Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL), a Pune-based optical and digital solutions company, has developed a 160-micron optical fibre, which it claims to be the world’s slimmest fibre for telecommunication. This innovation has been conceptualised and developed indigenously at STL’s Centre of Excellence in Maharashtra, making it the first company globally to develop and patent this technology.
How the 160-micron fibre works
The 160-micron fibre is created through a solid-state reaction of lannarcite and copper phosphide. The fibre has no electrical resistance at room temperature and normal pressure, making it a superconductor. The fibre also shows the Meissner effect, which means it can levitate above a magnet. The team has provided a video of the material partially levitating as evidence of its superconductivity.
The benefits of the 160-micron fibre
The 160-micron fibre can pack 3X more capacity than traditional 250-micron fibre, which means it can transmit more data in less space. The fibre can also reduce the deployment time and cost of large-scale projects like Bharatnet, where India needs to deploy ~20 Million fibre km cable by 2025. The fibre can also reduce the plastic footprint in the ground by ~30% by using ducts with a smaller diameter.
The launch and recognition of the 160-micron fibre
The 160-micron fibre was unveiled at the 7th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023 by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology & Railways. He also ‘spliced’ or ‘joined’ two strands of optical fibre, a highly calibrated process of perfectly connecting the cores of two hair-thin optical fibres. The minister praised STL for its innovation and contribution to India’s digital economy.
The challenges and opportunities of the 160-micron fibre
The team’s claims have not been peer reviewed or replicated by other researchers yet. There have been false claims of room temperature superconductors in the past. However, if the claims are true, the 160-micron fibre will be a breakthrough discovery that will transform the fields of electricity and electronics. It will also give India a competitive edge in the global market of optical and digital solutions.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
