Current Affairs - Technology

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to inaugurate the dhaRti BioNest Incubation Centre at IIT Dharwad, a significant initiative to promote biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre has already supported 15 startups, each receiving ₹50 lakh under the Elevate Karnataka scheme. The project received funding support of ₹5.2 crore from the MPLADS fund allocated by Nirmala Sitharaman and ₹5 crore from BIRAC. This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in the biotech sector, and enhance research-driven innovation through academic-industry partnerships at IIT Dharwad.

GalaxEye, an Indian space-tech startup, is preparing to launch Mission Drishti in the first quarter of 2026, marking the debut of the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite. The 160 kg satellite will be India’s largest privately developed satellite and will feature the country’s highest-resolution imaging sensor. This breakthrough mission represents a major step forward for India’s private space sector, combining advanced imaging technologies to deliver unprecedented Earth observation capabilities that can support applications in climate monitoring, disaster management, and national security.

Microsoft collaborated with EY India to introduce the AI Skills Passport, a free online learning initiative created to help India’s youth acquire essential artificial intelligence (AI) competencies. Targeted at individuals aged 16 and above, the program seeks to bridge the growing digital skills gap and prepare learners for future job markets increasingly shaped by AI technologies. By providing accessible, high-quality AI education, the partnership underscores Microsoft’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion, empowering the next generation of innovators, and supporting India’s transition toward a tech-driven economy.

India’s first Semiconductor Innovation Museum was inaugurated in Hyderabad by the Technology Chip Innovation Program (T-Chip) on October 12, 2025. The museum aims to promote innovation, investment, and public awareness in semiconductor technology while showcasing India’s advancements in AI chips, robotics, and EV systems. Hyderabad has become a major hub for semiconductor research and fabless chip design, hosting global companies like AMD and Qualcomm. This initiative enhances India’s push toward becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse and underscores Hyderabad’s growing role in advanced electronics and deep-tech innovation.

Google has expanded its AI-driven no-code app builder, Opal, to 15 countries including India, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, and Canada. Developed by Google Labs, Opal enables users to create functional applications simply by describing them in natural language. This expansion is a major step in Google’s mission to democratise app development and make AI tools accessible to both developers and non-coders globally. With features like a visual editor, debugging tools, and instant sharing, Opal empowers users to design and deploy customised apps efficiently, promoting inclusivity in the digital innovation space.