Current Affairs - Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) partnered with IIT Madras to develop the ‘IRIS’ (Indigenous RISC-V Microprocessor for Space Applications) chip, a semiconductor designed for space missions. Derived from the SHAKTI microprocessor project, the chip is based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. It enhances self-reliance in space technology and aligns with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The chip’s design was carried out at IIT Madras, with fabrication at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh and packaging by Tata Advanced Systems. This marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous semiconductor development efforts.

NASA has chosen SpaceX to launch the Pandora mission as part of the VADR (Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare) contract. The mission aims to study over 20 exoplanets and their host stars by analyzing atmospheric observations. Equipped with a 17-inch telescope, Pandora will complement the work of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, enhancing the understanding of exoplanet atmospheres and their potential habitability. This mission represents another significant step in exoplanet research and deep space exploration.

Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated "Sṛjanam," India's first automated biomedical waste treatment plant, at AIIMS, New Delhi. Developed by CSIR-NIIST Thiruvananthapuram, this facility ensures the eco-friendly disposal of biomedical waste, promoting sustainability in healthcare waste management. The initiative aligns with India's "Waste to Wealth" mission, which aims to convert waste into useful resources while reducing environmental hazards. This innovation marks a significant step forward in sustainable medical waste disposal practices.

Pakistan, through its Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), has joined China’s Chang’e-8 lunar mission, marking a significant step in its space exploration efforts. Scheduled for launch in 2028, this mission will see Pakistan contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to explore the Moon’s south pole, an area of interest due to its potential water ice deposits. The mission is part of China’s broader International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035. This collaboration strengthens the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China in advanced space research.

L&T Finance Limited (LTF), a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India, has introduced ‘Knowledgeable AI’ (KAI), an AI-powered virtual home loan advisor. KAI is designed to enhance customer experience by offering personalized assistance, instant loan calculations, and expert guidance throughout the home loan process. Unlike traditional chatbots, KAI provides a more interactive and intuitive experience, helping users navigate complex financial decisions. This launch is part of L&T Finance’s broader digital strategy to integrate AI into financial services, making home loan applications more seamless and accessible for customers.