Current Affairs - Technology

China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, carrying three astronauts, including the country's first female space engineer, on a six-month mission. The crew will fine-tune operations at China's low-orbit space station, marking a significant step in the country's advancing space exploration efforts. The mission will also involve a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the space station's Tianhe core module. This launch demonstrates China's continued progress in space exploration and its commitment to expanding its presence in space.

Indian researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have made a significant discovery with the exoplanet TOI-6651b, which is Saturn-sized and has a mass 60 times that of Earth, with a radius five times larger. This exoplanet orbits a Sun-like star in a cycle of 5.06 days and is located at the edge of the "Neptunian desert," an area known for having few planets of similar mass. This discovery provides valuable insights into planetary formation processes and expands our understanding of the diversity of exoplanets in the universe.

Everest 1.0 is a groundbreaking AI model launched by Hanooman AI at the NVIDIA GEN AI Summit in Mumbai. As India's first multi-lingual and multi-modal foundational AI model, Everest 1.0 supports 35 languages and performs various tasks such as text, image, code, and voice generation. With plans to expand to 90 languages, this innovative platform enhances data sovereignty and security for critical sectors like BFSI, defence, and more. Everest 1.0's capabilities position Hanooman AI as a pioneer in India's growing AI ecosystem, offering a robust foundation for AI-driven applications.

DPIIT has collaborated with HCLSoftware to boost the growth of Indian manufacturing startups through its Manufacturing Incubation Initiative. This strategic partnership leverages HCL SYNC to provide global exposure to innovative startups, facilitating their entry into international markets. The initiative aligns with the 'Make in India' vision, aiming to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance in the manufacturing sector. By joining forces, DPIIT and HCLSoftware seek to create a conducive ecosystem for startups to flourish, driving economic growth and industrial development in India. Key officials, including DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh and Director Dr. Sumeet K. Jarangal, have emphasized the initiative's potential impact.

Infosys has introduced two innovative small language models: Infosys Topaz BankingSLM and Infosys Topaz ITOpsSLM, designed to facilitate the adoption and scaling of AI technologies in enterprise settings. Developed on the NVIDIA AI Stack, these models are part of the broader Infosys Topaz offerings. They aim to provide a solid foundation for businesses to create specialized AI models tailored to their needs, enhancing efficiency and integration within banking and IT operations. This launch signifies Infosys's commitment to advancing AI solutions in industry-specific applications.