Current Affairs - Technology

IIT Bombay has partnered with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to develop an "Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links." This initiative, under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), aims to enhance India's leadership in 6G technology. The chipset will support high-speed communication, especially in rural and challenging terrains, while promoting affordability and sustainability. This project aligns with India’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and aims to create a robust 6G ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s capabilities in next-generation telecom innovation.

Pixxel, an Indian private start-up, launched a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites for advanced Earth observation. This milestone makes Pixxel the first Indian private company to deploy such satellites, which offer high-resolution imagery across more than 150 spectral bands. These satellites, known as “Firefly,” are designed to monitor various factors such as vegetation health, water quality, atmospheric conditions, and chemical compositions. With plans for further expansion, Pixxel’s technology holds transformative potential for industries like agriculture, defence, and climate action, helping tackle global challenges through high-level Earth observation capabilities.

ISRO has become the 4th country in the world to successfully dock two satellites, SDX01 and SDX02, using its indigenously developed Bhartiya Docking System. This achievement marks a significant milestone for India, especially as it progresses with future space missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the Bhartiya Antariksha Station. The docking took place 475 km above Earth after thorough trials and precise manoeuvres, further advancing ISRO's capabilities in space exploration. The successful docking is seen as a key step for ISRO's future in the global space community.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has partnered with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC Chip. This initiative aims to enhance spectrum utilization and improve broadband access, particularly in rural areas. The project is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India programs. It focuses on designing hardware-friendly algorithms for efficient spectrum sensing, targeting underutilized bands beyond 2 GHz, and developing a cognitive radio module for the 6 GHz satellite band, thereby advancing India’s telecommunications technology.

The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google Cloud (India) to launch the Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture (UPONA). This digital platform aims to transform agriculture in the state by providing farmers with access to advisory services, credit, mechanization, market connectivity, and real-time data on weather and microclimates.