Technology Scientists

  1. What is the AI Pilot & Why It Matters The “AI Pilot To Improve Local Monsoon Onset Forecasting” is an initiative launched by the government (in 2025) with the aim to generate localized monsoon-onset forecasts for farmers, ahead of the Kharif season. Traditional forecasts by India Meteorological Department (IMD) typically provide long-range or regional forecasts; finer, local-level onset forecasts have historically been hard to achieve. The AI pilot promises more precise, actionable information — giving farmers lead time to plan sowing, land preparation, and resource use, reducing risk of crop failure.  2. How the AI Model Works — Data & Technologies The pilot uses a blended AI model that integrates multiple advanced systems: NeuralGCM (from Google), ECMWF-AIFS (from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), and 125 years of historical IMD rainfall data. By combining modern ML-based global forecasting models with long-term historical data, the ...

  India has unveiled a major expansion of its quantum technology ecosystem with the announcement of four advanced quantum fabrication and central facilities across IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and IISc Bengaluru. The initiative, valued at ₹720-crore, is being developed under the National Quantum Mission to propel India toward global leadership in quantum science and engineering. Boost to India’s Quantum Hardware Ecosystem The new hubs will provide cutting-edge capabilities for quantum sensing, quantum computing and quantum materials. These facilities are designed to support the creation of sovereign, secure and scalable quantum devices. They will be accessible to investigators under the national mission, as well as to universities, industry, start ups and strategic sectors across India — promoting broad-based innovation.   Institutional Roles and Specialised Capabilities Each institution will anchor a specific pillar of the mission. IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur will lead n...

  Multisensory VR creates deeply immersive experiences by combining visual and auditory elements with touch, smell, temperature, and even motion cues. Instead of relying solely on a headset and controllers, this approach activates multiple human senses simultaneously, making virtual environments feel more realistic and emotionally impactful. Haptic gloves and suits simulate texture and force, spatial audio shapes a 3D soundscape, scent emitters recreate environmental smells, and temperature devices generate warmth or coolness to match the virtual setting. Together, these technologies blur the boundary between digital and physical worlds, allowing users to feel , hear , smell , and experience virtual environments as if they were real. What Is Ultrasonic Haptics? Ultrasonic haptics is a technology that uses focused ultrasound waves to create tactile sensations in mid-air. Unlike traditional haptic systems that rely on physical contact, ultrasonic haptics lets users feel virtual butt...

  Rethinking IoT with Named Data Networking Named Data Networking (NDN) shifts IoT communication from the traditional address-centric model to a data-centric one, where information is retrieved based on its name rather than its location. This paradigm is especially suited for IoT environments where devices frequently move, disconnect, or change network paths. By decoupling data from specific endpoints, NDN reduces dependency on stable connections and simplifies data retrieval, making IoT networks more resilient and efficient. Edge Computing as the Performance Catalyst Edge computing places computation and storage near IoT devices, drastically lowering latency and reducing the burden on cloud infrastructure. When paired with NDN, the edge can cache popular data objects, serve content locally, and respond to requests without involving distant servers. This synergy improves real-time responsiveness—critical for applications like autonomous systems, industrial automation, and smart hea...

  “Google” is reportedly planning to construct a major “artificial intelligence (AI) data centre” on “Christmas Island”, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. According to a “Reuters” report, the proposed facility is tied to a “cloud computing deal with the Australian Department of Defence”, marking one of the most strategically significant digital infrastructure projects in the region. A Strategic Outpost in the Indian Ocean Christmas Island, located about “350 km south of Indonesia”, has long been viewed as a critical location for “monitoring military and naval activities” across the Indian Ocean. Defence analysts believe the AI data centre would serve as a “forward command-and-control hub”, enabling “AI-driven defence applications”, such as uncrewed surveillance and targeting systems. Local government records reportedly show that “Google is negotiating to lease land near the island’s airport” for the facility. Its proximity to both Southeast Asia and Australia’s nor...

  India has taken a major step towards responsible artificial intelligence regulation with the release of its first AI Governance Guidelines. Issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the framework emphasises adaptive regulation within existing laws instead of introducing a separate AI-specific legislation. Adaptive Approach Over New Legislation The new framework advocates for an incremental and flexible approach, applying current statutes such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It highlights the need to reinterpret these laws in the context of emerging AI challenges including bias, misinformation, and data misuse. MeitY clarified that India’s AI policy will rely on evolving regulatory mechanisms rather than a rigid new law. Key Focus Areas in Legal Adaptation One major proposal involves updating the definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act. The current ...