Indian IT stocks experienced a significant downturn following OpenAI's acquisition of consulting firm Tomoro, intensifying fears that global AI companies are encroaching on traditional IT service models through end-to-end consulting and implementation services.
The Finance Ministry has clarified that the 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15, is not expected to increase cash transactions or cause inflation. The ministry also dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the decision, asserting that the policy aims to promote RuPay credit cards within the UPI ecosystem, and a monitoring mechanism will ensure the MDR burden is not passed on to consumers.
Researchers at IIT Madras have patented a chemical-free antibacterial surface that physically eliminates harmful bacteria, including "superbugs," without relying on antibiotics or disinfectants. This innovative technology uses specially engineered nanostructures to rupture bacterial cell walls, offering a sustainable solution to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for biomedical and public health applications.
Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Nagoya are facing significant accommodation challenges, including cramped rooms on a cruise ship and long waits for check-in. The host nation's athletes are also affected, with complaints about shared rooms and general mismanagement. Organisers have opted against a traditional Athletes Village, leading to athletes travelling long distances for training, further exacerbating the logistical issues ahead of the mega-event.
A new study reveals a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific paper submissions since the release of ChatGPT, accompanied by a decline in writing quality. The research, focusing on submissions to the journal Organization Science, highlights the strain on the peer-review system and questions the benefits of AI for non-native English speakers and new field entrants.
India's top 16 IT services companies distributed a record 1.3 trillion to shareholders in FY26 through dividends and share buybacks, a 36.3 per cent increase from FY25, even as the industry grappled with AI-driven business model threats and a significant decline in market capitalisation.
A teenager, Ashu alias Lala, has been arrested in Delhi for the fatal stabbing of 25-year-old Sahil. The incident occurred after a minor dispute escalated into a physical altercation where Sahil allegedly slapped Ashu, leading to the fatal stabbing. Police tracked the accused, who later surrendered, and further investigation is underway.
'Everyone has a surname, and I think everyone has an equal responsibility to live up to that name.'
In part 3 of a Rediff series exploring new careers for aspiring professionals, Sanjay Salunkhe, founder of Jaro Education highlights how young professionals can adapt to the evolving AI-driven landscape in the creative industry.
India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.
The Congress party has criticised the government's recent notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for users to be charged fees, particularly for transactions above Rs 2,000. The party claims the government lacks transparency and questions if the move is to benefit American firms. The government, however, states that charges are necessary for the system's sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, with the Finance Minister clarifying that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers.
'...as we believe with the adoption of AI, our IT services companies' revenue models will have to undergo a reset, which may in turn impact their potential for earnings growth.'
A top SBI official has highlighted the challenges bankers face in lending to MSMEs using only GST data, advocating for the integration of alternative data sources like power consumption and telecom records through credit bureaus to improve credit assessment.
'In three years, you will have an AI model that will be smarter than the smartest mathematician or the smartest scientist.'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.
Indian mutual funds have significantly reduced their exposure to the information technology (IT) sector, with holdings now at an eight-year low of 6.7% in April 2026, driven by weak earnings growth, global demand slowdown, and concerns over AI-led disruption.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage at petrol pumps and a public database on vehicle compatibility with ethanol-blended fuel. The plea also calls for an expert committee to assess the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, environment, and food security, and a consumer disclosure protocol.
Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.
Fintech giant Paytm reports a consolidated profit of Rs 183 crore in Q4 FY26, marking a significant turnaround driven by its core payments business, growth in loans, and consumer-side profitability. The company is also prioritising investments in AI and has ruled out applying for an NBFC licence.
A key industry leader acknowledged the India IT services sector faces a "painful" transition due to AI, but emphasized the industry's resilience and ability to adapt through reinvention and focusing on complex enterprise technology.
A key industry leader acknowledged the India IT services sector faces a "painful" transition due to AI, but emphasized the industry's resilience and ability to adapt through reinvention and focusing on complex enterprise technology.
A Jefferies report warns that the IT services sector is set for a structural shift due to AI, requiring talent and operating model overhauls and increasing cyclicality.
The Realme Narzo 100x 5G has arrived with a strong focus on battery life and durability.
'Value is not where you make money in India. It never has been.' 'You have to buy momentum.' 'Momentum is in technology, and I don't see that slowing down because I believe the AI infrastructure boom is going to last for a while.'
'... that work is done. The task is to reallocate what has been built, with the courage of a founder and the discipline of an owner.'
Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.
Jio Platforms Ltd, the digital and telecommunications arm of Reliance Industries, has approved filing draft papers for an initial public offering (IPO) involving a fresh issue of up to 27 crore equity shares, aiming to unlock value for shareholders and fuel its ambitious expansion into 5G, AI, and global markets.
Indian physicist Deepak Dhar, a professor at ICTS-TIFR in Bengaluru, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his significant contributions to statistical mechanics. He shares the honour with three other physicists for their work on understanding complex systems, with applications in diverse fields like biology, finance, and AI. Dhar is particularly recognised for his "sandpile model" and has previously received the Padma Bhushan and Boltzmann Medal.
Bajaj Finserv announced a strategic initiative to invest up to Rs 2,000 crore in artificial intelligence and technology-led startups over the next five years, along with a collaboration with IIT-Bombay for joint research.
IT major Wipro reported a nearly flat consolidated net profit of Rs 3,352 crore in the April-June quarter of FY27, a marginal increase from Rs 3,330.4 crore in the year-ago period, while revenue from operations grew 10.6 per cent to Rs 24,478.6 crore.
ServiceNow Vice Chairman Nick Tzitzon highlights India's potential to develop an AI-native government model, emphasising enhanced public services, data privacy, and economic growth.
Qcom platforms are prioritising convenience, selection, AI-driven inventory planning and loyalty rewards over deep discounting.
Researchers at IIT Madras have discovered that rare 'specialist' marine microorganisms play a crucial and previously underestimated role in maintaining the stability of ocean ecosystems. Their global analysis of bacterial communities, published in 'mSystems', reveals these microbes act as vital connectors within microbial networks, significantly impacting ecosystem resilience and informing conservation efforts.
The cross-examination of a prosecution witness has concluded in a Model Code of Conduct violation case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
Researchers have developed an AI-enabled framework to help retailers understand and respond to changing consumer sustainability preferences. The framework uses machine learning to identify consumer segments in real time and translate analytics into business strategies.
'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'
China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched two advanced weather forecast products developed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aimed at delivering hyper-local, impact-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather services across India.
A new study reveals that insects' lightning-fast reactions are due to a 'turbo boost' feature in their brains, which could inspire more energy-efficient robots and self-driving cars.
