Tech

ISRO’s LVM3 M6 mission, scheduled for December 24 from Sriharikota, will launch AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite under a commercial agreement. The next-generation spacecraft aims to deliver direct-to-smartphone 4G and 5G broadband globally

Temples in Lonar Lake are getting submerged and it is a cause of concern. The IIT Bombay has been roped in to study causes and suggested ways to check the submergence

Flipkart has acquired a majority stake in Minivet AI, an AI/ML solutions provider, to enhance generative AI capabilities for e-commerce. The move aims to create interactive, immersive shopping experiences with AI-driven video and advanced product discovery

TikTok has agreed to sell its US business to investors Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX, with the deal expected to close on January 22. The new venture will store user data locally, retrain its algorithm on US data and operate under American majority oversight, ending uncertainty over a potential US ban

MTAR Technologies has secured a Rs 310 crore order from Megha Engineering & Infrastructures for equipment supply to Kaiga 5 and 6 nuclear reactors in Karnataka. This adds to previous orders, bringing total Kaiga reactor orders to Rs 504 crore, with deliveries scheduled in phases up to February 2030

AAP MP Raghav Chadha urged amendments to the 1957 Copyright Act to protect digital content creators, emphasizing fair use, proportionality, and due process. He highlighted that livelihoods should not be controlled by algorithms and called for legal recognition of transformative, educational, and incidental content use

India has become the world’s largest and most active market for AI and large language model adoption, Bank of America said. Low data costs, a young English-speaking population and telecom-led AI subscriptions are accelerating usage and positioning India as a testing ground for agentic AI.

Indian consumers are entering 2026 with strong confidence, as 60 per cent plan to increase spending over the next six months, led by automobiles and mobile devices. A BCG report highlights India’s global lead in GenAI adoption for shopping decisions.

Around 200 children across Europe were conceived from a single sperm donor unknowingly carrying a rare cancer-linked mutation. The tragedy exposes gaps in genetic screening and cross-border donor limits, highlighting the urgent need for international oversight and coordinated tracking

Militant groups, including IS and al-Qaida, are experimenting with AI to produce propaganda, deepfakes, and automate cyberattacks, raising national security concerns. U.S. lawmakers call for monitoring and legislation to counter the growing threat of AI misuse by extremist actors

ISRO has planned seven launch missions by March 2026, including the first uncrewed Gaganyaan flight, electric propulsion and quantum communication tests, and multiple commercial and strategic satellite launches using LVM3, GSLV and PSLV rockets

India has emerged as the world’s third most competitive country in artificial intelligence, according to Stanford University’s AI Vibrancy Tool, ranking behind the US and China but ahead of several advanced economies, driven by strong talent, research growth and a robust startup ecosystem.

IATA warns of rising GPS spoofing and jamming incidents affecting global aviation, including India, with reported cases nearly doubling since 2022. Pilots are urged to remain vigilant, while authorities emphasize better coordination and awareness to mitigate risks

AIIMS Delhi experts announced that the Supernova Stent, developed by Gravity Medical Technology, has proven safe and effective in treating severe strokes. Approved by CDSCO earlier this year, the stent will now be manufactured in India at affordable prices.

Thalassemia patient groups have welcomed the introduction of the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025, calling it a crucial step toward safer and regulated blood services. They urged Parliament to pass the legislation swiftly to improve safety, accountability and patient outcomes nationwide

The heirs of Suzanne Adams sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging ChatGPT intensified her son’s paranoid delusions, contributing to her death. The lawsuit claims safety failures in GPT-4o encouraged harmful content, marking the first AI-related wrongful death case involving a homicide

Satya Nadella announced Microsoft’s US$ 17.5-billion India investment to expand AI and data-centre infrastructure, including a new Hyderabad cloud region by 2026. After meeting PM Modi, he highlighted sovereign cloud offerings aligned with India’s data-protection regime and stressed strong cybersecurity and resilience

Deloitte India launched Tax Pragya, an AI-powered tax platform providing faster research, predictive insights, and real-time dashboards. The mobile-friendly tool handles complex queries across Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, and TDS, reshaping tax workflows for professionals

Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin have begun constructing a state-of-the-art MRO facility in Bengaluru for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities, supporting the IAF fleet, and strengthening defense collaboration under “Make in India,” operational by early 2027

A study of over 8,000 children aged 9–14 found that spending more than 30 minutes daily on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook may gradually impair attention, though TV or video game use showed no such effect.

Ranchi’s ICAR-Research Complex reported that farmers are benefiting from its newly developed soybean and snow pea varieties, which offer higher yields and improved resilience, promoting better income and agricultural sustainability in the region

Elon Musk denied reports claiming SpaceX is raising $800 billion or receiving NASA subsidies. He emphasized SpaceX’s cash flow positivity, Starlink as its main revenue source, and NASA contracts awarded for best product and lowest cost, while highlighting Starship and Starlink progress

The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has deployed on-site 3D concrete printing in Sikkim for rapid construction of bunkers and sentry posts. The portable technology enhances ballistic resistance, customised designs, and operational readiness in mountainous forward areas

This article lists open-source alternatives for popular Google apps for users concerned about privacy and data safety. From browsers and keyboards to email clients and maps, these options offer simple and secure replacements without forcing users to change their habits.