General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - May 2023

May 2023

Aug 30, 2026

Gujarat launches India's first state-level Sports Genomics Programme

Gujarat launched India's first state-level Sports Genomics Programme under the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar. The programme focuses on studying genetic factors associated with athletic performance and the risk of sports-related injuries. It aims to analyse nearly 10,000 athlete samples over five years, with the broader objective of using genomic research to better understand sporting potential and injury susceptibility. The project will help tailor training programs and preventive care for athletes, potentially reducing dropout rates and extending careers. The programme forms part of Gujarat's broader initiative to upgrade sports science and biomedical research, attracting collaboration with national institutions and industry partners. The program began this year as part of the state's health and education reforms.

Program: Sports Genomics under Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre
Scope: study genetic factors in performance and injuries
Sample size: ~10,000 athletes over 5 years
Goal: tailor training and preventive care using genomics
Impact: potential to extend athletes’ careers

Aug 29, 2026

Gnani Artha AI Stack Launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched ‘Gnani Artha’, a sovereign AI stack developed by GNANI AI, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi in August 2026. The stack comprises Evon 3.3, a large language model, and Plexus, a platform designed to connect artificial intelligence capabilities with real‑world work and institutions. The launch highlights India’s push for domestically built AI technologies and digital sovereignty. Gnani Artha is described as scalable and enterprise‑grade, intended for government and industry use cases, including data governance and public services. The event underscores ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign AI infrastructure while fostering local innovation and collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

Gnani Artha announced by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Suite includes Evon 3.3 LLM and Plexus platform.
Aims to advance sovereign, locally built AI technologies.
Intended for government, industry, and public service applications.
Part of India’s broader digital sovereignty and innovation push.

Aug 27, 2026

Hindalco commissions India's first Superfine PPT ATH plant in Belagavi

Hindalco Industries has commissioned India's first Superfine Precipitated Aluminium Trihydrate PPT ATH plant at its Belagavi facility in Karnataka. The new plant strengthens the country's specialty alumina sector and is expected to meet rising demand for flame-retardant materials used in halogen-free cables, wires, plastics and other industrial applications. The facility showcases India’s growing capabilities in high-value aluminium-based products and may spur related investments. As production scales, benefits could include improved supply chains, potential job creation, and expanded export opportunities for specialty materials.

India's first Superfine PPT ATH plant commissioned
Location: Belagavi, Karnataka
Supports demand for flame-retardant materials
Used in halogen-free cables, wires and plastics
Demonstrates growth of India's specialty alumina sector
Potential for supply-chain improvements and exports

Aug 26, 2026

CSIR-NAL develops indigenous micro gas turbine engines

CSIR National Aerospace Laboratories announced indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines NJ-05, NJ-50, and NJ-100 for defence use. The engines are designed for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, drone interceptors, and compact missile platforms. Officials say the engines improve portability, performance, and reliability, reducing import dependency and strengthening domestic propulsion. The program supports Make in India and rapid development of lightweight powerplants for unmanned systems. Engineers highlighted testing, heat management and lifecycle maintenance, plus planned collaborations with defence researchers and industry partners to speed integration into platforms.

NJ-05, NJ-50, NJ-100 micro gas turbine engines announced
Engines designed for UAVs, interceptors and compact missiles
Aims to reduce import dependency and boost domestic propulsion
Supports Make in India and defence self-reliance

Tiangong Ultra robot beats Usain Bolt pace in test sprint

Tiangong Ultra, a humanoid robot from China, demonstrated a sprint that exceeded Usain Bolt’s famous 100-metre world record. In a controlled test, the robot completed the distance at a pace that surprised observers, highlighting rapid progress in robotics and AI-led mobility. Engineers noted improvements in leg design, balance, and sensors, enabling fast running with stability. The event underscored advances in autonomous movement and machine performance. Experts caution that comparing a robot with a human runner has limits due to different physics and purposes, and that future work will explore endurance and precision tasks beyond simple speed.

Tiangong Ultra demonstrates high-speed humanoid running
Test pace surpasses the 9.58-second 100 m record set by Bolt
Advances in robotics, sensors and balance highlighted
Caution against direct human–robot comparisons
Future tests to examine endurance and precision tasks

Aug 25, 2026

India launches first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize seed

India’s first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed was launched on 24 August 2026 at the Gourmet Popcornica facility in Musunuru, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. The launch was led by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in attendance. The development aims to improve popcorn production through indigenous agricultural innovation and provide better opportunities for maize farmers. The seed’s non-GMO status and high expansion potential are expected to boost domestic popcorn cultivation and value chains, reducing reliance on imports and supporting rural incomes.

Launch date: 24 August 2026.
Location: Gourmet Popcornica, Musunuru, Andhra Pradesh.
Attendees: Vice-President and Chief Minister present.
Goal: boost domestic popcorn production via indigenous innovation.

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