Current Affairs - Technology

Nvidia entered into an agreement to acquire Hugging Face for approximately $12.93 billion, marking a major expansion of its presence in the artificial intelligence software and developer ecosystem. The deal, announced on September 3, 2026, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Around $11.9 billion will be paid to Hugging Face shareholders, while approximately $1 billion in equity is reserved for employees. Hugging Face provides access to more than 18 million developers, researchers, and creators and hosts millions of AI models, datasets, and applications. The acquisition would strengthen Nvidia’s position beyond hardware and into AI software and model development.

Tata Elxsi is responsible for avionics, flight control systems, software integration, validation, and certification for the Shunya eVTOL aircraft. Tata Elxsi and Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation signed an MoU on September 2, 2026, to co-develop Shunya, a six-seater plus pilot electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The aircraft is designed for regional air travel, with an operational range exceeding 300 kilometres and runway-independent operation. Sarla Aviation will lead the platform’s design, development, and type certification, while Tata Elxsi will contribute its expertise in aerospace engineering, software, and technology integration.

IIT Madras partnered with UNESCO MGIEP on September 1, 2026, to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and immersive learning tools for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The initiative aims to transform existing curricula into gamified and immersive experiences using Extended Reality (XR). IIT Madras contributes expertise in AI, XR, and immersive technologies through its Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC), while UNESCO MGIEP provides expertise in SEL, learner-centred education, and AI ethics. The project also focuses on open-source AI tools and low-cost, low-bandwidth models to improve accessibility and bridge the digital divide in education.

September 4 is the scheduled launch date for ISRO’s GSLV-F17 mission carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite. The launch is planned for 2:55 AM IST from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. EOS-05 is significant because it is planned to become India’s first imaging satellite to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. The mission will demonstrate the GSLV’s capability to place advanced satellites into high-altitude orbits and strengthen India’s space-based Earth observation capabilities for environmental research, resource management, and monitoring changes on Earth’s surface.

IIT Hyderabad will host the physical hub of the Jindal Steel Centre of Excellence (CoE), established through an MoU signed with Jindal Steel on August 21, 2026. The centre aims to promote advanced research and innovation in high-strength, value-added, and value-engineered steels. Its applications will cover infrastructure, defence, power plants, refineries, transportation, and heavy engineering. The collaboration will also provide opportunities for student internships, placements, academic modules, workshops, and technical demonstrations. The CoE is expected to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and support the wider adoption of advanced steel technologies in strategic and infrastructure sectors.