Current Affairs - Technology

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in March 2026 to collaborate on the development of satellite systems and payloads designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). This partnership focuses on building advanced satellite platforms capable of operating at altitudes between 100 and 450 kilometers above Earth. Satellites operating in VLEO offer several advantages, including higher-resolution Earth observation, lower communication latency, and improved atmospheric and climate data collection. Additionally, the natural orbital decay in VLEO reduces long-term space debris risks and lowers launch and operational costs compared to traditional orbits like LEO, MEO, and GEO.

The municipal corporation of Thiruvananthapuram introduced the AI-powered “G-SPIDER” robotic system to carry out hazardous canal maintenance and eliminate manual scavenging. Developed by Genrobotic Innovations, the robot operates using Cable-Driven Parallel Robotics along with a biomimetic claw that can grasp and remove irregular debris from canals. The initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, aiming to achieve completely human-free cleaning of the Amayizhanchan canal. The robot is equipped with artificial intelligence that identifies different types of waste in real time and transfers the extracted materials directly to collection vehicles, ensuring safer and more efficient waste management while preventing human exposure to toxic substances.

AccessifyLabs, an accessibility technology company, announced a global strategic partnership with Accessibility Cloud, a Switzerland-based platform that provides detailed accessibility data through its API. The collaboration aims to improve digital accessibility by combining AI-driven automation with human-centered validation and remediation. AccessifyLabs contributes advanced tools such as AI-powered accessibility scanning, automated fixes, continuous monitoring, enterprise dashboards, and compliance reporting. Accessibility Cloud brings community-sourced data and API-based infrastructure that helps integrate accessibility information into websites, mobile applications, and physical-digital systems. Together, the partnership seeks to help organizations meet international accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2, EN 301 549, ADA, and Section 508 while ensuring inclusive digital experiences.

HCLTech collaborated with IIT Kanpur through a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research-led innovation in deep technology domains for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The partnership aims to convert cutting-edge academic research into practical pilots and scalable solutions. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced engineering, and next-generation technologies. This collaboration positions HCLTech as a strategic enabler for GCCs, helping them accelerate research and development, gain access to specialised expertise, and reduce time-to-market without the need to establish dedicated in-house research facilities.

PhonePe introduced an AI-powered natural language search feature built on Microsoft Foundry, transforming how users interact with the app. The feature enables customers to make payments, recharge FASTag, check gold prices, and track transactions using simple voice or text commands. Designed with a hybrid AI model combining on-device and cloud inferencing, it ensures strong privacy safeguards and secure data handling. The conversational interface replaces traditional menu-based navigation with intent-driven routing, making digital payments more intuitive and personalised. With millions of users and merchants across India, this innovation significantly enhances convenience and accessibility in fintech services.