Current Affairs - Technology

India’s first bio-bitumen highway was inaugurated on the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass (NH-44). This innovative road uses lignin derived from crop residues to replace 15% of traditional bitumen, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective. The highway is 40% stronger than traditional asphalt roads, showcasing the potential for sustainable infrastructure development. The project was a collaborative effort between the Central Road Research Institute and Praj Industries, highlighting advancements in green technology for road construction.

ISRO is set to launch the SpaDeX mission in December 2024 aboard PSLV-C60, aiming to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target). This achievement will position India as the fourth nation to master space docking, a critical capability for advanced space missions. The mission’s objectives include demonstrating autonomous rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies, as well as power transfer and payload operations. SpaDeX will play a vital role in advancing ISRO’s future endeavours, including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) and satellite servicing missions.

Telangana is setting up a 200-acre AI City in Hyderabad to transform the city into India’s AI capital and a global hub for innovation. Collaborations with 26 prominent entities, including Microsoft, Nvidia, AWS, and Meta, aim to focus on AI infrastructure, generative AI, and skill development. The initiative is expected to boost investments, generate employment, and contribute significantly to Telangana’s vision of a $3 trillion economy. This ambitious project underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging AI for economic and technological advancement.

Japan is partnering with India to address the challenge of space debris through advanced laser-equipped satellites. This collaboration involves Japan's Orbital Lasers and India's InspeCity, focusing on using lasers to vaporize debris and manage space clutter. The partnership extends to other space initiatives like the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission and satellite data applications for disaster management and agriculture in India. Japan’s active engagement in space debris removal, supported by its regulatory framework and private sector innovation, underscores its role in promoting sustainable space exploration.

India’s data centre market is projected to exceed $100 billion in investments by 2027, driven by sectors such as BFSI, technology, fintech, media, and generative AI. This marks a significant growth from the $60 billion invested between 2019 and 2024. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru are leading this expansion due to their robust infrastructure and supportive government policies. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have become key hubs for data centre development, highlighting India's rise as a global leader in digital infrastructure and its commitment to meeting the growing demands of the digital economy.