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: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday announced a significant update in its approach to conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students for the year 2025. The UGC has invited public feedback on the revised methodology aiming to refine the examination process for a better and more efficient testing environment for candidates. Since its inception in 1956 under the UGC Act, UGC has been pivotal in setting and maintaining the standards for higher education, coordinating with universities, and providing financial assistance. The introduction of CUET itself was a step towards standardising entrance exams across universities to ensure fairness and transparency in admissions. The 2024 edition of CUET UG faced several operational challenges, leading to a hybrid model of testing which included both computer-based and paper-based tests. However, for 2025, UGC plans to revert to an exclusively computer-based format, aiming to streamline the process and address the logistical issues encountered previously. This shift back to CBT mode is part of a broader strategy to make the CUET more robust and less susceptible to last-minute cancellations or technical difficulties, as seen in previous years. UGC's call for feedback on the proposed changes invites a broad spectrum of stakeholders including students, educators, and institutions to contribute their insights. This participatory approach is intended to tailor the examination process to better meet the needs of all involved, ensuring that the CUET continues to serve as an equitable means of university admissions. The commission is looking to refine the examination process further, ensuring it remains a fair, efficient, and conducive environment for all candidates. The UGC had constituted an expert committee to review the conduct of CUET-UG and CUET-PG for 2025. The committee examined various aspects of the test, such as its structure, number of papers, duration of test papers, syllabus alignment, and operational logistics. The commission considered these recommendations in its meeting held on 13th November 2024. Based on these recommendations of the expert committee, CUET-UG and CUET-PG 2025 are planned to be conducted as given below: A. CUET-UG 2025 1. The exam is to be conducted once a year in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode. 2. The candidates will be allowed to appear up to a maximum of five (05) subjects. 3. The candidates will be allowed to take subjects in the CUET irrespective of the subjects opted in Class XII, within the permissible limit of five subjects. 4. The exam duration will be one hour per subject per paper. The one-hour duration will be consistent across all papers. 5. All the questions will be compulsory and there will be negative marking. 6. The standard of the questions will be based on the NCERT syllabus. 7. The medium of examination will be in 13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) as per CUET-UG 2024. 8. For the 13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu), the language-specific papers to test proficiency are to be conducted as per CUET-UG 2024. For all the remaining languages including foreign languages (20 as per CUET-UG 2024), the admissions in the programmes of these languages are to be made on the basis of performance in the General Aptitude Test. 9. The General Test currently in vogue is to be redesigned as the General Aptitude Test. 10. The domain-specific subject/paper on 'Entrepreneurship', 'Teaching Aptitude', 'Fashion Studies', 'Tourism', 'Legal Studies' and 'Engineering Graphics' are to be discontinued. For these programmes, admissions are to be made on the basis of performance in the General Aptitude Test. 11. The twenty-three subjects/papers will be: 1.Accountancy/Book-keeping 2. Business Studies 3. Agriculture 4. Physics 5. Chemistry 6. Mathematics/Applied Mathematics 7. Biology/Biological Science/Biochemistry/ Biotechnology 8. Performing Arts (Dance, Drama, Music) 9. Fine Arts/Visual Arts/Commercial Arts 10. Geography/Geology 11. History 12. Home Science 13. Mass Media/Mass Communication 14. Political Science 15. Psychology 16. Sociology 17. Sanskrit 18. Environmental Science 19. Knowledge Tradition- Practices in India 20. Physical Education (Yoga, Sports) 21. Anthropology 22. Economics/Business Economics 23. Computer Science/Information Practices. 12. All admissions will be made using CUET-UG scores and in compliance with the UGC guidelines in this regard. B. CUET- PG 2025 1. The exam is to be conducted once a year in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode. 2. The duration of the exam will be 90 minutes per subject per paper and will be uniform across all the papers. 3. All the questions will be compulsory and there will be negative marking. 4. The medium of examination will be Bilingual. 5. The standard of questions will be as was for CUET-PG 2024. 6. The General Paper is to be redesigned to cater to skill-based and certain professions based on UG knowledge so that universities can use it for programmes in those areas. 7. All admissions will be made using CUET-PG scores and in compliance with the UGC guidelines in this regard. However, a university, may decide the weightage of CUETPG score for admission to specialized courses.
Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal says he will definitely come and work in Hindi movies if filmmakers in Bollywood offer him roles. One of the most influential Malayalam cinema stars, Mohanlal has been part of over 300 films, including all time hits such as "Manichitrathazhu", "Kireedam", "Bharatham", "Drishyam" and "Pulimurugan". "I have done a couple of Hindi films also. But now most of my other films are dubbed into Hindi. When somebody calls me for a role I'll definitely come and work. I don't mind. I don't have a choice. As actors we don't have a choice. Let it come. Let ...Read More >
CHITTOOR (Andhra Pradesh): The Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals and University of Leicester, United Kingdom, have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) at The Apollo University campus in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The advanced research center will bring together the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a global hub for digital health and precision medicine. The CDHPM will be the hub in Chittoor, India. The hub at the University of Leicester will be based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester ...Read More >
Chennai: Malayalam actor and director Prithviraj Sukumaran recently revealed that he was given an incredible opportunity by Subaskaran, the head of the renowned Tamil film production house Lyca Productions, to direct a film starring Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. Speaking at the teaser launch of his highly anticipated Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, Prithviraj shared the details, saying, "I have been assigned the task of welcoming Lyca Productions into Malayalam cinema. This obviously is their first ever project in Malayalam. It is a bit of an anecdote. I think now, it is safe to say that Subaskar ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Actress Kangana Ranaut has officially announced her return to movie sets for the filming of her new movie, which reunites her with her 'Tanu Weds Manu' co-star R Madhavan. The two actors, who previously delighted audiences with their performances in the successful romantic comedy series, will now collaborate again in a psychological thriller. Also Read | 'Those First Loves Always Stay With You': 'Loveyapa' Pair Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor on True Love, Sibling Rivalry and Inspiration From Actor Parents (LatestLY Exclusive). The announcement came shortl ...Read More >
Ed Sheeran, Shah Rukh Khan, and Arijit Singh unite for a song?: Fans worldwide have been enthralled by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran's recent trip to India, particularly because of his encounters with Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan and Arijit Singh. Sheeran posted some sweet moments of friendship on Instagram, including Shah Rukh Khan jokingly repeating the hook of Sheeran's upcoming song "Sapphire," and a calm coffee conversation with Arijit Singh on a barge. Sheeran immersed himself in Indi ...Read More >
Nagpur: Forced or allured conversion is violence, and bringing tribal brethren back to their original fold is correction, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat during the valedictory function of RSS' Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II at Hedgewar Smruti Mandir premises in Reshimbagh on Thursday.Bhagwat was responding to concerns raised by the chief guest, former Congressman and minister in Indira Gandhi's govt, Arvind Netam, who warned the gathering of swayamsevaks that widespread conversions threaten the identity and existence of India's tribal communities. "If this contin ...Read More >
MUMBAI: The much-anticipated 'Baaghi 4', produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, has just added a new star to its roster, with Punjabi sensation Sonam Bajwa joining the cast alongside Tiger Shroff. Set to go on floors soon in Mumbai, 'Baaghi 4' promises to deliver high-octane action sequences, with a storyline that combines intense thrills with romance. Sonam Bajwa will be playing the female lead opposite Tiger Shroff, marking her second collaboration with Sajid Nadiadwala after she makes her Bollywood debut in 'Housefull 5'. In an Instagram post, Tiger Shroff welcomed Sonam to the team, expressing h ...Read More >
New Delhi/Hyderabad, Dec 18 (UNI) Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy emphasised the Modi government's commitment to preserving and promoting India's regional languages. Addressing the media in New Delhi on Wednesday, Reddy highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the central government to strengthen India's linguistic diversity. Reddy noted that India is unparalleled in its cultural and linguistic diversity, with 121 languages spoken across the country. "Our Constitution initially recognised 14 official languages, but this number has increased to 21 under Prime M ...Read More >
Sivakarthikeyan's Amaran has emerged as his biggest box-office success to date, surpassing the Rs 300-crore mark at the worldwide box office collection.Shiv Karthikeyan and Sai Pallavi marked a milestone in film industry through the movie Amaran. The film joins an elite club as the ninth Tamil movie to achieve this milestone, following hits like Rajinikanth's Enthiran, Kabali, 2.0, Jailer, along with Biigilmovie, Varisu, Leo, and The GOAT. Featuring Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, alongside Sai Pallavi, Bhuvan Arora, and Rahul Bose, Amaran draws inspiration from true military st ...Read More >
New Delhi: University Grant Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has announced changes in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), undergraduate and postgraduate 2025, saying the total number of subjects has been reduced to 37 from 63 and there will be uniform exam duration of 60 minutes. He said 20 language subjects have been discontinued and admissions to the dropped subjects can be done based on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores. The domain-specific subjects were 29 earlier, but the UGC has decided to discontinue six subjects, bringing the number down to 23, Kumar added. The cha ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a daring move, following the language feud in Bengaluru, a tech founder, Kaushik Mukherjee, posted on X that he has decided to wind up his office in Bangalore and will be moving to Pune soon, with the reason stated as "language nonsense" by the founder. This decision comes amid growing tensions between Kannada speaking and non-Kannada speaking people in the state of Karnataka. Kaushik claims he does not want his non-Kannada speaking staff to be the next 'victim' and the idea, as he stated, was proposed by the staff and that he has decided to accept the idea. His post has garnere ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Friday allowed an application filed by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) seeking permission to schedule the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-PG 2025 on August 3. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih took note of the submission that August 3 was the earliest possible available date given by its technology partner for conducting the NEET-PG 2025 examination in terms of the recent apex court order. Allowing the application filed by the NBE to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 examination on August ...Read More >
Chennai, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Well known actress Meera Jasmine, whose outstanding performances have helped her make a name for herself in both the Tamil and Malayalam industries,on Saturday offered prayers for the family of actor Shine Tom Chacko, whose father Sibi Chacko died in a tragic car accident in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu on Friday. Taking to her Instagram stories section, the actress, who posted a family picture of actor Shine Tom Chacko, wrote, "Prayers for the grieving family. Times like these constantly remind us about how important kindness is... Grief is a very real t ...Read More >
New Delhi: From 2025, the CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively as a computer-based test (CBT), and students will have the flexibility to appear for any subject, regardless of what they studied in class 12. This decision follows a review conducted by an expert panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC), as explained by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. What are the major changes? In an interview with PTI, Kumar elaborated on the changes saying, "The exam will be conducted only in CBT mode from 2025, unlike the hybrid mode used last year. We have also reduced the number of subjects fr ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The four-member expert committee, formed by the Telangana government to investigate the alleged kidney racket at Alaknanda Hospital here, has put a plastic surgeon also under the scanner. The panel is currently questioning a large group of people, including kidney donors, recipients, and doctors, to unearth the details behind the racket. Officials said a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Director of Medical Education (DME) today. DME's Statement Speaking about the probe, the DME Dr. N. Vani claimed that there were several instances where donors, including widows, wer ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Arizona State University (ASU), a global leader in innovation and higher education, is collaborating with Rajalakshmi Engineering College (REC), Chennai, to redefine global education pathways for Indian students. The initiative aims to introduce undergraduate and Master's degrees across key disciplines, including Computer Science, Engineering, and Business & Management. Speaking on this occasion, ASU President Michael M. Crow said, "With India as our largest source of international students, this partnership with REC strengthens our mission to expand access to exceptional education ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The recently released Tamil film Thug Life, starring veteran actor Kamal Haasan, has been facing controversy in Karnataka due to comments made by the actor. At the audio launch of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan said, "Kannada was born from Tamil." This statement sparked widespread outrage among Kannada-speaking communities. If all had gone as planned, Thug Life was scheduled to release in Karnataka by now. However, due to the actor's refusal to apologise, the film has not seen a release in the state. The matter is now pending in court, and a final decision regarding its release in Karnata ...Read More >
Mumbai: The University of Mumbai (MU) on Wednesday announced a revised schedule for pre-admission online registration for undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2025-2026. This decision comes after three merit lists were already published under the original schedule and is aimed at giving an opportunity to students who failed to complete their registration in time. Students will now be able to register online for admission between 6 and 10 June 2025 through the university's official website at https://mu.ac.in/admission. The university has clarified that applications submitted during ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko's father died on the spot after the family met with a car accident near Dharmapuri on Friday morning. According to media reports, the actor, his mother, and brother were also in the car. Around 7 am, near Palakottai, their vehicle rammed into a lorry in front of them. All five occupants, including the driver, sustained injuries in the accident. Shine's father, CP Chacko, succumbed to his injuries and died on the spot, while the other family members were admitted to a nearby hospital. Further details on the incident are awaited. Shine is also known t ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 4: Dreams do come true, says filmmaker RS Prasanna who went from being a cheerleader for Aamir Khan as the accepted an award for "Taare Zameen Par" in 2007 to finally directing him in its sequel "Sitaare Zameen Par". Prasanna, known for "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" in Tamil and its Hindi remake "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", was still in film school in 2007 when he watched "Taare Zameen Par". "I remember bawling my eyes out while watching 'Taare Zameen Par' with my friends, and my then-girlfriend, now wife. When Aamir sir won the Best Debut Director award at the Gollapudi Srinivas Award, ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 7 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city here, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside," the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jun 7 (PTI) A 26-year-old man allegedly beheaded his wife following a heated argument on the outskirts of Bengaluru after he suspected her of having an extra-marital affair, police said on Saturday. After killing Manasa, Shankar travelled with her severed head on his scooter to the nearest police station and confessed to the crime, they said. The man was later arrested, police said, adding that the incident occurred at Heelalige village, near Chandapura, Anekal taluk late on Friday. According to the police, the couple were married for over five years and have a four-year-old daug ...Read More >
He defended his choice of Viduthalai Part 2, stating that storytelling is about reflecting people's lives Actor Vijay Sethupathi, while promoting his upcoming movie Viduthalai Part 2 in Hyderabad, shared his thoughts on the box-office performance of Thalapathy Vijay's GOAT and Suriya-starrer Kanguva in the Telugu-speaking states. In an interview with The Great Andhra, Sethupathi was asked about the setbacks faced by recent Tamil Pan-India films, particularly at the Telugu box office. However, h ...Read More >
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New Delhi: One of the most-talked about movies -Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead opened in theatres on June 5, 2025. The Mani Ratnam directorial got a good opening of Rs 17 crore but failed to beat the Day 1 collection of Kamal Haasan's previous films including 'Indian 2' and 'Vikram'. According to Box Office number tracking website Sacnilk, 'Thug Life' earned Rs 17 crore nett (Gross minus taxes) at the domestic box office on its first day in theatres, despite facing ban in Karnataka. Kamal Haasan's previous film, 'Indian 2' with director Shankar, collected Rs 25.6 crore nett on ...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 >
Thug Life box office collection Day 3: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's latest collaboration Thug Life is struggling at the box office. After a drop of 53.87% in collections from Day 1 to Day 2, the gangster drama earned Rs 7.14 crore on Day 3 of its release, according to trade tracker Sacnik. On Saturday, Thug Life earned Rs 6.38 crore from the Tamil version, while the Hindi and Telugu versions brought in Rs 0.24 crore and Rs 0.52 crore, respectively. By the end of Day 3, the film's total box off ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Telugu superstar Allu Arjun on Thursday said the humongous success of his latest release "Pushpa 2: The Rule" is a reflection of people's love and he hopes the box office record of the film, which has become the fastest movie to earn Rs 1,000 crore, is broken soon by another movie. A sequel to Arjun's 2021 Telugu blockbuster "Pushpa: The Rise", the film released on December 5 with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, and has emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2024. Also Read | RSIFF 2024: Nick Jonas Reveals Being Fascinated by Priyanka ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Singer AP Dhillon rocked the stage in New Delhi on Saturday evening as part of his 'The Brownprint Tour' where he thrilled thousands of fans with his energetic performances. The concert became even more special when Honey Singh, Jazzy B, and Shinda Kahlon joined him on stage leaving fans surprised. Jazzy B entertained the crowd with his iconic track 'Dil Luteya', while Honey Singh brought his signature energy with 'Millionaire', a song recently featured in the Hindi dub of 'Suits'. Together with AP Dhillon, the trio sang 'Dil Luteya', making fans cheer a ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 3 (ANI): Monday kick-started on an exciting note for the fans of actor Prabhas as his first look as 'Rudra' was unveiled in the morning. The poster features him in the guise of a hermit, his matted hair flowing wildly, his forehead smeared with sacred chandan, gripping a crescent moon staff that hints at divine power and celestial energy. Sharing his look from the film, Prabhas on social media wrote, " (Om symbol) The Divine Guardian 'Rudra' (Om symbol) Unveiling my look as 'Rudra'. The embodiment of strength and wisdom as the unwavering protector in #K ...Read More >
New Delhi: There was a surge of nostalgia among fans when Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan finally reunited on film after 33 years in 'Vettaiyan'. The film's most famous sequence was the fierce confrontation between Rajinikanth, who played a courageous police officer, and Amitabh Bachchan, who played a justice-seeking lawyer. But one actor who was there at the scene's actual location had an interesting takeaway. The veteran actor Alencier Leyons discussed his time on the set of 'Vettaiyan' with the media while promoting his Malayalam flick 'Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal'. Alencier said that he ...Read More >