveness in satellite launches and space applications.
- A consortium led by HAL and L&T has produced the first privately developed PSLV rocket.
- The launch is part of a broader strategy to involve Indian industry in 50% of PSLV production.
- Over 450 Indian industries and 330+ start-ups are currently contributing to the national space programme.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released the 'India AI Governance Guidelines,' advocating a 'hands-off' approach to regulation to promote innovation while ensuring safety. The guidelines emphasize seven core principles, including trust, people-centricity, and accountability. Unlike previous frameworks, this model prioritizes 'innovation with guardrails' over risk minimization. It aims to make India a global role model for AI governance. While there are no immediate plans for a new AI law, the government remains open to drafting legislation based on emerging risks and capabilities of AI systems.
- The guidelines are based on seven principles: trust, people-centricity, responsible innovation, equity, accountability, understandability of LLMs, and safety.
- The framework moves away from the risk-centric approach of NITI Aayog and OECD to focus on promoting innovation with necessary guardrails.
- Six recommendations include expanding AI infrastructure and leveraging digital public infrastructure (DPI) for scale and inclusion.
A team of researchers exploring the Western Ghats has discovered a new species of jumping spider belonging to the Pilia genus at Madhugundi village in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. Named 'Pilia malenadu' to honor the region, this discovery is significant as the last species in this genus was found in Kerala roughly 123 years ago in 1902. The researchers identified 24 individuals, including males, females, and juveniles. The presence of such rare species indicates a healthy ecosystem but also highlights the habitat-specific nature of these spiders, which were found only on two specific plant species endemic to the region.
- The new species Pilia malenadu belongs to the Pilia genus of jumping spiders, which has multiple species in one genus.
- This is the first time in 123 years that a species from this genus has been discovered in India.
- The discovery was made in the Western Ghats, specifically in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
Cloud seeding involves spraying salt mixtures (like silver iodide or calcium chloride) into clouds via aircraft to induce precipitation. Recently, IIT Kanpur conducted trials over Delhi to combat smog, but results were disappointing due to unsuitable cloud conditions. Historically, India's experience with cloud seeding dates back to 1952. A major study, the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) (2017-2019), found that seeding could increase rainfall by 18-46% in specific drought-prone regions like Solapur. However, the post-monsoon clouds over Delhi often lack the necessary moisture and quality for successful seeding.
- Cloud seeding requires specific cloud types with sufficient moisture and 'supercooled' water droplets to be effective.
- The CAIPEEX experiment (2017-2019) provided scientific evidence that seeding can enhance rainfall in drought-prone areas like Solapur, Maharashtra.
- Recent attempts in Delhi failed because the atmospheric conditions and cloud quality were not conducive to inducing rain.
The Supreme Court of India has characterized 'digital arrests' as a major challenge, noting that fraudsters have scammed victims, primarily the elderly, of over ₹3,000 crore. These scams involve criminals posing as law enforcement or judicial officers using forged documents and morphed videos to extort money. The court highlighted that these cybercrimes often originate from 'scam compounds' across borders. The Solicitor-General informed the court about the use of AI to morph faces of judges during video calls. The SC is considering tasking the CBI with probing these organized syndicates to strengthen the hands of agencies.
- 'Digital arrests' involve fraudsters impersonating officials to extort money through fear and forged legal documents.
- The elderly population is the primary target of these scams, with total losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore in India alone.
- Criminals are increasingly using advanced technology, including AI, to morph faces and create realistic fake courtrooms for extortion.
The Indian IT industry, contributing 7% to the GDP, faces a profound metamorphosis driven by AI automation and shifting global demands. The current 'Layoff Wave' is a symptom of structural changes where routine tasks like basic coding are being replaced by AI-driven transformation. Furthermore, restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are forcing Indian firms to localize their overseas workforces. To remain competitive, there is an urgent need for engineering curriculum reform to focus on AI, data science, and soft skills. The government is also urged to consider mandatory compensation packages for mass layoffs to protect the workforce.
- The Indian IT industry contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP and employs nearly 6 million people.
- AI-driven automation is replacing routine tasks like basic coding and reporting, necessitating a shift to high-value, specialized services.
- Restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are impacting the cost-arbitrage model of Indian IT firms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the first Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), emphasized the need for India to transition from food security to nutrition security. He called for the creation of biofortified crops to combat malnutrition, development of low-cost fertilizers, and genomic mapping for personalized medicine. The ESTIC replaces the long-standing Indian Science Congress. Modi highlighted that India's R&D expenditure doubled in the last decade, patent registrations grew 17 times, and deep-tech startups reached 6,000. He also mentioned the operationalization of a ₹1 lakh crore fund via the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to support scientific innovation.
- The Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) has replaced the Indian Science Congress as the primary congregation for scientists.
- PM Modi advocated for biofortified crops as a primary tool to address malnutrition and achieve national nutrition security.
- India's R&D landscape has seen significant growth, with patent registrations increasing 17-fold and deep-tech startups reaching 6,000 in the last decade.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from companies to develop and produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the Nipah virus (NiV). Nipah is a zoonotic threat with high fatality rates (40% to 75%) and frequent outbreaks in India since 2001. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines, making mAbs the only feasible biomedical countermeasure. These antibodies can serve as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for high-risk contacts, including healthcare workers. The initiative aims to build a stock of indigenous medical countermeasures to ensure timely access during outbreaks and enhance national health preparedness.
- Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease with a very high case fatality rate.
- Monoclonal antibodies can reduce viral load and limit disease progression if administered early.
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is leading the experimental work.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a ₹1 lakh crore fund at the first Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 in New Delhi. The fund is designed to promote private sector-driven investments in research and development (R&D). ESTIC is a flagship government event intended to be held annually to align innovation with national goals. The three-day conclave will host over 3,000 participants from various sectors. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to making India a global hub for science and technology by incentivizing private participation in high-end research.
- The ₹1 lakh crore fund aims to catalyze private sector R&D spending.
- ESTIC 2025 is the inaugural edition of a planned annual flagship science event.
- The initiative seeks to align scientific innovation with India's long-term national development goals.
Data indicates that while AI is not directly displacing workers in most cases, companies are restructuring and laying off employees to manage higher spending on AI transformation. In 2024, tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and TCS announced significant job cuts or redeployments. However, there is a surge in demand for AI-related skills, with workers possessing these skills earning significantly higher wages. Global corporate investment in AI reached $252.3 billion in 2024. The labor market is seeing a "pivot" where hiring for AI roles is growing rapidly, particularly in countries like India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, while traditional roles face stagnation.
- Global corporate investment in AI has increased 13 times compared to a decade ago.
- Hardware and retail sectors accounted for the largest shares of tech layoffs in 2025.
- India leads in relative AI hiring rates with a year-over-year growth of over 33%.
ISRO successfully launched GSAT-7R (CMS-03), the Indian Navy's advanced communication satellite, using the LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota. Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, it is India's heaviest communication satellite to date. The satellite is designed to provide secure, high-capacity communication links and enhanced situational awareness across the Indian Ocean Region. It features advanced transponders supporting voice, data, and video links for the Navy's ships, submarines, and aircraft. This launch signifies a major step towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in space technology and reduces dependence on foreign launchers for heavy satellites, while also preparing for the Gaganyaan mission.
- The LVM3-M5 rocket was used for the launch into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- The satellite is specifically designed for the Indian Navy to bolster maritime domain awareness.
- It is the heaviest Indian-built communication satellite launched from Indian soil.
A recent report in Scientific Reports and The Lancet Healthy Longevity highlights how plant-based dietary patterns reduce the risk of multi-morbidity, including cancer and type 2 diabetes. Analyzing data from 2.3 lakh individuals, researchers found that healthy plant-based diets are associated with lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. In India, where 35% of the population is vegetarian, the prevalence of diabetes remains high (16.4% in urban areas). The study emphasizes that while many Indians follow vegetarian diets, they often include high amounts of sugar and processed foods, which must be addressed to realize full health benefits.
- Healthy plant-based diets are linked to lower incidences of chronic multi-morbidity such as cancer and heart disease.
- Approximately 35% of Indians are vegetarians, but metabolic disorders remain a significant concern due to dietary quality.
- Tobacco use remains a major contributor to cancer in India, affecting both urban and rural populations significantly.
Researchers from IIT-Kanpur attempted cloud seeding in Delhi to combat air pollution, despite warnings from the IMD about insufficient cloud cover. Using a Cessna aircraft, they fired a mixture of silver iodide, common salt, and rock salt into the atmosphere. While the experiment failed to produce rain due to low moisture (less than 15%), it aimed to test a 'proprietary solution' manufactured in Sivakasi. This was the first time since 1972 that Delhi experimented with cloud seeding specifically for air quality improvement. The IMD and MoES remained neutral, providing data but not specific advice on proceeding.
- Cloud seeding involves spraying fine chemical aerosols like silver iodide into clouds to induce precipitation.
- The experiment failed because the clouds lacked the minimum 15% moisture required for effective seeding.
- This was Delhi's first attempt at using cloud seeding to mitigate air pollution since 1972.
A Pew Research Center survey across 25 countries found that Indians have the lowest awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with only 46% having heard or read about it. This is significantly lower than the 25-country median of 81%. Interestingly, despite low awareness, nearly 90% of Indians trust their government to regulate AI effectively—the highest level of confidence among all surveyed nations. The data shows a correlation between a country's GDP per capita and AI awareness, with wealthier nations generally showing higher familiarity, while Indians remain less concerned about AI's impact on daily life.
- Only 19% of Indians aged 18-34 have heard 'a lot' about AI, the second lowest in that age group globally.
- Indians are among the least concerned about the increasing use of AI in daily life compared to other nations.
- India leads the world in public trust regarding the government's ability to regulate AI technologies.
Tropical cyclones are powerful weather systems that form over warm tropical waters (above 26.5°C). They require specific conditions: low-pressure areas, sufficient Coriolis force (usually 5 degrees away from the equator), and low vertical wind shear. The 'eye' of the cyclone is a calm center surrounded by the 'eyewall,' where the most intense winds occur. Measurement involves satellite imagery, ocean buoys, and 'hurricane hunters' aircraft. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies these storms based on wind speed, ranging from depressions to super cyclonic storms, using numerical weather models for forecasting.
- Cyclones derive energy from the evaporation of warm ocean water, intensifying as they move over sea.
- High vertical wind shear can disrupt a cyclone's structure, preventing it from strengthening into a storm.
- The Coriolis force, caused by Earth's rotation, is essential for creating the characteristic spiral of a cyclone.
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the rising cases of 'digital arrests.' Fraudsters, often operating from 'scam compounds' across borders, pose as law enforcement or judicial officers to extort money from innocent citizens, especially senior citizens. They use advanced technology, including AI, to create fake courtrooms and police station environments. The court took suo motu cognizance of the issue after reports of people being threatened with arrest unless they paid large sums of money.
- 'Digital arrest' is a cybercrime where victims are intimidated into staying online under the guise of a legal investigation.
- Criminals use AI and deepfake technology to morph backgrounds into realistic police stations or courtrooms.
- The Supreme Court highlighted that many of these cybercrimes originate from organized 'scam compounds' outside India.
The article discusses the decline of U.S. dominance in basic research due to funding cuts and 'brain drain,' while China rapidly ascends. The U.S. administration has significantly reduced budgets for the NIH, NSF, and NASA, leading to the cancellation of thousands of research grants. In contrast, China has made strategic, long-term investments in frontier research, particularly in AI, quantum research, and semiconductors. China now leads in several research categories and produces a higher share of the world's most-cited papers, challenging the geopolitical balance of the 21st century.
- The U.S. S&T system is facing severe budget cuts, including a 56% reduction in the NSF budget.
- China's R&D spending is growing at 8.7% annually, significantly faster than the U.S. and EU.
- China accounted for nearly 40% of all AI publications in 2021, far exceeding the U.S. share.
This article highlights how major social media and search platforms routinely host advertisements for unverified medical treatments, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act (DMRA), 1954. Despite strict regulations in the U.S., these platforms allow misleading ads for cures for chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer in India. The authors argue that Big Tech exploits the 'intermediary' status to avoid liability. They call for reforms, including criminal prosecution of managerial personnel and revoking legal immunity if platforms fail to enforce local health laws.
- The DMRA 1954 prohibits advertising drugs for 54 medical conditions, regardless of their clinical efficacy.
- Big Tech platforms often host misleading ads for ayurvedic, homeopathic, and cow-urine based products claiming to cure serious illnesses.
- Platforms claim 'intermediary' status to avoid liability for user-generated content, yet their marketing teams actively solicit these ads.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the CMS-03 military communications satellite, also known as GSAT-7R, on November 2 from Sriharikota. The satellite will be launched using the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket. Weighing 4,400 kg, CMS-03 will be the heaviest communication satellite launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. This multi-band satellite is designed to provide dedicated communication services for the Indian armed forces over the Indian landmass and wide oceanic regions, marking the first LVM3 launch since Chandrayaan-3.
- CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) is a dedicated satellite for military communication and maritime surveillance.
- It will be launched by the LVM3, which is India's most powerful launch vehicle.
- The satellite will provide services over a wide oceanic region, enhancing the strategic reach of the armed forces.
The Union government has announced 24 individual scientists and one team as recipients of the second edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP). The awards are divided into four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team. Notably, the RVP does not include a cash component, aligning it with the spirit of the Padma awards. The selection process, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), aims to consolidate various departmental science awards into a unified national framework, though it has faced calls for increased transparency to ensure merit-based selection.
- The RVP replaces several departmental awards to create a unified national recognition for scientific achievement.
- Unlike the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards, the RVP awards do not carry a cash prize.
- The selection committee is chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser and includes members from scientific academies.
Google researchers, in collaboration with Stanford and Caltech, published papers in Nature claiming a 'verifiable display of quantum advantage.' Using the new 'Willow' quantum processor and the Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI) algorithm, they solved a complex optimization problem significantly faster than the world's second-fastest supercomputer. While the supercomputer would take over three years, Willow completed the task in about two hours. This milestone demonstrates the ability of quantum systems to handle 'scrambled' information in complex systems, though practical, large-scale applications remain several years away.
- Quantum advantage refers to a quantum computer performing a task that is practically impossible for classical computers.
- The Willow processor uses the DQI algorithm to manipulate wave-like properties of quantum particles for computation.
- The experiment involved measuring 'scrambled' information, a state where information is hidden in complex particle relationships.
Google researchers have introduced the C2S-Scale (Cell2Sentence-Scale) model, a 27-billion parameter AI tool designed to understand the 'language' of individual cells. Trained on real-world patient and cell-line data, the model suggested using the drug silmitasertib to improve the immune system's ability to identify cancerous tumors. This discovery was later validated through experimental testing in living cells. While experts note that trained biologists might reach similar conclusions, the AI significantly accelerates the process of hypothesis generation and pathway identification for complex diseases like cancer.
- C2S-Scale is a Large Language Model (LLM) applied to biological data rather than human language.
- The model identified a new use for silmitasertib in cancer immunotherapy by scanning vast biological literature.
- AI tools like this can shorten the time needed to identify potential drug candidates from months to days.
The Government of India announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), a new set of national awards for scientific excellence. Eminent physicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement. The awards are categorized into Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri (for distinguished contributions), Vigyan Yuva (for scientists under 45), and Vigyan Team. This year, 33 scientists were honored across various categories. The selection process is managed by a committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
- The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is modeled after the Padma awards to recognize scientific achievements at the national level.
- Categories include Vigyan Ratna (lifetime), Vigyan Shri (distinguished), Vigyan Yuva (young scientists), and Vigyan Team.
- The Vigyan Team award was given to the CSIR Aroma Mission for its collective contribution.