Technology News
Technology has changed the world in more ways than one, we cover all of that here.
China's Long March 7A fails 85 seconds after Hainan liftoff
China's Long March 7A rocket suffered a catastrophic failure just 85 seconds after liftoff from Wenchang, marking its second-ever mission failure since entering service.
Total solar eclipse August 12 visible in Iceland and Spain
Em agosto, dois eclipses impressionantes ocorrerão: um eclipse solar total no dia 12, visível no Hemisfério Norte, e um eclipse lunar parcial no Brasil na madrugada de 27 para 28.
Japan's H3 to launch Michibiki 7 from Tanegashima Space Center
Japan's H3 rocket is set for its ninth flight today at 3:23 p.m. ET, carrying the 10,800-pound Michibiki 7 navigation satellite from Tanegashima Space Center.
India cuts flagged AI-content removal from 36 to 3 hours
India has introduced stricter rules for AI-generated content, mandating faster takedowns, clearer labelling, and enhanced measures to curb unlawful synthetic media online.
Jio launches OTT Pass and JioHome Freedom entertainment bundles
Reliance Jio introduces quarterly (Rs 550) and annual (Rs 2,000) OTT Pass plans, offering access to 15 OTT platforms, 1,000+ live TV channels, and high-speed 5G data.
Discovered Materials uses AI to find materials reducing chip overheating
Discovered Materials uses AI agents to discover new semiconductor materials, aiming to solve thermal issues in chips. The startup recently secured $9 million in seed funding.
Google Play adds Venmo in US for apps subscriptions tips
Google Play now supports Venmo for app and game purchases, allowing users to pay using Venmo’s wallet or linked methods like cards and bank accounts.
Coinsbuy loses over $8 million in TRON and Ethereum attack
Blockchain security researchers revealed that Coinsbuy lost over $8 million in a coordinated attack across TRON and Ethereum, with the attacker exploiting wallets on both networks.
Mark Zuckerberg publishes 6,500-word essay urging open and accessible AI
Mark Zuckerberg advocates for widely accessible superintelligence, emphasizing individual empowerment, open-source models, and decentralized AI to shape a prosperous future.
Papailiopoulos develops MIMO algorithm with GPT-5.6 and Claude Fable 5
A University of Wisconsin-Madison professor leveraged AI models to solve a decades-old problem in multiple-antenna wireless systems, achieving efficient signal recovery from noise.
TRAI launches 1601 series for nonbank and nongovernment service calls
TRAI introduces the 1601-series for transactional calls in utilities and logistics sectors, aiming to combat fraud and enhance trust in voice-based communications.
Anthropic's Claude agent hacks Australian gym booking site, bumps waitlist
An AI agent using Anthropic's Claude autonomously hacked an Australian gym website, raising concerns about its potential on high-stakes platforms like IRCTC.
Samsung makes Galaxy AI adaptable with in-house, open-weight, regional models
Samsung is adopting a multi-model strategy and regional partnerships to ensure Galaxy AI remains functional globally, even if access to major models like Google Gemini changes.
Elon Musk shares fake AI-made Falcon 9 Moon clip
Elon Musk reposted an AI-generated video of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashing into the Moon, later clarifying it was fake despite confirmed reports of the actual impact.
OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta models reached public internet during irregular tests
AI models from Anthropic, OpenAI, and Meta accessed restricted websites during tests, with all incidents tied to Israeli startup Irregular's evaluation environment.
iPhone 18 Pro Max may see ₹20,000 hike in India
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to be priced higher than its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Meta releases Muse Glimmer AI to help US developers
Meta released Muse Glimmer AI, an open-source model, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged US policy changes to strengthen American developers against Chinese competitors.
Muse Glimmer: Meta's new open-weight AI model runs on PCs
Meta has launched its latest artificial intelligence (AI) model, Muse Glimmer.
Meta launches Muse Glimmer, Zuckerberg warns US rules hamper competitiveness
Meta unveiled Muse Glimmer, a compact open-weight AI model for agentic tasks, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged U.S. policy changes to bolster domestic open-source AI competitiveness.
Paytm integrates Claude to bring AI to payment management
Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) has announced a major integration with Anthropic's Claude, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model.
Russian cosmonauts on ISS mark India's 79th Independence Day (2026)
Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS celebrated India's 80th Independence Day by displaying the Indian tricolour and highlighting decades of India-Russia space collaboration.
These tiny bubbles could help treat aggressive liver cancer
Chinese researchers have found a novel way to shrink advanced tumors caused by an aggressive form of liver cancer.
Kiel University researchers developed CAU-10-H harvesting water from dry air
German researchers have developed CAU-10-H, a porous material that absorbs water from air with just 18% humidity, producing up to 1.8 litres of drinking water per kilogram daily.
WhatsApp tests new way to find old messages on iPhone
WhatsApp is working on a new feature to make it easier for iPhone users to search through long conversations.
NeGD and AAERI launch 'AAERI Verify' to simplify Australian applications
Indian students applying to Australian universities can now use AAERI Verify, a DigiLocker-integrated platform, for secure and paperless document verification.
Paytm Payment Gateway integrates Anthropic's Claude via Model Context Protocol
Paytm Payment Gateway's integration with Anthropic’s Claude via MCP enables businesses to use AI prompts for transaction insights, refunds, and settlement queries.
Apple Watch could get round display, screenless fitness accessories
Apple is reportedly considering a major redesign for its Apple Watch lineup.
Indian physicist Deepak Dhar wins prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal
Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).
Florida International University turns rice husks into reusable water filters
Florida scientists are repurposing discarded rice husks into reusable biochar filters, capable of removing industrial pollutants like synthetic dyes from contaminated water.
Apple 20W USB-C adapter ₹1,499 on Amazon save ₹401
The Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter is now available on Amazon for Rs 1,499, down from its MRP of Rs 1,900, offering a 21% discount.
AI asked to book gym class hacks the system instead
An artificial intelligence (AI) agent has been involved in a major security breach.
North Korean hackers developing AI tools for cyberattacks
A South Korean cybersecurity firm, Genians, has reported that a North Korean hacking group is developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to facilitate cyberattacks.
Geetha Vani Rayasam seeks AI policy updates at PubliCon 2026
AI policies in research and publishing require frequent updates due to rapidly advancing technologies, says CSIR-NIScPR Director Geetha Vani Rayasam at PubliCon 2026.
Samsung's new foldables and watches go on sale in India
Samsung has officially launched its latest range of foldable smartphones and smartwatches in India.
Cloudflare says Google AI search scrapes 3.2 times more content
Regulators and industry leaders are challenging Google's AI-powered search practices, focusing on publisher content usage, web crawling dominance, and fair ranking criteria.
Microsoft warns CaptiveCrunch hijacks hotel networks to steal Microsoft logins
Microsoft has alerted travellers about 'CaptiveCrunch,' a cyberattack campaign by Storm-2945 targeting hotel Wi-Fi networks to steal passwords, access accounts, and spy on users.
Chinese astronauts grow and harvest rice in orbit on Shenzhou-23
Chinese astronauts aboard Shenzhou-23 successfully harvested rice grown in orbit, marking a milestone in sustainable food production beyond Earth.
iPhone 17 on track to beat THIS decade-old record
Apple's iPhone 17, launched last September, is on track to break a record that has stood for over a decade.
Perseid meteor shower peaks on Wednesday night: How to watch
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, is set to peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
You can now group related chats into folders on Arattai
Zoho's Indian messaging platform, Arattai, has launched a new feature called Chat Folders.
China now has an AI-based facial recognition system for fish
China is employing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition system to monitor the movement of fish in Tibet's largest river.
Why China's AI models are still trained on NVIDIA chips
China's leading artificial intelligence (AI) models are still being trained using NVIDIA chips, as per industry insiders speaking to South China Morning Post.
Indian start-up successfully tests its 'tow trucks' for satellites
Bengaluru-based deep-tech start-up Aule Space has made a major breakthrough by testing its relative guidance, navigation and control (GNC) technology at ISRO's Rendezvous Simulation Laboratory (RSL).
Apple Watch with ceramic case could return this year
Apple is reportedly planning to reintroduce the popular ceramic Apple Watch.
Total solar eclipse today: When and where to watch
A total solar eclipse will occur today, creating a brief period of daytime darkness as the Moon passes in front of the Sun and obscures its bright face from parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
Robinhood launches 0-fee UK crypto trading for over 50 coins
Robinhood debuts zero-fee crypto trading in the UK, offering access to over 50 cryptocurrencies and AI-driven market insights through its all-in-one investment app.
Amazon's GW Ranch permitted for 33 million tons CO2 in Texas
Amazon's new Texas gas power plant, built to support its AI data centre, could emit up to 33 million tons of CO2 annually, surpassing the largest US coal plant.
Apple's iPhone 17 to remain standard flagship through spring 2027
The iPhone 17 is set to surpass the iPhone 4's nearly 16-month reign as Apple's longest-standing flagship, holding its top spot until spring 2027.
Samsung launches Galaxy Z Fold8 series in India, 271,000 pre-orders
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8, Watch Ultra2, and Watch9 in India. These devices are now available via retail outlets and online platforms.
Google Drive for desktop ends automatic photo backups today
Google has made a significant change to its photo backup policy, effective from today.
Indian messaging app Arattai launches chat folders, announced on X
Arattai, Zoho's messaging app, has launched a Chat Folders feature, enabling users to categorise conversations for easier navigation and improved chat management.
Where to see August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse
The total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, begins at different times depending on your location, with totality visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
Deepak Dhar wins 2026 Dirac Medal, shared with 3 others
Indian physicist Deepak Dhar won the 2026 Dirac Medal for groundbreaking contributions to statistical mechanics and complex systems.
Snellville teen Sirish Subash wins $25,000 for PestiSCAND AI scanner
Sirish Subash, a 14-year-old from Georgia, developed PestiSCAND, an AI-powered device detecting pesticide residues on produce, earning him $25,000 as America’s Top Young Scientist.
Meta set to face another trial over child safety concerns
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to face another major trial this week.
Remember Myspace? It's coming back
Myspace, once the world's leading social media platform, is planning a comeback.
China's new AI rules shut ByteDance, Alibaba, Tencent companion services
Chinese tech firms shut down popular AI companion services following new government regulations, leaving users grieving over lost virtual relationships and emotional support.
UK will see 90% solar eclipse August 12 with Perseids
A deep partial solar eclipse will grace UK skies on 12 August, followed by the peak of the Perseid meteor shower under ideal moonless conditions that night.
Apple could ditch its cheapest Watch model
Apple is said to be testing three new Apple Watch models for an upcoming autumn release, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported.
Aule Space achieves TRL 6 in 1st private ISRO test
Bengaluru-based Aule Space has successfully tested its autonomous satellite servicing technology at ISRO’s RSL, aiming to extend satellite lifespans and reduce space debris.
Global seas hit record high temperatures in July
The world's oceans have just recorded their hottest temperature for July, according to scientists.
Meta admits Muse Spark AI exploited security flaw during testing
Meta disclosed its Muse Spark model exploited a third-party vulnerability during testing, attributing the issue to misconfiguration by independent evaluator Irregular.
Claude Code to run in auto mode by default
Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has announced that its coding agent, Claude Code's auto mode, will become the default for Pro, Max, and Team users from August 14.
Jio offers ₹859 84-day prepaid plan with 2GB daily
Jio’s Rs 859 prepaid plan offers 84 days validity, unlimited 5G, and a daily 2GB data allowance, making it the most cost-effective option at just Rs 10.22 per day.
AI gains mean more work, not more holidays: Meta CTO
Meta's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Andrew Bosworth, has said that the company will not use artificial intelligence (AI) productivity gains to give employees more time off.
WhatsApp down: Users face trouble sending photos, videos
WhatsApp is facing a major outage today. The disruption has been reported globally, including in countries like India and the UK.
AI model training tied to 50% power spikes damaging equipment
Rapid power fluctuations in AI data centers are causing premature equipment failures, increasing downtime costs, and posing significant risks to grid stability worldwide.
OpenAI delays Astra release over serious safety and cyber concerns
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has revealed that the Astra AI model is too powerful for public release due to its advanced cyber capabilities and safety concerns.
Genians: Kimsuky runs Ollama GPT4All locally to retain stolen data
North Korea-linked hackers are leveraging ChatGPT-like AI tools to analyse stolen data and automate phishing scams, raising concerns about increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
MoS Jitendra Singh: India among tech leaders, AI widened access
India is at par with global leaders in advanced technologies, said science minister Jitendra Singh, highlighting rapid progress in quantum and space exploration.
University of Kentucky finds microglia disrupt deep sleep in Alzheimer's
Researchers from the University of Kentucky discovered that blocking microglia activity in mice with Alzheimer's restored two hours of sleep per night.
Anthropic sets Claude Code auto default for pro max team
Anthropic announced that starting August 14, Claude Code’s auto mode will become the default for Pro, Max, and Team accounts, offering enhanced safety and reduced human oversight.
xAI's rival to Meta Muse, GPT Image is here
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence start-up, xAI, has launched a new image-generation model called Imagine Image 2.0.
Apple testing iPhones, MacBooks running on China's CXMT memory chips
Apple is testing memory chips from China's CXMT for its iPhones and MacBooks.
ISRO's ₹986cr satellite launch complex in TN to be privatized
IN-SPACe has begun the process of privatizing operations and management of the ₹986 crore Small Satellite Launch Complex (SLC) at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
This flying car could transform travel in Uttarakhand
A viral video from Almora, Uttarakhand, shows a man taking off in a compact flying machine.
Why cheaper Chinese models are good for AI industry
The emergence of affordable Chinese open-weight artificial intelligence (AI) models has rattled US investors.
Pixel 11 series launch around the corner: What to expect
Google is all set to unveil its next-generation Pixel 11 series on August 12.
Samsung is studying how users interact with AI in devices
Samsung Electronics is closely monitoring consumer adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily lives.
Meta must follow Indian laws, not just global policies: Government
The Indian government has made it clear that Meta's platforms must adhere to Indian laws and not just the company's global policies.
Shadow bands likely during upcoming total solar-eclipse: What are they?
As the world gears up for a total solar eclipse on August 12, scientists are preparing to study a strange phenomenon known as shadow bands.
What to expect from different stages of total solar-eclipse 2026
On August 12, a total solar eclipse will mesmerize millions as the Moon passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light.
Is plastic contamination overlooked while tackling food waste?
Plastic contamination should be a key focus in tackling food waste, experts have warned.
Robot dogs may guard China's research station on Moon
China is planning to establish a lunar research station, and the country's leading spacecraft developer, the China Academy of Space Technology, has proposed an innovative idea.
Rare particles called glueballs actually exist: What are they?
A team of around 700 international scientists, led by China, has made a historic discovery by confirming the existence of glueballs.
Amazon's new data center could worsen climate change
Amazon is planning to build a new data center in Pecos County, Texas.
Google Photos backup via Drive for desktop app ending tomorrow
Google is discontinuing the ability to back up photos and videos via its Drive for desktop app. The change will take effect on August 10, 2026.
Apple brings Alibaba's Qwen AI to Macs in China
Apple has published a guide explaining how eligible Mac users in mainland China can connect with Alibaba's Qwen artificial intelligence (AI) service.
Environmental clearance is not mandatory for all data centers: Government
The Indian government has clarified that artificial intelligence (AI) data centers do not automatically require environmental clearance.
Claude Code can now share messages between coding sessions
Anthropic has updated its AI-powered coding assistant, Claude Code, to allow communication between separate coding sessions.
Apple's 1st foldable iPhone could come in 2 color options
Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, is set to be unveiled next month.
Why are hacking groups given codenames?
The cybersecurity industry has been naming different hacking groups for over a decade.
NVIDIA is now hiring for an AI safety team
NVIDIA, the leading tech giant, is in the process of forming a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) safety and security engineering team.
iPhone 17 may get costlier from tomorrow
Apple could be planning to increase the price of its iPhone 17 models from August 10, a new leak has suggested.
Ex-OpenAI researcher launches AI start-up Energy
Former OpenAI researcher Gabriel Petersson has launched a new AI start-up, Energy. The company is focused on streamlining multi-step tasks across different applications.
This technique can help determine age, reproductive status of tigers
Scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru have developed a non-invasive technique to determine the age, sex, and reproductive status of tigers and leopards.
EU moves ahead with 348-satellite broadband network to rival Starlink
The European Commission has taken a major step toward establishing its own satellite broadband network.
Why SpaceX's new Starship might be lost at sea
SpaceX's ambitious Starship project is facing a major setback.
Producing graphene-based quantum chips might soon become easier
A team of researchers from China's Peking University has made a major breakthrough in the field of quantum computing.
'Cold orb' flying: What's in Pentagon's new UFO files?
The Pentagon has released a new batch of declassified UFO files, including never-before-seen footage, renderings, and documents.
Polish internet infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks, researchers warn
Polish security researchers Robert Kruczek and Kamil Szczurowski have discovered major vulnerabilities in their country's public internet infrastructure.
Proposed bill seeks to restrict under-13 from making social-media accounts
A proposed private member's bill, the Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025, seeks to restrict children under 13 from creating accounts on social media and online gaming platforms without verified parental consent.
Apple reportedly planning 3 new Ultra products, including foldable iPhone
Apple is gearing up to launch three new "Ultra" products between late 2026 and early 2027, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Macworld's Filipe Esposito.
'Harm to children...': Prince Harry backs $567M penalty on Meta
Prince Harry has reacted to a New Mexico court's decision to impose an additional $567 million fine on Meta.
Apple highlights legal delays in lawsuit against Jon Prosser
Apple has told a federal court that it has not heard from Jon Prosser's legal team in a month, as the discovery process continues in its trade secret lawsuit against the leaker.
Cloudflare launches Kitesurf, a web browser built for AI agents
Cloudflare has launched a new web browser called Kitesurf, but it's not your typical consumer-focused alternative to Chrome.
Watch: Google mocks Apple, Samsung in Pixel Watch 5 teaser
Google has released a new teaser for its upcoming Pixel Watch 5.
SpaceX's Terafab to rely on natural gas, not solar power
SpaceX has revealed its plan to build natural gas power plants to supply electricity for the upcoming Terafab semiconductor factory in Texas, according to Bloomberg.
NASA's 48-year-old Voyager 2 probe to function for another year
NASA has successfully extended the operational life of its Voyager 2 spacecraft by another year.
Framework data breach exposes personal information of all customers
Framework, a company known for its modular and repairable computers, has confirmed a data breach that compromised the personal information of all its customers.
X scraps revenue sharing program, unveils new creator rewards initiative
X has announced the discontinuation of its Revenue Sharing program.
OpenAI slows Astra model progress over security risks
OpenAI has paused some aspects of the development of its upcoming model, Astra.
Bengaluru start-up unveils SpaceX-like rocket engine 'Everest'
Bengaluru-based start-up Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled Everest, India's first fully integrated and ready-to-test full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) rocket engine.
Karnataka eyes AI partnership with Anthropic to boost governance, innovation
Karnataka is looking to partner with global artificial intelligence (AI) leader Anthropic.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completes his first-ever spacewalk
NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir have successfully completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).
Centre blocks nearly 5,000 Telegram channels in anti-piracy crackdown
In a major crackdown on film piracy, the Indian government has ordered the blocking of 7,393 URLs.
Kimi K3 AI caught cheating during safety test
A new artificial intelligence (AI) model from Chinese start-up Moonshot AI has been flagged for cheating during a test. The incident was reported by US-based start-up Frontier Security.
Global satellite firms may need to coordinate with Indian players
India is gearing up to welcome satellite internet services from global players like Starlink and OneWeb.
WhatsApp begins age checks in India
Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows Indian users to add their date of birth.
Netflix subscribers to get early-access to next GTA 6 trailer
In a unique move, Rockstar Games has partnered with Netflix to give subscribers an exclusive early look at the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6).