Advances in defence, space, telecom in focus as science fest comes to close

Experts delved on emerging technologies in the domain of defence, space and telecommunications and the close interplay of these fields during a technical session on “New Age Technologies” at the India International Science Festival.

The four-day event that saw scientists, industries, academia and innovators from across the country reach out to the public and showcase scientific advances in the country concluded today.

Reflecting on India’s space journey, Dr S Somanath, former director of the Indian Space Research Organisation, recounted his experiences during the Chandrayaan-3 Mission and spoke about the nation’s expanding ambitions.

Referring to upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan as proof of India’s rising capabilities, he said India’s achievements in space have grown significantly over the past decade. “There is an explosion of possibilities in space exploration,” Dr Somanath said, adding, “Interest in the Moon, Mars and other planets has surged worldwide. India has announced its return to the Moon and we are also pursuing science missions aimed at understanding the origins of the universe. Soon, your mobile phones may receive signals directly from space. Young students in India are already building rockets and satellites.”

Dr Abhay Pashilkar, Director National Aerospace Laboratory, Bengaluru, delved upon the expanding role of drones in India from long-endurance surveillance platforms to cargo-handling systems.

“We can do a lot with drones—some can fly for more than 90 days,” he said, adding, “They help in agriculture, logistics and large-scale mapping. The Government of India is working to build a national drone mission that empowers young innovators to create and deploy drone solutions suited to local needs.”

Offering insights into India’s defence preparedness, Dr Prahlada Rama Rao, former Director Defence Research and Development Laboratory, discussed the evolution of BrahMos cruise missile and Akash surface-to-air missile system.

Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, he said both the missile systems demonstrated India’s technological edge. “Akash stood like a wall, while BrahMos penetrated enemy territory with precision,” he said.

Discussing advances in the telecommunications sector, Jagmohan Bali, Chief Technology Officer, Bharti Airtel and Jeevan Talegaonkar, Vice President, Jio, said the groundwork was being laid for 6G after India’s rapid progress from 2G to 5G. They also brought out how the next era of telecom will merge terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

“Drone systems, aircraft and missile technologies will be linked under one technological umbrella. With integration between mobile networks and space-based systems, we aim for seamless global coverage—across the ocean,” Bali said.

Gene editing discussed

Experts also highlighted India’s rapidly advancing in genetic technologies while staying rooted in its pursuit of building an innovative and self-reliant nation at a session on gene editing at the India International Science Festival here today.

Dr KC Bansal, former Director of National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, stressed how scientific interventions in agriculture are central to achieving self-reliance. Dr Ramesh V Sonti, Director of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, described genome editing as a way of rewriting DNA — removing and inserting sequences much like changing letters in a text. Meanwhile, Dr Rahul Purwar from IIT Bombay shared the journey behind the indigenous CAR-T cell therapy. He said that treatment costs abroad run into several crores, whereas years of work by Indian scientists have brought it down to a fraction of that cost.

Experts discuss women’s role in scientific fields

Discussing the role of women in science at a special session titled “Women’s Development to Women-led Development in Science and Technology”, speakers from diverse field stressed that the journey toward women-led development must begin at home and in schools. Teachers, mentors and families hold the key to identifying young talent and nurturing confidence early on. Encouragement at the right age, they said, can shape future leaders in science.

Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, said India’s progress was incomplete without women leading the way. “When women rise, the nation rises with them,” she said, encouraging students to embrace discipline, teamwork and courage. Vibha Tandon, Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata underlined the importance of mutual support while Bineesha Payattati, Executive Director, IIWM, also spoke about the comfort and confidence women gain when they see others in leadership roles.

Tanushree Bhowmik from the World Bank highlighted the growing gap between boys’ and girls’ participation in the STEM programme beyond middle school, attributing it to deep-rooted social barriers. She noted that high female enrolment in STEM education doesn’t translate into job opportunities. —TNS