UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

The NITI Aayog report ‘Ease of Doing R&D in India’ highlights several structural challenges in India’s Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem. 

ISRO has scheduled the GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission for September 4, 2026. The launch is scheduled for 2:55 AM IST from Sriharikota.

Researchers associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have developed a next-generation energetic compound called BAM-H24 for use in solid rocket propulsion.

Hyderabad-based defence technology start up Apollyon Dynamics has developed the Ahuti Mk II, an electric multirotor interceptor drone that achieved a certified top speed of 498 kmph. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully conducted the drop trial of the indigenously designed and developed Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), Khagantak-243.

A team of researchers has developed an experimental protein-based pneumococcal vaccine using a technique known as reverse vaccinology. 

AstroRad is a wearable radiation-shielding vest developed for astronauts by the Israeli company StemRad, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and space agencies. Its primary purpose is to protect astronauts travelling beyond Earth’s magnetic field from solar radiation.

Recently, NASA’s newest flagship space observatory, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, was successfully launched from Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

ISRO is set to launch the EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) Earth Observation Satellite aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket on September 4, 2026. 

A personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine, called intismeran autogene (V940/mRNA-4157), jointly developed by Moderna and Merck, has achieved a major milestone in cancer treatment.