General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2024

Jan 2024

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.

Aug 24, 2026

ICAR NBSS LUP Develops Digital Soil Texture Map for India

India's ICAR National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning NBSS&LUP has developed India's first Digital Soil Texture Map using satellite data and artificial intelligence. The map provides hectare-level soil texture information to help farmers select suitable crops and to assist government agencies in agricultural planning. The NBSS&LUP headquarters is in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The digital map marks a significant step toward technology-based soil management, enabling targeted irrigation, soil health analysis, and better crop planning. The project supports precision agriculture and aims to improve farming productivity across diverse Indian soils. Officials noted collaboration with state agricultural universities and digital platforms to disseminate the data to farmers.

First ever Digital Soil Texture Map for India
Uses satellite data and AI for soil analysis
Helps farmers select crops and guides planning
NBSS&LUP based in Nagpur, Maharashtra
Promotes precision agriculture and data dissemination

Sophie Adenot Surges as First French Woman to Spacewalk

Sophie Adenot, an astronaut with the European Space Agency, became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk in August 2026. She conducted the excursion outside the International Space Station for 6 hours and 23 minutes, together with NASA astronaut Anil Menon. The spacewalk was part of U.S. Spacewalk 97. The operation showcased French and European space capabilities and collaboration with NASA on ISS maintenance and scientific tasks. The event marks a milestone for women in space and reflects ongoing international cooperation in space exploration. Experts highlight such missions encourage young girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics globally.

First French woman to spacewalk (August 2026)
EVA lasted 6 hours 23 minutes on the ISS
Conducted with NASA astronaut Anil Menon
Part of U.S. Spacewalk 97
Inspires STEM engagement among youth

SEMICON India 2026 to be Held in New Delhi, Focus on Semiconductor Ecosystem

The fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 will be held from 17 to 19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, IICC, Dwarka, New Delhi. The event will bring together global chip manufacturers, policymakers, and technology leaders, with a focus on strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem. The theme is Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem. Organisers say the conference will showcase manufacturing capabilities, research, and investment opportunities in India’s semiconductor sector. Industry bodies project greater collaboration between government, industry, and academia to accelerate local design, fabrication, and supply chains, and to attract both domestic and international investments. Officials hope the event will boost manufacturing jobs, research funding, and global partnerships in the next decade.

Fifth SEMICON India edition scheduled for 17–19 Sept 2026
Venue: Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi
Theme: Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem
Brings together global manufacturers, policymakers, and leaders
Aims to boost manufacturing, R&D, and investment in India’s semiconductor sector

Aug 23, 2026

IIT Hyderabad and Jindal Steel establish Centre of Excellence

IIT Hyderabad and Jindal Steel Limited announced a collaboration to establish a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Steel Solutions at the IIT Hyderabad campus in Telangana. The MoU was signed in August 2026 with the aim of promoting advanced steel research, industry collaboration, skill development, internships, and placements. The Centre will support innovation in high‑strength steel technologies and strengthen academia–industry linkages. It is expected to drive national capabilities in steel design, manufacturing, and application, contributing to infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing projects across India. The initiative will connect with other institutes and industry partners to build a broader steel ecosystem.

Parties: IIT Hyderabad and Jindal Steel Limited
Objective: Centre of Excellence for Advanced Steel Solutions
Location: IIT Hyderabad campus, Telangana
Focus: high-strength steel, research, industry collaboration
Outcomes: internships, placements, and knowledge transfer

BRICS ICT Track 2026 held in Pune

BRICS ICT Track 2026, conducted in Pune, Maharashtra, in August 2026, was part of India's BRICS Chairship for 2026. It was the seventh BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting and ran over five days under the theme Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future. Delegations included communications ministers, senior officials, and ICT experts from BRICS nations. Discussions covered digital transformation, cybersecurity, and inclusive technology development, along with cross-border payments and digital ecosystems. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) led the event with support from state agencies and industry partners. The track aimed to strengthen ICT policy, research, and implementation cooperation among BRICS members and beyond.

Event aligned with India's BRICS Chairship for 2026
Theme: Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Participants: BRICS ministers, officials, ICT experts
Focus areas: digital transformation, cybersecurity, inclusive tech
Outcomes: enhanced policy dialogue and potential cooperation
Significance for India: bolsters national digital ambitions and regional cooperation

Aug 22, 2026

RK-251: Indian collaboration develops smart cancer drug for targeted therapy

RK-251, a smart cancer drug designed to selectively target tumour cells, was developed through a collaboration between the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati. The drug activates inside tumour cells due to higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This selective activation helps reduce damage to healthy tissues. In preclinical studies, RK-251 showed promising activity against aggressive cancers, including triple‑negative breast cancer. The teams say the drug’s mechanism may allow higher dosing with fewer side effects. The collaboration reflects India’s growing work in targeted cancer therapies and translational research. Researchers plan clinical trials after further safety studies.

Developed by IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati
Activates in tumour cells due to high ROS
Reduces damage to healthy tissues
Shows activity against aggressive cancers including TNBC
Clinical trials planned after safety studies

QpiAI inaugurates India’s first indigenous QPU foundry in Bengaluru

QpiAI inaugurated indigenous Quantum Processing Unit facility in Bengaluru. In August 2026, Indian quantum computing startup QpiAI opened its indigenous Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The site is described as India’s first quantum foundry and one of the largest such facilities in Asia. The goal is to strengthen India’s capability to manufacture quantum processors at scale and reduce dependence on imports. The facility will host design, fabrication, testing and integration activities for next‑generation quantum technologies. Officials say the project will boost domestic supply chains, create high‑skill jobs and attract related research investments. The development is part of India’s broader push into quantum computing.

QPU manufacturing facility established in Bengaluru, Karnataka
India’s first quantum foundry
One of the largest such facilities in Asia
Aims to manufacture quantum processors and reduce imports
Will host design, fabrication, testing and integration

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