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.
New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Since 2018, 15 sites across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa have earned a UNESCO tag, and four new nominations from African countries will be examined at the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris, Director General of the UN organisation, Audrey Azoulay, said. The spirit of the World Heritage Convention is also to reflect the "diversity and equal dignity of cultures" throughout the world. Yet, 27 States Parties still have no sites inscribed, she said in her address at the opening ceremony of the 47th session of the WHC on Monday. "As you know, we have developed specific measures since 2021 to support African heritage by assisting States submitting their first nomination. This includes implementing programmes to strengthen expertise among a new generation of African professionals and providing online tools to support them," Azoulay said. UNESCO is also working with five universities in Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania to support higher education in the field of heritage, "and I'm pleased to see these efforts producing results," she added. A senior official earlier said 32 sites from various countries are set to be examined by the WHC during its current session. Proposals for the extension of two sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List are scheduled to be taken up for consideration during the session, the official said. Azoulay, in her address, said in addition to the extension of a site in Africa, the current session will "propose for inscription of four African sites, including the first-ever nominations from two countries". "Since 2018, fifteen new sites across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa have joined the World Heritage List, and that is without including the sites that may be inscribed this year," she said. New nominations from Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Malawi will be examined at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO said in a statement. "If inscribed, these properties will lift sub-Saharan Africa's tally of World Heritage sites to 112 -- up from 93 in 2018. This reflects the commitment of the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, to increasing the presence of African sites on the World Heritage List," it said. Beyond preserving sites, UNESCO also aims to build a wide network of local heritage experts to develop African nominations. Since 2021, a pioneering mentorship programme -- launched with partners like the African World Heritage Fund, ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN -- has trained 60 African heritage professionals. These include 30 women and as many men from 46 countries, it said. Azoulay also said two other countries, the Comoros and Sao Tome and Principe, have submitted their first nominations for evaluation in 2026. In recent years, UNESCO has been part of a broader push to strengthen Africa's presence on World Heritage Lists and highlight the continent's rich history, diverse cultures and unique ecosystems, the statement said. "Heritage weaves an essential bond between people and societies, meaning that in conflict and post-conflict settings, it also becomes a pivotal tool to re-establish a peaceful coexistence and to help restore the social fabric," she underlined. UNESCO's efforts to protect heritage include actively monitoring damage to cultural sites in Gaza since October 2023, using satellite imagery provided by UNOSAT. And in Ukraine, as strikes continue and with over 500 cultural sites affected since 2022, "we are supporting emergency action, for example in Odesa and in Lviv," she said. "But in Africa as well, several sites are under constant threat from a combination of factors: conflict, illegal exploitation and environmental stress like in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where we supported the closure of illegal mining sites and helped train 100 eco-guards," Azoulay said. And in Sudan, UNESCO is taking action to protect World Heritage Sites and museum collections, she said. In her address, she thanked the Bulgarian authorities, saying, unable to host this session in Bulgaria, they have made every effort to ensure it is held under the best possible conditions in Paris. "As we open this session, may we be inspired by the words of another great Bulgarian thinker, Julia Kristeva: 'Each of us is unique, and it is in this unique truth that the essence of humanity lies.' Words that truly resonate here, as we come together around the uniqueness of our world heritage -- the essence of this Convention," the UNESCO DG said. The 47th session of the WHC is being hosted in the French capital from July 6-16. Its 46th session was held in New Delhi -- the first time India hosted the crucial meeting. PTI KND RHL
Filmmaker Jayan K Cherian; stills from his latest film 'Rhythm of Dammam', on the Siddi Community of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada (north Karnataka). The stunningly shot and evocative Rhythm of Dammam, in Siddi Bhasha, is the first fictional feature ever to be made on the Indian Siddi community that traces its ancestry to Africa. In the film, the pre-teen Jayaram, who lives in Karnataka's Yellapura, is afflicted by his dead grandfather's visions, as his impoverished family fights over supposed buried treasure. But Jayaram is a chosen one, the visitations will lead him to discover his community's ...Read More >
Jamshedpur, Dec 17 (PTI) Tata Steel has operationalised an all-women shift at its Noamundi iron mine in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, an initiative introduced in the country for the first time, a company statement said. Women employees were engaged in all the mining activities of the shift, including heavy earth moving machinery, shovel, loader, drill [...] Jamshedpur, Dec 17 (PTI) Tata Steel has operationalised an all-women shift at its Noamundi iron mine in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, an initiative introduced in the country for the first time, a company statement said. Wome ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
Visakhapatnam: GITAM Deemed to be University earned significant global recognition in the recently announced Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. The prestigious rankings evaluate universities across the globe on their contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), utilising 220 indicators and 105 comprehensive metrics to assess impact. In a major milestone, GITAM has been ranked across all 17 SDGs, a distinction achieved by only a select group of higher education institutions worldwide. This accomplishment places the institution among an elite cadr ...Read More >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. WHO's Regional Director, Saima Wazed, stressed that empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors is essential to addressing the barriers they face, particularly in healthcare and during humanitarian crises. Also Read | South Korea Unrest: Martial Law Troops Enter Nat ...Read More >
Tata Steel launched an all-women mining shift at its Noamundi iron mine in Jharkhand, a first in India. This initiative builds on their "Women@Mines" program and aims to empower women in mining. The company trained local women to operate heavy machinery through the "Tejaswini" initiatives, leading to this milestone. Tata Steel also achieved 20% diversity in its India workforce.In order to bring in more diversity, Tata Steel has rolled out an all-women shift at its Noamundi iron mine in Jharkhand. ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, has underscored the importance of adopting an 'ethics-by-design' approach to AI development, noting that true inclusivity requires not just functionality but the integration of core ethical values from the outset. He also reaffirmed UNESCO's support for India's vision of an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in trust. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY and CEO, IndiaAI Mission, highlighted India's balanced, pro-innovation approach to AI aimed at building AI in India ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a five-nation visit starting July 2, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Ghana (July 2-3) which will be Prime Minister's first ever bilateral visit to Ghana. This Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana is taking place after three decades. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss ...Read More >
A Russian strike on a nine-story building in the city of Sumy in northern Ukraine killed eight people and wounded dozens, an official said Sunday (November 17, 2024), as Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack described by officials as the largest in recent months. "Among the eight killed in Sumy, 40 kilometers (24 miles) from the border with Russia, were two children," said Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. More than 400 people were evacuated from the building. Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges allies to take steps before North Korean troops reach the front The rescu ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, "Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. He said that strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. Addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing, Mr Modi noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (Sida) a ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday decided to implement two new schemes for the development of biotechnology and to enhance urban infrastructure. The Cabinet also gave its nod to a proposal to float a tender for Chheligada multipurpose medium irrigation project in Gajapati district. These proposals were approved at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. "The two new schemes, named 'Development of Biotechnology' and 'Mukhya Mantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY)', aimed at creating employment and strengthening the State's economy," Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told ...Read More >
GURUGRAM : Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand, today introduced its 2025 Bespoke AI appliance lineup, built on four distinct consumer benefits: Easy, Care, Save and Secure to enrich and simplify your lives with AI. These experiences are powered by Samsung's new AI Home screen interface, Bixby voice assistant with two-way natural communication, Samsung Knox security, and seamless SmartThings connectivity, delivering hyper-personalized, energy-efficient, and secure smart home solutions for modern Indian households. At the heart of the new lineup is the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Shimla: Heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, triggering landslides and flash floods and blocking more than 100 roads, even as the weather department issued a red alert.A landslide at Chakki Mod near Parwanoo blocked the Chandigarh-Shimla highway for hours, resulting in a massive traffic jam Sunday morning. The local administration had to divert traffic through the Jangeshu link road until the landslide debris was cleared at Chakki Mod.The traffic was first restored one-way and later two-way, but the traffic jam continued on both sides of the highway throughout the day due to slow veh ...Read More >
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 1 (ANI): Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as one of India's fastest-growing industrial hubs, having received investment proposals over Rs 6.75 lakh crore in the past one and a half years and reflecting a strong and growing confidence among investors. This progress was further reinforced at the 'Industry Dialogue 2' held in Raipur on Tuesday. In the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, new proposals worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore were finalised. The strong interest from investors highlights the state's growing importance in India's industrial l ...Read More >
: The Uttar Pradesh government is now using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and satellites, to stop illegal mining and the illegal transport of minerals in the state. Officials said that more than 21,477 vehicles involved in illegal transport have been blacklisted. To monitor mining vehicles, the state has set up 57 smart check gates with help from the transport department. These gates use AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, along with Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) sensors, to detect overloaded vehicles and stop them. The directorate of geology and mining i ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities for him to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. In a video address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, Modi said strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. He noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (SIDA) ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Friday accorded approvals to a slew of industries. Among those are Krishnapatnam Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which is set to establish a 350 MW Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Thamminapatnam and Mommidi villages of SPSR Nellore district with a Rs 1,225 crore investment, creating 575 jobs. Furthermore, the government also waived off a Rs 54 crore extension of time fee, contingent on project completion within two years as per the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024. The government also allocated 22.80 acres at MPSEZ in N ...Read More >
The honour is part of FIFPRO's Annual Merit Awards that recognise players giving back to their communities. The global soccer players' union will donate $10,000 to Onana's foundation. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has won the FIFPRO Impact Award for humanitarian work, for the medical care his foundation provides to underprivileged communities in Cameroon and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Doctors have performed more than 1,200 surgical operations over the past three years in collaboration with the 28-year-old's Andre Onana Foundation, which works with medical professionals ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet, under the chairmanship of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday approved a comprehensive five-year biotechnology development scheme with an outlay of Rs 1,113.50 crore. The programme will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2029-30.The 'Development of Biotechnology' initiative, comprising 17 sub-schemes, aims to transform Odisha into a knowledge-driven bio-economy by leveraging the state's rich biodiversity and existing research infrastructure."This scheme will create a robust ecosystem for innovation, incubation and investment in the biotechnology sector," a ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Pune : Cummins India Limited ("Cummins"), one of the leading power solutions technology providers, today announced the launch of its Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), expanding its sustainable solutions portfolio in line with Destination Zero strategy. This state-of-the-art energy storage solution is designed to support India's clean energy transition and strengthen the reliability of country's power infrastructure. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is emerging as reliable and efficient technology for addressing the energy transition requirements of key industries such as manufacturin ...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, Jun 30 (PTI) Hyderabad-based textiles manufacturer Filatex Fashions on Monday said its revenue rose by 7 per cent to Rs 191.65 crore in 2024-25 on the back of export orders. The textile and fashion manufacturing company's total income increased to Rs 191.65 crore in FY25 from Rs 179.02 crore in FY24, marking a 7 per cent growth, a statement said. Filatex Fashions said its mining subsidiary, Filatex Mines and Minerals, in the last fiscal secured its first major export order worth USD 35 million (Rs 293 crore) from Bloomflora Ventures Ltd for the supply of 2,97,388 metric tonnes of ...Read More >
Biocon Biologics, in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia, has launched the Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project. The initiative focuses on training nurses to become diabetes specialists to address the country’s growing diabetes crisis. With Ethiopia ranking among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa for diabetes prevalence, this project aims to integrate diabetes care into primary healthcare, enhancing accessibility and care quality. By upskilling nurses and establishing a structured pathway for them, the program seeks to improve diabetes ma ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism, stating that India stands firm and resolute in its collective fight against this threat in the backdrop of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed optimism about strengthening ties with Central Asia, following the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue and posted on X, 'Delighted to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. India deeply che ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities for him to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. In a video address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, Modi said strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. He noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (SIDA) as large-oc ...Read More >