Current Affairs - Technology

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.

The initiative called AI Kiran was launched by the PSA Office, Verix, and INK Women with the goal of fostering inclusive leadership in the rapidly expanding Indian AI sector, valued at $17 billion. It specifically targets the underrepresentation of women in senior roles within the Generative AI space, where they currently make up only 19% despite their majority in STEM education. AI Kiran is designed to bridge this leadership gap by supporting and nurturing women professionals in AI, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and innovative technological future.

India’s astronomers, from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), made a significant breakthrough by identifying the cause behind the strange lack of dark matter in the galaxy NGC 1052-DF2. This galaxy is unique because it contradicts the standard understanding that dark matter is essential for galaxy formation. The Indian researchers built detailed models to study this phenomenon and discovered that the galaxy’s mass is mostly from stars, not dark matter. Their findings not only question the traditional models of galaxy formation but also open up new areas of research into the very nature of dark matter itself.

India achieved a significant milestone in its National Quantum Mission with the launch of its first full-stack quantum computer, QpiAI-Indus, by Bengaluru-based QpiAI on World Quantum Day (14th April). QpiAI-Indus is fully designed and built in India, covering both hardware and AI-driven software for running quantum applications. It features 25 qubits, which are essential for high-performance quantum computing with greater stability and minimal errors. This system promises revolutionary advancements across sectors like life sciences, materials science, and logistics. The launch marks a new chapter in India's quantum capabilities and aligns with global movements like the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science in 2025.

The Shenzhou-20 mission was launched by China as part of its ongoing efforts to develop and utilize its space station, Tiangong. This marked the 15th crewed spaceflight under the Shenzhou program. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre using a Long March-2F rocket. China's space ambitions have continued to grow, as evidenced by collaborative mentions such as Pakistan's future astronaut participation. This mission highlights China's rising stature in space exploration and its continued investment in crewed missions.