India

Google AI Chief Warns Superhuman AI Is Near, Calls for Global Oversight Body

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has warned that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could arrive within just a few years. He stressed that the window to prepare for this technological milestone is narrow and closing fast. Hassabis called for the urgent establishment of a global watchdog body to oversee AI development. The appeal highlights growing concern among leading AI figures about the pace of advancement and the need for coordinated international governance.

Is bone china made from real bones? The answer may surprise you

Bengaluru Start-Up Develops Rare-Earth-Free 'Virtual Magnet' Motor Technology

A Bengaluru-based start-up has developed a technology called the 'Virtual Magnet' that could disrupt conventional motor manufacturing. The innovation enables motors to be built using only copper and steel, removing the dependency on rare-earth materials entirely. Rare-earth magnets, predominantly sourced from China, are critical components in electric motors used across industries worldwide. This breakthrough could reduce supply chain vulnerabilities tied to China's dominance in rare-earth mineral production.

Metro man Sreedharan’s solar rail idea runs into Kerala govt roadblock

Sensex Gains 500+ Points, Nifty Tops 24,200 on Strong Global and Domestic Cues

Indian equity markets staged a sharp recovery on Wednesday, with the Sensex rising over 500 points and the Nifty climbing above 24,200. Improved sentiment in the technology sector and a strengthening rupee bolstered investor confidence. Positive global signals, including a rebound in Asian markets following US inflation data, further supported the rally. Foreign institutional investors also turned net buyers in July, adding momentum to the upswing. Easing geopolitical tensions contributed to the overall positive market environment.

Extreme Heat Disrupts Photosynthesis Across 57M Hectares of Tropical Forests

Tropical forests are increasingly surpassing critical temperature thresholds that impair their ability to photosynthesize efficiently. An estimated 57 million hectares of these forests are already affected by excessive heat levels. The elevated temperatures reduce trees' capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon, weakening a key natural buffer against climate change. Scientists project that heat-stressed forest areas will expand significantly in the future. While some tree species may adapt to rising temperatures, the pace of such adaptation remains unclear.

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins International Operations with Abu Dhabi Flight

Navi Mumbai International Airport has commenced its first scheduled international flight service. The inaugural route connects Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi, operated by Air India Express. This marks a significant milestone in the airport's operational journey, expanding air connectivity in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The launch positions Navi Mumbai Airport as a new international aviation hub serving the region.

Gangster Rohit Godara's House Demolished Overnight, Police Deny Involvement

The residence of wanted gangster Rohit Godara was largely demolished overnight using what authorities believe was an earthmover machine. Police have distanced themselves from the incident, stating they had no role in bringing down the structure. Officials conducted a preliminary assessment of the site to determine how the demolition was carried out. The identity of those responsible for the overnight operation remains unclear as investigations continue.

Aamir Khan denies 'love jihad' claims, defends interfaith marriages amid fatwa

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has publicly rejected allegations of being a 'love jihad' ambassador, stating that none of his partners converted their religion during their civil marriages. His recent wedding to Gauri Spratt, a woman he has known for nearly 25 years, has triggered political and religious controversy online. Khan stressed that his family's marriages have always been inclusive and respectful of different faiths. Religious cleric Maulana Ibrahim Hussain reportedly issued a fatwa against Khan in response to his latest interfaith union. The actor's remarks come as he faces criticism from both political figures and certain religious quarters over his personal choices.

Bengaluru Class 7 student attempts suicide after teacher's punishment

A Class 7 student in Bengaluru attempted suicide on Tuesday following a punishment by his teacher. The boy had reportedly been reprimanded for alleged mischief and asked to leave the classroom. Before the incident, he informed his sister of his intentions. The student is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital, while his parents are being provided counseling. Police have launched a detailed inquiry into the circumstances, including any possible harassment.

UK Hails India Trade Deal as Fastest Ever Implemented

UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant has praised the recently signed trade deal with India, calling it the fastest the United Kingdom has ever moved from signing an agreement to bringing it into effect. Bryant's remarks highlight the significance of the bilateral trade pact between the two nations. The deal represents a major milestone in UK-India economic relations. No further details about the specific timeline or implementation date were provided in the minister's statement.

US Shipyards Court Billionaires Back From Europe With Hybrid Superyachts

American shipyards are making a strong push to reclaim wealthy clients who previously spent millions at European builders. Delta Marine has teamed up with renowned design firm Bannenberg & Rowell to develop new superyacht offerings. The vessels feature hybrid propulsion systems and are designed with a strong emphasis on outdoor living spaces. US maritime laws also offer practical benefits that make domestic yacht construction an attractive option for American billionaires. Notable yacht owners such as Jeff Bezos and Sergey Brin are among the affluent clientele the US industry is looking to win over.

Indian, missing after attack on GFS Galaxy off Oman coast, is dead: Family

Axar Patel admits overhitting cost him in T20s, adjusts approach for ODI success

Axar Patel has opened up about his struggles during the T20 series against England, acknowledging that he was overhitting the ball. He shifted his focus to timing rather than power, which proved effective in the first ODI. His all-round contribution helped India secure a six-wicket win in the opening match of the three-match ODI series. Captain Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar also chipped in with useful runs to support the chase. India now hold a 1-0 lead in the series against England.

Warren Buffett to donate all Berkshire shares worth $140bn to four charities by 2034

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has announced plans to donate his entire stake in Berkshire Hathaway to four charitable foundations by 2034. The philanthropic move is expected to transfer over $140 billion in wealth to the selected organisations. Three of the foundations are managed by his children and will see their annual grants increase over time. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is set to receive a comparatively larger annual grant among the beneficiaries. The announcement marks one of the most significant acts of private wealth redistribution in history.

Taslima Nasreen Set to Attend Anti-Fundamentalism Event in Kolkata on August 1

Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen is scheduled to attend an anti-fundamentalism protest programme in Kolkata on August 1. The event is set to be held at Rabindra Sadan, a prominent cultural venue in the city. Nasreen's planned appearance has stirred political debate in the region. Her visit to Kolkata has historically been a sensitive issue given her exile from Bangladesh over her writings.

Woman Posing as IAS Officer Assaults Husband, Extorts Rs 40 Lakh for Fake Hospital

A woman allegedly impersonated an IAS officer using fake social media profiles to deceive a man named Abhishek into marriage. After gaining his trust, she physically assaulted him by strangulation. She then demanded Rs 40 lakh from him, claiming the money was needed to build a hospital. The entire scheme appears to have been a calculated fraud involving false identity and coercion.

KGMU Bans Non-Vegetarian Cooking in Hostels After UP Governor's Visit

King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has banned the preparation of non-vegetarian food in its hostel premises. The decision follows a visit by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who raised concerns about the practice. The university administration acted on the Governor's observations by implementing the new food restriction. The ban applies to the cooking of non-vegetarian meals within the hostel facilities on campus.

China's Yarlung Tsangpo mega dam raises water security concerns for India

China is building a large-scale hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows downstream into India as the Brahmaputra. The project has prompted serious concerns over water security and strategic implications for India. Experts caution that the dam could affect downstream water flows and disrupt ecological balance in the region. In response, India has begun accelerating its own hydropower development along the river. The long-term impact of the project on regional water management continues to be closely monitored.

NCP reunification on cards? CM Fadnavis' talks with leaders of both factions fuels buzz