General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - February 2025

Feb 2025

May 11, 2026

James Webb Telescope Studies LHS 3844 b, a Rocky Exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly studied the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, also called Kuꞌkua, on 4 May 2026. Located about 49–50 light‑years away, LHS 3844 b is roughly 30% larger than Earth and is tidally locked, with one hemisphere constantly facing its star. JWST observations using the Mid‑Infrared Instrument (MIRI) contribute to understanding the planet’s surface and thermal properties. Earlier measurements suggested a dark, hot, and atmosphere‑poor world. The findings help scientists compare rocky exoplanets and refine models of planetary formation and heat distribution in close‑in exoplanets.

Observation date: 4 May 2026
Planet: LHS 3844 b (Kuꞌkua)
Distance: ~49–50 light‑years
Size: ~30% larger than Earth
Dynamics: tidally locked; hot dayside
Instrument: JWST MIRI; atmosphere likely absent

India Post Rolls Out DigiPIN Digital Address System

India Post began the rollout of DigiPIN, a Digital Postal Index Number, on 27 May 2025 under the Department of Posts. The system uses geo‑coded digital addresses linked to the postal network for improved mail delivery, tracking, and location identification. DigiPIN maps locations to a 4‑metre by 4‑metre grid and is interoperable with traditional addresses. It complements existing addressing and supports digital services and geospatial applications. Two platforms, Know Your DIGIPIN and Know Your PIN Code, were launched in May 2025, while DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) trials explored address‑as‑a‑service concepts.

Rollout date: 27 May 2025
System: DigiPIN digital address with geo codes
Grid mapping: 4m x 4m cells
Platforms launched: Know Your DIGIPIN, Know Your PIN Code
Interoperability: complements traditional addresses
DHRUVA trials: address‑as‑a‑service concept

Exoplanet Geology Reveals Basaltic Surface on LHS 3844 b

Researchers analyzed surface heat signatures from LHS 3844 b to study its geology. The results indicate a basaltic or igneous mantle surface rather than an Earth‑like crust rich in silica. This finding aligns with exoplanet geology as a field studying planetary materials beyond the Solar System. The heat analysis, complemented by previous JWST data, suggests a barren, volcanically active or cooled surface with minimal atmospheric retention. Such studies help compare rocky exoplanets, clarifying how composition and thermal evolution shape their geologies and potential habitable conditions in tidally locked worlds.

Method: surface heat analysis
Finding: basaltic/igneous surface, not Earth‑like crust
Field: exoplanet geology
Context: complements JWST data on LHS 3844 b
Implication: informs models of planetary evolution

May 10, 2026

IndiaAI and ICMR Sign MoU to Strengthen AI-Driven Healthcare

IndiaAI, the government’s flagship Artificial Intelligence initiative under MeitY, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to promote AI-based healthcare innovation. The partnership aims to combine IndiaAI’s digital infrastructure with ICMR’s biomedical and public health research expertise to develop ethical, scalable AI health solutions for India. The agreement focuses on expanding access to healthcare data, increasing computing capacity, and encouraging AI research for public health challenges. The collaboration highlights India’s growing role in responsible AI governance for healthcare, with IndiaAI providing subsidised GPU‑based computing resources to ICMR as part of the plan.

IndiaAI and ICMR sign MoU to advance AI healthcare innovation.
Partnership leverages AI infrastructure and biomedical research strength.
Emphasis on ethical, scalable AI healthcare solutions.
Aims to improve data access and computing capacity for research.
Highlights responsible AI governance in healthcare.
IndiaAI to supply subsidised GPU-based computing to ICMR.

India to Host First International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi

India will host its first International Ophthalmology Research Conference in New Delhi, marking a milestone in military-civil eye-care collaboration. The Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, with the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), will host AIOS-AFOU 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, on 9–10 May 2026. The two-day event will be inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, with attendance from the Chief of Defence Staff, the three Service Chiefs, and the Defence Secretary, underscoring its Tri-service character. About 200 ophthalmologists from across India and 100 faculty from AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Sankara Netralaya, and Aravind Eye Care System will attend. Notable international participants include Prof Harminder Singh Dua (University of Nottingham) and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan (Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore).

Event named AIOS-AFOU 2026 to be held at Manekshaw Centre, 9–10 May 2026.
Inauguration by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth; Tri-service attendance planned.
Approximately 200 ophthalmologists from across India expected.
About 100 faculty from major institutes to participate.
International participants include Prof Harminder Singh Dua and Dr Colin Siang Hui Tan.
Conference covers latest advances across ophthalmology subspecialties.

May 09, 2026

Skyroot Aerospace becomes India’s first space-tech unicorn

On 7 May 2026, Skyroot Aerospace emerged as India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising around $60 million, valuing the Hyderabad-based firm at about $1.1 billion. The round was co-led by Sherpalo Ventures and Singapore’s GIC, with participation from Greenko Group founders, Arkam Ventures, BlackRock funds, Playbook Partners, and Shanghvi Family Office. The funds will support Vikram-1, Skyroot’s orbital launch vehicle, including manufacturing expansion and technology development. Vikram-1 was in late integration testing as of 29 April 2026, with a planned launch from Sriharikota in the coming weeks. Skyroot aims to make Vikram-1 India’s first privately developed orbital rocket.

Company: Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad
Unicorn status: Valuation around $1.1 billion
Funding: ~ $60 million, led by Sherpalo Ventures and GIC
Asset: Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle
Recent milestone: Final integration/testing completed by 29 April 2026
Strategic goal: Private Indian orbital rocket development

New Cyphostemma annamalaii discovered in Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu

A new plant species, Cyphostemma annamalaii, has been identified in the southern Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, on Sanjeevi hill in Villupuram district. Discovered during field work, the plant belongs to the Vitaceae family (grape family) and grows as a climbing shrub in open scrub within tropical dry forest at about 86 metres above sea level. The species name honors Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiyar, founder of Annamalai University. Taxonomists led by Prof. L. Mullainathan distinguished it from related Cyphostemma species by leaf progression and fruit shape and colour. The description appeared in Phytotaxa (March 2026), and herbarium specimens are deposited at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, and the Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.

Discovery location: Sanjeevi hill, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu
New species: Cyphostemma annamalaii, in Vitaceae family
Discovery date: 7 May 2026
Described by: Prof. L. Mullainathan
Publication: Phytotaxa, March 2026
Herbarium deposits: St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli; BSI, Coimbatore

May 08, 2026

Rare Cordyceps mushroom found in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang

A team of researchers led by Dr. Senpon Ngomle, assistant professor at Central Agriculture University, Pasighat, along with Dr. Yengkhom Disco Singh and P. Chattopadhyay, has found a rare Cordyceps mushroom in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district. The discovery occurred during a mushroom exploration programme in the district's low- to mid-altitude terrain, challenging the usual belief that Cordyceps occur mainly above 3,000 metres. Preliminary laboratory work is underway at the College of Agriculture and the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Pasighat to culture and identify strains. The find is scientifically valuable for its medicinal and economic potential and highlights Arunachal's biodiverse ecosystems. In the last 48 hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his Gujarat visit on 10-11 May 2026.

Cordyceps mushroom found in East Siang district.
Led by Dr. Senpon Ngomle and team.
Cordyceps typically found at high altitudes; this is unusual.
Lab work at Pasighat colleges for culture and identification.
Potential medicinal and economic value highlighted.

New freshwater crab Indopotamon alipurduarense found in West Bengal

A new species of freshwater crab has been discovered beneath rice paddies in West Bengal, named Indopotamon alipurduarense. Researchers Ram Krishna Das from Asutosh College and Santanu Mitra from the Zoological Survey of India found the crab during a wildlife survey in the Dooars sub-Himalayan belt. The species lives in burrows up to 1.5 metres deep in muddy paddy fields near Uttar Rampur village, spending most of the year underground. It emerges mainly during the heavy monsoon months from May to August, when it becomes visible to researchers and locals. The name honors Alipurduar district, where the crab resides. In the last 48 hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his Gujarat visit on 10-11 May 2026.

Indopotamon alipurduarense named for Alipurduar district.
Discovered in Dooars region by Das and Mitra.
Crab lives up to 1.5 metres deep in mud fields.
Emergence mainly May–August during monsoon.
Scientific significance and regional biodiversity highlighted.

India-EU launch ₹169 crore project to boost EV battery recycling

India and the European Union have launched a ₹169 crore joint initiative to boost electric vehicle battery recycling capacity. The project, launched under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), focuses on green and clean technologies to support the expanding EV ecosystem. Its objectives include developing high-efficiency processes to recover critical materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel from used batteries, reducing environmental risks and securing raw materials. The program also aims to implement safe, digital collection systems to improve how used batteries are gathered, tracked and processed, integrating research, industry and policy execution. The collaboration underscores shared goals for sustainable mobility and domestic battery recycling capacity.

Joint India-EU program worth ₹169 crore.
Launched under the TTC framework.
Targets recovery of lithium, cobalt, nickel from used batteries.
Emphasizes digital collection and tracking systems.
Aims to enhance domestic EV battery recycling capacity.

May 07, 2026

Mission Mausam Urban Testbed launched to improve urban monsoon forecasts

Mission Mausam Urban Testbed was launched to enhance monsoon prediction through urban-scale weather observation and modelling. The initiative links with the Indian Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to improve forecasting of monsoon rainfall, extreme weather events and local atmospheric conditions. The urban testbed employs automatic weather stations, radar inputs and high-resolution data to refine numerical weather prediction for city environments. This effort supports better planning for agriculture, water management and disaster preparedness, aligning with broader goals to strengthen climate services and resilience in Indian cities.

Purpose: improve urban monsoon forecasts.
Part of Mission Mausam, led by IMD and MoES.
Uses urban weather stations, radar data and high-resolution modelling.
Aims to inform city-level planning and resilience.
Supports improved climate services for India.

India and Japan sign quantum technology and health research pacts

India and Japan signed agreements in quantum technology and health research, deepening bilateral collaboration in science and technology. Quantum cooperation covers computing, communication, sensing and cryptography, while health research encompasses biomedical studies, clinical trials and disease prevention. The framework supports joint research, data sharing and capacity building, with field collaborations spanning information technology, materials science and clean energy. The alliances align with ongoing science diplomacy between the two nations and aim to accelerate innovation, accelerate translational research, and strengthen joint capabilities in critical sectors for national development and public health.

Agreements cover quantum technology and health research.
Focus areas: quantum computing, sensing, communication and cryptography.
Health cooperation includes epidemiology, biotechnology and clinical trials.
Emphasis on data sharing and capacity building.
Bolsters India-Japan science diplomacy and collaboration.

IIT Madras Global Research Foundation opens Menlo Park centre for deep-tech startups

IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced the establishment of its first United States centre in Menlo Park, California, on 6 May 2026. The centre will focus on startup incubation, deep-tech research and global market access for Indian innovations. With an investment of USD 7.5 million, including USD 4.5 million from IITM Global for greenfield activities, the hub is designed to connect Indian deep-tech ventures with US investors and ecosystems. The centre, developed in partnership with CA Startups, became operational earlier in 24 April 2026 and is planned to host additional campuses on the US East Coast as part of a broader expansion plan.

US centre located in Menlo Park, California.
Opened 6 May 2026; operational since 24 April 2026.
Total planned investment: USD 7.5 million (USD 4.5 million from IITM Global).
Focus on startup incubation, deep-tech research and global access.
Partnership with CA Startups; expansion to East Coast planned.

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