India And China Explore Academic Cooperation During Foreign Secretary Misri’s Visit To CPC Party School

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Li Wentang, Vice President of the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China, during his official visit to Beijing.

The meeting centred on exploring opportunities for future cooperation and academic exchanges between India and China.

The Indian Embassy in China confirmed that Misri was briefed on the historical significance of the Central Party School, its intellectual contributions, and its academic programs. The institution has long been regarded as a key training ground for Chinese officials, shaping governance and policy frameworks.

In a statement shared on X, the Embassy noted that both sides discussed avenues for academic collaboration and exchanges, underscoring the importance of intellectual engagement in strengthening bilateral ties.

This meeting followed Misri’s earlier engagement with Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, where both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

The discussions reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and examined ways to advance the vision of the two leaders, who have emphasised that India and China should act as partners and development opportunities for each other.

The talks also explored mutually beneficial outcomes across trade, economic relations, cultural exchanges, and greater people-to-people engagement. Both sides reaffirmed that stability along the frontier remains essential for progress in other areas of cooperation.

On the same day, Misri met Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The dialogue focused on deepening the implementation of guidance provided by the leadership of both nations, with emphasis on political dialogue, academic cooperation, think-tank interactions, and people-to-people exchanges.

Additionally, Misri held discussions with Hong Liang, Deputy Secretary General of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

These talks concentrated on enhancing bilateral exchanges at the political and societal levels, reinforcing the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries.

The series of meetings highlighted New Delhi and Beijing’s continued diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations through dialogue and cooperation across multiple sectors. The emphasis on academic collaboration at the CPC Party School added a new dimension to the engagement, reflecting the role of intellectual and institutional exchanges in building long-term trust.

The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control, where both sides have sought to maintain calm and prevent escalation. The broader agenda of Misri’s visit demonstrates India and China’s intent to balance security concerns with constructive engagement in trade, culture, and academic fields.

ANI

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Indian Army And IIT-Madras Forge Strategic Partnership For Defence Innovation

IIT-Madras and the Indian Army have formalised a landmark partnership to accelerate defence research and indigenisation, combining operational expertise with advanced academic capabilities to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical military technologies.

This collaboration will drive innovation through joint research programs, technology development, and the establishment of dedicated centres for defence engineering.

The Indian Army and IIT-Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reinforce India’s defence innovation ecosystem. The agreement was formalised by Major General Gudi and Professor Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT-Madras, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the armed forces and premier academic institutions. The initiative is designed to enhance research capabilities, build technical expertise, and promote indigenous solutions for defence applications.

Under this partnership, both sides will encourage cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and technology development in areas critical to defence preparedness.

The collaboration is expected to support the creation of innovative solutions while strengthening India’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology. This aligns directly with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing dependence on foreign systems and fostering homegrown capabilities.

The Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) has already partnered with IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to establish a Nodal Indigenisation Centre at Avadi near Chennai. This centre is designed to leverage the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor as a hub for defence manufacturing and innovation. It will integrate academic expertise, industry capabilities, and military insights to bridge the gap between field requirements and advanced research.

The collaboration will focus on identifying problem statements from Army equipment and subsystems, co-developing indigenous technologies and prototypes, undertaking technical validation and field evaluation, and supporting productization for deployment.

IIT-Madras Pravartak, a Technology Innovation Hub under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, will play a central role in driving projects in critical domains such as sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies. Start-Ups and academic partners will also be engaged to expand the innovation ecosystem.

Senior officials have emphasised the significance of this initiative. Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, highlighted that India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technologies requires strong synergy between the armed forces, academia, and innovation ecosystems.

Major General Lalit Kapoor, Commander of the Base Workshop Group (EME), noted that the collaboration will enhance operational readiness, upgrade legacy weapon platforms with advanced technologies, and develop niche capabilities for future roles, while significantly reducing dependence on external sources.

This partnership also reflects the growing role of academic institutions in India’s defence ecosystem. Universities and research centres are increasingly contributing to innovation, advanced engineering, and strategic technology development.

Such collaborations are expected to shape the future of India’s defence capabilities through research-driven solutions, ensuring that the armed forces remain equipped to meet emerging security challenges.

By combining the Indian Army’s operational expertise with IIT-Madras’ research strengths, the collaboration represents a decisive step toward building a robust framework for defence innovation. It strengthens India’s position in defence indigenisation, enhances technological sovereignty, and ensures that the country is better prepared to address evolving threats through indigenous, research-backed solutions.

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India’s First Flying Taxi To Begin Commercial Services By 2028

India’s first flying taxi, developed by IIT-Madras-incubated ePlane Company, has unveiled its full-scale e200X prototype and is targeting certified flight trials by mid-2027, with commercial services expected to begin in 2028.

The first deployments will be air ambulances, followed by passenger transport, making short-range urban flights a reality within the next decade.

The ePlane Company has launched India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft prototype earlier this month. The aircraft, designated e200X PT-01, represents a major milestone in India’s advanced air mobility ambitions.

It is designed to carry one pilot and two passengers, or up to 200 kg of cargo, with an operational range of 100–110 km on a single charge. This makes it suitable for short-haul flights within cities and across nearby regions, directly addressing traffic congestion and limited ground infrastructure.

The unveiling took place at the company’s newly inaugurated 60,000 sq. ft. production facility in Chennai. The prototype follows five years of research and development, supported by more than 10,000 km of cumulative test flights conducted through earlier subscale platforms.

The aircraft is built using a carbon-fibre composite airframe and powered by an 800-volt battery-electric propulsion system. It incorporates the company’s patented Synergistic Lift architecture, which separates vertical lift and forward cruise propulsion to reduce mechanical complexity and improve efficiency.

The e200X has a compact footprint of 8 metres by 11 metres, making it one of the world’s most compact winged passenger eVTOL aircraft. Its design allows operations from existing urban infrastructure such as helipads and open spaces, with potential for rooftop operations in the future.

The company has already secured commitments for more than 800 aircraft, with a substantial portion intended for emergency medical transport applications.

The first commercial services are expected to begin with air ambulances in 2028. This strategic choice reflects the company’s focus on life-saving utility, aiming to cut critical medical transport times across India by up to seven times.

Passenger transport services will follow, expanding the scope of urban air mobility. The company’s vision is to revolutionise regional travel by offering faster, cleaner, and more sustainable alternatives to road transport.

The ePlane Company has integrated technologies from global partners including NVIDIA, HENSOLDT, and TATA Consultancy Services. NVIDIA’s IGX Thor platform powers onboard computing and digital twin simulations, HENSOLDT provides navigation and situational-awareness systems, and TCS contributes software for battery management and predictive fleet analytics. This collaboration ensures advanced safety, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Founded in 2019, the company has raised $21.5 million from investors such as Speciale Invest, Antares Ventures, Naval Ravikant, Micelio Mobility, Java Capital, and Anicut Capital. Its board includes aviation industry veterans Aditya Ghosh and Eash Sundaram. With certification targeted for late 2027, the company is preparing for mass production and eventual commercial deployment.

India’s entry into the global eVTOL race places it alongside companies in the US, Europe, and China that are working to commercialise flying taxis.

The e200X project highlights the potential of electric aircraft to reshape mobility by reducing carbon emissions and offering cost-effective solutions for short-distance travel.

By 2028, India could see its first operational flying taxis, beginning with air ambulances and expanding to passenger services, marking a transformative step in the country’s urban transport landscape.

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Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi Arrives In New Delhi To Boost India-Tanzania Strategic Partnership

President of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, arrived in New Delhi late on Saturday as part of his four-day official visit to India. The visit is aimed at strengthening the India-Tanzania Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across key sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the visiting leader in a post on X, noting that the visit builds on longstanding people-to-people ties and shared priorities between India and Tanzania as partners in the Global South.

Before arriving in the national capital, President Mwinyi visited Chennai. There, he attended the 63rd Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras as the Chief Guest. His presence carried added significance, as the IIT-Madras Zanzibar campus marked two years since its establishment in October 2023.

The MEA highlighted that the visit reflects the growing momentum in the India-Tanzania Strategic Partnership. It emphasised that President Mwinyi’s engagements in Chennai underscored the importance of educational collaboration, particularly through the IIT-Madras Zanzibar campus, which is the first international campus of an Indian Institute of Technology.

According to the MEA, President Mwinyi’s visit to India, from 17 to 20 July, is taking place at the invitation of Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. He is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials.

During his stay in New Delhi, President Mwinyi is scheduled to hold talks with Vice President Radhakrishnan. The discussions will review the full spectrum of India-Tanzania relations and explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also expected to call on the visiting leader.

India and Tanzania share longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The MEA stated that President Mwinyi’s visit is expected to impart renewed momentum to bilateral relations and further deepen cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The visit also comes against the backdrop of expanding India’s outreach in Africa, where Tanzania has emerged as a key partner. India has been actively engaging in capacity building, infrastructure development, and defence cooperation with Tanzania, while Zanzibar itself has become a focal point for educational and technological collaboration.

The presence of President Mwinyi at IIT-Madras highlights the importance of academic diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.

The Zanzibar campus has been instrumental in offering advanced programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and other frontier technologies, thereby contributing to skill development and innovation in East Africa.

This visit is expected to consolidate cooperation not only in education and technology but also in trade, health, maritime security, and renewable energy, reflecting the shared priorities of both nations as partners in the Global South.

ANI

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Kalavinka Technologies Developing Nyx MK‑I Autonomous Loitering Munition

Kalavinka Technologies, founded by IIT-Kharagpur engineers, is developing the Nyx MK‑I loitering munition — a fully autonomous, fire‑and‑forget system designed to operate in GPS‑denied environments, offering India a low‑cost, scalable tactical drone solution.

Kalavinka Technologies is a young defence and space manufacturing company based in Kharagpur. Established in 2026, it is positioning itself as a critical player in India’s indigenous unmanned weapons sector. The firm is focused on building autonomous drone capability for the Indian Armed Forces, with its flagship project being the Nyx MK‑I loitering munition.

The Nyx MK‑I is described as a fire‑and‑forget loitering munition. This means once launched, it autonomously navigates, identifies, and engages its target without requiring continuous operator input. The system is engineered to function in GPS‑denied environments, making it resistant to electronic warfare and jamming — a major challenge in modern battlefields.

The munition has a cruise speed of 120 km/h, a range of 12–15 km, and carries a 1 kg payload. While modest compared to larger long‑range loitering munitions, its compact size and affordability make it suitable for Tier‑3 tactical ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and battlefield strike roles. Kalavinka emphasises that Nyx MK‑I is priced to enable large‑scale deployment, a critical factor for saturation attacks and distributed operations.

The company highlights three core problems it aims to solve. First, existing battlefield drones are often too expensive to deploy in large numbers. Second, many are over‑reliant on GPS, making them vulnerable to jamming. Third, they are too dependent on human operators, slowing down deployment in fast‑moving combat. Nyx MK‑I addresses all three by being low‑cost, GPS‑independent, and fully autonomous.

Kalavinka is aligned with India’s push for indigenous defence procurement. It is positioning Nyx MK‑I for direct supply to the Indian Armed Forces under the LCCA framework, which represents a ₹3,500 crore opportunity in tactical ISR and loitering munitions. The firm stresses that its design and production are entirely in‑house, from CAD modelling and aerodynamic simulation to embedded architecture.

The system is intended for quick deployment in contested environments, where speed and autonomy are vital. Its small payload makes it suitable for precision strikes against soft targets, forward positions, and tactical assets, rather than heavily fortified infrastructure.

However, its affordability and scalability mean it could be deployed in swarms, overwhelming enemy defences.

Kalavinka’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that India’s next war will be won in the first 72 hours, and that autonomous systems will play a decisive role. By focusing on indigenous development, the company aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and deliver systems tailored to Indian operational requirements.

The Nyx MK‑I represents a new generation of tactical loitering munitions for India. While larger projects such as IG Defence’s Project KAL target long‑range deep‑strike missions, Kalavinka’s Nyx MK‑I is designed for short‑range, high‑tempo battlefield engagements, filling a different niche in India’s evolving unmanned arsenal.

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India’s SABAL-20 Drone Proves Reliability In Harsh Mountain Conditions

Image: Technical Astra    

The SABAL-20 drone, jointly developed by EndureAir Systems and IIT-Kanpur, has been designed to solve the persistent challenge of high‑altitude logistics through mechanical stability. Drawing inspiration from the Boeing Chinook helicopter, it employs a tandem‑rotor configuration that compensates for thin air and harsh winds by continuously adjusting blade angles.

This enables the drone to reliably haul payloads of 20 kilograms across ranges of 10 kilometres at altitudes reaching 15,000 feet.

The tandem rotor design sets the SABAL-20 apart from conventional quadcopters. By minimising turbulence and distributing lift more efficiently, it achieves an exceptional payload‑to‑weight ratio, capable of carrying up to 50 per cent of its own weight. This efficiency is critical in rarefied air where traditional UAVs struggle to maintain stability and payload capacity.

A variable pitch system further enhances its performance. By dynamically adjusting blade angles and rotor RPM, the drone maintains lift in low‑density air without relying on gasoline engines. This electric‑powered system ensures reliable operation in freezing temperatures and reduces logistical dependence on fuel supplies, which are difficult to transport in mountainous terrain.

Stealth and vertical take‑off and landing capabilities add to its operational versatility. The low RPM design reduces acoustic detection, making it harder for adversaries to track. VTOL functionality allows the drone to operate in confined and rugged terrain without the need for runways, a vital advantage in the Eastern Himalayas where flat surfaces are scarce.

The SABAL-20 has already been inducted by the Indian Army in the Eastern sector, including regions bordering Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. It has proven its effectiveness in extreme mountain conditions, operating successfully in freezing temperatures and unpredictable winds. This deployment underscores its reliability in real combat environments and its role in strengthening frontline logistics.

The drone’s induction reflects India’s broader push towards indigenous defence technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program. By reducing reliance on foreign UAVs, the SABAL series enhances national self‑reliance while addressing operational gaps in high‑altitude warfare.

Its success also demonstrates the growing synergy between academic institutions such as IIT Kanpur and private defence innovators like EndureAir Systems.

Beyond military use, the SABAL-20’s design opens possibilities for civilian applications. Its ability to deliver medical supplies, rations, and communication equipment to remote villages in mountainous regions could transform humanitarian logistics. Disaster relief operations in landslide‑prone or flood‑affected areas would also benefit from its rapid deployment and payload capacity.

The SABAL-20 therefore represents more than a tactical asset. It is a symbol of India’s technological confidence, blending advanced aeronautical engineering with operational practicality.

Its tandem rotor design, variable pitch system, stealth features, and proven induction into the Army make it a pioneering solution for high‑altitude logistics, setting a benchmark for future UAV development in the country.

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GB Texcoat Solution Unveils Apex AeroTex As Indigenous Advanced Material For Aerostats And Stratospheric Balloons

GB Texcoat Solution has unveiled Apex AeroTex, an indigenous advanced material designed for aerostats and stratospheric balloons, marking a significant step in India’s aerospace and defence materials innovation.

The breakthrough combines lightweight construction, high tensile strength, and near-zero helium leakage, enabling longer mission endurance and reduced operational costs.

Apex AeroTex has been engineered specifically for lighter-than-air platforms such as aerostats, stratospheric balloons, and high-altitude airships. The material is based on proprietary TPU nanocomposite multilayer technology, developed through years of research at IIT-Delhi in collaboration with DRDO. This foundation has been refined by GB Texcoat Solution to meet stringent aerospace and defence requirements.

The material offers almost zero helium leakage, which is critical for extending mission durations and reducing the frequency of refills. This feature directly translates into lower operational costs and improved reliability for long-term deployments.

Its ultra-lightweight construction enhances payload efficiency, allowing aerostats and stratospheric balloons to carry heavier surveillance, communication, or scientific payloads without compromising flight performance.

Apex AeroTex also delivers very high tensile strength, ensuring structural integrity even under challenging environmental conditions. This makes it suitable for deployment in border surveillance, disaster management, and strategic communication platforms.

The material’s excellent UV and weather resistance allows it to withstand prolonged exposure in stratospheric environments, where extreme temperatures and radiation levels pose significant challenges.

The multifunctional performance of Apex AeroTex integrates barrier protection, durability, environmental resistance, and lightweight strength into a single platform. This versatility makes it applicable not only in defence and aerospace but also in civilian domains such as telecommunication relays, environmental monitoring, and scientific exploration.

GB Texcoat Solution operates from the Research and Innovation Park at IIT-Delhi, adjacent to advanced materials and aerospace research groups. The company has established itself as a leader in coated and laminated fabric systems, producing mission-grade solutions for aerostats, airships, tethered balloons, and inflatable structures.

Its coated fabric chemistry is designed to resist UV degradation, ozone, salt fog, and extreme temperature swings from –40°C to +80°C, ensuring long service life and reliability.

The development of Apex AeroTex aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on imported materials and strengthening indigenous capabilities in aerospace infrastructure. 

By offering advanced material solutions for lighter-than-air platforms, GB Texcoat Solution positions itself as a key contributor to India’s growing aerospace and defence ecosystem.

This innovation also supports India’s broader ambitions in stratospheric and near-space technologies, complementing recent advances in tactical aerostats and super pressure balloons. Apex AeroTex provides the material foundation for platforms that can deliver persistent surveillance, communication coverage, and disaster-response capabilities at a fraction of satellite deployment costs.

The introduction of Apex AeroTex represents a transformative step in India’s aerospace materials sector. It combines cutting-edge research, indigenous innovation, and practical deployment readiness, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global lighter-than-air and stratospheric technology market.

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India Develops Indigenous Tactical Aerostat System With DRDO-IIT Delhi Collaboration

India has unveiled its first indigenous tactical aerostat system, developed by IIT-Delhi with funding from DRDO, marking a major leap in surveillance and communication technology.

The lightweight, low-cost platform can be deployed rapidly, offering extended endurance and wide-area coverage for defence and disaster relief operations.

The tactical aerostat is essentially a large, lighter-than-air balloon filled with helium, designed to remain suspended at significant altitudes for long durations. Unlike drones, which are limited by battery life and payload capacity, the aerostat can stay airborne for extended periods while carrying heavier equipment.

This makes it particularly suitable for border surveillance, communication relay, and logistics support in remote or disaster-affected regions.

Constructed from advanced multi-layer coated and laminated fabric, the aerostat is engineered to be durable and resistant to helium leakage. This ensures operational reliability and reduces maintenance requirements, a critical factor for deployment in challenging environments. The indigenous material development was spearheaded by a start-up founded by Dr Neeraj Mandlekar, highlighting the collaborative effort between academia, defence research, and industry.

The system can ascend to altitudes of up to 20 kilometres, far beyond the initial 200-metre tactical deployment range, thereby expanding its surveillance and communication footprint. Payloads such as high-resolution cameras, infrared detectors, radar systems, and communication relays can be mounted depending on mission requirements. This versatility allows the aerostat to serve multiple roles from a single airborne platform.

Professor Bhupen Singh Bhatola of IIT-Delhi emphasised that the project was conceived to replace imported systems, particularly those sourced from the United States. By developing this technology indigenously, India reduces reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthens its self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The aerostat’s ability to remain airborne longer than drones and carry heavier payloads also makes it suitable for logistics operations, including material transport and infrastructure support.

Operational advantages over drones include endurance, payload capacity, and cost-effectiveness. While drones require continuous power and have limited flight times, the aerostat can float for days, providing persistent coverage. Its ability to carry larger payloads enhances its utility in both defence and civilian applications, such as disaster management, communication restoration, and wide-area monitoring.

The demonstration of this aerostat marks India’s entry into a domain previously dominated by imported systems.

It reflects a doctrinal shift towards indigenous innovation in aerial surveillance and communication technologies. Future applications could extend beyond defence, supporting civilian infrastructure projects and emergency response operations.

This development underscores India’s growing capability in defence technology, combining academic research, government funding, and start-up innovation to deliver a strategic solution. The tactical aerostat system is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s aerial surveillance architecture, offering flexibility, endurance, and cost efficiency.

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EPlane Company To Begin Commercial eVTOL Production In 2028 With 80 Aircraft Annually

Chennai-based ePlane Company has confirmed plans to begin commercial production of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2028, with an initial manufacturing capacity of 80 units per year.

The company is focusing first on air ambulance variants, supported by a $1 billion order from ICATT, before expanding into air taxi and cargo operations.

The ePlane Company, incubated at IIT-Madras, has already completed its first full-scale prototype of the e200X and is conducting ground tests, with flight trials scheduled between July and August. Certification of the aircraft is targeted for late 2027, a crucial milestone before mass production begins. 

The company is currently building prototypes at IIT-Madras’ Discovery Campus but intends to establish a dedicated production facility or partner with an established manufacturer once certification is achieved.

The initial production capacity of 80 aircraft per year is expected to scale rapidly. Within a few years, the company aims to produce 300–400 aircraft annually, with long-term projections reaching 900 units per year by 2031–32. This ambitious expansion reflects the growing demand for eVTOLs in India, particularly for emergency medical services, urban air mobility, and regional logistics.

The company’s first major commercial order comes from ICATT, which has contracted ePlane to deliver air ambulances across India. Deliveries are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028 and will be spread over five to six years.

ICATT plans to eventually deploy one aircraft in every district, creating a nationwide network of electric air ambulances. This order alone underscores the transformative potential of eVTOLs in India’s healthcare and emergency response infrastructure.

From a supply chain perspective, about 80 per cent of the aircraft’s bill of materials is currently sourced domestically. However, imported avionics and battery cells account for more than half of the component costs. The company is working to localise these high-value components through technology transfer and domestic partnerships, which will be critical for reducing costs and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Technological innovation is also central to ePlane’s strategy. The company is collaborating with NVIDIA to leverage its Omniverse platform for onboard sensor processing and digital twin simulations. 

These advanced tools will enhance flight safety, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance, positioning ePlane at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

The e200X platform is designed as a multi-role aircraft, initially serving as an air ambulance but with planned variants for air taxi services and cargo transport.

This versatility makes it a strong candidate for India’s urban mobility revolution, offering sustainable alternatives to road transport and bridging connectivity gaps between cities and towns.

The company has raised approximately USD 21 million to date and is preparing for a Series C funding round of $40–50 million to support its production plans. With strong investor interest and government support for indigenous aerospace technologies, ePlane is well-positioned to become a leader in India’s eVTOL sector.

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IISc Breakthrough In Smart Materials Unlocks Path To Quantum Processors, Sensors And Sustainable Data Storage

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers in Bangalore have achieved a breakthrough by developing smart materials capable of reversible magnetic switching near ambient temperatures, paving the way for next‑generation quantum processors, advanced sensors, and energy‑efficient data storage systems.

This innovation addresses long‑standing challenges in materials science and could significantly reduce energy demands in modern data centres.

IISc scientists led by Abhishek Mondal, Associate Professor at the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit (SSCU), have synthesised novel chemical frameworks composed of self‑assembling metal‑organic layers.

These highly porous crystals can change their physical properties in response to light, heat, or mechanical pressure, making them ideal candidates for quantum technologies and industrial sensing applications.

The first study, published in Angewandte Chemie, solved a persistent challenge in achieving robust magnetic switching in three‑dimensional beehive‑type porous materials. Traditionally, when gases or liquids enter such materials, the lattice expands or contracts, stimulating atoms to switch their magnetic state.

However, in conventional porous materials, this effect remains localised, limiting efficiency. The IISc team overcame this by designing a chemical complex with an elastic matrix, enabling uniform magnetic switching across the entire material. This breakthrough could lead to highly sensitive gas‑capture sensors capable of selectively adsorbing methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

A second study, published in Small, tackled the critical issue of operating temperatures. Contemporary materials with similar properties typically function only at ultra‑low temperatures below 50K (‑223°C), making them impractical for real‑world use.

The IISc team designed a two‑dimensional hexagonal framework that achieves light‑, heat‑, and solvent‑induced magnetic transitions near ambient temperatures. This advancement makes the materials far more viable for everyday applications, including environmental monitoring and biological sensing.

Krishna Kaushik, a PhD student and first author of both studies, emphasised that the goal was to create systems that remain stable and functional close to room temperature. The new materials not only achieve this but also exhibit visible colour changes during magnetic transitions, allowing transformations to be observed directly without specialised equipment.

The implications are significant. Modern data centres and electronic devices consume vast amounts of energy, and alternative materials that operate more efficiently could substantially reduce energy demands.

Furthermore, materials capable of acting simultaneously as sensors, switches, and memory elements may simplify device architectures, lower manufacturing costs, and accelerate the development of sustainable technologies.

These innovations also align with India’s broader push towards self‑reliance in advanced science and technology, complementing recent achievements in quantum computing and sensor development.

The IISc breakthrough adds to India’s growing reputation in frontier research. Earlier this year, IISc scientists also demonstrated quantum sensors manoeuvred through biological environments using magnetic micro-bots, highlighting the institute’s leadership in quantum and materials science.

Together, these advances position IISc as a global hub for next‑generation technologies that could transform industries ranging from computing and energy to healthcare and defence.

IISc Newsletter

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ISRO Opens XPoSat Data Access To Indian Researchers

ISRO has formally invited Indian researchers to submit proposals for accessing data from the XPoSat Mission, India’s first dedicated X-ray polarimetry satellite launched on 1 January 2024.

This marks a major opportunity for the country’s astronomical community to study black holes, neutron stars, and active galactic nuclei using unique polarisation measurements.

The Indian Space Research Organisation announced on 22 June 2026 that proposals can only be submitted by scientists or researchers residing and working at Indian institutes, universities, or colleges. This ensures that the mission’s scientific benefits remain within the national research ecosystem, strengthening India’s leadership in space science.

XPoSat currently orbits Earth in a near-equatorial orbit at an altitude of 650 kilometres. It carries two payloads: POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), developed by the Raman Research Institute, which measures the degree and angle of polarisation in the medium X-ray energy range of 8–30 keV, and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), developed by ISRO’s Space Astronomy Group, which provides spectroscopic and timing information in the 0.8–15 keV range. Together, these instruments allow simultaneous polarimetric, spectral, and temporal studies of cosmic sources.

The mission is India’s first satellite dedicated to X-ray polarimetry. Polarisation adds two new dimensions to astrophysical research: the degree of polarisation and the angle of polarisation. These parameters serve as diagnostic tools to understand emission processes from extreme cosmic sources. 

Prior to XPoSat, astronomers relied mainly on spectroscopic, imaging, and timing data from ground-based and satellite observatories across optical to radio frequencies. While valuable, these methods left gaps in understanding the precise nature of emissions from celestial objects. XPoSat helps bridge these gaps by breaking degeneracies in theoretical models of emission processes.

The mission has a planned life of five years and is expected to provide long-term datasets. Observations will be scheduled between September 2026 and March 2027, with selected proposals gaining access to proprietary data.

After six months, archived data will be made available through the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC), ensuring wider access for registered users. This approach balances proprietary research opportunities with eventual open access for the broader scientific community.

XPoSat was launched aboard PSLV-C58 from Sriharikota on 1 January 2024. The mission marked a milestone in India’s space science program, positioning the country among the few nations capable of conducting dedicated polarimetry studies.

By studying how X-ray polarisation works in space, researchers can probe the origins of emissions, energy sources, and even unravel mysteries surrounding supernova explosions and accretion processes in black holes.

This Announcement of Opportunity represents a significant step in maximising the mission’s scientific return. It encourages Indian astronomers to leverage cutting-edge datasets, expand knowledge of high-energy astrophysical phenomena, and contribute to global research while reinforcing India’s sovereign capabilities in space science.

PTI

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India To Establish Seven Defence Manufacturing Clusters To Boost Indigenous Production

India is launching seven specialised defence manufacturing clusters across different regions, each led by designated states and supported by IITs and industry, to strengthen indigenous production, innovation, testing, skill development and exports.

This initiative is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and is expected to reduce import dependence while boosting India’s role as a global defence exporter.

The government has outlined an ambitious plan to establish seven defence manufacturing clusters across India. These clusters will integrate state governments, industry, academia and research institutions to create specialised hubs focusing on different aspects of the defence manufacturing value chain.

The initiative is designed to support testing, certification, indigenisation, exports, skill development, innovation and industrial infrastructure.

Senior officials in the Ministry of Defence have already held multiple rounds of consultations with participating states. Each state has been asked to prepare detailed vision documents and implementation roadmaps. The clusters are distinct from the existing defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, representing a new federal architecture for defence manufacturing.

The first cluster will be led by Karnataka, with Rajasthan as co-lead. It will focus on testing, certification, quality assurance and standards for defence manufacturing. Academic support will come from IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Jammu. This cluster is expected to strengthen India’s ability to validate and certify indigenous systems to international standards.

Uttar Pradesh will head another cluster, with Jharkhand as co-lead, concentrating on policy reforms and interventions to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir are also expected to participate, with IITs providing research and innovation support.

Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh will jointly lead a cluster dedicated to indigenisation, private sector participation, innovation, start-ups and MSMEs. Goa and Puducherry will also contribute, while IIT-Bombay will provide technological backing. This cluster is expected to accelerate innovation and expand opportunities for smaller enterprises in defence production.

Punjab and Haryana will anchor a cluster focused on expanding market access, boosting defence exports and improving demand visibility for Indian manufacturers. Several northern states and Union Territories will join, supported by leading technical institutions. This cluster will help India position itself as a major exporter of defence equipment.

Gujarat and Odisha will jointly lead a cluster concentrating on skill development, industrial-academic partnerships and innovation linkages. IIT-Gandhinagar and IIT-Bhubaneswar will play a key role in supporting this initiative, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled manpower for the sector.

Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will head a southern cluster aimed at developing defence industrial infrastructure, common manufacturing facilities and integrated production ecosystems. IIT-Madras and other institutions will provide research and technological support, reinforcing the region’s role as a defence manufacturing hub.

The north-eastern region will also receive a dedicated cluster led by Assam, with participation from several north-eastern states. IIT-Guwahati will provide academic and technological backing, ensuring that the region contributes to India’s defence industrial base.

The initiative aligns with the Centre’s broader objective of achieving self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Once operational, the clusters will create specialised ecosystems that support research, manufacturing, testing, certification and exports. This will reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s long-term defence industrial base, while also generating wider economic benefits by acting as a GDP multiplier.

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Parshu Tactical Defence Successfully Conducts Sea Trials of Indigenous AI-Powered USV

Parshu Tactical Defence LLP has successfully completed sea trials of its indigenous AI-powered Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), marking a major milestone in India’s maritime defence modernisation.

The trials validate the vessel’s advanced autonomy, endurance, and mission versatility, positioning it as a critical asset for coastal security and surveillance.

The Chennai-based start-up has been developing advanced USVs tailored for maritime operations, designed to operate in both fully autonomous and semi-automatic modes. The vessel demonstrated reliable performance during sea trials, showcasing its ability to cover extended ranges exceeding 500 kilometres while carrying payloads of over 300 kilograms. This makes it suitable for missions such as coastal surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics support, and perimeter patrol.

The USV integrates Level-4 autonomy, enabling mission-aware navigation and GNSS-resilient operation through SLAM/INS systems.

It is equipped with multi-sensor fusion, including LIDAR, RADAR, EO/IR, and thermal imaging, ensuring persistent surveillance even in contested maritime zones. The platform also features encrypted satellite uplinks for secure remote command and control, with human-in-loop authorisation for kinetic actions, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

The vessel’s hull is built from recyclable HDPE with stealth coatings, engineered to withstand sea state 5 conditions. Its self-righting mono-hull architecture enhances survivability, while hybrid jet and electric propulsion systems provide both endurance patrol and silent tactical approaches.

The modular payload bay supports ISR modules, Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), and kinetic strike payloads of up to 250 kilograms, making it adaptable for diverse mission profiles.

Parshu Tactical Defence has established its own shipyard in Mumbai, ensuring indigenous design and manufacturing capabilities. The company has been incubated under IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation’s deep-tech program, receiving funding, mentorship, and access to advanced research labs. This support has accelerated its technological development and reinforced its commitment to the Make in India initiative.

The trials underscore India’s growing emphasis on indigenous unmanned systems. Parshu’s USV project complements parallel efforts by other Indian start-ups such as Torus Robotics in AI-powered ground vehicles and Zuppa in drone technology. Together, these initiatives represent a rapid expansion of AI-driven defence platforms across land, air, and sea domains.

Global interest in USV technology is rising, with defence planners in Africa, the Gulf region, and India considering the deployment of hundreds of such vessels. Parshu’s USV, with NATO certification and proven trials in European waters including Helsinki, positions India as a credible player in the international unmanned maritime systems market.

Founder Priyanshu Joshi has emphasised the company’s vision of building fully indigenous systems to eliminate foreign dependency and enhance India’s strategic autonomy. The successful sea trials demonstrate that Indian start-ups are capable of delivering mission-ready solutions aligned with evolving global defence needs.

This achievement strengthens India’s maritime security architecture, offering persistent surveillance, rapid response to asymmetric threats, and cost-effective operations across its vast Exclusive Economic Zone. It also highlights the role of start-ups in complementing state-backed defence programs with agile innovation and indigenous manufacturing.

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Vinpropel Developing Indigenous Electric Propulsion For Drones And eVTOL Platforms

Coimbatore-based Vinpropel, a venture of Vinuruk Technologies, is emerging as a significant player in India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem by developing high-efficiency electric propulsion systems for drones and eVTOL platforms.

With expertise in advanced motor design and system integration, the company is positioning itself to reduce reliance on imported propulsion technologies and strengthen India’s self-reliance in aerial mobility.

Vinpropel is focusing on designing and manufacturing high-thrust BLDC motors tailored for commercial, agricultural, and defence UAVs. These motors are engineered to deliver consistent performance under demanding operational conditions, ensuring reliability for surveillance, mapping, and industrial applications.

The company is also working on motor controllers, drives, ESCs, and propellers, providing a complete propulsion solution rather than just individual components. This integrated approach simplifies deployment for drone manufacturers and enhances compatibility across platforms.

The company’s ambitions extend beyond unmanned systems. Vinpropel is scaling its propulsion technology to meet the stringent power and reliability requirements of eVTOL aircraft, which represent the next frontier in manned aerial mobility.

By focusing on scalability and robustness, Vinpropel aims to support passenger transport, urban commuting, and emergency evacuation missions in the future. This positions the firm within India’s growing eVTOL ecosystem, where start-ups and established aerospace players are racing to develop viable air taxi solutions.

Vinpropel’s work is firmly aligned with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, emphasising indigenous engineering and manufacturing. By building propulsion systems entirely in India, the company reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and ensures that intellectual property remains within the country. This is particularly critical in defence applications, where reliance on imported motors and drives can compromise operational autonomy.

The company benefits from over eight years of expertise at Vinuruk Technologies in motor design, power electronics, control algorithms, and system-level integration.

This foundation enables Vinpropel to deliver globally competitive propulsion technologies that are not only efficient but also scalable across diverse aerial platforms. Its headquarters in Coimbatore situates it within Tamil Nadu’s industrial ecosystem, which has become a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.

Vinpropel’s vision is to create indigenous, scalable, and globally competitive propulsion systems that power the future of sustainable aerial mobility. Its target applications include UAVs, drones, manned aerial platforms, and defence aerospace systems. The company’s emphasis on system-level integration and rigorous testing ensures that its propulsion units meet international standards of performance and safety.

This development is part of a broader strategic context in India’s deep-tech and aerospace sectors. Across the country, companies and research hubs are racing to build domestic supply chains for autonomous systems and eVTOL aircraft, reducing reliance on imported components.

Vinpropel’s entry into this space highlights the growing confidence of Indian startups to design, build, and test complex propulsion systems domestically, contributing to a robust and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.

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Defence Ministry Approves ₹500 Crore Military Drone Hub At IIT-Kanpur

The Ministry of Defence has approved in principle a ₹500 crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at IIT-Kanpur, positioning Uttar Pradesh as India’s leading centre for defence drone innovation. 

This initiative will provide full-stack capabilities in design, testing, certification, and counter-drone systems, while strengthening the UP Defence Industrial Corridor ecosystem.

The Ministry of Defence has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a ₹500 crore National Military Drone Technology Hub at IIT-Kanpur. The hub will deliver comprehensive capabilities, including the design, testing, and certification of military payloads, data links, ground stations, and counter-drone systems. This marks a significant step in India’s drive to indigenise advanced unmanned systems.

The proposal was drafted by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, the nodal agency for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, and submitted by the state government to the MoD on 29 May 2026.

The initiative was pursued under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who reviewed progress on 10 April this year. IIT-Kanpur had earlier been designated as a Centre of Excellence with a total outlay of ₹20.3 crore, of which ₹15.3 crore was funded by the state.

A senior state government officer stated that the hub will make the UP Defence Industrial Corridor a global benchmark in unmanned systems and provide India’s armed forces with a decisive technological edge. The Centre of Excellence at IIT-Kanpur is already operational as an integrated hub for research and development, testing, training, and start-up incubation in drone technologies.

The hub will drive a civil–military fusion model, scaling up dual-use drone technologies developed under Drone Shakti for defence applications.

It will also leverage nodes of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor located in Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Chitrakoot for distributed manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul, with IIT-Kanpur leading research, development, and standardisation.

The Army Design Bureau has been designated as the single point of contact for coordination. A Monitoring Committee has been constituted under the Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence. The first review meeting was held on 3 June, where IIT-Kanpur was requested to submit a revised proposal by the end of the month, adopting a whole-of-nation approach.

The initiative aims to establish Uttar Pradesh as a national hub for defence drone technologies and strengthen the Defence Industrial Corridor ecosystem through advanced manufacturing, research and development, start-up incubation, and high-skilled employment.

For close coordination with the MoD, Army Design Bureau, and IIT-Kanpur, the UP government will nominate a nodal officer to streamline inter-departmental coordination.

Officials emphasised that the hub will accelerate indigenisation under the Make-1 and Make-2 categories, reducing import dependence in critical drone sub-systems. Additional details indicate that the centre will also explore advanced technologies such as nano-material based stealth drones, Kamikaze drones, and swarm-enabled platforms, further enhancing India’s military capabilities. Research into indigenous UAV technologies will be prioritised, ensuring that India develops sovereign capabilities in critical areas of drone warfare.

This development is expected to catalyse the growth of the defence ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, attract significant investments, and create a robust pipeline of innovation and employment opportunities, firmly positioning IIT-Kanpur as the engine of India’s military drone innovation.

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