Current Affairs - Technology

India’s first drone-AI-powered artificial rain experiment was launched at Ramgarh Dam in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This pioneering project uses cloud seeding technology enhanced with drones and artificial intelligence to induce rainfall. Conducted by GenX AI in collaboration with the Rajasthan Government, it aims to revive the historic 129-year-old reservoir, which has been dry for two decades, and improve water supply, agriculture, and biodiversity in the region. The drones spray sodium chloride into clouds to trigger precipitation, a technique already used in several countries to combat drought. The initiative also involves multiple government departments and has received DGCA approval for drone operations.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has entered into strategic partnerships with global technology leaders Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to advance 5G, AI, and networking skills in India. These collaborations will be implemented at BSNL’s premier training institute, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur. The initiative is part of the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to set up the Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) to create a skilled, future-ready workforce. It aligns with the Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions, aiming to foster telecom R&D, innovation, and industry-led skill development nationwide.

ISRO has set its target for the first quarter of 2027 to launch the upgraded LVM3 heavy-lift vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage. This enhancement involves replacing the L110 liquid stage with the SC120 semi-cryogenic stage powered by the SE2000 engine, which uses refined kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen. The upgrade increases payload capacity to around 5,200 kg for GTO missions, cuts launch costs by approximately 25%, and improves environmental safety. The adoption of semi-cryogenic technology marks a major step in India’s heavy-lift capabilities, supporting next-generation space missions under the planned Next Generation Launch Vehicle framework.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog has partnered with Bhashini, the Digital India Bhashini Division of MeitY, to boost vernacular innovation across India. This initiative aims to integrate multilingual capabilities into AIM’s grassroots programs, making entrepreneurship and innovation accessible to non-English speakers. Key steps include translating World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) learning resources into multiple Indian languages, extending Bhashini’s tools to Atal Incubation Centres and Atal Community Innovation Centres, and establishing a new Language Inclusive Program for Innovation (LIPI) Centres. By bridging language barriers, this collaboration fosters inclusivity, empowers rural innovators, and promotes equitable participation in India’s innovation ecosystem.

The District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) is a data-driven tool aimed at assessing and categorising flood severity at the district level in India. It was developed jointly by researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar. This tool supports the identification of flood-prone districts and helps in guiding effective allocation of resources for flood mitigation and emergency response planning. By using detailed district-level data, DFSI enables disaster management authorities to better prepare for and respond to floods, ensuring timely intervention and minimising potential loss of life and property.