Technology Scientists

  Uber Technologies has announced an ambitious collaboration with Nvidia to develop and deploy a global fleet of 100,000 autonomous robotaxis, marking a major leap in the commercialisation of driverless transport. The partnership aims to begin large-scale deployment by 2027, with the initiative unveiled during Nvidia’s GTC conference in Washington, DC. Strategic Collaboration for Autonomous Mobility The partnership builds on an earlier agreement from January, under which Uber shared driving data to enhance Nvidia’s artificial intelligence and chip systems for self-driving vehicles. Nvidia’s new platform, Drive AGX Hyperion 10, will form the backbone of the project, enabling automakers to integrate advanced sensors and hardware compatible with autonomous driving software. This technology will help Uber operate a large-scale, AI-powered mobility network across its global markets. Stellantis and Foxconn to Supply First Robotaxis Automaker Stellantis will supply at least 5,000 robotaxi...

  The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has unveiled “UPI Help”, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance user experience on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. The innovative tool will assist users in resolving payment-related queries, managing mandates, and tracking grievances seamlessly across participating banks and UPI applications. AI Assistant for Real-Time Query Resolution ‘UPI Help’ will serve as an intelligent support system to guide users through issues related to digital payments. From failed transactions to unclear payment statuses, the AI assistant can provide step-by-step resolutions. It is designed to ensure faster and more transparent communication between users and banks, reducing the time required to address payment concerns. Enhanced Grievance Redressal Through Automation The AI tool allows users to check transaction statuses, raise complaints, and monitor their progress through automated tracking. Integrated with the UDIR (UPI Dispute ...

  The Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 was held on 17 October 2025 at Hotel Ramada, Dehradun. Organised by the Government of Uttarakhand and India AI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the event acted as a prelude to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The summit brought into light the role of artificial intelligence in encouraging sustainable development, inclusive growth, and digital transformation in Uttarakhand. Significance of the Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 The summit positioned Uttarakhand as a leader in responsible AI adoption. It brought together policymakers, industry experts, startups, and academia to explore AI’s potential in governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The event aligned with the broader Digital Uttarakhand vision aimed at enhancing public service delivery and economic growth through technology. India–AI Impact Summit 2026 Framework The upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is the first global ...

  Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have uncovered previously unknown geological structures beneath Italy’s Campi Flegrei volcano. This discovery includes a distinct ring fault that could trigger magnitude 5 earthquakes. Campi Flegrei has shown signs of unrest since 2005 and produced five earthquakes above magnitude 4 in 2025 alone. Using AI, scientists detected tens of thousands of smaller quakes that traditional methods missed. This new insight improves understanding of the volcano’s seismic risks and underlying geology. Background and Volcanic Activity Campi Flegrei is a large caldera west of Naples, Italy. It has a history of powerful eruptions over the past 40,000 years, including two of Europe ’s largest. Since the 1950s, scientists have monitored its activity closely. In the 1980s, a swarm of 16,000 earthquakes led to the evacuation of 40,000 residents. The volcano’s unrest has persisted, with ground uplift and increased seismicity noted in recent decades. AI-B...

  The Government of India recently launched the revamped Sugamya Bharat App. This digital platform aims to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities across the country. The relaunch took place at the Purple Fest in Goa under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The app is designed to be a one-stop solution that connects users to information, services, and opportunities with ease. Background and Purpose The Sugamya Bharat App was originally introduced under the Accessible India Campaign. Its goal was to improve accessibility in public spaces. The new version expands its scope. It now serves as a digital hub where persons with disabilities can find government schemes, scholarships, job listings, and grievance redressal tools. This update reflects the government’s commitment to digital inclusion. Key Features and Accessibility The app offers a user-first and accessibility-first design. It supports sc...

  India’s digital landscape has rapidly expanded, with over 86% of households connected to the internet by 2025. This growth fuels convenience but also exposes citizens to increasing cyber frauds. Cybersecurity has become a national priority as incidents surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024. The government and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to protect the digital ecosystem. Rising Cyber Frauds and Their Patterns Cyber frauds in India have diversified, adapting to new technologies and user habits. Fraudsters use spoofing, phishing, and AI-driven deepfakes to deceive victims. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a widely used digital payment system, faces threats from compromised mobile numbers. Online betting apps have generated over ₹400 crore through fraudulent schemes. The growing financial damage demands robust detection and preventive strategies. Legislative and Regulatory Framework India’s cybersecurity rests on strong laws. The Information Technology ...

  India’s digital payments landscape took step forward in 2025. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched biometric and wearable glass recognition authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. This innovation aims to make payments more secure, seamless and inclusive. Biometric Authentication for UPI Users can now authenticate UPI transactions using biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. This data is linked to Aadhaar and stored securely on the user’s device. The process eliminates the need for traditional PINs, enhancing privacy and security. Authentication happens locally on the device, ensuring sensitive data never leaves the phone. Wearable Smart Glasses and UPI Lite A new UPI Lite feature enables hands-free small-value payments via smart glasses. Users scan a QR code and authenticate payments with voice commands. This innovation removes the need for phones, PINs or touch inputs during tra...

  Recent developments in quantum physics have been recognised with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. The award honours pioneering experiments that demonstrated quantum mechanical properties on a macroscopic scale. This achievement has paved the way for advanced quantum technologies that impact daily life and future innovations. Background of the Nobel Prize in Physics The Nobel Prize in Physics is one of the most prestigious global awards. Established in 1901 by Alfred Nobel ’s will, it celebrates outstanding contributions to science. The prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences . It includes a monetary reward shared among laureates. Past recipients include Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, pioneers of modern physics. 2025 Laureates and Their Contributions The 2025 prize was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis. Their work began in the mid-1980s using superconducting electronic circuits. They showed that quantum effects could be observed on a larg...

  India is advancing its air defence capabilities through Mission Sudarshan Chakra. This ambitious project aims to create a nationwide, multilayered air defence shield by 2035. It will integrate thousands of radars, satellites, and directed energy weapons (DEWs) into a single, cohesive network. The system will protect strategic locations and population centres from aerial threats such as hostile aircraft, drones, and missiles. Recent Developments and Strategic Context Mission Sudarshan Chakra was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a comprehensive, networked defence system. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh brought into light its focus on indigenous technology to ensure self-reliance. The Chief of Defence Staff , General Anil Chauhan, described it as India’s version of the Iron Dome , capable of both defence and offensive operations. The Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) recently tested an integrated air defence weapon system combining missiles and lasers...