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India spent 0.64 per cent of GDP on research in 2023. To boost this, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation started in 2024. It commits Rs 1 lakh crore to private firms over six years. This move aims to increase productivity by helping companies scale up their own research and innovation efforts.
NASA revealed that near-Earth asteroid 1998 SH2 is actually an active comet. Scientists discovered this after the object missed its predicted location during a flyby in the last week of August 2025. This shift in path showed the object behaves like a comet, helping experts improve future planetary defense strategies.
Scientists found 24-million-year-old kewra fossils in the Makum Coalfield of Assam. Researchers Harshita Bhatia and Gaurav Srivastava said, "The Makum fossils suggest Paleogene persistence and ecological continuity of Pandanaceae across the paleotropics." These ancient leaves show the plant is older than the Himalayas and has changed very little over time.
Scientists at IIT-BHU developed a lunar soil simulant that matches the Moon's surface. They started research on extracting metals for future space construction. Director Prof Amit Patra said, "Technologies that utilise locally available resources on the Moon will be critical for reducing mission costs and building sustainable extraterrestrial habitats."
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will launch its Vikram-1 rocket on Saturday at 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This maiden mission, named Aagaman, aims to deploy multiple payloads into a 450-km orbit. It marks the first time an Indian private company will place satellites into space from home soil.
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will launch its Vikram-1 rocket on July 18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission marks India’s first private attempt to place payloads into orbit. CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana said, "This is a major milestone as India's ambition is to be a $44 billion market globally."
SpaceX aborted its Starship launch in South Texas seconds before liftoff after multiple Raptor engines failed to ignite. Elon Musk said, "two engines will be replaced before another launch attempt next week." The automatic safety system stopped the mission, preventing damage to the rocket while engineers prepare for the next try.
The Department of Science and Technology has not released any notification for the INSPIRE-SHE scholarship since 2024. This uncertainty left many science students looking for other financial support. Students can still use options like the ISHAN UDAY scheme or the IISER Merit cum Means Scholarship to fund their higher education.
Skyroot Aerospace will launch a handwritten postcard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aboard the Vikram-1 rocket from Sriharikota on July 18. The mission, called Mission Aagaman, carries messages from scientists and leaders. Skyroot said, "Mission Aagaman is a celebration carried by many hands and shared by millions," marking India’s space progress.
Astronomers discovered a new giant planet, Beta Pictoris d, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The team found the planet accidentally while studying another world in the system. "We weren't looking for a new planet," said Aidan Gibbs. This discovery helps scientists understand how planetary systems form and evolve today.
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos announced Mission-02 to recover an orbital-class rocket booster. This ambitious project aims to lower launch costs and transform upper stages into functional in-orbit platforms. CEO Srinath Ravichandran said, "For economically viable, frequently flyable missions, the philosophy is about rapid reuse, complete flexibility and modularity."
Polar explorer Romain Troublé started a 500-day Arctic mission on July 19 to study marine life. His floating lab, Tara, will drift with ice to monitor climate changes. "T sense of urgency to describe the place before it changes," Troublé said. Scientists hope to protect these fragile polar landscapes.