India and Netherlands launch Hydrogen Fellowship Programme
India and the Netherlands advanced their clean energy partnership with the launch of the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and the signing of an academic cooperation agreement in green hydrogen research. The initiative reinforces India's push to accelerate a hydrogen-based energy transition and expand cross-border knowledge. The fellowship, announced by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, is open to eligible Indian doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty across institutions. Participants will gain exposure to Dutch hydrogen ecosystems, including research facilities and industry links, to strengthen India's readiness for deployment of hydrogen technologies and to build bilateral capacity in this strategic sector.
Hydrogen Fellowship Programme launched; academ ic cooperation in green hydrogen
Announced by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST
Open to Indian doctoral candidates, postdocs, and faculty
Exposure to Netherlands hydrogen ecosystems and facilities
Aims to boost India's hydrogen deployment and bilateral research capacity
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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