Current Affairs - Technology

India has launched the "AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox" hackathon in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This initiative aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies into 5G and 6G networks. The hackathon provides global mentorship opportunities and rewards for the winners, marking a significant contribution to technological innovation. It also serves as a prominent feature of the upcoming World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in New Delhi, highlighting India's commitment to advancing global telecommunications standards.

IIT Indore has developed innovative E-Shoes that utilize Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology to generate electricity from human motion. These shoes are equipped with GPS for real-time location tracking, aimed primarily at enhancing the safety and efficiency of armed forces personnel. Additionally, the shoes have potential applications in sports, elderly care, and various other fields, making them a versatile technological innovation.

The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The mission includes the development of a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads for various applications such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. ISRO's efforts in this launch are part of its broader commitment to enhancing satellite technology and space exploration capabilities, highlighting its role as India's leading space agency.

China is launching the “Thousand Sails” satellite constellation as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink network. This new initiative aims to establish a global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite Internet network similar to Starlink. The first 18 satellites have already been deployed, with plans to expand the constellation to 648 satellites by next year and 15,000 by the end of the decade. This ambitious project, managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), seeks to provide global network coverage and rival the extensive broadband capabilities of SpaceX’s constellation.

India has announced the selection of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the primary mission pilot, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will act as the backup. This mission marks a significant step in strengthening human spaceflight cooperation between ISRO and NASA and advancing India’s human space program. The experience from this mission will enhance India's human spaceflight capabilities and contribute to the Gaganyaan mission.