Shiprocket plans to allocate a significant portion of its IPO proceeds towards artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to evolve its e-commerce enablement platform into a comprehensive operating system for merchants, enabling conversational commands and reducing manual tasks.
Sridhar Vembu, Zoho Corporation Founder, states that the IT industry is not generating new jobs due to funds being redirected towards the escalating costs of AI and data centre infrastructure. He highlights a structural economic challenge where advanced technology, while making goods affordable, creates income distribution issues and suggests that solutions like Universal Basic Income might gain traction, especially in countries like India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a high-powered task force, led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The task force aims to leverage technology for a robust and transparent examination system, following recent public agitation and the resignation of the Education Minister.
'A favourable base, last year's policy measures, the carryover impact of a good monsoon and improving earnings should all help.'
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.
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin discusses fellow world champion D Gukesh's recent performance slump, attributing it to a lack of confidence rather than a decline in skill. Sarin expresses hope that the upcoming Chess Olympiad will help Gukesh regain his form. He also shares his views on the increasing role of AI in chess, the evolution towards faster formats, and potential improvements in the chess ecosystem.
A sensational New York Times report alleging that Israel's Mossad secretly groomed former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-Islamic Republic Iran is being scrutinised for its strategic timing amidst Iran's sensitive post-Khamenei transition.
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.
A new report by Philips indicates that Artificial Intelligence is significantly enhancing healthcare in India, with 71% of professionals reporting increased patient capacity and 85% believing it improves patient outcomes. AI is also seen as a tool to improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas, with patients also embracing its benefits for more meaningful interactions with doctors.
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan have been granted a one-year extension in their service by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Somanathan's tenure is extended beyond August 2026, and Mohan's beyond August 2026, up to August 2027, under special provisions for key government officials.
NASA has invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base mission to establish a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon's South Pole, aiming for scientific discoveries and future deep space exploration. This invitation follows discussions at the Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, where both nations also advanced cooperation under the Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative.
Is this one car with options, or three distinct vehicles? Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com finds out.
A Goldman Sachs report indicates that up to 12% of India's non-agricultural workforce is at risk of substitution by generative AI, while 42-48% could be complemented. The report highlights uneven impacts across sectors and job types, with IT-enabled services facing higher risk and physical tasks remaining less affected. Gen-AI is projected to boost India's labour productivity growth over the next decade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's strong bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and detailed plans for a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to ensure significant participation and success in the event. He highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and India's growing presence in global sports.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Prayagraj, emphasising that India's youth are its greatest strength. He raised concerns about the lack of employment opportunities, the declining value of educational credentials, and issues like exam paper leaks, urging youth to bring change through love and affection.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has conducted a nationwide crackdown on wildlife trafficking, seizing over 440 endangered animals and 15 kg of ivory, and arresting 33 individuals involved in organised crime syndicates.
As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.
Pakistani security forces killed 15 terrorists in two intelligence-based operations in Balochistan province, recovering weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.
Delhi Police have significantly ramped up security measures across the national capital ahead of Independence Day. This includes deploying advanced technology like facial recognition systems and the Abhigyan app, installing thousands of CCTV cameras, and putting up posters of 19 wanted terrorists. Multi-layered security is in place, especially around the Red Fort, with a large deployment of personnel and anti-drone systems to prevent any security breaches.
Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
A mob in Manipur's Senapati district vandalised an Assam Rifles camp and set three vehicles on fire, hours after the paramilitary force conducted a search operation based on intelligence inputs about armed cadres.
Delhi Police are investigating claims that protesters involved in the July 20 "Chalo Sansad" demonstration used AI tools to learn methods for countering police crowd-control measures, such as using wet jute bags against tear gas. The probe also covers the alleged distribution of protective gear and the involvement of individuals with prior criminal records, as police analyse digital and other evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the violence.
India's position appears to be anchored around three red lines: Hasina's safety and the guarantee of a fair trial; assurances that Bangladeshi territory will not be used for activities hostile to India; and the restoration of an inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.
The latest development comes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue despite renewed hostilities. CNN reported that US and Iranian officials are still working towards a nuclear agreement by mid-August, even as preparations for possible military action have continued in parallel.
SpaceX and Tesla are jointly investing USD 16.8 billion to construct 'Terafab', an advanced AI semiconductor complex in Grimes County, Texas. This massive facility aims to address the global chip supply shortage, create thousands of jobs, and produce AI chips for Elon Musk's various ventures, including Tesla's robots and SpaceX's orbital data centres. The project is supported by a USD 30 million grant from the Texas government.
'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has voiced significant reservations regarding a proposal by World Chess and FIDE to convert online rapid and blitz ratings into official FIDE ratings. He highlights fundamental integrity issues, such as mouse slips and the lack of physical supervision in home-based online play, making it difficult to ensure fair play. Erigaisi also commented on World Champion D Gukesh's recent form and dismissed the idea that AI diminishes creativity in chess.
Reports have surfaced in Israeli media claiming that Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in critical condition and has been rushed to a hospital.
Suresh Sallay, former intelligence chief, has been ordered to appear in a Sri Lankan court next month as the third suspect in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks probe. He is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The West Asia conflict escalated sharply as Iran launched missiles towards Israel, while Tehran confirmed the killing of its intelligence minister in Israeli strikes, marking the third assassination of a senior Iranian official in two days.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from Uttar Pradesh police challenging a Bombay High Court ruling that absolved BrahMos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal of major espionage charges under the Official Secrets Act. Agarwal was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by a Nagpur district court for spying for Pakistan's ISI, despite the High Court finding he only illegally stored sensitive data.
Highly capable professionals frequently lose out to candidates with similar qualifications simply because their applications are better structured, more relevant, and easier for both AI and recruiters to interpret, says Chetan Mangalwedhe, founder of TalentiFi-X.
Former HCL Technologies CEO Vineet Nayar's new book, "Humans First, Machines Second: 30 Sparks for Winning in the Age of AI," argues that the greatest risk of the AI era is not advanced machines, but humanity losing faith in its unique capabilities. The book advocates for investing in human potential over solely adopting technology faster.
Former HCL Technologies CEO Vineet Nayar's new book, "Humans First, Machines Second: 30 Sparks for Winning in the Age of AI," argues that the greatest risk of the AI era is not advanced machines, but humanity losing faith in its unique capabilities. The book advocates for investing in human potential over solely adopting technology faster.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to alter hiring patterns in South Asia, with multinational companies (MNCs) and firms integrated into global value chains (GVCs) reducing recruitment more sharply than domestic firms, signalling the technology's early impact on the region's export-oriented services sector, according to the World Bank's World Development Report 2026.
Delhi Police has implemented a multi-layered security cover at the Red Fort for Independence Day celebrations, deploying advanced technologies like the Abhigyan app for fingerprint scanning and Facial Recognition System (FRS) vans to identify suspicious individuals. This enhanced security, involving thousands of personnel, CCTV surveillance, anti-drone systems, and snipers, aims to ensure a safe event amidst intelligence inputs.
