Current Affairs - Technology

Mission SCOT, launched by Digantara, focuses on enhancing Space Domain Awareness by enabling precise object tracking and imaging in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission has successfully established ground station communication, with its solar panels deployed and operations stabilized. This initiative is part of India’s growing space economy, supported by IN-SPACe’s Rs 1000 crore Venture Capital Fund. The space sector, valued at $8.4 billion, is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033, with significant contributions from missions like SCOT aimed at improving space infrastructure and sustainability.

The Bihar Postal Department is adopting Artificial Intelligence to enhance its services, including parcel delivery, booking, logistics, and customer-centric operations. The initiative also includes the development of a Digital Address and Digital Pin Code system, aiming to modernize the traditional postal delivery process. Currently, pilot tests are underway, and the official launch is planned for the next financial year. This integration of AI reflects Bihar's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve public services.

ISRO achieved a groundbreaking milestone in space agriculture by germinating black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This experiment demonstrates the potential for growing sustainable food sources in space, crucial for long-duration missions. By simulating Earth-like conditions, ISRO's initiative addresses challenges like microgravity, radiation, and limited sunlight, paving the way for self-sustaining food systems for astronauts on extended space explorations.

IIT Bombay has partnered with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to develop an "Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links." This initiative, under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), aims to enhance India's leadership in 6G technology. The chipset will support high-speed communication, especially in rural and challenging terrains, while promoting affordability and sustainability. This project aligns with India’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and aims to create a robust 6G ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s capabilities in next-generation telecom innovation.

Pixxel, an Indian private start-up, launched a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites for advanced Earth observation. This milestone makes Pixxel the first Indian private company to deploy such satellites, which offer high-resolution imagery across more than 150 spectral bands. These satellites, known as “Firefly,” are designed to monitor various factors such as vegetation health, water quality, atmospheric conditions, and chemical compositions. With plans for further expansion, Pixxel’s technology holds transformative potential for industries like agriculture, defence, and climate action, helping tackle global challenges through high-level Earth observation capabilities.