General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - May 2020

May 2020

Oct 15, 2026

World’s oldest shipwreck found off Turkey’s coast

Archaeologists have dated the world’s oldest shipwreck to between 4,400 and 4,700 years old, placing it in the Early Bronze Age. The vessel lay off the coast near Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey. While the wooden hull did not survive, dozens of amphorae remained on the seabed, some with residues inside. The wreck is estimated to be about 10 meters long and likely a trade vessel. The discovery, announced by the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, provides valuable evidence about ancient seafaring and trade routes across the Mediterranean. The site sits roughly 30 meters beneath the surface, with artifacts scattered along an underwater slope.

Dating: 4,400–4,700 years old
Location: Kekova Island, Antalya, Turkey
Hull preserved poorly; amphorae found
Estimated length: ~10 meters
Significance: insight into Early Bronze Age trade
Depth: ~30 meters underwater

NIPER Raebareli, AstraZeneca partner to strengthen 25 clinical trial sites

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, and AstraZeneca India signed an MoU to strengthen clinical research across 25 emerging sites, extending the programme beyond metropolitan areas. The collaboration supports Biopharma SHAKTI, which aims to establish 1,000 clinical trial sites nationwide. The initial 25 sites will receive targeted training, governance enhancements, and ethics and safety support. The Department of Pharmaceuticals will align the effort with national clinical research priorities, while AstraZeneca India will provide development expertise and governance support. A Centre of Excellence at NIPER Raebareli will certify researchers, with potential expansion to other therapeutic areas after a successful proof-of-concept.

Parties: NIPER Raebareli; AstraZeneca India
Initial scope: 25 sites; nationwide expansion to 1,000 sites
Program: Biopharma SHAKTI
Support: ethics, safety, governance, training
Outcome: Centre of Excellence for education and certification
Future: expansion to other therapeutic areas

TDB funds IdeaForge YETI heavy-lift drone with ₹151 crore debt

The Technology Development Board (TDB) signed a ₹151 crore debt financing agreement with IdeaForge Technology to advance YETI, an indigenous heavy-lift autonomous aerial vehicle. The funding supports a ₹302 crore project under the Research Development and Innovation Fund, advancing the platform from Technology Readiness Level 4 to 9. YETI can lift up to 200 kilograms, has a range of 200 kilometers, and operates up to 6,500 meters above mean sea level. It will deploy from unprepared landing areas about 15 meters by 15 meters, with redundant propulsion and a 200-kilometer communications link. The program aims to improve India’s autonomous systems and defence logistics capabilities.

Funding: ₹151 crore debt by TDB
Program: YETI heavy-lift drone; TRL 4 to 9
Payload: up to 200 kg; range 200 km; altitude 6,500 m
Deployment: 15m x 15m take-off area
Capabilities: redundant propulsion; 200 km comms; swarm potential
Strategic aim: bolster autonomous systems and logistics

Oct 14, 2026

IBM and MeitY Startup Hub Sign MoU for Deep-Tech Startups

IBM signed an MoU with MeitY Startup Hub on 13 October 2026 in Mumbai to strengthen India's deep-tech startup ecosystem. The partnership will provide startups with access to advanced technologies, mentorship, training and commercialisation opportunities. It focuses on artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud and quantum computing, helping Indian startups develop innovative solutions and expand into global markets. Industry observers expect benefits in faster product validation, pilot deployments, and stronger ties with international research and corporate partners. The MoU aligns with national priorities for digital economy growth and trusted AI adoption. MeitY and IBM will establish joint governance and review milestones annually.

Date and place: 13 October 2026, Mumbai.
Parties: IBM and MeitY Startup Hub.
Focus areas: AI, hybrid cloud, quantum computing.
Objectives: mentorship, training, commercialization access.
Governance: annual milestone reviews.

India–UK Genomics Centre Inaugurated in New Delhi

India and the United Kingdom jointly inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence in New Delhi on 12 October 2026. The ceremony was led by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and UK Minister Jonathan Reynolds during the 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting. The centre aims to promote advanced genomic research, biotechnology innovation and scientific collaboration between the two countries. It will support joint projects, training programs and knowledge exchange to accelerate translational science and address health and agricultural challenges. Officials expect benefits in faster disease diagnosis, precision agriculture and improved public health outcomes, with collaboration extending to industry and academia. The MoU aligns with national priorities for digital economy growth and trusted AI adoption. MeitY and IBM will establish joint governance and review milestones annually.

Inauguration date: 12 October 2026; location: New Delhi.
Leaders: Dr Jitendra Singh (India) and Jonathan Reynolds (UK).
Centre purpose: promote genomic research, biotech innovation, collaboration.
Activities: joint projects, training, knowledge exchange.
Expected benefits: health, agriculture, industry collaboration.

Oct 13, 2026

Microsoft Unveils Maia 300 AI Chip for AI Inference

Microsoft unveiled its Maia 300 AI chip on 12 October 2026 to strengthen artificial intelligence inference for the Azure cloud platform. The chip is described as employing advanced 2‑nanometre class N2P technology developed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Maia 300 forms part of Microsoft’s strategy to build custom AI hardware aligned with its software stack and cloud services. Analysts note potential improvements in efficiency and performance for large language models and real‑time AI workloads. The release underscores ongoing competition in AI accelerator development among major technology firms and reinforces India’s growing role in digital infrastructure adoption and cloud services.

Date: 12 October 2026.
Chip: Maia 300 AI chip.
Technology: 2‑nm class N2P from TSMC.
Use: AI inference for Azure cloud.
Implication: stronger AI hardware ecosystem.

Oct 12, 2026

World Development Report 2026 Highlights AI for Developing Economies

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the World Bank Group's World Development Report 2026 in New Delhi, titled Artificial Intelligence: The Promise for Developing Economies. The report discusses how AI can boost productivity, improve public services, and support inclusive growth. It recommends adopting AI with careful governance, adapting technologies to local contexts, and building domestic AI capabilities to avoid dependence on external platforms. The launch underscored India's push to leverage digital technologies for development and governance, while stressing the importance of data protection, skilled jobs, and ethical AI deployment to ensure that gains reach all sections of society.

Title: Artificial Intelligence: The Promise for Developing Economies.
Focus: AI's role in productivity, services, and growth.
Recommendations: governance, local adaptation, domestic capabilities.
Emphasis: inclusive and sustainable development.
Context: India's ongoing digital development initiatives.

Oct 10, 2026

World Space Week 2026 Observed Globally Under 'Rocket Revolution' Theme

World Space Week 2026 is being observed globally from 4 to 10 October under the theme Rocket Revolution. The United Nations General Assembly established World Space Week in 1999 to promote awareness of space science and technology. The week highlights advancements in rocket technology, reusable launch systems, and broader access to space. In India, World Space Week activities include outreach programmes, school exhibitions, and talks organised by ISRO, space centres, and universities. The dates commemorate the launch of Sputnik 1 on 4 October 1957 and the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty on 10 October 1967. Observers note growing interest in space among students and engineers, including public-private collaborations.

World Space Week runs 4–10 October 2026 with the theme Rocket Revolution.
Sputnik 1 launch anniversary and Outer Space Treaty date are commemorated.
In India, ISRO and universities host outreach and exhibitions during WSW.
Theme emphasizes rocket technology, reusable launchers, and broader space access.
Growing interest in space among students and engineers.

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