DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

On 17 April 2025, the Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra were inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. With this inclusion, India now has 14 entries in UNESCO’s prestigious documentary heritage register.

The recognition highlights India’s contribution to global intellectual, philosophical and cultural traditions through ancient texts that shaped ethics, spirituality and performing arts.

• Date: 17 April 2025.
• Register: UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
• Texts Added: Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra.
• India’s Total Entries: 14 entries after this inclusion.
• Natyashastra: Foundational text of Indian performing arts.

On 18th October 2025, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology announced that India has developed its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, marking a historic milestone in the country’s pursuit of self-reliance in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Nafithromycin is the first antibiotic molecule to be conceptualised, developed, and clinically validated entirely in India, showcasing the nation’s growing research and development capability.

• Nafithromycin: An indigenously developed antibiotic from India.
• Self-Reliance: Reflects India’s push for pharmaceutical self-reliance and domestic drug discovery.
• DBT: Stands for Department of Biotechnology.
• Antibiotic Innovation: Important because rising AMR reduces the effectiveness of existing drugs.

On 29th September 2025, Indian Immunologicals Limited launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), named Raksha-IBR.

The vaccine enables differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals, supporting improved disease surveillance and control.

• IBR: A contagious viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes.
• DIVA: Stands for Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals.
• Marker Vaccine: Helps disease surveillance by distinguishing natural infection from vaccination.
• Indian Immunologicals Limited: A major Indian vaccine manufacturer in the animal health sector.

On 19th February 2025, Microsoft introduced its new Majorana 1 quantum chip, claiming it brings quantum computing “years, not decades” closer, joining companies such as Google and IBM in predicting a faster technological breakthrough.

The chip is designed to improve fault tolerance in quantum computing systems and reduce computational errors caused by unstable qubits.

• Majorana Fermions: Theorised particles that are believed to be their own antiparticles.
• Qubits: Basic units of quantum information, unlike classical bits that store only 0 or 1.
• Fault-Tolerant Computing: Aims to reduce errors caused by qubit instability.
• Quantum Principles: Quantum computing uses concepts such as superposition and entanglement.

On 15th February 2025, Facebook owner Meta announced Project Waterworth, an ambitious plan to build a 50,000 km-long undersea cable network, surpassing Earth’s circumference, to enhance global connectivity and support AI development.

The project aims to strengthen the global digital highway through new subsea infrastructure and faster high-capacity data transfer systems.

• Submarine Communication Cables: Form the backbone of global internet connectivity.
• Cable Vulnerability: Undersea cables can be damaged by ship anchors, earthquakes, fishing activity, and geopolitical disruptions.
• India’s Role: Participation in major subsea cable networks strengthens India’s digital connectivity and data economy.
• AI Infrastructure: Global AI development requires high-capacity data transfer infrastructure.

Google recently introduced Ironwood, its seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), designed specifically to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Ironwood is the latest advancement in Google’s AI-focused hardware line, building on a legacy that started with the first TPU in 2015.

Processing units are the “brains” of computers, handling tasks such as calculations, sending texts, or taking photos, similar to how the human brain manages different activities.

• TPU: Stands for Tensor Processing Unit.
• Google TPUs: Application-specific integrated circuits developed by Google for AI and machine-learning workloads.
• GPUs in AI: Widely used because they can perform many parallel computations.
• AI Hardware: Central to faster training and deployment of large AI models.

On 14th April 2025, QpiAI, one of the eight startups selected under India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), announced the launch of QpiAI-Indus, a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer, on World Quantum Day 2025.

The launch marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to develop indigenous quantum computing capabilities and strengthen the national quantum ecosystem.

• NQM: Stands for National Quantum Mission.
• National Quantum Mission: Approved to develop quantum technologies in India, including computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
• DST: Stands for Department of Science and Technology.
• Qubits: Can exist in superposition, giving quantum computers their unique computing potential.

On 16th June 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi successfully demonstrated India’s first free-space quantum secure communication over a distance exceeding 1 km using quantum entanglement.

The demonstration marks an important step in developing highly secure communication systems for defence, strategic communication, banking, and critical infrastructure.

Quantum entanglement is the phenomenon wherein the quantum state of each particle in a group cannot be described independently of the state of the others, even when the particles are separated by a large distance.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a highly secure communication method that uses quantum mechanics, especially the properties of photons, to share secret cryptographic keys and detect any eavesdropping attempts.

Unlike traditional encryption based on mathematical complexity, QKD relies on the fundamental laws of physics to provide “unconditional security”.

• QKD: Used to create secure cryptographic keys, not to directly transmit the full message.
• Quantum Communication: Useful for defence, banking, strategic communication, and critical infrastructure.
• Free-Space QKD: Uses optical links instead of fibre-optic cables.
• Quantum Entanglement: Famously described by Einstein as “spooky action at a distance”.

On 2nd June 2025, the Centre launched BharatGen, India’s first indigenously developed, government-funded, AI-based Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian languages.

The initiative aims to strengthen AI accessibility in Indian languages and promote inclusive digital innovation rooted in Indian values and ethics.

• LLM: Stands for Large Language Model.
• Multimodal AI: Can process more than one type of input, such as text, voice, image, or video.
• NM-ICPS: Linked with cyber-physical systems and technology innovation hubs.
• BharatGen: Aimed at improving AI access in Indian languages.

In a global first, China has recently begun large-scale deployment of non-binary AI chips developed using a novel Hybrid Stochastic Number (HSN) computing method.

The technology aims to improve AI hardware efficiency by combining the strengths of binary and stochastic computing approaches.

• Binary Computing: Uses 0 and 1 as the basic logic states.
• Stochastic Computing: Represents values through probabilities rather than exact binary values.
• Low-Power AI Chips: Important for edge devices, sensors, robotics, and energy-efficient computing.
• Hybrid Stochastic Computing: Aims to balance accuracy and energy efficiency.

On 6th November 2025, Google revealed Project Suncatcher, an ambitious research initiative exploring the creation of solar-powered, satellite-based AI data centres in orbit, marking a major shift toward off-planet computing infrastructure.

The project seeks to combine artificial intelligence infrastructure, space technology, and clean-energy innovation to address the growing energy demands of modern AI systems.

• AI Data Centres: Require large amounts of electricity and cooling infrastructure.
• Space-Based Solar Power: Can access sunlight for longer periods than many Earth-based systems.
• Satellite Computing Challenges: Include launch cost, radiation, latency, repair difficulty, and orbital debris.
• Project Suncatcher: Connects AI infrastructure with space technology and clean-energy innovation.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) services nationwide to improve call connectivity for users facing weak or inconsistent mobile network coverage.

The service is expected to strengthen telecom accessibility, especially in indoor locations and areas with poor cellular signal strength.

• VoWiFi: Enables voice calls over wireless internet networks.
• Indoor Calling: Improves communication where cellular signals are weak but Wi-Fi is available.
• BSNL: Stands for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
• VoWiFi Services: Support telecom connectivity without requiring separate calling apps.

On 24th November 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) to locally produce the HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India.

The agreement strengthens India-France defence industrial cooperation and supports India’s push toward defence indigenisation and advanced military manufacturing.

• BEL: A defence public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence.
• Safran: A major French aerospace, defence, and security company.
• INS: Stands for Inertial Navigation System, used for guidance without continuous external signals.
• HAMMER: Associated with Rafale fighter aircraft and precision air-to-ground strike capability.

India has signed an agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, valued at approximately Rs. 63,000 crore.

These jets will primarily operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, strengthening the Navy’s carrier-based aviation capability.

• Rafale-M: Naval variant of the Rafale fighter aircraft.
• INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier.
• Carrier-Based Fighters: Need stronger landing gear and naval adaptations for aircraft carrier operations.
• Naval Aviation: The deal strengthens India’s capability in the Indian Ocean Region.

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has cleared a massive Rs. 3.25 trillion proposal for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets to address the Indian Air Force’s critical fighter squadron shortage.

The acquisition is intended to modernise the IAF’s combat fleet, replace ageing Soviet-era aircraft, and strengthen India’s air power against regional security challenges from China and Pakistan.

• IAF Squadron Strength: The sanctioned fighter squadron strength is generally cited as 42 squadrons.
• Rafale: A twin-engine multirole fighter capable of air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence roles.
• MoD: Stands for Ministry of Defence.
• Make in India: Aims to reduce defence import dependence and expand domestic manufacturing capability.

On 9th January 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major breakthrough in hypersonic missile technology by successfully conducting a long-duration ground test of its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full-Scale Combustor.

The test demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced propulsion systems needed for sustained hypersonic flight and next-generation missile technologies.

• Scramjet: Stands for Supersonic Combustion Ramjet.
• Hypersonic Speed: Means speed greater than Mach 5.
• Engine Design: Scramjet engines have no rotating compressor or turbine, unlike conventional jet engines.
• Hypersonic Weapons: Difficult to intercept due to high speed and manoeuvrability.

On 30th December 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Dhruv New Generation (Dhruv-NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking an important step toward its induction into the civil aviation market.

The achievement highlights India’s growing capability in indigenous helicopter development and aerospace manufacturing.

• HAL: India’s major aerospace and defence public sector undertaking.
• DGCA: India’s civil aviation regulatory authority.
• Dhruv: Part of India’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) family.
• Shakti Engine: Associated with India’s indigenous helicopter ecosystem.

The successful user trials of the indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) were conducted from INS Kavaratti, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy.

Following the successful trials, the Indian Navy is expected to induct the ERASR system to strengthen India’s anti-submarine warfare capability.

• ERASR: Stands for Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket.
• INS Kavaratti: A frontline warship of the Indian Navy.
• ARDE: A DRDO laboratory located in Pune.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Central to securing sea lanes and protecting naval assets.

On 11th July 2025, India successfully test fired the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha.

Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets.

• BVR: Stands for Beyond Visual Range.
• BVRAAM: Allows aircraft to engage enemy aircraft beyond the pilot’s visual range.
• BDL: Stands for Bharat Dynamics Limited, a major Indian missile manufacturer.
• SFDR Technology: Helps increase missile range and sustained speed.

In March 2025, Indian firm Sagar Defence Engineering and Liquid Robotics, a Boeing subsidiary, signed an MoU to co-develop autonomous surface vessels for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security and improve Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) across the Indo-Pacific region.

• ASW: Stands for Anti-Submarine Warfare.
• ASV: Means Autonomous Surface Vessel.
• UDA: Refers to Undersea Domain Awareness.
• Wave-Powered Systems: Support long-duration maritime surveillance and autonomous operations.

On 25th February 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR).

The successful trials demonstrated advanced targeting, guidance, and retargeting capabilities for modern naval warfare operations.

• NASM-SR: Stands for Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range.
• Man-in-Loop: Allows human intervention or retargeting during missile flight.
• IIR Seeker: Uses infrared imaging for target detection and terminal guidance.
• Anti-Ship Missiles: Designed to target enemy surface vessels during naval combat operations.

India conducted successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti.

The ERASR is a state-of-the-art underwater weapon system developed indigenously by DRDO to target hostile submarines.

• ERASR: Supports the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability.
• IRLs: Means Indigenous Rocket Launchers.
• Underwater Weapon Systems: Important for detecting and neutralising submarine threats.
• INS Kavaratti: Associated with India’s naval anti-submarine warfare capability.

On 17th October 2025, the Defence Minister unveiled the first Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jet from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) new Nashik production line.

A second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft was also inaugurated at the same facility.

• LCA: Stands for Light Combat Aircraft.
• HAL: Stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
• Tejas: India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft.
• HTT-40: A basic trainer aircraft developed by HAL.