Current Affairs - Technology

India has emerged as a key player in the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) project by contributing significantly to the completion of its main magnet system, including the cryostat — a massive vacuum-insulated steel chamber critical to the fusion process. As one of the founding members of this global nuclear fusion initiative, India’s efforts underline its expanding influence in high-tech energy research. This contribution not only supports ITER’s goal of achieving carbon-free energy through nuclear fusion but also showcases India’s advanced engineering capabilities and commitment to sustainable scientific advancement on a global scale.

AIIMS Bhopal achieved the second position nationwide for its innovative implementation of a paperless and queue-less OPD registration system under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The hospital’s 'Scan and Share' service has successfully generated over 1.45 million OPD tokens, significantly streamlining the patient registration process. This digital transformation has notably reduced waiting times and eliminated long queues, greatly enhancing patient convenience and overall experience. The initiative reflects the hospital's commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technological advancements, contributing to the efficiency and modernization of India's healthcare infrastructure.

The 'Sachet' app, launched by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is designed to provide early alerts for natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. It delivers real-time, geotagged warnings and weather updates sourced from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), making it a vital tool for disaster preparedness. The app supports 12 Indian languages to ensure accessibility and usability across different regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively promoted the app, encouraging citizens to use it to stay informed and safe during emergencies, reinforcing the government's commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and public safety.

Amazon has officially entered the satellite internet race by launching the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper. The initiative is a $10 billion plan to deploy a total of 3,236 satellites in low-Earth orbit by 2026, targeting the delivery of high-speed broadband internet, especially in underserved and rural areas around the world. This move positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has a significant number of satellites in orbit. Despite earlier delays, Amazon has confirmed contact with the launched satellites and aims to begin services later this year, signalling a major expansion into space-based internet infrastructure.

IIT Kanpur is playing a pivotal role in the development and launch of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones in India, in partnership with HMD Global and Tejas Networks. This innovative technology enables multimedia content, including OTT and television broadcasts, to be delivered directly to mobile devices without relying on Wi-Fi or mobile data. The initiative is aimed at expanding access to digital content across diverse population segments and aligns with the 'Make in India' vision by promoting indigenous technological solutions. IIT Kanpur’s involvement brings strong research capabilities and technical expertise to the project, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in applied innovation.