Current Affairs - Technology

ISRO is set to launch its 100th GSLV rocket, GSLV-F15, from Sriharikota on January 29 at 6:23 am. This mission will deploy the NVS-02 satellite, which is part of the second-generation NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system. NVS-02 features L1 band support and weighs 2,250 kg, contributing to enhanced accuracy and reliability of India’s indigenous navigation system. This launch marks a significant milestone for ISRO, reinforcing India's advancements in space technology and satellite-based navigation capabilities.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup founded in 2023, has recently surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store. The company gained recognition with its advanced AI models, particularly the R1 reasoning model, which rivals OpenAI’s technology. Despite challenges like cybersecurity threats and regulatory scrutiny, DeepSeek has managed to achieve success due to its innovative approach and relatively low development costs, growing out of the AI research unit of High-Flyer, a quantitative hedge fund.

ISRO’s 100th mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre will launch the GSLV–F15 rocket on January 29, 2025. The GSLV–F15, equipped with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, is designed to place satellites in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This mission will deploy the NVS-02 satellite, part of the NavIC initiative, India’s independent regional navigation system. The mission demonstrates India’s strategic autonomy in space technology, showcasing advanced satellite and launch vehicle capabilities while contributing to sectors like defence, disaster management, and civil navigation.

Reliance Industries has announced plans to build the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This massive project will have a capacity of one gigawatt and will play a key role in advancing India’s digital transformation, especially in artificial intelligence (AI). With strategic partnerships, including one with NVIDIA for Blackwell AI processors, the data centre will become a pivotal hub for AI, machine learning, and data processing. This ambitious initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a leader in digital infrastructure and AI capabilities.

ACKO Insurance has launched an e-challan portal in Hyderabad to simplify traffic checks and enhance convenience for residents. This platform allows users to access their traffic violation history and pay fines effortlessly. The initiative leverages technology to streamline urban daily tasks, particularly addressing the challenges of increasing traffic in cities. By offering an easy way to stay updated on road safety laws and manage challans, the portal is set to improve the overall customer experience and encourage better compliance with traffic regulations.