Current Affairs - Technology

AI Touch LLP received funding under the Department of Technology's Telecom Technology Development Fund scheme to innovate 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions. The development focuses on creating RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), and Network Data Analytics Function modules. These advancements aim to automate control, optimize network operations, and generate analytics-driven insights, significantly enhancing 5G performance and efficiency.

IIT Madras inaugurated Asia's largest Shallow Wave Basin at its Thaiyur campus to enhance research in ports, waterways, and coastal engineering. Developed by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), the facility aims to support the Ministry of Shipping with advanced technological solutions. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign technology for wave generation research, promoting self-reliance in maritime and coastal engineering advancements.

The CipAir app, launched by Cipla, is a specialized tool for asthma screening. It uses innovative exhalation tests to assess a user's likelihood of having asthma, categorizing the results into Red, Yellow, or Green zones to indicate varying levels of risk. This helps individuals take timely action by consulting healthcare professionals if necessary. The app is a significant step toward addressing the widespread issue of asthma underdiagnosis in India, where many cases go unnoticed. By facilitating early detection, CipAir contributes to improved asthma management, better patient outcomes, and a reduced burden on the healthcare system.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed indigenous technology for producing paracetamol, marking a step toward reducing dependency on imports and enhancing self-reliance in pharmaceutical production. This announcement was made by Dr Jitendra Singh during the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR's achievements also include India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, aimed at combating drug-resistant bacteria, showcasing its pivotal role in advancing the nation's scientific capabilities.

Researchers from IIT-Guwahati, in collaboration with the Bose Institute, Kolkata, developed an innovative injectable hydrogel designed for localized cancer treatment, particularly breast cancer therapy. This hydrogel is composed of ultra-short peptides and is sensitive to glutathione, abundant in tumour cells, allowing precise drug activation. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which causes systemic side effects, this hydrogel targets tumours directly, reducing harm to healthy cells. The research, led by Debapratim Das (IIT-G) and published in Materials Horizons, offers a breakthrough approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing precision and minimal invasiveness.