General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - May 2020

May 2020

Feb 03, 2026

Photo-rechargeable supercapacitor enables solar energy storage on a single unit

Indian scientists have developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can both capture and store energy within a single unit, a breakthrough in clean, portable power. The device, a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor, blends photovoltaic capture with energy storage, potentially reducing system costs and enabling off-grid use in rural and remote settings. Researchers from the Department of Science and Technology oversaw the project, which aims to improve efficiency and broaden access to decentralized energy. If scaled, the technology could support lightweight, compact power packs for devices ranging from sensors to emergency lighting.

New photo-rechargeable supercapacitor combines capture and storage.
Developed under the Department of Science and Technology framework.
Targets off-grid, portable energy solutions.
Potential for reduced cost and increased efficiency in energy storage.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 set for New Delhi with global participation

India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 19 to 20, 2026, showcasing responsible and inclusive AI development. The event aims to translate global AI vision into concrete policy and industry actions, with participation from governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The summit follows earlier parallel initiatives and includes a dedicated research symposium on AI and its impact on February 18. Organizers expect thousands of attendees and a stream of policy-focused discussions on governance, ethics, and sustainable AI deployment that benefits people and the planet. The event underscores India’s role in shaping global AI discourse.

Summit dates: 19–20 February 2026; pre-symposium on 18 February.
Global participation from governments, industry, and researchers.
Focus on responsible, inclusive AI and governance.
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi as venue.

Feb 02, 2026

New Diplozentrum Orchid Species Found in Western Ghats

Scientists have identified a new orchid species in the Western Ghats of Kerala, discovered in Kanthalloor near Marayoor in Idukki district. The plant belongs to the Diplozentrum genus and is named Diplozentrum papillosum. Endemic to the southern Western Ghats, the species adds to the region's botanical richness and underscores the importance of habitat protection. The discovery, notable for the genus's restricted distribution, was documented in a recent issue of the scientific journal Species. The finding has taxonomic significance and reinforces conservation efforts in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

Location: Kanthalloor, Marayoor, Idukki district, Kerala.
Species: Diplozentrum papillosum; genus Diplozentrum.
Endemic to southern Western Ghats; taxonomic significance.
Publication: documented in the journal Species.

Zapotec Owl Tomb Discovered in Oaxaca, Mexico

Archaeologists in southern Mexico uncovered a remarkably preserved tomb dating to about 1,400 years ago in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca. The burial site, belonging to the Zapotec civilisation, was discovered in 2025 following an investigation into looting. Dated to around AD 600, the tomb offers rare insights into Indigenous funerary practices and social organisation of the Zapotec, also known as the Cloud People. The discovery contributes to our understanding of migration patterns, ritual life and artistry in ancient Mesoamerica, and highlights ongoing efforts to protect archaeological heritage in the Oaxaca Valley.

Location and age: San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca; about 1,400 years old (circa AD 600).
Discovery: 2025, following looting concerns.
Civilisation: Zapotec (the Cloud People).
Significance: insights into funerary practices, social structure and art.

Feb 01, 2026

India launches AI-enabled university pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut

India has launched its first AI-enabled university pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut, marking a major step to embed artificial intelligence in higher education. The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Google Cloud and CCSU. The pilot aims to transform learning, teaching and campus administration through AI tools, starting at CCSU with a scalable model for nationwide use. The programme was unveiled at Google's AI for Learning Forum in Delhi, with Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary attending. Insights from the pilot are expected to guide broader adoption by Indian institutions.

Institutions involved: CCSU Meerut; MSDE, Google Cloud.
Purpose: AI-enhanced learning, teaching and campus administration.
Pilot location: Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Announcement venue: Google's AI for Learning Forum, Delhi.
Potential impact: scalable model for national adoption.

QVerse Island: Qatar Airways launches digital destination in Fortnite

Qatar Airways has launched QVerse Island, its first digital destination inside the Fortnite platform. The virtual Doha experience reimagines landmarks of Doha and Hamad International Airport, offering players mission-driven exploration and the chance to interact with Sama, the airline's digital cabin crew, at locations like The Orchard. The venture blends gaming with travel marketing and aligns with the airline’s broader digital strategy, including Starlink-enabled connectivity on select aircraft. The project aims to engage potential travelers early and convert virtual activity into real-world travel interest and bookings.

Platform: Fortnite, introducing QVerse Island.
Features: Sama, The Orchard, and Doha landmarks.
Date: Launched in late January 2026.
Purpose: Engage potential travelers via gaming.
Technology: Integration with Starlink connectivity on aircraft.

Jan 31, 2026

India’s first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train operationalised

Indian Railways has operationalised the country’s first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The project converted driving power cars of a 1,400 horsepower DEMU to run on a dual-fuel system, substituting nearly 40 percent of diesel with Liquefied Natural Gas without compromising performance. The move aligns with national clean energy goals and aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs in rail operations. Officials say the dual-fuel DEMU could be scaled to other routes if successful, potentially boosting energy efficiency and environmental benefits while maintaining reliability. Tests also evaluated acceleration, braking, and range with necessary infrastructure updates at Sabarmati.

First LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU in India
Location: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad
Diesel substitution: ~40 percent with LNG
Objective: reduce emissions and fuel costs
Possible scale-up contingent on success

Jan 30, 2026

IIT Madras Pravartak launches AI training for rural teachers

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has partnered with SWAYAM Plus to offer a free AI training program for rural school teachers. The course, titled AI for Educators – K12 Teachers, begins on February 5, 2026, with registrations open until January 31. The 40‑hour certification covers generative AI tools, prompt engineering, AI‑driven lesson planning, and AR/VR-based learning, focusing on inclusive education and responsible AI use. The program is designed to empower teachers to integrate AI in classrooms and strengthen digital capabilities across rural India.

AI for Educators – K12 Teachers course starts Feb 5, 2026.
Registration open until Jan 31; 40 hours of training.
Part of SWAYAM Plus in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak.
Covers generative AI, prompt engineering, and AI‑driven planning.
Aims for inclusive, responsible AI use in classrooms.

Google DeepMind unveils AlphaGenome for disease genetics

Researchers at Google DeepMind introduced AlphaGenome, an AI tool designed to identify genetic drivers of disease by predicting how mutations influence gene regulation and cellular activity. The system aims to reveal which regulatory changes cause diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. Experts note that many common conditions, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders, involve complex gene regulation patterns. AlphaGenome is presented as a research aid to understand functional genome elements and the broader biology of disease, potentially guiding future experiments and drug discovery.

AlphaGenome identifies genetic drivers of disease.
Predicts how mutations affect gene regulation and cell activity.
Aims to accelerate discovery of new therapies.
Addresses complexity of gene regulatory networks in common diseases.
Sen-ted as a research tool for understanding genome function.

IIT Madras SWAYAM Plus launches AI training for rural teachers

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, in collaboration with SWAYAM Plus, has launched a free AI training program for rural school teachers. The 40‑hour course, titled AI for Educators – K12 Teachers, begins February 5, 2026, with registrations open until January 31. The program covers generative AI tools, prompt engineering, AI‑driven lesson planning, and AR/VR‑based learning, emphasizing responsible AI use and inclusive education. This initiative aims to empower teachers across India to integrate AI into classroom instruction and assessment, enhancing digital literacy and practical teaching methods in rural settings.

Free AI training for rural teachers starts Feb 5, 2026.
40‑hour certification under SWAYAM Plus with IIT Madras Pravartak.
Registration closes January 31.
Covers generative AI, prompts, and AR/VR learning.
Aims to improve rural digital education and inclusivity.

Airtel partners with Adobe to offer free Adobe Express Premium

Bharti Airtel announced a global first in telecom by offering its 360 million customers free access to Adobe Express Premium for a year. The subscription, valued at about ₹4,000 annually, enables users to create social content, marketing materials, short videos, and other design assets with ease. The partnership aims to democratise access to professional design tools, empowering students, creators, and small businesses regardless of design experience. Airtel’s Siddharth Sharma described the collaboration as a step toward enabling digital expression and AI‑assisted content creation across the country.

Adobe Express Premium free for 360 million Airtel users for 1 year.
Value of subscription ~₹4,000 per user annually.
Aims to democratise access to professional design tools.
Targets students, creators, and small businesses.
Emphasizes AI‑assisted content creation for all users.

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