Current Affairs - Technology

India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel began commercial operations in Varanasi, specifically at Namo Ghat. The 24-meter catamaran, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, uses a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system, producing zero emissions and offering a sustainable transport solution along the Ganga. This initiative improves river-based mobility, reduces road congestion, supports eco-friendly tourism, and positions Varanasi as a leader in adopting futuristic green technologies under India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

IIT Madras is jointly hosting the Global AI Conclave in Chennai in collaboration with the India AI Mission, highlighting India’s growing role in shaping responsible artificial intelligence governance. The conclave focuses on advancing safe, trusted, and inclusive AI frameworks that are both globally interoperable and locally relevant. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss AI safety, governance models, and collaborative initiatives such as an AI Safety Commons for the Global South. The event also serves as a key precursor to the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

MahaCrimeOS AI is India’s first artificial intelligence–based platform developed specifically to support cybercrime investigations. The platform was unveiled in Maharashtra and has already been implemented in 23 police stations in Nagpur, with plans to expand its coverage to around 1,100 police stations across the state. By leveraging AI capabilities, the system is designed to enhance efficiency, data analysis, and investigative accuracy in handling cybercrime cases. This initiative reflects Maharashtra’s broader vision of adopting advanced AI solutions across sectors and positioning itself as a leading AI hub in India.

OncoMark is an advanced artificial intelligence framework designed to analyze and interpret the internal processes of cancer cells. By decoding these complex biological mechanisms, it can forecast tumour behaviour and growth patterns with greater accuracy. Developed through collaborative research efforts and published in the journal Communications Biology, this tool helps bridge existing gaps in measuring key hallmarks of cancer during diagnosis. Its predictive capabilities support more personalized cancer treatment strategies, enabling clinicians to tailor therapies based on tumour characteristics, thereby improving diagnostic precision and potential treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

IIT Bombay is the institution overseeing the ATMAN 3.0 accelerator programme through its Technology Innovation Hub for Translational Research on Internet of Things. This eight-week HealthTech-focused accelerator is designed to support promising startups by enhancing their research capabilities, technological validation, and market preparedness. The programme concludes with a Demo Day, where selected startups pitch to potential investors. Backed by the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and the Department of Science and Technology, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world healthcare solutions, while also providing significant seed funding opportunities to high-performing startups.