General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - April 2023

Apr 2023

Apr 30, 2026

Chandrayaan-5 Launch Site Assessments Begin in Japan

ISRO scientists began launch site assessments in Japan for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, signaling deeper space collaboration with JAXA. The objective is to evaluate Japanese launch facilities, including infrastructure, system compatibility, and safety protocols essential for a lunar mission. The ISRO-JAXA partnership underpins joint development of satellites, Earth observation, and mission planning. Assessments cover environmental conditions, logistics, and risk mitigation to ensure mission precision and reliability. Chandrayaan-5 would advance India’s lunar exploration program, leveraging international collaboration to share technology and expertise while expanding India’s role in global space science.

ISRO conducts Chandrayaan-5 launch site assessments in Japan
Partnership with JAXA strengthens lunar mission planning
Assessments include infrastructure, compatibility, safety protocols
Focus on environmental/logistical readiness and risk mitigation
Advances India’s role in international space collaboration

Finland Opens Europe’s First Integrated Lithium Project Near Kokkola

Finland launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola, marking a milestone in the region’s clean energy strategy. The plant will manage the complete lithium value chain—from mining at the Syväjärvi site to concentration, refining, and production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The 43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, and refinery, enabling an efficient supply chain for EV manufacturing and energy storage. By hosting the full cycle domestically, Finland aims to cut reliance on imports and strengthen Europe’s role in the global battery market. The project highlights a shift toward regional, high-value mineral processing and export-oriented technology.

Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola
Complete value chain: mining to battery-grade lithium hydroxide
43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, refinery
Aims to reduce Europe’s import dependence for lithium
Strengthens Europe’s position in the battery supply chain

Oxford and Serum Institute Partner to Develop R78C Malaria Vaccine

The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India signed a licensing agreement to develop and manufacture R78C, a next-generation malaria vaccine candidate. The collaboration seeks to strengthen global malaria efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. R78C targets Plasmodium falciparum and uses a multi-stage approach with two blood-stage antigens, RIPR and CyPRA, to attack the parasite at multiple points in its lifecycle. Scientists expect stronger and longer-lasting protection, reduced disease severity, and lower transmission. If successful, the partnership could enable affordable large-scale production and distribution, boosting immunization campaigns and advancing next-generation vaccine research.

Oxford and Serum Institute collaborate on R78C vaccine
Targets Plasmodium falciparum with multi-stage approach
Incorporates RIPR and CyPRA antigens
Aims for stronger, longer-lasting protection and lower transmission
Potential for affordable large-scale production

Europe’s First Complete Lithium Value Chain Begins

Europe initiated its first fully integrated lithium value chain, linking mining, processing, and chemical production within a European framework. The end-to-end approach is designed to shorten supply lines, reduce import dependence, and expedite EV and energy storage manufacturing in Europe. The collaboration among mining firms, processing facilities, and policymakers aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for the continent’s green transition. By consolidating activities within Europe, the project seeks to foster local jobs, accelerate innovation in battery materials, and attract investment in regional infrastructure dedicated to sustainable energy materials.

First end-to-end lithium value chain in Europe
Links mining, processing, and chemical production domestically
Aims to cut import dependence and boost EV manufacturing
Public-private collaboration to secure critical minerals
Supports regional innovation and investment in battery materials

Apr 29, 2026

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP to co-develop AI-powered drones

IdeaForge, Mumbai-based leader in unmanned aerial systems, and Japan’s DMP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop next-generation AI-powered drones. The collaboration aims to leverage Japanese AI and robotics expertise with IdeaForge’s drone platforms to enable smarter, more autonomous operations. Focus areas include enhanced situational awareness, advanced decision-making, and adaptability in complex environments. The partnership is designed to push drone innovation for defence and civilian applications and reinforces India’s role in indigenous drone technology and international cooperation. The MoU signals a strategic step toward stronger AI-enabled aerial capabilities with broad potential uses in surveillance, disaster response, and industrial inspections.

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP sign MoU to develop AI-powered drones.
Aims to combine Japan’s AI/robotics with IdeaForge’s platforms for autonomy.
Targets improved situational awareness and autonomous decision-making.
Intended for defence and civilian applications; supports indigenous tech leadership.
MoU signals expansion of AI-enabled aerial capabilities for multiple sectors.

Apr 28, 2026

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 signals new era for India’s private space industry

Skyroot Aerospace flagged off Vikram-1, the country’s first privately built orbital rocket, from its Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, for final integration. The event marks a milestone for private players in India’s space sector and aims to provide affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services to a growing market. The launch aligns with a policy and investment climate that supports private participation in space activities, potentially expanding India’s space capabilities and contributing to a more competitive commercial launch landscape.

Vikram-1 launched from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and moved to Sriharikota for integration.
First privately built orbital rocket in India; signals private sector growth.
Aims to offer affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services.

Apr 27, 2026

NASSCOM appoints AI expert Srikanth Velamakanni as new Chairman

Srikanth Velamakanni has been appointed the new Chairman of NASSCOM, the apex body representing India’s IT and BPM industries. Velamakanni is an AI and analytics expert and co‑founder of Fractal Analytics, with over two decades in data science, AI, and business strategy. His leadership comes as India’s digital economy expands and IT services confront rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global competition. Velamakanni is expected to guide policy discussions, industry collaboration, and innovation, supporting India’s IT leadership while addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies.

Srikanth Velamakanni named NASSCOM Chairman
AI and analytics expert; co‑founder of Fractal Analytics
Over two decades in data science and AI
Holds key role in guiding policy and industry collaboration
Aims to sustain India’s IT leadership amid rapid tech changes

Apr 25, 2026

Finland to Operationalise World's First Permanent Nuclear Waste Vault

Finland is moving to operate the world's first permanent underground repository for highly radioactive nuclear waste, located beneath Olkiluoto Island. The Onkalo facility is designed to store spent nuclear fuel for up to 100,000 years, addressing long-term waste disposal challenges of nuclear energy. It sits 400–450 metres below ground in 1.9-billion-year-old bedrock, designed with a multi-barrier safety system: metal canisters, copper capsules, bentonite clay, and rock containment. The system ensures radiation isolation even if one barrier fails. The project responds to decades of waste management concerns; most countries currently use temporary storage. Critics cite long-term environmental risks, but proponents argue the policy reduces emissions while maintaining energy security.

Location: Onkalo underground repository beneath Olkiluoto Island, Finland.
Purpose: store spent nuclear fuel for up to 100,000 years.
Depth and geology: 400–450 metres below ground in very old bedrock.
Safety: multi-barrier system with metal canisters, copper capsules, bentonite clay, rock containment.
Rationale: addresses long-term nuclear-waste disposal challenges associated with energy generation.

China Discovers Cerium–Magnesium Changesite Lunar Mineral

Chinese researchers have discovered a new lunar mineral named Cerium–Magnesium Changesite, marking the 11th known mineral identified from the Moon. The finding was announced by the China Geological Survey and is considered a major development in extraterrestrial geology. Scientists believe the mineral could help improve high-efficiency LED technology and deepen understanding of lunar formation. The mineral was identified from a 44-gram solid lunar meteorite recovered in China. The meteorite had a dark molten shell, indicating its journey through Earth’s atmosphere. Researchers found the mineral colourless, transparent, and brittle, with crystal grains smaller than 10 micrometres.

New lunar mineral: Cerium–Magnesium Changesite, 11th lunar mineral identified.
Discovered by China Geological Survey; announced recently.
Identified from a 44-gram lunar meteorite recovered in China.
Mineral is colourless, transparent, brittle; crystal grains < 10 micrometres.
Formation under lunar conditions differing from Earth; potential for materials science and LED tech.

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