BIT Mesra Women’s Team Builds AI to Map Lunar Craters

A three-woman team at BIT Mesra in Ranchi — Dr. Sanchita Paul, Dr. Mili Ghosh, and Mimansa Sinha — has developed an ISRO-backed AI tool called CraterMorpho that can automatically detect and analyse lunar craters as small as 200 meters, revolutionizing lunar mapping and mission planning, reported regional news daily Jagran.com.

The Jagran article (May 17, 2026) reports that BIT Mesra researchers in Ranchi have developed an AI‑based technology to identify and analyse lunar craters using Chandrayaan‑2 data, aiming to support safer landings and geological studies.

Key Highlights

Photo of Chandrayaan taken with the help of a device developed by scientists of BIT Mesra. [Image - Jagran.com] 

• Team & Leadership: Led by Dr. Sanchita Paul with collaborators Dr. Mili Ghosh and Mimansa Sinha
• Institution: Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra, Ranchi
• Support: Funded and backed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Tool: CraterMorpho — AI system using Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
• Capabilities: Detects craters ≥ 200m, measures depth, roughness, morphology. 

Dr. Sanchita Pal, Dr. Mili Ghosh, Mimansa Sinha [Image - Jagran.com]

In the coming days, there are plans to develop this AI-based system as a fully automated real-time crater analysis pipeline, so that the technology can be fully utilized. Through this, the process of data collection can also be made easier.

Why It Matters

• Mission Safety: Identifies safer lunar landing sites
• Scientific Value: Supports crater dating and geological analysis
• Automation: Replaces manual crater identification
• Global Impact: Strengthens India’s role in AI planetary exploration

Technical Insights

Feature	Details
Data Source	Satellite-derived Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
AI Method	Deep learning neural networks adapted for elevation data
Detection Scale	Craters ≥ 200m diameter
Outputs	Depth, roughness, morphology
Validation	Tested on Aristarchus Plateau, peer-reviewed publications

Challenges Ahead

• Domain Shift: Adapting AI models across orbital sensors
• Extreme Terrain: Handling shadowed regions and overlaps
• Verification: Requires ground truth data from future missions

Context for India

This breakthrough aligns with India’s Space Vision 2047, where AI-driven exploration will play a central role in Moon landings, resource utilization, and habitat planning.

India Redefines Digital Ads – Court Ruling Could Reshape Global Keyword Practices

The Delhi High Court’s May 22, 2026 ruling against Google in the Hindware trademark case marks a watershed moment for India’s ₹1 lakh crore digital advertising industry, permanently restraining Google from auctioning trademarked terms as keywords and ordering ₹30 lakh in damages. This precedent could fundamentally alter how brands, startups, and platforms approach online advertising.

The Delhi High Court’s Landmark Ruling

• Date: May 22, 2026
• Court: Delhi High Court
• Case: Hindware vs Google Ads keyword bidding
• Damages: ₹30 lakh awarded to Hindware
• Verdict: Using trademarks as ad keywords constitutes infringement under Section 29(6)(d) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999

Implications for Digital Advertising

• Brands: Stronger protection against keyword hijacking
• Startups: Higher customer acquisition costs
• Platforms: Ad models face scrutiny and possible redesign
• Consumers: Clearer search results, fewer competitor diversions

Industry Reactions

• Nithin Kamath (Zerodha): Welcomed the ruling as overdue protection
• Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com): Criticized Google’s monetization of trademarks
• Murugavel Janakiraman (Matrimony.com): Called it a “great and welcome verdict”

India vs Global Practice

Aspect	India (Post-Ruling)	Global (EU/US)
Trademark keywords	Bidding restricted; infringement recognized	Allowed if not misleading
Platform liability	Active participant, legally accountable	Often treated as passive conduit
Brand protection	Stronger, legal recourse available	Weaker, depends on consumer confusion
Startup visibility	Limited via competitor keywords	Common growth tactic

Market Impact

• Short term: Brands will rush to protect trademarks
• Medium term: Platforms may redesign ad models
• Long term: India could set a global benchmark for trademark protection

Risks & Challenges

• Legal uncertainty: Appeals may delay clarity
• Startup disadvantage: Rising acquisition costs
• Platform disruption: Adtech models face overhaul
• Consumer impact: Reduced exposure to alternatives

This ruling is not just about Hindware—it’s about redefining the rules of digital advertising in India. It signals a shift toward brand-first protections and could reshape global debates on platform accountability.

India Expands Defence Exports with $629M BrahMos Missile Pact with Vietnam

India has officially signed a landmark deal to supply Vietnam with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, jointly developed with Russia. The agreement, valued at around ₹60,000 crore (~$629 million), includes training and logistical support, marking Vietnam’s largest defence acquisition in recent years and strengthening India’s role as a major defence exporter in Southeast Asia.

India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has officially confirmed at the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore (May 30, 2026) that a BrahMos missile supply deal with Vietnam has been signed. However, neither India nor Vietnam has yet issued a formal government press release disclosing the contract’s detailed terms or value.

Reuters sources estimate $629 million, including training and logistical support, but no official government release has confirmed this figure.

Key Details of India–Vietnam BrahMos Missile Deal

• Signed: May 2026 at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
• Value: Approx. ₹60,000 crore (~$629 million)
• Scope: Missile systems, training, and logistical support
• Significance: Vietnam becomes the second foreign customer after the Philippines
• Indonesia: Similar deal in final negotiation stages

BrahMos Missile Technical Highlights

• Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0 (three times the speed of sound)
• Range: Export variant ~290–300 km; extended versions 450–800 km
• Launch Platforms: Land batteries, warships, submarines, aircraft
• Features: Sea-skimming trajectory, precision strike, high kinetic impact

Strategic Significance

• Vietnam: Strengthens coastal and maritime deterrence in the South China Sea
• India: Expands defence exports, reinforces “Act East” policy
• Regional Impact: BrahMos emerging as preferred coastal defence solution in ASEAN

Comparative Snapshot of BrahMos Exports

Country	Year Signed	Value	Systems Delivered	Strategic Role
Philippines	2022	$375M	3 coastal batteries	South China Sea deterrence
Vietnam	2026	$629M	Training + logistics	Coastal defence, maritime deterrence
Indonesia	Pending (2026)	TBD	Negotiations ongoing	Coastal defence modernization

Risks & Challenges

• Geopolitical Tensions: China may view Vietnam’s acquisition as escalatory
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh stressed resilience
• Operational Integration: Vietnam must adapt training and infrastructure

SpaceX Wins $4.16B Contract to Build Defense Satellites

SpaceX has secured a massive $4.16 billion contract from the U.S. Space Force to build a constellation of satellites under the Space-Based Advanced Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program, aimed at tracking airborne threats such as missiles and aircraft. The system is expected to be operational by 2028, strengthening America’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.

The Space-Based Advanced Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) is a U.S. Space Force program designed to create a constellation of satellites that can detect, track, and target airborne threats such as aircraft and missiles from orbit, forming a critical sensing layer in the Golden Dome missile defense system.

Key Details of the Deal

• Contract Value: $4.16 billion
• Awarding Agency: U.S. Space Force
• Program Name: Space-Based Advanced Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI)
• Purpose: Detect and track airborne threats (missiles, aircraft) from orbit
• Deployment Timeline: Constellation of satellites projected by 2028
• Strategic Role: Forms part of the Golden Dome missile defense shield

How SB-AMTI Works

• Space-based sensors: Provide wide-area surveillance beyond traditional radar
• Secure communications links: Ensure real-time data flow to command centers
• AI-enabled ground processing: Helps identify and track fast-moving airborne targets
• Layered defense integration: Works alongside systems like the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft

Strategic Context

Golden Dome	SB-AMTI	Starshield
$185B missile defense shield	$4.16B satellite tracking program	$2.29B secure comms network
Ground interceptors + sensors	Detects airborne threats from orbit	Connects sensors & weapons globally
Expanding since 2025	Operational by 2028	Awarded earlier this week

Risks & Challenges

• Cost escalation: Golden Dome’s budget has risen to $185 billion
• Geopolitical competition: China and Russia are developing counter-space systems
• Technical hurdles: Rapid deployment by 2028 requires accelerated development

Why It Matters Globally

• Militarization of space: Satellites now play active defense roles
• Ripple effects: Allies may seek similar systems, adversaries accelerate counter-tech
• SpaceX IPO momentum: Strengthens investor confidence with $1.75T valuation target

Andhra Pradesh Ist to Roll Out PM‑SETU as Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster Plan by AM/NS India and NAMTECH Gets Govt Approval

Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to operationalize the ₹60,000‑crore PM‑SETU scheme, with the National Steering Committee approving the Strategic Investment Plan for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster led by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and NAMTECH. This marks the first industry‑academic partnership cleared under PM‑SETU, setting a precedent for ITI transformation nationwide.

The approval was accorded during the 3rd National Steering Committee Meeting convened by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

The milestone represents the first concrete step towards implementing PM-SETU's vision of transforming Government ITIs into industry-managed, outcome-oriented institutions through deep partnerships between State Governments and leading industry players.

Andhra Pradesh First to Operationalize PM‑SETU

Key Highlights

• Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM‑SETU)
• Approval: First‑ever Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) cleared by the National Steering Committee (NSC)
• Location: Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster, Andhra Pradesh
• Partners: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (Anchor Industry Partner) + NAMTECH (Academic Partner)
• Outcome: Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state to operationalize PM‑SETU’s industry‑led Hub‑and‑Spoke model

National Steering Committee Meeting

• Date & Venue: 3rd NSC meeting, Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi
• Chair: Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
• Participants: Directorate General of Training, Capacity Building Commission, NCVET, ministries (Commerce, Heavy Industries, Labour), state governments, industry leaders (HAL, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, ITC, AM/NS India), and development partners (ADB, World Bank)

Significance of the Approval

• First Anchor Industry Partner (AIP): AM/NS India onboarded under PM‑SETU
• Model for Other States: Visakhapatnam cluster expected to serve as a template for industry‑driven vocational training reforms
• Industry‑Managed ITIs: Transition from government‑run to outcome‑oriented, industry‑aligned institutions
• Future Workforce: Aligns vocational education with evolving sectoral demands and advanced manufacturing needs

PM‑SETU Scheme Overview

Feature	Details
Budget	₹60,000 crore
Scope	Transform 1,000 Government ITIs
Model	Industry‑led Hub‑and‑Spoke
Focus	Infrastructure modernization, industry engagement, employability outcomes
Goal	Establish National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) in high‑growth sectors for Viksit Bharat 2047

Next Steps

• Pipeline: 32 States/UTs have set up State Steering Committees; 12 have floated RFPs for Anchor Industry Partners
• Implementation Phase: Several proposals nearing closure; more SIPs expected to be approved in coming months
• National Impact: Accelerates India’s vocational education reforms, ensuring ITIs remain responsive to future workforce requirements