India Opening the Doors to Boost Clean Energy Goals with 49% Foreign Investment India may soon allow 49% foreign investment in its nuclear power plants, according to three government sources. The proposal marks a potential turning point in one of India’s most tightly controlled sectors, as the country seeks to shift away from coal and meet its carbon reduction targets. Discussions on changing the foreign investment rules in nuclear energy began in 2023. Now, with growing urgency to expand cleaner power sources, India is considering easing long-standing restrictions that have deterred global investors. The planned reforms come as India aims…
Author: Kanika Sharma
Read More
EU Fines Apple and Meta Under Landmark Tech Law EU fines Apple and Meta, the European Union has fined Apple €500 million ($570 million) and Meta €200 million as part of its first enforcement of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). These penalties come after a year-long investigation into whether major tech firms comply with the new regulation aimed at increasing competition and limiting the dominance of Big Tech. Major Blow to Big Tech’s Business Models The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, concluded that both Apple and Meta breached the DMA, which was introduced to give smaller tech firms…
UAE Launches Ambitious Plan to Use AI in Legislative Process The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a bold new plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the very heart of its lawmaking system. This initiative, termed “AI-driven regulation,” is set to redefine how laws are created, evaluated, and amended across the country. According to the Financial Times, the move is among the most ambitious government uses of AI seen globally. AI as a Legislative Co-Author Central to this initiative is the formation of a dedicated unit known as the Regulatory Intelligence Office. This office will lead the country’s effort…
IMF: AI Economic Boost to Outweigh Carbon Emissions Costs by 2030 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly boost global economic output over the next decade. According to its latest report, AI is expected to increase global GDP by around 0.5% annually between 2025 and 2030. These gains are anticipated to surpass the environmental costs caused by rising carbon emissions from energy-intensive data centres. Global Gains with Uneven Distribution The IMF’s findings, presented during its spring meeting in Washington, stress that while AI will deliver strong economic benefits, these will not be evenly shared…
AI Surveillance Raises Privacy Fears as US Targets Immigrants Under Trump The United States, under President Donald Trump, is intensifying its use of AI surveillance technologies to track, detain, and deport immigrants. Digital rights advocates warn that these measures, which now cover a broader population, risk major violations of privacy and civil rights. Expanding AI Tools to Target Immigrants Immigration authorities are increasingly relying on AI tools like facial recognition scanners in public spaces and robotic patrols at the southern border. These tools, some in place for years, now have a much wider scope, according to Saira Hussain from the…
ISRO Achieves Key Milestone with Second Autonomous SPADEX Satellite Docking India’s space agency, ISRO, has successfully completed its second docking of the SPADEX satellites—SDX 01 and SDX 02—on 20 April 2025 at 8:20 PM. This achievement marks another step forward in the advancement of autonomous space technologies. Fully Autonomous Docking from 15 Metres This second docking was executed entirely through autonomous systems. The satellites connected from an inter-satellite distance of 15 metres without any manual intervention. In comparison, the first docking attempt involved a manual hold point at a 3-metre distance before completion. This shift to full autonomy reflects ISRO’s…
U.S. seeks breakup of Google search and browser dominance Alphabet’s Google is facing a high-stakes antitrust trial in Washington, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) aiming to force the tech giant to sell off its Chrome browser. The trial, starting Monday, is part of efforts to restore fair competition in the online search engine market. This legal action follows two significant antitrust victories for the DOJ. In August, a ruling found that Google held an illegal monopoly over online search. Just last week, a Virginia judge ruled against Alphabet in a separate case concerning advertising technology dominance. The latest…
Gaganyaan preparations advance as ISRO plans multiple launches this summer India is set to take a major leap in its space journey next month with the scheduled launch of an international mission that will include an Indian astronaut aboard. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed the update following a high-level review of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) upcoming plans. This mission will mark the first time an Indian has travelled to space in over 40 years, and the very first visit by an Indian to the International Space Station (ISS). The last Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma in…
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Reshapes Leadership to Spark Innovation Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, has begun overhauling the company’s leadership structure in a move to boost innovation and cut bureaucracy. Key chip divisions will now report directly to Tan, reflecting his hands-on approach to decision-making and technology development. Streamlined Structure to Improve Focus In a memo reviewed by Reuters, Tan revealed that Intel’s data centre and AI chip group, along with its personal-computer chip division, will now report directly to him. These groups were previously under the leadership of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who remains CEO of Intel products. Her role will…
PM Modi and Elon Musk Discuss Deeper Tech Collaboration Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive conversation with Elon Musk, exploring several areas of shared interest. PM Modi and Elon Musk met earlier in Washington DC, reinforcing a mutual vision for technological growth and innovation. Strengthening US-India Tech Ties During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the strong potential for cooperation between India and the United States in the fields of technology and innovation. He highlighted India’s continued dedication to strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities for progress. The dialogue served as a follow-up to the leaders’ earlier meeting…