General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - March 2025

Mar 2025

Feb 11, 2026

AI Impact Summit 2026 to Focus on Democratisation of AI

The AI Impact Summit 2026 will focus on democratisation of artificial intelligence, aiming for broad access to computing power, data repositories and AI models. The event aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat vision for 2047 and seeks involvement from startups, researchers and public institutions across regions. Organisers emphasise inclusive policy frameworks, affordable access to tools and responsible use of AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and governance. The summit will also discuss data governance, cybersecurity and ethics in AI deployment to ensure benefits are widely shared.

Summit centers on democratisation of AI
Promotes broad access to AI tools and data
Aligns with Viksit Bharat by 2047
Involves startups, researchers and public institutions
Addresses data governance, cybersecurity and ethics

New Dragonfly Species Lyriothemis keralensis Discovered in Kerala

Researchers confirm a new dragonfly species Lyriothemis keralensis from Kerala, known as the Slender Bombardier. The discovery adds to India’s insect biodiversity. Fieldwork spanned over a decade, led by Dattaprasad Sawant, A Vivek Chandran, Renjith Jacob Mathews and Krushnamegh Kunte. The species was first observed in 2013 in Varappetty, near Kothamangalam. The finding has been published in the International Journal of Odonatology. This marks a significant contribution to taxonomy and biodiversity studies in India’s southern biodiversity hotspot.

Lyriothemis keralensis described from Kerala
Commonly called Slender Bombardier
First observed in 2013 in Varappetty, Kerala
Research led by Sawant, Chandran, Mathews, Kunte
Published in International Journal of Odonatology

India Emerges as Global Leader in Enterprise AI Adoption

India strengthens its position in enterprise artificial intelligence adoption, ranking second globally after the United States in a new report by Zscaler ThreatLabz. The study analyzes nearly one trillion AI and machine learning transactions processed on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform during 2025. The findings highlight rapid digital transformation across Indian industries but also point to cybersecurity risks as more organizations deploy advanced AI systems. The report suggests that robust security practices will be essential to sustain growth in AI usage and protect critical infrastructure.

India ranks second after the USA in enterprise AI adoption
Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report
Approximately one trillion AI/ML transactions analyzed
Rapid digital transformation accompanied by cybersecurity risks
Emphasises strong security for AI deployment

Sansha Yongle Blue Hole Reveals Complex Ocean History

The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also known as the Dragon Hole, in the South China Sea has attracted long-running scientific interest. Earlier records named it the world’s deepest blue hole at about 301.19 metres, but a deeper site in Mexico has since surpassed it. Recent surveys show the Dragon Hole is not a straight shaft; it bends and tilts as it descends. The deepest point lies more than 100 metres horizontally from the surface opening. Studying its structure helps researchers understand past ocean chemistry and connectivity between marine ecosystems, making it a vital site for marine science.

Dragon Hole located in the South China Sea
Originally recorded as deepest at 301.19 m; surpassed by a Mexican site
Deepest point lies horizontally offset from surface
Hole is not a straight shaft; bends and tilts
Important for understanding ocean history and chemistry

Aditya Pandya Becomes India’s Youngest Male Analog Astronaut

Seventeen-year-old Aditya Pandya became India’s youngest male analog astronaut after completing a lunar-habitat-inspired mission by AAKA Space Studio. The mission ran from 1 to 8 February 2026 in the white plains of Dholavira, in Kutch. A four-member crew lived in a container-based lunar analog habitat to study isolation, crew dynamics and autonomous operations in a Moon-like environment. The program aims to advance India’s space research ecosystem and support future exploration by simulating real mission constraints and health monitoring under controlled conditions.

Aditya Pandya, 17, youngest Indian analog astronaut
AAKA Space Studio conducted the mission
February 1–8, 2026 in Dholavira, Kutch
Four-member crew lived in lunar analog habitat
Research focuses on isolation, operations and health

Feb 10, 2026

India and Netherlands launch Hydrogen Fellowship Programme

India and the Netherlands advanced their clean energy partnership with the launch of the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and the signing of an academic cooperation agreement in green hydrogen research. The initiative reinforces India's push to accelerate a hydrogen-based energy transition and expand cross-border knowledge. The fellowship, announced by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, is open to eligible Indian doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty across institutions. Participants will gain exposure to Dutch hydrogen ecosystems, including research facilities and industry links, to strengthen India's readiness for deployment of hydrogen technologies and to build bilateral capacity in this strategic sector.

Hydrogen Fellowship Programme launched; academ ic cooperation in green hydrogen
Announced by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST
Open to Indian doctoral candidates, postdocs, and faculty
Exposure to Netherlands hydrogen ecosystems and facilities
Aims to boost India's hydrogen deployment and bilateral research capacity

Feb 09, 2026

New ant species discovered in Guwahati’s Garbhanga Forest

A newly identified ant species, Polyrhachis garbhangaensis, has been described from Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati. The species belongs to the mucronata group of spiny ants and was named after the forest where it was found. The formal description was published in the journal Asian Myrmecology on 30 January 2026. The discovery was led by Ankita Sharma of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, under Anindya Sinha. This finding underscores that urban-adjacent forests can harbour undocumented biodiversity, potentially informing city planning and conservation in rapidly expanding Guwahati.

Species: Polyrhachis garbhangaensis
Location: Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Guwahati outskirts
Taxonomy: mucronata group of spiny ants
Publication: Asian Myrmecology, 30 January 2026
Lead researcher: Ankita Sharma; supervisor: Anindya Sinha

World’s longest snake recorded in Indonesia’s Sulawesi forests

A giant female reticulated python has been recognised as the longest snake in the world by Guinness World Records after measurements in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The specimen of Malayopython reticulatus measured 7.22 metres (23 feet 8 inches) in length. Locals have nicknamed the reptile 'Ibu Baron' or 'The Baroness.' Guinness officials noted that if measured under full muscular relaxation, the snake could be nearly 10 percent longer, but this was not attempted due to animal‑welfare concerns. The record highlights extreme size variation in pythons and underscores the need for habitat conservation as forests face ongoing pressures from deforestation and climate change.

Species: Malayopython reticulatus (reticulated python)
Length: 7.22 metres (23 feet 8 inches)
Recognition: Guinness World Records
Nickname: 'Ibu Baron' or 'The Baroness'
Note: possible ~10% longer if relaxed (not tested)

Feb 08, 2026

Amaravati Quantum Valley project in Andhra Pradesh: foundation to be laid on February 7, 2026

The Andhra Pradesh government plans to launch the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project on 7 February 2026, signaling a major step in the state’s quantum technology journey. The project aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for quantum research, innovation, talent development and industry collaboration. Construction will begin with a foundation stone ceremony at Amaravati, underscoring the state's intent to lead in next-generation technologies critical for national and economic security. AQV will build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem linking research institutions, industry players, startups and skilled professionals in quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum-safe technologies.

Foundation date: 7 February 2026.
Objective: position Andhra Pradesh as a global quantum hub.
Focus areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum-safe tech.
Goal: integrate research, industry, startups, talent.
Significance: strategic tech for national security and economy.

Airbus opens aerospace Centre of Excellence at GSV to advance sustainable aviation

Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) on 6 February 2026, reinforcing long-term collaboration with India’s central university for transportation and logistics. The CoE focuses on sustainable aviation technologies, including research on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and student-led innovation. It aims to co-create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India, supporting indigenous R&D and human capital development. The center was inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, alongside GSV officials. A key thrust is converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into SAF.

Inauguration date: 6 February 2026.
Location: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV).
Focus: sustainable aviation, SAF research, student innovation.
Part of Airbus-GSV long-term collaboration.
Effort includes MSW-to-SAF technology.

Feb 07, 2026

SPHEREx detects organic molecules on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS

NASA’s SPHEREx mission reported infrared observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, first noted in December 2025, with new findings in a research note. Scientists identified organic molecules such as methanol, cyanide and methane, suggesting complex chemistry in the icy visitor from another star system. The report also notes a pronounced brightness increase two months after its closest solar approach, a typical comet behavior as ices sublimate and vent material. Lead researcher Carey Lisse of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory described a surge of carbon-rich material in space. The results deepen understanding of organic chemistry beyond the Solar System. (Sources: NASA SPHEREx notes; Johns Hopkins APL briefing, February 2026.)

IS1 comet 3I/ATLAS observed by SPHEREx since December 2025.
Detected organic molecules: methanol, cyanide, methane.
Brightness increase observed two months after perihelion.
Implications for the chemistry of comets from other star systems.
Researchers cite space-based infrared observations as evidence.
This is a rare look at interstellar object composition.

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