Category: Science&Tech

New Research on “sigma (σ) cycle” Model

Indian scientists have played a key role in overturning a nearly five-decade-old model explaining how bacteria regulate gene expression, challenging long-standing textbook concepts in molecular biology. A new study led by researchers from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has questioned the widely accepted “sigma (σ) cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation. The findings were published in Read More …

National Science Day 2026

National Science Day was celebrated across the country on February 28 to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent physicist C. V. Raman. The day is observed annually on February 28, commemorating Raman’s groundbreaking discovery, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. National Science Day celebrations include theme-based science communication programmes, exhibitions, lectures, and outreach activities conducted nationwide. Theme for 2026 The theme Read More …

L&T wins order to build LIGO-India Observatory in Maharashtra

Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a ‘significant’ order from India’s Department of Atomic Energy to establish the LIGO-India Observatory, a major global scientific infrastructure project. Project Details About LIGO-India LIGO India is a planned advanced gravitational-wave observatory forming part of the global LIGO network. What is LIGO? The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory detects gravitational waves, not electromagnetic radiation like optical or radio telescopes. Gravitational Waves Scientific Importance Read More …

Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive to Target Adolescent Girls

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years. The vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups. Vaccine Details and Global Partnership India will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against: The vaccine is approved by India’s drug regulator and widely used internationally. Supplies have been Read More …

DRDO conducts successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

India’s human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan achieved a crucial milestone with the successful qualification-level load test of the Drogue Parachute on February 18, 2026. The test was conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Defence Research and Development Organisation located at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. Institutions Involved The test was jointly conducted by multiple Indian space and defence organisations: This collaboration highlights strong inter-agency coordination between space Read More …

India Unveils Three Sovereign AI Models at India AI Impact Summit 2026

India on 18 February 2026 unveiled three sovereign artificial intelligence models at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, marking a major step toward building indigenous AI capabilities and strengthening digital sovereignty. The models were developed by Sarvam AI, Gnani.ai, and an IIT Bombay-led consortium under the BharatGen initiative. 1. Sarvam AI’s ‘Vikram’ LLM Sarvam AI showcased a 30-billion-parameter Large Language Model named Vikram, inspired by space pioneer Vikram Read More …

What is Snowball Earth?

A new scientific study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters has uncovered evidence that shorter climate cycles continued to operate even during one of Earth’s most extreme climatic phases — the “Snowball Earth” episodes, when the planet was almost entirely frozen. What is Snowball Earth? Geologists use the term Snowball Earth to describe periods in Earth’s history when global ice sheets extended from the poles to near the equator, Read More …

Drones Power Governance, Agriculture and Defence in India

Drone usage in India is expanding rapidly across land and property surveys, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, disaster management, railway and highway monitoring, and defence operations. This growth reflects the emergence of a strong ecosystem of manufacturers, software developers, and component suppliers. Government Policy Boost The Government of India has accelerated drone adoption through liberalised regulations and digital platforms, including: These reforms have reduced compliance burdens and encouraged innovation in the Read More …

Mud Volcano Eruption In Diglipur

A mud volcano erupted suddenly near Jol Tekri in Diglipur, drawing attention to one of the region’s unique geological formations in the Andaman Islands. Located near Hathilevel, about 20 km from Diglipur, the site is part of a chain of mud volcanoes known in the region. Another well-known mud volcano location in India lies on Baratang Island. What Are Mud Volcanoes? Mud volcanoes, also called mud domes, are geological formations Read More …

What is Quorum sensing?

Renowned molecular biologist Bonnie Bassler, a professor at Princeton University, highlighted the dual role of bacteria—both harmful and life-sustaining—while explaining the revolutionary concept of bacterial communication known as quorum sensing. She described bacteria as “magical microbes” with immense promise in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Quorum sensing refers to the ability of bacteria to communicate with one another using chemical signals to coordinate behavior such as virulence, biofilm formation, or Read More …

Scientists Capture Rare Direct Collapse of Star into Black Hole

Astronomers have recorded what they say is the clearest evidence yet of a star collapsing directly into a black hole without first exploding as a supernova. The discovery was based on observations made by a National Aeronautics and Space Administration telescope. Rare Stellar Death Observed The star, named M31-2014-DS1, was located in the Andromeda Galaxy about 2.5 million light-years from Earth. Researchers found that the star gradually brightened in infrared Read More …

Continental mantle earthquakes

Researchers at Stanford University have produced the first-ever global map of a rare category of earthquakes that occur deep within the Earth’s mantle rather than in its crust. The findings have been published in the journal Science. The mantle is the thick layer sandwiched between the Earth’s thin outer crust and its molten core. While most earthquakes originate in the cold, brittle crust at depths of about 10 to 29 Read More …

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)

In a major step toward advancing rare disease research, scientists from 28 medical and research institutions across six States and two Union Territories have established India’s first government-supported national biobank dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) — a group of rare inherited metabolic conditions. The initiative integrates biological samples from 530 patients across 15 States, along with detailed clinical, biochemical and genetic data. The biobank aims to address the long-standing Read More …

National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

In a major push to astronomical research, the Union Budget 2026–27 has sanctioned the establishment of two new state-of-the-art telescopes in Ladakh, along with the upgradation of an existing facility. The move is expected to significantly strengthen India’s capabilities in studying the Sun and exploring the origins of the universe. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) One of the key projects approved is the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST), a 2-metre Read More …

ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life)

In a joint press release, NTPC and CCTE announced that they are exploring the development and deployment of ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) — a thorium-based fuel for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in India. The initiative will be subject to approvals from the respective governments in accordance with prevailing national laws. India currently deploys natural uranium oxide-based fuel in its fleet of PHWRs. This approach aligns with Read More …