YUVIKA Programme Promotes Space Science Interest Among Students
The Government of India reaffirmed support for space science education through the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA). Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated during the Budget Session that the programme inspires school students to explore careers in space science. YUVIKA targets Class 9 students nationwide to provide foundational knowledge in space technology, applications, and research. The initiative aims to cultivate scientific temper and long‑term interest in space among youth, contributing to a skilled workforce for India’s space programme and related industries.
YUVIKA promotes space science interest among Class 9 students.
Stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in Budget Session.
Provides foundational knowledge in space technology and research.
Aims to foster scientific temper and future space careers.
Supports India’s broader space programme goals.
India’s First Quantum Computer to Be Launched in Amaravati
Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh will host the launch of India’s first quantum computer on 14 April 2026 as part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley project. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the milestone, supported by the National Quantum Mission. The initiative aims to position India as a leader in next‑generation computing and advanced research. The quantum computer will leverage quantum mechanics to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds, enabling progress in areas such as materials science, cryptography, and optimization. The project reflects India’s commitment to scientific advancement and strategic technology development.
India’s first quantum computer to launch in Amaravati on 14 April 2026.
Part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley and National Quantum Mission.
Aims to establish India as a global leader in quantum computing.
Quantum computer uses quantum mechanics for complex problem solving.
Supports progress in materials science, cryptography, and optimization.
OpenAI Names Kiran Mani as Asia‑Pacific Managing Director
OpenAI has appointed Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia‑Pacific operations, to assume the role in June. Mani, former CEO of Indian streaming service JioStar, will be based in OpenAI’s Singapore office and report to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon. A technology veteran with over 25 years’ experience, Mani led JioStar and previously played a key role in the Viacom18–Star India merger, according to his LinkedIn profile. The appointment signals OpenAI’s expansion in the Asia‑Pacific region and underscores its growing engagement with Indian digital and media markets as part of broader AI strategy.
Kiran Mani named Asia‑Pacific Managing Director for OpenAI.
Role starts in June; based in Singapore; reports to CSO Jason Kwon.
Mani has 25+ years in digital and consumer tech; former JioStar CEO.
LinkedIn notes involvement in Viacom18–Star India merger.
OpenAI appoints Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific
OpenAI announced the appointment of Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific operations, with the role to begin in June 2026 from OpenAI’s Singapore office. Mani currently serves as CEO of Indian streaming service JioStar and previously led M&A integrations, including the Viacom18-Star India merger. In his new role, he will report to the Chief Strategy Officer. Mani brings over 25 years of experience in digital and consumer technology and is expected to drive APAC growth, partnerships, and local policy engagement as OpenAI expands its regional footprint.
Appointee: Kiran Mani as MD, APAC at OpenAI.
Starting: June 2026; based in Singapore.
Background: Former CEO of JioStar; led major media mergers.
Expected impact: Growth, partnerships, policy engagement in APAC.
AP Science City signs MoU with CSIR-NIScPR to boost science outreach
Andhra Pradesh Science City (APSC) signed a five-year MoU with CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) on 30 March 2026 to enhance science outreach and policy-focused research. The collaboration focuses on science popularisation, STEM education, and evidence-based policymaking to inform governance and development strategies. The non-financial agreement aims to build a culture of scientific thinking across the country and improve public understanding of science. The partnership envisions joint activities in science communication, policy studies, and public engagement, with potential extensions based on mutual agreement.
Nature: Non-financial; five-year term with extension option.
Mar 30, 2026
Hidden Ocean Found Deep Inside Earth’s Mantle
Scientists report a vast water reservoir located about 700 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface. The water is not in liquid form but is chemically bound within the mineral ringwoodite in the mantle’s transition zone. This discovery reshapes understanding of Earth’s deep water cycle and mineral storage. Ringwoodite can hold significant amounts of water under high pressure, altering theories about how Earth’s oceans may have originated and persisted.
Location: about 700 km below surface
Water storage: bound within ringwoodite in mantle
Region: transition zone of mantle
Significance: implications for Earth’s water cycle
Formation: water stored in high-pressure mineral
IIMA Launches Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence with ₹100 Crore Endowment
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad announced the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence on 27 March 2026. The new school receives a ₹100 crore endowment from Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon. It will combine AI research with management education to translate innovations into real-world solutions. The school aims to offer global collaboration, translational research, and programs that improve decision-making, productivity, and cross-sector problem solving. IIMA expects the school to bridge technical advances with practical business and policy applications, strengthening India’s position in AI leadership and deployment.
Endowment: ₹100 crore from Chandrika K. Tandon & Ranjan Tandon
Institution: Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence
Location: IIMA campus, Ahmedabad
Goal: translate AI research into real-world solutions
Focus: global platform, management integration, translational research
Japan has introduced a freight-only high-speed Shinkansen, achieving speeds up to 275 kmph. The vehicle, built on the passenger E3 Series design, has been adapted into open cargo space by removing seats. The service operates between Morioka and Tokyo, completing the journey in just over three hours. This development showcases rapid, high-capacity logistics solutions and cross-sector innovation in rail technology, with potential applications for international supply chains and freight efficiency.
Speed: up to 275 kmph
Type: freight-only Shinkansen (E3 Series redesign)
Route: Morioka–Tokyo
Travel time: just over 3 hours
Significance: faster, more efficient logistics
Mar 28, 2026
Railways approves ₹1,236 crore Kavach and fibre projects to strengthen safety and connectivity
Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹1,236 crore to strengthen its communication systems and expand the indigenous Kavach train protection system across key routes. A major portion funds expansion of optical fibre infrastructure. In Central Railway, projects worth ₹623.63 crore have been sanctioned to establish a dual-path network across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusaval and Solapur divisions. The plan includes installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) along 2,250 route kilometres and laying underground optical fibre cables over 2,673 route kilometres. The dual system will provide redundancy and ensure uninterrupted communications, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Railways approves ₹1,236 crore Kavach and fibre projects.
Focus on safety and digital backbone with Kavach and enhanced optics.
Central Railway gets ₹623.63 crore for dual-path network across multiple divisions.
OPGW along 2,250 route kilometres; underground fibre on 2,673 route kilometres.
Dual system aims to ensure redundancy and uninterrupted communications.
Mar 27, 2026
IIM Kozhikode enters QS Top 100 Rankings 2026
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has entered the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 top 100 for the first time. The QS rankings assess universities globally using criteria such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and employment outcomes. IIM-K’s inclusion in the top 100 marks a notable milestone for Indian management education, reflecting stronger international visibility and performance in management disciplines. The development contributes to India’s rising presence in global higher education rankings and signals continued improvement in Indian business schools' global standing.
IIM Kozhikode joins QS Top 100 Rankings 2026 by subject.
QS rankings evaluate reputation, research, and outcomes.
marks a milestone for Indian management education.
Indicates rising global visibility of Indian business schools.
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