General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - February 2024

Feb 2024

Nov 09, 2026

New Flowering Plant Discovered in Assam and Meghalaya

Botanists described a new flowering plant species named Disporum kamakhasiense, found in Assam and Meghalaya during November 2026. The species belongs to the Colchicaceae family and grows up to 180 cm tall. It was discovered at Garbhanga Reserve Forest and Laisong in Assam, and Barapani in Meghalaya. The plant has yellowish-green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers. It typically grows on cliffs beneath bamboo forests at elevations between 200 and 1,100 metres. Researchers highlighted conservation concerns due to habitat destruction and its limited distribution. Experts call for monitoring and seed banking to safeguard the species.

Scientific name: Disporum kamakhasiense; family Colchicaceae.
Growth: up to 180 cm tall.
Locations: Garbhanga RF, Laisong (Assam) and Barapani (Meghalaya).
Habitat: cliffs under bamboo forests; 200–1,100 m elevation.
Conservation: habitat loss and restricted distribution require protection.

Nov 08, 2026

New Catfish Species Discovered in Manipur

A new glyptosternine catfish species, Exostoma nasibarbatum, was discovered in Manipur and reported on 30 October 2026 in the Journal of Natural History. The species was found in the Bupal stream, a tributary of the Dujang River within the Chindwin River system near the India–Myanmar border. Researchers Paya Torisha and Bungdon Shangningam identified the species through detailed morphological analysis. The discovery highlights the rich freshwater biodiversity of Northeast India and underscores the importance of conserving river ecosystems in Manipur and adjacent regions.

Species: Exostoma nasibarbatum
Location: Bupal stream, Chandel district, Manipur
Discovery date: 30 October 2026 (journal publication date)
Researchers: Paya Torisha; Bungdon Shangningam
Significance: Adds to Northeast India's freshwater biodiversity

Nov 06, 2026

Tamil Nadu Tops India in Research Publications

Tamil Nadu emerged as India's leading state in research publications, according to NITI Aayog's India Science and Technology Scoreboard for FY 2024–25. The state recorded 44,611 publications, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The data reflect Tamil Nadu's strong university sector, engineering institutes and government laboratories contributing to national science output. Analysts note the figures align with state investments in higher education and science infrastructure. The scoreboard underscores ongoing national emphasis on research, innovation and knowledge economics as drivers of development. Must-know: in the last 48 hours, Delhi experienced severe post-Diwali air pollution with GRAP measures discussed by authorities.

Tamil Nadu: 44,611 publications (FY 2024–25)
Second and third: Uttar Pradesh 29,298; Maharashtra 28,947
Indicators strong state-level research ecosystems
National focus on science output and innovation
Delhi post-Diwali air pollution highlighted as a must-know event

Nov 05, 2026

NPCI forms NTSL; Vishal Kanvaty named CEO of new tech subsidiary

NPCI announced the formation of NPCI Tech Solutions Limited (NTSL), a wholly owned subsidiary focusing on technology and innovation. Vishal Kanvaty was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. NTSL will extend beyond core payments into artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital public infrastructure and Global Capability Centre services. It will support initiatives such as eKYC Setu and the Unified Ticketing Platform, in addition to other Digital Public Infrastructure programmes. Dilip Asbe, NPCI CEO, said the subsidiary would strengthen technology capabilities and leverage advances in AI. The creation of NTSL marks NPCI’s move to build dedicated tech capacity across digital financial services.

NTSL established as NPCI’s technology arm.
CEO: Vishal Kanvaty; focus areas include AI, blockchain, DPI.
Projects: eKYC Setu, Unified Ticketing Platform, other DPI programmes.
Strategic aim: expand technology capabilities and innovation.
NPCI leadership expects growth in digital infrastructure services.

Nov 04, 2026

IIT Delhi leads India in QS Asia University Rankings 2027; all top six slip

QS Asia University Rankings 2027 shows IIT Delhi as India’s top institution in Asia at position 66, down from 59 previously. All six Indian institutions in the top tier have slipped. IISc Bengaluru sits at 79, IIT Bombay at 83, IIT Madras at 85, IIT Kharagpur at 90 and IIT Kanpur at 97. The University of Delhi falls outside Asia’s top 100, ranked 106, while Chandigarh University rises to 104 and Lovely Professional University climbs to 154. Across Asia, 34 new entrants join a total of 325 Indian universities within the 1,722 institutions surveyed from 26 higher education systems.

IIT Delhi: India’s highest in Asia at 66 (down from 59)
other top Indian universities also drop positions
Delhi outside top 100 at 106; Chandigarh 104; LPU 154
34 new entrants among 325 Indian universities
1,722 universities analyzed across 26 systems

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