General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - April 2015

Apr 2015

Feb 09, 2026

New ant species discovered in Guwahati’s Garbhanga Forest

A newly identified ant species, Polyrhachis garbhangaensis, has been described from Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati. The species belongs to the mucronata group of spiny ants and was named after the forest where it was found. The formal description was published in the journal Asian Myrmecology on 30 January 2026. The discovery was led by Ankita Sharma of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, under Anindya Sinha. This finding underscores that urban-adjacent forests can harbour undocumented biodiversity, potentially informing city planning and conservation in rapidly expanding Guwahati.

Species: Polyrhachis garbhangaensis
Location: Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Guwahati outskirts
Taxonomy: mucronata group of spiny ants
Publication: Asian Myrmecology, 30 January 2026
Lead researcher: Ankita Sharma; supervisor: Anindya Sinha

World’s longest snake recorded in Indonesia’s Sulawesi forests

A giant female reticulated python has been recognised as the longest snake in the world by Guinness World Records after measurements in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The specimen of Malayopython reticulatus measured 7.22 metres (23 feet 8 inches) in length. Locals have nicknamed the reptile 'Ibu Baron' or 'The Baroness.' Guinness officials noted that if measured under full muscular relaxation, the snake could be nearly 10 percent longer, but this was not attempted due to animal‑welfare concerns. The record highlights extreme size variation in pythons and underscores the need for habitat conservation as forests face ongoing pressures from deforestation and climate change.

Species: Malayopython reticulatus (reticulated python)
Length: 7.22 metres (23 feet 8 inches)
Recognition: Guinness World Records
Nickname: 'Ibu Baron' or 'The Baroness'
Note: possible ~10% longer if relaxed (not tested)

Feb 08, 2026

Amaravati Quantum Valley project in Andhra Pradesh: foundation to be laid on February 7, 2026

The Andhra Pradesh government plans to launch the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project on 7 February 2026, signaling a major step in the state’s quantum technology journey. The project aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for quantum research, innovation, talent development and industry collaboration. Construction will begin with a foundation stone ceremony at Amaravati, underscoring the state's intent to lead in next-generation technologies critical for national and economic security. AQV will build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem linking research institutions, industry players, startups and skilled professionals in quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum-safe technologies.

Foundation date: 7 February 2026.
Objective: position Andhra Pradesh as a global quantum hub.
Focus areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum-safe tech.
Goal: integrate research, industry, startups, talent.
Significance: strategic tech for national security and economy.

Airbus opens aerospace Centre of Excellence at GSV to advance sustainable aviation

Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) on 6 February 2026, reinforcing long-term collaboration with India’s central university for transportation and logistics. The CoE focuses on sustainable aviation technologies, including research on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and student-led innovation. It aims to co-create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India, supporting indigenous R&D and human capital development. The center was inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, alongside GSV officials. A key thrust is converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into SAF.

Inauguration date: 6 February 2026.
Location: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV).
Focus: sustainable aviation, SAF research, student innovation.
Part of Airbus-GSV long-term collaboration.
Effort includes MSW-to-SAF technology.

Feb 07, 2026

SPHEREx detects organic molecules on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA’s SPHEREx mission reported infrared observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first noted in December 2025, with new findings in a research note. Scientists identified organic molecules such as methanol, cyanide and methane, suggesting complex chemistry in the icy visitor from another star system. The report also notes a pronounced brightness increase two months after its closest solar approach, a typical comet behavior as ices sublimate and vent material. Lead researcher Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory described a surge of carbon-rich material in space. The results deepen understanding of organic chemistry beyond the Solar System. (Sources: NASA SPHEREx notes; Johns Hopkins APL briefing, February 2026.)

IS1 comet 3I/ATLAS observed by SPHEREx since December 2025.
Detected organic molecules: methanol, cyanide, methane.
Brightness increase observed two months after perihelion.
Implications for the chemistry of comets from other star systems.
Researchers cite space-based infrared observations as evidence.
This is a rare look at interstellar object composition.

Feb 06, 2026

India Develops Lead-Free Self-Powered Photodetector

Researchers in India have developed a lead-free, self-powered photodetector for electronics and sensing systems. The device operates without external power and offers durable, stable performance suitable for consumer electronics, industrial monitoring and biomedical imaging. The work, led by scientists from ARCI Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad, addresses environmental concerns linked to lead compounds and supports India’s move toward greener, energy‑efficient optoelectronic devices. The development could enable new sensing technologies in everyday devices while reducing environmental impact.

Type: Lead-free, self-powered photodetector.
Institutions: ARCI Hyderabad; IIT Hyderabad.
Benefits: Environmentally friendly; no external power required.
Applications: Electronics, sensing, imaging.
Impact: Advances India’s green technology goals.

AI System Aims to Prevent Elephant Deaths on Railways

Indian Railways has deployed an artificial intelligence–enabled Intrusion Detection System to reduce elephant deaths along railway tracks. The system uses Distributed Acoustic Sensors laid along fibre cables near tracks and is pre‑loaded with elephant movement signatures to detect nearby elephants with high precision. This wildlife safety initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and seeks to protect both rail operations and elephant corridors through early warnings and rapid response.

Technology: AI intrusion detection; elephants near tracks.
Method: Distributed Acoustic Sensors along optical fibre.
Collaboration: Indian Railways with Environment Ministry.
Goal: Reduce elephant fatalities and improve safety.
Impact: Supports wildlife conservation alongside rail transport.

Feb 04, 2026

Indian scientists develop a single-unit solar energy capture and storage device

Researchers at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) reported a solar-powered energy storage device that simultaneously captures and stores energy within one unit. The device employs NiCo2O4 nanowires on a conductive substrate to harvest light and store electricity, reducing system complexity and cost. Tests demonstrated robust performance across varying lighting conditions, with stable output suitable for portable and off-grid applications. The work, supported by the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, indicates a promising direction for integrated energy solutions that could lessen dependence on traditional batteries and grid power.

DST-backed development of a single-unit solar energy device.
NiCo2O4 nanowires enable simultaneous harvesting and storage.
Designed for portable, off-grid use with reduced system complexity.
Stable performance across diverse lighting conditions.
Advances integration of energy harvesting and storage technologies.

Singapore to launch space agency in response to global investment surge

Singapore announced the launch of its National Space Agency on 1 April, aiming to capitalize on the growing global space economy. The Ministry of Trade and Industry explained the agency will oversee space capabilities, legislation, and innovation-friendly regulations to attract business and research activities. Investment data from Seraphim Space indicates a continued rise in space-related funding. The official unveiling was made during an inaugural space summit chaired by a government minister, signaling Singapore’s intent to become a regional hub for space technology, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

Singapore to establish a National Space Agency from 1 April.
Agency to regulate space activities and foster innovation.
Expression of interest to attract investments in space tech.
Announcement tied to rising global space funding levels.
Positions Singapore as a regional space hub.

Indian scientists develop a self-charging energy storage device powered by sunlight

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have created a solar-powered energy storage device that captures and stores energy in a single unit. The device uses binder-free nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) nanowires on nickel foam, forming a porous network that harvests light and stores charge. In tests, the electrode showed a 54 percent increase in capacitance under illumination and retained 85 percent of capacity after 10,000 cycles. An asymmetric photo-supercapacitor, using activated carbon and NiCo2O4, delivered 1.2 volts and maintained 88 percent capacitance after 1,000 photo-charging cycles, under varying light conditions.

CeNS, Bengaluru, developed a single-unit solar energy device.
NiCo2O4 nanowires on nickel foam enable harvesting and storage.
54% capacitance increase under light; 85% capacity after 10,000 cycles.
Asymmetric device achieves 1.2 V with good stability.
Potential for off-grid, wearable, and portable applications.

TNSCST wins first prize at Kerala Science Congress

The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) earned first prize at the national science expo integrated with the 38th Kerala State Science Congress. The council was recognised for its interdisciplinary programmes that connect students, researchers, academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators. The award highlighted the council’s outcomes-oriented approach and collaboration across multiple disciplines. Kerala’s science congress showcased regional science talents and encouraged greater participation from academia and industry to foster innovation-driven growth.

TNSCST won first prize at Kerala Science Congress.
Award recognises interdisciplinary, outcome-focused programs.
Programs connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Event emphasized collaboration across sectors.
Promotes innovation-driven growth in science and technology.

Moltbook: a social network for AI bots only prompts debate

A new social network called Moltbook, launched by Matt Schlicht near Los Angeles, opened access exclusively to chatbots. Within two days, over 10,000 Moltbots were active, fueling discussions among researchers and developers about the capabilities and risks of conversational AI. Observers described a mix of enthusiasm and concern as automated conversations unfolded, with some warning about potential risks to human creators. Moltbook’s experiment highlights ongoing tensions in AI development, including issues of control, transparency, and the societal impact of increasingly autonomous digital agents.

Moltbook opened to chatbots only.
Over 10,000 Moltbots joined within two days.
Event sparked discussion on AI capabilities and risks.
Observed by researchers and developers worldwide.
Raises questions about automation and human oversight.

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