Current Affairs - Technology

IIT Kharagpur has launched Impact RISE, an initiative designed to promote sustainable technology, modern management practices, and broader societal transformation. Built on four key pillars—research, innovation, skilling, and entrepreneurship—the programme aims to create a collaborative environment that nurtures solutions for long-term development. A significant component of Impact RISE includes missions that address climate resilience in sensitive regions such as the Sundarbans. By integrating academic excellence with real-world challenges, the initiative seeks to empower communities, drive inclusive growth, and support the nation’s sustainability goals through skill-building and innovation-driven approaches.

BIRSA 101 is India’s first fully indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy developed to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), marking a major milestone in the nation’s genomic medicine capabilities. Launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh and dedicated to Birsa Munda on his 150th anniversary, the therapy represents a significant step toward India’s mission to eliminate SCD. It is designed as a low-cost alternative to global treatments that currently cost ₹20–25 crore, making advanced gene therapy accessible to a wider population. This innovation strengthens public health efforts while boosting India’s position in advanced biomedical research and healthcare technology.

ColoNoX is a nitric-oxide-releasing wound dressing introduced by the Department of Atomic Energy through BARC to address diabetic foot ulcers, a condition that often requires advanced therapeutic solutions due to slow healing and high infection risk. This innovation marks a major step in integrating nuclear research with biomedical applications, enabling controlled nitric oxide release that supports antimicrobial action, improved blood flow, and enhanced tissue repair. Its development strengthens India’s medical technology capabilities and demonstrates the potential of cross-disciplinary research in creating effective healthcare interventions for chronic and complex wounds.

Chandrayaan-4, India’s first lunar sample-return mission, is scheduled for launch in 2028 as part of ISRO’s expanded roadmap for deep space exploration. The mission is expected to collect and bring back lunar soil and rock samples, placing India among the few nations capable of executing such a technically advanced operation. The timeline aligns with ISRO’s broader goals, which include tripling spacecraft production, increasing launch frequency, advancing human spaceflight through the Gaganyaan program, and establishing the initial module of an Indian Space Station by 2028. These efforts collectively strengthen India’s scientific capabilities and elevate its position in the global space sector.

India has reached the 6th position globally in patent filings, marking a major leap in its innovation journey. With over 64,000 patent applications submitted—more than half by resident innovators—the country is strengthening its intellectual property ecosystem. This rise reflects the impact of a vibrant start-up culture, supportive government policies, and increased emphasis on applied sciences and skill development. The improvement in India’s rank on the Global Innovation Index, from 81st to 38th, further reinforces this upward trajectory. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate India’s transition from being primarily a consumer of technology to an emerging global creator and contributor in research, innovation and IP generation.