Is India ready for the AI revolution? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, from generative AI tools to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, are transforming industries across the nation. From fintech's burgeoning use of AI-powered fraud detection to the agricultural sector's embrace of precision farming technologies, the impact is undeniable. This week saw a major breakthrough in indigenous 5G technology development, signaling India's growing prowess in the global tech landscape. But alongside this progress comes the crucial discussion surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. How will India navigate these challenges and harness the transformative power of technology for inclusive growth? Explore the latest developments in Indian tech, from the rise of digital payments to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, and discover how innovation is shaping the nation's future. Stay informed with Abtak.com – your gateway to understanding the tech revolution reshaping India.
Leh: To promote scientific curiosity and astro-tourism in Ladakh, the first Ladakh Astro Festival started today in Leh. It is organised by the Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). The day-long programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of scientists, local authorities and students. A key highlight of the event was a public talk titled 'Moon - an enigma, and India's lunar missions', delivered by Dr. V Girish, Deputy Director of the Science Program Office at ISRO. The talk explored the mysteries of the Moon and India's pioneering efforts in space exploration. Dorje Angchuk, Engineer-In-Charge, Indian Astronomical Observatory, IIA said, "During the daytime, there are talks on Chandrayaan, the formation of the universe, and we have invited experts from ISRO, Kashmir University and the IIA." He said there are also photo exhibitions, which showcase solar sunspots. According to Dorje Angchuk, the most exciting event will be night sky gazing. "We are very excited, we had earlier organised two-star parties at Hanle, which received a great response. Within three days, around 600 people came for stargazing. Since it is difficult to organise such events in Hanle, we planned this one in Leh. Ladakh offers a rare combination of clear skies, starry nights and breathtaking landscapes, what we call the 'nightscape.' To promote astro-tourism in Ladakh, we have organised this festival," he added. He asserted that there are plans to hold the Astro Festival every year. "Our idea is to make it a summer festival, ideally in May or June, during the new-moon phase, while the winter 'Star Party' continues in Hanle. Location-wise, Ladakh is a huge advantage as the region is dry, with little cloud cover or rainfall, so we enjoy many cloud-free nights," he added. He added that they can still show visitors the stars and their observatory remains fully operational. According to him, hosting the Astro Festival in Leh is ideal because travelling to Hanle can be challenging for tourists due to the risk of altitude sickness. He said that the Hanle Dark Sky Initiative is a unique, science-driven, sustainable development project. "The IIA came to Ladakh 25 years ago. Initially, we were seen as outsiders, but our aim was always to ensure that the local villages benefited. We engaged with the community and explained the concept of the Dark Sky Reserve and how it could bring long-term benefits," he added. According to him, currently those benefits are unfolding, not just in terms of astronomy, but also in the local economy. "Earlier, educated youth from Hanle wouldn't return after studying elsewhere. Now, many of them are coming back, eager to work and contribute to their hometown," Dorje Angchuk added. Padma Angmo, Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Leh, said, "While planning the tourism calendar for 2025, we wanted it to be vibrant and diverse, with events spread across the year to boost tourist footfall during different seasons." "This festival fits perfectly, as Ladakh offers a unique combination of high-altitude landscapes and clear night skies. We felt it was important to leverage this natural advantage and promote Ladakh as a prime destination for astro-tourism," Angmo said. Tsering Angchok, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, chief guest highlighted the significance of Ladakh's clear night skies and the region's growing prominence as an ideal destination for stargasing and astronomical research. "A lot of work related to astronomy has been taking place in Ladakh since the establishment of the observatory. In 2022, we declared an area in Hanle as a Dark Sky Reserve, covering a 22-kilometre radius around the observatory," Tsering Angchok said. "Significant telescope and instrument infrastructure has been developed there. Now, domestic tourists can visit freely without any special permission and enjoy astronomy activities. After the declaration of the Dark Sky Reserve, local villagers were trained in the service sector and provided with telescopes," added Tsering Angchok. Tsering Angchok said that they have dedicated facilities for researchers and scholars. "Last year, a Gamma Ray Telescope was commissioned, and recently, the Finance Minister laid the foundation for a mini planetarium and an Astro Globe," Tsering Angchok said. He continues, "Infrastructure has improved significantly not just in terms of astronomy equipment but also in services. Our travel agents have now started offering guided astronomy tours. This festival will definitely give a further boost to tourism. Since Hanle is an ecologically sensitive area, locals have also been sensitised about maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable tourism." The afternoon session featured another public talk titled 'Astrophotography - My Journey' by Dorje Angchuk, offering a personal insight into his experiences capturing the cosmos and advocating for astronomy awareness.
Mumbai, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday paid tribute to veteran astronomer, science writer, and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee Dr Jayant Narlikar, acknowledging his immense contribution to popularising science through his writings. In a condolence message shared on X, CM Fadnavis said, "The news of the passing of senior astronomer and science writer Dr Jayant Narlikar is deeply saddening. He played a crucial role in spreading scientific awareness by creating rich literature on scientific subjects. For this, he received numerous accolades at the global level. H ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Mysuru Dasara is set to run for 11 days this year -- a rare extension driven by celestial alignment and cultural planning -- with the inaugural ceremony on Sept 22 and the grand Jamboo Savari taking place on Oct 2, coinciding with Vijayadashami and Gandhi Jayanti.Chairing a high-level meeting at Vidhana Soudha Friday, chief minister Siddaramaiah said, "Mysuru Dasara in 2025 will be celebrated for 11 days, due to a unique astronomical occurrence -- the Panchami tithi (fifth lunar day) will appear on two consecutive days, Sept 26 and 27, a rare alignment that hasn't occurred in nearly ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In a significant move aimed at boosting private sector participation in India's space ecosystem, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transferred 10 advanced technologies to six private companies for commercial utilisation across space and related sectors. Notably, three of these companies are based in Hyderabad and three are based in Gujarat. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the nodal agency promoting private involvement in India's space missions. Three Hyderabad Firms Zetatech Technolo ...Read More >
New Delhi: Smilingand beaming, looking healthy and happy, India's own Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla looks out of the famous cupola of the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shukla reached the ISS on June 26 on a 14-day mission and is now completing his assigned scientific tasks. He earlier told Prime Minister Narendra Modi he sees no borders from space. Axiom Space says the crew - commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and mission specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu - have now completed nine productive days aboard the IS ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) YouTuber Samay Raina appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Delhi on Tuesday, months after he was summoned in connection with allegedly offensive and sexist content aired during his show "India's Got Latent", officials said. Raina was also among the five social media influencers who appeared before the Supreme Court in a case seeking action against them for ridiculing persons suffering from disabilities. Raina submitted his statement in response to the allegations to NCW officials. Officials said further steps will be considered after reviewing his ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) India on Tuesday celebrated the return of its astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Earth after spending 18 days at the International Space Station, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he has inspired a billion dreams with his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the nation in welcoming Shukla back from his "historic" space mission. Shukla is the first Indian to have vis ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 17 (ANI): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a proud son of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has made India and his family proud by returning safely to Earth after an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla journey has been a remarkable achievement for India space ambitions. Shubhanshu mother, Asha Shukla, couldnt hold back her emotions as she spoke about her son incredible feat. Shukla mother, Asha Shukla, shared with ANI, It was a very happy experience; he shared it with us. He is feeling very ha ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Fintech firm BimaPay Finsure on Thursday said it has entered into corporate insurance financing and aims for Rs 20 crore in premiums in 2025-26. Launching the pilot phase with insurance partners, BimaPay said the initiative will allow businesses to pay premiums in easy equated monthly instalments (EMIs) instead of bearing the burden of full upfront costs. Also Read | Who Is Pinaki Misra? From Age to Family Background and Net Worth, Here's All About BJD Leader With Whom Mahua Moitra Reportedly Married. The company aims to finance over Rs 20 crore worth of premiums by t ...Read More >
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New Delhi: Something strange is about to happen and you will not feel a thing. But Earth will. On July 9, July 22 and August 5, the planet will spin just a little too fast. Scientists say each of these days will be between 1.3 and 1.51 milliseconds shorter than usual. It will not be enough for your alarm clock to notice but enough for the universe to. This tiny tick on the cosmic clock has everything to do with gravity, the moon and the wobbly way earth turns on its axis. Think of it like a spinning top - sometimes smooth and sometimes twitchy. It begins with the moon. Every day, it tugs on ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven microgravity experiments and other planned activities, achieving a significant milestone in the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO said on Monday. It said that experiments on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds and Voyager Display have been completed as planned. Also Read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi Condoles Demise of Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu, Remembers Actor-Politician's 'Cinematic Brilliance' and 'Social Service' (See Post). On J ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI) After a day off, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and others from the Axiom-4 mission on Saturday studied how bones react to microgravity conditions, an experiment that could lead to better treatment of osteoporosis on Earth. On the 10th flight day, Shukla also participated in an experiment to monitor radiation exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), which could help better protect astronauts on longer-duration space missions away from Earth. Lucknow-born Shukla (39) is part of a 14-day mission to the ISS conducted by Axiom Space. Shukla, who has the call sign "S ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 9: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently onboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Space Mission 4, has conducted experiments on sprouting seeds like green gram and fenugreek on the orbital lab, said NASA. Shukla is the first Indian to be onboard the ISS and the second astronaut from the country, after Rakesh Sharma, to be in space. While in space, Shukla is undertaking several experiments, developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and NASA. The experiment named ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: A defiant Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday scaled the gates of the Naqshband Sahib graveyard to pay tributes to the 22 people killed by the Dogra army on July 13, 1931. The dramatic scene unfolded a day after Abdullah and several leaders of the National Conference and opposition parties were put under house arrest to prevent them from going to the graveyard to mark Martyrs' Day. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah took an autorickshaw from the Khanyar crossing to the martyrs memorial while Minister for Education Sakina Ittoo surprised everyone by r ...Read More >
Chennai, Jul 15 (PTI) The ManipalCigna Health Insurance Company Ltd has planned to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu with 10 more branches and add over 10,000 advisors across South India. ManipalCigna Health Insurance Company Ltd is a joint venture between Manipal Group, an eminent player in healthcare delivery and higher education and global health services company Cigna Healthcare. Also Read | Aadhaar Free Update: Government Requests Parents to Update Children's Aadhaar Biometrics Between Age 5-7, Free of Cost. Citing a data from the General Insurance Council (GIC), ManipalCigna said it ...Read More >
Bengaluru, July 15: "Bharat has found an enduring space in the world of space," declared Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, as he hailed the triumphant return of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from his landmark mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Celebrating the successful completion of the Axiom-4 mission, which splashed down off the coast of San Diego earlier today, Singh described it as "a moment of glory for India" and a proud occasion not just for the country but for the entire global scientific community. "It's a mome ...Read More >
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the army has shifted Jammu and Kashmir's focus from "terrorism to tourism" while working towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' He emphasized the army's contribution to national security, development, and disaster relief, highlighting its role in achieving a "Progressive" and "Peaceful" India.Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi said that while moving towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' the army has been able to transform the idea of Jammu and Kashmir from "terrorism to tourism." While addressing an event at Savitribai Phule Pu ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 4: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rescheduled its European Space Agency (ESA) Proba-3 Sun observation mission to Thursday. The launch was postponed due to an undisclosed anomaly that occurred after the "countdown progressed smoothly". "Due to an anomaly detected in PROBA-3 spacecraft PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 launch rescheduled to tomorrow," ISRO posted on social media platform X. ISRO's PSLV-XL rocket was earlier expected to launch the ESA Proba-3 mission on Wednesday. The mission will now take flight on Thursday at 4:12 pm from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Axiom-4 crew members, who successfully floated into International Space Station on Thursday, were joined by a fifth member on their mission. It wasn't a human or a pet, but a toy. A toy swan called Joy.But it's not just a toy. It has its roots in traditions of the scientific world. The practice of taking a toy into space to signal the onset of weightlessness started with Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space, and has since evolved into a longstanding tradition in space missions.Joy is a zero gravity indicator aboard the Axiom-4 mission. It was chosen by the astronauts as a tri ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
NEW DELHI -- President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the Russian people were "united as never before," as he sought to project confidence in the wake of a short-lived revolt, at a meeting of a rare international organization where he can find a sympathetic audience. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, hosted via videoconference by India, was Putin's first multilateral summit since an armed rebellion rattled Russia and comes as he is eager to show that the West has failed to isolate Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Asian security grouping, founded by Russia and Chin ...Read More >
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New Delhi: At the 19th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar called on industries to drive inclusive growth. He urged businesses to actively support MSMEs and ensure greater representation of women and marginalized communities in leadership roles. While acknowledging efforts toward affirmative action, he pointed out that subtle and often unspoken forms of gender discrimination still exist and need urgent attention. Encouraging industr ...Read More >
A massive fire erupted during a rocket combustion test at a Japanese testing station on Tuesday, marking another setback for Japan's space program. The explosion, which followed an abnormality in the combustion test, has put the launch of the Epsilon S rocket in jeopardy. JAXA confirmed no injuries, but the incident raises concerns following earlier rocket failures, including a similar mishap in July 2023. Despite these challenges, Japan has made strides in space, including a successful Moon landing in January 2024. Investigations are ongoing into the causes of the explosions, as Japan works t ...Read More >
Bahraich, June 28: Two minors allegedly killed a man by slitting his throat and then crushed his head with a stone to steal his iPhone to create "high-quality reels" for more likes, police said on Saturday. Police have held both the accused and initiated investigations. The victim, Shadab (19), who lived in Bengaluru, was visiting his ancestral village of Nagaur in Bahraich for his maternal uncle's wedding. Additional Superintendent of Police, Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha, said that the incident occurred on the night of June 20. "Shadab was reported missing on June 21, and his body was discovered ...Read More >
Guwahati: The East Khasi Hills district administration will enforce a new set of parking regulations from August 1 to improve urban mobility across Shillong in Meghalaya. The initiative, which spans seven key traffic zones including Sadar, Madanrting, Laban, Mawlai, Rynjah, Lumdiengjri, and Laitumkhrah, aims to organize parking in critical stretches of the city. Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge! The Urban Affairs Department has introduced standard hourly parking fees, setting the rate at Rs 20 for two-wheelers and Rs 40 for four-wheelers, with z ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 15 (SocialNews.XYZ) The experience gained by IAF Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla onboard the International Space Station will be extremely valuable for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, said ISRO on Tuesday. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft "Grace" carrying IAF Group Captain Shukla and three other astronauts, part of the Axiom Space Mission-4 (Ax-4) splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at 3:01 p.m. IST (4:31 AM CT). "The experience gained by Shubanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned ...Read More >
India's next space hero is here. It's Shubhanshu Shukla.In a historic leap for India's space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch on June 10, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla's journey will make history as he becomes the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS.Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a pioneering private spaceflight mission that will not only send India's first private astronaut to space but also mark the return to human spa ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Thousands of people who gathered at ashoorkhana in Dabeerpura on the 10th day of Muharram (Youm-e-Ashura) took part in the Bibi-ka-Alam procession. The procession commenced from Dabeerpura on an elephant and concluded at Chaderghat. The Shia mourners took out the procession to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussain, on the 10th day of Muharram. Members of the Shia sect performed matam and participated in processions. The 10th Muharram is the day on which Imam Hussain was martyred in the battle of Karbala by Yazid and his army. The relic made of ...Read More >
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced India's startup ecosystem growth from 350 to 1.75 lakh startups, encouraging students to become job creators. He also highlighted reforms boosting research and innovation in the country, with the National Research Foundation encouraging private investment in R&D. Union Minister Jitendra Singh spotlighted the rapid expansion of India's startup ecosystem, with a leap from a mere 350 startups a decade ago to a staggering 1.75 lakh today. This boom has created ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday announced that its C20 cryogenic engine, which had qualified for Gaganyaan mission, has successfully aced a crucial test. The Indian space agency noted that the test features restart enabling systems that are important for space missions. "ISRO achieves a major milestone! The C20 cryogenic engine successfully passes a critical test in ambient condition, featuring restart enabling systems -- a vital step for future missions," the county's space agency said in a post on X on Thursday. The key test was ...Read More >