Bank credit to industry in India surged by 20 per cent year-on-year in July, significantly accelerating from the previous year, driven by strong expansion in sectors like engineering, gems and jewellery, and petroleum-related industries, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, growth in gold loans, while still expanding, saw a sharp moderation.
From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.
Leading global technology companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. However, these releases have ignited significant debate among researchers regarding the transparency and monitorability of AI reasoning, particularly concerning OpenAI's Astra model and its "recurrent depth" architecture.
Researchers at Delhi's Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology have developed 'MutAIverse', a generative AI platform designed to decode DNA damage and identify potential causes of cancer. Tested on head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, the platform successfully traced exposure to smokeless tobacco as a contributing factor. This innovation aims to shift focus from just diagnosis to understanding causative factors, potentially aiding in prevention and protection.
OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.
OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have introduced new AI models with enhanced capabilities. OpenAI's Astra model, achieving a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, has ignited a debate among researchers due to its "recurrent depth" architecture, which some fear makes its reasoning harder to monitor. Anthropic and Google also released new models, focusing on coding, scientific research, and cybersecurity, alongside new image and video AI tools.
If India does get $100 billion a year in FDI, it would be a game-changer in every possible way. FPIs would come rushing back, AI or no AI, points out Debashis Basu.
Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the NEET-UG re-examination will be held on June 21, with plans to transition to a computer-based test from next year. This decision follows allegations of irregularities in the original exam, prompting strict action and a commitment to ensuring fairness for students.
Andhra Pradesh is set to inaugurate India's first indigenously developed, open-access quantum computer test beds, Amaravati 1S and 1Q, at SRM University, marking a significant advancement in the nation's quantum computing capabilities.
'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'
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.
Over 14,000 members of the academic and scientific community have petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking intervention against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's "gau mutra expert" remark concerning IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti during parliamentary proceedings. The petition calls for the withdrawal of the derogatory expression, arguing it undermines the dignity of an eminent scientist and the institution he leads, and urges for respectful democratic discourse.
The Rajasthan high court, Jodhpur, has taken suo motu cognisance of issues concerning Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, expressing concern over junk food, excessive screen time, paper leaks, inadequate infrastructure in rural schools and the possible erosion of basic learning skills in the age of artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 31 a plea which has challenged the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive cash donations below Rs 2,000.
Scientists discover tiny whirlpool-like swirls on the Sun that could explain solar activity, improve space weather research and solve a decades-old solar mystery.
Asus has expanded its Chromebook line-up in India with the CX15 (CX1505CTA), a large-screen laptop aimed at users looking for a practical device for work, study and everyday entertainment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted technology and innovation as central to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for India to lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space, announcing a massive AI skilling initiative for one crore youth. Modi stressed the importance of becoming a global innovation hub, bolstering energy security with nuclear power, and strengthening cybersecurity.
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved media baron Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency resolution plan, which proposes to pay Rs 6.5 crore against admitted creditor claims of approximately Rs 22,006.57 crore, despite allegations from dissenting lenders that five family-linked entities controlled 61.78 per cent of the voting share.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has called upon ministers and legislators to extensively use digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for balanced development and improved public outreach. He highlighted the state government's existing use of AI in welfare programmes and project cost reduction, stressing its importance for Bihar's progress in the digital era.
The Small Animal Hospital, which provides world-class treatment to pets and strays alike, continues Ratan Tata's legacy.
The National Testing Agency advised candidates to regularly check its official website and rely only on official communications from the agency.
Andhra Pradesh is set to launch India's first indigenously built, open-access quantum computers, marking a significant step towards building a sovereign quantum hardware ecosystem. The initiative aims to position the state as a global hub for quantum technology and enable applications in various sectors.
Can your money be protected against online frauds like hacking, digital arrests, etc?
Andhra Pradesh and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed an MoU to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley. This initiative aims to foster innovation and adopt next-generation technologies like AI and Quantum Computing in the banking sector, focusing on cybersecurity, fraud detection, and customer experience.
Across India, Gen Alpha students (born between 2010 and 2024) are increasingly taking to the streets to protest against poor school infrastructure, lack of teachers, and unhygienic conditions, leading to some significant wins and drawing attention to the declining state of public education.
A third-year BTech student at IIT Guwahati died after allegedly falling from the fifth floor of a hostel building, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Hundreds of students at Sarvodaya Inter College in Kishanpur, Uttar Pradesh, staged a five-hour demonstration demanding basic facilities like safe drinking water, clean toilets, and functional fans, leading to the administration's assurance of immediate action.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has informed the Supreme Court that the NEET-UG exam will transition to a computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year, following consultations with the Centre and recommendations from a high-level committee.
A Goldman Sachs report indicates that US and Indian equity markets are becoming less attractive due to lower free cash flow (FCF) yields as valuations rise, while European markets offer significantly higher yields. Concurrently, India's top-listed residential real estate developers experienced a moderation in pre-sales in Q1FY27, attributed to delayed project approvals, limited launches, and high year-ago bases, though underlying housing demand remains healthy.
FICCI FLO and UP BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh are collaborating to train 100 women as 'drone pilots' in Lucknow. This initiative aims to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the burgeoning drone economy. The announcement was made at an event where MLA Singh also highlighted his efforts in public grievance redressal and establishing women's empowerment centres in his constituency.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured his first victory at the Sinquefield Cup, defeating Javokhir Sindarov in a 95-move game.
IIT Madras is hosting the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and RISC-V International. The symposium aims to unite stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to advance India's semiconductor innovation, focusing on indigenous processor technologies, secure computing, hardware innovation, and AI, aligning with the government's vision for India as a global semiconductor hub.
The White House has launched a major crackdown on the 'Great Transhipment Scam', accusing India and over 40 other nations of helping Chinese exporters bypass US tariffs by misrepresenting the origin of goods. The US plans to use AI-driven monitoring and anti-transhipment clauses in future trade agreements to strengthen enforcement.
The Karnataka government has announced the installation of a 25-qubit quantum computing system at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Dharwad and IIIT-Raichur, enhancing the state's quantum computing ecosystem.
Professor Deepak Dhar of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his significant contributions to statistical mechanics and complex systems. He shares the honour with three other scientists for their pioneering work extending statistical mechanics into diverse fields like AI and theoretical neuroscience.
The ACSEL Technology Forum, a Karnataka government Centre of Excellence in AI, has launched Tathyakosh.in, a digital public good designed to make India's extensive public data more accessible. This platform consolidates over 1.5 million datasets from 458 sources, addressing the challenge of fragmented data discovery across various government and research portals. It aims to benefit researchers, startups, and technology teams in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion by providing a structured and discoverable data infrastructure.
Researchers from IIT Bhubaneswar and Virginia Commonwealth University have theoretically predicted a new two-dimensional material, a FeCl3 monolayer, exhibiting i-wave altermagnetism. This discovery holds significant potential for developing faster, more compact, and energy-efficient electronic devices, including applications in high-density memory, spintronics, and quantum technologies.
Dr Lovi Raj Gupta, pro vice-chancellor, Lovely Professional University, explains how aspiring professionals can equip themselves for a competitive AI-driven job market.