BRAOU & Commonwealth of Learning Sign Pact for AI-Enabled Digital University (July 30, 2026)

Karnataka Launches Composite Digital Crop Survey with AI, ML & SAR for Pilot in 5 Hoblis

Karnataka has launched a Composite Digital Crop Survey (CDCS) integrating AI, ML, SAR, drone surveys, and GIS to enhance crop data accuracy. Piloted in 5 hoblis, this reform strengthens evidence-based agricultural policy and is critical for exam questions on Agritech, state-led digital initiatives, and data-driven governance.

China Launches 4 Orbital Rockets in 45 Hours; Targets 28,000 Satellites via Qianfan & SatNet

China launched four rockets in 45 hours from three launch sites, deploying satellites for its Qianfan (15,000 satellites) and SatNet (13,000 satellites) broadband megaconstellations. This highlights the rapid expansion of China's space sector, combining state and private players, and the strategic push for low Earth orbit satellite networks.

ISRO & ESA Extend Cooperation Until 2032; Add Human & Robotic Exploration, Space Weather

ISRO and ESA have extended their cooperation agreement by five years until January 8, 2032, and broadened it to include human and robotic exploration and space weather. This signals deepening international space collaboration and has implications for India's Gaganyaan mission and future lunar/Venus exploration.

ISRO-ESA Renew Space Cooperation Till 2032; Focus on Space Weather & Robotic Exploration

India (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have renewed their space cooperation agreement until 2032, focusing on space weather monitoring and human/robotic exploration. This strengthens India's Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan missions and ensures long-term collaboration in critical areas like satellite safety and deep-space exploration.

Rajasthan Launches SETU: India's First Digital Emergency Referral System for Rural Healthcare

Rajasthan has become the first state in India to implement a digital medical emergency referral system called SETU, which connects rural PHCs/CHCs to tertiary hospitals via a smartphone-based app. This eliminates 'blind arrivals' by transmitting patient history, GPS tracking, and ETA to the receiving hospital, enabling specialist teams to be ready from 'minute zero'.

WHO's IARC Classifies Hydrochlorothiazide, Voriconazole, Tacrolimus as Group 1 Carcinogens

Three widely used medicines for hypertension, fungal infections, and transplant rejection have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by WHO's IARC. Patients are warned not to discontinue treatment without consulting doctors, as the classification identifies hazard, not real-world risk at prescribed doses.

TN Budget 2026-27: India's First AI City 'Arivagam' & Space Industrial Zone with ₹35,062 Cr MoUs

Tamil Nadu's TVK-led government, in its maiden Budget for 2026-27, announced India's first AI and innovation city 'Arivagam', a Space Industrial Investment Zone in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, and signed MoUs worth ₹35,062 crore that could create 14,790 jobs. This signals a major push for technology and industrial growth in the state.

US FDA Approves First mRNA Flu Shot mFlusiva for Adults 50+ with 26.6% Higher Efficacy

US FDA has approved Moderna's mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults aged 50 and older. The vaccine demonstrated 26.6% higher efficacy than standard flu shots in a large late-stage trial. This marks a milestone in mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 and is a key topic for Science & Tech and Health sections.