General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - February 2024

Feb 2024

Mar 01, 2026

New Impatiens nagorum species described from Nagaland

Botanists have formally described a new flowering plant species, Impatiens nagorum, from Nagaland in northeastern India. The species was discovered in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary in Kiphire district and described in the journal Phytotaxa. The research team included scientists from Kohima Science College, Nagaland University, the University of Warsaw, and the Botanical Survey of India. Impatiens nagorum belongs to a genus commonly known as balsams or touch-me-nots, with striking purple flowers and a height of up to 35 cm. The plant was recorded at an elevation of 2,336 metres in moist temperate broadleaf forests, highlighting Nagaland’s rich biodiversity and the region’s underexplored flora.

Species name: Impatiens nagorum.
Location: Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Kiphire district, Nagaland.
Discovery: described in Phytotaxa by a multi-institution team.
Family/genera: Impatiens (balsams/touch-me-nots).
Morphology: purple flowers, up to 35 cm tall.
Elevation: 2,336 metres; habitat in moist temperate broadleaf forests.

Feb 28, 2026

IIT Dhanbad Hosts National Conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology

A three-day national conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology commenced at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, drawing scholars from across the country. The event occurred February 25–27, 2026, and investigates links between classical Indian knowledge systems and modern science. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the conference is jointly organized by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre. Organizers emphasize interdisciplinary methods to revisit ancient texts and explore applications in science and technology.

Dates: February 25–27, 2026.
Supported by Indian Council of Philosophical Research and Anusandhan NRF.
Jointly organized by Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and HSS Department.
Aims to reinterpret ancient Indian texts via modern scientific frameworks.

NBEMS sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) earned a Guinness World Record for the most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare livestream on YouTube. The nationwide online training programme was designed for registered medical practitioners across India. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the milestone, describing it as a landmark in digital transformation of medical education and AI-enabled training. NBEMS noted the livestream demonstrates large-scale interest in AI-based medical learning and could influence future curricula and continuing medical education. The achievement reflects India’s growing use of technology to advance healthcare education.

NBEMS earned Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream
Largest online audience of registered medical practitioners
Part of nationwide AI in healthcare training
Union Health Ministry confirmed the milestone
Signals digital transformation in medical education
Possible influence on future curricula

Feb 26, 2026

India and Sweden advance AI partnership via SITAC framework

During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the IndiaAI Mission and Business Sweden signed a Statement of Intent to broaden bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The framework focuses on developing AI solutions, applying AI across industries, and deploying AI for real-world outcomes. Officials highlighted joint efforts in industrial AI, responsible innovation, and technology transfer to support growth in both countries. The agreement signals a strategic step in aligning research, startups, and policy with shared governance standards for AI deployment. (Source: Swedish council and Indian government releases)

SoI signed between IndiaAI Mission and Business Sweden
Focus on AI solutions, deployment, and cross-border collaboration
Aims to boost industrial AI and responsible innovation
Part of broader India‑Sweden digital partnership

SITAC framework to accelerate AI industrial deployment in India

In the wake of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the SITAC framework with Sweden aims to accelerate joint AI development and deployment across sectors. Officials describe a structured approach to co‑develop AI solutions, apply AI in manufacturing and services, and scale real‑world outcomes. The arrangement aligns with India’s broader digital‑public‑infrastructure strategy and European collaboration, signaling a joint push toward ethical and responsible AI adoption, supported by industry and research partners from both nations. (Source: Sweden‑India Business Council report)

SITAC framework enhances India‑Sweden AI collaboration
Focus on development, application, deployment of AI
Aims for real-world industrial and societal outcomes
Aligned with India’s digital public infrastructure strategy

SUJVIKA AI-driven biotech data portal launched by DBT

On the Department of Biotechnology’s 40th Foundation Day, Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled SUJVIKA, an AI‑driven biotech product data portal developed with ABLE. The portal provides sector‑wise insights into biochemical products, data on industrial enzymes, and analysis of import trends. It offers tools to assess import dependency and supports indigenisation and R&D planning. The launch marks a step toward digital intelligence in biotechnology trade statistics, enabling better policy and industry planning. (Source: DBT ceremony report)

SUJVIKA launched on DBT’s 40th Foundation Day
AI-driven portal for biotech product data
Provides sector insights and import analytics
Supports indigenisation and R&D planning

Gurugram launches human-free logistics using autonomous drones

A human-free logistics system has begun operations in Gurugram, using autonomous drones to deliver parcels directly to doorstep destinations. The initiative combines drone flights with AI-powered robots that assist in sorting, tracking, and monitoring deliveries. The pilot aims to shorten last‑mile times, reduce physical contact in crowded urban spaces, and boost safety for workers and residents. Local authorities are coordinating with a Gurugram‑based drone delivery firm and technology partners to refine air‑traffic coordination, data privacy, and safety protocols. The project was announced at the AI Impact Summit and signals a broader push toward automated urban logistics in India. If scaled, it could reshape city distribution and cut emissions. (Source: AI Impact Summit coverage) (Source: Times of India, 25 Feb 2026)

Autonomous drones deliver parcels to doorsteps in Gurugram
AI-powered robots assist with sorting and monitoring
Pilot targets shorter delivery times and reduced human contact
Regulatory coordination includes air traffic and data privacy

Feb 25, 2026

Yogi Adityanath inaugurates IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow, describing it as a milestone for technology-driven governance. The centre is a collaboration with IBM to design and scale AI-based solutions for governance, transparency, and public service delivery. The CM highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s potential in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, and quantum computing. He recalled India’s first computer being installed at IIT Kanpur with IBM support, framing the initiative within a historic technological trajectory. The centre will serve as a platform for researchers and government agencies to co-create digital governance tools.

IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre opened in Lucknow.
Collaboration aims to develop AI-based governance solutions.
Centre to improve transparency and public service delivery.
State promotes leadership in AI, deep tech, and quantum tech.
Historical link: first Indian computer at IIT Kanpur with IBM support.

New jasmine blossom midge described as Contarinia icardiflores in India

Scientists from the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, report a new pest on jasmine flower buds (Jasminum sambac). The species Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov. was described under leadership of Dr. D. M. Firake. The blossom midge poses significant economic risk by damaging buds and lowering yield and market value of jasmine, a key ornamental crop. Contarinia species are globally known pests of ornamentals and crops. The new species is named icardiflores to acknowledge ICAR-DFR’s contributions to floriculture science. The findings underscore the need for monitoring and integrated pest management to protect jasmine cultivation in India.

New pest: Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov. on Jasminum sambac.
Led by Dr. D. M. Firake of ICAR-DFR, Pune.
Pest causes bud damage and yield loss in jasmine crops.
Contarinia is a global pest genus affecting ornamentals.
Name honors ICAR-DFR’s floriculture contributions.

Feb 24, 2026

PhonePe launches AI‑powered natural language search

PhonePe announced an AI‑powered natural language search feature built on Microsoft Foundry on 23 February 2026. The new tool enables users to navigate, pay, recharge and track transactions through simple voice or text commands. This represents a shift from button‑based navigation to intent‑driven, conversational interactions within the app, aiming to improve ease of use, security and personalization. Users can simply type or speak their intent, and the system will route actions accordingly. The update aligns with broader fintech trends toward more intuitive and accessible digital payments on mobile platforms.

Launch date: 23 February 2026; platform: PhonePe with Microsoft Foundry.
Feature: AI‑powered natural language search for payments and actions.
User benefit: simpler, voice/text driven interactions; potential security improvements.
Interaction mode: moves away from menu navigation to intent‑based routing.
Strategic impact: enhances user experience in mobile payments.

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