General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - February 2024

Feb 2024

May 01, 2026

NISAR detects rapid subsidence in Mexico City from space

The NISAR mission, a joint NASA‑ISRO Earth observation project launched in July 2025, has detected rapid land subsidence in Mexico City. Data show sinking rates exceeding 2 centimetres per month in some districts, driven mainly by groundwater extraction. NISAR carries a dual‑frequency radar system and one of the largest antennas in space, enabling high‑resolution mapping under cloud cover. The observations help explain infrastructure and housing risks on an ancient lakebed and guide water‑management planning. The findings underscore the value of space surveillance for megacities and long‑term urban resilience.

NISAR launched July 2025
Subsidence in Mexico City >2 cm/month
Cause: groundwater extraction on ancient lakebed
Dual‑frequency SAR; large space antenna
Implications for infrastructure and water management
Demonstrates space‑based monitoring utility

HF radar to boost Karaikal coastal monitoring

India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology will enhance coastal surveillance in Karaikal, Puducherry, by installing a high‑frequency radar system. Two shortlisted sites are Kilinjalmedu and Akkempettai. The HF radar will monitor surface currents, waves, wind pressure, and temperature gradients up to 200 kilometres offshore and detect weather events within 80–100 kilometres. It will integrate with an existing radar in Cuddalore, improving data resolution for scientific and operational use. The project expands India’s coastal observation network and supports early warning systems for cyclones and other extreme events.

HF radar installation planned for Karaikal
Sites: Kilinjalmedu, Akkempettai
Measures currents, waves, wind, temperature up to 200 km
Detection radius 80–100 km for weather events
Integration with Cuddalore radar
Enhances coastal monitoring and early warnings

Apr 30, 2026

Chandrayaan-5 Launch Site Assessments Begin in Japan

ISRO scientists began launch site assessments in Japan for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, signaling deeper space collaboration with JAXA. The objective is to evaluate Japanese launch facilities, including infrastructure, system compatibility, and safety protocols essential for a lunar mission. The ISRO-JAXA partnership underpins joint development of satellites, Earth observation, and mission planning. Assessments cover environmental conditions, logistics, and risk mitigation to ensure mission precision and reliability. Chandrayaan-5 would advance India’s lunar exploration program, leveraging international collaboration to share technology and expertise while expanding India’s role in global space science.

ISRO conducts Chandrayaan-5 launch site assessments in Japan
Partnership with JAXA strengthens lunar mission planning
Assessments include infrastructure, compatibility, safety protocols
Focus on environmental/logistical readiness and risk mitigation
Advances India’s role in international space collaboration

Finland Opens Europe’s First Integrated Lithium Project Near Kokkola

Finland launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola, marking a milestone in the region’s clean energy strategy. The plant will manage the complete lithium value chain—from mining at the Syväjärvi site to concentration, refining, and production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The 43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, and refinery, enabling an efficient supply chain for EV manufacturing and energy storage. By hosting the full cycle domestically, Finland aims to cut reliance on imports and strengthen Europe’s role in the global battery market. The project highlights a shift toward regional, high-value mineral processing and export-oriented technology.

Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola
Complete value chain: mining to battery-grade lithium hydroxide
43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, refinery
Aims to reduce Europe’s import dependence for lithium
Strengthens Europe’s position in the battery supply chain

Oxford and Serum Institute Partner to Develop R78C Malaria Vaccine

The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India signed a licensing agreement to develop and manufacture R78C, a next-generation malaria vaccine candidate. The collaboration seeks to strengthen global malaria efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. R78C targets Plasmodium falciparum and uses a multi-stage approach with two blood-stage antigens, RIPR and CyPRA, to attack the parasite at multiple points in its lifecycle. Scientists expect stronger and longer-lasting protection, reduced disease severity, and lower transmission. If successful, the partnership could enable affordable large-scale production and distribution, boosting immunization campaigns and advancing next-generation vaccine research.

Oxford and Serum Institute collaborate on R78C vaccine
Targets Plasmodium falciparum with multi-stage approach
Incorporates RIPR and CyPRA antigens
Aims for stronger, longer-lasting protection and lower transmission
Potential for affordable large-scale production

Europe’s First Complete Lithium Value Chain Begins

Europe initiated its first fully integrated lithium value chain, linking mining, processing, and chemical production within a European framework. The end-to-end approach is designed to shorten supply lines, reduce import dependence, and expedite EV and energy storage manufacturing in Europe. The collaboration among mining firms, processing facilities, and policymakers aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for the continent’s green transition. By consolidating activities within Europe, the project seeks to foster local jobs, accelerate innovation in battery materials, and attract investment in regional infrastructure dedicated to sustainable energy materials.

First end-to-end lithium value chain in Europe
Links mining, processing, and chemical production domestically
Aims to cut import dependence and boost EV manufacturing
Public-private collaboration to secure critical minerals
Supports regional innovation and investment in battery materials

Apr 29, 2026

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP to co-develop AI-powered drones

IdeaForge, Mumbai-based leader in unmanned aerial systems, and Japan’s DMP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop next-generation AI-powered drones. The collaboration aims to leverage Japanese AI and robotics expertise with IdeaForge’s drone platforms to enable smarter, more autonomous operations. Focus areas include enhanced situational awareness, advanced decision-making, and adaptability in complex environments. The partnership is designed to push drone innovation for defence and civilian applications and reinforces India’s role in indigenous drone technology and international cooperation. The MoU signals a strategic step toward stronger AI-enabled aerial capabilities with broad potential uses in surveillance, disaster response, and industrial inspections.

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP sign MoU to develop AI-powered drones.
Aims to combine Japan’s AI/robotics with IdeaForge’s platforms for autonomy.
Targets improved situational awareness and autonomous decision-making.
Intended for defence and civilian applications; supports indigenous tech leadership.
MoU signals expansion of AI-enabled aerial capabilities for multiple sectors.

Apr 28, 2026

Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 signals new era for India’s private space industry

Skyroot Aerospace flagged off Vikram-1, the country’s first privately built orbital rocket, from its Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, for final integration. The event marks a milestone for private players in India’s space sector and aims to provide affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services to a growing market. The launch aligns with a policy and investment climate that supports private participation in space activities, potentially expanding India’s space capabilities and contributing to a more competitive commercial launch landscape.

Vikram-1 launched from Skyroot’s Max‑Q campus in Hyderabad and moved to Sriharikota for integration.
First privately built orbital rocket in India; signals private sector growth.
Aims to offer affordable, on‑demand satellite launch services.

Apr 27, 2026

NASSCOM appoints AI expert Srikanth Velamakanni as new Chairman

Srikanth Velamakanni has been appointed the new Chairman of NASSCOM, the apex body representing India’s IT and BPM industries. Velamakanni is an AI and analytics expert and co‑founder of Fractal Analytics, with over two decades in data science, AI, and business strategy. His leadership comes as India’s digital economy expands and IT services confront rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global competition. Velamakanni is expected to guide policy discussions, industry collaboration, and innovation, supporting India’s IT leadership while addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies.

Srikanth Velamakanni named NASSCOM Chairman
AI and analytics expert; co‑founder of Fractal Analytics
Over two decades in data science and AI
Holds key role in guiding policy and industry collaboration
Aims to sustain India’s IT leadership amid rapid tech changes

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