Current Affairs - Technology

The Munal satellite, a collaborative project between Nepal and India, was developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database and represents a significant milestone in space collaboration between the two nations. The launch is facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This initiative reflects the strengthening of Nepal-India space relations and advancements in space technology.

RailTel has entered into a partnership with Cylus to strengthen cybersecurity measures for Indian Railways. This collaboration involves deploying CylusOne™ to safeguard railway signalling and telecom systems. The aim is to implement advanced cyber defence technologies, integrate professional services, and build cybersecurity expertise within the rail network. RailTel’s Chief Managing Director, Sanjay Kumar, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity as Indian Railways undergoes significant technological upgrades. This partnership reflects a proactive approach to protecting critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.

India has launched the "AI Bharat 5G/6G Sandbox" hackathon in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This initiative aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies into 5G and 6G networks. The hackathon provides global mentorship opportunities and rewards for the winners, marking a significant contribution to technological innovation. It also serves as a prominent feature of the upcoming World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in New Delhi, highlighting India's commitment to advancing global telecommunications standards.

IIT Indore has developed innovative E-Shoes that utilize Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology to generate electricity from human motion. These shoes are equipped with GPS for real-time location tracking, aimed primarily at enhancing the safety and efficiency of armed forces personnel. Additionally, the shoes have potential applications in sports, elderly care, and various other fields, making them a versatile technological innovation.

The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The mission includes the development of a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads for various applications such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. ISRO's efforts in this launch are part of its broader commitment to enhancing satellite technology and space exploration capabilities, highlighting its role as India's leading space agency.