Current Affairs - Technology

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.

The Government of India launched the eShram – One Stop Solution in New Delhi to enhance access to social security schemes for unorganised workers. This innovative platform aims to streamline data from various government ministries and integrate important welfare schemes, including the One Nation One Ration Card and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). By centralizing this information, the initiative seeks to improve the welfare and support provided to unorganised workers, making it easier for them to access essential services and benefits.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is pioneering the Moonlight program, a groundbreaking initiative to create a dedicated satellite constellation for communication and navigation on the Moon. This ambitious project involves launching five satellites, including one for high-data-rate communications and four for navigation. The Lunar Pathfinder, the first satellite, is scheduled to launch in 2026, with full deployment expected by 2030. Moonlight will enable seamless connectivity between the Moon and Earth, facilitating future lunar missions and research. ESA's innovative approach will significantly enhance lunar exploration capabilities.

Kerala has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by launching the Citizen Sentinel app, enabling citizens to report traffic violations by uploading photos and videos up to 8 MB. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), this app is part of Kerala's 100-day action plan. Verified reports will lead to e-challans being issued to violators by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Kerala is the third state in India to implement this innovative solution, following Chhattisgarh and Odisha. This initiative promotes public participation in maintaining traffic discipline and ensures swift action against violators.