General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - December 2025

Dec 2025

May 03, 2026

Visakhapatnam to host India’s AI ambitions with Google Cloud hub

Visakhapatnam will host a major Google Cloud-powered AI hub as part of India’s push into advanced technology. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a project with an estimated investment of $15 billion, featuring a 1 gigawatt hyperscale AI data centre. The Andhra Pradesh government will allocate nearly 600 acres across Turluvada, Rambilli, and Adavivaram for the facility, which is being developed with Google Cloud, Adani ConneX, and Airtel Nxtra. The project underscores India’s rapid progress in electronics manufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space technology, while reinforcing the Semiconductor Mission’s role in building a robust domestic tech ecosystem.

Google Cloud AI Hub announced for Visakhapatnam; $15 billion investment.
1 GW hyperscale AI data centre planned; 600 acres allocated.
Partnerships with Google Cloud, Adani ConneX, Airtel Nxtra.
Supports India’s AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and space tech goals.

May 02, 2026

Karnataka Launches Space Tech Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Karnataka launched the CoE SpaceTech Foundation, the state’s first Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru. Established by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) in collaboration with the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA‑India), the initiative seeks to accelerate space tech research, industry training, and startup incubation. It aims to build a space‑tech ecosystem connecting government, industry, and academia, with applications across agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster management, and healthcare. Partnerships with leading institutions are planned to amplify research output, knowledge exchange, and private sector collaboration to advance India’s space sector.

Karnataka launches CoE SpaceTech Foundation in Bengaluru.
Joint effort by KITS and SIA‑India; state-led initiative.

May 01, 2026

NISAR detects rapid subsidence in Mexico City from space

The NISAR mission, a joint NASA‑ISRO Earth observation project launched in July 2025, has detected rapid land subsidence in Mexico City. Data show sinking rates exceeding 2 centimetres per month in some districts, driven mainly by groundwater extraction. NISAR carries a dual‑frequency radar system and one of the largest antennas in space, enabling high‑resolution mapping under cloud cover. The observations help explain infrastructure and housing risks on an ancient lakebed and guide water‑management planning. The findings underscore the value of space surveillance for megacities and long‑term urban resilience.

NISAR launched July 2025
Subsidence in Mexico City >2 cm/month
Cause: groundwater extraction on ancient lakebed
Dual‑frequency SAR; large space antenna
Implications for infrastructure and water management
Demonstrates space‑based monitoring utility

HF radar to boost Karaikal coastal monitoring

India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology will enhance coastal surveillance in Karaikal, Puducherry, by installing a high‑frequency radar system. Two shortlisted sites are Kilinjalmedu and Akkempettai. The HF radar will monitor surface currents, waves, wind pressure, and temperature gradients up to 200 kilometres offshore and detect weather events within 80–100 kilometres. It will integrate with an existing radar in Cuddalore, improving data resolution for scientific and operational use. The project expands India’s coastal observation network and supports early warning systems for cyclones and other extreme events.

HF radar installation planned for Karaikal
Sites: Kilinjalmedu, Akkempettai
Measures currents, waves, wind, temperature up to 200 km
Detection radius 80–100 km for weather events
Integration with Cuddalore radar
Enhances coastal monitoring and early warnings

Apr 30, 2026

Chandrayaan-5 Launch Site Assessments Begin in Japan

ISRO scientists began launch site assessments in Japan for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, signaling deeper space collaboration with JAXA. The objective is to evaluate Japanese launch facilities, including infrastructure, system compatibility, and safety protocols essential for a lunar mission. The ISRO-JAXA partnership underpins joint development of satellites, Earth observation, and mission planning. Assessments cover environmental conditions, logistics, and risk mitigation to ensure mission precision and reliability. Chandrayaan-5 would advance India’s lunar exploration program, leveraging international collaboration to share technology and expertise while expanding India’s role in global space science.

ISRO conducts Chandrayaan-5 launch site assessments in Japan
Partnership with JAXA strengthens lunar mission planning
Assessments include infrastructure, compatibility, safety protocols
Focus on environmental/logistical readiness and risk mitigation
Advances India’s role in international space collaboration

Finland Opens Europe’s First Integrated Lithium Project Near Kokkola

Finland launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola, marking a milestone in the region’s clean energy strategy. The plant will manage the complete lithium value chain—from mining at the Syväjärvi site to concentration, refining, and production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The 43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, and refinery, enabling an efficient supply chain for EV manufacturing and energy storage. By hosting the full cycle domestically, Finland aims to cut reliance on imports and strengthen Europe’s role in the global battery market. The project highlights a shift toward regional, high-value mineral processing and export-oriented technology.

Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola
Complete value chain: mining to battery-grade lithium hydroxide
43-kilometre network links mine, concentrator, refinery
Aims to reduce Europe’s import dependence for lithium
Strengthens Europe’s position in the battery supply chain

Oxford and Serum Institute Partner to Develop R78C Malaria Vaccine

The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India signed a licensing agreement to develop and manufacture R78C, a next-generation malaria vaccine candidate. The collaboration seeks to strengthen global malaria efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. R78C targets Plasmodium falciparum and uses a multi-stage approach with two blood-stage antigens, RIPR and CyPRA, to attack the parasite at multiple points in its lifecycle. Scientists expect stronger and longer-lasting protection, reduced disease severity, and lower transmission. If successful, the partnership could enable affordable large-scale production and distribution, boosting immunization campaigns and advancing next-generation vaccine research.

Oxford and Serum Institute collaborate on R78C vaccine
Targets Plasmodium falciparum with multi-stage approach
Incorporates RIPR and CyPRA antigens
Aims for stronger, longer-lasting protection and lower transmission
Potential for affordable large-scale production

Europe’s First Complete Lithium Value Chain Begins

Europe initiated its first fully integrated lithium value chain, linking mining, processing, and chemical production within a European framework. The end-to-end approach is designed to shorten supply lines, reduce import dependence, and expedite EV and energy storage manufacturing in Europe. The collaboration among mining firms, processing facilities, and policymakers aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals for the continent’s green transition. By consolidating activities within Europe, the project seeks to foster local jobs, accelerate innovation in battery materials, and attract investment in regional infrastructure dedicated to sustainable energy materials.

First end-to-end lithium value chain in Europe
Links mining, processing, and chemical production domestically
Aims to cut import dependence and boost EV manufacturing
Public-private collaboration to secure critical minerals
Supports regional innovation and investment in battery materials

Apr 29, 2026

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP to co-develop AI-powered drones

IdeaForge, Mumbai-based leader in unmanned aerial systems, and Japan’s DMP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop next-generation AI-powered drones. The collaboration aims to leverage Japanese AI and robotics expertise with IdeaForge’s drone platforms to enable smarter, more autonomous operations. Focus areas include enhanced situational awareness, advanced decision-making, and adaptability in complex environments. The partnership is designed to push drone innovation for defence and civilian applications and reinforces India’s role in indigenous drone technology and international cooperation. The MoU signals a strategic step toward stronger AI-enabled aerial capabilities with broad potential uses in surveillance, disaster response, and industrial inspections.

IdeaForge and Japan’s DMP sign MoU to develop AI-powered drones.
Aims to combine Japan’s AI/robotics with IdeaForge’s platforms for autonomy.
Targets improved situational awareness and autonomous decision-making.
Intended for defence and civilian applications; supports indigenous tech leadership.
MoU signals expansion of AI-enabled aerial capabilities for multiple sectors.

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