Tech

Global negotiators in Geneva failed to finalize the world’s first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution after 11 days of talks. Disagreements over curbing plastic production and regulating toxic chemicals left nations deadlocked, delaying urgent action against escalating plastic pollution

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that India is now the company’s second-largest market and could soon become its largest. He praised India’s enthusiasm for AI and highlighted GPT-5’s potential to support early-stage businesses and individuals across domains like software, customer service, marketing, and legal.

India achieved a milestone with its first manned deep-sea expedition, as two aquanauts dived over 4,000 and 5,000 metres in the French submersible *Nautile*. Part of the Deep Ocean Mission, the feat parallels India’s recent space achievements and advances blue economy ambitions

Research shows dogs evolved specialised brain regions, emotional contagion, and an oxytocin feedback loop to sense and respond to human emotions. Through voice, facial cues, body language, and even scent, they forge deep cross-species bonds, uniquely attuned to our emotional states

A global study of 199 events reveals interspecies interactions between dolphins and whales, especially humpbacks, are more common than thought, often involving playful or cooperative behaviours. Using drones and social media footage, researchers found these encounters suggest complex emotional and social capabilities

Elon Musk accused Apple of unfairly boosting OpenAI’s ChatGPT in its App Store, hindering xAI’s Grok from reaching the top spot. Calling it an antitrust violation, Musk vowed legal action amid intensifying AI competition and Apple’s deep integration with OpenAI

IT Roorkee scientists have developed a novel molecule that restores the effectiveness of Meropenem against deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, the breakthrough offers renewed hope in tackling the global antibiotic resistance crisis

realme will launch the P4 Pro and P4 in India on August 20, featuring dual-chip designs for better performance and visuals, flagship-level gaming capabilities, advanced AI display tech, and unique designs inspired by natural and industrial aesthetics

OpenAI’s GPT-5 upgrade brings smarter, faster, and more versatile AI tools to all ChatGPT users. From coding to creative writing and health insights, the unified system adapts to each query, while Pro users can unlock extended reasoning for complex tasks.

Union Minister Anupriya Patel clarified in Parliament that CDSCO has not banned paracetamol in India, countering recent rumours. While certain Fixed Dose Combinations involving paracetamol are restricted, standalone paracetamol remains approved for use.

A new study reveals that chronic inflammation may connect frailty, social deprivation, and heart disease risk in women, suggesting both medical and policy interventions are needed to reduce these interconnected health issues.

Dhruva Space will launch its first commercial space mission, LEAP-1, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in Q3 2025. The mission will carry AI and hyperspectral payloads, marking a key step from tech demos to global commercial satellite deployments by the Hyderabad-based company.

Mental health professionals and educators are raising alarms over teenagers turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT to share emotional struggles. Experts warn this growing dependency is feeding validation-seeking behaviour, isolating youth further, and hindering real-life social development.

The SonaSPEED lab's Simplex Permanent Magnet Stepper Motors successfully powered ISRO–NASA’s NISAR mission launched via GSLV-F16. Developed in Salem and Bengaluru, these motors played a crucial role in fuel regulation and engine control during India’s latest Earth observation satellite mission.

A groundbreaking IIT Roorkee-led study finds the Ganga River is primarily sustained by groundwater, not glaciers, up to Patna. The research underscores the need to protect aquifers, revive tributaries, and reimagine river management for sustainable rejuvenation amid rising ecological concerns

The announcement comes as India celebrates 30 years of mobile connectivity and ongoing growth in digital transformation

Kakatiya Government College, Hanamkonda, hosted an international seminar on biomedical research with global experts addressing emerging topics like mesothelioma biomarkers, women's health, and drug resistance in tuberculosis. The event witnessed active participation from faculty, researchers, and students.

Runway has launched Aleph, a powerful in-context video model that lets users perform advanced edits on videos using text prompts. It can add or remove objects, change scenes, modify lighting, and generate new angles, pushing the boundaries of AI-based video editing.

Amazon has launched the third-generation Echo Show 5 smart display in India, featuring a 5.5-inch screen, improved audio with 2X bass, and a built-in camera for home monitoring. It offers enhanced smart home control, entertainment, and voice assistant features via Alexa.

During ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Indian government blocked over 1,400 URLs spreading anti-India, misleading, and communally sensitive content, mostly from Pakistan-based accounts. A 24x7 control room and PIB Fact Check Unit coordinated real-time action to counter disinformation

Google has announced major updates to its AI Mode in Search ahead of the back-to-school season. New features include real-time video input, PDF and image support, Canvas planning tools, and integration with Chrome and Lens for seamless contextual learning.

Reliance Jio has launched JioPC, a cloud-based virtual desktop solution that transforms any screen into a PC via JioFiber or JioAirFiber. Starting at ₹400/month, it offers AI tools, Adobe Express access, and no lock-in costs.

ISRO is set to launch the advanced NISAR satellite with NASA aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota. This landmark Earth observation mission will track environmental changes, natural disasters, and climate patterns using dual-frequency radar—marking the most ambitious Indo-US space collaboration yet

Indian space-tech startup Stardour has successfully tested the country’s first hydrogen-oxygen propulsion engine at IISc, Bengaluru. The engine will power Lucas, an Orbital Transfer Vehicle set for launch in 2027, advancing India’s private space and deep-space logistics capabilities.