Technology News
Technology has changed the world in more ways than one, we cover all of that here.
NASA trains 2 scientists underwater for Artemis IV at NBL
NASA scientists tested Artemis moonsuits underwater, simulating lunar conditions to prepare astronauts for exploring the moon's shadowy south pole during future Artemis missions.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics spots blue straggler in Collinder 261
Astronomers have observed the active formation of a Blue Straggler Star in a binary system, providing rare direct evidence for mass transfer rejuvenation in star clusters.
Scientists confirm Benin coral reef thought dead since 1960s
Researchers have uncovered vibrant mesophotic coral ecosystems off Benin's coast, teeming with marine life, decades after being presumed dead due to outdated surveys.
New fiber-optic system detects 79% of bigger quakes, outperforms ShakeAlert
ShakeAlert, the U.S. government’s earthquake warning system, has just 30% accuracy. Researchers now propose fiber-optic cables as a faster, more reliable alternative.
Google Earth launches Nano Banana 2 AI image generator worldwide
Google Earth now features Nano Banana 2, enabling users to generate AI-powered images anchored to real satellite and 3D terrain data for any location on the map.
VH-499 lowers HIV-1 levels in 1st trial of 23 people
A novel antiretroviral drug, VH-499, has successfully passed its first human trial, demonstrating potent antiviral activity and a favorable safety profile in adults with HIV-1.
Google DeepMind releases Gemini Robotics 2 to aid humanoid robots
Google DeepMind introduced Gemini Robotics 2, advanced AI models enabling humanoid robots to perform complex tasks, interact with objects using both hands, and operate offline.
Jabra launches Evolve3 headsets and PanaCast U30 in India
Jabra introduces the Evolve3 headset series and PanaCast U30 video bar in India, designed for hybrid workspaces with advanced AI features and seamless collaboration tools.
India to build Bharatiya Antariksh Station with BAS-01 launching 2028
ISRO has started designing critical subsystems for BAS-01, India's first space station module, marking a significant milestone in the country's ambitious space exploration program.
ISRO seeks 410 apprentices at U R Rao Satellite Centre
ISRO's URSC Bengaluru invites applications for 410 apprentice positions across graduate, diploma, and commerce categories. Apply online via NATS portal before August 29, 2026.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 reaches orbit as 1st private Indian rocket
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 faced a two-minute communication blackout during its historic orbital flight, briefly sparking fears of mission failure among engineers.
EU to roll out AI Act requiring labels and oversight
The European Union has introduced a global AI watchdog team to enforce its landmark AI Act, aiming to address risks and ensure transparency in artificial intelligence technologies.
European Commission urges AI developers to implement security monitoring tools
European officials emphasized the need for robust monitoring tools for AI systems after hacking incidents involving OpenAI and Anthropic, as the EU's landmark AI Act takes effect.
Study finds northern hemisphere eruptions drove most extreme 12,000-year cooling
Scientists reveal that colossal eruptions from the Pacific Ring of Fire triggered centuries-long cooling by releasing sulphur aerosols, altering Earth's climate dynamics.
August night sky: Venus peaks August 15, several planets visible
Venus dominates the evening sky in August, while early risers can enjoy a stunning Mercury-Jupiter conjunction mid-month and Saturn's commanding presence near dawn.
Sharvi Mahajan builds NeuroDrive Alert microsleep detector, becomes 3 million finalist
San Diego eighth-grader Sharvi Mahajan developed NeuroDrive Alert, an EEG-based AI system to predict driver fatigue, earning her a spot in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
EU requires labels on realistic AI content starting August 2
Starting 2 August, the EU mandates labeling of AI-generated images, audio, and text to ensure transparency and protect democracy under its landmark AI Act.
Dario Amodei, Anthropic CEO, says AI offers upside and risks
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's quote underscores the underestimated transformative potential of artificial intelligence, alongside the significant risks it poses to society's future.
Tecno reveals bezel-free concept phone debuting at IFA September 2026
Tecno has unveiled a concept phone with a groundbreaking 0mm bezel display, redefining smartphone design through advanced engineering and screen-packing techniques.
US National Science Foundation funds $528,137 India-US soybean AI project
The US National Science Foundation has granted $528,137 to a collaborative India-US project aimed at developing AI-driven smart farming systems for soybean breeding.
Apple's AI won't stay free for everyone
Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at the possibility of a new paid tier for iCloud Plus, specifically targeting users who heavily rely on artificial intelligence (AI).
Motorola launches midrange Moto Pad 70 Groove tablet at ₹36,999
Motorola has introduced the Moto Pad 70 Groove, a mid-range tablet featuring JBL-powered speakers, AI tools, and MediaTek Dimensity 7400 SoC at ₹36,999.
China's MiniMax unveils AI video model 70% cheaper than rivals
Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) firm MiniMax has launched a new video-generation model, the H3.
ISRO opens 746 jobs as staff shortage hits 25-year high
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a massive recruitment drive, opening applications for 746 positions.
NASA to launch Roman telescope to L2 to support JWST
Nasa's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set for August 30, 2026, will complement the James Webb Telescope by mapping vast cosmic regions with its wide-angle survey capabilities.
Hugging Face cyberattack involved rogue OpenAI model, sparking open-weight debate
Open weight AI models share their numerical parameters, offering users control and flexibility, but they spark debate in Big Tech over safety, accessibility, and potential misuse.
Why Chinese military researchers are using US AI models
Chinese military researchers have been using outputs from leading US artificial intelligence (AI) models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic.
Australia's social media ban for teens has failed, says study
Australia's groundbreaking ban on social media for kids under 16 has largely failed, a recent study by the country's internet regulator, eSafety, revealed.
Google patched more Chrome bugs in June than last 2-years
Google has announced that it fixed more security flaws in its Chrome browser last month than the total number of bugs patched in the last two years.
You can now add notes to songs on Spotify
Spotify has launched a new feature called "User Notes," allowing users to personalize their playlists by adding notes to individual tracks.
Is Anthropic a 'supply-chain risk'? US judge says otherwise
A US district judge said during a hearing yesterday that the Donald Trump administration has not provided sufficient evidence to classify AI firm Anthropic as a 'supply-chain risk.'
Chip shortages could delay iPhones and Macs, Apple warns
Apple has reported a record-breaking quarter, with revenue hitting nearly $110 billion for the June quarter, a 16% increase year-on-year.
OpenAI's latest AI models just got up to 80% cheaper
OpenAI has announced a major price cut for two of its latest artificial intelligence (AI) models, the GPT-5.6 Terra and Luna. The move comes roughly three weeks after their public debut.
US and China clash over model distillation amid copying claims
Model distillation trains smaller AI models using outputs from larger systems, reducing costs and enabling wider deployment while sparking controversy in the US-China tech rivalry.
Apple restricts some new Siri AI features to iCloud+ subscribers
Apple plans to restrict advanced Siri AI features for heavy users, requiring an iCloud+ subscription due to rising computing costs, as confirmed by CEO Tim Cook.
Apple warns memory chip shortage as shares tumble after hours
Apple has cautioned about significant supply constraints in advanced memory chips, potentially impacting key device sales, as demand outpaces the flexibility of its supply chain.
SpaceX Falcon 9 debris to hit Moon August 5 2026
On August 5, 2026, a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage will collide with the Moon, offering scientists a rare chance to study man-made impacts on the lunar surface.
Chinese military researchers use model distillation on GPT-3.5 and Claude
Chinese military researchers are using outputs from advanced U.S. AI models to train domestic systems, enhancing surveillance, cyber warfare, and tactical capabilities.
Google's new AI controls humanoid robots from feet to fingertips
Google has unveiled the latest iteration of its Gemini Robotics artificial intelligence (AI) model, which can now control an entire humanoid robot.
ISRO opens 746 jobs to fill Department of Space vacancies
Isro announces 746 openings across scientific, administrative, and apprenticeship roles to address a 25-year-high vacancy rate of nearly 30% in India’s expanding space programme.
Leak reveals Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold ahead of launch
Known tipster Evan Blass has leaked marketing renders of the upcoming Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, ahead of the company's next hardware event.
Google Pixel Watch 5 leaks ahead of August 12 launch
Leaked renders of the Google Pixel Watch 5 reveal a design similar to its predecessor, with new colour options and two size variants—41mm and 45mm—highlighted.
LinkedIn lets users report posts that 'seem like AI slop'
In a bid to tackle the growing issue of AI-generated content, LinkedIn has introduced a new feature.
Meta India head booked over AI-generated videos of PM Modi
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered two cases against Arun Srinivas, the head of Meta India, and several Facebook and Instagram accounts over AI-generated morphed content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.
Anthropic's Claude AI hacked 3 companies during cyber tests
Anthropic has revealed that its AI models compromised the systems of three unnamed organizations during cybersecurity assessments.
ICAR-NRRI scientists achieve 1st-in-India rice DNA edit with AI-designed OpenCRISPR-1
An artificial intelligence-designed enzyme, OpenCRISPR-1, successfully edited rice DNA in an Indian lab, paving the way for climate-resilient and sustainable crops.
Upfirst report finds companies fine-tune AI receptionists to cut hang-ups
Businesses are prioritising optimising AI receptionists over adopting them, with a report revealing strategies to reduce customer hang-ups and improve engagement.
NASA's Swift records supermassive black hole ripping star 30,000 light-years
NASA's Swift Observatory captured a rare tidal disruption event where a supermassive black hole shredded a star 30,000 light-years from its galaxy's core.
India reviews net neutrality rules to address 5G network slicing
India's government is reconsidering net neutrality norms to accommodate 5G network slicing, enabling telcos to offer specialised services like gaming and healthcare.
AI accessed internet from isolated setups, 140,000+ test review shows
Anthropic revealed its Claude AI models hacked three firms during controlled cybersecurity tests, following OpenAI's disclosure of similar rogue AI incidents earlier in July 2026.
Philips launches DiamondClean 9900 Prestige electric toothbrush phone-free AI map
Philips' Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige uses built-in AI to map your mouth for thorough cleaning, eliminating the need for a smartphone during brushing sessions.
Android now backs up local documents automatically to Google Drive
Google now allows Android users to automatically upload locally saved files, like downloads, to Google Drive, enhancing cloud accessibility and device data security.
New study finds heart disease risks in younger adults
A recent study reveals that risk factors for coronary artery diseases, including obesity and high cholesterol, are emerging in adolescents and young adults at unprecedented rates.
Anthropic disputes Pentagon supply-chain risk label after refusing weapons use
The Department of Defense's attempt to label AI lab Anthropic a supply-chain risk faces setbacks, as U.S. District Judge Rita Lin questions the government's evidence and motives.
ZSI completes India's 1st national catalog of butterflies and moths
India has finalized its first national catalogue of butterflies and moths, documenting 13,703 species after a 12-year effort led by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
ISRO and Department of Space seek to fill 746 vacancies
The Department of Space (DoS) and Isro have launched a major recruitment drive, offering 746 positions, including 92 scientist/engineer roles across various disciplines.
Alexa, Sparky flag false 'Made in USA' claims, retailers defer
Amazon and Walmart's AI shopping assistants can identify false "Made in USA" labels but refrain from flagging them, citing business justifications, a study reveals.
NASA astronaut Anil Menon shares Buck Moon photo from ISS
NASA astronaut Anil Menon captured a stunning image of July's Buck Moon from the ISS, showcasing the moon's brilliance against the vast darkness of space.
EU investing $11.5B in AI gigafactories to rival US, China
The European Union (EU) has announced a funding plan of €10 billion ($11.5 billion) for the construction of seven artificial intelligence (AI) gigafactories.
Meet Devendra Singh Chaplot, xAI veteran turned Sarvam advisor
Indian AI start-up Sarvam has appointed Devendra Singh Chaplot as its new advisor.
Sarvam Epoch 2026: Saras V4, Bulbul-V4, Kaze smart glasses showcased
Indian AI start-up Sarvam held its inaugural Epoch conference in Bengaluru today.
India now Claude's 2nd-largest market: How are people using it?
Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, has revealed that India is the second-largest user of its technology.
Sarvam Code AI agent is here: How it helps you?
Sarvam Code, a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, has been introduced today.
Samsung warns chip shortage will last until 2028
Samsung Electronics has warned that the ongoing chip shortage is likely to worsen and continue until 2028.
Google to help Android developers identify younger users worldwide
Google is all set to expand its Play Signal API, a tool that helps Android developers identify younger users and create safer, age-appropriate experiences.
Sarvam launches platform to build India-centric AI models
Bengaluru-based start-up Sarvam has launched a new platform, Epoch Builder Edition.
What's new in Apple's upcoming iPhone Air 2?
Apple's next ultra-thin smartphone, the iPhone Air 2, is set to launch in 2027.
Qualcomm to raise chip prices from September 1
Qualcomm has announced its decision to raise prices on all its processors from September 1.
A SpaceX rocket is about to crash into Moon
A retired piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to crash into the Moon, creating a new crater. It will hit the lunar surface on August 5.
Sam Altman meets US lawmakers as Trump mulls AI controls
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently met with US lawmakers to discuss his company's future artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Microsoft developing Copilot super app with chat, coding, AI agents
Microsoft has confirmed the development of an AI "super app" that will integrate the chat, coding, and agentic capabilities of its Copilot assistant.
This is SpaceXAI's most powerful speech-to-speech voice model yet
SpaceXAI has launched its latest speech-to-speech voice model, Grok Voice Think Fast 2.0.
Claude AI outage disrupts users worldwide
Anthropic has confirmed an outage affecting its AI assistant, Claude.
Israel wants to make pilotless warplane with F-35 capabilities
Israel is planning to develop a pilotless warplane with capabilities similar to the US-supplied F-35 stealth fighter, as per Bloomberg.
Sarvam is building 1T+ parameter AI model in India
Indian AI start-up Sarvam has announced that it is building a one trillion-plus parameter foundational model in the country. The move is aimed at developing frontier AI capabilities locally.
Anthropic's Claude Opus 5 cheated to run a vending machine
Anthropic's frontier AI model, Claude Opus 5, has been caught cheating and colluding in a simulated vending machine business.
Google's new Lyria 3.5 AI model brings better vocals, lyrics
Google has introduced its latest AI model for music generation, Lyria 3.5, through its platform Google Flow Music.
Billions will use personal AI agents within 5 years: Zuckerberg
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has predicted that personal artificial intelligence (AI) agents will become a part of daily life for billions of people in the next five years.
OpenAI confirms it's building multiple AI devices
OpenAI President Greg Brockman has revealed that the company is working on a "family of devices" for interacting with its artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Google disbands Nobel-winning AlphaFold team to focus on Gemini AI
Google DeepMind has disbanded the team behind AlphaFold, its Nobel award-winning artificial intelligence (AI) system that revolutionized protein structure prediction.
Thinking Machines co-founder Lilian Weng returns to OpenAI
Lilian Weng, a co-founder of AI start-up Thinking Machines Lab, has announced her return to OpenAI.
Rare double meteor shower peaks tonight
Skywatchers will have a treat on the night of July 30, as two annual meteor showers will peak simultaneously.
US aviation regulator proposes faster approvals for commercial space missions
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed new regulations aimed at expediting the approval process for commercial space missions.
Russia puts Telegram founder on wanted list over terrorism charges
Pavel Durov, the founder of popular messaging app Telegram, has been charged with aiding terrorism by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
Indian government orders Google to block these offline messaging apps
The Indian government has ordered tech giant Google to take down three offline messaging apps: Bitchat, Briar, and Bridgefy.
Beware of LPG scam targeting consumers, ICICI Bank warns
ICICI Bank has issued a warning about a new online scam targeting its customers.
Google's AI to automate routine digital tasks launched in India
Google has announced the launch of its Gemini Spark AI agent for users in India.
How to keep your Claude chats from being publicly accessible
Anthropic's Claude chatbot users were surprised over the weekend to find their conversations could be indexed by search engines like Google and Bing.
NASA's telescope rescue mission faces crisis in orbit
A Katalyst Space robot, hired by NASA to raise an orbital telescope, has gone out of control. The mission was the first time the space agency hired a private company for such a task.
Banning Chinese models won't help US win AI race: Zuckerberg
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has entered a major policy debate in the artificial intelligence (AI) space.
This Airbus flew nonstop for 24-hours. 3.5M people tracked it
Airbus's new passenger jet, the A350-1000ULR, has successfully completed an ultra-long test flight from Australia to France.
Time to slow down AI development, says Sam Altman
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has suggested that it may be time to slow down artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Apple HomePad may debut this October: What is it?
Apple is said to be readying a new smart hub device, dubbed the 'HomePad,' to take on Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon's Echo Show.
Perplexity brings AI agents to Windows PCs
Perplexity has launched an updated version of its agentic Personal Computer tool, expanding its capabilities to Windows.
Apple clarifies missed payments won't trigger 'Restricted Mode' on iPhones
Apple has clarified that the upcoming "Restricted Mode" in iOS 27 will not be triggered by missed payments on the Apple Upgrade leasing program.
X says Australia's under-16 social media ban violates international law
Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has accused the Australian government of undermining international law with its strict enforcement of a ban on social media accounts for those under 16.