Indian space technology firms raised a record $200 million in 2025, with Bengaluru emerging as the leading ecosystem, attracting over half of the funding. A Tracxn report indicates the sector has raised about $871 million in total as of July, with the top 10 most-funded firms accounting for over 60%. Skyroot Aerospace, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket builder, is the sector's unicorn, raising $150 million. The report highlights a steady rise in funding over the last five years and an expansion of the investor base to include sovereign wealth funds and global institutional investors.
- Indian space tech firms raised a record $200 million in 2025.
- Bengaluru led the funding, attracting over half the investment.
- Skyroot Aerospace, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket builder, is the sector's unicorn.
A two-year nationwide surveillance study by ICMR's Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) network has found that all four dengue virus serotypes are circulating simultaneously across India, with nearly one in 14 patients having concurrent infections. This hyper-endemicity raises concerns about an increased risk of severe disease, as patients with concurrent infections were more likely to develop severe manifestations like dangerously low platelet counts and bleeding complications. The study emphasizes the critical need for continuous surveillance of serotypes and incorporating dengue vaccines into public health programs, especially in endemic areas, given that vaccine effectiveness varies against different strains.
- All four dengue virus serotypes are circulating simultaneously across India.
- Nearly 1 in 14 dengue patients have concurrent infections with multiple serotypes.
- Concurrent infections are linked to an increased risk of severe dengue manifestations.
The Bombay High Court will hear Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's plea against Meta, X, Google, and unknown persons on August 5. Gadkari alleges that defamatory deepfake content, falsely linking him to the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), has been circulated on social media, tarnishing his reputation. He is seeking ₹11 crore in damages. The court has directed Gadkari's advocate to serve copies of the civil suit to all respondents.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari filed a plea against Meta, X, and Google over deepfake content.
- The deepfake content falsely links him to the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
- Gadkari is seeking ₹11 crore in damages for tarnished reputation.
Meta has apologized after Facebook briefly removed a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the NEET examination paper leaks, initially citing a "legal request" via an automated platform alert. A source clarified that the post was mistakenly flagged by an AI-generated content moderation tool. The Prime Minister's video sought to reassure students about firm action on the leaks. The government has summoned a senior executive from Meta's policy and government relations team to explain the error, highlighting concerns over content moderation practices.
- Meta (Facebook) briefly removed PM Modi's video on NEET paper leaks.
- The removal was due to a mistaken flagging by an automated AI moderation tool.
- The video reassured students about government action on examination leaks.
Hong Wang has made history by becoming the third woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal, one of the top honours in mathematics, in 2026. The Medal, awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40, also recognized Yu Deng, John Pardon, and Jacob Tsimerman. Wang, along with Deng, are the first Chinese nationals to win since 1982. Wang was honored for solving the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture with Joshua Zahl. Her work, and that of other laureates, spans complex mathematical problems in number theory, algebraic geometry, and symplectic geometry, demonstrating significant advancements in the field.
- Hong Wang became the third woman in history to win the Fields Medal, a top honor in mathematics.
- The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40.
- Wang, along with Yu Deng, are the first Chinese nationals to win the Medal since 1982.
India's operational data centre capacity is projected to increase more than five-fold, from 2.2 GW in 2025 to 12 GW by 2030, primarily fueled by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), hyperscale cloud investments, and the expanding digital economy. AI-dedicated capacity is expected to reach 6,546 MW by 2030. Data centre electricity demand is forecast to grow significantly, reaching 191 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2040. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu currently dominate IT load, but future investments are expected to expand into emerging markets like A.P., Telangana, U.P., and Karnataka, attracting significant commitments from global hyperscalers and domestic operators.
- India's data centre capacity is projected to increase over five-fold to 12 GW by 2030, driven by AI and hyperscale cloud investments.
- AI-dedicated capacity is expected to reach 6,546 MW by 2030, indicating a significant shift in infrastructure demand.
- Data centre electricity demand is forecast to grow substantially, reaching 191 TWh by 2040.
Bank of Baroda (BOB) has initiated a forensic investigation into a breach where critical data, reportedly one terabyte (TB) worth, was leaked onto the dark web. The bank stated that the incident involved the compromise of an employee's email account, leading to unauthorized access to certain data. Immediate containment measures were implemented upon identification. BOB assured that its core banking systems were not accessed and remain secure, despite social media reports claiming personal Aadhaar details of customers were exposed. The incident highlights growing cybersecurity risks for financial institutions storing vast amounts of customer and business data.
- Bank of Baroda initiated a forensic investigation into a critical data leak on the dark web.
- The breach reportedly involved one terabyte (TB) of data, stemming from the compromise of an employee's email account.
- The bank confirmed immediate containment measures were implemented upon identifying the incident.
Thailand's Food and Drug Administration has approved Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin), a first-in-class oral antibiotic for the treatment of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, with support from The GARDP Foundation, led the priority review submission for this drug. Thailand is the second country to approve this new chemical entity, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval six months prior. This approval marks a significant step in combating gonorrhoea, especially given the rising concerns about antibiotic resistance.
- Thailand's FDA approved Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea.
- Nuzolvence is a first-in-class oral antibiotic.
- Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, supported by The GARDP Foundation, led the review submission.
The Bombay High Court allowed Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to initiate legal proceedings against Meta, Google, X, and other unnamed entities over social media content falsely linking him to the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). Justice Abhay Ahuja granted leave for Gadkari to file a substantive civil suit seeking removal of the defamatory content and ₹11 crore in damages. Gadkari clarified that he had no role in the EBP's policy decisions, despite serving as Union Minister for Road Transport since 2014. He identified at least 24 defamatory posts and intends to approach the Supreme Court on the matter.
- The Bombay High Court permitted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google, and X over defamatory social media posts.
- The posts falsely link Gadkari to the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) policy decisions.
- Gadkari seeks the removal of the content and ₹11 crore in damages.
V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT-Madras and a member of the high-powered task force revamping the National Testing Agency (NTA), stated that "trust" is the biggest challenge in preventing exam leaks. He emphasized the need for trustworthy teachers to set question papers and maintain confidentiality. Professor Kamakoti highlighted that every individual and process in the exam hierarchy, from question generation to exam centre administration, must be held directly accountable through a clear organizational structure. While AI can assist with tasks like translation, human oversight remains crucial for verifying accuracy, especially for inclusive exams conducted in multiple languages.
- The Director of IIT-Madras identified "trust" as the primary challenge in preventing exam leaks.
- He stressed the importance of trustworthy personnel in setting question papers and maintaining confidentiality.
- Clear organizational structures are needed to ensure direct accountability for every individual and process in the exam hierarchy.
The Supreme Court indicated it would seek suggestions from a high-powered task force, headed by former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani, on transitioning the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) to a computer-based test (CBT). This development follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak. The Centre informed the Bench that a high-powered task force was constituted to address the matter. The top court directed the Centre to file an affidavit outlining its roadmap for implementing reforms and a cybersecurity framework, emphasizing the need for comprehensive changes to ensure examination integrity.
- The Supreme Court will seek guidance from a task force on transitioning NEET-UG to a computer-based test (CBT).
- This move follows the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to a paper leak.
- A high-powered task force, led by Nandan Nilekani, has been constituted by the Union government to address the examination issues.
India's journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on AI's productivity gains being broadly shared, especially with informal women workers who constitute 82% of working women. While AI holds promise for agriculture and micro-enterprises, its design must be gender-responsive to avoid amplifying stereotypes and discrimination. Key priorities include conducting gender impact assessments for AI systems, developing AI literacy as public infrastructure tailored to women's time constraints and literacy levels, and ensuring digital safety to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence. These measures are crucial for AI to empower informal women workers, enabling meaningful access to tools and opportunities, and contributing to truly inclusive economic growth.
- AI's potential for India's inclusive growth hinges on its ability to empower informal women workers, who form a significant portion of the workforce.
- Gender-responsive AI design is crucial to prevent the amplification of stereotypes and discrimination, ensuring equitable access and benefits.
- Implementing gender impact assessments for AI systems is necessary to evaluate outcomes across various demographics and ensure accessible redressal mechanisms.
India's proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III norms are crucial for the global shift to electrified powertrains and addressing India's dependence on imported crude oil. While the draft notification aims for ambitious emission reductions (113 gCO2/km to 77 gCO2/km by FY2031-32), several flexibility mechanisms, like the Carbon Neutrality Factor and super credits for hybrids/EVs, reduce its effective stringency. Unlike China's Dual Credit System that mandates NEV credits, India's system allows manufacturers to buy credits from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency at low prices, potentially hindering genuine technological transformation. Stronger, market-shaping regulations are needed to align with India's energy security and climate goals.
- India's CAFE III norms are vital for transitioning to cleaner mobility and reducing reliance on imported crude oil.
- The proposed norms aim for significant emission reductions but include flexibility mechanisms that may dilute their effective stringency.
- Unlike China's Dual Credit System, India's framework allows credit purchases from BEE at low prices, potentially hindering genuine electrification efforts.
NASA has selected PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous Exploration with In-situ Sampling) for its NIAC 2026 phase I funding. This bio-inspired robotic explorer, driven by an artificial intelligence (AI) model, aims to directly sample particles from planetary ring systems—a first for any mission. PRAXIS will graze the ring plane and use a deployable boom to collect samples, addressing fundamental questions about how planetary rings form, evolve, and what they are made of, as identified by NASA's Planetary Science Decadal Survey.
- NASA has selected the PRAXIS mission concept for funding to explore planetary rings.
- PRAXIS is an AI-driven robotic explorer designed for in-situ sampling of ring particles.
- The mission aims to answer key questions about the formation, evolution, and composition of planetary rings.
India has approved Qdenga, its first dengue vaccine, designed to protect against all four serotypes of the virus. However, clinical trial data from manufacturer Takeda raises a crucial safety concern, particularly for seronegative children (those not previously infected). The vaccine could potentially enhance dengue in these children, specifically against DENV-3, and its efficacy against DENV-4 remains unknown. Experts recommend screening for prior dengue exposure before vaccination for seronegative recipients to mitigate the risk of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).
- India has approved Qdenga, its first dengue vaccine, targeting all four serotypes.
- A significant safety caveat exists for seronegative children, who may experience enhanced dengue (ADE).
- Qdenga's efficacy against DENV-3 is problematic for seronegative individuals, and DENV-4 efficacy is unknown.
Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La), a geological formation in Iran's Karkas Range, is drawing international attention due to suspected nuclear program facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump recently hinted at potential strikes on this area. The mountain's volcanic geology, part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, makes it a natural fortress. It consists of dense, mechanically strong volcanic rocks like andesite and rhyolite, dissected by numerous faults. This complex structure complicates both excavation and potential bombing efforts, as stress waves can scatter. The region's rugged landscape and surrounding maritime chokepoints further enhance Iran's geo-strategic position, making any ground campaign difficult.
- Pickaxe Mountain in Iran's Karkas Range is suspected to house part of Iran's nuclear program, drawing attention from the U.S.
- The mountain's volcanic geology, characterized by dense and fractured rocks, makes it a natural fortress.
- Its complex geological structure, including andesite and rhyolite rocks and numerous faults, complicates both excavation and potential military strikes.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, laying the foundation for a 30-year partnership where U.S. companies will help Riyadh build its nuclear sector. The deal, however, lacks the "gold standard" non-proliferation requirements, such as prohibiting uranium enrichment or reprocessing spent fuel, unlike the U.S.-UAE deal. President Trump later stated the deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which Riyadh has not confirmed, creating uncertainty. Saudi Arabia seeks nuclear power for economic diversification (Vision 2030) and to reduce reliance on oil, especially given its uranium deposits. The deal's impact on Iran's nuclear program is significant, as it could harden Iran's stance on enrichment if Saudi Arabia develops its own enrichment capabilities.
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement for a 30-year partnership.
- The deal allows for the transfer of civil nuclear materials and technology but lacks strict non-proliferation requirements like those in the U.S.-UAE deal.
- President Trump linked the deal to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which Riyadh has not confirmed.
Astronomers have announced the discovery of Kepler-1708 b-i, the first moon found beyond our solar system, also known as an exomoon. This exomoon is described as being as large as a planet, orbiting the exoplanet Kepler-1708 b, which is itself a gas giant. The discovery was made using data from the Kepler space telescope. This finding is significant as it opens new avenues for understanding planetary systems beyond our own and the potential for life in diverse celestial environments. The size of the exomoon challenges existing theories about moon formation.
- Astronomers have discovered the first exomoon, named Kepler-1708 b-i, located beyond our solar system.
- The exomoon is described as being planet-sized and orbits the exoplanet Kepler-1708 b, a gas giant.
- The discovery was made using data from the Kepler space telescope.
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that India's irrigated paddy fields are among the world's top methane sources, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, estimates that India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022, accounting for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice. The emissions are primarily from paddy fields in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab. The study highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices, such as alternate wetting and drying and direct seeded rice, to mitigate these emissions and achieve India's climate goals.
- India's irrigated paddy fields are identified as a significant global source of methane emissions.
- A CEEW study estimates India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022.
- This accounts for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice, with major contributions from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab.
A study published in Cell Genomics has revealed the existence of a previously unknown ancient Himalayan people through DNA analysis of human remains found in a Ladakh cave. The findings challenge the theory that the region was settled by a single migration from Tibet. Instead, the study suggests a more complex demographic history, with distinct genetic lineages present in the Himalayas. The remains, dating back to 2,800 years ago, show genetic links to both ancient Tibetans and early agriculturalists from the Indus Valley, indicating multiple waves of migration and intermingling. This discovery provides new insights into the peopling of the Himalayas and the genetic diversity of its inhabitants.
- Ancient DNA analysis from human remains in a Ladakh cave revealed a previously unknown Himalayan people.
- The study, published in Cell Genomics, challenges the theory of a single migration from Tibet to settle the region.
- Genetic analysis indicates a complex demographic history with links to both ancient Tibetans and early Indus Valley agriculturalists.
India is set to launch a common customer identification system, Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC 2.0), for banks and insurers in August, with asset managers joining later. This system will allow customers to access financial products without repeatedly submitting identification documents. With customer consent, institutions can fetch data from a central registry when opening accounts or updating details. The initiative aims to deepen participation in financial products, combat fraud through easier monitoring, and address issues with the quality of data in the existing registry. While India has achieved basic financial inclusion with 89% of adults owning bank accounts, ownership in mutual funds, insurance, and pensions remains comparatively low.
- India will roll out a common customer identification system, CKYC 2.0, for banks and insurers in August.
- The system will allow customers to access financial products without repeatedly submitting identification documents, requiring only consent to fetch data from a central registry.
- CKYC 2.0 aims to deepen financial inclusion, combat fraud, and improve data quality in the existing registry.
A three-year study, published in Gut Microbes, indicates that urban food habits are rewriting the gut microbiome in India, potentially explaining the rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension among urbanising Indians. The study, led by Niraj Rai and Maanasa Raghavan, profiled gut bacteria from 575 adults across 10 communities in India and Sri Lanka. It found that urban individuals consistently have more Megamonas, a bacterium linked to obesity and high blood glucose, while Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, is lost with urbanisation. India, with 89.8 million adults living with diabetes as of 2024, faces a significant health challenge, with 43% of cases undiagnosed. The research highlights food processing as a key driver of these microbiome changes.
- A study in Gut Microbes suggests urban food habits are altering the gut microbiome in India, contributing to rising diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
- The research found higher levels of Megamonas, linked to obesity and high blood glucose, in urban populations.
- Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, was found to be lost with urbanisation, except in Kerala where traditional diets are maintained.
Rajasthan's health department has heightened surveillance and vector-control measures in Dungarpur, Sirohi, and surrounding areas after two girls from the state, undergoing treatment in Gujarat, tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV) and died. CHPV is an emerging vector-borne pathogen primarily affecting children under 15, causing fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis. It is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The intensified measures aim to prevent further spread of the virus in the affected districts.
- Rajasthan's health department has increased surveillance and vector-control measures in Dungarpur, Sirohi, and adjoining areas.
- The alert follows the deaths of two girls from the state who tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV).
- CHPV is an emerging vector-borne pathogen that mainly affects children under 15, causing symptoms like fever and encephalitis.
The government has issued a notification mandating that all telecom infrastructure providers, including those involved in cloud-based networks, mobile towers, and satellite gateways, must store all telecommunication data, logs, and information within India. The directive explicitly prohibits routing, sharing, or making available any copies of such data outside the country. This move is part of the government's strategy to shift from a licensing regime to light regulation under the Telecommunications Act 2023, aiming to enhance data security and national control over critical telecom infrastructure information.
- All telecom infrastructure providers are now required to store telecommunication data, logs, and information within India.
- The government has prohibited sharing or routing any copies of this data outside India.
- This mandate applies to cloud-based networks, mobile towers, and satellite gateways.