Latest inventions in science and technology
India’s first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network
- A start-up supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) — QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd. — has successfully demonstrated India’s first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution(QKD) network
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication technology that uses the laws of quantum physics to generate and exchange encryption keys between two parties.
- Unlike traditional encryption, it ensures that any attempt to intercept or observe the key instantly alters the system, making eavesdropping detectable.
- Developed by: The Bengaluru-based quantum startup QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
Space
First PSLV made by private firms
- The first Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) built by a private consortium led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will be launched in February 2026.
- This marks the first time a PSLV rocket has been developed entirely by private industry under ISRO’s supervision.
- About 80%–85% of the PSLV systems are developed by private industries.
- Around 450 Indian industries are currently contributing to India’s space programme.
- There are over 330 Indian space start-ups active in the sector.
Recent ISRO Achievement
- On November 2, 2025, ISRO successfully placed its heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 into orbit using the LVM-3 M5 (“Bahubali”) rocket.
- About 80–85% of the systems in this mission were also supplied by Indian industries, showcasing the strong private sector role.
