Author: Vijay Raman

In a significant milestone for India’s nuclear energy programme, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam has successfully achieved first criticality, marking the start of a controlled nuclear chain reaction in the reactor. Developed by BHAVINI, the 500 MWe reactor is a key component of India’s three-stage nuclear power strategy aimed at enhancing long-term energy security. The project is located within the Madras Atomic Power Station campus.   First criticality signifies that the reactor has become self-sustaining in its nuclear fission process, a crucial step before it can begin…

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In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, scientists and technology experts are increasingly emphasizing that classical messaging systems cannot substitute quantum communication channels, owing to fundamental differences rooted in the laws of physics.   Unlike traditional communication methods that rely on binary bits, quantum communication operates using qubits, enabling advanced features derived from phenomena such as quantum entanglement and superposition. These properties allow quantum systems to establish correlations and process information in ways that classical systems cannot replicate.   One of the defining advantages of quantum communication is its inherent security.…

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In a pioneering step towards sustainable urban waste management, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched India’s first municipal Textile Recovery Facility (TRF), transforming discarded clothes into economic and environmental assets.  The initiative, implemented under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, addresses a growing challenge—India generates nearly 7.8 million tonnes of textile waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills.   Located in Belapur, the TRF operates as a circular economy hub, integrating collection, scientific sorting, recycling and livelihood generation. Textile collection bins have been installed across residential societies in…

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India has recorded its highest-ever annual wind energy capacity addition, installing 6.05 gigawatts (GW) during the financial year 2025–26, signalling renewed momentum in the country’s clean energy transition. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the latest addition surpasses the previous peak of about 5.5 GW achieved in 2016–17, marking a significant milestone for the sector.  With this, India’s cumulative installed wind power capacity has crossed 56 GW, strengthening its position among the leading wind energy markets globally.   The growth has been driven by improved policy…

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The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a major milestone by crossing ₹18.4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of India’s digital public procurement ecosystem. Launched in 2016, GeM has transformed the way government departments, ministries and public sector units procure goods and services by providing a transparent, efficient and paperless online platform. The steady rise in GMV reflects increased adoption across central and state governments, as well as wider participation from sellers, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.   Officials noted that the platform…

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Major Ports of India registered robust growth in cargo handling during FY 2025–26, collectively handling 915 million tonnes (MT) of cargo and surpassing the annual target, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.06%.   The strong performance was driven by higher volumes across key commodities, improved operational efficiency and capacity augmentation measures undertaken at various ports. Growth in sectors such as coal, petroleum products, containers and other bulk cargo contributed significantly to the overall increase in throughput.   Officials attributed the performance to sustained infrastructure development, mechanisation and digital initiatives that…

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