South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday described BRICS as an important global forum, highlighting the grouping's growing demographic and economic weight and noting that its members account for around half of the world's population and 40 percent of global GDP.
Anup Saha, currently a Wholetime Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2027, with the Reserve Bank of India's approval.
Citron, a brand under Stellantis, anticipates that three-fourths of its sales in India will originate from Tier-II, Tier-III, and smaller cities within the next five years, a significant increase from its current 55 per cent, as it expands its retail network beyond major urban centres.
Doctors in Delhi have pioneered a new knee replacement surgery combining an active robotic system with a non-metallic, ceramic implant. This world-first procedure, performed at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, aims to enhance precision and improve outcomes compared to conventional metal implants, potentially revolutionising future joint replacement surgeries.
A new HCLTech study reveals that 84% of global wealth management firms recognise the need to redesign their operating models for AI, yet less than 10% are prepared for the transition. The report identifies "blind spots" in ambition, execution, and strategy, hindering effective AI implementation and measurable business outcomes.
India's IT services industry is witnessing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-cap companies, as AI-led pricing pressure and macroeconomic uncertainty compel firms to seek scale, capabilities, and broader market reach. This trend is exemplified by the recent merger of Happiest Minds Technologies and ITC Infotech, aiming to offer end-to-end solutions and compete for larger transformation programmes.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein paid rich tributes to engineers on National Engineers' Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya. They highlighted the crucial role of engineers in the state's development, infrastructure, and India's overall progress, acknowledging their contributions to nation-building and technological advancement.
Top US and Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, held "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks in New York on economic and trade issues, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. These discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to Washington and occur amidst new US sanctions targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, and the US unveiling an "AI Force."
J R D Tata, chairman of the Tata group from 1938 to 1991, said that whenever he had to make a difficult decision, he would ask himself, what will be good for India, and what will be good for the Tatas. If he had a doubt, he would decide in favour of India. In the long run, it would turn out well for the Tatas too, he said, points out Arun Maira.
Bengaluru-based Remidio Innovative Solutions has secured a patent from the Japan Patent Office for its deep learning system that automates retinal image capture. This new patent enhances their existing intellectual property in Japan, strengthening their integrated AI platform and making retinal screening more accessible and cost-effective.
Students are learning to combine technology with agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, architecture and fashion, explains Mandeep Singh, assistant professor and deputy dean, Lovely Professional University.
Indian cricket fans travelled thousands of kilometres, paying exorbitant prices for tickets and travel, to witness the India-Pakistan men's cricket final at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stadium back home.
United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively shut out of international travel from Wednesday, September 23, as Washington threatens secondary sanctions against foreign companies that continue providing services to Iran's carriers.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Maharashtra government and other parties regarding a plea to fell and transplant trees for a proposed National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality in Mumbai's Film City. The project, deemed of "eminent national importance," requires the felling of 124 trees and transplanting 333, with compensatory afforestation planned. The court's intervention follows a previous order restricting tree felling in the Aarey colony.
The Delhi High Court has refused anticipatory bail to YouTuber Ajeet Bharti in a case involving alleged casteist remarks against Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, citing a statutory bar under the SC/ST Act.
India is set to develop its first 100% hydrogen-powered Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, a Rs 207-crore national pilot project led by CSIR-IMMT. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the steel sector and achieve net-zero commitments, focusing on adapting the technology to India's domestic iron ore conditions.
A 26-year-old woman accountant in Thane was allegedly cheated of Rs 6.97 lakh in an online "task" fraud involving product purchases and buybacks. Four individuals have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act, with efforts underway to apprehend them.
A new study by CSIR-CCMB researchers has elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which viral infections, particularly RNA viruses like Influenza and COVID-19, can accelerate the formation of amyloid clumps in the brain, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. The research highlights the role of viral RNA G-quadruplexes and the cellular protective protein DDX39A in this process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.
'While the population remains relatively young, its age structure is beginning to shift, setting the stage for a much older population later this century.'
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant increase in fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, effective November 30. This programme allows foreign investors, including many from India, to obtain permanent residency by investing in US commercial enterprises and creating jobs. The fee hikes, some more than doubling, are intended to fund USCIS operations, which are largely supported by fees rather than taxes.
Researchers at IIT Indore have developed HGAST, an AI tool designed to correct gender-specific errors in translations from English to Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. The tool acts as a correction layer, identifying and rectifying masculine verb forms often used by AI systems when translating female speech, significantly improving accuracy for female speakers without retraining existing models.
Telecom industry body COAI and the British High Commission signed an MoU to boost cooperation in AI, connectivity, and digital trust, fostering responsible tech innovation. The pact, signed at the CO.AI 2026 event, focused on AI's role in intelligent networks, security, and public services. Discussions highlighted AI's importance in combating fraud, improving network efficiency, and ensuring secure digital services. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti and Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor emphasised the need for balanced governance and international collaboration to ensure secure, inclusive, and responsible digital transformation.
India's coastline is now officially measured at 11,098.81 km, significantly higher than the earlier figure of 7,516.6 km used since the 1970s.
'An instruction came from somebody in Delhi saying, "don't go with the launch".'
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval shared a pivotal moment from his early IPS career at IIT Roorkee's convocation. He recounted how a border surveillance team he dispatched was captured by the Chinese army, leading him to believe his career was over. Despite being cleared by an inquiry, the incident deeply distressed him, ultimately teaching him valuable life lessons from a Tibetan Sherpa.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.
Meesho, a value-commerce platform targeting middle- and lower-income geographies, is poised for significant growth driven by its asset-light model and low fulfilment costs, but faces intense competition from e-commerce giants and high valuations.
Aerospace major Embraer and the Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur as a potential manufacturing hub for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, should their bid for India's multi-billion-dollar Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) deal be successful. This strategic partnership aims to establish a localised production and support ecosystem in India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative and strengthening the country's indigenous aerospace capabilities.
A new EY India report highlights how young professionals, women wealth creators, entrepreneurs, ESOP beneficiaries, and digitally active consumers from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are fundamentally changing India's wealth ecosystem. This shift is evidenced by increased participation of young and women investors, a rise in disciplined investing via SIPs, and the crucial role of Digital Public Infrastructure in democratizing access to long-term wealth creation. The report predicts over 100 million new investors by 2035.
A professor at Nirma University in Ahmedabad allegedly grabbed a student's collar during a stand-up comedy show, sparking a controversy. The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred during the 'Technofora 2026' event after the student reportedly interrupted the professor. The NSUI has demanded an apology and an inquiry, threatening protests.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has expressed strong solidarity with Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was invigilating an exam where a student was found using a smartphone, an incident preceding the student's death by alleged suicide.
Nirma University has formed a three-member committee to investigate an incident where a professor allegedly grabbed a student's collar during a stand-up comedy show. The incident, captured in a viral video, led to apologies from both parties and protests from student organisations, prompting the university to launch a formal inquiry.
If the new MDR regime is rolled out from the middle of this month, as scheduled, it should count as one of the boldest political actions by the Modi government on an economic-policy issue, and a signal that it is less worried about erosion of political capital it draws from one of its key constituencies, notes A K Bhattacharya.
The portfolio could be split between listed and unlisted investments, or structured along sectoral lines.
Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has advocated for increased use of technology, especially drones and geospatial systems, to enhance governance and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. During his visit to the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre and Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the broad applications of drone technology and the importance of skill development. The centre is actively training youth in various drone-related courses, aiming to meet the demand for drone pilots in the Northeast.
Two IIT Gandhinagar students have developed "TrustGate," an AI-based cybersecurity system designed to protect critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and power grids. The system uniquely combines network traffic and physical sensor data to detect sophisticated cyber attacks, identify affected equipment, and provide real-time alerts to operators, earning them an international award.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has advocated for a bamboo-based economy to drive sustainable development, create rural livelihoods, and offer green alternatives to plastic. Speaking at a summit, he highlighted bamboo's crucial role in climate change mitigation, its potential to empower local communities, and its benefits for farmers.
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who allegedly died by suicide, have begun a hunger strike demanding action against those they accuse of tormenting their son due to caste discrimination. The institute has deferred mid-semester examinations and reissued an apology for an earlier statement regarding the circumstances of his death.
