Current Affairs - Technology

Artemis III is a major mission under NASA’s Artemis program and is scheduled for launch in 2027. The mission will serve as a crucial technology demonstration, testing spacecraft rendezvous, docking operations, crew transfer procedures, navigation systems, and integration with lunar landers developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX. The four-member crew includes astronauts from NASA and the European Space Agency, highlighting international cooperation in space exploration. Artemis III is expected to pave the way for future lunar missions, including Artemis IV, and support NASA’s long-term objective of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon while preparing for eventual crewed missions to Mars.

The new Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) was launched in Lucknow to strengthen weather forecasting and meteorological services across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and adjoining regions. The centre is part of broader efforts under Mission Mausam to improve high-frequency and impact-based weather forecasting. The initiative supports the expansion of weather-monitoring infrastructure, including Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, Automatic Rain Gauges, and lightning sensors. The enhanced network is expected to improve predictions of extreme weather events such as cyclones, thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides. The centre also contributes to better aviation meteorological services and disaster preparedness across northern India.

Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing India’s first Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedure for treating Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) on June 8, 2026. PFA is an advanced cardiac treatment that uses ultra-fast electrical pulses to selectively target abnormal heart tissue while preserving nearby critical structures. The procedure was completed in just 35 minutes, considerably faster than conventional thermal ablation methods that can take several hours. The technology offers a safer, minimally invasive approach to cardiac rhythm management and is integrated with a comprehensive AFib treatment programme to improve patient outcomes and accessibility.

Microsoft unveiled the Fairwater AI Data Centre in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, as part of its efforts to develop sustainable artificial intelligence infrastructure. The facility spans approximately 315 acres and represents an investment of about $7.3 billion. One of its most significant innovations is a closed-loop cooling system that recycles the same water continuously after an initial filling, greatly reducing freshwater consumption. The data centre also uses a two-storey vertical design to improve efficiency and reduce land requirements. Through this project, Microsoft aims to address environmental concerns associated with AI infrastructure while supporting the growing demand for advanced computing power.

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) inaugurated the Unilever Fragrance Hub on June 02, 2026, at the IIT Bombay campus in Mumbai. The facility is the third global hub established under Unilever’s €100 million investment programme aimed at strengthening in-house fragrance development capabilities. The hub integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced scientific research, proprietary creation software, and real-time evaluation systems to accelerate fragrance innovation. By locating the facility within a premier academic institution, HUL seeks to enhance collaboration with researchers and experts in science, technology, and data analytics. The initiative is expected to support innovation across products such as shampoos, body washes, deodorants, and laundry detergents.