Tech

Meta is reportedly recruiting US-based contractors at up to $55/hour to build Hindi-language AI chatbots for Indian users, focusing on storytelling and character development. The move highlights Meta’s push for culturally relevant AI experiences, amid prior privacy and safety concerns.

Undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea disrupted internet in Asia and the Middle East, impacting India and Pakistan. Microsoft and NetBlocks confirmed outages, while suspicions of Houthi involvement resurfaced amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and escalating regional tensions over maritime and infrastructure security

US President Donald Trump hosted top tech leaders, including Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella, at the White House, praising their innovation and investment. Discussions focused on AI, U.S. leadership in technology, and multi-billion-dollar commitments from major tech firms

A new study found extreme hot, dry and windy conditions fueling Iberian wildfires were 40 times more likely due to climate change. Fires in Spain and Portugal killed eight, displaced 35,000, and scorched 640,000 hectares, worsened by rural neglect and poor forestry management

Florida announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for schoolchildren, becoming the first US state to do so. Officials cite parental choice, but health experts warn the move risks outbreaks of measles and other preventable infectious diseases

Israel launched the Ofek 19 spy satellite, enhancing surveillance across the Middle East, particularly Iran. Officials call it a strategic asset amid ongoing regional conflicts. The launch supports Israel's intelligence capabilities as it navigates a “seven-front war”

As AI gets better at mimicking us, we must get better at being ourselves

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has invited proposals from the scientific community to analyse Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover data. The datasets, released publicly in August 2024, include findings on lunar seismicity, thermo-physical properties, plasma environment, and elemental composition.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of “Adi Vaani,” India’s first AI-powered translator for tribal languages. Developed with IIT Delhi and other premier institutions, the initiative aims to preserve endangered tribal languages, facilitate real-time translation, and support education, digital literacy, and civic inclusion in tribal regions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underscored the importance of drones in modern warfare, urging their inclusion in India’s defence strategy. Speaking at a Noida facility launch, he lauded India’s progress in domestic drone manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Google DeepMind has rolled out an upgraded image editing model in the Gemini app, offering global users new tools such as photo blending, multi-turn editing, and design mixing. The update ensures likeness accuracy and includes visible and invisible AI watermarks.

ISRO has outlined a four-decade roadmap to establish human presence beyond Earth, including a lunar crew station by 2047, Moon mining, 3D-printed Martian habitats, and upgraded rockets capable of carrying 150-tonne payloads, paving the way for Mars landings

Google has launched Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, its most advanced AI image model, offering character consistency, natural language-based edits, and multi-image fusion. Available via the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, the model includes invisible watermarks and developer-focused tools.

Apple and Samsung have sent cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi over advertisements mocking their premium smartphones, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy models. The companies argue Xiaomi’s campaigns risk damaging brand reputation in India’s fiercely competitive premium market

Google Translate has introduced AI-powered live translation and personalized language-learning tools. Users can now hold real-time conversations in more than 70 languages and practice speaking or listening with tailored scenarios, with the features rolling out on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp has introduced Writing Help, an AI-powered feature that suggests message rewrites in different tones while ensuring privacy through Meta’s Private Processing technology. Initially rolling out in English across select countries, it will expand to more languages later this year.

Apple has announced its next major event for September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater in California, where it is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, including a new ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air. Alongside the new iPhones, updates to Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3, and AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated.

A breakthrough study from Hyderabad’s CCMB has revealed a novel cell mechanism, dubbed "Programmed Cell Revival", that enables damaged cells to recover and regenerate tissues in various organisms.

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a low-cost chip-based device that rapidly detects bacterial resistance to antibiotics within three hours. The innovation promises faster diagnosis, reduced misuse of antibiotics, and improved treatment options, particularly for rural healthcare facilities

A UK study finds genetic testing of IVF embryos (PGT-A) can boost success rates in women aged 35–42, helping them conceive faster and reducing the emotional toll of repeated unsuccessful cycles.

SpaceX postponed the 10th test flight of its Starship rocket minutes before launch due to a ground systems issue. The delay follows earlier failures in Flights 7, 8, and 9. Starship is intended for NASA’s Artemis 3 lunar mission and future Mars exploration.

ISRO successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) of the Gaganyaan mission’s parachute system near Sriharikota, validating a key safety mechanism for crew module recovery. The project, India’s first human spaceflight programme, will also include precursor unmanned missions

BRS working president KT Rama Rao earned nationwide praise for endorsing Hyderabad as OpenAI’s first India base, despite being in the opposition. Netizens hailed his non-partisan approach, calling it a rare example of state-first leadership in Indian politics.

OpenAI has cautioned against unauthorised opportunities to invest in the company, including SPVs, tokenised interests, and forward contracts. The US-based firm stressed that transfers without written consent may violate its rules and US securities laws.