Current Affairs - Technology

TM2Space, a Hyderabad-based space technology company, is set to launch MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator), India’s first AI laboratory in space, aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket in December 2024. This initiative enables real-time in-orbit data processing, significantly reducing data transmission costs and latency. TM2Space, recognized for its advancements in nano-satellites, is collaborating with IN-SPACe Technical Centre to facilitate development and testing, marking a milestone in India’s growing leadership in space innovation.

ISRO's Shukrayaan mission, set for launch in 2028, will focus on Venus, aiming to explore the planet's atmosphere and surface. This mission is part of India's expanding space exploration efforts, which also include lunar and Mars missions. Shukrayaan will significantly contribute to our understanding of Venus, marking a key milestone in India's interplanetary research initiatives. The mission highlights ISRO's ambition to explore planets beyond Earth, with the approval from the Indian government further underlining its importance in India's space strategy.

The Proba-3 mission, set to launch on December 4, 2024, aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, is led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with ISRO. This mission involves two precisely aligned small satellites to create an artificial eclipse, enabling a detailed study of the Sun's corona and solar phenomena. It highlights ESA's role in advancing solar observation and international partnerships in space exploration.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced OmniGen AI, a generative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionize underwriting processes. This advanced system, hosted on AWS, enhances risk evaluation, accelerates decision-making, and minimizes manual errors. The launch underscores Canara HSBC Life's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for operational efficiency, scalability, and improved customer experience in the insurance sector.

'AroTrack' is a water-pollutant detecting device developed by scientists at IIT Bombay. It uses bacteria-derived proteins to detect harmful aromatic pollutants like phenol, benzene, and xylenols in water. A key feature of AroTrack is its ability to identify pollutants through a chemical reaction that causes a visible colour change. The device is affordable, portable, and battery-operated, making it ideal for use in rural and low-income areas with limited access to expensive laboratory tests. This innovation is significant in improving water quality monitoring in various regions.