General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - June 2023

Jun 2023

Feb 07, 2026

SPHEREx detects organic molecules on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA’s SPHEREx mission reported infrared observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first noted in December 2025, with new findings in a research note. Scientists identified organic molecules such as methanol, cyanide and methane, suggesting complex chemistry in the icy visitor from another star system. The report also notes a pronounced brightness increase two months after its closest solar approach, a typical comet behavior as ices sublimate and vent material. Lead researcher Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory described a surge of carbon-rich material in space. The results deepen understanding of organic chemistry beyond the Solar System. (Sources: NASA SPHEREx notes; Johns Hopkins APL briefing, February 2026.)

IS1 comet 3I/ATLAS observed by SPHEREx since December 2025.
Detected organic molecules: methanol, cyanide, methane.
Brightness increase observed two months after perihelion.
Implications for the chemistry of comets from other star systems.
Researchers cite space-based infrared observations as evidence.
This is a rare look at interstellar object composition.

Feb 06, 2026

India Develops Lead-Free Self-Powered Photodetector

Researchers in India have developed a lead-free, self-powered photodetector for electronics and sensing systems. The device operates without external power and offers durable, stable performance suitable for consumer electronics, industrial monitoring and biomedical imaging. The work, led by scientists from ARCI Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad, addresses environmental concerns linked to lead compounds and supports India’s move toward greener, energy‑efficient optoelectronic devices. The development could enable new sensing technologies in everyday devices while reducing environmental impact.

Type: Lead-free, self-powered photodetector.
Institutions: ARCI Hyderabad; IIT Hyderabad.
Benefits: Environmentally friendly; no external power required.
Applications: Electronics, sensing, imaging.
Impact: Advances India’s green technology goals.

AI System Aims to Prevent Elephant Deaths on Railways

Indian Railways has deployed an artificial intelligence–enabled Intrusion Detection System to reduce elephant deaths along railway tracks. The system uses Distributed Acoustic Sensors laid along fibre cables near tracks and is pre‑loaded with elephant movement signatures to detect nearby elephants with high precision. This wildlife safety initiative is a collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and seeks to protect both rail operations and elephant corridors through early warnings and rapid response.

Technology: AI intrusion detection; elephants near tracks.
Method: Distributed Acoustic Sensors along optical fibre.
Collaboration: Indian Railways with Environment Ministry.
Goal: Reduce elephant fatalities and improve safety.
Impact: Supports wildlife conservation alongside rail transport.

Feb 04, 2026

Indian scientists develop a single-unit solar energy capture and storage device

Researchers at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) reported a solar-powered energy storage device that simultaneously captures and stores energy within one unit. The device employs NiCo2O4 nanowires on a conductive substrate to harvest light and store electricity, reducing system complexity and cost. Tests demonstrated robust performance across varying lighting conditions, with stable output suitable for portable and off-grid applications. The work, supported by the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, indicates a promising direction for integrated energy solutions that could lessen dependence on traditional batteries and grid power.

DST-backed development of a single-unit solar energy device.
NiCo2O4 nanowires enable simultaneous harvesting and storage.
Designed for portable, off-grid use with reduced system complexity.
Stable performance across diverse lighting conditions.
Advances integration of energy harvesting and storage technologies.

Singapore to launch space agency in response to global investment surge

Singapore announced the launch of its National Space Agency on 1 April, aiming to capitalize on the growing global space economy. The Ministry of Trade and Industry explained the agency will oversee space capabilities, legislation, and innovation-friendly regulations to attract business and research activities. Investment data from Seraphim Space indicates a continued rise in space-related funding. The official unveiling was made during an inaugural space summit chaired by a government minister, signaling Singapore’s intent to become a regional hub for space technology, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

Singapore to establish a National Space Agency from 1 April.
Agency to regulate space activities and foster innovation.
Expression of interest to attract investments in space tech.
Announcement tied to rising global space funding levels.
Positions Singapore as a regional space hub.

Indian scientists develop a self-charging energy storage device powered by sunlight

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have created a solar-powered energy storage device that captures and stores energy in a single unit. The device uses binder-free nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) nanowires on nickel foam, forming a porous network that harvests light and stores charge. In tests, the electrode showed a 54 percent increase in capacitance under illumination and retained 85 percent of capacity after 10,000 cycles. An asymmetric photo-supercapacitor, using activated carbon and NiCo2O4, delivered 1.2 volts and maintained 88 percent capacitance after 1,000 photo-charging cycles, under varying light conditions.

CeNS, Bengaluru, developed a single-unit solar energy device.
NiCo2O4 nanowires on nickel foam enable harvesting and storage.
54% capacitance increase under light; 85% capacity after 10,000 cycles.
Asymmetric device achieves 1.2 V with good stability.
Potential for off-grid, wearable, and portable applications.

TNSCST wins first prize at Kerala Science Congress

The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) earned first prize at the national science expo integrated with the 38th Kerala State Science Congress. The council was recognised for its interdisciplinary programmes that connect students, researchers, academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators. The award highlighted the council’s outcomes-oriented approach and collaboration across multiple disciplines. Kerala’s science congress showcased regional science talents and encouraged greater participation from academia and industry to foster innovation-driven growth.

TNSCST won first prize at Kerala Science Congress.
Award recognises interdisciplinary, outcome-focused programs.
Programs connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Event emphasized collaboration across sectors.
Promotes innovation-driven growth in science and technology.

Moltbook: a social network for AI bots only prompts debate

A new social network called Moltbook, launched by Matt Schlicht near Los Angeles, opened access exclusively to chatbots. Within two days, over 10,000 Moltbots were active, fueling discussions among researchers and developers about the capabilities and risks of conversational AI. Observers described a mix of enthusiasm and concern as automated conversations unfolded, with some warning about potential risks to human creators. Moltbook’s experiment highlights ongoing tensions in AI development, including issues of control, transparency, and the societal impact of increasingly autonomous digital agents.

Moltbook opened to chatbots only.
Over 10,000 Moltbots joined within two days.
Event sparked discussion on AI capabilities and risks.
Observed by researchers and developers worldwide.
Raises questions about automation and human oversight.

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.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26