Current Affairs - Technology

The Ironwood chip is the latest innovation from Google, representing its 7th generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU). Purpose-built to run cutting-edge AI workloads like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Mixture of Experts (MoEs), Ironwood exemplifies the shift toward proactive AI that generates insights autonomously. It boasts remarkable performance, with the ability to support over 9,000 chips per pod and deliver 42.5 Exaflops—far surpassing traditional supercomputers. The chip also doubles the performance per watt compared to its predecessor, thanks to energy-efficient liquid cooling. As part of Google Cloud’s Hypercomputer architecture, Ironwood is pivotal in scaling AI applications across platforms like Search, YouTube, and DeepMind.

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission represents a landmark partnership between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Scheduled for launch in June 2025, this Earth observation satellite will use advanced dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar to monitor key environmental changes such as ice sheet melting, forest cover dynamics, and seismic activity. The mission is designed to deliver highly precise data, capable of detecting surface changes as small as 1 cm, making it instrumental for tracking natural disasters and climate impacts. ISRO’s role in this collaboration includes contributing to the launch vehicle and vital payload components, reinforcing its global standing in space science.

The exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away in the constellation Leo, is being studied for signs of possible life. Scientists from Cambridge University, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), have detected life-associated molecules like dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in its atmosphere. While the findings are not yet scientifically confirmed at the highest level of certainty, they represent an important step in the search for extraterrestrial life. These gases are produced by microorganisms on Earth, suggesting that microbial life could potentially exist on K2-18b.

India has marked a significant milestone in secure communications by successfully conducting its first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) test over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF). This breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Sterlite Technologies Ltd. The innovation allows quantum signals and classical data to coexist on a single fibre without interference, reducing infrastructure costs and enhancing security. Approved by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre, the indigenous technology demonstrates India's growing capabilities in quantum communication and reflects the strength of its public-private partnerships in advancing digital innovation and national technological sovereignty.

The GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) program was launched by the Gujarat police to improve policing efficiency, particularly in urban areas such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara. This initiative utilizes drones to enhance crime monitoring, reduce response times, and aid in crime scene documentation. The program aims to provide real-time surveillance and faster deployment, especially in areas with high rates of gang violence and street crimes. With advanced camera capabilities and real-time video streaming, the drones serve as an essential tool for modernizing law enforcement in Gujarat.