General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jan 09, 2026

India’s first hydrogen train: Haryana pilot enters final stage

India is advancing its first hydrogen-powered train pilot on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Northern Railway reported a stable 11 kV power supply for the hydrogen plant at Jind, enabling commissioning and routine operations. The project features a hydrogen storage capacity of 3,000 kilograms and is in its final commissioning phase. Officials say the pilot will demonstrate a clean energy option for rail traction, reduce emissions, and inform future scale-up across the national network. Safety checks and regulatory clearances are ongoing as the project moves toward full-scale deployment.

Hydrogen-powered train pilot on Jind–Sonipat (Haryana)
Stable 11 kV power supply for hydrogen plant
Hydrogen storage capacity of 3,000 kg
Final commissioning stage; aims at clean energy rail traction
Plans for future scale-up contingent on safety clearances

ICDMAI 2026 to Bring Academia and Industry Together at St. Xavier’s College

The tenth edition of the International Conference on Data Management, Analytics and Innovation (ICDMAI 2026) is being held from January 9 to 11 at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata. The conference aims to strengthen engagement between academia and industry in data science and analytics. ICDMAI has grown as a platform for researchers, educators, industry professionals, and institutional leaders. This year’s edition is chaired by Professor Kanadpriya Basu and Professor Saptarsi Goswami, long associated with the conference. St. Xavier’s College organises the event with Society 4 Data Science, Pune, as the coordinating partner, featuring international and Indian speakers across sectors.

ICDMAI 2026 held January 9–11, Kolkata
Aims to strengthen academia–industry collaboration in data science
Chaired by Professors Kanadpriya Basu and Saptarsi Goswami
Organised by St. Xavier’s College; partner Society 4 Data Science, Pune
Includes international and Indian speakers across sectors

Jan 08, 2026

ISRO to launch PSLV‑C62 with BR defence satellite on Jan 12

ISRO announced the PSLV‑C62 mission, scheduled for January 12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The main payload is a defence satellite built by DRDO, with on‑orbit refuelling technology demonstrated by a Bengaluru startup. The mission will also carry 13 other satellites from India and abroad, including a European demonstrator. The launch marks India’s first space mission of 2026 and strengthens collaborations in space science, defence, and international partnerships. The mission highlights India’s growing capabilities in satellite technology and strategic payload deployment.

PSLV‑C62 launch set for January 12, 2026.
DRDO‑built defence satellite is the primary payload.
On‑orbit refuelling tech demonstrated by a Bengaluru startup.
Total of 14 satellites including international payloads.
Advances in India’s space‑defence collaboration.

FSS becomes first payments company in India and region to obtain ISO/IEC 42001 certification

Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, has become the first payments company in India, the Middle East, Africa, APAC and South Africa to receive ISO/IEC 42001 Certification. The award recognises FSS’s formal governance framework for its use of Artificial Intelligence across digital payments and banking platforms. By achieving ISO/IEC 42001, FSS shifts from ad hoc AI use to an enterprise‑wide AI governance model, placing governance alongside information security and quality management as a core business priority. ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first international standard for AI management systems, emphasising governance, accountability and risk management across the AI lifecycle. This certification aims to bolster trust and safety for customers.

Certification announced on 6 January 2026.
Geographic scope includes India, the Middle East, APAC and South Africa.
Standard focuses on responsible and ethical AI management.
Governs AI across the full lifecycle, not just development.
Positions AI governance as a core business discipline.

India to commercially produce bio-bitumen for roads

Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India has become the first country to commercially produce bio‑bitumen for road construction. Bitumen is a key binder in roads; bio‑bitumen uses renewable sources rather than crude oil. The development is expected to lower carbon emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable infrastructure. Government plans to promote wider adoption in future projects and to encourage collaboration with research institutions. The move aligns with policy goals for green mobility and climate‑friendly public works, while potentially influencing pricing and supply chains in the road‑construction sector.

India becomes first to commercially produce bio‑bitumen.
Bio‑bitumen substitutes fossil‑fuel binders in roads.
Aims to cut carbon emissions and reliance on crude oil.
Supports sustainable infrastructure policies.
Encourages collaboration with research institutions.

Jan 07, 2026

IIT Bombay launches Certificate in Generative AI

IIT Bombay launched a Certificate in Generative AI through the Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with edtech firm Great Learning. The five-month online program begins in 2026 and follows an applied, industry-aligned curriculum. It covers fundamentals of AI and large language models, prompt design, model adaptation with proprietary data, and development of copilot tools and multi-step workflows. The program trains professionals to design and deploy GenAI applications. The initiative mirrors India’s push to build AI skills across industry and academia, supporting national objectives for responsible, inclusive AI adoption.

IIT Bombay launches Certificate in Generative AI
Five-month online program with Great Learning
Curriculum includes LLMs, prompts, data adaptation, copilot tools
Targets professionals for GenAI deployment
Supports national AI-skill development goals

Rajasthan hosts Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Jaipur

Rajasthan hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Jaipur on January 6, 2026, with participation from Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitin Prasada. The event, organized with Rajasthan DigiFest and TiE Global Summit 2026, forms part of pre-Summit activities ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The conference showcased announcements and MoUs aimed at strengthening the state’s AI ecosystem, encouraging innovation, and promoting AI adoption across priority sectors. Sessions focused on AI for governance, ethical AI, and workforce development, setting the stage for broader national policy discussions.

Regional AI Impact Conference held in Jaipur on Jan 6, 2026
Ministers Vaishnaw and Prasada attended
Part of pre-Summit activities for India AI Impact Summit 2026
MoUs to strengthen Rajasthan’s AI ecosystem
Focus on governance, ethics, and workforce development

MeitY, IndiaAI, Assam and IIT Guwahati host Human Capital Working Group Meeting

MeitY, the IndiaAI Mission, the Government of Assam, and IIT Guwahati hosted a two-day Working Group Meeting on Human Capital at the IIT Guwahati campus, January 5–6, 2026. Senior policymakers, academic leaders, and industry practitioners gathered to discuss education reform, workforce transition, and inclusive adoption of AI across sectors. The gathering served as a thematic prelude to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, planned for February in New Delhi. Participants emphasised building AI-literacy, aligning curricula with industry needs, and ensuring ethical AI use in public and private sectors. The meeting advanced policy discussions that will shape national AI strategies.

Two-day Working Group Meeting on Human Capital, Jan 5–6, 2026
Hosted by MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, Assam government, IIT Guwahati
Focus on education reform, workforce transition, inclusive AI adoption
Precursor to India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb in New Delhi)
Stakeholders discussed AI literacy and ethical use

Hubble discovers Cloud-9, a new type of astronomical object

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope identified Cloud-9, an unusual starless, gas-rich dark-matter cloud nicknamed RELHIC near the galaxy Messier 94, about 14 million light-years away. Cloud-9 is described as a Reionisation-Limited HI Cloud with a mass near one million solar masses. The discovery adds to understanding of early galaxy formation and dark matter-dominated structures. RELHICs are rare, and Cloud-9’s properties may illuminate the evolution of intergalactic gas and the role of dark matter in shaping faint cosmic objects. Researchers note the finding expands the landscape of cosmic structures observed in the local universe.

Hubble discovers Cloud-9 (RELHIC) near Messier 94
Cloud is starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud
Located ~14 million light-years away; HI cloud mass ≈ 1 million solar masses
Study informs early galaxy formation and dark matter role
Advances understanding of intergalactic gas dynamics

Technical Hindi Symposium Abhyuday-3 concludes at IIT Indore

The Technical Hindi Symposium Abhyuday-3 concluded at IIT Indore, emphasizing Technical Hindi and science communication for broader public reach. Organized by IIT Indore, IIT Jodhpur, and CSIR–NISPR, the two-day event highlighted the role of Hindi in disseminating scientific knowledge. Participants discussed strategies to simplify technical concepts for non-English-speaking audiences and to strengthen the link between science, technology, and society through language. The symposium underscored ongoing national efforts to promote regional language-friendly science communication and to broaden access to technical information.

Abhyuday-3 concluded at IIT Indore
Event promotes Technical Hindi and science communication
Joint organization by IITs and CSIR-NISPR
Aims to reach non-English-speaking audiences
Strengthens link between science, tech and society via language

Indian scientists simulate Mpemba effect with supercomputers

Indian scientists announced a pioneering supercomputer-powered simulation to reproduce the Mpemba effect—hot water freezing faster than cold water. Researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research used high-performance computing to model ice formation, providing the first such simulation for water. The study, published in the Journal of Computational Physics, also indicates the Mpemba effect may occur in other fluids during phase transitions. This work adds a data-driven understanding of a long-standing paradox and highlights India’s capabilities in computational physics and interdisciplinary research linking thermodynamics with complex systems.

First supercomputer-based simulation of the Mpemba effect in water
Researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
Published in Journal of Computational Physics
Suggests Mpemba effect may occur in other fluids
Shows India’s strength in computational physics

Jan 06, 2026

IIT Bhilai hosts 6th IEEE EPREC 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai hosted the 6th IEEE International Conference on Electric Power and Renewable Energy (EPREC 2026) in January 2026. The Department of Electrical Engineering organized the event, providing a platform for academics and industry leaders to discuss advances in sustainable energy, smart grids, and power systems. The valedictory session featured Professor Bhim Singh from IIT Delhi as Chief Guest and highlighted the conference’s success, with over 500 submissions and 235 peer-reviewed papers presented. Topics ranged from smart grid technology to renewable energy integration and emerging power trends, underscoring India's role in cutting-edge energy research and innovation.

EPREC 2026 hosted by IIT Bhilai in January 2026.
Event organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Over 500 submissions; 235 papers presented after review.
Topics include smart grids, renewable integration, and power trends.
Prof. Bhim Singh of IIT Delhi as Chief Guest.
Showcases India’s leadership in energy research and innovation.

CSIR-NPL solar cell calibration facility inaugurated

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration and the National Environmental Standard Laboratory at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, in January 2026. Speaking on the occasion during CSIR-NPL’s 80th foundation day, Singh noted that India has become the fifth country, after the USA, Germany, China, and Japan, to operate a national standard facility for solar cell calibration. He highlighted the Environmental Standard Laboratory as the second largest in the world. The facilities will support high-accuracy calibration work and environmental testing, reinforcing India’s standing in global metrology, environmental science, and renewable energy research.

Inauguration of solar cell calibration facility at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi.
India becomes fifth country with national solar cell calibration standard.
Environmental Standard Laboratory described as the second largest globally.
Facilities bolster metrology, environmental science, and renewable energy research.
Aligned with national goals for data integrity and standards.
Cited as a landmark for science and technology capacity.

Jan 05, 2026

India develops 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations under Mission Mausam

Scientists have begun developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using 3D printing under Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore programme to upgrade weather observation and forecasting. The first batch of next-generation AWS is slated for installation in Delhi from February. The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The aim is to strengthen last-mile weather data collection nationwide, improving monitoring, early warning, and climate research. The initiative supports a long-term plan to modernize India's meteorological infrastructure and resilience to extreme weather events.

3D-printed AWS under Mission Mausam
Budget: ₹2,000 crore
First batch: Delhi installations from February
Led by IITM, under Ministry of Earth Sciences
Goal: strengthen last-mile weather observation

Smart Green Aquaculture inaugurates RAS-based rainbow trout farm

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) inaugurated the Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and a Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facility in Telangana. The venture operates India's first commercial-scale tropical RAS Rainbow Trout farm and research institute in Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District. The facility demonstrates year-round farming of high-value cold-water species in a tropical climate, using precision engineering, controlled biosecurity, and automation. The project aims to provide practical training for youth in advanced aquaculture and promote sustainable, technology-driven farming practices across the country.

Inauguration by Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)
Location: Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana
First commercial-scale tropical RAS Rainbow Trout farm
Project showcases year-round cold-water species farming
Focus on youth training and tech-enabled aquaculture

Hyderabad startups build mini satellite for ISRO PSLV launch

Two Hyderabad space-tech startups, TakeMe2Space and EON Space Labs, completed testing and integration of a 14-kilogram Earth observation satellite with a mini space telescope named MIRA. The payload was prepared in Ahmedabad and shipped to Sriharikota for an ISRO PSLV launch later this month. The satellite will operate in low Earth orbit at about 500 kilometres, delivering data for commercial and defence applications over a three-to-five year lifespan. The MOI-1 mission involved collaboration with Azista BST Aerospace in Sanand. The project cost was about Rs 2.5 crore, and it aims to showcase private sector capabilities in India’s space program.

Two Hyderabad startups involved: TakeMe2Space, EON Space Labs
15-kg class payload: 14-kg satellite with MIRA telescope
Launch planned on a PSLV mission from Sriharikota
Orbit: ~500 km altitude; lifespan 3–5 years
Project cost: ~₹2.5 crore

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