General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - September 2023

Sep 2023

Apr 12, 2026

Frog-inspired brain-like sensor developed in India to cut energy use in electronics

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), under the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a humidity‑responsive, brain‑like sensor inspired by frogs. The neuromorphic device mimics how biological systems sense, process, and store information simultaneously, addressing energy efficiency and data‑transfer delays in conventional electronics. Neuromorphic electronics, which emulate brain function, are viewed as a solution to rising energy demands in modern computing, particularly for artificial intelligence and edge devices. Most existing systems separate sensing and processing, increasing energy use. The new sensor integrates sensing and computing, potentially reducing power consumption in future electronics and advancing India's leadership in neuromorphic engineering.

Institute and parent ministry: JNCASR under the DST.
Technology: humidity‑responsive neuromorphic sensor inspired by biological sensing.
Key advantage: simultaneous sensing, processing, and storage reduces energy use.
Application area: AI, edge computing, and energy‑efficient devices.
Contrast with traditional electronics: integrated sensing and computing vs. separated components.
Significance: highlights India’s progress in neuromorphic engineering.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains criticality

India’s indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained criticality, marking a major milestone in the civil nuclear program. On 6 April 2026, the 500 MW reactor began a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a crucial step toward full operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the achievement as a defining moment in India’s nuclear journey and a sign of growing strength in advanced nuclear technology. PFBR is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and is central to India’s three-stage strategy for clean energy and domestic capability expansion. (Sources: ET, NDTV, Indian Express)

PFBR achieved criticality on 6 April 2026 at Kalpakkam; 500 MW facility.
Operated by BHAVINI; key pillar of India’s three-stage nuclear plan.
Described by PM Modi as a defining moment for nuclear progress.
Advances India’s goal of clean, domestically developed energy and thorium utilization.
marks entry into Stage II of the program; global reactions reported by major outlets.

IEA hails PFBR progress; India advances Stage II nuclear programme

The International Energy Agency (IEA) congratulated India as PFBR attained criticality, viewing the milestone as a significant leap in nuclear energy self-reliance. Between 6 and 8 April 2026, the 500 MW PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved a self-sustaining chain reaction, signaling entry into Stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear program. The IEA highlighted the achievement as a milestone for energy security and climate goals. PFBR is designed and built domestically by BHAVINI and IGCAR and is expected to improve long-term fuel sustainability through thorium usage, enabling more reactors and strengthening India’s nuclear technology base. (Sources: ET, NDTV, The CSR Journal)

IEA recognizes PFBR criticality as a major milestone in India's nuclear journey.
PFBR reached a self-sustaining chain reaction on 6 April 2026; Stage II begins.
Reactor is 500 MW; domestically designed and built by BHAVINI and IGCAR.
Advances India's energy security and thorium-based fuel cycle.
Implications for future reactor deployments in India.

Telangana, Deakin University sign MoU to advance applied AI

Telangana government and Deakin University, Australia, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on 9 April 2026 in Hyderabad to advance applied artificial intelligence. The agreement establishes the Aikam-DHRITI Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation, focusing on mass upskilling, translational research, and startup enablement. Signing the MoU were Professor Iain Martin, President and Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, and Phani Nagarjuna, Founding CEO of Aikam. Attendees included Bhavesh Mishra, Special Secretary, ITEC Department; Ravi Kiran, Commissioner of Electronic Service Delivery; and Ravneet Pawha, Vice President Global Engagement and CEO South Asia for Deakin. The collaboration targets ethical, scalable AI for public services and economic impact in India. (Sources: ET, NDTV, GKToday)

MoU signed on 9 April 2026 in Hyderabad between Telangana government and Deakin University.
Formation of the Aikam-DHRITI Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation.
Focus areas: mass upskilling, translational research, startup enablement.
Signatories: Prof Iain Martin and Phani Nagarjuna; notable attendees listed.
Emphasis on ethical, scalable AI for public services and broader economic impact; last-48-hours context includes PFBR milestone.

Apr 11, 2026

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains first criticality

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality on 6 April 2026 at 20:25 IST, marking a major milestone in the country’s three-stage nuclear energy programme. The indigenously designed 500 MWe reactor, developed by BHAVINI, advances fuel-breeding capabilities and long-term energy security. Achieving criticality opens the path to further testing, fuel loading and eventual power generation. The milestone followed years of design and construction work with strong domestic technical and industrial participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the development a defining step in India’s civil nuclear journey.

PFBR achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026 at 20:25 IST.
Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu; 500 MWe reactor.
Part of India’s three-stage nuclear energy programme; BHAVINI operator.
Paves way for further testing, fuel loading and power generation.
PM Modi called it a defining step in the civil nuclear journey.

Apr 09, 2026

Deep Jariwala named US Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices

Indian-origin scientist Deep Jariwala has been named UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices, marking a milestone in global scientific leadership. He will assume the role in January 2027, collaborating with the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Governor’s Chair program is among the most respected research appointments in the United States, designed to attract top scientists to bridge university research and national laboratory capabilities. Jariwala, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will lead efforts in quantum devices and materials science, underscoring India‑US academic and research collaboration in cutting-edge technology.

Deep Jariwala named UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices.
Position starts January 2027; collaboration with UT Knoxville and ORNL.
Jariwala is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Governor’s Chair is a prestigious US research appointment.
Highlights ongoing global collaboration in quantum technology.

AI and ML a reality in space missions, says ISRO Chairman

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan stated that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have moved from theoretical concepts to essential tools in space missions. Speaking at the second edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS) 2026, Narayanan noted AI and ML, along with cybersecurity and cloud-based systems, are central to modern mission engineering. Officials said AI/ML enable more autonomous and efficient operations with human‑machine synergy. Sessions at SMOPS focused on practical applications, mission data analytics, and future research directions that will shape India’s space program and its collaborations with industry and academia. The conference reflects India’s push to leverage AI in space exploration and security.

ISRO Chair Dr V Narayanan highlights AI/ML as essential for space missions.
AI/ML featured prominently at SMOPS 2026 alongside cybersecurity.
Emphasis on autonomous operations and human‑machine synergy.
Focus on practical applications and data analytics for missions.
Shows India’s commitment to AI in space research and collaboration.

Bank of Baroda launches AI-based bob SAMVAD platform in Mumbai

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched an AI-powered platform named bob SAMVAD in Mumbai to improve multilingual customer service at branches. The system allows customers to speak or type in 22 languages, with real-time translation into the staff’s language, and replies translated back, reducing language barriers for diverse customers. The platform, demonstrated at BoB’s Mumbai center, aims to speed up service and enhance accessibility for rural and urban customers alike. It was officially launched on 28 March 2026 by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, under the Ministry of Finance. Bank officials emphasised inclusive, customer-friendly banking through modern technology.

BoB launched bob SAMVAD in Mumbai to improve multilingual service.
Supports 22 languages with real-time translation both ways.
Aims to reduce language barriers for bank customers.
Official launch on 28 March 2026 by M. Nagaraju, DFS Secretary.
Intended to enhance accessibility for rural and urban customers.

Meta launches Muse Spark AI model

Meta Platforms has introduced Muse Spark, an AI model announced on 9 April 2026 as part of its broader push into advanced machine intelligence. Muse Spark is described as a lightweight yet powerful model, optimized for speed and efficiency, capable of handling complex queries across science, mathematics, and healthcare. It represents a foundational system within Meta’s AI strategy, with more capable iterations already under development. Meta emphasises balancing performance with practicality, aiming to deliver useful AI tools while advancing research into next‑generation reasoning. Industry observers expect Muse Spark to influence future product developments and collaborations in AI research.

Meta launches Muse Spark AI model on 9 April 2026.
Designed to be lightweight but powerful, fast and efficient.
Handles complex queries across science, math, and healthcare.
Foundational system in Meta’s AI strategy with ongoing iterations.
Expected to influence future products and research collaborations.

UAE launches world’s first 10G U6GHz internet network

The United Arab Emirates unveiled the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) internet network at the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, making the UAE the first '10 giga' nation. The rollout is led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in collaboration with leading global telecom stakeholders. The U6GHz band spans 6425–7125 MHz and is described as a golden spectrum due to wider coverage and higher data capacity. It enables seamless handling of high traffic, supporting advanced wireless applications for consumers and businesses, including augmented reality, smart city services, and large-scale IoT deployments. This positions the UAE as a pioneer in next‑generation connectivity.

UAE launches the world’s first commercial U6GHz 10G internet network.
TDRA leads rollout with global telecom partners.
U6GHz spectrum spans 6425–7125 MHz; called a golden spectrum.
Benefits include wider coverage and higher data capacity.
Expected to enable AR, smart cities, and IoT applications.

Apr 08, 2026

Astronomers identify unusual solar system with two Earth-like planets

Astronomers have identified a peculiar planetary system about 120 light-years from Earth, hosting two Earth-like rocky planets often called super-Earths. The configuration is unusual because a rocky planet lies beyond gas giants, contrasting common models of planetary formation. The system provides a valuable compare-and-contrast opportunity to study planetary evolution under similar stellar conditions. Researchers used high precision telescopes and spectral analysis to detect the planets and assess their sizes and orbits. While the planets resemble Earth in size and composition, researchers caution that their atmospheres and habitability remain unknown and require further observation with future missions.

Planetary system located ~120 light-years away
Contains two rocky Earth-like planets (super-Earths)
Unusual arrangement with rocky planet beyond gas giants
Challenges standard planetary formation models
Future observations needed to assess atmospheres/habitability
Discovery aided by high-precision telescopes

Apr 06, 2026

Microsoft unveils MAI-Transcribe-1 AI speech-to-text with 25 languages

Microsoft introduced MAI-Transcribe-1, a fast and cost-effective AI speech-to-text model described as highly accurate. The system reports a Word Error Rate around 3.9 percent and supports 25 global languages, including Hindi, English, French, and Chinese. It has secured top ranking on the FLUERS benchmark across multiple languages and outperformed Google Gemini 3.1 Flash in 11 of 14 tested languages. The launch signals rising competition among technology firms to deliver efficient transcription tools for a wide range of users and applications, including media, business, and accessibility.

MAI-Transcribe-1 is a Microsoft AI transcription model.
Word Error Rate around 3.9% with 25 languages including Hindi.
Top FLUERS benchmark performance; outperforms Google Gemini 3.1 in 11/14 languages.
Aims to improve speed, cost, and accuracy of transcription tasks.
Applications span media, business, and accessibility.

Jitendra Singh inaugurates BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at CFTRI

The BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology. The event marks a significant step in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem. The facility provides modern incubation space and shared research infrastructure to nurture early-stage and growth-stage startups in food technology and biotechnology. It aims to bridge laboratory research with commercial applications and feature startup-driven technologies in the accompanying exhibition. The move supports translation of scientific ideas into market-ready products and growth of the agri-food sector.

Inauguration by Dr. Jitendra Singh at CFTRI.
BIRAC-BioNEST incubator to bolster food tech/biotech startups.
Provides incubation space and shared infrastructure.
Aims to translate research to market-ready products.
Part of broader push to strengthen India’s food innovation ecosystem.

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