General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - October 2017

Oct 2017

Jun 15, 2026

Avataar Launches Varya Video Model

Avataar launched Varya, a distilled video AI model, in June 2026. The model is designed to make advanced video generation more affordable and accessible for Indian users. Varya is expected to support culturally rich visual content reflecting India’s regional diversity, festivals and daily life. The launch is viewed as a step toward strengthening India’s AI capabilities under the IndiaAI Mission, with potential use in entertainment, education and advertising. Industry observers note that Varya could reduce production costs while expanding opportunities for regional creators and small studios to produce high-quality video content.

Avataar announced Varya, a distilled video AI model.
Aims to make advanced video generation affordable and accessible.
Designed to reflect India’s regional cultures and festivals.
Linked to IndiaAI Mission as a national AI capability effort.
Potential uses in entertainment, education and media.

Ancient Inscriptions Found in Nallamala Tiger Reserve

The Archaeological Survey of India documented important inscriptions found in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve Forest. The inscriptions span nearly 1,400 years, dating from the 2nd century CE to the 16th century CE. They include records in Telugu, Kannada, Prakrit and Brahmi script, offering fresh insights into the political, cultural and linguistic history of the region. The discovery adds to epigraphic collections and promotes heritage study in south India. Documentation included copying inscriptions and creating a public record for researchers and educators. The find highlights the importance of protected forest areas for preserving ancient manuscripts and inscriptions.

ASI documented inscriptions in Nallamala Tiger Reserve.
Inscriptions span about 1,400 years (2nd century CE to 16th century CE).
Texts include Telugu, Kannada, Prakrit and Brahmi scripts.
Provides new insights into regional history and language.
Enhances epigraphic and heritage research in south India.

Jun 12, 2026

Five new millisecond pulsars discovered by NCRA Pune using upgraded GMRT

Astronomers at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune, discovered five new millisecond pulsars using India’s upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. The pulsars were found in the globular clusters Messier 69 and Messier 70, among the oldest and most densely packed stellar systems in the Milky Way. Millisecond pulsars are rapidly spinning neutron stars that emit precise radio pulses, aiding tests of gravity and stellar evolution. The discovery expands the known sample of pulsars and will support studies of dense matter and gravitational physics. Researchers note that continued GMRT upgrades enhance India’s role in radio astronomy.

Five new millisecond pulsars discovered
Facilities: upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune
Pulsars located in Messier 69 and Messier 70 globular clusters
Pulsars help test gravity and dense matter theories
GMRT upgrades expand India's role in radio astronomy

Jun 11, 2026

Defence Ministry Approves 250 MW Solar Project with Battery Storage in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh

The Defence Ministry approved a 250 MW solar power project with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. The facility will utilize about 850 acres of vacant defence land and will be implemented by NTPC Limited. The project aims to strengthen energy security for defence establishments and support a reliable supply of renewable power. The BESS component is designed to provide grid stability and load balancing, enhancing resilience for military installations. This initiative aligns with national goals to expand clean energy capacity and integrate storage solutions in critical infrastructure.

Project: 250 MW solar with Battery Energy Storage System.
Location: Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.
Land use: ~850 acres of defence land.
Implementer: NTPC Limited.
Purpose: Enhance energy security and grid stability.

Jun 09, 2026

E-Jagriti Wins National e-Governance Award for AI Platform

The AI-powered e-Jagriti platform of the Department of Consumer Affairs won the Silver Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2026, in Category I. The platform unifies multiple consumer grievance and dispute-resolution channels into a single digital ecosystem and uses artificial intelligence to route cases, prioritize urgent complaints, and reduce resolution time. The initiative has significantly enhanced the efficiency of consumer justice mechanisms and demonstrates innovation in re-engineering government processes through technology. The award recognizes efforts to balance safeguards with digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery.

e-Jagriti earned Silver Award at National e-Governance 2026 (Category I).
AI-powered system unifies consumer grievances and dispute resolution.
AI routing, prioritization, and faster resolution improve service delivery.
Enhances transparency and efficiency in consumer justice mechanisms.

Jun 08, 2026

Saurabh Vijay Appointed CEO of IndiaAI Mission

Shri Saurabh Vijay was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission in June 2026. An Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1998 Maharashtra cadre, he previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The IndiaAI Mission aims to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across sectors and to build a robust AI ecosystem in partnership with industry, academia, and government. Under his leadership, the mission is expected to advance AI innovation, research, and digital infrastructure, and to promote responsible and inclusive use of AI in governance, health, education, and public services across India and beyond.

Saurabh Vijay appointed CEO of IndiaAI Mission
IAS officer, 1998 Maharashtra cadre
Former UIDAI CEO
Mission aims to accelerate AI adoption across sectors
Focus on innovation, research, and digital infrastructure
Promotes responsible and inclusive AI in governance and public services

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