Science & Technology Current Affairs – August 2026

 

Important Science and Technology News for Competitive Exams | UPSC | SSC | ADRE | APSC | Banking

Here is a  Science & Technology current-affairs capsule for August 2026, using official Government of India sources such as PIB, DST, ISRO and related government institutions. 

1. IndiaAI Mission Strengthens Indigenous AI Ecosystem

The Government of India is expanding sovereign AI infrastructure through the IndiaAI Mission, with emphasis on indigenous foundation models, AI computing capacity and semiconductor development. As of August 2026, IndiaAI initiatives had developed 62 AI prototypes and deployed 20 AI solutions across public-sector institutions. The AI Kosh platform hosts more than 14,000 datasets and 331 AI models, supporting researchers, developers and innovators. The government has also approved projects under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar covering areas such as deepfake detection, privacy-preserving AI, explainability and AI risk assessment. 

Exam Point: IndiaAI Mission – Artificial Intelligence – AI Kosh – Safe & Trusted AI.

2. India’s Space Economy and Space Start-up Ecosystem Expands

A Government of India backgrounder highlighted the rapid expansion of India's space sector. The number of registered Indian space start-ups had reached around 440 by August 2026, compared with just one in 2014. India's space economy was valued at approximately US$9 billion in August 2026 and is projected to reach around US$40–45 billion over the next decade. 

Exam Point: Space start-ups – 440; present space economy – about US$9 billion.

3. Third National Space Day 2026 Celebrated

The 3rd National Space Day 2026 was celebrated on 23 August 2026 at Ahmedabad. The theme was “Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership.” The event highlighted India's achievements in space science and technology and its ambition to strengthen global leadership in the space sector. 

Exam Point: National Space Day – 23 August; 2026 venue – Ahmedabad; theme – Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership.

4. BRICS Ocean and Polar Science and Technology Meeting

The 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) was held in Goa from 12–14 August 2026 during India's BRICS Presidency. It was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The meeting focused on cooperation in ocean and polar science and technology among BRICS countries. 

Exam Point: 8th BRICS OPST Meeting – Goa – 12–14 August 2026 – NCPOR.

5. Science & Technology Clusters Annual Report 2025–26

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India launched the Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2025–26 on 13 August 2026. The report covers the activities of eight S&T clusters established to strengthen research, innovation and technology-based solutions. These include clusters in Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, Andhra Pradesh and the Panjab University–IIT Ropar region. 

Exam Point: Office of PSA – S&T Clusters – Annual Report 2025–26 – Eight clusters.

6. Indigenous Agentic AI Technology Gets Support for Commercialisation

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology entered into an agreement with One2X Tech Pvt. Ltd. to support commercialisation of indigenous Agentic AI technology. The development is part of India's effort to strengthen sovereign and home-grown artificial intelligence capabilities. 

Exam Point: Agentic AI – Technology Development Board – DST – One2X Tech.

7. AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Screening Technology

The Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, supported Griva Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. for commercialisation of an indigenous AI-powered cervical cancer screening technology. The technology aims to facilitate earlier and more accessible screening for cervical cancer. 

Exam Point: AI + Healthcare – Cervical Cancer Screening – Technology Development Board.

8. National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems

The Department of Science & Technology is implementing the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) with a total outlay of ₹3,660 crore over nine years. The mission promotes technologies combining physical systems with computing, communication and intelligent digital systems. 

Exam Point: NM-ICPS – DST – ₹3,660 crore – Cyber-Physical Systems.

9. Vigyan TECH 2026 Initiative

The Vigyan TECH 2026 initiative was organised by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) on National Technology Day, 11 May 2026. The initiative aims to promote a whole-of-government approach to science, technology and innovation by bringing together technological initiatives from different government departments and organisations. 

Exam Point: Vigyan TECH – DBT – National Technology Day – 11 May.

10. Quantum Technology and RDI Fund

A Government of India update highlighted the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, with an overall allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for deep technologies and strategic sectors. Its focus areas include quantum computing, robotics, space, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital economy and energy security. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) has an approved outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore and focuses on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. 

Exam Point: RDI Fund – ₹1 lakh crore; NQM – ₹6,003.65 crore.

11. CSIR Technology for Low-Emission Road Construction

The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) demonstrated its indigenous Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus (MSS+) Technology for road construction and maintenance. The technology is aimed at supporting sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly road infrastructure. 

Exam Point: MSS+ Technology – CSIR-CRRI – sustainable road construction.

12. CSIR Develops Technology for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement with industry for a technology developed from Gymnema sylvestre for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The technology is described as IND-ready and has potential applications in chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders. 

Exam Point: CSIR-IICT – Gymnema sylvestre – diabetic foot ulcers.

13. Indigenous Glacier Lake Bathymetry Survey Solution

Under the Vigyan TECH initiative, the Government highlighted an indigenous Glacier Lake Bathymetry Survey Solution developed by C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram. Bathymetry refers to the measurement and mapping of the depth and underwater features of water bodies. 

Exam Point: Glacier Lake Bathymetry – C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram.

14. RDI Fund Expands Support for Strategic Technologies

The Government reviewed the implementation of the Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF) in August 2026. The fund is intended to support research and innovation in strategic technology areas and strengthen India's domestic technological capabilities. Second-level fund managers are also being appointed as part of the fund's implementation framework. 

Exam Point: RDIF – strategic technologies – research and innovation.

15. BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting in Chennai

The BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting was held in Chennai in August 2026. The meeting focused on India's international cooperation in science, technology and innovation and its role in strengthening scientific collaboration among BRICS countries. 

Exam Point: BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting – Chennai – Science, Technology & Innovation.

16. CSIR-NIScPR Celebrates 75 Years of Vigyan Pragati

The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organised a Platinum Jubilee ceremony in August 2026 to mark 75 years of Vigyan Pragati, its popular Hindi science magazine. The magazine was launched in 1952 and has contributed to scientific communication and the promotion of scientific temper in society. 

Exam Point: Vigyan Pragati – launched 1952 – 75 years – CSIR-NIScPR.

17. India Focuses on Space Sovereignty and Indigenous Capabilities

The Government highlighted India's transition from developing basic space capabilities to building advanced, globally competitive space technologies. Space-sector reforms have encouraged participation by private companies, start-ups and global partners, while India continues to develop launch systems, satellites, space applications and human-spaceflight capabilities. 

Exam Point: Space reforms – private participation – launch systems – satellites – human spaceflight.

18. AI Apprenticeship Programme Under NATS

The Ministry of Education has launched an AI Apprenticeship Programme under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) to develop skills in areas such as Data Science, Machine Learning, Application Development and Prompt Engineering. The programme aims to address the growing demand for skilled AI professionals. 

Exam Point: AI Apprenticeship Programme – NATS – Ministry of Education.

19. India Promotes Sustainable Infrastructure Through Advanced Materials

CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-AMPRI organised a workshop on Innovative Materials and Advanced Composites for Sustainable Infrastructure in August 2026. The initiative focused on advanced materials and composite technologies for sustainable infrastructure development. 

Exam Point: CSIR-CRRI + CSIR-AMPRI – Advanced Materials – Sustainable Infrastructure.

20. GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort-3

The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort-3 programme is supporting early-stage innovators working in emerging technologies including AI/ML, IoT, semiconductor/VLSI, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum technologies and AR/VR. Selected innovators can receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh, along with mentorship, incubation and technology-development support. 

Exam Point: GENESIS EIR – Emerging Technologies – financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh.

Quick Revision: Science & Technology Current Affairs August 2026

Topic Key Fact

IndiaAI Mission 62 AI prototypes; 20 AI solutions

AI Kosh 14,000+ datasets and 331 AI models

Space Start-ups Around 440 by August 2026

India's Space Economy About US$9 billion

National Space Day 23 August 2026

National Space Day Theme Towards Viksit Bharat...

BRICS OPST Meeting Goa, 12–14 August

S&T Cluster Report Annual Report 2025–26

NM-ICPS ₹3,660 crore

RDI Fund ₹1 lakh crore

National Quantum Mission ₹6,003.65 crore

Vigyan TECH DBT initiative

MSS+ Technology CSIR-CRRI

Diabetic Foot Technology CSIR-IICT

Bathymetry Solution C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram

Vigyan Pragati Launched in 1952

AI Apprenticeship Under NATS

GENESIS EIR Up to ₹10 lakh support

 Keywords

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Official Government Sources

Primary sources used: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), ISRO, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Ministry of Education and other Government of India institutions.