Current Affairs - Technology

PRISM-SG, which stands for Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders, was launched to streamline and digitise infrastructure approval processes in India. It focuses on improving efficiency and transparency in the construction of Road Over Bridges by replacing manual systems with an integrated digital platform. The portal enables online submission, inspection scheduling, real-time monitoring, and complete audit trails. By connecting multiple stakeholders such as Indian Railways, contractors, and inspection agencies, it significantly reduces approval timelines from nearly a year to just a few months, thereby accelerating infrastructure development and improving coordination.

Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space-tech startup, achieved a major milestone by successfully test-firing ‘Agnite’, the world’s first fully 3D-printed booster-stage engine. The engine stands out due to its single-piece construction using advanced 3D printing technology, reducing production time and enhancing reliability. It is also notable for being tested with electric motor-driven pumps, marking innovation in propulsion systems. This development strengthens India’s private space sector capabilities and offers greater flexibility in satellite launches, including customizable payload options and quicker turnaround times for missions across defence, disaster response, and commercial applications.

Razorpay has collaborated with Sarvam AI to launch innovative voice-first conversational commerce solutions in India. This initiative enables users to search for products, place orders, and complete payments using natural voice interactions in multiple Indian languages, improving accessibility and user experience. The system leverages Sarvam AI’s advanced “agentic stack” to interpret user intent and execute transactions seamlessly without traditional navigation. Early adopters such as Swiggy and The Derma Co have begun integrating this technology, highlighting its scalability and potential to transform digital commerce across diverse linguistic demographics in India.

Madhya Pradesh has announced a phased implementation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission aimed at enhancing governance and public service delivery. The initiative will be executed in three phases, starting with building infrastructure, followed by scaling successful AI applications, and finally establishing AI as a permanent capability in governance. The mission focuses on improving citizen services, especially for farmers and marginalized groups, and enhancing administrative efficiency through data-driven decision-making. It also aims to identify risks in sectors like agriculture and health while promoting collaboration with startups and educational institutions for AI skill development.

IIT Jodhpur is the institution where researchers are working on advanced flexible semiconductor sensors designed for continuous health monitoring and early detection of diseases like cancer. The innovation involves soft, wearable electronics that can track vital parameters such as heart rate, temperature, and muscle activity. Using Organic Electrochemical Transistor (OECT) technology, these sensors can interact effectively with biological signals and fluids. The devices are made from biocompatible materials, ensuring comfort for long-term use, and have applications in healthcare, early diagnosis, and even monitoring physiological conditions in defence environments.