Current Affairs - Technology

Researchers at IIT Madras have made a significant breakthrough in retinal drug delivery by utilizing mild laser-induced convection. This innovative technique drastically reduces drug diffusion time in the retina from 12 hours to just 12 minutes, offering safer and more effective treatment options for retinal diseases such as retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy. The findings, published in the Wiley Heat Transfer Journal, demonstrate the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging laser technology, IIT Madras researchers have paved the way for more efficient and targeted retinal drug delivery systems.

The Ahmedabad Police are launching a state-of-the-art AI-enhanced Command and Control Centre to improve public safety and operational efficiency. This advanced facility will enable police officers to monitor multiple locations simultaneously using three screens and integrate Artificial Intelligence for enhanced surveillance capabilities. The centre aims to bolster crime prevention efforts by tracking social media for potential threats, identifying suspects quickly, and improving criminal tracking through video analytics. Scheduled for inauguration on October 3, this initiative reflects a significant advancement in urban policing techniques, emphasizing the role of technology in modern law enforcement.

BharatGen, launched on September 30, 2024, is India's pioneering government-funded multimodal AI initiative aimed at developing generative AI systems in various Indian languages. This initiative is led by IIT Bombay, which focuses on promoting social equity and cultural preservation. The program seeks to enhance public service delivery and citizen engagement through foundational models in language, speech, and computer vision. The TIH Foundation for IoT and IOE at IIT Bombay is implementing the project, with support from other esteemed institutions like IIT Hyderabad and IIM Indore, positioning India as a leader in generative AI.

Tech Mahindra has entered into a partnership with the University of Auckland to foster innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing. This collaboration focuses on sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government, aiming to enhance the industry-academic partnership. By exploring advanced technologies like spiking neural networks and quantum security, the partnership seeks to drive innovations that can significantly impact drug discovery and personalized healthcare. Furthermore, the initiative aims to boost graduate employability and provide students with practical exposure to emerging technologies, highlighting the importance of combining academic insights with real-world applications.

China successfully launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from an offshore platform near Haiyang, Shandong Province. This mission placed eight satellites, including Tianyi-41, into their designated orbits, showcasing China's growing capabilities in space technology. The launch was managed by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center and marked another milestone in China's space advancements, driven by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. This development is part of the broader effort to enhance satellite deployment and bolster China's space program.