India is adopting a two-pronged strategy for artificial intelligence development, focusing on open-source models and indigenous innovation to counter global access restrictions on advanced AI technologies. The government aims to support local developers and ensure AI creates tangible economic impact across various sectors, rather than being solely driven by market speculation.
For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.
Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced an additional USD 13 billion investment in India, bringing the company's total capital commitment to USD 48 billion by 2030. This significant investment will primarily focus on expanding AI and cloud infrastructure, supporting job creation, boosting e-commerce exports, and digitising small businesses, aligning with India's growing digital economy.
'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'
The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre's response regarding pleas from Delhi Gymkhana Club members and staff challenging a show-cause notice for eviction. The court has asked the Solicitor General to ensure the Estate Officer's hearing is adjourned until after the next court date, indicating judicial oversight in the ongoing dispute over the club's 27.3-acre premises.
Dr Lovi Raj Gupta, pro vice-chancellor, Lovely Professional University, explains how aspiring professionals can equip themselves for a competitive AI-driven job market.
India's indigenous Dilution Refrigerator, developed by AQV, has successfully reached four Kelvin (-269C) at the Quantum Reference Facility in Amaravati, marking a significant milestone in the country's quantum technology development and cryogenic engineering capabilities.
A senior Microsoft executive says India is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of global AI deployment, driven by a massive developer base, rapid enterprise adoption, and robust digital public infrastructure.
The Indian defence ministry has initiated a project to indigenously design and develop a 1000-kg aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF), aiming to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector.
Indian researchers from ICMR-National Institute for Research on Women's Health and IIT Bombay have developed an indigenous "placenta-on-chip" platform. This microphysiological system mimics the human placental barrier, reproducing essential functions like hormone production and nutrient transfer. It offers a simple, scalable tool for studying placental biology, pregnancy complications, and drug effects, aiming to reduce reliance on animal experimentation.
The Indian government has defended its E20 ethanol blending programme, stating that extensive testing and field experience show no evidence of abnormal engine wear, corrosion, or reduced vehicle life, despite a potential 2-6% reduction in fuel economy.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India expects to operationalise nine free trade agreements (FTAs) within the next 10 months, with plans for an additional three to four significant pacts over the coming year, reinforcing India's ambition to become a global manufacturing and investment hub.
The Haryana government has approved expenditure of 1,028 crore for various projects across multiple departments, including police housing, public works, and irrigation, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services in the state.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Jai Prakash Gandhi in connection with an alleged land acquisition compensation fraud amounting to Rs 9.27 crore related to the Bharatmala highway project in Chhattisgarh. Gandhi is accused of illegally acquiring land and fragmenting it to claim inflated compensation from NHAI.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Jai Prakash Gandhi in connection with an alleged land acquisition compensation fraud amounting to Rs 9.27 crore related to the Bharatmala highway project in Chhattisgarh. Gandhi is accused of illegally acquiring land and fragmenting it to claim inflated compensation from NHAI.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has expressed caution regarding 'extreme volatility' risks stemming from the West Asian conflict, which could impact global oil demand and the company's margins, while also noting that near-term retail consumption demand may remain sensitive to macro conditions. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in the annual report, remained silent on the timeline for Jio Platforms' anticipated public listing, stating the group will 'continue to evaluate strategic pathways'.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing urban governance. He stressed that AI can address complex administrative challenges, improve efficiency in areas like traffic management and environmental monitoring, and shift governance towards an intelligence-driven model, provided it is human-centric and reflects India's diverse context.
Meghalaya has shown significant progress in digital transactions and financial inclusion, recording 32.76 crore digital transactions and nearly 10 lakh Jan Dhan accounts by 2025-26. Efforts like the JAM Trinity and financial literacy programmes have expanded banking access, with a high percentage of bank account holders adopting digital modes. The next phase focuses on enhancing financial literacy and cyber resilience, especially in rural areas.
Kuwait's air defence systems engaged 'hostile aerial targets', Jordan intercepted four missiles, and Bahrain sounded warning sirens after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations in the region.
The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.
During his visit to Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani donated Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) to the temple committee to support the development of pilgrim facilities and infrastructure.
A committee constituted by the West Bengal government to carry out a special audit of sanctioned plans for high-rise residential and commercial buildings in and around the city will meet on Friday to begin the exercise, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said.
Reeling under a series of derailments, the Budget is likely to announce creation of a separate safety fund of about Rs 1 lakh crore over the next five years.
Semiconductor startup C2i Semiconductors announced it has taped out a smart power stage chip designed for artificial intelligence infrastructure, marking a significant milestone for India's ambitions in domestic semiconductor production.
Senior Indian officials highlight the indispensable role of the private sector in translating India-US cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and critical minerals into tangible outcomes. The collaboration aims to build trusted, resilient technology ecosystems and position India as a global electronics and semiconductor hub.
In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.
The remarkable rise of smallcaps reflects the emergence of a broad set of specialised businesses operating in industries where the sectoral tailwinds remain considerably stronger than macroeconomic headwinds, points out Debashis Basu.
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister's announcement of four 'Namo Cities' aims to decentralise development and decongest Delhi, but experts warn that the initiative may face execution challenges similar to previous urbanisation plans due to inadequate coordination among NCR states.
Clearances include next-gen air defence, anti-tank missiles, anti-drone systems, loitering munitions, and naval UAVs.
The initiative is expected to begin with operations in Guntur, with both parties working towards enabling 10,000 daily drone flights across Andhra Pradesh over the coming year, a scale that could position the state among the largest commercial drone delivery networks globally.
IIT Bhubaneswar researchers have developed 'ArsenSafe', a portable, low-cost device for rapid, on-site detection of arsenic in drinking water. This innovation aims to address the critical public health challenge of arsenic contamination in groundwater, offering a solution that doesn't require laboratory infrastructure.
Delhi is set to establish its first underground Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) command centre at the new Delhi Fire Services headquarters, a facility designed to ensure uninterrupted coordination and protection for personnel during nuclear warfare, radiological leaks, or chemical disasters.
History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.
Sarvam AI, an Indian full-stack sovereign artificial intelligence company, has achieved unicorn status after raising $234 million in a Series B funding round led by HCLTech and Bessemer Venture Partners, with HCLTech acquiring a 10.46 per cent stake.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced incentives for families to encourage larger families and reverse the state's declining population trend.
