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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - August 2024

Aug 2024

May 13, 2026

Possible Dwarf Galaxy Loki Found Inside Milky Way

A May 2026 study in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society proposes the existence of a hidden ancient dwarf galaxy named Loki within the Milky Way. The finding is based on chemical and orbital data from 20 metal-poor stars located within 2 kiloparsecs of the Sun. Loki’s stars display a mix of orbital directions, with 11 prograde and 9 retrograde orbits, and show chemical traces linked to supernovae and neutron star mergers. No signs of white dwarf activity are detected. If confirmed, Loki would add to the growing list of merger remnants shaping the Milky Way’s history of galactic evolution.

May 2026 study proposes Loki as a hidden dwarf galaxy
Based on 20 metal-poor stars within 2 kpc of the Sun
Stellar orbits: 11 prograde, 9 retrograde
Chemical traces point to past supernovae and neutron star mergers
No evidence of white dwarf activity observed
If confirmed, Loki would illuminate Milky Way’s merger history

May 12, 2026

China develops AI-assisted nitrate-to-ammonia process for fertilisers

China has developed an AI-powered electrochemical method to convert nitrate-rich wastewater into ammonia for fertiliser production. The system uses a dual-atom catalyst, or DAC, and operates at room temperature, reducing energy compared with traditional Haber-Bosch processes. Artificial intelligence helps identify an efficient catalyst design to improve reaction selectivity. The process treats nitrates from agricultural runoff and some industrial wastewater, producing ammonia as a key fertiliser feedstock. The new route lowers energy needs and emissions, offering a potentially greener route for fertiliser manufacture. Haber-Bosch remains energy-intensive and operates at high temperature and pressure.

AI guides design of a dual-atom catalyst for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion.
Process operates at room temperature, reducing energy use.
Treats nitrates from agricultural and some industrial wastewater.
Ammonia produced is a common fertiliser feedstock.
Offers potential environmental advantages over Haber-Bosch.

May 11, 2026

James Webb Telescope Studies LHS 3844 b, a Rocky Exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly studied the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, also called Kuꞌkua, on 4 May 2026. Located about 49–50 light‑years away, LHS 3844 b is roughly 30% larger than Earth and is tidally locked, with one hemisphere constantly facing its star. JWST observations using the Mid‑Infrared Instrument (MIRI) contribute to understanding the planet’s surface and thermal properties. Earlier measurements suggested a dark, hot, and atmosphere‑poor world. The findings help scientists compare rocky exoplanets and refine models of planetary formation and heat distribution in close‑in exoplanets.

Observation date: 4 May 2026
Planet: LHS 3844 b (Kuꞌkua)
Distance: ~49–50 light‑years
Size: ~30% larger than Earth
Dynamics: tidally locked; hot dayside
Instrument: JWST MIRI; atmosphere likely absent

India Post Rolls Out DigiPIN Digital Address System

India Post began the rollout of DigiPIN, a Digital Postal Index Number, on 27 May 2025 under the Department of Posts. The system uses geo‑coded digital addresses linked to the postal network for improved mail delivery, tracking, and location identification. DigiPIN maps locations to a 4‑metre by 4‑metre grid and is interoperable with traditional addresses. It complements existing addressing and supports digital services and geospatial applications. Two platforms, Know Your DIGIPIN and Know Your PIN Code, were launched in May 2025, while DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) trials explored address‑as‑a‑service concepts.

Rollout date: 27 May 2025
System: DigiPIN digital address with geo codes
Grid mapping: 4m x 4m cells
Platforms launched: Know Your DIGIPIN, Know Your PIN Code
Interoperability: complements traditional addresses
DHRUVA trials: address‑as‑a‑service concept

Exoplanet Geology Reveals Basaltic Surface on LHS 3844 b

Researchers analyzed surface heat signatures from LHS 3844 b to study its geology. The results indicate a basaltic or igneous mantle surface rather than an Earth‑like crust rich in silica. This finding aligns with exoplanet geology as a field studying planetary materials beyond the Solar System. The heat analysis, complemented by previous JWST data, suggests a barren, volcanically active or cooled surface with minimal atmospheric retention. Such studies help compare rocky exoplanets, clarifying how composition and thermal evolution shape their geologies and potential habitable conditions in tidally locked worlds.

Method: surface heat analysis
Finding: basaltic/igneous surface, not Earth‑like crust
Field: exoplanet geology
Context: complements JWST data on LHS 3844 b
Implication: informs models of planetary evolution

May 10, 2026

IndiaAI and ICMR Sign MoU to Strengthen AI-Driven Healthcare

IndiaAI, the government’s flagship Artificial Intelligence initiative under MeitY, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote AI-based healthcare innovation. The partnership aims to combine IndiaAI’s digital infrastructure with ICMR’s biomedical and public health research expertise to develop ethical, scalable AI health solutions for India. The agreement focuses on expanding access to healthcare data, increasing computing capacity, and encouraging AI research for public health challenges. The collaboration highlights India’s growing role in responsible AI governance for healthcare, with IndiaAI providing subsidised GPU‑based computing resources to ICMR as part of the plan.

IndiaAI and ICMR sign MoU to advance AI healthcare innovation.
Partnership leverages AI infrastructure and biomedical research strength.
Emphasis on ethical, scalable AI healthcare solutions.
Aims to improve data access and computing capacity for research.
Highlights responsible AI governance in healthcare.
IndiaAI to supply subsidised GPU-based computing to ICMR.

India to Host First International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi

India will host its first International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi, marking a milestone in military-civil eye-care collaboration. The Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, with the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), will host AIOS-AFOU 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, on 9–10 May 2026. The two-day event will be inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, with attendance from the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs, and the Defence Secretary, underscoring its Tri-service character. About 200 ophthalmologists from across India and 100 faculty from AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Sankara Netralaya, and Aravind Eye Care System will attend. Notable international participants include Prof Harminder Singh Dua (University of Nottingham) and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore).

Event named AIOS-AFOU 2026 to be held at Manekshaw Centre, 9–10 May 2026.
Inauguration by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth; Tri-service attendance planned.
Approximately 200 ophthalmologists from across India expected.
About 100 faculty from major institutes to participate.
International participants include Prof Harminder Singh Dua and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan.
Conference covers latest advances across ophthalmology subspecialties.

May 09, 2026

Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space-tech unicorn

On 7 May 2026, Skyroot Aerospace emerged as India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising around $60 million, valuing the Hyderabad-based firm at about $1.1 billion. The round was co-led by Sherpalo Ventures and Singapore’s GIC, with participation from Greenko Group founders, Arkam Ventures, BlackRock funds, Playbook Partners, and Shanghvi Family Office. The funds will support Vikram-1, Skyroot’s orbital launch vehicle, including manufacturing expansion and technology development. Vikram-1 was in late integration testing as of 29 April 2026, with a planned launch from Sriharikota in the coming weeks. Skyroot aims to make Vikram-1 India’s first privately developed orbital rocket.

Company: Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad
Unicorn status: Valuation around $1.1 billion
Funding: ~ $60 million, led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC
Asset: Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle
Recent milestone: Final integration/testing completed by 29 April 2026
Strategic goal: Private Indian orbital rocket development

New Cyphostemma annamalaii discovered in Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu

A new plant species, Cyphostemma annamalaii, has been identified in the southern Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, on Sanjeevi hill in Villupuram district. Discovered during field work, the plant belongs to the Vitaceae family (grape family) and grows as a climbing shrub in open scrub within tropical dry forest at about 86 metres above sea level. The species name honors Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiyar, founder of Annamalai University. Taxonomists led by Prof. L. Mullainathan distinguished it from related Cyphostemma species by leaf progression and fruit shape and colour. The description appeared in Phytotaxa (March 2026), and herbarium specimens are deposited at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, and the Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.

Discovery location: Sanjeevi hill, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu
New species: Cyphostemma annamalaii, in Vitaceae family
Discovery date: 7 May 2026
Described by: Prof. L. Mullainathan
Publication: Phytotaxa, March 2026
Herbarium deposits: St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli; BSI, Coimbatore

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