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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - March 2024

Mar 2024

Jun 05, 2026

Vizag Selected for Andhra Pradesh's First Semiconductor Project

Visakhapatnam was selected for Andhra Pradesh’s first semiconductor project under the India Semiconductor Mission. The project is an OSAT facility proposed by Advanced System in Package Technologies Private Limited. The plan aims to develop a local ecosystem for semiconductor design, assembly and testing, supporting national manufacturing ambitions and supply chain security. If realized, the project could attract investment, create skilled jobs and accelerate related industries such as electronics, sensors and AI hardware. The initiative aligns with India’s push to expand domestic semiconductor capabilities and reduce dependence on external suppliers for critical components.

Visakhapatnam chosen for first AP semiconductor project.
Project falls under the India Semiconductor Mission.
Facility is an OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test).
Potential to boost local jobs and electronics ecosystem.
Part of India’s broader plan to expand domestic chip manufacturing.

Jun 04, 2026

KSTAR achieves 102 seconds high-confinement plasma; 100 million °C for 48 seconds

South Korea's artificial sun, KSTAR, marked a notable advance in nuclear fusion research. In a recent run, researchers sustained plasma in high-confinement mode for 102 seconds, a milestone toward stable fusion energy. In the same campaign, plasma reached 100 million degrees Celsius and remained at that temperature for 48 seconds. Operated by the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, the device uses upgraded tungsten divertor technology to manage extreme heat and improve plasma stability. Scientists say maintaining high-confinement plasmas longer is essential to progressing toward practical fusion power, offering a potential carbon-free energy source. Ongoing upgrades and experiments aim to extend confinement times and temperatures further.

102 seconds of high-confinement plasma sustained
100 million degrees Celsius held for 48 seconds
KAERI operates the KSTAR device
Upgraded tungsten divertor manages extreme heat
Progress toward stable, carbon-free fusion energy
Future work targets longer confinement times and higher temperatures

JWST detects methane in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope detected methane in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, marking the first direct detection of methane on an interstellar visitor. Observations were made using Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument during the comet's post-perihelion motion. Scientists found methane might be buried beneath the surface and released after solar heating penetrated deeper icy layers. The comet also shows unusually high carbon dioxide levels compared with most solar-system comets. These results suggest 3I/ATLAS formed in a very different chemical environment outside our solar system, offering clues about chemistry in other planetary systems and the diversity of material that can travel through interstellar space.

Methane detected on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
First direct methane detection on an interstellar object
Observed with JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument
Methane may be buried and released by solar heating
Unusually high CO2 levels point to different formation environment

Jun 03, 2026

Indian Students Win The Earth Prize 2026

Three Indian students—Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal and Avyana Mehta—won The Earth Prize 2026 for developing Plas-Stick, a device to remove microplastics from water. The product uses agricultural waste and natural binding materials, making it environmentally friendly and low-cost. The prize recognises youth-led innovations addressing global plastic pollution and water sustainability. The students described their solution as scalable for rivers, lakes and urban water bodies. The Earth Prize highlights India’s growing role in global sustainability efforts and demonstrates how school and college teams can contribute to urgent environmental challenges through science and entrepreneurship.

Winners: Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal, Avyana Mehta
Developed Plas-Stick to remove microplastics
Uses agricultural waste and natural binders
Addresses water pollution and sustainability
Showcases India’s youth in global science

Jun 01, 2026

China Performs First Multi-Organ Pig-to-Human Transplant

Doctors at Xijing Hospital in China reported the world’s first simultaneous multi‑organ pig‑to‑human transplant. The procedure involved transplanting two gene‑edited pig kidneys and one liver into a brain‑dead patient. The operation represents a major advance in xenotransplantation and organ‑replacement research, offering potential relief for patients waiting for donor organs. Researchers emphasized careful screening, immune management, and long‑term follow‑up in humans. The successful transplant followed years of genetic modification to reduce rejection and a series of preclinical studies. While the patient is not a living recipient, experts say the milestone could accelerate clinical trials and spur investment in biotech solutions to organ shortages.

World's first multi‑organ pig‑to‑human transplant reported
Two gene‑edited pig kidneys and one liver transplanted
Advances xenotransplantation and organ research
Emphasizes immune management and follow‑up
Could accelerate clinical trials and biotech investment

India's First Indigenous AI SoC Unveiled by Netrasemi

In a landmark development, Kerala-based startup Netrasemi unveiled the A2000, an indigenous artificial intelligence system-on-chip intended for edge devices. Supported by Zoho Corporation, the design aims to boost domestic capabilities in next‑generation chips and reduce dependence on imported components. The A2000 supports real‑time analytics, machine‑vision for smart cameras, and on‑device AI applications, enabling faster responses with lower power use. Industry experts describe it as a step toward greater semiconductor self‑reliance in India and a proof of concept for local chip design ecosystems. Netrasemi plans pilot deployments with partners before broader manufacturing ambitions unfold in the coming years.

Netrasemi unveiled the A2000 SoC for edge AI
Backed by Zoho Corporation
Supports real-time analytics and on-device AI
Aims to boost India's semiconductor self-reliance
Plans pilot deployments with industry partners

SIDE 2026: India ranks 4th in AI, 5th in digital economy

New SIDE 2026 data show India ranks fourth globally in AI performance and fifth in digital-economy readiness. The report credits rapid AI adoption, robust digital public infrastructure, and expanding data ecosystems that support startups and large firms. It also notes ongoing investments in data centers, cloud services, and AI research that could boost job creation and exports. Experts say the country should maintain focus on skill development, data governance, and secure AI deployment to sustain momentum. The findings come as industry and government sharpen strategies for tech-led growth across manufacturing, services, and governance, reinforcing India's position in the global digital economy. Analysts note continued emphasis on regulatory clarity to maximize benefits.

India ranks 4th in AI performance; 5th in digital economy.
Drivers include AI adoption and digital infrastructure.
Investments in data centers and cloud services highlighted.
Momentum depends on skills and data governance.
Policy focus on secure AI deployment recommended.

SIDE 2026: India ranks 4th in AI performance, 5th in digital economy

According to the State of India's Digital Economy 2026 report, India ranked fourth globally in AI performance and fifth among the world's most digitalised economies. The findings credit rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors, expanding digital public infrastructure, and growing contributions to global digital transformation. The report highlights government-backed data platforms, citizen-centric services, and private-sector innovation as drivers of growth. It also notes continued investment in AI research, data centers, and cloud computing, which support start-ups and large enterprises alike. The results come at a time when India pursues ambitious technology and manufacturing goals within the broader digital economy strategy. Experts say the momentum will spur jobs and export potential in software, services, and hardware.

SIDE 2026 ranks India 4th in AI performance.
India is 5th in digital economy readiness.
Digital public infrastructure and AI adoption cited as drivers.
Investments in data centers, cloud computing, and AI research noted.
Policy focus on skills, data governance, and secure AI deployment recommended.

May 31, 2026

State of India’s Digital Economy 2026: India ranked 4th in AI performance and 5th among digital...

According to the State of India’s Digital Economy 2026 report, India ranked fourth globally in AI performance and fifth among the world’s most digitalised economies. The report highlights rapid AI adoption, the growth of digital public infrastructure, and a rising role in global digital transformation. It notes improvements in data governance, government services, and private-sector AI deployments across health, agriculture, and finance. Analysts emphasise the ongoing need to expand computing capacity and ensure inclusive access to AI-driven services. The findings reflect India’s push to integrate AI with public systems and industry while addressing ethical and security considerations.

India ranks 4th globally in AI performance.
Ranked 5th among the world's digitalised economies.
Highlights rapid AI adoption and digital public infrastructure.
Notes improvements in governance and private-sector AI use.
Calls for expanding computing capacity and inclusive access.

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