General Awareness

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY - January 2026

Jan 2026

Oct 29, 2026

SBI Inaugurates CyRIS Cybersecurity Centre in Mumbai

On 26 October 2026, the State Bank of India inaugurated CyRIS, its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, in Mumbai. The centre was inaugurated by Department of Financial Services Secretary Sanjay Lohiya in the presence of SBI Chairman C. S. Setty. CyRIS operates on three pillars—THINK, INNOVATE and DEFEND—and will focus on cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, malware analysis, ethical hacking, artificial intelligence security, and quantum-safe technologies. The centre aims to strengthen banking cyber resilience, protect customer data, and advance security capabilities through research, industry partnerships, and staff training. It signals a sustained push to bolster domestic cyber infrastructure.

CyRIS Centre of Excellence inaugurated 26 Oct 2026
Three pillars: THINK, INNOVATE, DEFEND
Focus areas: threat intelligence, forensics, malware analysis
Includes AI security and quantum-safe technology
Aims to strengthen banking cyber resilience in India

Oct 28, 2026

PM Modi Inaugurates ESTIC 2026 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi on 27 October 2026. The three‑day event is at Bharat Mandapam and involves scientists, industry leaders and policymakers. ESTIC covers twelve thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and space science. The conclave aims to strengthen scientific research, promote innovation and boost industry‑academia collaboration to accelerate India’s development. Officials say ESTIC supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by turning ideas into products and creating new jobs. Delegates discussed funding, startups and international partnerships, with emphasis on inclusive growth and sustainable technology. Must‑know items from the last 48 hours are noted below.

ESTIC 2026 inaugurated on 27 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Twelve thematic areas include AI, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and space science.
Aims to strengthen research, innovation and industry‑academia collaboration.
Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 through product development and job creation.
Last 48 hours must‑know: 26 Oct 2026 Ballon d'Or Socrates Award won by Bukayo Saka; 26 Oct 2026 Indian contingent announced for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games; 27 Oct ESTIC inauguration.

Oct 27, 2026

Ashoke Sen Receives Oskar Klein Medal 2026

Renowned Indian theoretical physicist Ashoke Sen became the first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal in 2026 for his pioneering contributions to string theory and theoretical physics. Associated with the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Bengaluru, Sen's work advances fundamental understanding of quantum fields and dualities. The Oskar Klein Medal recognises outstanding achievements in theoretical physics and is named after Swedish physicist Oskar Klein. Sen’s recognition highlights India’s growing prominence in basic science and international collaboration. Scholars and students celebrated the award as a milestone for Indian science on the global stage.

Ashoke Sen awarded the Oskar Klein Medal in 2026.
First Indian recipient of the medal.
Sen is affiliated with ICTS Bengaluru and string theory research.
Medal honours achievements in theoretical physics; named after Oskar Klein.
Marks a milestone for Indian science on the world stage.

Ukraine Forms Satellite Communications Collaboration with Nokia and ICEYE

Ukraine signed a Letter of Intent with Finnish technology companies Nokia and ICEYE in October 2026 to explore a sovereign satellite communications system. The agreement was announced during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv and aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defence communications and reduce dependence on external satellite networks. ICEYE specializes in microsatellites and Earth observation. The collaboration could advance Ukraine’s digital modernization and cyber defence, providing secure, resilient connectivity for military and civilian authorities. The plan will require careful consideration of funding, governance, spectrum allocation, and integration with existing NATO-assisted networks.

Ukraine signs LOI with Nokia and ICEYE for sovereign satellite comms.
Announced during PM Orpo’s visit to Kyiv (Oct 2026).
Aims to reduce dependence on foreign satellite networks for defence.
ICEYE brings expertise in microsatellites and Earth observation.
Potential boost to Ukraine’s digital modernization and cyber defence.

Oct 21, 2026

Japan launches Martian Moons eXploration mission MMX

Japan launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission on 20 October 2026 from Tanegashima Space Center, aboard an H3 rocket. MMX aims to collect at least 10 grams of rock and soil samples from Phobos and return them to Earth in 2031. The mission will study Phobos and Deimos to better understand their origins and the broader history of Mars and the solar system. Led by JAXA with CNES and DLR, MMX will deploy a small rover on Phobos to enhance surface analysis. The launch marks a milestone in Japan's space program and international collaboration in planetary science.

MMX launched on 20 October 2026 from Tanegashima Space Center.
Liftoff aboard an H3 rocket.
Aims to return samples by 2031; collect 10 grams minimum.
Study Phobos and Deimos to inform Mars history.
International collaboration includes CNES and DLR; rover on Phobos planned.

MMX: status update after October 20 launch and planned Phobos samples 2031

On 21 October 2026, JAXA announced that the MMX spacecraft completed its initial critical operations and remained healthy following its 20 October launch. Data downlink has begun, and ground teams are validating spacecraft health. MMX, led by JAXA with CNES and DLR, will deploy a rover on Phobos to augment surface studies while collecting rock and soil samples for return to Earth in 2031. The mission’s objective is to examine Phobos’ origin, composition and potential resources, informing future exploration strategies for Mars and its moons. The MMX project marks a milestone in Japan's planetary science program and international collaboration.

Initial critical operations completed; health confirmed (21 Oct 2026).
Launch occurred on 20 Oct 2026 from Tanegashima.
Ground teams validating spacecraft status; data downlink active.
Rover deployment on Phobos planned to enhance surface studies.
Sample return to Earth targeted for 2031; CNES and DLR are partners.

Oct 18, 2026

Samsung and IISc inaugurate Quantum Research Lab in Bengaluru

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab at the IISc campus in Bengaluru on 15 October 2026. Supported by Samsung's CSR funding, the facility will pursue quantum technologies, qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability and advanced semiconductor materials. The lab aims to strengthen India's indigenous research capabilities and spur innovation in next‑generation computing. Researchers anticipate collaboration with industry to accelerate practical quantum applications in security, optimization and data processing, aligning with national science agendas to expand quantum infrastructure in higher education and bolster India's position in global quantum research.

Inauguration date: 15 October 2026; location Bengaluru.
Partnership between SSIR and IISc; CSR funding from Samsung.
Focus areas: quantum technologies, qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, device reliability, materials.
Goal: strengthen indigenous research and drive next‑generation computing.
Anticipated industry collaboration to accelerate practical quantum applications.

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