General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - March 2019

Mar 2019

Oct 07, 2026

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 awarded to Kagan and Soai for asymmetric synthesis

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 was awarded jointly to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai for pioneering contributions to asymmetric organic synthesis. Kagan’s work highlighted nonlinear effects in asymmetric synthesis, showing how small differences in catalyst chirality can produce large changes in reaction selectivity. The award underscores advances in controlling three‑dimensional molecular structure during chemical synthesis, with broad implications for pharmaceuticals and materials science. Soai’s early foundational studies also shaped understanding of asymmetric amplification. The prize recognises fundamental science that enables precise construction of chiral molecules essential for modern drugs and functional materials.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 awarded to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai.
Kagan’s work focuses on nonlinear effects in asymmetric synthesis.
Small chirality differences can lead to large selectivity changes.
Prize highlights control of three‑dimensional molecular structure.
Impacts include drug development and advanced materials.

Oct 05, 2026

World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 hosted in New Delhi

The World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 (WCOG 2026) was held in New Delhi from 30 September to 3 October 2026, marking the first time India hosted the international gathering. Organised by the World Gastroenterology Organisation in partnership with the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, the event brought together experts from around the world. The theme, Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature, guided sessions on advances in gastrointestinal health, sustainability in medical practice and urban health strategies. Delegates discussed endoscopic techniques, cancer screening and public-health programs, highlighting India’s expanding role in global healthcare research and collaboration.

WCOG 2026 held in New Delhi (30 Sep–3 Oct 2026).
First-time India hosted the international congress.
Organised by WGO and Indian Society of Gastroenterology.
Theme: Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.
Focus on endoscopy, cancer screening and public health.

Oct 02, 2026

SatLeo Labs launches TAPAS-1 thermal-imaging satellite

Ahmedabad-based spacetech startup SatLeo Labs launched its thermal-imaging satellite, TAPAS-1, in October 2026. The three-kilogram payload was carried aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket under the Transporter-18 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite was deployed using Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 platform. TAPAS-1 is described as India’s first dedicated commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload. It is designed to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 500 kilometres and will use a long-wave infrared sensor to map surface temperatures from space. The mission signals growing private participation in India’s space sector and may influence future remote-sensing services for agriculture, mining, and urban planning.

SatLeo Labs launched TAPAS-1, India’s first dedicated commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload.
Three-kilogram payload launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 under Transporter-18 from Vandenberg.
Deployed via Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 platform; sun-synchronous orbit at ~500 km.
Long-wave infrared sensor will map surface temperatures from space.
Reflects rising private participation in India’s space sector.

Oct 01, 2026

Kerala develops machine-learning dengue early warning system (DEWS)

Researchers in Kerala have developed a Dengue Early Warning System (DEWS) using machine learning to forecast district-level dengue trends. The model integrates around six years of dengue surveillance data (March 2020–February 2026) with weather variables such as rainfall, temperature and humidity. It generates weekly forecasts for each district and classifies dengue risk as low, moderate, high, or very high. Officials say DEWS can help public-health authorities allocate resources in advance, bolster mosquito-control efforts, and strengthen disease-surveillance before outbreaks intensify. The project reflects collaboration between government researchers and public health agencies and may guide other states in similar efforts.

Project: DEWS using machine learning for dengue forecasting
Data used: March 2020–February 2026 plus weather variables
Output: weekly district-level risk categories (low to very high)
Purpose: guide resource allocation and vector control
Potential impact: earlier interventions; model could be replicated

Sep 29, 2026

India finishes in top 10 at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

India finished in the top ten at the 48th WorldSkills Competition held in Shanghai, China. Team India secured 10th place, with athletes earning six silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence across different skill categories. WorldSkills is a biennial event that brings together young professionals from various technical and vocational fields to showcase practical competencies. The 2026 edition highlighted improvements in vocational training, industry partnerships, and youth participation in India. The result marks a milestone for Indian skills development on the global stage and is expected to influence future training and apprenticeship programs across the country.

Event: 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026
India ranking: 10th
Medals: 6 silver; 20 Medals for Excellence
Focus area: Vocational skills and training
Significance: Boost for India's skills development framework

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