Special Report on Developments in India's Defense and Technology (Year Month)

Key Chapter Title List

1. DRDO's 67th Foundation Day: Defence Minister Meets Scientists and Officials
2. Indian Navy to Simultaneously Commission INS Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer Vessels
3. Request for Information Issued for 23mm Anti-Drone Ammunition Manufacturing
4. 2025 Army Day to be Held in Pune, Focusing on Heritage and Future Roadmap
5. Indian Army Modernizes Air Defence Systems with Indigenous 23mm Anti-Drone Ammunition
6. Melatonin Nanoformulation May Become New Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
7. AI Cracks 2000-Year-Old Mystery: Ancient Texts Deciphered for the First Time
8. India's Space Ambitions Rise in 2025, ISRO Targets Major Missions
9. NASA's Parker Solar Probe Completes Closest-Ever Solar Encounter
10. ISRO to Launch US Satellite Enabling Smartphone Voice Calls from Space

Document Introduction

This report compiles the core developments in India's defense, space, and technology sectors for January 2025. It focuses on key advancements and technological breakthroughs under the "Make in India" and defense self-reliance strategies, providing comprehensive and accurate intelligence reference for professional audiences such as defense researchers and international relations scholars.

In the defense domain, DRDO celebrated its 67th Foundation Day. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that DRDO must synchronize with the evolution of the technology ecosystem, focus on key project R&D, and deepen cooperation with the private sector and startups. In 2024, DRDO transferred 1950 technology licensing agreements to Indian industry. The Indian Navy will historically commission the first Project 17A stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, the final Project 15B stealth destroyer INS Surat, and the final Scorpène-class submarine INS Vaghsheer simultaneously on January 15, 2025, demonstrating the self-reliance capability of India's indigenous shipbuilding industry and the enhancement of naval combat power. Concurrently, the Indian Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Information for the manufacturing of 23mm anti-drone ammunition, aiming to improve interception probability against small, low radar cross-section drones by adapting existing weapon systems, thereby advancing air defense system modernization.

In the Army domain, the 2025 Army Day will be held for the first time in Pune, with "Modernization, Inclusivity, Public Participation" as its core theme. It will showcase indigenous defense equipment and promote the integration of women into combat roles. Furthermore, it clarifies that the Army in 2025 will focus on key directions such as technology-driven warfare, strengthening border defense, and indigenous defense production.

The science, technology, and space sections are filled with highlights. A melatonin nanoformulation developed by Indian scientists shows potential in improving Parkinson's disease by enhancing bioavailability and neuroprotective efficacy through targeted delivery. Artificial intelligence has achieved a breakthrough in archaeology, successfully deciphering ancient texts such as scrolls carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In space, ISRO has planned several major missions for 2025, including the unmanned Gaganyaan test flight, the launch of the Indian Data Relay Satellite System, the deployment of the NISAR Earth observation satellite, among others. It will also launch a communication satellite for a US company that enables smartphone voice calls from space, expanding commercial space cooperation. Additionally, NASA's Parker Solar Probe completed its closest-ever encounter with the Sun, providing crucial data for solar physics research.

Based on authoritative information from mainstream Indian media, government websites, and professional institutions, this report systematically outlines India's strategic layout and practical progress in areas such as defense industry upgrading, military equipment modernization, cutting-edge technology R&D, and space exploration. It serves as an important reference for analyzing India's defense and technology development path under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative.