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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – January .................................................................................................................... 3
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – February ................................................................................................................. 8
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – March .................................................................................................................... 13
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – April....................................................................................................................... 16
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – May ........................................................................................................................ 26
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – June ....................................................................................................................... 34
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020 – July......................................................................................................................... 39
Tongxin Jishu Shiyan China China has successfully launched a new communication
Weixing -5 (TJSW-5) technology experiment satellite by its Long March-3B (also
known as CZ [Chang Zheng]-3B) carrier rocket. The mission
lifted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan
Province, a southwestern Chinese province. It was the
324th mission for the Long March series of carrier rockets.
Two Coast Guard ships Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur commissioned at Kolkata
The two Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) namely Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur were commissioned and
deployed along the eastern coast by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar at Khidderpore park, Kolkata, West
Bengal. Annie Besant will be based at Chennai, Tamil Nadu under the operational and administrative
control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region(East). It is commanded by Commandant (JG) Sunny
Deo.Amrit Kaur will be based at Haldia, West Bengal under the operational and administrative control
of the Commander,Coast Guard Region (North East). It is commanded by Commandant (JG) Himanshu
India lands LCA Tejas on INS Vikramaditya for the first time
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has made a successful landed on the India's biggest warship INS
Vikramaditya. The maiden landing was conducted by Commodore Jaideep Maolankar.India becomes
sixth nation to master the art of an arrested landing and ski-jump take off on the deck of a carrier after
Russia, the United States (US), France, the United Kingdom (UK)and China.LCA was developed by
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) long with Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO).
H9N2 virus: Indian scientists detect India's 1st case of infection in Maharashtra
Scientists of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, Maharashtra have detected the 1st case of
H9N2 virus ,a rare subtype of influenza virus A, in a 17-month-old boy in Maharashtra. The discovery
has been published in the December 2019 issue of journal ‘Emerging Infectious Diseases’ of the US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr Varsha Potdar, senior scientist at NIV, is the lead
author of the study along with Dr Pragya Yadav and Dr M S Chadha.
A 17-year-old intern at NASA, Wolf cukier discovers new planet ‘TOI 1338b’ 1300 light years away
Wolf Cukier, a 17-year-old boy from New York (United States), has discovered a planet named “TOI
1338b” that is 1,300 light years away & about 6.9 times larger than Earth, on the 3rd day of his
internship at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). He used NASA's alien-hunting
space telescope TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) for his record breaking discovery. Another
special thing is that the planet, which lies in the Pictor constellation, orbits 2 stars, one of which is 10 %
larger than our Sun, while the other is much smaller and less bright. The planet orbits the pair of stars
every 93 - 95 days.
NASA Discovers Potentially Habitable Earth-Sized World “TOI 700 d” in Star's 'Goldilocks' Zone
Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) has discovered an Earth-sized world ‘Goldilocks’ zone within the habitable range of the star.
Scientists confirmed the find as TOI 700 d by using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope (SST). First,
habitable-zone Earth-sized planet is TOI 700 d, the outermost planet 20% larger than Earth and orbits
its star in 37 days.
iii.TOI 700 d is 100 light-years away from earth.
India's 1st Sukhoi-30 squadron to be stationed in Thanjavur, TN: IAF chief RKS Bhadauria
As per the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh (RKS) Bhadauria,
the induction ceremony of a Sukhoi-30 MKIs (Su-30 MKI) squadron in the southern skies will take place
in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu (TN) on January
20,2020. The range of this will be in the Indian ocean region (IOR) up to Suez Canal. The Indian Air
Force ‘s 222 Squadron, ‘The Tigersharks’ has been resurrected to be opertionalized Brahmos
equipped Sukhoi-30 air superiority fighter with twin-engine. Read full details here: India’s 1st Sukhoi-
30 squadron to be stationed in Thanjavur, TN: IAF chief RKS Bhadauria
Health ministry takes action for the recent novel coronavirus outbreak in China
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of govt. of India has initiated various measures
as a precaution for the recent outbreak of the 2019 Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China including
screening at airports. The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) under the Chairmanship of DGHS has also to
assess the risk and also to review the preparedness in combating the virus. National Institute of
Virology, Pune (Maharashta) will test samples of nCoV. Apart from China, Japan, Thailand and South
Korea have reported cases of coronavirus and there are some suspected cases in Vietnam and
Singapore also. Read full details here: Health ministry takes action for the recent novel coronavirus
outbreak in China
In a 1st, TSEC to use face recognition app in 2020 Telangana Municipal polls on pilot basis
The Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) of the Indian state of Telangana, for the first time in
India will use facial recognition in the Telangana Municipal polls to counter impersonation by the
voters. This will be done on a pilot basis in selected 10 polling stations of Telangana’s Kompally
Municipality of Medchal Malkajgiri district. The pictorial data collected during the process will be
deleted from the memory of mobile phone used and also from the server of Telangana State Technology
Services (TSTS).
POLNET 2.0 was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs (MHA) Nityanand Rai inaugurated revamped police
communication services POLNET 2.0. It is armed with robust multi-media facility. POLNET 2.0 is a
captive satellite-based network that provides video, audio and data connectivity across the country,
especially in times of disasters when regular communication either gets jammed or crashes. POLNET
2.0 provides video-conferencing facility to four entities sitting at different locations across the country
with Internet-enabled multimedia services.
1st unmanned mission will be launched in December 2020 as a preparation for 'Gaganyaan': ISRO
According to the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), chairman Dr Kailasavadivoo Sivan, ISRO
would launch 2 unmanned missions in December 2020 and June 2021 in view of the launch of India’s
first manned spacecraft “Gaganyaan” in December 2021. For this, ISRO has prepared women
robot ‘Vyom Mitra’ (means a friend in Sky) for sending into space. It is designed & developed by the
ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) in collboration with Indian Institute of
Science (IIsc) Bengaluru, Karnataka, is half-humanoid and its body stops at the torso (the part of the
human body where the limbs are attached) and without legs. France to train Indian flight surgeons for
Gaganyaan expedition. Read full details here: 1st unmanned mission will be launched in December
2020 as a preparation for 'Gaganyaan': ISRO
New mission launched by NASA & ESA to take first pics of Sun’s poles
NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration) and ESA (European Space Agency) will jointly
launch a new spacecraft- “The Solar Orbiter Spacecraft” to take first pictures of Sun’s north and south
Qualcomm launches 3 new chipsets – Snapdragon 720G, 662 &460 with Indian GPS system NavIC
In a major step to Made in India GPS (Global Positioning System) alternative, Qualcomm, an american
multinational chipset manufacturer, has launched 3 chipsets in India – Snapdragon 720G, 662 and 460,
along with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). All 3 chipsets feature Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
and Bluetooth 5.1 support &the most important thing is that these 3 chipsets of Qualcomm have been
developed with support for ISRO’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), a technology
considered an advanced location positioning and navigation system than the GPS technology currently
in use. Apart from NavIC, these chipsets will also support the widely used GNSS (Global Navigation
Satellite System).
NCRB Launched ‘Searching the missing persons’ & ‘Generate Vehicle NOC’ services.
NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) launched 2 police related Citizen centric services-- “Searching
the missing persons" & "Generating vehicle NOC (No Objection Certificate)" on CCTNS (Crime &
Criminal Tracking Network and Systems) platform. Shri Arvind Kumar, Director, Intelligence Bureau
launched the online services and inaugurated Cyber Tipline Monitoring facility in NCRB, New Delhi. The
online services can be accessed through ‘digitalpolicecitizenservices.gov.in’ portal or through a link in
the existing ‘Digital Police Portal’.
Missing Person Search:The citizens can search for their missing child/person in the national
database in order to recover the unidentified person.
Generate Vehicle NOC:It helps the buyer to know the status of the vehicle before its second hand
purchase (suspicious or clear from police records).
ICAR & IVRI released Classical Swine Fever (CSF) cell culture vaccine in New Delhi
Dr.Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Departments of Agricultural and Research Foundation (DARE) &
Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary,
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) released the Live attenuated Classical Swine
Fever (CSF) cell culture Vaccine at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi. The vaccine was developed by ICAR and
IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute).
IIT-Madras develops new AI tech to convert speech Impaired Humans Brain Signals into
Meaningful Language
Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) researchers team lead by Vishal Nandigana, assistant
Professor in Fluid Systems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed an
Artificial Intelligence technology to convert Brain signals of Speech-Impaired Humans into simple
Human Language English. This technology also helps the researchers to collect the information or
action of Natural Reactions like Plant Photosynthesis and also what Nature is trying to communicate
with us, this helps to predict Monsoons, Earthquakes, Tsunami and other Natural calamities by
converting their signals into Human Language.
IT department introduced e-calculator to compare due tax under new and old regime
Income Tax (IT) Department launched an e-calculator for individuals to estimate their tax liability for
new tax slabs without claiming deductions & exemptions for ITR (Income Tax Return) filing. The
calculator, with a comparative table comparing the taxes of the old and new tax for the financial year
(2020-21) has been hosted on the official e-filing website of the department. The web portal is used for
filing electronic income tax returns (ITRs) by individuals and various other taxpayers.
4,000-year-old crafts village unearthed near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh by Banaras University
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
Professor, Anil Kumar Dubey and his team discovered a 4000-year-old urban settlement, which is
mentioned as craft villages as per Ancient texts, in Babhaniyav village, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. On the
preliminary survey of the site, BHU found a temple which belongs to the 5th Century AD through 8th
Century AD, potteries which are 4000-year-old and walls which are 2000-year-old.
Union Minister of Defence Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates new Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
Production Hangar at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) complex in Bengaluru
Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Light Combat Helicopter
(LCH) Production Hangar at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) complex in Bengaluru, karnataka.
LCH is designed & developed by HAL, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). LCH is a 5.5 ton class
combat helicopter powered by 2 Shakti engines. LCH TD (Technology Demonstrator) – 1 is the first
attack helicopter in India to land in Forward bases at Siachen, 4700 metres above the sea level with 500
kg Load on March 29,2010. Read full details here: Union Minister of Shri Rajnath Singh
inaugurates new Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Hangar at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
complex in Bengaluru
Astronomers detect biggest explosion in the Universe since the Big Bang in Ophiuchus galaxy
cluster
An international team of Astronomers including from the Curtin University node of the International
Centre for Radio Astronomy Research in Perth, Australia, have discovered biggest explosion seen in the
universe since the Big Bang. The explosion occurred in the Ophiuchus galaxy cluster, 390 million light-
years from Earth. The discovery has been published in The Astrophysical Journal & Lead author of the
study was Dr Simona Giacintucci, from the Naval Research Laboratory in America. Astronomers used 4
telescopes for the discovery of explosion including Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in India.
UAE discovers new natural ‘Jebel Ali gas field’ between Abu Dhabi, Dubai
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has discovered huge shallow gas resources called ‘Jebel Ali gas field’
with estimated reserves of 80 trillion standard cubic feet spanning an area of 5,000 square kilometres
(sqkm) in the cross-border area of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company (ADNOC), the government-owned energy giant, will jointly develop the reservoir with
distributor the Dubai Supply Authority (DSA).
NASA astronaut Christina Koch returns to Earth after record longest stay in ISS
NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) astronaut Christina Koch(41 years) from
United States(US)who made the 1st all female space walk in 2019 landed in Kazakh desert steppe of
Kazakhstan in a Soyuz MS-13 capsule. She has landed after making a record of longest stay on the
International Space Station (ISS). She made her landing after ending a 328 days mission in space.
Iran unveils new ballistic missile ‘Raad-500’; dedicated to former Major General Qasim
Sulemani
In the midst of increased tension with the US (United States), Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has launched
a short-range ballistic missile, “Raad-500” having a power generation engine ‘Zoheir’ (which is made of
alloy) to put the satellite into orbit. Zoheir is lighter than the steel engine built earlier, so it is much
easier for the missile to catch fast speed. It has been dedicated to the former head Quds Force, a unit of
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a
drone strike by the US in Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020.
US scientists discover the newborn massive planet closer to earth called “2MASS 1155-7919 b”
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, New York, US (Uinted States) have detected the
nearest-known ‘baby giant planet’ called 2MASS 1155-7919 b, just 330 light-years from Earth. It is
located in the Epsilon Chamaeleontis Association.The scientists discovered this very young exoplanet
by using data from Gaia space observatory. The study has been published in the journal Research Notes
of the American Astronomical Society.
Netherlands Scientists discovered new snail species; named after Swedish climate activist
Greta Thunberg
A group of scientists with Naturalis Biodiversity Center,a research center on biodiversity based in
Leiden, the Netherlands, have discovered a new species of land snail and named it “Craspedotropis
gretathunbergae” in honour of the young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg for her efforts to
raise awareness about climate change. The snails have been found near the research center at Kuala
Belalong Field Studies Centre in Brunei. The newly discovered species belong to the group of
caenogastropods. The description of the snail published in the Biodiversity Data Journal.
Scientists discover breathable oxygen in galaxy outside of Milky Way for 1st time
A team of astronomers at China’s Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, led by Junzhi Wang has
identified molecular oxygen in a galaxy outside the Milky Way.The team identified the presence of
molecular oxygen by analyzing light waves that had reached Earth from Markarian 231, a galaxy around
581 million light years away. The discovery has been published in Astrophysical Journal. The light wave
readings were taken at two different locations: the IRAM (Institute for Radio Astronomy in the
Millimeter Range) 30-meter telescope in Granada, Spain, and the Northern Extended Millimeter Array
telescope in the French Alps.
Astronomers at UBC Astronomy club discovers 17 new planets, including earth-sized world
A team of Astronomers including a student Michelle Kunimoto at University of British Columbia
(UBC) astronomy in Canada has discovered 17 new planets, including a potentially habitable Earth-
sized rocky body that may have liquid water, by combing through data collected by NASA’s (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration) Kepler Space Telescope, which was launched in 2009, and
retired in October 2018. The findings has been published in ‘The Astronomical Journal’.The finding also
8,000 years old Carbon founded inside The Yongle Blue Hole (YBH)
Peng Yao & his team at the Ocean University of China in Qingdao found 8,000 years old Carbon inside
The Yongle Blue Hole (YBH), the world’s deepest blue hole, in the South China Sea. YBH has a depth of
300 metres from top to bottom which puts down Dean’s Blue Hole in Bahamas of 202 metres depth
from the position of the world’s deepest blue hole.
Advanced Extremely High United States (US) The United States (US) Space Force launched its
Frequency (AEHF)-6 1st national security mission on March 26, 2020
by sending an ultra-secure military
communication satellite into orbit called
Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)-6
(developed by Lockheed martin) from Cape
Canaveral, Florida on the Atlas V551 rocket.
NATIONAL
RaIDer-X, a new explosive detection device unvieled in National Workshop on Explosive
Detection (NWED-2020) held in Pune, Maharashtra
RaIDer-X (Rapid Identification Detector), is a new explosive detection device with a capability to detect
explosives from a stand-off distance was unveiled during the National Workshop on Explosive
Detection (NWED-2020). It is co-developed by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
Pune and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, Karnataka.
National Workshop on Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) was held in Pune, Maharashtra which
was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence Research &Development and Chairman
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr G Satheesh Reddy. The two-day
workshop has been organised by HEMRL in Pune, Maharashtra on its diamond jubilee
celebration.
Read full details here: RaIDer-X, a new explosive detection device unvieled in National Workshop on
Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) held in Pune, Maharashtra
IASST researchers have found endophytic Actinobacteria -to replace fertilizers & fungicides in
tea plants
Researchers team led by Dr. Debajit Thakur from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and
Technology (IASST) Guwahati, an autonomous institute under Department of Science & Technology
found endophytic Actinobacteria in relation to tea plants & related genera, Eurya to find potent plant
growth-promoting strains. The application of this bacterium will reduce chemical inputs in Tea
plantation & can be used in management & sustainability of Tea crops.
Scientists at ARCI- Hyderabad develops ‘solar receiver tube technology’ for industrial process
heat
Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials
(ARCI), Hyderabad (Telangana), has developed a cost-effective ‘solar receiver tube technology’ that
absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat for the targeted applications, especially in industries.
ARCI has filed 2 patent applications for this technology and inked an MoU with Greenera Energy India
Private Limited for technology transfer, that aims to develop the solar receiver tube for wider market
absorption.
Scientists from INST develops starch-based ‘hemostat’ material to stop rapid blood loss during
accidents
Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the
Department of Science & Technology, developed a starch-based ‘hemostat’ material which absorbs
excess fluid by concentrating the natural clotting factors in the blood that stops the rapid blood loss.
The Product is developed Dr. Ghosh’s Team.
Pune based ARI scientists develop biofortified high-protein wheat variety ‘MACS 4028’
A team of Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, Maharashtra, have developed
‘MACS 4028’, a biofortified wheat variety, which shows high-protein content of around 14.7% good
nutritional quality having zinc 40.3 ppm, and iron content of 40.3 ppm and 46.1ppm (parts per million)
respectively. The development done by the scientist has been published in the Indian Journal of
Genetics and Plant Breeding.
ARCI, Hyderabad develops ‘ultrafast laser surface texturing technology’ to improve the fuel
efficiency of IC engines
International Advanced Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad (Telangana),
which functions as a grants-in-aid institution of the Government of India’s Department of Science &
Technology (DST), has developed ‘ultrafast laser surface texturing technology’, which can enhance the
efficiency of fuel in internal combustion (IC) engines by reducing friction.
INTERNATIONAL
Doctors uses CRISPR technology to cure blindness for the very first time
Doctors from Oregon Health and Science Institute, Portland uses gene editing tool CRISPR (Clustered
Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to cure blindness who have suffered from
Leber congenital amaurosis. Leber congenital amaurosis is the Blindness in early childhood.
Falcon 9 rocket Kennedy Space Center SpaceX a private American aerospace company,
in Florida, US has successfully launched 60 Starlink broadband
satellites aboard Falcon 9 rocket from the Launch
Pad 39A at NASA’s (National Aeronautics and
Space Administration) Kennedy Space Center in
Florida, US (United States). Starlink aims to
provide low cost internet in some parts of US and
Canada.
Noor Iran Iran launched its 1st military satellite into orbit
named “Noor” (means ‘light’). The satellite has
successfully reached an orbit of 425 kilometers
above the Earth’s surface. It was launched by
launch vehicle named Qased (means ‘messenger’)
from a space center in Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s largest
desert.
Tainwen-1 China China National Space Administration (CNSA) has
named its first Mars exploration mission as
“Tainwen-1” and also released its logo
“Lanxingjiutian” during the online celebration of
“Space Day” which marks the 50th anniversary of
the launch of the country’s first satellite Dong
Fang Hong-1 in 1970. Click here
NATIONAL
Pune Woman behind First Indian made testing tool “Pathodetect Covid-19 Kit”
Virologist Minal Dakhave Bhosale the research and development chief of Mylab Discovery Solutions in
Pune, headed the team which designed corona virus testing kit called ‘Mylab PathoDetect COVID-19
Qualitative PCR kit’ in just 6 weeks and it can provide results in just 2.5hours. The kit is also known as
the Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. MyLab is the first Indian company
has received full approval to make and sell Covid-19 testing kits.
Pune based company develops technology- “Scitech Airon negative ion generator”
Jclean weather Technology private limited, company of Science & Technology (Scitech) Park, Pune has
developed a technology- “Scitech Airon negative ion generator” to control viral, bacterial and fungal
infections in closed environments can clean the air & disinfect areas caused by COVID-19 positive cases
& suspects. It is devoped under Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) NIDHI-PRAYAS program.
Bione launches India’s 1st home screening test kit for COVID-19
Bengaluru based startup Bione, a genetic and microbiome testing firm has launched India’s 1st home
screening test kit for COVID-19 & is approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The catridge
provided can read the results within 5-10 minutes. The prices of the kit range from Rs 2,000 to 3,000 &
it will be delivered within 2-3 days of ordering.
Indian Railways’ RCF unit developed low-cost ventilator ‘Jeevan’ to fight COVID-19
The Indian Railways’ coach producing unit Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala in Punjab has developed
a low-cost ventilator ‘Jeevan’ to combat covid-19 crisis. The cost of “Jeevan” is around Rs 10,000 without
the compressor and it will not rise over Rs 30,000 even after adding a few more indicators. The ventilator
is now awaiting the final clearance from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Jeevan will
produce low cost-effective service as other ventilators cost between 5-15 lakhs.
DST set up CAWACH at SINE, IIT-B for supporting startups with funding to tackle COVID-19
The National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) of Department of
Science and Technology (DST) has nominated Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), an
umbrella organisation at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for the formulation of Centre for
Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH).
Commerce Ministry designs online platform to issue certificate of origin for exporters
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has created an online platform to issue key documents required
for exports to countries with which India has trade agreements. It is designed as a single-point access for
all Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), all designated Certificate of
Origin (CoO) issuing agencies and for all export products to facilitate shipment during the COVID-19
crisis. It is accessible at https://coo.dgft.gov.in, with effect from April 7, 2020.
Larsen & Toubro gets big contract from Indian Army to install state-of-the-art IT enabled
network
Indian multinational conglomerate company Larson & Toubro has received a large order from the Indian
Army to install state-of-the-art IT (Information Technology) based state-of-the-art systems, which will
be used to operate the armed force network under the ‘Network of Spectrum (NFS)’.
DRDO & Wipro 3D team together to create full face shield for healthcare personnel treating
coronavirus patients
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an agency under Defence Ministry has
partnered with private firm Wipro 3D to create a full-face shield, which is meant to be helpful for doctors
and nurses who are treating patients infected with COVID-19.
CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune ties up with BEL to produce medical devices
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) constituent Lab, CSIR-NCL (National Chemical
Laboratory) Pune, Maharashtra has developed two new medical components in collaboration with
Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Pune viz: Digital IR Thermometer & Oxygen enrichment unit (OEU) -
developed by CSIR-NCL with Genrich membranes.
Indian Immunologicals ties up with Australian university to develop vaccine for Covid-19
Hyderabad- based Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a subsidiary of National Dairy Development
Board (NDDB), has inked agreement with Australia’s Griffith University to develop a Live Attenuated
SARS CoV-2 Vaccine or COVID- 19 vaccine using the latest codon de-optimisation technology.
Centre launched Aarogya Setu IVRS for non-smart phones in collaboration with TN govt and IIT-
Madras
Department of Telecommunication (DoT) under Ministry of Communications in partnership with Tamil
Nadu (TN) government and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched its complementary
initiative named “Aarogya Setu Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)”. The basic difference between
Bharat Biotech ties-up with FluGen & US virologists to develop intranasal vaccine for
coronavirus ‘CoroFlu’
Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech International Ltd, a leading vaccines & bio-therapeutics manufacturers
in India, has joined hands with FluGen Inc, US and virologists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in
Wisconsin, US, to begin the development and testing of a new intranasal vaccine for COVID-19 called
‘CoroFlu’.
COVID-19: SCTIMST scientists develop disinfection gateway & face mask disposal bin
Kerala based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST) an autonomous
institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have designed two technologies of-
disinfection gateway and face mask disposal bin to fight COVID-19 pandemic.
BEL & AIIMS- Rishikesh jointly develops remote health monitoring system for coronavirus cases
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)– Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL), an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, have jointly developed India’s 1st
remote health monitoring system. With this help, the remote parameters of coronavirus (COVID-19)-
infected patients quarantined in homes and hospitals can be detected from anywhere.
COVID-19: IIT-Bombay researchers develop ‘digital stethoscope’ which can hear heartbeat from
a distance
A team from Biomedical Engineering & Technology incubation Centre (BETiC) at the Indian Institute of
Technology of Bombay (IIT-B) has developed a “digital stethoscope” that can listen to hear beats from a
distance and record. It minimises the risk to doctors and health care professionals who are handling
COVID- 19 patients.
Google and Apple ties-up to create coronavirus contact tracing technology by smartphone
Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company, has partnered with Google LLC have jointly
create a COVID-19 contact tracing technology using Bluetooth signals. Both companies are launching a
tracing tool for Google Android phones and Apple iPhones through which it will be easy to notify people
via smartphone if they meet any patient infected with covid-19.
DST funds SBPL to develop Immunodiagnostic kits & Active Virosome Vaccine: COVID-19
The Department of Science &Technology (DST) has funded a Pune based startup, Seagull BioSolutions
Private Limited (SBPL) is supported under Seed Support System of the Technology Development Board
(TDB) to develop Immunodiagnostic kits & Active Virosome (AV)-Vaccine for COVID-19 emergencies.
C-DOT and Telecom Service Providers develop COVID Quarantine Alert System
The Department of Telecommunication and C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) in
coordination with Telecom Service Providers have developed and tested COVID Quarantine Alert System
application which automatically triggers an email (Electronic Mail) or SMS (Short Message Service) if any
identified corona positive person moves away from their quarantine location.
COVID-19: Kerala institute develops Chitra GeneLAMP-N test kit gives results in 2 hours
The Kerala based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), under
the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed a low-cost diagnostic test kit “Chitra
GeneLAMP-N” that can confirm COVID-19 in just 2 hours.
Automatic Mist Based Sanitisers Dispensing Unit & UV Sanitisation Box and Hand-held UV device
introduced: DRDO
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced Automatic Mist Based Sanitiser
Dispensing Unit [developed by The Centre for Fire Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES)] &
UltraViolet (UV) Sanitisation Box and Hand-held UV device [designed & developed by Defence Institute
of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS)] to
enhance the operations at public places during the pandemic.
Gujarat’s GBRC: 2nd Indian institute to decode COVID-19 genome sequence; 3 new mutations
found
Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) has become the second institute in India after the
National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, Maharashtra to decode the entire genome sequence of the
COVID-19 virus. GBRC has totally found 9 mutations in its genome sequence. However, 6 of the mutations
were already found by other research institutes globally but the three new mutations may help in
developing medicines. The first genome sequence of the COVID-19 virus was found by China CDC in
Bejing, China on January 10, 2020.
New model to predict ionospheric electron density to help communication & navigation
The Researchers from Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Navi Mumbai, an autonomous Institute
under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) have developed a global model to predict the
ionospheric electron density with larger data coverage- a crucial need for communication and navigation.
TDB approves funds for MYLAB for production of COVID-19 diagnostic kits
The Technology Development Board (TDB) under Department of Science and Technology (DST), has
approved financial support to MyLab Discovery Solutions, Pune to increase the production of COVID-19
diagnostic kits developed by them. The efforts were made to increase the production rate of diagnostic
kits from 30,000 tests per day to 1 lakh tests per day. The kit has been approved by Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
IIT-Mandi team develops magnetic RAM to enable higher data storage & faster computation
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi team, developed a magnetic Random Access Memory (RAM)
using spintronic technology which is faster, more energy-efficient and capable of storing more
information in a smaller volume than existing data storage technologies. The research by the team has
been published in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, a reputed international journal.
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute developed magnetic nanoparticle-based RNA extraction kit for PCR
and LAMP tests for COVID-19
Kerala Based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has developed
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction kit namely “Chitra Magna” for segregating RNA from swabs samples
for COVID-19 tests that will enhance the chances of identifying positive cases of the contagion. The
IIT-Delhi develops first low-cost probe free detection assay approved by ICMR
The Researchers at Kusuma School of Biological Sciences (KSBS) of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Delhi, develops the first probe free real time PCR diagnostic assay for detecting the COVID-19 to help
reduce the cost of testing has got approval from the Indian Medical Council of Medical Researches (IMCR).
CSIR-IICT collaborates with LAXAI Life Sciences to reduce dependency for APIs and drug
intermediates
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology(IICT), a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research(CSIR) has collaborated with LAXAI Life Sciences Private Limited, an integrated pharmaceutical
company, to develop and manufacture Active pharmaceutical ingredients(APIs) and drug intermediates,
which will help to reduce dependency of the Indian pharmaceutical sector on Chinese imports of these
ingredients.
National Innovation Foundation (NIF) boosts new varieties of Anthurium, by VasiniBai, lady
innovator from Kerala
D VasiniBai, a women innovator from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has developed 10 varieties of
Anthurium by cross-pollination. The salient features of the Anthurium varieties are large beautiful
flowers, different colors of spathe and spadix, long stalks, better shelf life and good market value.
IIT-Roorkee professor develops software to detect COVID-19 within 5 seconds using X-ray scan
Kamal Jain, professor IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, has developed a software which can detect COVID-19
within 5 seconds using x-ray scan of the suspected patient. The software will not only reduce testing costs
but will also reduce the risk of exposure to healthcare professionals.
INTERNATIONAL
NASA to launch new mission ‘SunRISE’ to study the Giant Solar Particle Storms
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch its new mission called the Sun
Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE), a very large radio telescope to study how the sun
generates & releases the giant space weather storms (solar particle storms) into planetary space. The
study will help to protect the astronauts that travel to the moon & mars by providing better information
on how the Sun’s radiation affects the space environment in which they travel.
NASA’s Artemis: First human base camp on Moon’s South Pole by 2024
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled its plan to setup ‘Artemis’, the first
human base camp on Moon’s South Pole by 2024 through a 13-page report titled “NASA’s Plan for
Sustained Lunar Exploration and Development”. The Artemis program aims to land first woman and next
man on the moon by 2024. The program is carried out by NASA along with European Space Agency (ESA),
the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Australian Space
Agency (ASA).
For the first time, NASA scientists measure wind speed on a brown dwarf
Scientists at the American space agency, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), has
measured wind speed on a brown dwarf named 2MASS J10475385+2124234, which is located 32 light-
years from Earth, by using the National Science Foundation’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) &
NASA’s recently retired infrared observatory and the Spitzer Space Telescope. The details of finding were
published in Journal Science.
Pharma majors Sanofi & GlaxoSmithKline joined hands to prepare vaccine for coronavirus
British multinational pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline plc, has tied-up with France’s
Pharmaceutical company Sanofi S.A., to develop the COVID-19 vaccine to deal with the current epidemic.
Both companies plan to conduct the first phase clinical trials in the second half of 2020.
Scientists at NASA discovers Earth-like planet ‘Kepler-1649c’ found to be hidden in early Kepler
data
A team of scientists at the US (United States) space agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration), has discovered an Earth-size exoplanet (1.06 larger than Earth & 300 light years away),
called Kepler–1649c, orbiting in its red dwarf star’s habitable zone. The findings have been published in
the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
First black hole merger of uneven massed observed by LIGO-VIRGO; indicated by GW190412
signal in April 2019
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Laboratory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo
Collaboration also known as LVC (LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration) discovered
binary black hole (BBH) merger with different masses for the first time. This study has been published in
preprint server ArXiv.
Read More Details Here: First black hole merger of uneven massed observed by LIGO-VIRGO; indicated
by GW190412 signal in April 2019
Near-Earth asteroid 1998 OR2 to pass within 3.9m miles of Earth: NASA
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), asteroid 1998 OR2 a large near-
Earth asteroid, measuring about 1.5-mile-wide (2-kilometer-wide) will pass by earth within 3.9 million
miles (6.3 million kilometers), which is about 16 times farther away than the moon. Near-Earth small
asteroid 2020 HS7, estimated to be 13 to 24 feet (4 to 8 meters) in size, safely passed Earth on April 28.
IMD releases list of 169 names for upcoming tropical cyclones: North Indian Ocean
India Meteorological Department (IMD), an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government
of India (GoI), has released a detailed list containing 169 names (list comprises names of 13 cyclones each
for the 13 member nations) of upcoming tropical cyclones that are likely to occur over the north Indian
Ocean including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The 13 names for India include Gati, Tej, Murasu,
Aag, Vyom, Jhar, Probaho, Neer, Prabhanjan, Ghurni, Ambud, Jaladhi and Vega.
IIG developed 1D fluid simulation code to study electric field structure in Earth’s Magnetosphere
The Scientists at Mumbai based Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have developed a generalized
one-dimensional (1D) fluid simulation code capable of studying a wide spectrum of coherent electric field
structures in near-earth plasma environment or earth’s magnetosphere. This development will help in
the planning of future space missions. The results obtained through fluid simulation code, published in
the journal Physics of Plasmas
COVID-19: CIMAP’s Herbal products ‘CIM-Paushak’ and ‘Herbal Cough Syrup’ boost immunity
Researchers at Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Institute of Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, have developed scientifically proven two herbal products ‘CIM-
Paushak’ and ‘Herbal Cough Syrup’ which can boost the immunity of the persons as well as helps in
reducing the dry cough symptom generally associated with the coronavirus infection.
SCTIMST develops 2 types of swabs and viral transport medium for COVID-19 testing
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government
of India (GOI) have developed two types of nasal and oral swabs and viral transport medium for COVID-
19 testing. ChitraEmBed & ChitraEnMesh are the name of swabs.
Read More Details Here: SCTIMST develops 2 types of swabs and viral transport medium for COVID-19
testing
CSIR receives approval for clinical trial of two drugs, ‘phytopharmaceutical & favipiravir’ to treat
COVID-19
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has received approval from Drug Controller
General of India (DCGI – VG Somani) for its two clinical trial drugs- “favipiravir” and
“phytopharmaceutical”- to combat COVID-19.
ICMR-NIV develops 1st indigenous antibody detection kit “COVID KAVACH ELISA” for COVID-19
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has announced the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-
National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has developed the 1st indigenous anti-Severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) test kit, “COVID KAVACH ELISA” for antibody detection of COVID-19. Also, ICMR has
partnered with Zydus Cadila, a global healthcare company for mass-scale production of the ELISA test
kits after its development.
Parakh: DRDO- DFRL’s mobile microbial containment lab handed over to MMCRI
Mysuru based Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a laboratory of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO), has handed over an innovative, state of the art Mobile Microbial
Containment (BSL-3) Laboratory ‘PARAKH’ to the Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute
(MMCRI) to test samples of Covid-19 at its hi-tech Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL).
DRDO lab develops DRUVS, an automated UV system to sanitise electronic gadgets, papers &
currency notes
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad based Defence Research and Development Organization
(DRDO) premier lab, developed an automated contactless Ultraviolet C (UVC) sanitisation cabinet called
Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser (DRUVS). It has been designed to sanitise mobile phones, iPads,
laptops, currency notes, cheque leaves, challans, passbooks, paper, envelopes, etc.
ICMR ties up with BBIL to develop the 1st fully indigenous COVID-19 vaccine
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced its tie-up with Bharat Biotech International Ltd
(BBIL) to develop the 1st fully indigenous COVID-19 vaccine by using the virus strain isolated at the
National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. The strain has been successfully transferred from NIV to BBIL.
Earlier, the company announced that it has been working on CoroFlu, a one-drop COVID-19 nasal vaccine
built on a flu vaccine backbone which has proven to be safe for humans.
Read More Details Here: ICMR ties up with BBIL to develop the 1st fully indigenous COVID-19 vaccine
Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launches Central University of Odisha helpline ‘Bharosa’ to help
students in distress
Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched Central
University of Odisha (CUO) Helpline “Bharosa” and its Helpline Number 08046801010 through a virtual
platform to relieve the distress of student community during the troubled time of the COVID-19.
TVS Group, IIT-M develop automated respiratory assist device “Sundaram Ventago”
The Sundaram Medical Foundation of TVS group and IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)- Madras, have
jointly developed a low-cost, automated respiratory assistance device named “Sundaram Ventago” that
will be useful in remote and rural areas where ventilator facilities are not available and would have a
great impact of post COVID-19. The device has been designed according to internationally accepted
medical standards in collaboration with the Madras Medical College (MMC), Kauvery Hospital and with
guidance from MIT-Boston.
IITGN develops interactive dashboard “MIR AHD Covid-19 Dashboard” to help contain COVID-19
community infection post lockdown
The Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Gandhinagar (IITGN), Gujarat, have developed
an interactive COVID-19 dashboard named “MIR AHD Covid-19 Dashboard”, that can help administrators,
hospitals as well as public in planning optimised testing for the COVID-19 and containing community
infection in various post-lockdown scenarios.
CSIR collaborates with Intel India and IIIT-Hyderabad to develop solution and strategies to
combat COVID-19
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) working with Intel India and International
Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad in developing a faster and cost efficient COVID-19
diagnostic solution, an IT technology to understand epidemiology and AI based risk stratification for the
patients. To perform comprehensive diagnostics the constituent labs of CSIR like, IGIB, CCMB, IMTECH,
CLRIT are collaborating with various hospitals and diagnostic chains.
Scientists of JNCASR Develops Injectable Silk Fibroin-based hydrogel for Insulin delivery in
diabetic patients
The Research team of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Karnataka
headed by Prof. T. Govindaraju developed the Silk Fibroin (SF) formulated using biocompatible additives
and an injectable SF hydrogel (iSFH) to ease the insulin delivery for diabetic patients.
COVID-19: University of Hyderabad, CSIR-CCMB ties up with Vins Bioproducts for antibody
therapy
University of Hyderabad (UoH) and Hyderabad based CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
(CCMB), have tied up with Vins Bioproducts Limited, an antisera manufacturing company incubated at
UoH’s BioNEST incubation centre, to develop antibody- based immunotherapy for immediate treatment
for Covid-19 pandemic.
NDMA developed an online Dashboard National Migrant Information System to track migrants’
movements
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) developed an online dashboard National Migrant
Information System (NMIS) on the existing NDMA-Geographical Information System (GIS) portal to
capture the information regarding movement of migrants and facilitate the smooth movement of
stranded persons across states.
CSIR-CMERI develops two mobile indoor disinfection sprayers: BPDS and POMID to combat
COVID-19
The CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur, West Bengal has
developed two mobile indoor disinfection sprayer units Battery Powered Disinfectant Sprayer (BPDS)
and Pneumatically Operated Mobile Indoor Disinfection (POMID) for cleaning and disinfecting
pathogenic micro-organism.
ARCI & SCTIMST jointly develops next-generation biodegradable metal implants for use in
humans
The Hyderabad based International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials
(ARCI) and Thiruvananthapuram based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and technology
(SCTIMST) – autonomous institutes under Department of Science and Technology (DST) have jointly
developed new generation Iron-Manganese (Fe-Mn) based alloys for biodegradable metal implants for
use in humans. The newly developed alloys are suitable for biodegradable stent and orthopaedic implant
applications.
Scientist at Pune based ARI maps 2 alternative dwarfing genes in wheat that can eliminate rice
crop residue burning
According to the research published in The Crop Journal and Molecular Breeding, a team of Scientists at
Pune based the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have mapped two alternative dwarf genes – Rht14 and
Rht18– in wheat that can eliminate rice crop residue burning.
SCTIMST commercially launched RNA extraction Kit ‘Agappe Chitra Magna’ for detection of
COVID-19
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, Kerala with
Agappe Diagnostics Ltd, Cochin organised the commercial launch of ‘Agappe Chitra Manga’, a magnetic
nanoparticle-based RNA extraction Kit for the detection of COVID-19 at the Biomedical Technology Wing
of SCTIMST.
CSIR-IIIM & Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to develop RT-LAMP based test for Coronavirus
The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu has collaborated with Reliance Industries
Limited (RIL) to develop and increase a new Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal
Amplification (RT-LAMP)- based COVID-19 diagnostic kit. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has
also been signed between CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and RIL.
ISRO receives patent for highland soil simulant for future lunar missions
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received a patent for its method of manufacturing
highland lunar soil simulant or “moon soil” which was prepared to create an artificial moon surface as a
part of 2019’s Moon landing mission Chandrayaan-2 so that the Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover could
be tested. It is made in bulk from anorthosite rocks, a sample similar to regolith identified and picked out
from Sittampundi Anorthosite Complex, TN.
Read More Details Here: ISRO receives patent for highland soil simulant for future lunar missions
Kochi Startup Devaditek Innovations develops decontamination device ‘Lumos’ to check COVID-
19 spread
The Devaditek Innovations Private Limited, a start-up company focusing on technology transfer in the
areas of medical devices, based in Maker village Kochi (Kerala), has developed a multi-purpose
decontamination device named ‘Lumos’ that can sanitize items ranging from N95 masks to vegetables by
using UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) technology. The device was developed in collaboration
with the Collegiate Congress under the United Nations Master Plan initiative.
INTERNATIONAL
Jupiter like cloud bands on closest brown dwarf discovered by astronomers
A team of astronomers at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) discovered that the Luhman 16A,
closest known brown dwarf showing signs of cloud bands similar to the Jupiter and Saturn using the
technique of polarimetry to determine the properties of atmospheric clouds outside the solar system or
typically. The Astrophysical Journal has accepted this study. James Webb Space Telescope, an upcoming
NASA project will enable the study system like Luhman 16.
South African & US scientists use MeerKAT telescope to solve the mystery of ‘X galaxies’
A team of astronomers from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the (US) National
Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the University of Pretoria, and Rhodes University, (both in SA),
have used the MeerKAT telescope to solve a longstanding puzzle in ‘X’-shaped radio galaxies. The results
have been published in the journal ‘Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society’.
NASA renames its WFIRST Telescope after ‘Mother of Hubble’ Nancy Grace Roman
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) renamed its Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope
(WFIRST), a next-generation space telescope as Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope or Roman Space
Telescope to honour Nancy Grace Roman (“Mother” of Hubble Space Telescope), NASA’s 1st chief
astronomer, who paved way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe.
ASI team discovers 1100-year-old Shiva lingam in Vietnam during temple excavation
A 4-member team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a 1100-year-old monolithic
sandstone Shiva lingam, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, at the Cham Temple Complex located
in My Son Sanctuary of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. It was built by the powerful Champa kingdom
between the 4th century and the 13th century in My Son. The capital and currency of Vietnam are Hanoi &
Vietnamese Dong respectively.
Thane engineer develops world’s first ‘Internet-controlled’ robot ‘Coro-bot’ for COVID-19
hospitals
Pratik Tirodkar (23), Thane based engineer & founder of a start-up PNT Solutions, Dombivali developed
the world’s 1st ‘Internet-controlled’ robot named ‘Coro-bot’ to address the needs of the hospitals treating
COVID-19 patients. It is deployed for the 1st time in Holy Cross Hospital, Maharashtra.
GRSE delivered 5th & final ship in FPV series, ICGS Kanaklata Barua; 4th FPV to be exported to
Seychelles Coast Guard
The 5th and last ship in the series of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) namely “ICGS Kanaklata Barua” or “Yard
2117” for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been delivered by Kolkata based Garden Reach Shipbuilders
and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. This was the 105th vessel delivered by GRSE. It was named after a freedom
fighter from Assam. 4th in the series FPV, “Yard 2116” is set to export to Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG).
Kerala Startup ties up with SCTIMST to launch IoT based BIN-19 & UV SPOT: COVID-19
The Kerala based start-up VST Mobility Solutions, has launched Internet of Things(IoT) based (facility
that works without any human touch) automated mask disposal machine, “BIN-19” & “Ultra Violet (UV)
SPOT”, a UV light-based multipurpose disinfector in association with Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for
Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).
Central Railway Launched Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ to Boost Screening, Surveillance in Pune
along with ‘FebriEye’ in Mumbai
The Railway Protection Force of Central Railway (CR), Pune division, Maharashtra launched a Robotic
‘Captain Arjun’ (Always be Responsible and Just Use to be Nice) to intensify the screening and
surveillance of passengers. The Brainchild behind this innovation is Alok Bohra DIG/RPF, Central
Railway. Also, the “FebriEye thermal cameras”, developed by Vehant Technologies was set up by central
railway to ensure contactless entry.
Union MoS of Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy launches ‘GermiBAN’ device to kill viruses
G Kishan Reddy, (MoS - Home Affairs) has launched a device, ‘GermiBAN’ that kills viruses & other germs
by sterilising, sanitising & disinfecting in large areas. It also acts as an Air Purifier effective against viruses
like COVID-19 which will stop the spread of it.
Indian Railways installs Automated Ticket Checking and Managing Access Machine, 1st of its
Kind at Nagpur station
Indian Railways’ Central Railway zone has installed an Automated Ticket Checking & Managing Access
(ATMA) machine, 1st of its kind at Nagpur station. The machine has been introduced at the station under
the New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS) policy to prevent transmission of
COVID-19.
IIT Mandi Develops Herbal Infusion Technology to Help Farmers in the Mid-Himalayan Region
The Researchers of IIT Mandi have developed an herbal infusion technology, as a source of income for
local marginal farmers in the mid-Himalayas. The technology is ready to license industries interested in
working with Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK)- a rural incubator at IIT Mandi.
ISRO Receives Patent for Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment for Astronauts
The ISRO has initiated a 10,000 crores project- Gaganyaan to send humans to space by 2022, in
accordance to which, ISRO has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG) for
astronauts to use in space for protection from hot and cold environments.
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport becomes the 1st airport in India to get AWMS at
both ends of the runway
The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport) becomes the 1st airport in India
to get an indigenously-developed Aviation Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) at both ends of the
runway. AWMS is installed by Bangalore International Airport (BIAL). The technology is developed by
Bengaluru-based CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
India to be World’s First Country to Use Drone Mounted ULV Sprayer for Locust Control
Under the Make in India initiative the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare
(DAC&FW - Mechanization and Technology Division) has initiated to develop a vehicle mounted ultra-
low volume (ULV) sprayer for locust control to reduce the limitations of importing equipment. With that
India has become the first country in the world to control desert locusts using drones. Currently the
Micron Sprayers, of United Kingdom (UK) is the supplier of Vehicle mounted sprayer to India.
INTERNATIONAL
NASA astronauts fly SpaceX spacecraft ‘Dragon’ first private company to dock with ISS
The US based SpaceX became the first private company to fly astronauts into orbit. NASA astronauts
Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley docked the SpaceX “Dragon” spacecraft with the International
Space Station (ISS). The astronauts named the SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule, “Endeavour” after the
retired winged orbiters, stating that they both had their first flight on the shuttle Endeavour.
SANSA & NASA collaborates to support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and
beyond
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has partnered with National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) to host a deep-space ground station to support human spaceflight missions to
the Moon, Mars and beyond. South Africa became the 4th country after the United States of America,
Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station.
Scientists discover new star Kepler-160 & planet KOI-456: ‘mirror image’ of Earth and Sun
According to the research published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, a team of scientists led
by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Gottingen (Germany) have discovered a
new planet named KOI-456.04 & its host star called Kepler-160 by using Kepler Space Telescope.
For the first time in human history, French astronomers witness signs of planet birth
According to the study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, a team of Scientists from
University in France, have witnessed a birth of a new planet around a distant star called ‘AB Aurigae’ for
the first time in human history by using photographs of the SPHERE (Spectro - Polarimetric High-contrast
Exoplanet Research) instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern
Observatory (ESO) in Chile.
NASA Scientists Observe Bose-Einstein Quantum “Fifth State of Matter” in Space for The First
Time
According to the research published in the journal Nature, a team of scientists at NASA’s Cold Atom Lab
(CAL), have found the evidence of ‘Fifth State of Matter’ (also known as Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC)
in the space for the 1st time. This special state of matter occurs when the atoms of some elements are
cooled to absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15 ° C).
NASA Astronomers Discover 240-year-old Neutron Star ‘Swift J1818.0−1607’ After Recent X-ray
Burst
Astronomers at the US based space agency NASA have discovered the youngest known magnetar (a type
of neutron star) named “Swift J1818.0-1607” which is about 16,000 light years away from Earth. The
study has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Astronomers of RedDots Team Discovered Super Earths Gliese 887b and Gliese 887c Near Red
Dwarf
In the research of the RedDots team of Astronomers led by the University of Göttingen, Germany detected
two super Earths Gliese 887b and Gliese 887c orbiting around the Gliese 887, the brightest red dwarf star
in the sky. The results of the research are published in the journal Science.
Researchers Found Jupiter Like Planet: TOI-849b, First Ever Planetary Core
The researchers spotted a Jupiter-like planet, 39 times more massive than the Earth, orbiting around a
distant star with temperature lower than the Sun, the planet is located around 730 light years away from
Earth. The astronomers named the planet TOI-849b. This is the first ever planetary core to be found by
the astronomers. The study was published in Journal Nature.
India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Captured the Image of Mars’ moon Phobos
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the picture of the closest and biggest moon of Mars
named “Phobos” which was captured by Mars Colour Camera (MCC) onboard India’s Mars Orbiter
Mission (MOM – also known as Mangalyaan). The image was taken on July 1, 2020 when MOM was about
7200 km from Mars and at 4200 km from Phobos.
India’s First NPNT Compliant Drone Flight Successfully Completed by Quidich & Asteria
Aerospace
India’s First No-Permission No-Takeoff (NPNT) compliant drone flight on the A200 Remotely Piloted
Aircraft System (RPAS) has been completed successfully by Quidich Innovation Labs and Asteria
Aerospace in the green zone identified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), near Tumkur
in Karnataka. This NPNT drone flight is under the MoCA & DGCA comprehensive policy on use of UAVs,
which came into effect on 1st Dec 2018.
ICMR-NIV in Collaboration with Bharat Biotech Develops India’s First COVID-19 Vaccine –
COVAXIN
The Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech India Ltd (BBIL) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV – located at Pune, Maharashtra) developed India’s
first COVID-19 vaccine – COVAXIN (BBV152 COVID vaccine). The vaccine is developed and manufactured
by the BSL-3 (Bio Safety Level- 3) high containment facility of BBIL.
Mylab Discovery Solutions Launches ‘Compact XL’ India’s First Machine to Automate Manual
Processes of Molecular Diagnostic Tests
Mylab Discovery Solutions, Pune based molecular diagnostics company has launched ‘Compact XL’-
India’s first machine to automate the manual processes of molecular diagnostic tests like RT-PCR test for
COVID-19 on 7th July 2020.
Loyal Textile Mills in Collaboration with RIL and HeiQ Launched world’s 1st Reusable PPE with
Triple Viral Shield Technology
Loyal Textile Mills Limited in collaboration with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and HeiQ has launched
the world’s first reusable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with Triple Viral Shield Technology that
has passed the Viral Penetration Test, Synthetic Blood Penetration Test, and the Systolic Blood Pressure
Recovery (SBPR) Test at a webinar. The launch was done by Loyal’s signature brand SUPERA SHIELD.
IIT Kanpur Develops ‘SHUDH’, UV Sanitizing Device to make Surroundings COVID free
The Imagineering Laboratory department of IIT Kanpur has developed an Ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing
product, ’SHUDH’. The SHUDH is a smartphone operated Handy UV Disinfection Helper. It helps to make
the surroundings COVID free especially the highly prone places such as hospitals, hotels, malls, offices
and schools.
ARAD and CARMEL – New Israeli Assault Rifles Are Set to Manufacture in India under Make in
India Initiative
The latest Israeli Assault Rifles, Arad and Carmel, will be manufactured under the Make in India initiative
in the PLR Systems Private Limited, established by Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) in 2017 as a joint
venture with Punj Lloyd in Madhya Pradesh, India.
GHIAL’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Introduces India’s First Fully Contactless Car
Parking
The GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL), introduced India’s first ever fully contactless airport
car parking with contact less toll transaction for their passengers and visitors in Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport (RGIA) to provide a safe airport amid COVID-19. The NETC FASTag Car Park is a
part of the “One Nation One Tag” – NETC FASTag programme of Indian Government.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to construct world’s 1st fully automatic electric ferries for
Norway’s ASKO Maritime
The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has signed a contract to build the world’s first fully automatic electric
vessel for ASKO Maritime, Norway. In this regard, CSL will construct and supply two autonomous electric
ferries to ASKO Maritime, with an option to build two more identical vessels. The project, partially funded
by the Norwegian Government, aimed at emission-free transport of goods across the Oslofjord, inlet in
Norway.
IIT-M Incubated Start-up, Modulus Housing Developed a Portable Hospital Unit, ‘MediCAB’ to
Treat COVID-19 Patients
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M)-incubated start-up, Modulus Housing has developed a
portable hospital unit, ‘MediCAB’, a decentralized approach to detect, screen, identify, isolate and treat
COVID-19 patients. It can be installed anywhere within 2 hours by four people. The start-up has
collaborated with Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST). This
collaboration helps the start-up to get inputs on certification and customizations necessary for the
project. Recently, MediCAB has been launched in the Wayanad, Kerala to treat COVID-19 patients.
CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur Introduced COVID Protection System (COPS) with IntelliMAST, TouF &
360° Car Flusher for Workplace
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute
(CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur, West Bengal introduced the COVID Protection System (COPS), a collection of
technologies for workplace, which includes, contactless Solar Based Intelligent Mask Automated
Dispensing Unit cum Thermal Scanner (IntelliMAST), Touchless Faucet (TouF) and 360° Car Flusher.
Nitin Jairam Gadkari Launches Mentoring Platform ‘RestartIndia’ to Support MSME Sector
Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MoMSME), launched
www.restartindia.com, a mentoring platform. It was initiated jointly by Muthoot Fincorp and INKtalks to
support the MSME sector to restart the business across the nation.
CSIR’s CSIO along with AMESYS INDIA developed a microorganism decontamination box named
‘Suraksha’
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO)
along with AMESYS INDIA developed a microorganism decontamination box, ‘Suraksha’. The box
sanitizes an object in the span of 10 – 15 minutes using heat and UVC light.
DIAT Developed ‘Aashray’, the Medical Bed Isolation System to Combat COVID-19
The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) has developed ‘Aashray’, the Medical Bed Isolation
System to fight against COVID-19 pandemic by controlling the spread of infection released by the patient.
It is a low cost, reusable solution. The model of Aashray was manufactured by M/s Cleancore Solutions
Pvt Ltd. Bhosari, Pune.
INTERNATIONAL
Russia for the 1st Time Successfully Conducted Flight Tests of the MGTD-20 Gas Turbine Engine
made by 3D-printing
The Russian Foundation for Advanced Research Projects in the Defense Industry informed that Russia
for the first time conducted a successful flight test of the MGTD-20 gas turbine engine made by 3D-
printing. Also, The Russian Helicopters manufacturing company (part of Rostec corporation) informed
that Russia’s new Mi-8AMTSh-VN attack transport helicopter is being tested.
Read More Details Here: Russia for the 1st Time Successfully Conducted Flight Tests of the MGTD-20 Gas
Turbine Engine made by 3D-printing
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