Current Affairs - Technology

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Mata Karma, a revered saint, social reformer, and devoted follower of Lord Krishna. The stamp was unveiled during a ceremony marking her 1009th birth anniversary in Raipur. Mata Karma is remembered for her deep spiritual journey, devotion to Lord Krishna, and significant social contributions, including advocating for social reform, women’s empowerment, and religious harmony. Her legacy continues to inspire people to fight against discrimination and promote unity.

AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) collaborated with SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research) to focus on advanced medical devices, particularly in MRI, NMR systems, and RF technologies. The collaboration aims to develop and clinically validate an indigenous 1.5 Tesla MRI system and incorporate AI/ML for image enhancement, supporting India's goal of self-reliance in MRI technology.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams spent an unexpectedly long 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Their return was facilitated by SpaceX's Crew Dragon, highlighting the challenges of prolonged space travel and the importance of reliable spacecraft technology. The extended stay posed technological and health challenges, emphasizing the need for continued advancements in space exploration.

Astroscale, a company based in Japan, has partnered with India’s Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace to provide space debris removal and on-orbit servicing technologies. This collaboration marks Astroscale's first operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan's Astroscale is leveraging India’s liberalized space policy and a $116 million fund for startups, which have attracted global space firms. The partnership aims to offer orbital services to Indian clients within the next 1-2 years.

The National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) was launched by MeitY and the Drone Federation India under the 'SwaYaan' initiative. This challenge aims to boost India's capabilities in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), particularly in applications such as agriculture, disaster management, and healthcare. NIDAR is part of India's goal to become a global drone hub by 2030, promoting innovation and research in the drone industry.