General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - October 2024

Oct 2024

Apr 16, 2026

Scientists turn plastic waste into Parkinson’s drug levodopa

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have engineered bacteria to convert common plastic waste into levodopa, a key medicine for Parkinson’s disease. In a proof-of-concept study, genetically modified E. coli bacteria were used to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and convert its carbon into levodopa, offering a potential route to sustainable drug production. Levodopa remains a primary treatment for Parkinson’s, which affects more than ten million people globally. By turning discarded plastics into a chemical feedstock, this method could reduce waste and dependence on traditional supply chains while expanding access to essential medicines as populations age. The researchers emphasize scalability and safety testing in future work.

PET plastic is converted into levodopa by engineered bacteria.
Levodopa is a primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Study uses genetically modified E. coli and PET breakdown.
Potential for sustainable, scalable drug production.
Future work includes safety and scalability testing.

Apr 15, 2026

Andhra Pradesh launches India's first sovereign hardware ecosystem in Amaravati

On 14 April 2026, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled India's first sovereign hardware ecosystem in Amaravati. The announcement introduced the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF), comprising Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q, part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative. The facility hosts open‑access quantum computers designed, assembled and tested within India, backed by a supply chain spanning multiple institutions. The project aims to accelerate indigenous manufacturing of advanced computing systems and strengthen digital sovereignty for the nation. Officials described the move as a milestone for India's hardware ecosystem, inviting industry and academia to participate in home‑grown quantum programs.

AQRF comprises Amaravati 1S and Amaravati 1Q, announced in Amaravati.
Part of the broader Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative.
Open‑access quantum computers to be designed, assembled, tested in India.
Supply chain involvement from multiple Indian institutions.
Aim: accelerate indigenous hardware manufacturing and digital sovereignty.

Apr 14, 2026

Andhra Pradesh inaugurates India's first indigenous quantum testbeds on World Quantum Day

On 14 April 2026, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated India’s first indigenous quantum computing testbeds, named 1S and 1Q, at SRM University AP and Medha Towers near Vijayawada. The launch coincides with World Quantum Day. The testbeds establish the country’s first dedicated infrastructure to test and validate quantum technologies. 1S relies on superconducting technology and operates at temperatures close to absolute zero to maintain quantum coherence, while 1Q complements these capabilities. Officials describe the arrangement as a milestone for domestic quantum research, aiming to accelerate innovation and industry collaboration within India.

Date of inauguration: 14 April 2026
Locations: SRM University AP campus and Medha Towers near Vijayawada
Testbeds: 1S (superconducting); 1Q
Operating conditions: ultra-low temperatures near absolute zero
Purpose: test and validate quantum components; boost domestic ecosystem

PACE satellite tracks pollution at factory level precision

NASA’s PACE mission, launched in February 2024, now enables highly refined tracking of pollution by pinpointing nitrogen dioxide emissions at the level of individual factories and major highways. The Ocean Color Instrument provides hyperspectral data across ultraviolet to shortwave infrared, supporting detailed air and ocean studies. This capability advances air quality monitoring and climate research, offering researchers a powerful tool to link emissions to specific sources. PACE’s data helps improve regulatory oversight and informs policy decisions on pollution reduction.

Mission: NASA PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem)
Launch: February 2024; orbit: Sun-synchronous
Capabilites: high-resolution NO2 pollution tracking
Instrument: Ocean Color Instrument (OCI)
Impact: enhanced source attribution; better policy guidance

Apr 13, 2026

Asia’s First 3D-Printed Mars Radiation Shield by AAKA Space Studio

Ahmedabad‑based AAKA Space Studio has developed and tested Asia’s first 3D‑printed radiation shield for Mars habitats. Demonstrated during a large‑scale analog space mission, the shield aims to protect astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation during long‑duration stays on the Red Planet. The design also enhances thermal stability and structural strength for extreme conditions. This breakthrough marks progress in India’s space hardware capabilities and sustainable habitat construction for Mars missions. If deployed, the shield could mitigate radiation risks for crews and support longer stays on Mars, contributing to future interplanetary exploration goals.

Location: Ahmedabad; project: 3D‑printed Mars radiation shield.
Status: tested during a large-scale analog mission.
Purpose: protection from cosmic radiation; improved thermal stability.
Implications: supports long‑duration Mars habitation and structural integrity.
Significance: demonstrates India’s growing space hardware capability.

NARIT AI Tool Launched by Gujarat Police for NDPS Cases

On 10 April 2026, Gujarat Police launched NARIT AI, a Narcotics Analysis and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) based investigation tool, as part of modernizing narcotics cases under the NDPS framework. The system relies on pre‑trained legal databases rather than open‑source Internet data to reduce errors and improve accuracy in legal guidance and charge-sheet preparation. Developed by the Western Railway Police in Vadodara with a Mumbai AI startup, NARIT AI marks a first‑of‑its‑kind deployment in Indian policing. Officials expect faster case handling and better evidence collection, with potential expansion to other law‑enforcement agencies.

Launch date: 10 April 2026; jurisdiction: Gujarat Police.
Tool: NARIT AI stands for Narcotics Analysis & RAG-based Investigation Tool.
Technology: Retrieval Augmented Generation using pre-trained legal databases.
Developer partners: Western Railway Police (Vadodara) and a Mumbai AI startup.
Impact: aims to improve speed and accuracy in NDPS investigations.

Apr 12, 2026

Frog-inspired brain-like sensor developed in India to cut energy use in electronics

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), under the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a humidity‑responsive, brain‑like sensor inspired by frogs. The neuromorphic device mimics how biological systems sense, process, and store information simultaneously, addressing energy efficiency and data‑transfer delays in conventional electronics. Neuromorphic electronics, which emulate brain function, are viewed as a solution to rising energy demands in modern computing, particularly for artificial intelligence and edge devices. Most existing systems separate sensing and processing, increasing energy use. The new sensor integrates sensing and computing, potentially reducing power consumption in future electronics and advancing India's leadership in neuromorphic engineering.

Institute and parent ministry: JNCASR under the DST.
Technology: humidity‑responsive neuromorphic sensor inspired by biological sensing.
Key advantage: simultaneous sensing, processing, and storage reduces energy use.
Application area: AI, edge computing, and energy‑efficient devices.
Contrast with traditional electronics: integrated sensing and computing vs. separated components.
Significance: highlights India’s progress in neuromorphic engineering.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains criticality

India’s indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained criticality, marking a major milestone in the civil nuclear program. On 6 April 2026, the 500 MW reactor began a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a crucial step toward full operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the achievement as a defining moment in India’s nuclear journey and a sign of growing strength in advanced nuclear technology. PFBR is operated by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) and is central to India’s three-stage strategy for clean energy and domestic capability expansion. (Sources: ET, NDTV, Indian Express)

PFBR achieved criticality on 6 April 2026 at Kalpakkam; 500 MW facility.
Operated by BHAVINI; key pillar of India’s three-stage nuclear plan.
Described by PM Modi as a defining moment for nuclear progress.
Advances India’s goal of clean, domestically developed energy and thorium utilization.
marks entry into Stage II of the program; global reactions reported by major outlets.

IEA hails PFBR progress; India advances Stage II nuclear programme

The International Energy Agency (IEA) congratulated India as PFBR attained criticality, viewing the milestone as a significant leap in nuclear energy self-reliance. Between 6 and 8 April 2026, the 500 MW PFBR at Kalpakkam achieved a self-sustaining chain reaction, signaling entry into Stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear program. The IEA highlighted the achievement as a milestone for energy security and climate goals. PFBR is designed and built domestically by BHAVINI and IGCAR and is expected to improve long-term fuel sustainability through thorium usage, enabling more reactors and strengthening India’s nuclear technology base. (Sources: ET, NDTV, The CSR Journal)

IEA recognizes PFBR criticality as a major milestone in India's nuclear journey.
PFBR reached a self-sustaining chain reaction on 6 April 2026; Stage II begins.
Reactor is 500 MW; domestically designed and built by BHAVINI and IGCAR.
Advances India's energy security and thorium-based fuel cycle.
Implications for future reactor deployments in India.

Telangana, Deakin University sign MoU to advance applied AI

Telangana government and Deakin University, Australia, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding on 9 April 2026 in Hyderabad to advance applied artificial intelligence. The agreement establishes the Aikam-DHRITI Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation, focusing on mass upskilling, translational research, and startup enablement. Signing the MoU were Professor Iain Martin, President and Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, and Phani Nagarjuna, Founding CEO of Aikam. Attendees included Bhavesh Mishra, Special Secretary, ITEC Department; Ravi Kiran, Commissioner of Electronic Service Delivery; and Ravneet Pawha, Vice President Global Engagement and CEO South Asia for Deakin. The collaboration targets ethical, scalable AI for public services and economic impact in India. (Sources: ET, NDTV, GKToday)

MoU signed on 9 April 2026 in Hyderabad between Telangana government and Deakin University.
Formation of the Aikam-DHRITI Hub for Research in Intelligent Technology & Innovation.
Focus areas: mass upskilling, translational research, startup enablement.
Signatories: Prof Iain Martin and Phani Nagarjuna; notable attendees listed.
Emphasis on ethical, scalable AI for public services and broader economic impact; last-48-hours context includes PFBR milestone.

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