General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - December 2024

Dec 2024

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.

Apr 11, 2026

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains first criticality

India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality on 6 April 2026 at 20:25 IST, marking a major milestone in the country’s three-stage nuclear energy programme. The indigenously designed 500 MWe reactor, developed by BHAVINI, advances fuel-breeding capabilities and long-term energy security. Achieving criticality opens the path to further testing, fuel loading and eventual power generation. The milestone followed years of design and construction work with strong domestic technical and industrial participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the development a defining step in India’s civil nuclear journey.

PFBR achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026 at 20:25 IST.
Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu; 500 MWe reactor.
Part of India’s three-stage nuclear energy programme; BHAVINI operator.
Paves way for further testing, fuel loading and power generation.
PM Modi called it a defining step in the civil nuclear journey.

Apr 09, 2026

Deep Jariwala named US Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices

Indian-origin scientist Deep Jariwala has been named UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices, marking a milestone in global scientific leadership. He will assume the role in January 2027, collaborating with the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Governor’s Chair program is among the most respected research appointments in the United States, designed to attract top scientists to bridge university research and national laboratory capabilities. Jariwala, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will lead efforts in quantum devices and materials science, underscoring India‑US academic and research collaboration in cutting-edge technology.

Deep Jariwala named UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices.
Position starts January 2027; collaboration with UT Knoxville and ORNL.
Jariwala is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Governor’s Chair is a prestigious US research appointment.
Highlights ongoing global collaboration in quantum technology.

AI and ML a reality in space missions, says ISRO Chairman

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan stated that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have moved from theoretical concepts to essential tools in space missions. Speaking at the second edition of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations (SMOPS) 2026, Narayanan noted AI and ML, along with cybersecurity and cloud-based systems, are central to modern mission engineering. Officials said AI/ML enable more autonomous and efficient operations with human‑machine synergy. Sessions at SMOPS focused on practical applications, mission data analytics, and future research directions that will shape India’s space program and its collaborations with industry and academia. The conference reflects India’s push to leverage AI in space exploration and security.

ISRO Chair Dr V Narayanan highlights AI/ML as essential for space missions.
AI/ML featured prominently at SMOPS 2026 alongside cybersecurity.
Emphasis on autonomous operations and human‑machine synergy.
Focus on practical applications and data analytics for missions.
Shows India’s commitment to AI in space research and collaboration.

Bank of Baroda launches AI-based bob SAMVAD platform in Mumbai

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched an AI-powered platform named bob SAMVAD in Mumbai to improve multilingual customer service at branches. The system allows customers to speak or type in 22 languages, with real-time translation into the staff’s language, and replies translated back, reducing language barriers for diverse customers. The platform, demonstrated at BoB’s Mumbai center, aims to speed up service and enhance accessibility for rural and urban customers alike. It was officially launched on 28 March 2026 by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, under the Ministry of Finance. Bank officials emphasised inclusive, customer-friendly banking through modern technology.

BoB launched bob SAMVAD in Mumbai to improve multilingual service.
Supports 22 languages with real-time translation both ways.
Aims to reduce language barriers for bank customers.
Official launch on 28 March 2026 by M. Nagaraju, DFS Secretary.
Intended to enhance accessibility for rural and urban customers.

Meta launches Muse Spark AI model

Meta Platforms has introduced Muse Spark, an AI model announced on 9 April 2026 as part of its broader push into advanced machine intelligence. Muse Spark is described as a lightweight yet powerful model, optimized for speed and efficiency, capable of handling complex queries across science, mathematics, and healthcare. It represents a foundational system within Meta’s AI strategy, with more capable iterations already under development. Meta emphasises balancing performance with practicality, aiming to deliver useful AI tools while advancing research into next‑generation reasoning. Industry observers expect Muse Spark to influence future product developments and collaborations in AI research.

Meta launches Muse Spark AI model on 9 April 2026.
Designed to be lightweight but powerful, fast and efficient.
Handles complex queries across science, math, and healthcare.
Foundational system in Meta’s AI strategy with ongoing iterations.
Expected to influence future products and research collaborations.

UAE launches world’s first 10G U6GHz internet network

The United Arab Emirates unveiled the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) internet network at the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, making the UAE the first '10 giga' nation. The rollout is led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in collaboration with leading global telecom stakeholders. The U6GHz band spans 6425–7125 MHz and is described as a golden spectrum due to wider coverage and higher data capacity. It enables seamless handling of high traffic, supporting advanced wireless applications for consumers and businesses, including augmented reality, smart city services, and large-scale IoT deployments. This positions the UAE as a pioneer in next‑generation connectivity.

UAE launches the world’s first commercial U6GHz 10G internet network.
TDRA leads rollout with global telecom partners.
U6GHz spectrum spans 6425–7125 MHz; called a golden spectrum.
Benefits include wider coverage and higher data capacity.
Expected to enable AR, smart cities, and IoT applications.

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