General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - December 2024

Dec 2024

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.

May 30, 2026

India launches its first SkyCast weather system at Delhi's IGI Airport

India launched its first SkyCast System at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, a forecast-based aviation weather intelligence system. SkyCast provides real-time weather information to improve flight safety, reduce weather-related delays, and support smoother airport operations, particularly during fog and adverse conditions. The system integrates radar, satellite data, and on-ground sensors to generate timely alerts for air traffic controllers and pilots. Officials say SkyCast will strengthen decision-making, optimize flight schedules, and mitigate disruptions caused by weather. The Delhi launch marks a milestone in India’s aviation resilience and aligns with efforts to modernize critical infrastructure and enhance passenger experience. Future deployments are planned at other major airports.

First SkyCast weather system launched at Delhi's IGI Airport
Provides real-time aviation weather intelligence to improve safety and reduce delays
Integrates radar, satellite data and on-ground sensors
Aims to enhance airport operations during fog and adverse weather
Plans for deployment at other major airports

NETRA A2000 Edge AI System-on-Chip unveiled by Netrasemi

Kerala-based semiconductor start-up Netrasemi unveiled NETRA A2000, India’s first Edge AI System-on-Chip. The chip is designed for on-device AI applications such as smart cameras, video analytics, and edge AI platforms, marking an important step in India’s semiconductor design ecosystem. It aims to bring AI processing closer to data sources, reducing latency and enhancing privacy. The company envisions collaborations with device makers and verticals like security, smart cities, and industrial automation. Analysts view NETRA A2000 as a milestone for India’s push to build indigenous chip technology and to expand opportunities for start-ups in the hardware sector. Industry observers say NETRA A2000 could anchor domestic supply chains and spur further hardware R&D investment.

First Edge AI System-on-Chip for India: NETRA A2000
Designed for on-device AI applications (cameras, analytics, edge platforms)
Kerala-based start-up Netrasemi developed the chip
Aims to reduce latency and enhance privacy by processing on device
Potential to anchor domestic supply chains and spur hardware R&D investment

May 29, 2026

IAF and IIT-Bombay ink contracts for predictive maintenance of Su-30 MKI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed three contracts with IIT Bombay to adopt predictive maintenance for the Su-30 MKI aircraft. The aim is to implement prognostic and prescriptive maintenance using indigenous expertise to lower service costs, improve aircraft availability and extend fleet life. The signing was led by Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh B Kedare. Officials say the collaboration advances Aatmanirbharta in strategic technologies and showcases Indian aerospace innovation. IIT-Bombay described the partnership as a major step toward data-driven, self-reliant maintenance solutions for national defence aviation.

Three contracts with IIT Bombay for Su-30 MKI maintenance.
Focus on predictive, prognostic and prescriptive maintenance.
Indigenous expertise to reduce costs and improve availability.
Leadership: Air Marshal Sanjeeb; IIT Bombay director Kedare.
Supports Aatmanirbharta and self-reliant defence technology.

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