Current Affairs - Technology

Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady is the first tiger reserve in India to install a wind turbine for power generation. This installation supports real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within the reserve. Previously reliant on solar power, which was less effective due to the region's foggy climate and heavy rainfall, the wind turbine provides a more reliable energy source for the reserve’s technological needs. This advancement enhances conservation efforts and communication capabilities within the extensive forest area of the reserve.

Sinergium Biotech is spearheading a new initiative to develop mRNA vaccines for avian influenza (H5N1), supported by WHO and MPP. This project aims to build capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for better pandemic preparedness. The initiative focuses on preclinical development and plans to share technology and expertise globally, promoting equitable access and collaboration across nations.

ISRO conducted the second test flight of an air-breathing propulsion system using the RH-560 rocket at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission monitored 110 parameters and followed ground tests at multiple centres. The RH-560 rocket, a two-stage, solid motor-based sub-orbital rocket, serves as a cost-effective test bed for demonstrating advanced technologies. The current chairman of ISRO is Dr. S. Somanath.

OpenAI, the company known for its revolutionary AI model ChatGPT, announced the development of an AI-powered search engine called SearchGPT. This initiative aims to challenge Google's dominance in the $200 billion search market and signifies a significant advancement in AI technology. OpenAI is currently testing a prototype of SearchGPT, designed to combine the capabilities of their AI models with web information to provide fast and accurate answers with relevant sources. The prototype is available to a select group of users, with plans to integrate it into ChatGPT in the future.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the Ramses project to study the Apophis asteroid. This collaboration focuses on monitoring the 375-meter asteroid Apophis, which is expected to pass 32,000 km from Earth in 2029. The Ramses spacecraft, developed for this mission, will closely approach and follow the asteroid to gather valuable data and assess potential threats to Earth. This international partnership highlights the importance of joint efforts in space exploration and planetary defence.