Current Affairs - Technology

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has made a significant breakthrough in nanopore research by introducing STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry), a novel language that encodes nanopore shapes as character sequences. This innovative tool enables machine learning models to predict nanopore properties accurately, paving the way for advanced applications like gas separation. By assigning distinct letters to atomic configurations, STRONG provides a detailed understanding of nanopore geometries, facilitating better prediction of properties and efficient data analysis. The integration of STRONG with neural networks enhances the accuracy of property predictions, representing a major leap forward in materials science and computational research.

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has entered into an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on crew and module recovery for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. This pact strengthens the ties between the two space agencies in human spaceflight activities, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.

India's heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-N2, weighs approximately 4,700 kg and is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's Falcon-9 from Cape Canaveral. GSAT-N2 aims to enhance internet services, particularly in remote areas, with an operational life of 14 years. The choice of SpaceX's Falcon-9 over India's LVM-3 launch vehicle was due to the satellite's significant payload weight. This launch marks a shift in India's reliance from Arianespace to SpaceX for heavy satellite launches, demonstrating the growing collaboration between India and private space companies.

Microsoft has collaborated with NASA to develop "Earth Copilot," a revolutionary AI-driven chatbot that simplifies access to complex Earth Science data. Leveraging Microsoft's Azure cloud and advanced AI capabilities, Earth Copilot enables users to retrieve valuable insights using plain-language queries. This partnership democratizes access to critical information on climate, air quality, disaster response, and urban planning, transforming how researchers, educators, policymakers, and climate experts interact with NASA's data. By making geospatial data more accessible, Microsoft and NASA aim to expand the reach and impact of Earth Science knowledge.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is partnering with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. Scheduled to launch in 2025, NISAR will utilize dual-frequency radar to monitor the Earth's surface, providing valuable insights into ecosystems, ice masses, and natural hazards. NASA's contributions include the L-band radar and payload data subsystem, while ISRO is providing the S-band radar and GSLV launch system. This collaborative effort demonstrates the potential for international cooperation in advancing space research and Earth observation.