Current Affairs - Technology

South Korea is hosting an international summit beginning on September 9, 2024, to draft a non-binding blueprint for the responsible use of AI in military applications. The event, held in Seoul, involves participation from over 90 countries, including major global powers like the U.S. and China. The summit will focus on setting minimum guidelines for the use of AI in military operations, legal reviews, and oversight mechanisms for autonomous weapons systems, aiming to ensure ethical and controlled implementation of AI technologies in defence sectors.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, a groundbreaking nuclear facility, is situated in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's energy landscape. This plant, operational since 2020, plays a crucial role in the UAE's strategy for energy security and sustainability, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Its four reactors contribute substantially to the country's clean energy goals, providing 25% of the UAE's electricity.

The Centre for in-situ and Correlative Microscopy (CISCoM) was inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad to foster advanced research and collaboration across scientific disciplines. The facility, backed by ₹60 crore funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and ₹20 crore from academic and industrial partners, offers cutting-edge microscopy techniques that enable real-time analysis. This high-end research centre will play a key role in enhancing research capabilities and partnerships within the scientific community.

Indian Railways introduced a helmet camera system in North Bengal to enhance safety and prevent train accidents. This live monitoring system enables railway workers to detect and address mechanical issues in real-time, ensuring safer train operations. Initially deployed in the Maldah Division, it aims to extend across other regions. The helmet cameras can capture detailed images and videos, allowing for proactive responses to potential hazards and demonstrating Indian Railways' commitment to improving passenger safety through technological advancements.

OpenAI is anticipated to release its most advanced AI model, codenamed Project Strawberry, between September and November 2024. This model, previously known as Project Q* (Q-star), aims to advance Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) by exhibiting cognitive abilities akin to the human brain. It will be integrated into the upcoming ChatGPT-5 and is expected to excel in complex problem-solving, autonomous online research, and generating high-quality synthetic data. This release represents a significant step forward in AI development, enhancing the capabilities of future models such as Project Orion.