Current Affairs - Technology

The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft, belonging to Russia, successfully returned two Russian cosmonauts, Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, and a NASA astronaut, Tracy Dyson, to Earth on September 23, 2024. The spacecraft landed near Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, following a 374-day mission for the Russian cosmonauts and 184 days in space for the NASA astronaut. The mission underscores Russia's ongoing involvement in the International Space Station program, in collaboration with NASA and other space agencies.

The High-Performance Computing systems, Arka and Arunika, have been specifically designed to enhance India's computational capabilities for reliable weather forecasting, particularly for extreme climate events. With an investment of ₹850 crores, these systems will be located at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting in Noida, significantly improving India's weather forecasting capabilities. This initiative aims to provide better preparedness and response to challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather events.

The ABHED lightweight bulletproof jackets were developed through a collaboration between the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi. This innovative project utilizes advanced materials such as polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramics to enhance ballistic protection. The development of these jackets represents a significant advancement in personal protective equipment for defence personnel, reflecting a commitment to leveraging indigenous technology and research capabilities. This partnership underscores the vital role of academic institutions in supporting defence initiatives and improving soldier safety.

AIIMS Delhi has collaborated with Intuitive to set up a da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery training centre that focuses on multidisciplinary surgical training. This centre will provide advanced training in robotic surgery techniques for surgeons and care teams, covering specialities like urology, gynaecology, and general surgery. Led by Director Dr Srinivas and Professor DR. V K Bansal from the Department of Surgery, this initiative underscores AIIMS Delhi's commitment to innovative medical education and healthcare excellence ¹. The partnership aims to enhance the skills of medical professionals, ultimately benefiting patients through improved surgical outcomes.

India is set to establish its first national security semiconductor fabrication plant in collaboration with the United States. The project, named 'Shakti', will produce military-grade chips and components for telecommunications, focusing on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics. This initiative marks a crucial step in strengthening India-U.S. relations and aims to enhance the semiconductor supply chain, a strategic move for India's technological and defence capabilities.