Current Affairs - Technology

IIT Bombay is hosting the ‘Bharat Innovates Deep-Tech Pre-Summit’ organised by the Ministry of Education as part of a broader initiative to promote deep-tech innovation in India. The event is held at the IIT Bombay Research Park and serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies developed by startups and academic institutions. It also acts as a selection stage for India’s participation in global innovation events. By bringing together startups, investors, and industry leaders, the summit aims to accelerate the commercialisation of research and strengthen India’s position in emerging technology sectors.

The 5G Innovation Hackathon 2026 is a major initiative aimed at fostering innovation in next-generation technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. It is part of a broader effort to create practical and scalable use cases through collaboration between students, startups, and industry participants. The Department of Telecommunications is the key body responsible for organising this event under the Ministry of Communications. By providing funding, infrastructure, and intellectual property support, the initiative seeks to accelerate technological advancements and strengthen India’s position in the global digital ecosystem.

India’s first indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System was successfully tested off the Muttom coast in Tamil Nadu by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). This milestone demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced marine and atmospheric monitoring technologies. The system uses laser-based remote sensing to measure wind characteristics up to 300 meters above sea level, making it highly useful for offshore wind energy projects. Its design allows deployment in deep-sea conditions and resilience against harsh tropical weather. This innovation also supports India’s renewable energy goals and reduces dependence on costly foreign technology, strengthening self-reliance.

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an innovative dual-purpose material that addresses both clean energy production and water desalination. The material is based on MXene, known for its high electrical conductivity, and is engineered into ultra-thin ribbon-like structures to enhance efficiency. By integrating ruthenium atoms, the catalyst achieves superior performance in hydrogen production with very low energy requirements. Additionally, its strong photothermal properties enable effective solar-powered desalination. This breakthrough provides a sustainable solution for generating carbon-free hydrogen fuel while also producing safe drinking water, making it highly significant for future environmental and energy needs.

Dimethyl Ether (DME) has been identified by scientists at CSIR-NCL, Pune, as a promising alternative to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is considered a clean and eco-friendly fuel due to its low emission of soot and harmful gases. The development includes an indigenous catalyst for efficient production and successful pilot-scale generation. DME can also be blended with LPG, with up to 8% requiring no changes to existing infrastructure. Its adoption could significantly reduce India’s dependence on LPG imports, save foreign exchange, and support schemes like Ujjwala, while also offering applications in the automotive fuel and chemical industries.