Current Affairs - Technology

'AroTrack' is a water-pollutant detecting device developed by scientists at IIT Bombay. It uses bacteria-derived proteins to detect harmful aromatic pollutants like phenol, benzene, and xylenols in water. A key feature of AroTrack is its ability to identify pollutants through a chemical reaction that causes a visible colour change. The device is affordable, portable, and battery-operated, making it ideal for use in rural and low-income areas with limited access to expensive laboratory tests. This innovation is significant in improving water quality monitoring in various regions.

India has taken a significant step towards leveraging artificial intelligence for national security by launching its first AI data bank. This initiative focuses on real-time analytics from satellites, drones, and IoT devices to support scalable AI solutions in governance, business, and cybersecurity. The move aligns with India's broader vision of utilizing AI for innovation, disaster management, and economic growth, emphasizing responsible AI usage and transparency. This development showcases India's efforts to harness cutting-edge technology to enhance national security and promote economic progress.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has made a significant breakthrough in nanopore research by introducing STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry), a novel language that encodes nanopore shapes as character sequences. This innovative tool enables machine learning models to predict nanopore properties accurately, paving the way for advanced applications like gas separation. By assigning distinct letters to atomic configurations, STRONG provides a detailed understanding of nanopore geometries, facilitating better prediction of properties and efficient data analysis. The integration of STRONG with neural networks enhances the accuracy of property predictions, representing a major leap forward in materials science and computational research.

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has entered into an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on crew and module recovery for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. This pact strengthens the ties between the two space agencies in human spaceflight activities, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.

India's heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-N2, weighs approximately 4,700 kg and is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's Falcon-9 from Cape Canaveral. GSAT-N2 aims to enhance internet services, particularly in remote areas, with an operational life of 14 years. The choice of SpaceX's Falcon-9 over India's LVM-3 launch vehicle was due to the satellite's significant payload weight. This launch marks a shift in India's reliance from Arianespace to SpaceX for heavy satellite launches, demonstrating the growing collaboration between India and private space companies.