General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - December 2024

Dec 2024

Apr 08, 2026

Astronomers identify unusual solar system with two Earth-like planets

Astronomers have identified a peculiar planetary system about 120 light-years from Earth, hosting two Earth-like rocky planets often called super-Earths. The configuration is unusual because a rocky planet lies beyond gas giants, contrasting common models of planetary formation. The system provides a valuable compare-and-contrast opportunity to study planetary evolution under similar stellar conditions. Researchers used high precision telescopes and spectral analysis to detect the planets and assess their sizes and orbits. While the planets resemble Earth in size and composition, researchers caution that their atmospheres and habitability remain unknown and require further observation with future missions.

Planetary system located ~120 light-years away
Contains two rocky Earth-like planets (super-Earths)
Unusual arrangement with rocky planet beyond gas giants
Challenges standard planetary formation models
Future observations needed to assess atmospheres/habitability
Discovery aided by high-precision telescopes

Apr 06, 2026

Microsoft unveils MAI-Transcribe-1 AI speech-to-text with 25 languages

Microsoft introduced MAI-Transcribe-1, a fast and cost-effective AI speech-to-text model described as highly accurate. The system reports a Word Error Rate around 3.9 percent and supports 25 global languages, including Hindi, English, French, and Chinese. It has secured top ranking on the FLUERS benchmark across multiple languages and outperformed Google Gemini 3.1 Flash in 11 of 14 tested languages. The launch signals rising competition among technology firms to deliver efficient transcription tools for a wide range of users and applications, including media, business, and accessibility.

MAI-Transcribe-1 is a Microsoft AI transcription model.
Word Error Rate around 3.9% with 25 languages including Hindi.
Top FLUERS benchmark performance; outperforms Google Gemini 3.1 in 11/14 languages.
Aims to improve speed, cost, and accuracy of transcription tasks.
Applications span media, business, and accessibility.

Jitendra Singh inaugurates BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at CFTRI

The BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology. The event marks a significant step in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem. The facility provides modern incubation space and shared research infrastructure to nurture early-stage and growth-stage startups in food technology and biotechnology. It aims to bridge laboratory research with commercial applications and feature startup-driven technologies in the accompanying exhibition. The move supports translation of scientific ideas into market-ready products and growth of the agri-food sector.

Inauguration by Dr. Jitendra Singh at CFTRI.
BIRAC-BioNEST incubator to bolster food tech/biotech startups.
Provides incubation space and shared infrastructure.
Aims to translate research to market-ready products.
Part of broader push to strengthen India’s food innovation ecosystem.

Apr 04, 2026

India launches Multi-Hazard Early Warning DSS under Mission Mausam

India is advancing disaster risk management with the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS). Developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, MHEW-DSS translates meteorological data into actionable warnings. Built with open-source technology and in-house expertise, the platform supports real-time weather monitoring across cyclones, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and landslides. Introduced as a key digital transformation under Mission Mausam, the system strengthens early warning capabilities, facilitating timely evacuations and safer responses by governments, communities, and emergency responders.

MHEW-DSS developed by IMD and MoES
Open-source technology and in-house development
Translates data into actionable warnings
Covers cyclones, floods, heatwaves, droughts, landslides
Part of Mission Mausam
Strengthens real-time monitoring and response

Apr 03, 2026

NASA Artemis II launches crewed lunar mission from Florida

NASA launched Artemis II on 1 April 2026 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, sending the world’s first crewed mission toward the Moon in over five decades. The Space Launch System rocket, topped with the Orion crew capsule, carried four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—into Earth orbit amid a dramatic plume of vapor. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described the launch as an opening act toward a long-term lunar presence, including a future moon base. The mission maintains a competitive space cadence with global rivals and signals a renewed human exploration push after Apollo-era milestones.

Artemis II category: first crewed lunar mission since 1972.
Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS) with Orion capsule.
Crew: four astronauts (three U.S., one Canadian).
Launch date: 1 April 2026 from Cape Canaveral.
NASA Administrator cited as Jared Isaacman in the release.
Aim toward establishing a sustained lunar presence and moon base.

Meghalaya-Starlink MoU annotated in Indian press (web added)

In the latest development around Starlink in India, Meghalaya Government and Starlink India signed a MoU to extend satellite internet to remote areas on 1 April 2026. Coverage notes emphasize potential benefits for rural education, healthcare, and connectivity in hilly terrains. Several outlets highlighted Starlink’s low-Earth orbit technology as key to faster, more reliable service where traditional broadband struggles. The initiative is seen as part of a broader push to expand digital infrastructure in northeast India and improve public service delivery through satellite-based connectivity.

MoU with Starlink India signed on 1 April 2026 in Meghalaya.
Goal: satellite internet for remote/underserved regions.
LEO satellite tech enables faster connectivity in difficult terrain.
Implications for education, health, and livelihoods in the state.

Meghalaya partners with Starlink India to expand high-speed internet

Meghalaya announced on 1 April 2026 a Memorandum of Understanding with Starlink India to extend satellite-based high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the collaboration could transform education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods by delivering reliable connectivity to hilly terrains. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites are central to the plan, enabling faster, more consistent service than traditional broadband. The agreement strengthens digital infrastructure in the Northeast state and aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding internet access where wired options are limited.

MoU signed on 1 April 2026 between Meghalaya and Starlink India.
Goal: satellite internet access for remote areas.
Project targets education, healthcare, and rural livelihoods.
Utilizes Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellites.
Aims to bridge digital divide in Northeast India.

Mission Mitra: India tests human endurance in Ladakh for Gaganyaan readiness

Mission Mitra marks a new phase in India's human spaceflight program, as four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission began a structured high-altitude exercise in Ladakh. The programme, launched in early April 2026, aims to simulate space-like conditions on Earth to assess human endurance and behavioural readiness alongside technological preparedness. Mission Mitra, Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Reliability Assessment, is designed to evaluate performance in hostile environments akin to space. Ladakh's freezing temperatures, hypoxia, and isolation provide a rigorous analogue for crewed missions. Led by ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre with private partners, the effort integrates scientists, engineers, psychologists, and medical professionals.

Mission Mitra evaluates human performance in space-like, harsh environments.
Four astronauts are involved in the Ladakh exercise for Gaganyaan readiness.
Acronym stands for Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Reliability Assessment.
Ladakh provides extreme cold, low oxygen, and isolation as analogue conditions.
ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre leads the programme with private partners.

Apr 02, 2026

YUVIKA Programme Promotes Space Science Interest Among Students

The Government of India reaffirmed support for space science education through the Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA). Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated during the Budget Session that the programme inspires school students to explore careers in space science. YUVIKA targets Class 9 students nationwide to provide foundational knowledge in space technology, applications, and research. The initiative aims to cultivate scientific temper and long‑term interest in space among youth, contributing to a skilled workforce for India’s space programme and related industries.

YUVIKA promotes space science interest among Class 9 students.
Stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in Budget Session.
Provides foundational knowledge in space technology and research.
Aims to foster scientific temper and future space careers.
Supports India’s broader space programme goals.

India’s First Quantum Computer to Be Launched in Amaravati

Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh will host the launch of India’s first quantum computer on 14 April 2026 as part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley project. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the milestone, supported by the National Quantum Mission. The initiative aims to position India as a leader in next‑generation computing and advanced research. The quantum computer will leverage quantum mechanics to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds, enabling progress in areas such as materials science, cryptography, and optimization. The project reflects India’s commitment to scientific advancement and strategic technology development.

India’s first quantum computer to launch in Amaravati on 14 April 2026.
Part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley and National Quantum Mission.
Aims to establish India as a global leader in quantum computing.
Quantum computer uses quantum mechanics for complex problem solving.
Supports progress in materials science, cryptography, and optimization.

OpenAI Names Kiran Mani as Asia‑Pacific Managing Director

OpenAI has appointed Kiran Mani as Managing Director for Asia‑Pacific operations, to assume the role in June. Mani, former CEO of Indian streaming service JioStar, will be based in OpenAI’s Singapore office and report to Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon. A technology veteran with over 25 years’ experience, Mani led JioStar and previously played a key role in the Viacom18–Star India merger, according to his LinkedIn profile. The appointment signals OpenAI’s expansion in the Asia‑Pacific region and underscores its growing engagement with Indian digital and media markets as part of broader AI strategy.

Kiran Mani named Asia‑Pacific Managing Director for OpenAI.
Role starts in June; based in Singapore; reports to CSO Jason Kwon.
Mani has 25+ years in digital and consumer tech; former JioStar CEO.
LinkedIn notes involvement in Viacom18–Star India merger.
Move indicates OpenAI’s Asia‑Pacific expansion strategy.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26