General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - December 2024

Dec 2024

Mar 21, 2026

IIT Jodhpur develops flexible sensors for wearable health monitoring

Researchers at IIT Jodhpur’s Hybrid Electronic Sensor Technologies (HESTECH) Lab are developing flexible semiconductor sensors for continuous health monitoring and early disease detection. The wearable devices aim to track heart rate, muscle activity, body temperature, and skin pressure in real time. Emphasising soft, bendable, intelligent electronics that can adhere to the body for prolonged use, the sensors seek to enable monitoring beyond clinical settings and support early diagnosis. The work highlights advances in material science, flexible substrates, and low-power electronics, with potential applications in sports, rehabilitation, and remote healthcare systems. The team anticipates clinical validation in collaboration with medical institutions within two years.

Research hub: HESTECH Lab, IIT Jodhpur
Focus: flexible sensors for wearables
Monitored signals: heart rate, muscle activity, temperature, skin pressure
Aim: continuous health monitoring outside clinics
Projected validation within two years

Wipro opens AI hub at GIFT City to serve global BFSI clients

Wipro Limited inaugurated a new AI hub at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar to deliver advanced AI powered services for global Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) firms. The facility aims to strengthen India's position as a digital fintech hub and enhance Wipro’s AI driven financial solutions. The hub has an initial capacity of about 150 employees and can scale up to 500 seats based on demand. It focuses on serving international BFSI clients and leverages GIFT City's fintech ecosystem. Located in India’s premier financial district, the center will integrate with Wipro’s delivery networks to accelerate fintech innovation.

Location: GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Initial capacity of 150 employees; scalable to 500 seats
Targeted output: AI-powered services for global BFSI clients
Part of India's fintech and digital-innovation ecosystem
Aligned with Wipro's global delivery network

Mar 20, 2026

Ladakh Magmatic Arc Reveals 130-Million-Year Tectonic Evolution

Scientists have clarified how the Ladakh Magmatic Arc formed and evolved over nearly 130 million years in the north-western Himalaya. The record spans from the Jurassic to the Eocene (about 201 to 34 million years ago) and documents subduction beneath the Eurasian plate, magmatic activity, and eventual continental collision that helped build the Himalaya. The study shows Ladakh once stood above the Neo-Tethys Ocean and experienced ongoing tectonic activity as oceanic crust slipped beneath the margin. These findings illuminate pre-Himalayan processes and the long interplay between Indian and Eurasian plates, contributing to our understanding of regional geology and crustal growth.

130-million-year geological record traced in Ladakh Magmatic Arc
Subduction under the Eurasian plate evidenced by igneous activity
Arc formed between Jurassic and Eocene epochs (201–34 million years ago)
Ladakh once lay above the Neo-Tethys Ocean
Findings inform India-Eurasia plate interaction and Himalayan formation

Mar 19, 2026

India tests indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System off Tamil Nadu coast

India successfully tested an indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The trial was conducted off Muttom, Tamil Nadu, to advance ocean observation and atmospheric data collection for offshore environments. The system combines a floating buoy with LiDAR technology to measure wind speed and direction at various heights above the sea. It can profile wind up to about 300 metres, delivering real-time data for weather forecasting and offshore planning. This development could enhance coastal research, marine operations, and renewable energy projects through better data accuracy.

Tested by NIOT off Muttom, Tamil Nadu
Floating LiDAR Buoy System for ocean data
Measures wind up to 300 metres
Real-time atmospheric data for offshore use
Supports weather forecasting and energy planning

IIT Guwahati develops MXene catalyst for hydrogen and desalination

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a MXene-based catalyst with dual functions: efficient hydrogen production and seawater desalination. The two-dimensional material shows high electrical conductivity and features ultra-thin ribbon-like structures enhanced with ruthenium atoms. In laboratory tests, the catalyst enables electrolysis to produce hydrogen while supporting solar-powered desalination systems. The innovation targets two global challenges: clean energy and safe drinking water. While promising, researchers note that scaling up to industrial use and mass production will require further work. The dual-function material could improve energy efficiency and water security in coastal areas.

MXene-based catalyst with dual function
Hydrogen production via electrolysis
Desalination using solar-powered systems
Two-dimensional, highly conductive material
Ruthenium-enhanced; ribbon-like structures

Mar 17, 2026

Gujarat Launches First Sounding Rocket Near Dholera

Gujarat marked a new milestone with the successful launch of its first sounding rocket near Dholera on 15 March 2026. The mission, conducted around 1 PM from a temporary facility at Bavliyari village, was carried out by Ahmedabad-based Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited. The launch signals the state’s entry into India’s private space technology ecosystem and aimed to test advanced propulsion and guidance systems. Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Minister for Science and Technology, witnessed the event. The test advances private-sector participation in India’s space sector and could spur further industry collaboration and innovation.

Date and time: 15 March 2026, around 1 PM.
Location: Bavliyari village near Dholera, Gujarat.
Developer: Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited (Ahmedabad).
Purpose: Test advanced rocket technologies; boost private space ecosystem.
Attendance: Arjun Modhwadia, Minister for Science and Technology.

Mar 16, 2026

Perplexity Unveils Personal Computer AI Agent for 24x7 Assistance

Perplexity has launched an AI-powered assistant named Personal Computer. It is designed to automate daily tasks and manage files for users. The AI agent acts as a digital proxy that can research topics, draft emails, and prepare daily briefings automatically. The platform runs on a Mac mini and works across apps, files, and tools while maintaining a secure environment. The company describes it as an intelligent assistant capable of coordinating multiple apps and data sources, enabling continuous operation and task automation. It aims to improve productivity for individuals and teams by handling routine research and information gathering. The AI runs across devices with privacy safeguards to protect user data.

AI-powered Personal Computer assistant launched by Perplexity.
Can research topics, draft emails and prepare briefings automatically.
Runs on a Mac mini and coordinates across apps and data sources.
Includes privacy safeguards to protect user data.

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