Government Extends Review Period for Broadcasting Services Bill; Fresh Draft Expected Soon

Government Revisits Controversial Bill Amid Growing Concerns In a significant development, the Indian government has decided to extend the discussion period for the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill and will issue a revised draft following a series of consultations. This decision comes in response to substantial criticism from digital content creators and media organizations, who have expressed concerns about the Bill’s implications for online content regulation. Background and Initial Controversy The Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, first released for public consultation in November 2023, proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for online content…

IIT-Bhubaneswar and IG Drones Launch India’s First Advanced Drone Centre for Disaster Management

Innovative Partnership to Revolutionize Disaster Management IIT-Bhubaneswar has forged a significant partnership with IG Drones to establish the country’s first Advanced Drone Excellence Centre focused on disaster management research and development. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance the capabilities of drone technology to improve disaster response and recovery across India—a nation frequently affected by natural calamities. IIT-Bhubaneswar: A Beacon of Technological Innovation Founded in 2008, IIT-Bhubaneswar is a premier institution known for its advanced programs in engineering, technology, and science. Located in Odisha’s capital,…

Google Pixel 8 Production in India Begins Ahead of Pixel 9 Launch

Google has officially announced the commencement of Pixel 8 production in India, with the first batch of devices rolling off the assembly line. This move comes ahead of the global launch of the Pixel 9 series, scheduled for today, with an India-specific event set for August 14. The Pixel 8, which debuted globally in October 2023, is now being assembled locally as part of Google’s strategy to boost its presence in the Indian market. Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Google, had previously confirmed at the…

Odisha Boosts Coastal Vigilance Amidst Rising Security Concerns

Enhanced Measures to Prevent Illegal Entry In response to increasing concerns over unauthorized entries from Bangladesh, Odisha has significantly ramped up its coastal security measures. The state government has directed enhanced vigilance along its extensive 480-kilometer coastline to address potential threats of illegal immigration via sea routes. Increased Patrols and Night Vigilance The Odisha government has issued directives to superintendents of police across all coastal districts to intensify patrolling, especially during night time hours. This move aims to curb the entry of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, particularly in light of…

Major Ransomware Attack Hits 300 Indian Banks, Disrupts ATM and UPI Services

A significant ransomware attack on Wednesday has severely impacted nearly 300 Indian banks, primarily affecting rural and cooperative institutions. This cyberattacks targeted C-Edge Technologies, a crucial provider of banking solutions for these smaller entities, causing widespread disruptions in payment services. Details of the Cyberattack The ransomware assault has led to substantial issues with ATM and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services. C-Edge Technologies, which supports the banking operations of numerous smaller banks, became the focal point of the attack. As a result, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) took immediate…

Nifty Crosses 25,000 for First Time, Sensex Hits Record High

Indian stock markets soared to new heights today, with the Nifty and Sensex both reaching record levels. Record Opening The Nifty opened at 25,030.95, gaining 92.15 points or 0.37% from the previous close. The BSE Sensex also surged, starting at 81,949.68 points and quickly rising to 82,082, marking a gain of 208.34 points or 0.25%. Factors Driving the Surge Experts attribute this market buoyancy to favorable global trends and signals of a potential rate cut by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. “The Fed chief signaling a possible rate cut in…

Intel to Lay Off Thousands Amid Cost-Cutting Strategy

Job Cuts to Offset Declining Earnings Intel Corp is set to lay off thousands of employees as part of a strategy to reduce costs and finance efforts to recover from declining earnings and market share losses. Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, indicated that the announcement could come as soon as this week. Intel currently employs about 110,000 people, excluding workers from units being spun off. Focus on Research and Development Under CEO Pat Gelsinger, Intel is heavily investing in research and development to enhance its technology and…

IT Boom: Indian Giants to Onboard 88,000 Fresh Graduates in 2024

Revival of Campus Recruitment India’s leading IT companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, are returning to campuses to recruit fresh engineering graduates. This marks a significant shift after a year-long slowdown in hiring due to reduced demand. According to a Moneycontrol analysis, these top five IT firms are expected to hire between 81,000 and 88,000 freshers in the current financial year. TCS Leads the Pack Tata Consultancy Services, the country’s largest software exporter, plans to hire around 40,000 freshers, maintaining its FY24 numbers. In…

Apple Slashes iPhone Prices by Up to ₹6,000

Significant Price Reduction Across Models In an unprecedented move, Apple has announced a 3-4% price reduction across its entire iPhone line-up, marking the first time the tech giant has cut prices for its Pro models. This price drop translates to savings of between ₹5,100 and ₹6,000 for customers purchasing Pro or Pro Max models. Additionally, the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 will see a modest price reduction of ₹300, while the iPhone SE will become ₹2,300 cheaper. Reasons Behind the Price Cut The catalyst for this price reduction is a…

Noida Doctor Loses ₹ 59 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Dr. Puja Goyal, a Noida-based doctor, fell victim to a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam, losing ₹ 59 lakh. On July 13, Dr. Goyal, a resident of Noida Sector 77, received a call from an individual claiming to be an official from the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India. The caller accused her of using her phone to circulate pornographic videos. The Deception Despite Dr. Goyal’s denial, the scammer coerced her into joining a video call. She was threatened with severe consequences and informed that she was under ‘digital arrest’. After 48…