Current Affairs - Technology

India ranks 72nd in the IMF's Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index 2024, which evaluates 174 economies worldwide based on their readiness for artificial intelligence adoption and development. The index highlights Singapore, Denmark, and the United States as top performers in advanced economies (AEs), while India is categorized as an emerging market (EM) with a readiness score of 0.49.

The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has introduced the first advanced AI system for early detection of forest fires. This innovative system includes a high-resolution camera capable of monitoring a visual range of up to 15 kilometres. Situated near Kirringisarra village, the system aims to enhance forest fire management and conservation efforts in the reserve. Funding for this project was provided by Solar Industries India Ltd, Nagpur, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, highlighting collaborative efforts to integrate technology for safeguarding wildlife habitats and biodiversity in Pench Tiger Reserve.

BlinkX, the digital stockbroking arm of JM Financial, has inaugurated the BlinkX Gen AI Lab in Mumbai. This initiative aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience. Under the leadership of Soumya Pattanayak, the lab is dedicated to developing innovative AI projects such as automated personalized content creation and real-time customer engagement tools. The establishment of this AI lab underscores Mumbai's growing significance as a hub for technological innovation and development in the financial sector, aligning with BlinkX's commitment to advancing digital solutions in stockbroking.

Abhyas, developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), is a High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) designed to simulate realistic threat scenarios for the practice of weapon systems. It features autonomous flight capabilities with an autopilot system and is equipped with Radar Cross Section (RCS), Visual, and Infrared augmentation systems necessary for effective weapon testing and evaluation. Successfully tested multiple times, Abhyas showcases reliability and operational readiness, demonstrating its role in enhancing India's indigenous defence capabilities.

China achieved a historic milestone by successfully retrieving samples from the far side of the moon through its Chang’e 6 spacecraft mission. This accomplishment marks China as the first nation to achieve a sample return from this rarely explored lunar region, positioning itself prominently in the global competition for space exploration and lunar research. The samples retrieved from the moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin are expected to provide valuable insights into lunar geology and history, advancing our understanding of the moon's evolution and potential for future exploration missions.