Tech

The government will provide drones to farmers with a 40 per cent subsidy and training support to address labour shortages, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, with priority given to farmer groups and cooperative societies

AI chatbots often flatter and validate users excessively, reinforcing harmful behaviour and poor decisions, according to a Stanford-led study published in Science. Researchers found leading AI systems frequently agreed with users more than humans, raising concerns about their influence on relationships

realme has announced that the realme 16 5G will launch in India on April 2. The mid-range smartphone will feature dual 50MP cameras, AI imaging tools, a segment-first rear selfie mirror and a 7000mAh battery, targeting photography-focused users.

A California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark case holding social media platforms responsible for harm to children. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, argued that her childhood use of Instagram and YouTube led to addiction and worsened her mental health.

India’s navigation system NavIC faces a setback after atomic clock failure on IRNSS-1F, leaving limited satellites operational. Experts warn reliance on foreign systems could pose serious security risks, especially during conflicts and strategic operations

Samsung has enabled Quick Share to work with Apple AirDrop on Galaxy S26 devices, allowing cross-platform file sharing, while also launching a Car-to-Home service that integrates SmartThings with Hyundai and Kia connected vehicles

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said coal gasification will play a key role in boosting India’s energy security and reducing imports. The government aims for 100 million tonnes by 2030 with major investments and policy support already underway

Ancient cultures, including those of Zeus and Jupiter, viewed lightning as divine power, though thinkers like Seneca sought natural explanations. Modern science now explains lightning, though its awe-inspiring impact still endures

OpenAI plans to nearly double its workforce to 8,000 employees this year as it expands in the enterprise market and faces rising competition from Anthropic. The company is boosting hiring, office space and partnerships to strengthen its AI offerings

India and Bhutan have announced a cross-border remittance initiative integrating the UPU PosTransfer system with India’s UPI through postal networks. The initiative aims to make money transfers faster, affordable and accessible while strengthening postal and technology cooperation.

In Nashville, three teenagers sued Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging its AI tools enabled creation of explicit deepfake images using their real photos. The class-action case highlights risks of AI misuse, child exploitation, and lasting psychological harm to victims

The system faces critical challenges, including satellite failures, faulty atomic clocks, and poor smartphone integration

A projectile reportedly struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, operated with Russian assistance, amid Tehran’s ongoing war with Israel and the US. No radiation leak or casualties were reported, but regional safety concerns and geopolitical tensions have intensified

Google has introduced major upgrades to Google Maps, including a conversational “Ask Maps” feature powered by Gemini AI and a redesigned immersive navigation system. The update aims to provide personalised search results, enhanced route guidance and a more intuitive driving experience.

Experts at a post-budget webinar highlighted the growing burden of mental and neurological disorders and the urgent need to expand institutional capacity. They stressed that non-communicable diseases account for over 60 per cent of deaths, with mental health conditions being a major contributor to disability-adjusted life years.

The parents of a critically injured student have sued OpenAI, alleging its chatbot ChatGPT was used by Jesse Van Rootselaar to plan the deadly 2026 Tumbler Ridge school shooting in British Columbia, claiming the company knew about potential violence but failed to alert police

Nasscom has advised IT companies to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and review business continuity plans amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Firms are enhancing contingency measures, monitoring cyber threats and ensuring employee safety while maintaining uninterrupted global service delivery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged faster integration of India’s education system with the real-world economy, emphasising greater focus on AI, automation, digital economy and design-driven manufacturing. He also highlighted improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the global popularity of yoga and Ayurveda

Indian-American scientist Vinay Prasad has stepped down for the second time as director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research within a year. His tenure saw record approvals but also sharp disputes with pharmaceutical companies, including Moderna and UniQure, over trial standards.

Metformin, widely prescribed for diabetes, is now being studied for its potential to rejuvenate the brain by activating the hypothalamus and reducing toxic proteins. However, long-term use has been linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency, which elevates homocysteine levels and increases the risk of stroke.

Social media platform X, led by Elon Musk, has announced stricter rules for creators in its revenue‑sharing programme. Posting AI‑generated videos of armed conflict without disclosure will lead to a 90‑day suspension, with repeat violations resulting in permanent bans.

Apple has unveiled its latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models powered by the new M5 series chips, promising significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and AI performance. Pre-orders begin on March 4, with availability from March 11.

The United States Department of Defense will deploy OpenAI models on classified networks, CEO Sam Altman said, stressing safeguards on surveillance and autonomous weapons amid reported differences with Anthropic

Shares of Block, Inc. surged over 20% after CEO Jack Dorsey announced 4,000 layoffs, citing artificial intelligence-driven efficiency. Investors welcomed the restructuring as the fintech firm reported strong quarterly profit growth