General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2021

Jan 2021

Nov 11, 2026

Google Introduces TPU 8tx and TPU 8i Max for Advanced AI Computing

Tech giant Google announced new entries in its eighth‑generation Tensor Processing Unit portfolio: TPU 8tx and TPU 8i Max in 2026. TPU 8tx emphasizes secure AI inference and smaller model training, while TPU 8i Max targets memory‑intensive workloads, such as AI agents, long context windows and heavy video processing. These systems complement the existing TPU 8t and 8i platforms, expanding Google's AI computing infrastructure. The rollout aims to improve efficiency, scalability and security in enterprise AI workloads, including natural language processing, computer vision and simulated environments. Industry analysts note this supports India’s growing digital economy and local AI ecosystems.

Products: TPU 8tx and TPU 8i Max (2026)
TPU 8tx: secure inference; small‑to‑medium training
TPU 8i Max: memory‑intensive workloads; long context windows
Relation to existing TPUs: complements TPU 8t and 8i
Impact: enhanced AI computing for enterprises

India Medals in Junior Astronomy Olympiad 2026 in Thailand

India won five medals at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA‑Jr) 2026, held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, from 1 to 8 November. The team earned two golds (Siddharth Laxmisha, Swara Srujal Patel), two silvers (Aarna Chaplot, Krish Bhaskar) and a bronze (Akshara Gulab Ambone). A total of 104 students from 25 countries participated. The results reflect India’s growing strength in competitive science education. The team’s performance adds to the country’s track record in international science olympiads and may inspire more students to pursue astronomy and related fields.

Event: IOAA‑Jr 2026; dates: 1–8 November
Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
India medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
Winners: Siddharth Laxmisha, Swara Srujal Patel (gold)
Participants: 104 students from 25 countries

Nov 09, 2026

New Flowering Plant Discovered in Assam and Meghalaya

Botanists described a new flowering plant species named Disporum kamakhasiense, found in Assam and Meghalaya during November 2026. The species belongs to the Colchicaceae family and grows up to 180 cm tall. It was discovered at Garbhanga Reserve Forest and Laisong in Assam, and Barapani in Meghalaya. The plant has yellowish-green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers. It typically grows on cliffs beneath bamboo forests at elevations between 200 and 1,100 metres. Researchers highlighted conservation concerns due to habitat destruction and its limited distribution. Experts call for monitoring and seed banking to safeguard the species.

Scientific name: Disporum kamakhasiense; family Colchicaceae.
Growth: up to 180 cm tall.
Locations: Garbhanga RF, Laisong (Assam) and Barapani (Meghalaya).
Habitat: cliffs under bamboo forests; 200–1,100 m elevation.
Conservation: habitat loss and restricted distribution require protection.

Nov 08, 2026

New Catfish Species Discovered in Manipur

A new glyptosternine catfish species, Exostoma nasibarbatum, was discovered in Manipur and reported on 30 October 2026 in the Journal of Natural History. The species was found in the Bupal stream, a tributary of the Dujang River within the Chindwin River system near the India–Myanmar border. Researchers Paya Torisha and Bungdon Shangningam identified the species through detailed morphological analysis. The discovery highlights the rich freshwater biodiversity of Northeast India and underscores the importance of conserving river ecosystems in Manipur and adjacent regions.

Species: Exostoma nasibarbatum
Location: Bupal stream, Chandel district, Manipur
Discovery date: 30 October 2026 (journal publication date)
Researchers: Paya Torisha; Bungdon Shangningam
Significance: Adds to Northeast India's freshwater biodiversity

Nov 06, 2026

Tamil Nadu Tops India in Research Publications

Tamil Nadu emerged as India's leading state in research publications, according to NITI Aayog's India Science and Technology Scoreboard for FY 2024–25. The state recorded 44,611 publications, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The data reflect Tamil Nadu's strong university sector, engineering institutes and government laboratories contributing to national science output. Analysts note the figures align with state investments in higher education and science infrastructure. The scoreboard underscores ongoing national emphasis on research, innovation and knowledge economics as drivers of development. Must-know: in the last 48 hours, Delhi experienced severe post-Diwali air pollution with GRAP measures discussed by authorities.

Tamil Nadu: 44,611 publications (FY 2024–25)
Second and third: Uttar Pradesh 29,298; Maharashtra 28,947
Indicators strong state-level research ecosystems
National focus on science output and innovation
Delhi post-Diwali air pollution highlighted as a must-know event

Nov 05, 2026

NPCI forms NTSL; Vishal Kanvaty named CEO of new tech subsidiary

NPCI announced the formation of NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL), a wholly owned subsidiary focusing on technology and innovation. Vishal Kanvaty was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. NTSL will extend beyond core payments into artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital public infrastructure and Global Capability Centre services. It will support initiatives such as eKYC Setu and the Unified Ticketing Platform, in addition to other Digital Public Infrastructure programmes. Dilip Asbe, NPCI CEO, said the subsidiary would strengthen technology capabilities and leverage advances in AI. The creation of NTSL marks NPCI’s move to build dedicated tech capacity across digital financial services.

NTSL established as NPCI’s technology arm.
CEO: Vishal Kanvaty; focus areas include AI, blockchain, DPI.
Projects: eKYC Setu, Unified Ticketing Platform, other DPI programmes.
Strategic aim: expand technology capabilities and innovation.
NPCI leadership expects growth in digital infrastructure services.

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