SciTech Express

In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) . In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing. This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters , and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan . Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative. AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream The AMCA project , spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , received its l...

In a world increasingly shaped by technological advancement, ensuring gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Recognizing this, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi launched a pioneering initiative titled ‘Manasvi’ , a STEM mentorship programme for high school girls . The programme, unveiled in New Delhi today, is spearheaded by the institute’s Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office . Manasvi is not merely an educational engagement; it is a transformative platform aimed at inspiring and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM, fields traditionally dominated by men. At the heart of Manasvi lies the ambition to address the deep-rooted gender disparity in STEM education and careers . Despite producing the largest number of science graduates globally, India continues to see disproportionately low female representation in STEM careers —a statistic that underscores the urgent need for su...

In a groundbreaking achievement, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight-trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform on May 3, 2025. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, this high-altitude platform marks a historic milestone in India’s march toward advanced aerospace systems and cutting-edge defence technology . What Is a Stratospheric Airship Platform? A stratospheric airship is a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle designed to fly at stratospheric altitudes—typically between 17 to 20 kilometers—well above commercial air traffic and weather disturbances. These airships serve as High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and are envisioned as persistent platforms for earth observation, telecommunication, disaster management , and most importantly, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Unlike traditional satellites, HAPS like the DRDO’s airship offer...

In a groundbreaking discovery that may significantly alter our understanding of solar dynamics and space weather, an international team of solar physicists, led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), has mapped giant tides of plasma flowing beneath the surface of the sun. These hidden plasma currents, located in a zone known as the near-surface shear layer (NSSL), have been shown to shift with the sun’s magnetic activity and could be a critical piece in solving the complex puzzle of space weather phenomena that affect life on Earth. The research, published in the prestigious Astrophysical Journal Letters , was carried out in collaboration with experts from Stanford University and the U.S. National Solar Observatory (NSO). The findings not only uncover previously invisible solar plasma flows , but also link them with magnetic field changes and solar cycles, offering new insight into the sun’s mysterious behavior. The Hidden Engine Beneath the Sun: What is the Near-Surface S...

In today’s world, power is no longer defined solely by military might or economic clout. It is increasingly shaped by a country’s ability to harness, diffuse, and govern technology. In a recent essay, renowned public intellectual Pratap Bhanu Mehta offers a powerful insight into how technology reshapes the global balance of power — and why India needs to rethink its strategy if it wishes to emerge as a genuine technology leader. Rather than obsessing over sectoral dominance — whether in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, or quantum computing — Mehta argues that India should focus on fostering an ecosystem that enables the diffusion of General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) . These are technologies that do not merely transform single industries but instead spark cascading changes across the entire economy and society. The idea is both simple and radical: power in the 21st century is not about who owns a particular technology but about who enables its widespread and inclusive...