Current Affairs - Technology

Dimethyl Ether (DME) has been identified by scientists at CSIR-NCL, Pune, as a promising alternative to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is considered a clean and eco-friendly fuel due to its low emission of soot and harmful gases. The development includes an indigenous catalyst for efficient production and successful pilot-scale generation. DME can also be blended with LPG, with up to 8% requiring no changes to existing infrastructure. Its adoption could significantly reduce India’s dependence on LPG imports, save foreign exchange, and support schemes like Ujjwala, while also offering applications in the automotive fuel and chemical industries.

The Indian Space Research Organisation carried out the sea level hot test of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine at its Propulsion Complex located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test was conducted at an enhanced thrust level of 22 tonnes, which is crucial for improving the payload capacity of future LVM3 missions. The successful 165-second test demonstrated the engine’s ability to withstand extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. Advanced systems such as a nozzle protection system and multi-element igniter were used, showcasing India’s growing technological capabilities in cryogenic propulsion systems and space exploration.

Perplexity launched the ‘Personal Computer’ AI agent, an advanced digital assistant designed to automate everyday productivity tasks. The system operates on a Mac mini and functions as a digital proxy that can research topics, draft emails, prepare daily briefings, and manage files across different applications and devices. It combines local system operations with cloud-based reasoning to handle complex user requests efficiently. The platform also integrates multiple large language models such as Claude, Gemini, and Grok, allowing them to collaborate during task execution. With built-in security safeguards and continuous operation, the AI agent aims to improve productivity by automating routine digital activities.

Honeywell partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to establish the IITB-Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills & Innovation at the institute’s Powai campus. The centre is fully funded by the Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation and focuses on advancing sustainability skills and innovation among students. The initiative aims to train more than 100,000 students by 2030 through specialised programs, research support, and advanced laboratory infrastructure. It will benefit undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from across India. The centre will also offer certificate-based programs, hands-on projects, and research grants to address real-world sustainability challenges.

Razorpay introduced an artificial intelligence platform known as Agent Studio to transform how businesses manage payment infrastructure. The platform is built on Anthropic’s Claude Agent SDK and enables companies to automate several payment-related operations using AI agents. These agents can intervene when customers abandon purchases, initiate conversations to encourage payment completion, and integrate with platforms like Shopify, Shiprocket, and WhatsApp to access customer and transaction data. The system also supports a no-code tool that allows businesses to create custom AI agents by defining tasks in plain language. Additionally, Razorpay launched an Agentic Experience Platform that allows payment operations to be handled using natural-language commands.