Current Affairs - Technology

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.

The AGM-114R Hellfire missile was developed by the United States to meet the U.S. Army's need for an effective anti-tank weapon against Soviet armour during the Cold War. The missile's development began in 1972, and it has since become a prominent tactical weapon used by the U.S. and its allies for precision targeting. Its versatility and effectiveness have led to its deployment on various platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The recent procurement deal between India and the U.S. for 170 Hellfire missiles highlights its continued relevance in modern warfare.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has become the first airport in India to have a self-powered indoor air quality monitoring facility, Pavana Chitra, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This innovative facility is powered by indigenous indoor solar cells developed by CSIR-NIIST and crafted from locally available materials. Pavana Chitra tracks temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and the air quality index, showcasing India's commitment to sustainable practices and traveller health.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated three Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and sustainable cities. These centres are situated at AIIMS Delhi and IIT Delhi for health-related AI research, IIT Ropar for agricultural AI applications, and IIT Kanpur for innovations in sustainable urban development. The purpose of these centres is to foster AI-driven research and innovations, ensuring advancements that contribute to public welfare and economic growth through cutting-edge technologies.