Current Affairs - Technology

Atomesus is an Indian AI platform developed by the Indus Valley Group, designed to be the world’s most affordable and secure homegrown AI system. Built by young innovators with ISRO-linked experience, it employs a hybrid intelligence model that merges proprietary technologies with India-based secure integration. The project emphasises data sovereignty and aims to democratise access to AI for students, startups, and enterprises worldwide. By focusing on affordability, accessibility, and local innovation, Atomesus seeks to position India as a global leader in ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence development.

The Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) has patented an advanced machine learning system designed to accurately decode rainfall information from radar signals. Developed at the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR), the innovation employs a Hybrid Adaptive Bi-Gaussian Algorithm integrated with a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) to distinguish between raindrop and turbulence echoes in real time. This AI-driven approach enhances the precision of monsoon monitoring and flood forecasting, significantly improving Kerala’s climate resilience and contributing to the advancement of atmospheric and environmental research in India.

Google’s Project Suncatcher is an ambitious initiative aimed at building AI data centres in orbit, powered by solar energy. The project plans to deploy satellites equipped with TPUs, solar panels, and high-speed optical communication systems to form a distributed computing network around Earth. By operating in space, these AI data centres would have uninterrupted access to solar power, eliminate the need for water-based cooling, and reduce carbon emissions. While promising a sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional data centres, Project Suncatcher still faces major engineering challenges related to communication, station-keeping, and radiation resistance in space.

IBM has partnered with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to establish a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab at AICTE headquarters. The initiative focuses on enhancing AI and data science skills among students and faculty through hands-on training, hackathons, and certified programs. It also includes a Master-Trainer Program to enable large-scale skill dissemination across India’s technical institutions. The collaboration aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020 and National AI Strategy, as well as IBM’s global mission to promote inclusive technology education and build a future-ready digital workforce for the evolving tech ecosystem.

GSAT-7R, also known as CMS-03, is India’s heaviest and most advanced indigenous naval communication satellite, weighing approximately 4,400 kg. Launched by ISRO from Sriharikota, it is designed to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s space-based communication capabilities and maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region. The satellite is equipped with multi-band transponders that provide secure, high-bandwidth voice, data, and video connectivity between naval command centres and assets at sea. GSAT-7R strengthens India’s strategic communication infrastructure, ensuring reliable and real-time naval operations in both peacetime and defence scenarios.