General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jul 17, 2026

Norway’s Rogfast Undersea Tunnel to Be World’s Longest

Norway's Rogfast undersea road tunnel is projected to become the world's longest and deepest when completed. The nearly 27‑kilometre tunnel will run beneath the Boknafjord and reach depths around 392 metres below sea level. It is part of the E39 coastal highway project and aims to replace ferry segments along the route. The project demonstrates advanced tunneling techniques and significant civil engineering effort, with completion targeted around 2033. The Rogfast tunnel is designed to improve coastal connectivity, reduce travel times, and enhance disaster resilience and freight efficiency in coastal Norway.

Rogfast undersea tunnel to become longest/deepest
Nearly 27 km long; depth ~392 metres
Part of Norway’s E39 coastal highway project
Aims to replace ferry segments and boost connectivity
Target completion around 2033

S. Somanath Joins Agnikul Cosmos as Board Observer

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has joined Chennai-based private space startup Agnikul Cosmos as an observer on its Board of Directors. The appointment aims to leverage his strategic insights as Agnikul advances its launch programmes. Agnikul is preparing Mission 02, which seeks to demonstrate orbital-class booster recovery and the use of a rocket upper stage as an in‑orbit platform. The move underscores greater collaboration between India’s public space heritage and private space enterprises. Somanath’s leadership at ISRO, including program development, safety, and policy initiatives, is expected to inform governance, risk management, and roadmap alignment for Agnikul. The industry views this as a sign of a maturing private space ecosystem in India.

Somanath appointed as observer on Agnikul Cosmos Board
Mission 02 targets orbital-class booster recovery
Rocket upper stage to serve as an in‑orbit platform
Indicates strengthened public‑private space collaboration
Somanath’s ISRO experience to guide governance and risk
Agnikul’s launch roadmap may benefit from strategic insights

New Monkey Species Colobus congoensis Identified

Researchers have identified a new African monkey species named Colobus congoensis, locally known as Likweli, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species inhabits forested areas of the Congo Basin near Lomami National Park. It is distinguished by dark fur, orange‑cream facial markings, and distinctive vocalisations. Genetic analyses confirm it represents a distinct evolutionary lineage among colobus monkeys. The discovery enhances biodiversity knowledge in Central Africa and informs conservation planning for tropical forest ecosystems and primate populations.

New species Colobus congoensis identified
Locally called Likweli; in Congo Basin near Lomami NP
Distinct dark fur and orange‑cream facial markings
Genetic analysis confirms distinct lineage
Implications for biodiversity and conservation

Jul 16, 2026

Karnataka to establish India's first government-driven AI University

The Karnataka government announced plans to establish India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University in July 2026. The announcement was made in Bengaluru during the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026. The proposed university will focus on education, research, and innovation in artificial intelligence and will be linked with an AI Hub to support startups, researchers, and technology companies. The project aims to strengthen skill development, foster local AI talent, and position Karnataka as a national leader in AI education. The government expects collaboration with industry and academia to accelerate adoption of AI technologies. Funding mechanisms and governance models will be announced later.

India's first government-driven AI University planned in Karnataka.
Announced in Bengaluru during Google I/O Connect India 2026.
University to focus on AI education, research and innovation.
Linked AI Hub to support startups, researchers and companies.
Aim to make Karnataka a national leader in AI education.

CeNS develops portable, self-powered ammonia sensor in Bengaluru

Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a portable, self-powered, wearable ammonia sensor. The device detects very low ammonia concentrations and operates at room temperature, enabling real-time monitoring of hazardous leaks in industrial and environmental settings. Researchers say the sensor can improve workplace safety, environmental monitoring, and public health protection by providing continuous data. Potential applications include early warning for chemical process facilities, smart city air quality networks, and emergency response systems. The invention highlights India's growing capabilities in nanoscience and wearable sensor technologies. Further work will test long-term stability and integration with existing safety infrastructure.

CeNS in Bengaluru developed a portable, self-powered ammonia sensor.
Detects low concentrations at room temperature for real-time monitoring.
Improves safety, environmental monitoring and public health protection.
Applications include chemical plants, smart city air networks, emergency response.
Pioneering work in nanoscience and wearable sensors.

Jul 15, 2026

Saushrutam 2026 International Seminar Inaugurated

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Saushrutam 2026, a three-day international seminar organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi. The event runs from 15 to 17 July 2026 and coincides with Sushruta Jayanti. It focuses on integrating Ayurvedic surgical practices with modern surgical sciences. Experts from several countries participate in discussions on evidence-based Ayurvedic and modern techniques, with seminars, demonstrations, and workshops. The seminar highlights collaboration between traditional and contemporary medicine and aims to advance research and clinical training for physicians and surgeons.

Dates: 15–17 July 2026
Host: All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi
Occasion: Sushruta Jayanti
Theme: integration of Ayurveda with modern surgery
Participation: international experts

Codex Alimentarius 49th Session: India Leads Standards Adoption

India participated actively in the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission held in Geneva in July 2026. Indian delegates led the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines, reinforcing food safety and fair trade practices in international markets. The session strengthened technical cooperation on pharmaceutical and agro-food sectors and advanced risk analysis and traceability norms. FSSAI Chief Executive Officer Rajit Punhani presided over the Indian delegation, underscoring India's commitment to science-based food regulation, export growth, and consumer protection. The Codex standards inform national policy and help align Indian food products with global safety norms. Industry stakeholders welcomed streamlined approvals and clearer labeling requirements.

Location: Geneva; Session: July 2026
India led adoption of seven Codex standards
Focus: food safety, trade practices, risk analysis
Leader: Rajit Punhani, FSSAI CEO
Impact: informs policy; aligns with global norms

Jul 13, 2026

India wins five golds at International Physics Olympiad 2026

The 56th International Physics Olympiad was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, in July 2026. Indian participants achieved a remarkable result, with all five students winning gold medals. This performance placed India at the top of the medal tally alongside several other nations. It marked the second time India secured five golds at the competition, the first occurrence being in 2018. The success reflects continued strength in Indian science education and rigorous preparation through national science programs. The event showcases high school excellence in physics and inspires future STEM study among Indian youth.

56th International Physics Olympiad took place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, in July 2026
India's five participants won gold medals
India ranked at the top of the medal tally with other nations
Five golds achieved in IPhO previously in 2018 as well
Result highlights India's strength in science education
Competition emphasizes high school level physics excellence

Jul 12, 2026

New plant species Canscora agni discovered in Sus Hill, Pune

Researchers discovered a new plant species named Canscora agni in the fire-prone Sus Hill area of Pune district, Maharashtra, in July 2026. Named after Agni, the Hindu fire deity, the plant is a small dwarf herb with white petals and winged stems, adapted to fire-maintained ecosystems. Scientists classify Canscora agni as Critically Endangered due to its restricted range and ongoing habitat threats. The finding adds to India’s botanical biodiversity and underscores the importance of conserving grassland and savanna communities. Experts call for rapid assessment, habitat protection, and long-term monitoring to ensure the species’ survival. The discovery was published in a peer‑reviewed journal and calls for government and academic collaboration.

New plant species named Canscora agni discovered in Sus Hill, Pune
Named after Agni for fire-adapted habitat
Dwarf herb with white petals and winged stems
Classified as Critically Endangered
Calls for habitat conservation and further surveys

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