India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, is set to launch six payloads between July 12 and August 4. Among these are technology demonstration payloads from Graaha Space, Dcubed, and Skyroot's own SCOPE, along with Embrace payload from Cosmoserve Space. Notably, the rocket will also carry unique payloads celebrating creativity and scientific heritage: Cosmic Bloom, a diamond jewellery creation, and Microart, an 18K gold rocket holding micro-sculptures of Indian visionaries like Sir C.V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This mission highlights India's growing innovation in the space sector.
- India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, will launch six payloads.
- The launch window for Vikram-1 is between July 12 and August 4.
- Payloads include technology demonstrations from Graaha Space, Dcubed, Skyroot's SCOPE, and Cosmoserve Space's Embrace.
Viral videos demonstrating the disabling of e-rickshaw batteries using mobile apps like BAT-BMS have exposed security flaws in imported Battery Management Systems (BMS) modules, primarily from China. These apps, designed for diagnostics, exploit a lack of authentication in Jiabaida BMS modules. The government's response of banning apps instead of addressing underlying supply chain vulnerabilities is criticized. The article highlights that almost all e-rickshaw components are imported, and existing regulations lack detailed standards for electronic components. Stronger supply chain oversight, security standards, and vetting of suppliers are needed to prevent such exploits.
- Viral videos show e-rickshaw batteries being disabled using mobile apps that exploit vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Battery Management Systems (BMS).
- The apps, like BAT-BMS, are designed for diagnostics but exploit a lack of authentication in imported Jiabaida BMS modules from China.
- The government's response of banning apps is criticized as it fails to address the root cause: underlying security flaws in the supply chain.
The article discusses India's evolving stance on AI governance, initially aiming to center Global South needs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. However, India's subsequent alignment with Pax Silica and adoption of a pro-innovation regulatory approach, influenced by the U.S., has shifted its position towards a "middle power" narrative. This shift raises concerns about potential dependency on U.S. tech, extraction of data and resources, and whether India can truly champion Global South interests while pursuing strategic autonomy. The author suggests India should reassert a vision of public purpose, user safety, and international cooperation within the Global South to build local AI ecosystems.
- India initially aimed to prioritize Global South needs in AI governance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- India's alignment with Pax Silica and a pro-innovation regulatory approach has led to a "middle power" positioning, potentially compromising Global South solidarity.
- This shift raises concerns about India becoming a consumer of U.S. tech, a site for data extraction, and a provider of cheap labor for American Big Tech.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have developed a synthetic cell capable of growth and division, a significant step in understanding the origins of life. The cell, initially a liposome, contained a protein-making system (PURE) and DNA. It "ate" by fusing with smaller feeder liposomes, producing a protein (alpha-hemolysin) that pulled in nutrients. The cell's DNA was copied by an enzyme (Phi29), and it was engineered to divide biologically by creating physical pressure from crowding proteins on its surface. This breakthrough demonstrates that cells can undergo selection, with faster-growing variants dominating the population.
- Researchers have successfully developed a synthetic cell that can grow and divide.
- The synthetic cell, starting as a liposome, contained a protein-making system and DNA.
- It "ate" by fusing with feeder liposomes and produced a protein to pull in nutrients.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the first ground test of the solid motor-based Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) at Sriharikota. SOLVE is a crucial component for Gaganyaan test missions, designed to carry the crew module to an altitude of 10-17 km for parachute tests. Derived from the PSLV Strap-on Motor with modifications, SOLVE's successful test demonstrates its capability to simulate various conditions for the crew module's deceleration system, marking a significant step towards India's human spaceflight mission.
- ISRO has successfully conducted the first ground test of the SOLVE solid motor at Sriharikota.
- SOLVE is a key component for the Gaganyaan mission, specifically for conducting Integrated Parachute Tests of the crew module.
- The solid motor is derived from the PSLV Strap-on Motor with modifications for slow burn propellant and thrust vector control.
The Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore to States for the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G). This new Act, which came into effect on July 1, replaces MGNREGA. Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation. Concerns persist regarding the scheme's centralized planning, which relies on GIS-based platforms like Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti, potentially creating technological barriers and shifting financial burden onto States, moving away from a demand-driven, bottom-up approach.
- The Union government has released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the new VB-G RAM G Act.
- The VB-G RAM G Act, effective July 1, replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
- The planning process for the new scheme is centralized, using GIS-based platforms like Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, directing it to disable advertisements promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM). This action follows a BBC report highlighting such ads on Instagram. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta seven days to respond, threatening further action if compliance is not met. The government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards CSEAM, citing IT Act 2000 provisions and IT Rules 2021 that mandate intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
- The Indian government has directed Meta to disable ads promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
- The action was prompted by a BBC report that exposed the presence of such advertisements on the platform.
- Meta has been given seven days to respond to the notice, with a warning of further action if compliance is not met.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's username feature, citing concerns about increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. MeitY argues that hiding phone numbers and using usernames could facilitate identity spoofing of individuals, public authorities, and financial institutions. WhatsApp, which is rolling out the optional feature with safeguards like PINs and country-of-origin display, maintains it has reserved usernames for prominent personalities. The government asserts its right to intervene under the IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, classifying WhatsApp as a "significant social media intermediary."
- The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out its username feature due to concerns about potential increases in online fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
- MeitY believes the feature could enable identity spoofing of individuals and institutions by allowing usernames to resemble genuine entities.
- WhatsApp states the feature is optional, includes safeguards like PINs, and has reserved usernames for prominent personalities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has demanded that Telegram take proactive measures to detect and remove pirated content, giving the platform 15 days to respond. This move escalates ongoing issues between the government and Telegram, which has been accused of delayed action against piracy. The I&B Ministry's notice emphasizes a shift from piecemeal takedowns to platform accountability, requiring Telegram to observe due diligence under the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021. Telegram had previously complied with an order to remove over 3,100 URLs in March 2026.
- The I&B Ministry has directed Telegram to proactively detect and remove pirated content from its platform.
- Telegram has been given 15 days to respond to the notice, marking an escalation in government scrutiny.
- The government aims for platform accountability, moving beyond individual takedown requests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the CG Semi Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility at Sanand in Gujarat. He emphasized that semiconductor clusters are emerging across India, which will generate significant employment opportunities. This inauguration aligns with India's broader push to establish a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, crucial for technological self-reliance and economic growth. The government aims to foster a strong manufacturing base for semiconductors to reduce reliance on imports and boost indigenous capabilities in high-tech industries.
- Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a semiconductor assembly and test facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
- The establishment of semiconductor clusters across India is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities.
- This initiative is part of India's broader strategy to build a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space launch company, announced that its Vikram-1 orbital-class rocket is set for its maiden test flight, named Mission Aagaman. The launch window is scheduled between July 12 and August 4 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, pending assembly, testing, weather, and range clearance. This mission follows the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S in November 2022, which was India's first private rocket to reach space. Vikram-1's flight will be partially commercial and aims to gather critical data for future full commercial operations.
- Vikram-1 is India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
- Its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman, is scheduled between July 12 and August 4 from Sriharikota.
- This mission is a follow-up to Vikram-S's successful suborbital flight in November 2022.
The government has notified new telecom rules, including the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal/Captive/Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. These rules primarily simplify the regulatory framework by replacing the old licensing system with an "authorisation regime," aiming to ease compliance for operators and ISPs and add anti-spam obligations. While many operational changes are minimal, the new Act grants the Union government greater powers, such as regulating messaging apps and seizing telecom infrastructure for national security. However, aspects like satellite internet rules and Starlink approvals remain uncertain, indicating incomplete implementation.
- The government has notified new telecom rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the previous licensing framework with an authorisation regime.
- The primary objective is to simplify compliance for telecom operators and ISPs and introduce anti-spam obligations.
- The new Act grants the Union government broader powers, including the ability to regulate messaging apps and seize telecom infrastructure for national security.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth unveiled "VIJAY," a roadmap to transform the Indian Army into a technology-enabled, future-ready force capable of operating across multiple domains. Inspired by the Defence Minister's vision for the Decade of Transformation, the roadmap's acronym stands for Vigilance (operational readiness), Innovation and Transformation (modern doctrine, cutting-edge technologies), Jointness and Integration (synergy among services and military-civil fusion), Atmanirbharta (indigenous technologies), and Yodha First (soldier welfare and training). This initiative aims to strengthen national security and adapt to evolving warfare, ensuring the Army remains prepared for emerging security challenges.
- General Dhiraj Seth unveiled the "VIJAY" roadmap to modernize the Indian Army.
- The roadmap aims to create a technology-enabled, future-ready force capable of multi-domain operations.
- "VIJAY" stands for Vigilance, Innovation and Transformation, Jointness and Integration, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First.
India has made significant progress in its energy transition, achieving near-universal household electrification and expanding renewable energy. However, to meet 2047 energy self-reliance and 2070 net-zero goals, an integrated approach is crucial. An INSA policy brief proposes a four-pillar framework: adequacy (reliable, diversified supplies), access (equitable services), affordability (economically viable transition), and appropriate sustainability (aligned with developmental priorities). This framework emphasizes greater coordination across diverse energy resources and technologies, viewing the entire energy system as an integrated whole to build a resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
- India needs a unified policy architecture to achieve its energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070 goals.
- An INSA policy brief proposes a four-pillar framework: adequacy, access, affordability, and appropriate sustainability.
- The framework advocates for reliable and diversified energy supplies, equitable energy services, economically viable transition, and sustainability aligned with India's context.
India's energy security relies on reducing dependence on disrupted resources, as demonstrated by the refining sector's flexibility during the Strait of Hormuz crisis in 2026. The article argues that similar discipline is needed for coal chemistry to produce domestic molecules like Dimethyl Ether (DME) from coal gasification. DME, chemically similar to LPG, can be blended into existing cylinders, reducing LPG imports and saving foreign exchange. The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹37,500 crore scheme to promote coal and lignite gasification, targeting 100 million tonnes annually by 2030, highlighting the strategic importance of indigenous capability.
- India's energy security can be enhanced by developing indigenous coal chemistry capabilities.
- Producing Dimethyl Ether (DME) from coal gasification can reduce reliance on imported LPG.
- DME can be blended into existing LPG infrastructure without needing new distribution networks.
NASA launched a $30-million robotic rescue mission on June 30 to save its ageing Swift space telescope, which is falling towards Earth. The mission, developed by US startup Katalyst, involves a robot latching onto Swift and towing it into a stable orbit. The Swift space telescope, officially the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, was launched in 2004 for a two-year mission to study gamma-ray bursts, which are explosive deaths of stars. Placed in a 600-km-high low Earth orbit, Swift would eventually burn up in the atmosphere without its own propulsion. The mission is considered challenging with a 50-50 chance of success, highlighting the complexities of space salvage operations.
- NASA initiated a $30-million robotic rescue mission to prevent the Swift space telescope from re-entering Earth's atmosphere.
- The mission involves a robot, developed by Katalyst, to latch onto Swift and move it to a stable orbit.
- The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched in 2004, was designed to study gamma-ray bursts.
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is undertaking a "planned database consolidation and upgradation of software applications" through the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project. This initiative aims to modernize service delivery via automation, creating a single national database to replace over 120 decentralized ones. The upgrade will allow any PF office to process member requests, enable online services like KYC updates, and provide a unified digital interface for members to access all their PF details. This is expected to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and reduce physical visits and claim rejections, ensuring seamless services for subscribers.
- EPFO is implementing the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project for database consolidation and software upgrade.
- The goal is to modernize service delivery through automation and create a single national database, replacing over 120 decentralized systems.
- The upgrade will enable members to access all services online, approach any PF office, and view a unified digital interface for their details.
India's criminal justice system is undergoing a major digital transformation, with all investigations and trials under new criminal laws to be digitally recorded from January 1, 2027. The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution on a single platform, aiming for end-to-end digital workflow. Data will be stored on the MeghRaj cloud platform. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as only 46% of FIRs being digitally transmitted to courts. The new laws (BNS, BSS, BNSS) require upgraded infrastructure and forensic capabilities, leading to the addition of 25 new forensic laboratories and an increase in the national implementation score.
- India's criminal justice system aims for full digital recording of investigations and trials under new laws by January 1, 2027.
- The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates all pillars of justice (police, courts, prisons, forensics, prosecution) on a single digital platform.
- Data will be stored on the government's MeghRaj cloud platform, ensuring end-to-end digital workflow.
Global governments are increasingly shaping AI policy around national advantage, with the US restricting AI model access and Europe investing in AI compute. India, as a large IT services economy, faces a strategic dilemma: leverage foreign AI models for productivity while reducing technological dependence. India's R&D spending on AI is low compared to global leaders. The article advocates for a whole-of-government approach to deepen backward linkages to frontier AI and strengthen forward linkages to global markets for Indian products and services. It also calls for the Indian tech ecosystem to enhance quality and innovation and build domestic AI capability, ensuring India remains integrated globally while reducing strategic vulnerabilities.
- Governments globally are implementing sovereign AI policies to secure national advantage, influencing access and development.
- India must leverage global AI for economic growth while simultaneously reducing strategic technological dependence.
- India's R&D spending on AI is significantly lower than leading global players, necessitating strategic linkages and government support.
The article argues that while AI offers immense productivity gains, the most pervasive and least understood risk is "artificial wisdom." Beyond concerns of mass unemployment and concentrated power, the author highlights the dangerous misconception that AI generates knowledge. AI systems, trained on vast data, predict patterns and generate human-like text, but lack true understanding, context, judgment, and awareness of consequences. This can lead to synthetic information being more persuasive than genuine, creating fertile ground for manipulation and misinformation. The systemic risk arises as organizations increasingly rely on AI for critical decisions that no one is qualified to verify, making genuine human expertise more valuable than ever.
- The most significant and least understood risk of AI is "artificial wisdom," the misconception that AI generates true knowledge.
- AI systems are trained to predict patterns and generate human-like text, but they lack context, judgment, experience, and understanding of consequences.
- This can lead to the creation of synthetic information that is more persuasive than genuine, fostering manipulation and misinformation.
The article argues that Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers India a transformative opportunity similar to the 1991 liberalisation, potentially leading to a "Bharat rate of growth" of 8% and beyond. It advocates for making AI tokens free, funded by reallocating existing subsidies, and building a robust AI infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The author emphasizes the need for India to host large language models on sovereign infrastructure, diversify compute hardware away from a single vendor, and implement a National AI Token Policy within 24 months. This strategy aims to replicate India's digital public infrastructure successes in the AI domain, leveraging its talent and favorable policies to become a global AI leader.
- AI presents a transformative opportunity for India to achieve a "Bharat rate of growth" (8%+) similar to the post-1991 liberalisation era.
- The author proposes making AI tokens free, initially for top R&D institutions and schools, funded by reallocating existing subsidies.
- India should build a sovereign AI compute framework through public-private partnerships with hyperscalers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft.
The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to cover all therapeutic classes, shifting from revenue-based to risk-based regulation. This framework, introduced in 2022-23, mandates QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs to verify authenticity and track defective batches. The initiative aims to combat counterfeit networks targeting critical medicines like vaccines and antimicrobials, which contribute to India's high antimicrobial resistance rates. It also addresses international concerns regarding quality control and the leakage of controlled substances into illicit markets. The success of this system depends on a state-managed database, consumer verification habits, and support for MSME manufacturers to integrate new packaging requirements.
- The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to all therapeutic classes, moving towards risk-based regulation to track defective batches.
- New norms mandate QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs for authenticity verification and detailed tracking.
- The initiative aims to combat counterfeit drugs, especially antimicrobials, which exacerbate India's high antimicrobial resistance rates.
This article by Shashi Tharoor argues that unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens human dignity, data ownership, and democratic governance, potentially leading to a new form of digital slavery. It highlights how algorithmic manipulation and AI-generated disinformation undermine shared epistemic foundations, driving radicalisation and social fragmentation. The author calls for robust, binding legal frameworks beyond abstract ethics, proposing five foundational pillars for AI governance in India: a rights-based framework, democratic accountability for platforms, protection of free speech, massive media literacy initiatives, and cross-sector early-warning systems to combat misinformation. The piece emphasizes AI governance as a constitutional imperative.
- Unchecked AI poses a threat to human dignity and data ownership, potentially creating a new form of digital slavery.
- Algorithmic manipulation by Big Tech platforms amplifies hyper-partisan content, leading to radicalisation and social fragmentation.
- AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes undermine the shared epistemic foundation crucial for democratic functioning.
India is rapidly expanding its solar energy capacity, but traditional solar panels only generate electricity during the day. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed molecular photo-switches (MOST) to store solar thermal energy in molecular form for later use. These molecules, like 2-pyrimidone, isomerize into a different shape (Dewar pyrimidone) upon absorbing sunlight, storing energy that can be released as heat when needed. This technology offers a practical tool for storing heat for applications like water heating and cooking, potentially making India greener by overcoming the intermittency of solar power.
- India is significantly increasing its solar energy capacity through rooftop and land-based installations.
- A new research focuses on molecular photo-switches (MOST) to store solar thermal energy, addressing the intermittency of solar power.
- Molecules like 2-pyrimidone absorb solar light and convert into an isomer (Dewar pyrimidone), storing thermal energy.