Complete Current Events notes on Science and technology for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Current Events – 3
Notes in Science and Technology. It emphasizes advancements over the last 18 months, covering ISRO missions, AI tools, 6G, and Quantum Computing, along with objective practice questions at the end.
Science and Technology
ISRO Missions
Aditya-L1
- Launch & Orbit Entry: India’s first solar observatory was launched on 2 September 2023 aboard PSLV-C57 and inserted into a halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 point on 6 January 2024 .
- Orbital Operations: Completed its first halo orbit by July 2024, with further orbital maneuvers conducted in February and June 2024, showcasing precision in trajectory control .
Gaganyaan
- Current Status: The crewed orbital mission has been postponed to 2027, with uncrewed test flights expected by late 2025 .
- Project Scope: Aims to send a crew of three to a 400 km orbit for approximately 3 days, showcasing his spaceflight capabilities .
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
- Sarvam AI: Launched Sarvam M, an open-source multilingual LLM optimized for Indian languages. It’s verifiable across benchmarks like mathematics and programming, though its reception was measured, prompting a push for stronger ecosystem support .
- Bhashini Platform: Government’s AI-based translation portal supports over 300 models for vernacular languages. Used by the Prime Minister and FM during speeches; now being promoted in education, governance, and e-commerce via tools like Saarthi and Pehchan app .
- Corporate Momentum: Indian IT giants (Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCLTech) are accelerating AI integration across industries amid sluggish demand. AI investments are transforming services but also prompting concerns over job cuts .
6G Technology in India
- Research & Patents:
- India ranks among the top six nations globally in 6G patent filings, supported by ₹300 crore across 111+ research projects.
- The government aims to contribute 10% of global 6G patents, reinforced by policy backing and standards partnerships.
- Strategic Framework:
- The Bharat 6G Vision (2023) underpins national ambitions, with TSDSI and Bharat 6G Alliance now collaborating to co-develop 6G standards.
- A high-speed antenna project led by MNNIT, IIIT-Gwalior, and PEC is underway to push data speeds up to 1 terabyte per second, with DoT funding.
Quantum Computing
- National Mission:
- The National Quantum Mission, backed by the DST, has a ₹6,000 crore budget for scaling quantum R&D through 2030–31. Included is the development of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) satellites by ISRO.
- Lab & Startup Progress:
- TIFR’s QuMaC lab is nearing completion of India’s first small-scale quantum computer, targeting a 24-qubit build in three years and a 100-qubit system in five .
- QpiAI (Bengaluru) introduced a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computing platform, aligning with goals of cloud delivery under the National Quantum Mission .
- Strategic Vision:
- A NITI Aayog report warns that India must adopt a multi-pronged quantum strategy—spanning education, industry collaboration, and cybersecurity—if it is to stay globally competitive.
- ‘Quantum Valley’ Initiative:
- Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu proposes a ‘Quantum Valley’ in Amaravati—a hub with IBM, TCS, L&T—supported by central and multilateral funding, aiming to position the state as a quantum research nucleus.
Objective Questions for Practice
1. When did Aditya-L1 enter its halo orbit?
A) Sep 2023
B) Jan 2024
C) Feb 2024
D) Jul 2024
2. Gaganyaan’s crewed mission is expected in
A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2027
D) 2028
3. India ranks among the top six globally in
A) AI tools
B) 6G Patent filing
C) Satellite launches
D) Quantum Patent
4. Sarvam M is
A) AI Dashboard
B) Multilingual LLM
C) Solar Module
D) Drone tech
5 The National Quantum Mission is funded at
A) 3000 Cr
B) 6000 Cr
C) 8000 Cr
D) 10000 Cr
Summary
- Prelims: Focus on mission dates, technological milestones, budgets (e.g., ₹6,000 crore), and key nomenclature (Bharat 6G Vision, Sarvam M).
- Mains: Frame discussions around strategic autonomy, innovation ecosystems, quantum diplomacy, AI inclusivity, and infrastructure readiness.