Current Affairs - Technology

IISc Bengaluru entered into a tripartite agreement with BEML and the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development to promote advanced collaborative research in critical sectors such as aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. The partnership is designed to accelerate blue-sky, applied, and translational research, with a strong emphasis on indigenisation and national self-reliance. By enabling shared access to research infrastructure and expertise, the collaboration aims to develop high-impact technologies that support India’s strategic and industrial capabilities while strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Airbus has set up a Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Aviation at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s aerospace research and skill ecosystem. The centre focuses on advanced aerospace technologies, with special emphasis on Sustainable Aviation Fuel to reduce carbon emissions. It promotes industry–academia collaboration, student-led innovation, and talent development. The initiative also aligns with national goals such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 by encouraging indigenous research, clean energy solutions, and capacity building in a strategic high-technology sector.

IIM Udaipur served as the host institution for the 3rd edition of D’Future – India Digital Conclave 2026, even though the event was held at T-Hub in Hyderabad. The conclave brought together leaders from government, academia, and the startup ecosystem to discuss technology-led economic growth and inclusive development. Key discussions focused on a decade of Digital India initiatives, Telangana’s achievements in technology-driven governance, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence across sectors such as business, healthcare, and rural development. The event highlighted IIM Udaipur’s growing role in fostering dialogue at the intersection of management education, technology, and public policy.

The NYPS 2.0 portal was launched to encourage wider youth participation in parliamentary practices across the country. The upgraded platform enables institutions, groups, and individuals to take part, including citizens from remote and rural regions, thereby broadening inclusivity. Since its introduction in September 2024, the scheme has witnessed strong engagement, with over 95,000 participants involved through more than 4,400 institutions and multiple youth parliament sittings. The initiative aims to deepen democratic awareness, foster civic responsibility, and strengthen the connection between young citizens and parliamentary processes.

The IndiaAI–Digital India Workshop on Artificial Intelligence was conducted in Gangtok at Chintan Bhawan. The one-day event was organised by the Information Technology Department of the Government of Sikkim in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It served as a pre-event to the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled in New Delhi. The workshop brought together policymakers, educators, students, and experts to deliberate on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and its practical applications across governance, education, and society.