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Sitharaman: India Must Invest Heavily In AI, Semiconductors, Quantum Technology

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged significant investment in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and quantum technology, identifying them as India's next major growth frontiers. Speaking at an IIT Madras Alumni Association event, she emphasized the need to build hardware, skills, and institutional ecosystems to harness these technologies, countering perceptions that India is lagging in AI. Sitharaman also highlighted the potential for increased investment in defence production, p

26 Sep 2026 6:43 pm
Sitharaman: Technology Key To India's 10% Growth Target

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence that India can achieve over 10 per cent economic growth, emphasising the critical role of technology and innovation across all sectors. She highlighted the potential of startups and technological interventions in agriculture, such as precision mapping and efficient fertiliser distribution, to drive this growth and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat initiatives.

26 Sep 2026 4:28 pm
Global Warming Demands Advanced Warning Systems, Says Caltech Scientist

Climate scientist Tapio Schneider advocates for expanding early warning systems beyond rainfall events to include other disaster triggers like flash floods, citing the recent Nepal floods. He highlights the inevitability of 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming and discusses the role of advanced climate modelling and AI in improving predictions and research, particularly for regions like India.

20 Sep 2026 1:43 pm
RayVector's Wafer Defect Detection Tech At SEMICON India

Bengaluru-based deep-tech company RayVector Technologies is demonstrating its advanced multi-sensor module and wafer-handling technology at SEMICON India. This innovative solution uses sensing, imaging, and AI to detect minute irregularities in semiconductor wafers, helping manufacturers prevent costly production losses. The technology is already being utilised by major global players like Samsung, Intel, and TSMC, highlighting India's growing contribution to the global semiconductor ecosystem.

17 Sep 2026 10:52 pm
SC seeks reply on tree felling for creative tech institute

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 th

16 Sep 2026 5:05 pm
West Bengal's New Quantum Tech Push

West Bengal has launched an Emerging Quantum and Semiconductor Technologies (EQST) section at CSIR-CGCRI to attract investments and position the state as a hub for next-generation technology. Minister Kalyan Chakraborti highlighted India's need to invest in these crucial sectors and outlined the state's plans to collaborate with institutions and leverage budget initiatives to foster research and start-ups.

14 Sep 2026 11:17 pm
Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BRICS summit, calling for unity to combat increasing geopolitical tensions and their global impact. He raised concerns about the 'weaponisation of technology and critical minerals' and stressed BRICS' role in driving inclusive growth, especially for the Global South. Modi highlighted India's presidency focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, mentioning initiatives like an early warning system for infectious diseases and a logis

13 Sep 2026 12:54 pm
IIT Madras Unveils Adaptive Wing Technology For Safer Flights

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT,M) have developed a novel morphing skin concept for aircraft wings, inspired by bird flight. This adaptive external skin dynamically reshapes in real time to prevent aerodynamic stalls, enhance lift, reduce drag, and significantly improve aircraft safety and fuel efficiency. The technology holds promise for commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and defence applications.

13 Sep 2026 12:04 pm
Villagers tie telecom techie to mobile tower over poor 5G network

Six villagers in Fatehpur district were arrested after allegedly tying a telecom technician to a mobile tower. The incident occurred following prolonged 5G network outages, with residents demanding resolution to connectivity issues. Police rescued the technician and subsequently arrested six individuals who were later released on bail.

12 Sep 2026 12:24 pm
Jet Patcher Technology Launched For Bengaluru Potholes

Bengaluru is piloting the Jet Patcher technology to efficiently repair smaller potholes without disrupting traffic. This new method, suitable for potholes up to 50mm deep, uses cold-mix technology and allows for quick repairs, offering an alternative to traditional hot-mix methods which are less effective during monsoons and cause traffic congestion. The city aims to expand its use if the pilot project proves successful.

11 Sep 2026 6:13 pm
MP Transco Ends Bird-Induced Power Failures With New Tech

Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has successfully eliminated bird-related power failures in the Vindhya region by installing custom-designed bird guards and excreta preventers on high-voltage transmission towers. This initiative not only ensures uninterrupted electricity supply but also protects local wildlife, significantly reducing tripping incidents and promoting bird conservation.

11 Sep 2026 4:51 pm
ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

A 'technical issue' in the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) flight processing system grounded hundreds of flights across the UK, including long-haul routes to and from India, leading to widespread disruption and prompting Ryanair to demand the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe.

8 Sep 2026 11:16 pm
Nagaland Embraces Drone Tech For Development

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 f

7 Sep 2026 6:08 pm
Rourkela Researchers Patent EV Battery Tech

Researchers at NIT Rourkela have patented a novel hybrid energy-storage system designed to significantly improve the efficiency and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. This innovation addresses common issues like low power density and thermal stress by integrating supercapacitors with a simplified architecture, making EVs more reliable, especially in urban driving conditions.

3 Sep 2026 5:11 pm
Indian Researchers Develop Nanopore Tech For Neuro Disease Biomarkers

Researchers at BRIC-RGCB in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a novel nanopore-based sensing technology. This innovation allows for the early and highly sensitive detection of biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and ALS, addressing a critical challenge in current diagnostic methods. The technology, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses self-assembling dual-diameter nanopore sensors to identify disease-specific biomarkers even at low concentrations.

28 Aug 2026 8:12 pm
Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

27 Aug 2026 9:04 am
Language Brain Activity Stable In Older Adults

A new study by MIT and Boston University found that the brain region responsible for language remains active and similar in older adults compared to younger adults. However, the brain system for decision-making, known as the 'multiple demand network', shows significant differences with age. This suggests that specialised brain functions like language processing may be more resilient to ageing than general-purpose cognitive functions.

25 Aug 2026 5:40 pm
SIA reopens probe into 1998 massacre of 23 Kashmiri Pandits

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, where 23 Kashmiri Pandits were shot dead by terrorists, officials said on Tuesday.

25 Aug 2026 5:18 pm
SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

25 Aug 2026 4:34 pm
Doval meets Chinese VP, FM amidst Xi visit uncertainty

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on the India-China boundary question and enhancing bilateral relations. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, aiming to address persistent border differences and stabilise ties strained by past conflicts like the Galwan Valley clash.

25 Aug 2026 3:09 pm
Man fined after GF covers his car with 3,400 lipstick marks

A Gwalior man was fined Rs 5,500 by police after his girlfriend covered his car with 3,400 lipstick marks as a social media stunt. The car, which had been driven around the city, was deemed modified, leading to the penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act. The man was also made to clean the car.

25 Aug 2026 12:54 pm
Modi Hails UPI's Decade Of Digital Payment Success

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completing a decade, calling it a major turning point in India's digital payment journey. Launched in 2016, UPI has become the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem, showing exponential growth in transaction volume and value, and is a key pillar of the Digital Public Infrastructure.

25 Aug 2026 11:07 am
Youth held over Tipu Sultan cutout reel with pro-Pak song

A 23-year-old youth was arrested on Monday for allegedly posting and circulating an edited social media reel featuring a 40-foot cutout of 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan with a pro-Pakistan song, the police said.

25 Aug 2026 1:41 am
BJP seeks FIR against Pawan Khera for remarks on Amit Shah

The BJP has strongly objected to alleged derogatory remarks made by Congress leader Pawan Khera against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A BJP delegation in Shimla submitted a written complaint to the police, demanding the registration of an FIR against Khera for using objectionable language, which they claim crosses the limits of political decency.

24 Aug 2026 5:12 pm
Techie beaten to death by in-laws after fight with wife

A 31-year-old software engineer, Vinay Gupta, was allegedly beaten to death by his in-laws in outer Delhi following a matrimonial dispute. His wife had called her family after an argument, leading to the fatal assault. Police have detained four individuals and registered a murder case.

21 Aug 2026 11:01 pm
Teen jumps off cliff, father falls saving him; mother follows in death

A domestic dispute over a mobile phone tragically led to the deaths of three family members in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. A 19-year-old son, upset after an argument, climbed a hill. His parents followed to persuade him to return, but a desperate attempt to save the son from falling resulted in the father and son plunging to their deaths. The mother, witnessing this, then jumped herself.

21 Aug 2026 5:25 pm
Poland supports India's right to pursue terrorists

Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.

21 Aug 2026 4:47 pm
Rashtrapati Bhavan does U-turn on Bangladesh PM's visit

Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew a communique announcing the cancellation of the Change of Guard ceremony for a rehearsal of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's ceremonial welcome, adding to the confusion surrounding his high-profile visit amid diplomatic friction over Bangladesh's demand for Sheikh Hasina's extradition.

21 Aug 2026 4:34 pm
Man involved in Guj hooch tragedy dies drinking same alcohol

A spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district has resulted in eight deaths and left 61 persons affected, with 25 still undergoing treatment. Police have arrested 13 individuals in connection with the incident, which involved methanol-laced alcohol sold under a popular brand name. The State Monitoring Cell is investigating the source and distribution network of the illicit brew.

21 Aug 2026 4:16 pm
SC grants freedom to 105-year-old murder convict

The Supreme Court has waived the remaining life sentence of 105-year-old murder convict Rasik Chandra Mondal, allowing him to live as a free man. The decision was made considering his advanced age and health issues, making his interim bail absolute.

21 Aug 2026 4:13 pm
IndiGo faces booking system glitches once again

IndiGo, India's largest airline, experienced intermittent issues with its core reservation platform on Friday, affecting online services for customers. This follows a similar disruption on Wednesday, though the airline stated the issues have since been resolved.

21 Aug 2026 4:12 pm
Jharkhand exam protests mount as CID probe intensifies

Successful candidates of recruitment examinations cancelled by the Jharkhand government staged a demonstration outside the state secretariat, demanding justice and the withdrawal of the cancellation decision, while the high court has stayed some of the government's notifications.

21 Aug 2026 4:06 pm
'EC Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

'The incumbent matters. It matters a lot. If a person sitting on top is good, then he can achieve a lot. And if he is bad, you see what can happen.'

21 Aug 2026 3:50 pm
IT dept seizes Rs 10.3 crore illegal cash in Bengaluru, TN

Income Tax officials seized Rs 9 crore in cash from a car near Bengaluru's Electronic City, leading to further recovery of Rs 1.3 crore in Tamil Nadu, bringing the total to Rs 10.3 crore. The interception followed police information about illegal cash transportation, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and purpose of the funds.

21 Aug 2026 3:48 pm
Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.

21 Aug 2026 2:59 pm
Pak army chief calls Baloch militants 'foreign proxies'

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has described militants operating in Balochistan as 'foreign-sponsored proxies' actively working to destabilise the province and obstruct its development.

21 Aug 2026 2:51 pm
Security at Jantar Mantar ahead of 'Reservation Hatao' protest

The New Delhi police has heightened security at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to prevent an anti-reservation protest.

21 Aug 2026 2:35 pm
Rahul sits on dharna for filing FIR in pellet gun row

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, demanding an FIR for Sahil Lochab, a youth who sustained pellet injuries during a July 20 protest and later underwent surgery.

21 Aug 2026 2:23 pm
62-yr-old disable man pushed off Mumbai train over seat, dies

A 62-year-old physically-challenged man died after allegedly being pushed out of a moving local train in Mumbai by a fellow passenger following an argument over seating. The incident occurred between Mahim and Bandra railway stations. The accused was apprehended by other passengers and a murder case has been registered. This marks the third such fatal incident on Mumbai local trains this year.

21 Aug 2026 1:03 pm
What Gandhi's Passport Application Looked Like

Gandhi's 1931 passport for his travel to London was issued in Bombay. It was the last time the Mahatma travelled abroad.

21 Aug 2026 1:00 pm
Mother run over by train while saving son from suicide

A 46-year-old woman was tragically killed by a train in Bhadohi while attempting to save her 20-year-old son, who was trying to die by suicide after she refused him money for liquor. The son sustained injuries and was hospitalised.

21 Aug 2026 12:07 pm
Vande Mataram: Sharmila Tagore Vs Kangana Ranaut

Actor-MP Kangana Ranaut and movie legend Sharmila Tagore are embroiled in a public debate over Vande Mataram.

21 Aug 2026 11:42 am
NTA comes under fire for Rs 200 answer key challenge fee

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified its 'answer key challenge' system, stating it is designed for fairness and that the fee charged is to deter frivolous challenges, with refunds issued for successful objections. This comes amidst recent criticism regarding exam conduct.

21 Aug 2026 11:29 am
T'gana CM denied permission by Centre to visit US, claims CMO

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been cancelled after the Ministry of External Affairs denied him permission. The CMO stated that the clearance was denied from a political angle, leading Reddy to return to Hyderabad from London earlier than planned.

21 Aug 2026 11:18 am
Alzheimer's Can't Be Cured, But Delayed

'Think of the brain like a machine, and Alzheimer's is like rust.' 'Like a rusty machine breaks down, a rusty brain also breaks down. And when it breaks down, you have memory loss, cognitive issues and so on.'

21 Aug 2026 10:50 am
Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.

21 Aug 2026 12:59 am
Several parliamentary panels await reconstitution

Several vital parliamentary committees, including those dealing with ethics, rules, and financial matters, are yet to be formally reconstituted. This delay affects the functioning of the Lok Sabha and the oversight of government operations.

21 Aug 2026 12:40 am
BHU Gets Rs 15 Crore ICMR Grant For Health Research

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has received approximately Rs 15 crore in funding from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for six biomedical research projects. These projects aim to address critical national health priorities, including cancer detection, antimicrobial resistance, and pediatric septic shock, fostering advanced research and improving patient care.

20 Aug 2026 10:00 pm
BNP veteran Alamgir becomes new Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

20 Aug 2026 9:53 pm
Christian women can file divorce from current address: HC

The Kerala high court has delivered a landmark judgment, empowering Christian women in India to file for divorce from their current place of residence, thereby removing a significant procedural hurdle and ensuring equal access to justice.

20 Aug 2026 3:24 pm