India has officially begun the development of the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft, marking a significant step towards green aviation and indigenous aerospace innovation. The announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, during a high-level review meeting with science department secretaries.

E-Hansa, being developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a CSIR institute in Bengaluru, will cost approximately Rs 2 crore—about half the price of similar imported trainer aircraft. The aircraft is part of the larger HANSA-3 (NG) program aimed at offering cost-effective, homegrown options for pilot training and reducing reliance on foreign platforms.

Dr. Singh highlighted the project’s alignment with India’s clean energy goals, noting that E-Hansa represents a vital advancement toward sustainable aviation. He stressed the importance of accelerating technology commercialization and fostering early public-private partnerships. To this end, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) was directed to adopt models similar to DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe to facilitate effective technology transfer and private sector engagement.

The Minister also proposed a hub-and-spoke model for public-private partnerships, driven by AI-based technology and intellectual property exchange platforms. Regional National Technology Transfer Offices (NTTOs) will be established to broaden sectoral and geographic outreach. Dr. Singh emphasized the need for standardized tech transfer protocols and easier business processes to encourage investment in Indian R&D under the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Praising ISRO’s achievements, Dr. Singh commended the success of the SPADEX mission, which tested docking and undocking capabilities crucial for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight. He also lauded ISRO’s contribution to Operation Sindoor and ongoing collaborations with 40 Union Ministries and 28 States. He revealed that Group Captain Subhash Shukla’s scheduled visit to the International Space Station will include seven microgravity experiments, further elevating India’s global space credentials.

In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, Dr. Singh announced the organization of region-wise Chintan Shivirs under a “Whole of Science, Whole of Government” approach. These events will promote cross-departmental collaboration between DST, DBT, CSIR, ISRO, Earth Sciences, and Atomic Energy institutions.

To support global collaboration, Dr. Singh mentioned ongoing discussions with countries like Switzerland and Italy to set up bilateral science cooperation centres, akin to Indo-French and Indo-German science hubs. He also proposed a “Global Science Talent Bridge” to attract top international researchers to India.

Dr. Singh addressed the temporary pause in public access to CSIR labs due to security concerns, assuring that the initiative will resume shortly given the enthusiastic response from students following the Prime Minister’s announcement in Mann Ki Baat.

The meeting was attended by top science administrators including Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR; Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman ISRO; Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary Earth Sciences; Dr. M. Mohapatra, DG IMD; and Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd), CMD NRDC, among other senior officials from the Department of Atomic Energy.

In a landmark move to boost operational synergy among the Indian Armed Forces, the Government of India has fully operationalized the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023. The Ministry of Defence today notified the rules under the Act, granting Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) full disciplinary and administrative authority over personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Act aims to eliminate redundancies in command structures and foster greater cooperation among the three services while maintaining their distinct service conditions. With this development, ISO commanders now hold powers equivalent to top-ranking officers in individual services, such as a General Officer Commanding in the Army or a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the Navy.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the move as a transformative step toward military integration and readiness. “This Act ensures our forces can operate as a unified entity, enhancing our capability to address modern security challenges while maintaining the proud traditions of each service,” he said.

This reform is a significant milestone in the broader vision of defence modernization championed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan since taking office in September 2022. His tenure has focused on breaking down inter-service barriers, encouraging cross-postings, and laying the groundwork for more integrated command structures. The operationalization of the ISO Act builds on these efforts and sets the stage for more comprehensive reforms like the long-anticipated joint theatre commands.

Currently, India’s military command structure consists of 19 separate Army, Navy, and Air Force commands. The concept of joint theatre commands—which would integrate these under unified leadership based on geographic or functional criteria—has been under discussion for years but has encountered institutional resistance.

While the ISO Act is a crucial administrative step forward, defence analysts caution that true integration will require parallel reforms in logistics, training, and operational doctrines. They also stress the importance of increasing support for indigenous defence projects, such as the DRDO’s Kaveri engine program, which is vital for self-reliance in fighter jet technology.

As global security dynamics become more complex, the operationalization of the ISO Act marks a pivotal shift in India’s military posture, enabling the Army, Navy, and Air Force to operate with greater cohesion and efficiency in the face of evolving threats.

Turkish construction company Gulermak, part of a joint venture with Indian firm Sam India on the Kanpur Metro project, has reportedly fled the city, leaving ₹80 crore in unpaid dues to 53 subcontractors. The company was responsible for executing the underground segment of the metro’s Corridor One and is now accused of abandoning its financial obligations after allegedly completing its portion of the work.

According to a report by India Today, several subcontractors claimed they have not received payments for over ten months. Many said that Gulermak delayed and staggered payments despite completing the contracted work. The payment freeze reportedly began following nationwide protests against Turkey’s support for Pakistan during the recent India–Pakistan conflict.

Nine of the affected contractors approached the District Magistrate’s office on Monday, submitting a formal memorandum. Among those awaiting dues are Metro Marble (₹3.70 crore), Radiant Services (₹1.20 crore), Shreyans Infratech (₹1.70 crore), S Interior (₹74.80 lakh), MD Ehasan Painter (₹39.80 lakh), Vinod Gupta Enterprises (₹8.54 lakh), Nandan Prefab (₹29.50 lakh), and Shri Balaji Enterprises (₹21.50 lakh).

Radiant Services’ contractor Gajendra Singh said, “Till now only 50 per cent payment has been made to the companies.” Contractors allege that senior Gulermak officials have left Kanpur and are now unresponsive, with phone calls met with evasive replies.

Panchanan Mishra, Joint General Manager (Public Relations) at the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), confirmed that Gulermak had completed work on four stations and was paid in full. He clarified that the unpaid contractors were subcontracted by Gulermak, not directly by UPMRC. However, he acknowledged that the metro authority holds 5 per cent of the contract value in reserve, to be released a year post-completion. “If the company doesn’t pay the contractors, the metro has to release this payment,” he added.

Attempts to contact Gulermak for a response went unanswered. The incident has raised concerns over regulatory oversight and subcontractor protections in major infrastructure projects involving foreign firms.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) today at Metcalfe House, Delhi, marking a key advancement in India’s strategic technology landscape. The center was unveiled by Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, in the presence of senior officials including Smt. Suma Varughese, Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems).

QTRC is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s indigenous quantum technology initiatives, with specialized infrastructure for high-end research in laser characterization, single-photon source testing, quantum key distribution (QKD), and atomic clock development. These technologies are vital for developing ultra-secure communications, advanced sensors, and resilient cryptographic systems as the threat landscape evolves in the digital age.

One of the central features of the QTRC is its work on quantum key distribution, led by DRDO’s Scientific Analysis Group (SAG). This technique, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to prevent interception, is seen as a crucial safeguard in the post-quantum era, where conventional encryption may be rendered obsolete by quantum computing. The center will also focus on building atomic clocks for precision timekeeping and developing micro-fabricated alkali vapor cells for quantum-enhanced radar and navigation.

At the event, Dr. Kamat highlighted the strategic importance of the center, stating, “The QTRC is a major leap forward in our journey toward self-reliance in defense technologies. It demonstrates DRDO’s resolve to develop sovereign quantum capabilities in line with the National Quantum Mission.” Smt. Varughese added that the QTRC will be critical in preparing India for emerging national security challenges posed by quantum-enabled threats.

The inauguration of QTRC follows DRDO’s successful quantum communication demonstration across 100 kilometers between its labs, in partnership with IIT Delhi. That achievement underlines India’s growing technical depth and reinforces the country’s efforts to lead in quantum-enabled defense systems.

The launch of this advanced facility is a significant move to reduce dependence on foreign quantum technologies and position India at the forefront of the global quantum race. As the strategic value of quantum innovation continues to rise, QTRC will play a vital role in shaping the future of national defense and secure communications.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a critical leap in its indigenous aerospace capabilities, with the Kaveri jet engine currently undergoing advanced testing in Russia. Designed to power the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the engine is now in its final phase of trials, with about 25 hours of testing remaining.

The testing, conducted under Russian supervision with assigned trial slots, represents a major milestone in repurposing the Kaveri engine for unmanned platforms. Originally developed to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the engine was delinked from the program in 2008 due to technical shortfalls. However, recent modifications have enabled its revival in a new role suited for unmanned and stealth applications.

The version undergoing trials is a dry variant, generating 52 kilonewtons of thrust—ideal for powering the Ghatak UCAV, a stealthy, long-range platform aimed at bolstering India’s aerial strike capabilities. Defence officials have also hinted at plans to integrate the Kaveri into an LCA Tejas airframe for demonstration purposes, which could renew its prospects for future manned aircraft.

The Ghatak project forms part of India’s larger Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at enhancing indigenous defense production. It is being developed with support from both public and private sectors. The Indian Navy has reportedly shown interest in deploying the UCAV on its upcoming aircraft carriers and Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), underlining its operational importance. Complementing this effort, DRDO has already tested a scaled-down prototype, the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), in autonomous flight trials.

The Kaveri engine has faced a long developmental journey marked by early technical setbacks, including turbine blade issues in the 2000s. These challenges led to technical collaboration with French aerospace firm Snecma, helping DRDO address critical design flaws. Today, the program is viewed as a cornerstone of India’s aerospace self-reliance strategy.

With increasing support from defense analysts and policymakers, there is growing demand for additional funding and prioritization of the Kaveri program. As India looks to reduce its dependency on imported propulsion systems like the GE-404 engines currently used in the Tejas, the successful deployment of the Kaveri engine could signal a turning point in the nation’s defense manufacturing landscape.