India launches world’s first mobile-launched hybrid rocket, RHUMI-I. RHUMI-1 Reusable Hybrid Rocket Launch Date: 24 August 2024 Developers: Chennai-based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group Launch Site: Thiruvidandhai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Significance: World’s first mobile hybrid rocket and India’s first reusable hybrid rocket. Expected to improve efficiency and reduce the operational cost […]

Cabinet approves the Department of Science and Technology scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’. Vigyan Dhara Scheme –  Approval: Unified central sector scheme approved by the Union Cabinet under PM Narendra Modi. Components: S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building: Enhances capabilities in Science and Technology. Research and Development (R&D): Promotes scientific research. Innovation and Technology Development: Encourages […]

BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy  BioE3 Policy – Key Points  Approval: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the ‘BioE3 Policy’ by the Department of Biotechnology. Objective: Promote high-performance biomanufacturing. Foster innovation in biotechnology for economy, environment, and employment. Key Features: Innovation-Driven Support: Focus on R&D and entrepreneurship across various […]

New study on quantum nonlocality expands scope of its use. Quantum Nonlocality: A New Frontier Key Points Quantum nonlocality: A strange connection between distant particles that defies classical physics.  Bell’s Theorem: Challenged the idea of local realism, proving quantum entanglement. Applications: Secure communication, random number generation, cryptography. Recent Breakthrough: Indian scientists proved no universal standard […]

China’s APSTAR-6E Sets Milestone As First All-Electric Telecom Satellite In Service. APSTAR-6E Satellite:  China’s first all-electric propulsion communication satellite (CASC). Launched in Jan 2023, operates in geostationary orbit. First ever telecom satellite to autonomously  transfer to geostationary orbit using electric propulsion. Designed for 15 years, serving Southeast Asia with high-capacity broadband. Carries 25 Ku-band and […]

DRDO partners with a Bengaluru firm for Indigenous NavIC chip development. NavIC (IRNSS):   Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), now known as NavIC. Developed by ISRO for precise navigation. Satellites: 7 in total, 3 in geostationary and 4 in geosynchronous orbits. Coverage: Provides accurate positioning and timing across India and 1500 km beyond. Services: Includes […]

DRDO approves seven technologies for development by the private sector. Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: Promotes self-reliance in Defence Technology under ‘Make in India’. Executed by DRDO to meet needs of Indian military and defense production. Encourages participation of public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups. Funding Support: Up to ₹50 crore project cost considered. Up […]

Indian scientists develop an open-source tool to prepare infrared star catalogue for Thirty Meter Telescope. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT): A next-generation astronomical observatory with a primary mirror diameter of 30 meters. Involves international collaboration among India, the United States, Canada, China, and Japan. Designed to study the early universe, galaxies, supermassive black holes, stars, and […]

NASA to train two ISRO Gaganyaan astronauts under ‘Axiom-4’. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with the United States. The mission is planned to begin before October 2024, with Indian astronauts to receive training in the US […]

India successfully test-fires new generation anti-radiation missile ‘Rudram-1’. Rudram-1 Missile Type: Air-to-Surface Missile Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Integration: Used with IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets Purpose: India’s first indigenous anti-radiation missile Features: Integrated with Inertial Navigation Systems  (INS)-GPS navigation Equipped with a Passive Homing Head for precise final attacks Capable of targeting […]