General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - June 2023

Jun 2023

Apr 03, 2026

NASA Artemis II launches crewed lunar mission from Florida

NASA launched Artemis II on 1 April 2026 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending the world’s first crewed mission toward the Moon in over five decades. The Space Launch System rocket, topped with the Orion crew capsule, carried four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—into Earth orbit amid a dramatic plume of vapor. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described the launch as an opening act toward a long-term lunar presence, including a future moon base. The mission maintains a competitive space cadence with global rivals and signals a renewed human exploration push after Apollo-era milestones.

Artemis II category: first crewed lunar mission since 1972.
Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS) with Orion capsule.
Crew: four astronauts (three U.S., one Canadian).
Launch date: 1 April 2026 from Cape Canaveral.
NASA Administrator cited as Jared Isaacman in the release.
Aim toward establishing a sustained lunar presence and moon base.

Meghalaya-Starlink MoU annotated in Indian press (web added)

In the latest development around Starlink in India, Meghalaya Government and Starlink India signed a MoU to extend satellite internet to remote areas on 1 April 2026. Coverage notes emphasize potential benefits for rural education, healthcare, and connectivity in hilly terrains. Several outlets highlighted Starlink’s low-Earth orbit technology as key to faster, more reliable service where traditional broadband struggles. The initiative is seen as part of a broader push to expand digital infrastructure in northeast India and improve public service delivery through satellite-based connectivity.

MoU with Starlink India signed on 1 April 2026 in Meghalaya.
Goal: satellite internet for remote/underserved regions.
LEO satellite tech enables faster connectivity in difficult terrain.
Implications for education, health, and livelihoods in the state.

Meghalaya partners with Starlink India to expand high-speed internet

Meghalaya announced on 1 April 2026 a Memorandum of Understanding with Starlink India to extend satellite-based high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the collaboration could transform education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods by delivering reliable connectivity to hilly terrains. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites are central to the plan, enabling faster, more consistent service than traditional broadband. The agreement strengthens digital infrastructure in the Northeast state and aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access where wired options are limited.

MoU signed on 1 April 2026 between Meghalaya and Starlink India.
Goal: satellite internet access for remote areas.
Project targets education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods.
Utilizes Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellites.
Aims to bridge digital divide in Northeast India.

Mission Mitra: India tests human endurance in Ladakh for Gaganyaan readiness

Mission Mitra marks a new phase in India's human spaceflight program, as four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission began a structured high-altitude exercise in Ladakh. The programme, launched in early April 2026, aims to simulate space-like conditions on Earth to assess human endurance and behavioural readiness alongside technological preparedness. Mission Mitra, Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Reliability Assessment, is designed to evaluate performance in hostile environments akin to space. Ladakh's freezing temperatures, hypoxia, and isolation provide a rigorous analogue for crewed missions. Led by ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre with private partners, the effort integrates scientists, engineers, psychologists, and medical professionals.

Mission Mitra evaluates human performance in space-like, harsh environments.
Four astronauts are involved in the Ladakh exercise for Gaganyaan readiness.
Acronym stands for Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Reliability Assessment.
Ladakh provides extreme cold, low oxygen, and isolation as analogue conditions.
ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre leads the programme with private partners.

Apr 02, 2026

YUVIKA Programme Promotes Space Science Interest Among Students

The Government of India reaffirmed support for space science education through the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA). Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated during the Budget Session that the programme inspires school students to explore careers in space science. YUVIKA targets Class 9 students nationwide to provide foundational knowledge in space technology, applications, and research. The initiative aims to cultivate scientific temper and long‑term interest in space among youth, contributing to a skilled workforce for India’s space programme and related industries.

YUVIKA promotes space science interest among Class 9 students.
Stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in Budget Session.
Provides foundational knowledge in space technology and research.
Aims to foster scientific temper and future space careers.
Supports India’s broader space programme goals.

India’s First Quantum Computer to Be Launched in Amaravati

Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh will host the launch of India’s first quantum computer on 14 April 2026 as part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley project. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the milestone, supported by the National Quantum Mission. The initiative aims to position India as a leader in next‑generation computing and advanced research. The quantum computer will leverage quantum mechanics to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds, enabling progress in areas such as materials science, cryptography, and optimization. The project reflects India’s commitment to scientific advancement and strategic technology development.

India’s first quantum computer to launch in Amaravati on 14 April 2026.
Part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley and National Quantum Mission.
Aims to establish India as a global leader in quantum computing.
Quantum computer uses quantum mechanics for complex problem solving.
Supports progress in materials science, cryptography, and optimization.

OpenAI Names Kiran Mani as Asia‑Pacific Managing Director

OpenAI has appointed Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia‑Pacific operations, to assume the role in June. Mani, former CEO of Indian streaming service JioStar, will be based in OpenAI’s Singapore office and report to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon. A technology veteran with over 25 years’ experience, Mani led JioStar and previously played a key role in the Viacom18–Star India merger, according to his LinkedIn profile. The appointment signals OpenAI’s expansion in the Asia‑Pacific region and underscores its growing engagement with Indian digital and media markets as part of broader AI strategy.

Kiran Mani named Asia‑Pacific Managing Director for OpenAI.
Role starts in June; based in Singapore; reports to CSO Jason Kwon.
Mani has 25+ years in digital and consumer tech; former JioStar CEO.
LinkedIn notes involvement in Viacom18–Star India merger.
Move indicates OpenAI’s Asia‑Pacific expansion strategy.

Apr 01, 2026

OpenAI appoints Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific

OpenAI announced the appointment of Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific operations, with the role to begin in June 2026 from OpenAI’s Singapore office. Mani currently serves as CEO of Indian streaming service JioStar and previously led M&A integrations, including the Viacom18-Star India merger. In his new role, he will report to the Chief Strategy Officer. Mani brings over 25 years of experience in digital and consumer technology and is expected to drive APAC growth, partnerships, and local policy engagement as OpenAI expands its regional footprint.

Appointee: Kiran Mani as MD, APAC at OpenAI.
Starting: June 2026; based in Singapore.
Background: Former CEO of JioStar; led major media mergers.
Expected impact: Growth, partnerships, policy engagement in APAC.

AP Science City signs MoU with CSIR-NIScPR to boost science outreach

Andhra Pradesh Science City (APSC) signed a five-year MoU with CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) on 30 March 2026 to enhance science outreach and policy-focused research. The collaboration focuses on science popularisation, STEM education, and evidence-based policymaking to inform governance and development strategies. The non-financial agreement aims to build a culture of scientific thinking across the country and improve public understanding of science. The partnership envisions joint activities in science communication, policy studies, and public engagement, with potential extensions based on mutual agreement.

MoU date: 30 March 2026.
Parties: AP Science City and CSIR-NIScPR.
Objectives: Science outreach, STEM education, policy research.
Nature: Non-financial; five-year term with extension option.

Mar 30, 2026

Hidden Ocean Found Deep Inside Earth’s Mantle

Scientists report a vast water reservoir located about 700 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface. The water is not in liquid form but is chemically bound within the mineral ringwoodite in the mantle’s transition zone. This discovery reshapes understanding of Earth’s deep water cycle and mineral storage. Ringwoodite can hold significant amounts of water under high pressure, altering theories about how Earth’s oceans may have originated and persisted.

Location: about 700 km below surface
Water storage: bound within ringwoodite in mantle
Region: transition zone of mantle
Significance: implications for Earth’s water cycle
Formation: water stored in high-pressure mineral

IIMA Launches Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence with ₹100 Crore Endowment

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad announced the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence on 27 March 2026. The new school receives a ₹100 crore endowment from Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon. It will combine AI research with management education to translate innovations into real-world solutions. The school aims to offer global collaboration, translational research, and programs that improve decision-making, productivity, and cross-sector problem solving. IIMA expects the school to bridge technical advances with practical business and policy applications, strengthening India’s position in AI leadership and deployment.

Endowment: ₹100 crore from Chandrika K. Tandon & Ranjan Tandon
Institution: Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence
Location: IIMA campus, Ahmedabad
Goal: translate AI research into real-world solutions
Focus: global platform, management integration, translational research

Japan’s 275 kmph Cargo Shinkansen Demonstrates Freight Speed

Japan has introduced a freight-only high-speed Shinkansen, achieving speeds up to 275 kmph. The vehicle, built on the passenger E3 Series design, has been adapted into open cargo space by removing seats. The service operates between Morioka and Tokyo, completing the journey in just over three hours. This development showcases rapid, high-capacity logistics solutions and cross-sector innovation in rail technology, with potential applications for international supply chains and freight efficiency.

Speed: up to 275 kmph
Type: freight-only Shinkansen (E3 Series redesign)
Route: Morioka–Tokyo
Travel time: just over 3 hours
Significance: faster, more efficient logistics

Mar 28, 2026

Railways approves ₹1,236 crore Kavach and fibre projects to strengthen safety and connectivity

Indian Railways has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹1,236 crore to strengthen its communication systems and expand the indigenous Kavach train protection system across key routes. A major portion funds expansion of optical fibre infrastructure. In Central Railway, projects worth ₹623.63 crore have been sanctioned to establish a dual-path network across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhusaval and Solapur divisions. The plan includes installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) along 2,250 route kilometres and laying underground optical fibre cables over 2,673 route kilometres. The dual system will provide redundancy and ensure uninterrupted communications, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Railways approves ₹1,236 crore Kavach and fibre projects.
Focus on safety and digital backbone with Kavach and enhanced optics.
Central Railway gets ₹623.63 crore for dual-path network across multiple divisions.
OPGW along 2,250 route kilometres; underground fibre on 2,673 route kilometres.
Dual system aims to ensure redundancy and uninterrupted communications.

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