Instagram Head Faces Questions Over Teen Safety as Meta Defends Its Record in CourtInstagram head Adam Mosseri has been questioned about the platform’s approach to protecting teenagers as Meta faces a landmark U.S. trial over allegations that Instagram and Facebook were designed in ways that encouraged excessive use among young people.Mosseri, who has led Instagram since 2018, took the witness stand in federal court in Oakland, California, on August 25. A major focus of the questioning was Instagram’s “Take a Break” feature, which was created to encourage users to step away from the app after spending a certain amount of time scrolling.The testimony is significant because the case could influence how social media companies design products for children and teenagers in the United States.<h2>What Is the Case Against Meta?</h2>The broader legal action involves 29 U.S. states, which have accused Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook in ways that could encourage compulsive use among younger users.Four states — California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey — are at the center of the current trial. They allege Meta's products contributed to harms affecting young users while the company failed to adequately communicate risks associated with its platforms.The broader coalition also alleges Meta improperly collected and used data belonging to children under 13, raising questions under federal children's privacy law. Meta disputes the allegations.<h2>Instagram’s “Take a Break” Feature Comes Under Scrutiny</h2>One of the most closely examined issues during Mosseri’s testimony was how teenagers interacted with Instagram's “Take a Break” feature.The feature was introduced in 2021 and encourages users to leave Instagram temporarily after spending a selected amount of time on the service.But before Instagram eventually made the feature a default for teenage accounts, only a small percentage of teens were using it.During questioning, Mosseri acknowledged that adoption had been in the low single digits. Reports from the proceedings indicate early adoption was around 1% to 2% of teen accounts.That figure became important because Instagram had previously highlighted another statistic: more than 90% of teenagers who activated reminders continued to keep them enabled.The distinction is significant. A high percentage of users keeping a feature enabled does not necessarily mean a large percentage of Instagram's overall teenage audience was actually using it.<h2>Why Was the Feature Not Enabled by Default Earlier?</h2>Another major question concerned timing.Instagram launched Take a Break in 2021, but the feature did not become a default setting for teenagers until September 2024, when Meta was rolling out its broader Teen Accounts initiative.Mosseri rejected suggestions that Instagram intentionally delayed making the feature a default.He explained that many teenagers did not initially want to use the tool, while Instagram ultimately decided to move forward with stronger default protections anyway.That explanation highlights one of the central dilemmas facing social media platforms: whether safety tools should depend on teenagers voluntarily activating them or whether companies should impose stronger protections automatically.<h2>Questions Over How Meta Presented the Safety Tool</h2>The courtroom questioning also focused on how Instagram publicly described its teen-safety initiatives.Ahead of Mosseri's December 2021 appearance before the U.S. Senate, Instagram published information promoting new protections for younger users.Mosseri acknowledged during the current trial that Meta had not disclosed the very low overall adoption rate associated with Take a Break when discussing the feature publicly.However, he pushed back against the broader suggestion that the company was trying to conceal information, arguing that the feature later became part of a substantially stronger system of protections for teenagers.<h2>Meta Points to Teen Accounts and New Protections</h2>Meta's defense extends beyond Take a Break.The company has introduced Teen Accounts, which automatically apply stronger protections to younger users. These accounts include restrictions and parental-control features designed to give teenagers a more protected Instagram experience.Mosseri argued that focusing on the early performance of a single safety feature does not provide a complete picture of the company's evolving youth-safety efforts.Meta also disputes the broader allegations that its platforms were intentionally designed to addict children and maintains that research does not establish the straightforward causal relationship between social media use and adolescent harm alleged by its critics.<h2>Why This Trial Matters Beyond Instagram</h2>The importance of the case extends far beyond one Instagram feature.For years, governments, parents, researchers and technology companies have debated how social media affects younger users.The central regulatory question is increasingly shifting from whether companies should provide safety features to how those protections should work by default.If an important protection requires teenagers to discover it, activate it and configure it themselves, regulators may question whether it provides meaningful protection at scale.Default safety settings, by contrast, can potentially reach far more users without requiring them to take additional action.The outcome of the Meta case could therefore influence future expectations for age verification, parental controls, notifications, recommendation systems and time-management tools across the wider social-media industry.<h2>The Business Model Is Also Under Examination</h2>Underlying the debate is the economics of social media.Platforms such as Instagram compete heavily for users' attention because engagement can support advertising revenue. Critics argue this creates an inherent tension between maximizing time spent on a platform and encouraging users to disconnect.Meta argues that this framing oversimplifies how its products work and ignores investments the company has made in safety, privacy and parental-control systems.Determining where commercial incentives end and corporate responsibility begins is one of the larger issues surrounding the trial.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Safety Features Are Only Part of the Question</h2>Instagram's decision to eventually make stronger protections automatic represents an important evolution in its approach to younger users.At the same time, the courtroom testimony raises a legitimate question about whether optional safety tools can be considered effective when only a small proportion of their intended audience activates them.There is also an important distinction between acknowledging risks and proving legal responsibility.Concerns about young people's mental health and excessive social-media use are serious, but establishing that specific platform-design decisions directly caused particular harms is a more complex legal and scientific question.That is why the current trial could become particularly consequential.Rather than simply debating whether social media can affect teenagers, the proceedings are examining what technology companies knew, what actions they took and whether those actions were sufficient.<h2>What Happens Next?</h2>The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with testimony from additional current and former Meta executives and employees.Mosseri's appearance puts one of Instagram's most senior decision-makers directly at the center of the debate.Whatever the eventual verdict, the case is already highlighting a major shift in expectations surrounding social platforms.For companies serving millions of teenagers, simply offering safety controls may no longer be enough. Regulators, parents and courts are increasingly asking whether those protections are effective, enabled by default and built deeply enough into the product to make a measurable difference.This article is based on reporting published by Exchange4media.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has faced detailed questioning in a major U.S. court case examining Meta’s treatment of younger users. His testimony put Instagram’s “Take a Break” feature, its initially low teen adoption and Meta’s broader approach to youth safety under renewed scrutiny.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri faces questions over teen safety and the low early adoption of Take a Break as Meta defends itself in a major U.S. social-media trial.

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri Questioned Over Teen Safety in Meta Trial

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri Faces Tough Questions Over Teen Safety as Meta Trial Intensifies

Wrtn Technologies Becomes South Korea’s New AI Unicorn After ₩100 Billion Funding RoundSouth Korea’s artificial intelligence startup ecosystem has gained another major success story, with Wrtn Technologies reaching unicorn status following a fresh funding round that values the company at more than ₩1 trillion.The Seoul-based AI service company announced on August 26 that it had completed a ₩100 billion Series C funding round. Following the investment, Wrtn became the first South Korean AI service startup focused on user-facing services to achieve a valuation above the ₩1 trillion unicorn threshold.The latest investment brings Wrtn’s cumulative funding to approximately ₩230 billion.The milestone is significant not only for the company but also for South Korea’s broader ambition to build globally competitive artificial intelligence businesses.<h2>Wrtn’s Valuation Has Nearly Tripled</h2>Wrtn’s rise has been particularly rapid.During a previous funding round in March 2025, the company was valued in the mid-₩300 billion range. Roughly a year and five months later, its valuation has climbed beyond ₩1 trillion.That sharp increase suggests investors are placing substantial value on the company’s ability to turn generative AI technology into consumer services capable of attracting and retaining large audiences.While much of the global AI investment boom has concentrated on foundation models, chips and computing infrastructure, Wrtn has pursued a different opportunity: building services directly around how consumers use artificial intelligence.Its new unicorn valuation indicates that investors increasingly see the application layer of AI as a potentially valuable market of its own.<h2>Who Invested in Wrtn?</h2>The Series C round attracted both new and returning investors.Coreline Ventures and Eugene Asset Management joined as new investors, while existing shareholders including Goodwater Capital, Antler Global, Woori Venture Partners, SuiGeneris Partners, Korea Development Bank and Capstone Partners participated again.The combination of international venture capital, institutional investors and existing backers provides Wrtn with additional financial resources as it attempts to move beyond its domestic market.The company plans to use the new capital primarily for global expansion and further development of its AI services.<h2>Overseas Growth Becomes an Important Part of the Story</h2>Wrtn’s ambitions are increasingly international.One of the most closely watched parts of the company’s expansion is OOC, its AI entertainment platform targeting North American users.The service was launched in May and, according to company figures reported alongside the funding announcement, reached approximately ₩10 billion in monthly revenue within three months.That early performance could prove important for Wrtn.Many technology companies can build strong positions in their home markets but struggle to reproduce that success internationally. Demonstrating that consumers outside South Korea are willing to spend money on Wrtn’s services could therefore strengthen the argument behind its rising valuation.The company expects its total annual revenue in 2026 to exceed ₩200 billion, compared with ₩47.1 billion in the previous year.If achieved, that would represent a significant acceleration in the commercial scale of the business.<h2>Why Wrtn’s Unicorn Status Matters for South Korea</h2>Wrtn’s milestone arrives at a time when countries around the world are competing to establish stronger domestic AI industries.South Korea already has major strengths in semiconductors, electronics and digital infrastructure. However, creating internationally successful consumer AI platforms represents a different challenge.Wrtn’s growth suggests Korean startups may be able to compete not only in the infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence but also in the services that consumers interact with directly.Its success could also encourage investors to look more closely at other Korean AI startups developing applications in entertainment, productivity, search, education and digital communication.For the wider startup ecosystem, a successful AI unicorn can have a multiplier effect. It can attract international capital, increase competition for skilled AI professionals and make global investors more willing to examine younger companies emerging from the same market.<h2>Consumer AI Is Becoming a New Battleground</h2>Wrtn’s rise also reflects a broader shift taking place across the AI industry.The first phase of the generative AI boom was dominated by companies developing large language models and the infrastructure needed to train them. Increasingly, however, attention is moving toward a different question:Which companies can turn AI technology into products people repeatedly use and pay for?Consumer AI businesses are experimenting with assistants, entertainment platforms, character-based interactions, search tools and creative applications.Success in this market will depend on more than having access to powerful AI models. Companies will need strong product design, effective distribution, user retention and sustainable monetisation.Wrtn appears to be positioning itself within this application-driven phase of the AI market.<h2>Rapid Growth Also Creates New Responsibilities</h2>The company’s expansion comes with challenges.AI entertainment and conversational platforms can attract younger audiences, making safety and responsible product design increasingly important.Wrtn has indicated that it intends to strengthen protections for teenage users of its Crack platform. Measures include tighter parental consent procedures, limits on usage time and restrictions on spending by younger users.Such policies could become increasingly important as regulators and parents pay closer attention to how young people interact with AI-powered characters and conversational systems.For Wrtn, therefore, international growth will have to be accompanied by stronger safeguards, particularly as different countries develop their own rules governing artificial intelligence and online services.<h2>Balanced Analysis: A Major Milestone, but Execution Will Matter</h2>Crossing a ₩1 trillion valuation is a major achievement, but unicorn status does not guarantee long-term success.Wrtn still operates in an extremely competitive global market. Large technology companies and well-funded AI startups are rapidly introducing new consumer AI products, while advances in underlying AI models can quickly change what users expect from applications.The company must also demonstrate that rapid revenue growth can eventually translate into a durable and financially sustainable business.International expansion will be another major test. Early momentum in North America is encouraging, but maintaining growth across different markets requires localisation, marketing investment, regulatory compliance and continuous product innovation.At the same time, Wrtn has an advantage that many early AI startups are still trying to establish: evidence that consumers are willing to engage with and spend money on its products.The latest funding gives the company additional resources to test whether that momentum can be transformed into a global business.<h2>What Comes Next for Wrtn?</h2>With approximately ₩100 billion in fresh capital, Wrtn is expected to focus heavily on expanding internationally while improving its existing AI services.The next stage of its development will likely be measured less by valuation and more by user growth, overseas revenue, retention and the company's ability to build sustainable AI products.If Wrtn can successfully expand its consumer AI platforms beyond South Korea, its unicorn milestone may eventually be remembered as the beginning of a much larger international growth story.For South Korea’s technology sector, the development provides another indication that the global AI race is expanding beyond models and semiconductors into the consumer applications where millions of people will ultimately experience artificial intelligence.<hr><h2></h2>This article is based on reporting published by Janta Scope.

South Korean artificial intelligence startup Wrtn Technologies has entered the unicorn club after securing a major Series C investment. The funding pushes the AI service company’s valuation beyond ₩1 trillion and highlights growing investor confidence in consumer-focused AI platforms as Wrtn prepares for further international expansion.

South Korean AI startup Wrtn Technologies has achieved unicorn status after raising ₩100 billion in Series C funding, pushing its valuation above ₩1 trillion as it targets global AI expansion.

Wrtn Technologies Becomes South Korea’s New AI Unicorn at ₩1 Trillion Valuation

South Korea Gets a New AI Unicorn as Wrtn Technologies Crosses ₩1 Trillion Valuation

<h2>Philippine Startups Gain Recognition on Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026</h2>Two young Philippine companies have earned a place among Asia-Pacific’s emerging businesses, with Clouted and OneLot appearing on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 list.The sixth annual list highlights privately held small companies and startups considered notable for their innovation, market potential, business models and ability to attract investment. This year’s selection spans 16 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region.For the Philippines, the inclusion of Clouted and OneLot is significant because the two companies represent different corners of the technology economy. Clouted is building tools around AI-assisted digital marketing and short-form video, while OneLot is applying technology to financing for used-car dealers.Together, their selection illustrates how Philippine startups are increasingly using technology to address both digital-economy opportunities and traditional business challenges.<h2>Clouted Brings AI and Scale to Short-Form Video Marketing</h2>Founded in 2024 and led by CEO Justin Banusing, Clouted operates in the enterprise technology sector and has headquarters in Manila and Los Angeles.Its platform is designed to automate the creation and distribution of short-form video content. The company combines artificial intelligence with a network of more than 100,000 freelance video editors, allowing brands to produce and distribute social-media content at scale.The model reflects a major shift in digital marketing. Short-form videos have become an important channel for reaching consumers, but producing enough content for multiple social platforms can be expensive and labor-intensive. Clouted is attempting to reduce that friction by combining automation with a large network of human creators.The company has also attracted venture capital. Clouted raised $7 million in seed funding in May 2026, in a round led by Slow Ventures, with participation from AppWorks, a16z Speedrun and Peak XV’s Surge.Its appearance on the Forbes Asia list suggests that the combination of AI, creator talent and automated content distribution is attracting attention beyond the Philippine market.<h2>OneLot Targets a Financing Gap in the Used-Car Business</h2>The second Philippine company on the list, OneLot, operates in a very different sector.Founded in 2023 and led by CEO Harm-Julian Schumacher, the fintech startup provides working-capital financing to used-car dealers in the Philippines. Its goal is to help dealerships acquire and maintain more vehicle inventory without relying entirely on their own capital.OneLot combines artificial intelligence with physical vehicle inspections to assess a dealer's inventory before providing a credit line secured against the vehicles.That approach addresses a practical challenge for smaller dealers: inventory requires substantial upfront capital, while revenue arrives only after vehicles are sold.The opportunity is potentially sizable. Forbes cited an estimate from Mordor Intelligence putting the Philippine used-car market at approximately $6.3 billion.OneLot has raised $3.3 million in seed funding, with Accion Ventures and 468 Capital co-leading investment and participation from Crestone Venture Capital and Everywhere Ventures.<h2>AI Emerges as a Major Theme Across Asia's Startup Landscape</h2>Clouted and OneLot are part of a wider technological shift reflected in the 2026 Forbes Asia selection.Artificial intelligence is one of the strongest themes running through this year's list. Nearly a quarter of the selected businesses are enterprise technology companies offering AI-related products or services, while robotics is another rapidly expanding category.The 100 companies have collectively raised about $2.4 billion, including nearly $1 billion during 2026 alone.Geographically, India leads the 2026 list with 19 companies, followed by Singapore with 15 and China with 10. Japan and South Korea each contribute nine companies, while Indonesia and Australia have eight each.This distribution also demonstrates the scale of competition facing Philippine startups. Two companies gaining recognition is encouraging, but larger startup ecosystems across the region continue to produce considerably more companies capable of attracting international attention and capital.<h2>Why the Recognition Matters for the Philippines</h2>For Clouted and OneLot, inclusion on a regional startup list does not guarantee commercial success. What it can provide, however, is greater visibility among investors, potential customers, business partners and technology talent.There is also a broader message for the Philippine startup ecosystem.The two companies are not competing in identical markets. Clouted is targeting the rapidly evolving global creator and marketing economy, while OneLot is applying technology and financing to a traditional industry.That diversity is important because a strong startup ecosystem cannot depend on a single technology trend. Sustainable growth typically comes when entrepreneurs find ways to solve problems across industries—from marketing and finance to logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and commerce.<h2>A Recognition, Not a Finish Line</h2>The Forbes Asia recognition gives Clouted and OneLot a stronger regional profile, but both remain relatively young businesses operating in highly competitive sectors.Clouted must demonstrate that its combination of AI automation and freelance creators can deliver consistent value as generative AI makes content production increasingly accessible. OneLot, meanwhile, faces the challenges that accompany lending businesses, including credit assessment, risk management and maintaining healthy loan performance while expanding.Those factors make the next stage more important than the recognition itself.If the two companies can translate early investment and visibility into sustainable revenue, strong customer retention and responsible expansion, their inclusion could become another indicator of a maturing Philippine startup ecosystem.For now, their appearance on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 list puts two Philippine ventures on a wider regional stage—and shows how entrepreneurs in the country are finding opportunities both in the AI-driven digital economy and in technology-enabled financial services.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by bworldonline com.

Philippine startups Clouted and OneLot have secured places on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 list, highlighting the country's growing presence in AI-powered enterprise technology and fintech.

Philippine startups Clouted and OneLot join Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch 2026 list, highlighting growth in AI marketing technology and fintech.

Clouted, OneLot Make Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 List

Two Philippine Startups Make Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 as Clouted and OneLot Gain Spotlight

<h2>Starcloud Secures $250 Million in New Funding</h2>Starcloud has taken another major step toward its vision of operating large-scale computing infrastructure beyond Earth.The Redmond, Washington-based startup announced a $250 million extension to its Series A financing, valuing the company at $2.3 billion after the investment. The latest deal brings Starcloud's total capital raised since its founding in 2024 to approximately $450 million.The funding round was led by Manhattan West, while new strategic investors included NVIDIA and Cisco Investments. Existing investors including Benchmark and EQT also participated.The financing is particularly notable because Starcloud's valuation has risen rapidly. Earlier in 2026, the company raised $170 million at a valuation of approximately $1.1 billion. The latest transaction therefore represents a substantial increase in investor expectations for the company's technology and commercial potential.<h2>What Is Starcloud Building?</h2>Starcloud is pursuing an unconventional solution to one of the technology industry's biggest infrastructure challenges: finding enough power and physical capacity to support rapidly expanding artificial intelligence workloads.Instead of building all AI data centers on Earth, the company wants to place high-performance computing infrastructure in orbit.Its concept involves satellites equipped with powerful processors capable of handling AI inference and other computing workloads while operating in space.The strategy could potentially provide access to abundant solar energy while reducing some of the land and power-grid pressures associated with conventional terrestrial data centers.However, operating sophisticated computing equipment in orbit introduces an entirely different collection of engineering challenges, including radiation exposure, thermal management, communications, maintenance and launch expenses.<h2>NVIDIA Relationship Strengthens Starcloud's AI Ambitions</h2>One of the most significant aspects of Starcloud's development is its relationship with NVIDIA.Starcloud launched its Starcloud-1 satellite in November 2025 carrying an NVIDIA H100 GPU. The company says the mission enabled several orbital computing demonstrations, including AI training, inference and fine-tuning.Starcloud and NVIDIA are also collaborating on the NVIDIA Space-1 Vera Rubin Module, designed to help bring more advanced AI computing hardware into space.NVIDIA's participation in the latest investment round adds another dimension to that relationship. Beyond providing technology, its financial involvement signals strategic interest in exploring how advanced accelerators might eventually operate outside conventional Earth-based data centers.<h2>Why Starcloud Needs Another $250 Million</h2>Building orbital computing infrastructure requires considerably more than designing powerful satellites.Starcloud plans to use its new capital to increase manufacturing capacity, advance engineering programs and secure future launch opportunities.Launch availability may prove particularly important.Orbital data centers cannot expand without reliable and economically viable transportation to space. Starcloud's larger future spacecraft are expected to depend heavily on next-generation heavy-lift rockets capable of carrying substantially greater payloads.The company is developing Starcloud-3, a much larger orbital data center spacecraft intended to eventually fly aboard SpaceX's Starship.That dependence also represents a major business risk. Delays in new launch systems, limited launch availability or unexpectedly high transportation costs could slow the deployment of orbital computing infrastructure even if Starcloud successfully develops the underlying hardware.<h2>From $1.1 Billion to $2.3 Billion</h2>Starcloud's rapid increase in valuation illustrates how aggressively investors are betting on new infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence.The company raised roughly $170 million in March 2026 at a $1.1 billion valuation. Only months later, its latest financing places the company at $2.3 billion.Such growth reflects optimism surrounding the intersection of two capital-intensive industries: artificial intelligence and commercial space.AI companies are searching for increasingly large amounts of computing power, while improvements in reusable rockets and satellite technology have made previously unrealistic space-based business models more plausible.Starcloud sits directly at the intersection of those trends.<h2>Why Orbital Data Centers Are Attracting Attention</h2>AI infrastructure currently requires enormous quantities of electricity.Modern data centers must power thousands of advanced processors while simultaneously operating extensive cooling systems. As AI adoption expands, securing electricity, land and grid connections has become an increasingly important challenge for technology companies.Space-based computing proposes a radically different approach.Satellites can potentially collect solar energy for extended periods and operate without competing directly for terrestrial land or grid capacity.But the concept is far from proven at commercial scale.Cooling is particularly complicated because conventional air- or water-based cooling methods cannot simply be transferred to the vacuum of space. Heat must instead be managed largely through radiation, requiring specialized thermal systems and potentially very large radiators.Hardware must also survive radiation, launch vibrations and long operating periods where physical maintenance may be extremely difficult.<h2>Starcloud's Biggest Opportunity — and Biggest Risk</h2>The company's $2.3 billion valuation shows investors see significant potential in orbital computing.If launch costs continue declining and Starcloud demonstrates that powerful AI processors can operate reliably in space, orbital data centers could eventually become another layer of global computing infrastructure.The technology might complement rather than replace terrestrial facilities, particularly for workloads where energy availability or specialized infrastructure creates advantages.But substantial uncertainty remains.Starcloud must prove that the economics work after accounting for satellite manufacturing, launch costs, communications infrastructure, cooling systems and replacement cycles.Terrestrial data centers are also improving quickly. More efficient processors, renewable energy projects, advanced cooling technologies and purpose-built AI facilities could reduce some of the advantages promised by orbital systems.That means Starcloud is not merely racing other space-computing startups. It is competing against continuous innovation within the enormous existing data center industry.<h2>What Happens Next?</h2>The new funding gives Starcloud additional financial resources to move beyond early demonstrations toward much larger orbital computing systems.Its progress will likely be judged by several milestones: whether future satellites launch successfully, whether next-generation GPUs operate reliably in orbit, whether manufacturing can scale efficiently and whether the company can secure sufficient launch capacity.The $2.3 billion valuation therefore represents both investor confidence and heightened expectations.Starcloud has demonstrated that advanced AI computing hardware can operate in orbit. The much larger challenge is proving that those demonstrations can evolve into infrastructure capable of competing economically with data centers on Earth.If the company succeeds, computing could eventually become another major commercial industry extending beyond the planet.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by The Economic Times.

Space technology startup Starcloud has reached a $2.3 billion post-money valuation after securing $250 million in a Series A extension, highlighting growing investor interest in the emerging field of orbital computing. The fresh capital is expected to support the company's plans to expand manufacturing, develop more powerful space-based computing infrastructure and secure future launch capacity.

Starcloud has raised $250 million at a $2.3 billion post-money valuation as the space-tech startup expands its ambitious plan to build AI-powered orbital data centers.

Starcloud Reaches $2.3 Billion Valuation After $250M Funding Round

Starcloud Hits $2.3 Billion Valuation as NVIDIA Backs Its Bold Plan to Build AI Data Centers in Space

Sports Ministry Sticks to Strict Asian Games Selection CriteriaIndia’s Sports Ministry has made it clear that it does not intend to dilute its selection standards for the 2026 Asian Games, despite mounting criticism and requests to reconsider athletes who have been left out of the national contingent.The government has already approved a 492-athlete Indian squad for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Athletics accounts for the largest group in the contingent, with 73 competitors.Some additions remain possible, subject to approval from the Olympic Council of Asia, but the ministry has indicated that athletes who do not satisfy the established standards should not expect exemptions simply because of outside pressure.<h2>Why Is the Sports Ministry Taking Such a Strict Position?</h2>The central argument behind the government's policy is straightforward: India should send athletes to major multi-sport competitions when their performances suggest they have a credible chance of competing successfully at the continental level.The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports formally published its criteria for the 2026 Asian Games in September 2025, describing the framework as an attempt to create a transparent and equitable system that prioritises athletes with genuine medal potential.For measurable individual disciplines, the benchmark broadly focuses on performances comparable with the top six in Asia. The ministry has now reiterated that it intends to apply those standards rather than expand the contingent primarily to provide international exposure.<h2>Ministry Rejects Pressure to Expand the Team</h2>The firmness of the government's position follows appeals surrounding athletes who missed selection.A ministry source acknowledged that officials had faced considerable pressure, including representations from parents seeking places for athletes who had been excluded. The government's response has been that competitors who satisfy the announced criteria will be selected, while those falling short will not be included simply because of appeals.The ministry's position effectively treats the Asian Games as a performance-focused competition rather than a development event.That distinction sits at the heart of the current controversy.<h2>Tennis Omissions Trigger Major Debate</h2>Tennis has emerged as one of the most visible examples of disagreement over the policy.The Sports Ministry excluded Manas Dhamne, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaidehee Chaudhari and Prarthana Thombare from the list submitted by the All India Tennis Association after they did not satisfy the applicable criteria.Former doubles star and two-time Asian Games gold medallist Rohan Bopanna publicly criticised the decision, questioning an approach that he believes can determine an athlete's prospects before competition actually begins.The controversy is particularly notable because some of the excluded players are young athletes for whom participation in a continental multi-sport event could have provided significant competitive exposure.<h2>India's No. 1 Women's Singles Player Also Misses Out</h2>The exclusions have attracted additional attention because Sahaja Yamalapalli, India's highest-ranked women's singles player at the time, was among those left out.Yamalapalli expressed disappointment and argued that major competitions can produce unexpected results, with lower-ranked athletes sometimes defeating stronger opponents.Her case illustrates one of the fundamental questions surrounding performance benchmarks.Rankings and previous results can help predict medal prospects, but sport is inherently unpredictable. Athletes can improve rapidly, favourable draws can emerge and breakthrough performances can happen during the competition itself.<h2>Government Says Rules Must Be Applied Consistently</h2>From the ministry's perspective, making exceptions creates a different problem.If clearly announced standards are relaxed after lobbying from individual federations, athletes or families, the selection system risks becoming inconsistent.The criteria were announced nearly a year before the Games rather than being introduced immediately before the final squad was chosen. The government therefore argues that athletes and federations had advance knowledge of the benchmarks.That strengthens the ministry's argument that applying the rules consistently is preferable to deciding individual cases after the selection deadline.<h2>492 Athletes Cleared to Represent India</h2>India's approved contingent currently contains 492 athletes, with several prominent competitors expected to represent the country across multiple disciplines.The final number represents a selective approach compared with simply approving every athlete nominated by national federations.Both India's men's and women's cricket teams have been cleared, while athletics contributes the largest number of competitors with 73 athletes.The composition indicates that the government is attempting to concentrate participation around athletes and teams that satisfy its competitive benchmarks.<h2>The Larger Question: Medals or Development?</h2>The controversy raises a broader question about the purpose of sending athletes to events such as the Asian Games.The government's approach treats the competition primarily as an elite performance platform.Under that philosophy, public funding and national resources should be concentrated on athletes with demonstrated potential to finish near the top of their disciplines.Supporters of a broader selection policy see another benefit.Competing at the Asian Games can expose emerging athletes to elite opponents, high-pressure environments and major-event conditions that are difficult to replicate at smaller competitions.A young athlete who is not a medal contender in 2026 could potentially use that experience while preparing for future Asian Games, world championships or Olympic campaigns.<h2>Why the Selection Policy Matters Beyond Asian Games 2026</h2>The implications extend beyond the upcoming competition in Japan.India is simultaneously attempting to develop a more systematic high-performance sports structure ahead of future global competitions, particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.In July 2026, the Sports Ministry instructed recognised national federations in Olympic disciplines to publicly disclose their qualification pathways and athlete-selection processes for LA 2028. The government also reiterated that selection policies for major competitions should generally be published well in advance.That suggests the Asian Games controversy forms part of a larger shift toward formalised, data-driven selection systems.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Consistency Versus Opportunity</h2>There is a credible argument behind the ministry's insistence on maintaining published standards.Clear benchmarks can reduce arbitrary selections, discourage lobbying and give athletes objective performance targets. Applying the same rules after announcing them well in advance can also improve accountability.A medal-focused policy may additionally help India concentrate resources on athletes most capable of delivering podium finishes.But objective benchmarks have limitations.Different sports cannot always be evaluated equally through rankings or historical performances. Injuries, rapidly improving athletes, strength of competition and tournament formats can all affect whether a numerical benchmark accurately predicts medal potential.There is also a legitimate developmental argument for exposing promising younger competitors to major international events.The challenge, therefore, is not simply choosing between strict and relaxed selection. It is creating criteria sophisticated enough to reward proven performance while leaving carefully defined pathways for exceptional cases.<h2>What Happens Next?</h2>With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games beginning September 19, attention will increasingly shift from selection disputes to India's medal prospects.A limited number of additions could still be made if the necessary approvals are received from the Olympic Council of Asia.For now, however, the Sports Ministry's message is clear: pressure alone will not be sufficient to secure an Asian Games place.The ultimate test of that policy will arrive in Japan. If India's streamlined contingent produces strong results, the ministry's medal-first approach could gain greater support. If excluded athletes subsequently demonstrate performances suggesting they could have competed successfully, the debate over selection criteria is likely to continue well beyond the 2026 Games.This article is based on reporting published by The Economic Times.

India’s Sports Ministry has reaffirmed that athletes who fail to meet its established selection benchmarks will not be added to the country’s 492-member contingent for the 2026 Asian Games merely because of pressure from federations, athletes or supporters. The policy prioritises competitors considered realistic medal prospects, although several omissions—particularly in tennis—have triggered debate over whether a medal-first approach could deny promising athletes valuable international experien

despite criticism over athlete exclusions. India has approved a 492-member contingent for Aichi-Nagoya.

Asian Games 2026: Sports Ministry Sticks to Strict Selection Criteria

Asian Games 2026: Sports Ministry Refuses to Relax Selection Rules Despite Pressure Over Athlete Omissions

Alia Bhatt’s Alpha Generates Fresh Buzz Around OTT ReleaseAlia Bhatt and Sharvari’s action thriller Alpha has returned to the entertainment spotlight, this time because of growing speculation surrounding its digital premiere.Recent reports suggest that the Yash Raj Films production could begin streaming on Netflix on August 28, 2026, giving audiences who missed its theatrical run another opportunity to watch the female-led spy thriller at home.There is, however, an important distinction for viewers following the latest updates: the August 28 date has been reported but has not yet been officially confirmed by Yash Raj Films or Netflix.That uncertainty has helped fuel fresh online interest around the film as viewers wait for a formal streaming announcement.<h2>What Is the Latest Alpha OTT Release Update?</h2>Reports published this week have pointed to August 28 as the possible digital premiere date for Alpha, with Netflix widely reported as its streaming destination.Earlier reports had already identified Netflix as the film’s expected digital partner while noting that an official streaming date had not been announced.The latest development therefore narrows the expected window but should still be treated as a reported release plan until either the studio or streaming service makes a formal announcement.<h2>Alpha Brought Female Spies to the Centre of YRF’s Action Universe</h2>One of the reasons the film attracted substantial attention is its position within the established YRF Spy Universe.Yash Raj Films describes Alpha as a female-led action film centred on an assassin raised to kill. The film stars Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, with Shiv Rawail directing and Aditya Chopra producing.Its female-led approach represented an important expansion of a franchise historically associated with male action stars.Rather than positioning its female characters primarily alongside established male agents, Alpha placed Bhatt and Sharvari at the heart of its own action narrative.<h2>Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Lead the Spy Thriller</h2>Alia Bhatt plays the central assassin in the film, while Sharvari occupies another major role in the story.Yash Raj Films promoted the movie around the pairing of the two actresses and its high-energy action format. Bobby Deol plays a powerful adversarial figure, while Anil Kapoor also appears in a pivotal role.The combination gave Alpha a distinct identity within the broader franchise while allowing YRF to test whether its spy universe could expand successfully around new lead characters.<h2>From Theatres to Streaming</h2>Alpha arrived in cinemas on July 3, 2026, according to Yash Raj Films.Following the theatrical launch, attention gradually shifted toward its digital availability. Reports during July suggested the film would move to streaming after completing the conventional theatrical window, although no firm OTT date had been announced at that stage.The newly reported August 28 date would put the digital premiere roughly eight weeks after its theatrical debut.That type of window could allow the studio to preserve the theatrical-first strategy while still bringing the movie relatively quickly to audiences who increasingly prefer watching major releases at home.<h2>Why the OTT Release Matters for Alpha</h2>Streaming can significantly alter the audience trajectory of a modern Bollywood film.A theatrical release is heavily influenced by opening-weekend momentum, cinema availability, ticket pricing and competition from other films. Streaming offers a different environment, where viewers can discover a movie gradually and watch it without making a trip to a theatre.For Alpha, that second window could be particularly important.Reports following its theatrical debut described audience reactions as mixed and its commercial performance as below the level suggested by its considerable pre-release expectations.An OTT launch therefore gives the film an opportunity to build a fresh audience independent of its cinema performance.<h2>Could Alpha Find a Bigger Audience on OTT?</h2>Potentially, but streaming success should not automatically be assumed.Alia Bhatt's star power, Sharvari's growing profile and the established YRF Spy Universe give the film strong name recognition. The action genre can also work effectively on streaming platforms, where viewers can discover franchise titles long after their theatrical campaigns have ended.At the same time, the criticisms that affected theatrical word-of-mouth do not disappear simply because a film moves online.Streaming could broaden the audience, but long-term engagement will still depend on whether viewers connect with the characters, story and action.<h2>OTT Could Expand the YRF Spy Universe’s Reach</h2>The digital release also matters beyond the performance of one movie.Large interconnected franchises benefit when previous instalments remain easily accessible to viewers. Streaming can allow audiences to catch up with characters and storylines before subsequent films arrive.That becomes increasingly important as YRF continues expanding its spy universe.If Alpha becomes an important part of future crossover stories, its OTT availability could introduce Bhatt and Sharvari’s characters to people who did not see the film in cinemas.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Fresh Opportunity, but Official Confirmation Is Key</h2>The renewed interest around Alpha demonstrates how an OTT release can effectively create a second promotional cycle for a major film.For Yash Raj Films, the digital window offers another opportunity to generate attention around an expensive franchise property. For Netflix, if the reported release proceeds as expected, the presence of a major Bollywood star and an established action franchise could potentially attract significant initial curiosity.For Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, streaming could expose their action-oriented roles to a considerably broader home audience.However, the current reporting needs to be presented carefully.Several reports are pointing toward August 28, but YRF and Netflix had not formally confirmed that date at the time of the latest reports.Until that happens, August 28 should be described as the reported or expected OTT release date, rather than a confirmed premiere.<h2>What to Watch Next</h2>The biggest development to watch is an official announcement from Yash Raj Films or the streaming platform confirming Alpha’s digital release date and availability.If the reported August 28, 2026 Netflix premiere is confirmed, the focus will quickly shift from speculation to how strongly the film performs with streaming audiences.The OTT response could also provide another indication of how effectively the YRF Spy Universe can extend beyond theatrical audiences and whether its first female-led chapter develops stronger momentum in its second life on digital platforms.This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari’s spy-action film Alpha is back in the spotlight as reports point to a possible August 28, 2026 OTT premiere on Netflix. However, as of August 25, neither Netflix nor Yash Raj Films has officially confirmed that streaming date.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari’s Alpha is reportedly heading to Netflix on August 28, 2026. Here’s what is confirmed, what remains unannounced, and why the OTT debut matters.

Alpha OTT Release: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Film Reportedly Coming to Netflix on August 28

Alia Bhatt’s Alpha OTT Release Creates Fresh Buzz: When and Where Could You Watch It?

Aasha Singh Jaiswal Passes AwayVeteran Indian actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal, known for her work across Hindi cinema and television, has passed away, leaving colleagues and admirers mourning the loss of an experienced character artist.Jaiswal was associated with memorable productions including the blockbuster film Baazigar and the iconic television series Mahabharat. While she may not have occupied the celebrity spotlight enjoyed by the leading stars of these productions, her career reflected the contribution of supporting performers who helped shape some of Indian entertainment's most widely remembered stories.News of her death has brought renewed attention to her work and her journey through the entertainment industry.<h2>Remembered for Baazigar</h2>Among Jaiswal's notable screen associations was Baazigar, the 1993 romantic thriller that became an important film in Shah Rukh Khan's early career.Directed by Abbas-Mustan, the film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty and became particularly notable for its unconventional protagonist and suspense-driven storyline.Over the decades, Baazigar has remained an important part of 1990s Hindi popular cinema. Being associated with a film that continues to be remembered by audiences gave Jaiswal's work a connection to one of the era's enduring Bollywood productions.<h2>Her Association With Mahabharat</h2>Jaiswal was also associated with Mahabharat, one of the most influential mythological television productions in India.The series became a major cultural phenomenon and introduced generations of viewers to a televised interpretation of the ancient Indian epic.For performers who appeared in such landmark productions, their work often continued reaching audiences long after the original broadcast through reruns and, eventually, digital streaming.Jaiswal's association with both television and cinema demonstrated the breadth of her acting career.<h2>A Career Beyond Stardom</h2>The passing of a veteran character actor also highlights an often-overlooked part of India's entertainment industry.Films and television programmes are built not only around their leading stars but also around large ensembles of supporting actors. These performers may appear for shorter periods on screen, yet their roles frequently provide the relationships, emotional context and realism necessary for a story to work.Jaiswal belonged to a generation of artists who worked during a period when television was rapidly expanding its reach across India while Hindi cinema was undergoing major changes.Her credits therefore connect her career with two very different but important chapters of Indian popular entertainment.<h2>Why Her Passing Matters</h2>The deaths of veteran performers frequently bring renewed attention to artists whose careers may not have been extensively documented despite their participation in prominent productions.Jaiswal's passing is another reminder of the many supporting artists behind landmark films and television programmes.For viewers, titles such as Baazigar and Mahabharat are often remembered through their biggest stars and most famous scenes. Yet the longevity of these productions was also built through ensemble performances involving numerous actors working across major and minor roles.Recognising those contributions provides a more complete picture of India's film and television history.<h2>Baazigar Remains a Bollywood Landmark</h2>Released in 1993, Baazigar became one of the films that established Shah Rukh Khan as a major Hindi-film performer.The movie stood apart from conventional romantic films of its period by placing a morally complex central character at the heart of the narrative.Its commercial success and lasting popularity helped make it one of the defining thrillers of 1990s Bollywood.More than three decades later, the film continues to attract audiences, keeping the work of its cast—including supporting performers—visible to newer generations.<h2>Mahabharat Created a Television Legacy</h2>Similarly, Mahabharat occupies a distinctive position in Indian television history.At a time when television choices were far more limited than they are today, mythological serials attracted enormous audiences. The programme became part of the shared cultural experience of millions of Indian households.Its later reruns demonstrated that the series retained substantial recognition decades after its original broadcast.Artists associated with such productions consequently became part of a television legacy that extended well beyond their initial appearances.<h2>Remembering Aasha Singh Jaiswal</h2>Aasha Singh Jaiswal's career represents the work of an actor who contributed to Indian entertainment across different formats and generations.Her appearances in productions remembered decades after their release mean that audiences can continue encountering her work even as the industry moves into a new era dominated by streaming platforms and digital entertainment.As condolences follow news of her passing, the renewed attention on her career also offers an opportunity to recognise the importance of veteran supporting actors in building India's cinematic and television heritage.Her legacy will remain connected to the productions she helped bring to the screen and to the audiences who continue to revisit them.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Veteran actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal, remembered for her appearances in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Baazigar and television epic Mahabharat, has died. Her passing has prompted condolences from members of the entertainment community and renewed attention on a performer whose career spanned film and television.

Veteran actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal, known for her association with Baazigar and Mahabharat, has died. Her passing has prompted tributes and renewed attention on her acting career.

Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies: Baazigar, Mahabharat Veteran Actor Passes Away

Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies: Veteran Baazigar and Mahabharat Actor Passes Away, Film Industry Pays Tribute

<h2>Haiwaan Trailer Arrives on August 25</h2>The much-awaited trailer of Haiwaan has arrived, bringing Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan together in an intense battle of wits, violence and survival.Released digitally on August 25, the trailer expands on the mysterious atmosphere established by the film's teaser earlier this month. Rather than revealing every detail of the plot, the promotional footage establishes a dark cat-and-mouse confrontation at the centre of director Priyadarshan's thriller.The trailer is an important stage in the film's promotional campaign, arriving just over two weeks before Haiwaan is scheduled to open in cinemas on September 11, 2026.<h2>Akshay Kumar Takes a Dark Turn</h2>One of the biggest talking points surrounding Haiwaan is Akshay Kumar's unusually menacing character.The trailer presents Akshay as a dangerous figure linked to a series of killings, moving the actor away from the heroic and comic personas audiences frequently associate with many of his mainstream films. Priyadarshan has previously described the character as an outright psychotic villain rather than simply a morally grey personality.That casting choice gives Haiwaan an interesting reversal. Instead of relying on Akshay's familiar action-hero image, the film appears designed to use that familiarity against audience expectations.<h2>Saif Ali Khan Plays a Visually Impaired Man</h2>Opposite Akshay is Saif Ali Khan, whose character is visually impaired and becomes caught in the increasingly dangerous mystery.The trailer positions Saif's character as someone who must depend heavily on sound, awareness and instinct while trying to understand the threat around him. Reports surrounding the film have described the character as a visually impaired musician who also has martial-arts abilities.This creates the central dramatic contrast of Haiwaan: a protagonist who cannot rely on sight confronting an antagonist capable of manipulating the situation around him.<h2>Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan Reunite After Nearly Two Decades</h2>Beyond its thriller premise, Haiwaan carries considerable nostalgia because it reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan on the big screen after approximately 18 years.Their previous films together include Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Tu Chor Main Sipahi, Keemat, Aarzoo and Tashan. Their last major collaboration before Haiwaan was Tashan in 2008.For viewers familiar with their 1990s and 2000s collaborations, however, Haiwaan offers a noticeably different dynamic. Instead of the lighter chemistry or conventional action partnerships associated with some of their earlier films, the new thriller places them on opposing sides of a dangerous psychological conflict.<h2>Priyadarshan Returns to Thriller Territory</h2>Haiwaan is directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, whose Hindi filmography spans comedy, drama and thrillers.The project is particularly notable because it is a Hindi adaptation of his 2016 Malayalam thriller Oppam, which starred Mohanlal.That connection inevitably creates expectations among audiences familiar with the original movie. At the same time, the Hindi version has the opportunity to establish its own identity through different performances, production choices and the pairing of Akshay and Saif.The challenge for the filmmakers will be balancing faithfulness to a proven thriller framework with enough changes to make Haiwaan feel fresh, particularly for viewers who already know Oppam.<h2>Haiwaan Features a Large Supporting Cast</h2>The film extends beyond its two headline stars.The announced ensemble includes Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Sharib Hashmi, Rajesh Sharma, Pahal Chaudhary and Manoj Joshi. Priyadarshan directs from a screenplay credited to Priyadarshan, Abilash Nair and Rohan Shankar, while Pritam has composed the music.Venkat K. Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn are credited as producers.<h2>Teaser Had Already Established the Film's Dark Mood</h2>The Haiwaan teaser was released on August 12 and deliberately kept dialogue and major plot information limited.Instead, it relied heavily on shadowy imagery, the confrontation between its central characters and an unsettling background score to establish suspense.The trailer goes considerably further by introducing the murder investigation and providing more context for the conflict between Akshay and Saif.This gradual promotional strategy allows the filmmakers to reveal the film's premise while preserving some of the mystery necessary for a crime thriller.<h2>Why Haiwaan Matters for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan</h2>For Akshay Kumar, the film provides an opportunity to explore a much darker screen personality than audiences usually see from him.For Saif Ali Khan, the visually impaired protagonist creates a performance built around vulnerability, perception and psychological tension rather than conventional action-hero characteristics.Their reunion also gives the film a built-in promotional advantage. Audiences who remember the actors' earlier collaborations now have an additional reason to follow a movie that otherwise represents a substantial tonal departure from those projects.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Familiar Story, Different Star Dynamic</h2>Haiwaan enters cinemas with both advantages and challenges.The reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan gives the project immediate recognition, while Priyadarshan's experience and the darker positioning of Akshay's character provide additional intrigue.However, being an adaptation of Oppam means comparisons with the Malayalam original are unavoidable. Viewers who already know the earlier film may judge Haiwaan not simply as an independent thriller but also on how effectively it reinterprets familiar material.The trailer suggests that the Hindi adaptation is leaning heavily into the psychological confrontation between its two leading men. Whether that approach can generate sustained suspense across the full film will become clearer when Haiwaan arrives in cinemas on September 11, 2026.<hr><h2>This article is based on reporting published by Bollywood Hungama.</h2>

The trailer for Haiwaan, starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, was released on August 25, offering a deeper look at Priyadarshan’s dark crime thriller. The film reunites the two actors after nearly two decades and is scheduled to reach cinemas worldwide on September 11, 2026.

Haiwaan trailer starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan is out. Priyadarshan's dark thriller brings the actors together after nearly two decades ahead of its September 11 release.

Haiwaan Trailer Out: Akshay Kumar vs Saif Ali Khan in Dark Thriller

Haiwaan Trailer Out: Akshay Kumar’s Sinister Avatar Clashes With Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan’s Dark Thriller

<h2>Fake AI Apps Become a Growing Cybersecurity Threat</h2>The global boom in artificial intelligence is creating a new opportunity for cybercriminals: impersonating the tools millions of people are actively searching for and installing.Fake applications and download pages designed to resemble well-known AI products, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://chatgpt.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">ChatGPT</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://claude.ai/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Claude</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://gemini.google.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Gemini</a>, have been used as bait to distribute malware.According to cybersecurity company <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://www.kaspersky.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Kaspersky</a>, its systems detected more than 92,000 attacks involving malware and potentially unwanted applications disguised as popular AI agents and services worldwide from January through the beginning of May 2026.The figures demonstrate how the extraordinary popularity of generative AI has created another powerful social-engineering opportunity for attackers.<h2>Fake ChatGPT Apps Account for Nearly Half of Detected Attacks</h2>Among the AI brands examined by Kaspersky, ChatGPT was the most frequently exploited lure.Fake ChatGPT applications represented approximately 49% of the detected attacks, while fake Claude and Gemini software each accounted for about 18%.The numbers do not mean the legitimate AI platforms themselves were infected or compromised. Instead, attackers are exploiting their names, branding and popularity to persuade people to download malicious files.That distinction is important: the threat originates from impersonators rather than from the genuine ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini services.<h2>More Than 15,000 Malware Samples Disguised as Agentic AI Software</h2>The threat extends beyond conventional chatbot applications.Kaspersky researchers said they had identified more than 15,000 malware samples masquerading as agentic AI software since the beginning of 2026.The malicious software identified in the wider campaign included banking trojans, spyware, credential-stealing malware, exploits and downloaders capable of installing additional malicious payloads.This is particularly significant as interest in AI agents continues to grow. Users searching for new tools may be less familiar with their legitimate websites and distribution channels, making convincing copies potentially harder to recognize.<h2>Fake Websites Can Look Surprisingly Convincing</h2>Cybercriminals do not necessarily rely on obviously suspicious websites.In one separate investigation, Malwarebytes discovered a fake website impersonating OpenAI's ChatGPT download experience. The page used familiar branding and offered apparent Windows and macOS downloads.According to the researchers, Windows visitors could receive credential-stealing malware, while the macOS download delivered Odyssey Stealer, malware designed to target information including browser data and cryptocurrency wallets.The sophistication of these sites highlights a fundamental problem: a polished design and HTTPS padlock are no longer enough to establish that a software download is genuine.<h2>Claude Has Also Been Impersonated</h2>Claude users have faced similar threats.Malwarebytes documented a fake Claude website offering what appeared to be a Windows "Pro" version. The downloaded package could launch a functioning Claude application while simultaneously deploying a malicious chain in the background.Researchers said the campaign used DLL sideloading and ultimately deployed PlugX malware capable of providing attackers with remote access to an infected machine.Allowing the expected application to function normally can make this type of attack particularly deceptive because users may have little reason to suspect that malicious activity is taking place behind the scenes.<h2>Search Results and Malicious Advertising Can Increase the Risk</h2>One reason AI impersonation campaigns can succeed is the way users discover new software.People unfamiliar with the official download location may search for phrases such as "download ChatGPT," "Claude desktop" or an AI coding utility and follow advertisements or unfamiliar search results.Security researchers have documented campaigns using search-engine optimization poisoning and malicious advertising to steer users toward fake AI-related websites. Fake Gemini and Claude Code pages, for example, have previously been used to distribute information-stealing malware.Attackers have also abused shared AI-chat pages and trusted domains as intermediate steps in malware-delivery campaigns, making suspicious activity harder for ordinary users to identify immediately.<h2>Why AI Brands Are Attractive to Cybercriminals</h2>AI applications provide attackers with several advantages as impersonation targets.The industry is moving quickly, new products and features appear frequently, and users may be installing AI software for the first time. Unlike established applications whose official download locations are widely recognized, people may not immediately know where a newly released AI tool should legitimately come from.The combination of curiosity, rapid product launches and intense demand creates an environment in which fake "Pro," "desktop," "free" or newly released versions can appear believable.The danger is therefore less about artificial intelligence creating an entirely new category of malware and more about criminals adapting established phishing, impersonation and malware-distribution techniques to one of technology's fastest-growing markets.<h2>How Users Can Reduce the Risk</h2>Users should verify the source before installing AI applications. Downloads should come from the provider's official website or a legitimate platform specifically identified by that provider.OpenAI, for example, has explicitly advised users to obtain its applications through official webpages or trusted in-app update mechanisms rather than unexpected links in emails, messages, advertisements, file-sharing links or third-party download sites.Unexpected installers, misspelled domains, unusual ZIP files, requests to disable security protections and instructions asking users to paste unfamiliar commands into a terminal or PowerShell window should all be treated cautiously.<h2>Balanced Analysis: AI Is the Lure, Not Necessarily the Attack Technology</h2>The growing number of AI-themed malware campaigns should not be interpreted as evidence that legitimate AI applications are inherently unsafe.In many documented cases, criminals are simply borrowing the names and visual identities of trusted technology companies while relying on established cyberattack techniques.The scale of the Kaspersky detections nevertheless shows why AI impersonation deserves attention. More than 92,000 detected attacks in just the first months of 2026 suggest that well-known AI brands have become valuable tools for social engineering.As AI adoption expands, cybersecurity awareness will increasingly need to include not only how people use artificial intelligence, but also where they obtain the software in the first place.This article is based on reporting published by Business Standard.

Cybercriminals are increasingly disguising malicious software as popular AI services such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Kaspersky says its security systems detected more than 92,000 attacks involving malware or potentially unwanted applications masquerading as AI services between January and early May 2026, highlighting the growing security risks surrounding the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

Fake ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini apps are being used to spread malware as cybercriminals exploit growing demand for AI tools. Kaspersky detected more than 92,000 AI-themed malicious attacks in early 2026.

Fake ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Apps Spread Malware in AI Scam Wave

Fake ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Apps Are Spreading Malware — Users Warned About AI Impersonation Threats

IIT Madras Uses AI to Transform Alloy ResearchArtificial intelligence is moving beyond chatbots and software applications into laboratories where scientists are trying to solve complex engineering problems.Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed an AI-based framework that turns large volumes of published materials-science research into structured information that scientists and engineers can search and analyse.The initiative has generated two databases containing more than 185,000 structured alloy records. The underlying information was collected and organised from more than 10,000 scientific research papers using large language models, or LLMs.The research was published in the journal Advanced Science, while IIT Madras has made the extracted dataset and code available for use.<h2>What Problem Is IIT Madras Trying to Solve?</h2>Developing a new alloy can be a lengthy process.Researchers need to understand how different combinations of metals behave under specific manufacturing, temperature, mechanical and environmental conditions. A huge amount of this knowledge already exists, but it is scattered across thousands of scientific publications.Important experimental results can be buried in paragraphs, tables and other parts of research papers. Manually collecting and standardising such information takes considerable time and makes large-scale comparisons difficult.The IIT Madras project attempts to automate much of this knowledge-gathering process.Its AI pipeline extracts information such as alloy composition, manufacturing processes and testing conditions, converting previously fragmented scientific information into structured datasets.<h2>More Than 350 Material Properties Covered</h2>Scale is not the platform's only notable feature.The framework can capture information covering more than 350 material properties, while retaining the experimental conditions associated with measurements.This additional context is important because the same material can behave differently depending on how it is manufactured or tested.Instead of merely creating a catalogue of alloy names and compositions, the system therefore aims to preserve information researchers need when comparing potential materials.The platform also employs Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) during information extraction, retrieving relevant examples to improve the extraction of information from scientific text and tables.<h2>What Is Alloy Tattvasar?</h2>The databases and supporting tools are being made available through the Alloy Tattvasar platform, along with software resources for researchers, startups and industry users.IIT Madras describes the resulting datasets as the world's largest publicly available multicomponent alloy databases.Making such resources publicly accessible could be particularly valuable because materials research is not limited to large corporations.Universities, smaller research laboratories and startups could potentially use the accumulated information to narrow down promising materials before committing resources to physical experiments.<h2>Sustainability Is Built Into the Approach</h2>One of the more significant aspects of the research is that the system does not evaluate materials solely according to conventional engineering performance.The researchers have integrated environmental, economic and social indicators alongside materials-performance information.That approach could allow researchers to search for alloys that provide desirable mechanical or functional properties while also performing better against sustainability-related criteria.This matters as manufacturers increasingly face the challenge of balancing performance, cost, resource availability and environmental impact.<h2>Potential Applications in Electric Vehicles</h2>Electric vehicles could be one important beneficiary.EV manufacturers require materials for motors, structural components and other systems where characteristics such as weight, strength and magnetic performance can influence overall efficiency.The IIT Madras researchers demonstrated their database in the search for soft magnetic materials, which have applications in electric motors and transformers.Finding improved materials could ultimately contribute to more efficient electric power systems, although moving from a promising database result to a commercially manufactured component still requires extensive validation.<h2>Aerospace Could Benefit From Lighter Alloys</h2>Weight is particularly important in aviation.Reducing structural mass without compromising safety or durability can contribute to lower energy consumption.The researchers used their system to identify promising high-entropy alloys for lightweight structural applications relevant to the automotive and aerospace industries.An AI-assisted database can help researchers explore a much wider range of candidate compositions before selecting the most promising ones for laboratory testing.<h2>Corrosion-Resistant Materials for Marine Infrastructure</h2>The platform also has potential applications in environments where corrosion is a major engineering challenge.The researchers demonstrated the database's use in identifying promising corrosion-resistant alloys for areas including marine infrastructure, offshore engineering, chemical processing and energy systems.Materials that last longer in harsh environments can potentially reduce maintenance requirements, replacement costs and resource consumption.<h2>Why 185,000 Structured Records Matter</h2>The significance of the database lies not simply in its size but in what structured scientific information can enable.Materials research traditionally combines theory, computer simulation and physical experimentation. AI does not remove the need for those processes.Instead, a sufficiently organised database can help researchers decide where to experiment first.If existing knowledge can be searched and compared more efficiently, scientists may be able to eliminate less-promising candidates earlier and concentrate laboratory resources on materials with stronger potential.It could also reduce unnecessary repetition of experiments whose results already exist somewhere in scientific literature. IIT Madras has specifically highlighted reducing duplicated experiments and accelerating materials innovation as potential benefits of the work.<h2>AI Does Not Replace Laboratory Testing</h2>The development also needs to be viewed with appropriate caution.An AI-generated materials database is only as useful as the quality and consistency of the scientific information it extracts.Research papers can use different experimental methods, terminology and reporting standards. Even when extraction is accurate, correlations discovered in historical data do not automatically prove that a proposed alloy will perform successfully in industrial conditions.AI can therefore help researchers narrow the search space, but physical experiments, engineering validation and manufacturing tests remain essential before new materials can enter commercial products.That distinction is particularly important in safety-critical sectors such as aerospace and energy infrastructure.<h2>Who Developed the Platform?</h2>The research was carried out by Aravindan Kamatchi Sundaram, Mohit Chakraborty, Sai Mani Kumar Devathi and B. Pabitramohan Prusty, under the guidance of Dr Rohit Batra of IIT Madras' Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.The project received support from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Directorate of Industry and Academia (DRDO-DIA) and IIT Madras' Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI.Computational resources were provided by the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI at IIT Madras.<h2>What's Next for the IIT Madras AI System?</h2>The project is expected to expand beyond its current capabilities.Researchers plan to enable the system to extract information from figures and microstructural images, rather than focusing primarily on text and tables.They also plan to incorporate life-cycle assessment methodologies, which could provide deeper analysis of a material's environmental impact.Perhaps most significantly, the same framework could eventually be expanded beyond metallic alloys to other major classes of engineering materials, including polymers, ceramics and composites.<h2>Why This Development Matters for India</h2>India is expanding manufacturing capabilities in sectors including electric mobility, defence, aerospace, renewable energy and advanced engineering.Many of these industries depend on specialised materials.A domestic platform that combines AI with materials science could help researchers and companies make better use of existing scientific knowledge while reducing some of the time required to identify promising materials.The IIT Madras project also illustrates a broader shift in artificial intelligence: rather than using generative AI only to create text or images, researchers are increasingly applying the technology to organise scientific knowledge and support specialised discovery.The 185,000-record alloy database is therefore important not merely because of its scale. Its bigger test will be whether researchers and industry can translate its structured knowledge into materials that are cheaper, more sustainable or better performing in real-world applications.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to accelerate the discovery of sustainable, high-performance metallic alloys. The project has produced two databases containing more than 185,000 structured records, extracted from over 10,000 scientific papers, with potential applications spanning electric vehicles, aerospace, renewable energy and marine infrastructure.

IIT Madras researchers have developed an AI platform with over 185,000 structured alloy records from 10,000+ scientific papers to accelerate sustainable materials discovery.

IIT Madras Develops AI Platform With 185,000 Alloy Records for Sustainable Materials

IIT Madras Builds AI Platform With 185,000 Alloy Records, Targets Faster Discovery of Greener Materials

Meta Hires Prominent AI Researcher Luke Metz for Superintelligence LabsMeta has added another prominent researcher to its artificial intelligence operation, hiring Luke Metz as competition among the world's leading technology companies for experienced AI scientists continues to intensify.Metz has joined Meta’s Superintelligence Labs and is set to begin working at the company this week. He will report to Alexandr Wang, who leads Meta’s artificial intelligence efforts, according to reporting confirmed by a source familiar with the move.The appointment is significant not simply because of Metz’s research background, but also because of the companies he has worked with. His career has placed him inside several organizations involved in developing cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems.<h2>Luke Metz Moves From OpenAI to Meta</h2>Before his latest move, Metz had returned to OpenAI earlier in 2026.His return followed a period at Thinking Machines Lab, the AI startup founded by former OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati. Metz and Barret Zoph returned to OpenAI from Thinking Machines in January 2026.Metz had originally left OpenAI in 2024 to join Thinking Machines before making his way back to the ChatGPT developer. His subsequent decision to join Meta illustrates how rapidly senior researchers are moving between competing frontier-AI organizations.That movement has become an increasingly important part of the technology industry's AI competition.<h2>Why Luke Metz Is an Important Hire for Meta</h2>For Meta, recruiting experienced researchers can provide something that additional computing infrastructure alone cannot easily deliver: expertise developed through years of experimenting with large-scale machine-learning systems.The most advanced AI models require enormous computing resources, high-quality datasets and sophisticated training techniques. But the researchers who understand how to combine those elements effectively have also become strategically important.Metz's experience across major AI research organizations therefore makes his appointment particularly noteworthy.His move also adds another experienced researcher to an organization that Meta is positioning at the center of its long-term AI ambitions.<h2>Metz to Work Under Alexandr Wang</h2>Metz will report to Alexandr Wang, who now heads Meta's artificial intelligence efforts.Wang joined Meta following the company's multibillion-dollar transaction involving <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://scale.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Scale AI</a>, the AI data company he co-founded.Since then, Meta has continued recruiting researchers and reorganizing its AI operations around its ambitions in advanced models and superintelligence.Metz's arrival indicates that the company is continuing that strategy rather than relying exclusively on its existing research organization.<h2>Meta's Superintelligence Ambitions</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="https://www.meta.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Meta</a> has spent years investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with AI technology already supporting recommendation systems, advertising, content discovery and consumer products across its platforms.The company's ambitions now extend much further.Meta's AI research operation is working across areas including natural-language processing, reinforcement learning, computer vision, multimodal systems and generative AI. Its research organization continued publishing work across several of these fields during 2026.The formation and expansion of Superintelligence Labs represents an effort to compete directly at the frontier of model development.Hiring researchers with experience inside rival laboratories can accelerate that effort by bringing different approaches to model training, experimentation and research.<h2>The AI Industry's Battle for Researchers</h2>Metz's move also highlights a broader transformation taking place across the artificial intelligence industry.Companies are competing not only over GPUs, data centers and model performance but also over a comparatively limited pool of researchers who have experience developing frontier-scale AI systems.Researchers have consequently become highly valuable strategic assets.The movement of Metz between OpenAI, Thinking Machines Lab, OpenAI again and now Meta illustrates how fluid the market for experienced AI researchers has become.The situation resembles competition for elite engineering talent during earlier technology booms, but the stakes surrounding AI research are unusually high because relatively small teams can potentially influence the capabilities of systems used by hundreds of millions of people.<h2>What the Hiring Means for OpenAI</h2>The departure also represents another example of talent moving between OpenAI and its competitors.However, the significance of any individual departure should be treated carefully.Major AI laboratories employ large research and engineering teams, meaning one researcher changing companies does not necessarily translate into an immediate shift in model performance or competitive standing.OpenAI has itself recruited researchers from competing organizations. Metz's return to OpenAI earlier this year came alongside Barret Zoph amid personnel movements involving Thinking Machines Lab.The larger story, therefore, is less about a single company gaining or losing one employee and more about how aggressively the entire frontier-AI industry is competing for experienced researchers.<h2>Why This Matters for the AI Race</h2>The current AI competition increasingly has three major dimensions: computing power, research talent and product distribution.Meta already possesses substantial distribution through its global consumer platforms. It is also investing heavily in computing infrastructure.Building a research organization capable of producing leading AI systems is another part of that equation.Recruiting researchers such as Metz could help Meta strengthen that third pillar, particularly as companies attempt to push models toward more sophisticated reasoning, multimodal capabilities and autonomous task execution.At the same time, hiring well-known researchers does not guarantee technological leadership.AI breakthroughs depend on research direction, organizational execution, infrastructure, data, model architecture and the ability to turn experiments into reliable products.<h2>Balanced Analysis: A Significant Hire, but Results Will Matter More</h2>Luke Metz's appointment strengthens Meta's roster and demonstrates the company's willingness to compete aggressively for experienced AI researchers.It also reinforces the growing influence of Alexandr Wang within Meta's reorganized AI operation.Yet the ultimate impact of the hiring will be determined by what Meta's expanded team produces.Technology companies can assemble exceptional researchers and spend billions of dollars on infrastructure, but successful frontier models still require coordination between research, engineering, safety and product teams.There is also a broader industry question surrounding increasingly rapid researcher movement. While competition can spread ideas and accelerate innovation, frequent personnel changes can make it harder for research organizations to maintain continuity on projects that may take months or years to mature.<h2>What Comes Next for Meta AI?</h2>Attention will now turn toward how Metz fits into Meta's broader superintelligence program and what projects emerge from the company's increasingly high-profile research organization.Meta has introduced multiple AI models and research projects in recent months, while continuing to expand its work across generative AI and other machine-learning fields.For the wider technology industry, Metz's latest career move sends another clear signal: the battle for AI leadership is increasingly becoming a battle for the people capable of building the next generation of models.Infrastructure spending may dominate financial headlines, but the competition to recruit researchers with direct experience building frontier systems could prove just as consequential.This article is based on reporting published by Axiox.

Meta has hired prominent artificial intelligence researcher Luke Metz to join its Superintelligence Labs. Metz, who previously worked at OpenAI and Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab, is expected to report to Alexandr Wang as Meta continues strengthening its team in the intensifying race to develop advanced AI systems.

Meta has hired AI researcher Luke Metz to join its Superintelligence Labs under Alexandr Wang, highlighting the growing competition for top AI talent.

Meta Hires Luke Metz: OpenAI Veteran Joins Superintelligence Labs

Meta Hires OpenAI Veteran Luke Metz for Superintelligence Labs in Major AI Talent Push

<h2>Indian Bond Market Remains Under Pressure</h2>India's government bond market continued to face pressure on August 25, with the benchmark 10-year yield holding close to recent highs as traders assessed domestic monetary-policy signals alongside developments in global energy and fixed-income markets.The 10-year government bond yield was trading around 6.87%-6.88%, compared with roughly 6.77% at the end of the week of August 7. This indicates that a significant portion of the bond-market recovery seen earlier in August has subsequently reversed.Bond yields move inversely to prices, meaning persistent or rising yields generally reflect weaker bond prices and can translate into higher borrowing costs across parts of the economy.<h2>Hawkish RBI Signals Change Rate Expectations</h2>One of the biggest domestic influences has been the changing interpretation of the Reserve Bank of India's policy outlook.Minutes from the RBI's August policy meeting prompted investors to reassess expectations for interest rates. Recent commentary and the policy discussion highlighted inflation risks and reduced confidence that further monetary easing would be available.That matters because government bond prices are highly sensitive to expectations about future interest rates. When investors believe rates could remain elevated—or potentially rise sooner than previously expected—they generally demand higher yields for holding longer-term debt.The shift in expectations has therefore created a tougher environment for bonds even without an immediate change in the policy rate.<h2>Crude Oil Remains a Major Variable</h2>Oil prices are another important factor influencing Indian debt markets.India depends heavily on imported energy, meaning sustained increases in global crude prices can raise inflation risks and increase pressure on the country's external accounts. Higher inflation expectations can, in turn, reduce the likelihood of easier monetary policy and push bond yields upward.Recent easing in crude prices has provided some relief. However, geopolitical uncertainty surrounding Iran and international sanctions continues to keep traders alert to the possibility of renewed volatility.As a result, oil remains one of the most closely watched external indicators for Indian bond investors.<h2>Rupee Pressure Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty</h2>Currency-market developments are also influencing sentiment.The Indian rupee has faced pressure from elevated oil prices and corporate demand for dollars. Traders reported that the RBI likely intervened in the foreign-exchange market on Tuesday to limit further depreciation.A weaker currency can complicate the bond-market outlook because it can increase imported inflation and influence foreign investors' returns after currency conversion.For overseas investors, attractive nominal bond yields may not necessarily translate into equally attractive returns if the rupee depreciates substantially.<h2>India-US Yield Gap Draws Attention</h2>Investors are also watching the narrowing gap between Indian and US government bond yields.US Treasury yields remain elevated, reducing the relative yield advantage offered by emerging-market debt. The narrowing India-US yield spread can therefore affect how global investors evaluate Indian fixed-income securities compared with developed-market alternatives.This does not automatically mean foreign investors will retreat from Indian debt. Credit conditions, currency expectations, economic growth and portfolio diversification all influence investment decisions.However, a smaller yield premium can make the competition for global capital more intense.<h2>Foreign Interest Provides a Counterweight</h2>Despite near-term pressure, the broader outlook for Indian government bonds is not entirely negative.Foreign investment had strengthened earlier in the year. Reuters reported in July that government securities attracted nearly $6.5 billion in foreign investment from the beginning of June, helping drive the benchmark 10-year yield down toward 6.73% at the time.International asset manager Invesco has also expressed a bullish view on Indian government debt, with a preference for longer-duration bonds, indicating that some global investors continue to see value in the market despite recent volatility.These factors could provide support if inflation risks moderate and the monetary-policy outlook becomes clearer.<h2>Why Higher Government Bond Yields Matter</h2>Movements in government bond yields extend beyond traders and institutional investors.Government securities effectively provide a benchmark for pricing debt throughout the financial system. Persistently higher sovereign yields can eventually influence corporate bond rates, infrastructure financing and other long-term borrowing costs.For the government, higher yields can also raise the cost of financing future borrowing.At the same time, higher yields can make fixed-income securities more attractive to investors seeking income, particularly if inflation expectations remain controlled.<h2>Balanced Outlook: Pressure Remains, but Support Factors Exist</h2>The current bond-market environment reflects a contest between competing forces.On one side are concerns about inflation, crude oil, currency weakness, global yields and a potentially less accommodative RBI. These factors can keep upward pressure on Indian yields.On the other side, softer oil prices, institutional demand and continued interest from foreign investors could limit the extent of the sell-off.The benchmark 10-year yield remaining near 6.87%-6.88% suggests investors are currently demanding greater compensation for duration and inflation risk than they were earlier in August.The next major direction for the bond market is therefore likely to depend on how inflation, oil prices, RBI communication, the rupee and global interest-rate expectations evolve.This article is based on reporting published by Reuters.

Indian government bond yields remained elevated on Tuesday as investors weighed a more cautious monetary-policy outlook from the Reserve Bank of India, movements in global crude oil prices and uncertainty across international bond markets. The benchmark 10-year yield hovered around 6.87%-6.88%, keeping borrowing-cost concerns in focus.

Indian government bond yields remain under pressure, with the 10-year yield near 6.87%-6.88% as investors assess RBI policy signals, crude oil, rupee weakness and global interest rates.

Indian Government Bond Yields Under Pressure as RBI and Oil Risks Weigh

Indian Government Bond Yields Stay Under Pressure as RBI Rate Outlook and Oil Risks Weigh on Market

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Six-Month High as Inflows Strengthen External PositionIndia’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed sharply, providing the country with a stronger financial buffer at a time when global currency, energy and capital markets remain uncertain.The country’s total foreign exchange reserves increased by about $9.9 billion to $716.9 billion in the week ended August 14, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The latest level represents the highest reserve position in roughly six months.The increase also brings India’s reserve stockpile closer to its record territory. Reserves had reached approximately $728.5 billion in February 2026, meaning the latest figure is only around $11.6 billion below that peak.<h2>What Drove the Sharp Increase in India’s Forex Reserves?</h2>The latest weekly rise was primarily supported by two major components of the reserve portfolio.Foreign currency assets increased by approximately $7.2 billion, while the value of the RBI’s gold holdings rose by about $2.7 billion. Together, these movements accounted for most of the nearly $10 billion increase in overall reserves.Foreign currency assets form the largest part of India’s reserve holdings. Although expressed in US dollars, their value can also change when currencies such as the euro, pound and yen move against the dollar.India’s reserve portfolio additionally includes gold, Special Drawing Rights and the country’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund.<h2>Capital Inflows Help Rebuild India’s Reserve Cushion</h2>The latest increase is part of a broader accumulation of reserves rather than an isolated weekly movement.India’s forex reserves have risen by roughly $50 billion over the previous seven weeks, supported by sustained foreign-currency inflows.Policy measures introduced by the RBI have played an important role in attracting these flows. Initiatives aimed at encouraging overseas borrowing and foreign-currency deposits included hedging-related incentives for banks and borrowers. By mid-August, these measures had attracted tens of billions of dollars in foreign-currency inflows.The scale of the inflows became significant enough for the RBI to move toward ending one of its special deposit-related hedging programmes by August 31.<h2>Why Higher Forex Reserves Matter for India</h2>A large reserve stockpile acts as a financial safety net for an economy that remains closely connected to international trade and capital markets.India needs foreign currency to pay for imports ranging from crude oil and natural gas to electronics and industrial equipment. A sizeable reserve buffer therefore improves the country’s ability to manage periods of external financial stress.Reserves can also give the RBI greater flexibility in the foreign-exchange market. During periods of unusually sharp currency volatility, the central bank can sell dollars or undertake other market operations to reduce disorderly movements in the rupee.That flexibility is particularly important for India because global oil prices, US monetary policy, geopolitical tensions and international investment flows can quickly affect demand for dollars.<h2>What Does the Reserve Increase Mean for the Rupee?</h2>Higher reserves do not automatically guarantee that the rupee will appreciate.Exchange rates are influenced by several factors, including crude oil prices, trade flows, foreign portfolio investment, interest-rate expectations and global demand for the US dollar.However, a larger reserve buffer strengthens the RBI’s capacity to respond when currency markets become volatile.That remains relevant in the current environment. On August 25, traders reported likely RBI intervention as the rupee faced pressure from corporate dollar demand and elevated global oil prices.The combination of strong reserves and continued capital inflows could therefore provide an important cushion, even when external factors put downward pressure on the currency.<h2>India Moves Closer to Record Forex Reserve Levels</h2>The speed of the recent reserve accumulation is notable.India’s reserves stood at approximately $692.9 billion on July 31, increased to about $707 billion by August 7, and then reached $716.9 billion by August 14.That progression suggests a rapid rebuilding of the country’s external buffer during a relatively short period.With the latest level approaching the February record, future movements will depend heavily on capital flows, RBI foreign-exchange operations, gold valuations and changes in major global currencies.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Strong Buffer, but External Risks Remain</h2>The six-month high is broadly positive for India’s external financial stability. A reserve stockpile above $700 billion provides policymakers with substantial room to manage temporary shocks and periods of currency-market stress.However, reserve levels should not be viewed in isolation.A significant portion of weekly changes can reflect valuation movements rather than fresh dollar inflows. The RBI may also use part of its reserves when intervening in foreign-exchange markets, meaning the total can fluctuate substantially even when the broader economic picture remains stable.India also remains a major importer of crude oil, making the economy sensitive to sustained increases in global energy prices. Strong dollar demand from importers or foreign investor withdrawals could similarly put pressure on both the rupee and reserve accumulation.For that reason, the more important signal is not simply whether reserves reach another record, but whether India can maintain a sufficiently large external buffer relative to its import requirements and financial obligations.<h2>Outlook</h2>India’s rise to $716.9 billion in foreign exchange reserves gives the economy a substantial cushion as policymakers navigate volatile global markets.Continued capital inflows could push reserves closer to—or potentially beyond—the record levels reached earlier in 2026. At the same time, oil prices, global interest rates, portfolio investment and RBI intervention will remain key variables determining the direction of the reserve stockpile.For now, the six-month high represents a strengthening of India’s external financial position and gives the central bank additional capacity to manage currency volatility should global conditions become more challenging.<h3></h3>This article is based on reporting published by Reuters.

India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to a six-month high of $716.9 billion in the week ended August 14, 2026, rising by nearly $10 billion from the previous week. The increase was led by higher foreign currency assets and gold holdings, strengthening the country’s financial cushion amid volatility in global currency and commodity markets.

India’s forex reserves rose nearly $10 billion to $716.9 billion, reaching their highest level in six months. Here’s what is driving the increase and why the growing reserve buffer matters for the rupee and Indian economy,

India Forex Reserves Hit Six-Month High at $716.9 Billion: What It Means for Rupee and Economy

India’s Forex Reserves Jump Nearly $10 Billion to Six-Month High of $716.9 Billion

<h2>Indian Banks Turn to Global Markets for Billions in Funding</h2>India’s banking sector is witnessing one of its strongest periods of overseas fundraising in years, with lenders raising roughly $12 billion abroad so far in 2026.The fundraising wave comes as banks seek foreign-currency resources while taking advantage of supportive RBI measures and healthy global investor appetite for debt issued by established Indian financial institutions.The activity has intensified sharply in recent weeks. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and Bank of Baroda collectively raised about $4.4 billion during one particularly active week, making it one of the busiest periods for foreign-currency debt issuance by Indian lenders this year.<h2>RBI Swap Facility Helps Drive Overseas Borrowing</h2>A major factor behind the fundraising momentum is the RBI’s special foreign-exchange swap arrangement.The mechanism is connected with eligible Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR(B), deposits. These deposits allow non-resident Indians to hold money with Indian banks in foreign currencies.Because banks ultimately have to repay these deposits in foreign currency, exchange-rate movements can create additional risk. The RBI swap mechanism helps participating lenders manage that currency exposure, improving the economics of raising foreign-currency funds.FCNR(B) deposits booked by August 31, 2026 qualify for the relevant swap support, creating an incentive for banks to mobilise funds before the deadline.<h2>HDFC Bank Leads Recent Fundraising</h2>HDFC Bank has emerged as one of the largest participants in the current overseas borrowing cycle.The lender recently raised $1.75 billion, following an earlier $750 million fundraising in June. Other banks have also increased the size of their overseas transactions as demand from investors remained strong.The scale of these deals suggests that major Indian banks continue to enjoy meaningful access to international debt markets even as global financial conditions remain sensitive to interest rates, currencies and geopolitical risks.<h2>India's Foreign Debt Issuance Accelerates</h2>The banking-sector fundraising is also contributing to a much broader rise in India's international debt issuance.Overall overseas debt raised from India during 2026 has reached around $17 billion, according to reported figures. That compares with approximately $5 billion in 2025, while the 2021 total was about $22 billion.If issuance remains strong through the rest of the year, 2026 could therefore become one of India's more significant years for international debt-market activity.<h2>Why Are Global Investors Buying Indian Bank Debt?</h2>Strong investor participation is important because it can allow banks to raise larger sums without having to offer excessively expensive borrowing terms.Several factors may be supporting demand, including the financial position of major Indian lenders, India's economic growth outlook and international investors' search for relatively attractive yields from established emerging-market issuers.For banks, diversifying funding beyond domestic deposits and local bond markets can also provide greater flexibility in managing their balance sheets.<h2>Why the $12 Billion Fundraising Wave Matters</h2>The development has implications beyond the banks conducting the transactions.Foreign-currency inflows can strengthen the availability of dollars within India's financial system. The RBI can also absorb some of these flows through foreign-exchange operations, which means the impact on the rupee is not necessarily straightforward.Earlier analysis of the RBI's currency operations indicated that foreign-currency inflows raised by lenders can be passed to the central bank through swaps, while the RBI simultaneously manages its broader foreign-exchange position.For lenders, overseas borrowing can provide an additional source of capital for funding requirements and help diversify liabilities across markets and currencies.<h2>What Are the Risks?</h2>The surge in foreign borrowing also deserves a balanced assessment.International debt introduces exposure to changes in global interest rates, refinancing conditions and foreign-exchange markets. Hedging arrangements can reduce currency risk, but they do not eliminate every funding or refinancing challenge.There is also a timing issue. Part of the current rush is linked to temporary RBI incentives. Once the special FCNR(B)-related window closes, the economics of issuing new overseas debt could become less attractive.That means the exceptional pace seen during the current period should not automatically be viewed as a permanent shift in banks' funding strategies.<h2>What Happens Next?</h2>The August 31 deadline for eligible FCNR(B) deposits will be an important near-term milestone.Banks may continue trying to capture favourable funding conditions before the window closes. After that, overseas issuance will increasingly depend on international interest rates, credit spreads, investor demand and individual banks' funding requirements.The broader story, however, is significant: Indian banks have demonstrated that they can mobilise billions of dollars from international markets when regulatory incentives and investor demand align.The roughly $12 billion raised overseas in 2026 therefore represents more than a short-term funding surge. It is also a sign of the increasingly close connection between India's banking system and global capital markets.This article is based on reporting published by The Economic Times.

Indian banks have raised about $12 billion from overseas debt markets in 2026, taking advantage of strong international demand for Indian banking debt and a special foreign-exchange swap facility introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The surge has accelerated ahead of an important deadline for eligible foreign-currency deposits and highlights lenders’ growing ability to tap global pools of capital.

Indian banks have raised about $12 billion from overseas debt markets in 2026 as lenders tap strong global demand and RBI's special forex swap facility.

Indian Banks Raise $12 Billion Overseas in 2026 on RBI Swap Support

Indian Banks Raise $12 Billion Overseas as RBI Swap Window Sparks Funding Rush

<h2>Rahul Gandhi Seeks Fadnavis' Intervention</h2>Rahul Gandhi has asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in a protest by Adivasi students over government hostel regulations and living conditions.In his August 24 letter, Gandhi called on Fadnavis to personally meet representatives of the protesting students and work towards an immediate resolution of their grievances. The students had been on hunger strike for more than 10 days when Gandhi wrote the letter.The issue gained wider political attention after Gandhi interacted with tribal students during a student programme in Pune. Students raised concerns about hostel accommodation, educational facilities, healthcare and safety.<h2>30-Year Age Limit Becomes a Key Issue</h2>One of the central concerns highlighted in Gandhi's letter is a rule that prevents people above the age of 30 from staying in the government hostels concerned.Gandhi argued that such a restriction could affect students who are still completing their education or preparing for examinations and who depend on affordable government accommodation while studying in cities.The issue is particularly significant for students arriving from remote areas, where access to higher education institutions and competitive-examination preparation may be limited.For these students, government hostels can serve as more than accommodation: they can be an important part of the infrastructure that makes continued education financially possible.<h2>Alleged Pregnancy Tests for Women Students Draw Concern</h2>The most sensitive allegation raised in the controversy concerns female hostel residents.Gandhi said he had been informed that women returning to hostels after an extended absence were required to undergo pregnancy tests along with other medical examinations to establish their fitness.The reported requirement raises broader questions about privacy, dignity and whether hostel administration rules are proportionate to their stated purpose.It is important, however, to distinguish between allegations and independently established facts. The pregnancy-testing requirement has been raised by protesting students and repeated by Gandhi in his letter; the reports cited here do not establish a detailed official explanation from the Maharashtra government regarding the rationale or implementation of the provision.<h2>Students Also Raise Safety and Infrastructure Concerns</h2>The dispute extends beyond individual hostel regulations.Students have complained about problems involving food, sanitation, medical facilities and safety at government-run residential institutions. During Gandhi's interaction in Pune, concerns were also raised about drinking water, beds, healthcare and food arrangements.A recent snakebite tragedy involving tribal girl students in Gadchiroli was also cited during the discussion as protesters demanded stronger medical and safety arrangements at residential educational institutions.Together, these complaints have turned the protest into a wider debate about the standard of residential infrastructure available to tribal students.<h2>Protesters Seek Changes to Government Decisions</h2>Reports say protesting students have sought the cancellation of two state government resolutions issued on August 5 and August 14, 2026. They have also called for an older November 2011 government resolution to be updated to reflect present circumstances, including changes to financial assistance.The demands suggest that the dispute is not limited to one controversial provision but concerns the broader framework governing accommodation and assistance for tribal students.<h2>Why Government Hostels Matter for Adivasi Students</h2>The controversy has significance beyond the immediate political exchange between Congress and Maharashtra's BJP-led government.Students from remote tribal communities may need to relocate considerable distances to access universities, colleges, coaching facilities or other educational opportunities. Affordable government accommodation can therefore have a direct bearing on whether they can remain in education.Rules determining who qualifies for hostel accommodation can consequently influence educational access.At the same time, hostel administrations have legitimate responsibilities involving safety, occupancy, student welfare and the effective use of limited public resources. The challenge for policymakers is to design rules that fulfil those administrative objectives without unnecessarily restricting educational opportunity or compromising personal dignity.<h2>Political Dimension of Rahul Gandhi's Letter</h2>Gandhi's intervention also comes amid heightened political exchanges between him and Fadnavis.The Maharashtra chief minister recently criticised Gandhi over a women-focused interaction in Pune, while Gandhi has used his engagements with students to raise questions around women's autonomy and social equality.The Adivasi hostel dispute therefore has an unavoidable political dimension.However, the underlying questions—hostel eligibility, living conditions, medical procedures and student safety—can ultimately be assessed independently of party politics.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Focus Will Now Shift to Government Response</h2>Rahul Gandhi's letter has significantly increased national attention on a protest that centres on the everyday educational circumstances of tribal students.Some of the concerns, particularly the allegation involving pregnancy testing, raise serious questions of privacy and dignity if implemented as described. The age restriction, meanwhile, presents a policy question about balancing limited hostel capacity against the needs of students whose education or examination preparation extends beyond conventional age expectations.But political allegations alone cannot resolve those questions.A transparent response from the Maharashtra government explaining the disputed rules, their purpose, their implementation and whether changes are being considered would provide greater clarity.Direct engagement between officials and protesting students could also help separate disputes over specific regulations from broader deficiencies in infrastructure and welfare.Ultimately, the importance of the controversy lies less in the exchange between two prominent political leaders and more in whether the debate produces measurable improvements in educational access, safety and living conditions for Adivasi students.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Rahul Gandhi has urged Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to meet protesting Adivasi students, raising concerns over a 30-year hostel age limit, living conditions and alleged pregnancy tests for women students.

Rahul Gandhi has written to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis over Adivasi students' protest against hostel rules, including a 30-year age cap and alleged pregnancy tests.

Rahul Gandhi Writes to Fadnavis Over Adivasi Hostel Rules

Adivasi Students on Hunger Strike: Rahul Gandhi Urges Fadnavis to Act on Hostel Rules

<h2>Xi Jinping Expected in New Delhi for BRICS Summit</h2>Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India in September 2026 to participate in the BRICS Summit being hosted in New Delhi, potentially marking an important moment in the gradual effort by India and China to stabilise their relationship.India will host the summit on September 12 and 13, and Xi is expected to arrive with a substantial Chinese delegation. Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with preparations, that the delegation could include around 400 officials, considerably larger than the group accompanying him during his previous India visit in 2019.However, the trip should still be described as likely rather than confirmed. China's foreign ministry has expressed support for India's BRICS chairmanship but said it had no information to provide regarding Xi's participation, while his final travel arrangements remain under discussion.<h2>First India Visit in Seven Years</h2>If the visit goes ahead, it would be Xi's first trip to India since 2019.His last visit came for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, months before India-China relations entered one of their most difficult periods in decades.The relationship deteriorated sharply following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed, and the confrontation was followed by a prolonged military standoff along sections of the Line of Actual Control.A disengagement agreement reached in October 2024 subsequently helped create conditions for a gradual diplomatic thaw.Against that history, Xi returning to India would carry symbolism extending well beyond attendance at another international summit.<h2>Why Xi Jinping's Potential India Visit Matters</h2>India and China are two of Asia's largest powers, major global economies and influential members of BRICS. At the same time, their relationship combines economic connections with deep strategic competition.The two countries share a roughly 3,800-kilometre disputed Himalayan border, and the unresolved boundary question remains one of the biggest obstacles to a durable improvement in bilateral ties.India has repeatedly maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for normal bilateral relations. New Delhi reiterated the importance of border stability this month amid reports of another encounter involving patrols in a remote Himalayan area.Xi's potential visit therefore does not mean that India-China disagreements have disappeared. Instead, it would indicate that both governments see value in maintaining high-level political engagement while attempting to manage those disagreements.<h2>Large Chinese Delegation Could Accompany Xi</h2>One notable aspect of the expected trip is the reported size of Xi's delegation.Two sources cited by Reuters said approximately 400 Chinese officials could accompany the president, compared with fewer than 200 officials during his 2019 visit. Preparations involving hotels and security arrangements were reportedly underway.A delegation of that scale would underline the importance Beijing is attaching to the summit and the logistical preparations surrounding the potential visit.It could also provide opportunities for engagement beyond meetings between national leaders, although the precise agenda has not yet been finalised.<h2>Will Modi and Xi Hold Bilateral Talks?</h2>One of the most closely watched questions will be whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping hold a separate bilateral meeting alongside the BRICS Summit.The agenda for any such meeting has not been finalised.However, if bilateral discussions take place, the border situation, economic engagement, regional security and mechanisms for stabilising relations are likely to attract significant attention.Modi and Xi previously met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, shortly after India and China reached an understanding related to their military standoff.Another face-to-face meeting in New Delhi would provide an opportunity to assess how far the relationship has progressed since then.<h2>Border Issue Remains the Biggest Challenge</h2>Despite signs of diplomatic engagement, the boundary dispute remains unresolved.The 2020 confrontation fundamentally changed the political environment surrounding India-China relations. Both sides subsequently deployed large numbers of troops and military equipment in border areas while holding multiple rounds of military and diplomatic negotiations.The October 2024 disengagement arrangement represented an important step toward reducing tensions, but it did not resolve the broader territorial dispute.India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has also travelled to Beijing for discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi under the Special Representatives mechanism dealing with the boundary question.Such talks ahead of the BRICS Summit demonstrate that border management remains closely connected with efforts to improve the wider bilateral relationship.<h2>BRICS Summit Gives India a Major Diplomatic Platform</h2>Xi's expected participation would also increase international attention on India's BRICS presidency.BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and has since expanded to include additional emerging economies.For India, hosting the summit provides an opportunity to shape discussions around cooperation among developing economies while reinforcing its role as an independent diplomatic power capable of maintaining relationships across competing geopolitical blocs.China has publicly said it supports India in successfully hosting this year's BRICS Summit and described the grouping as an important platform for emerging markets and developing countries.<h2>India-China Relations Show Signs of Gradual Stabilisation</h2>High-level diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing has increased since the prolonged military standoff began easing.Prime Minister Modi travelled to China in 2025, his first visit there in seven years, while the two governments have continued discussions through diplomatic and security channels.The potential Xi visit would represent another step in that process.However, improved communication should not automatically be interpreted as a complete normalisation of relations.India and China continue to compete strategically across Asia, maintain differing positions on the border and face broader disagreements involving regional security.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Diplomatic Opening, but Major Differences Remain</h2>Xi Jinping's potential visit presents both an opportunity and a test for India-China relations.On the positive side, a visit by China's top leader after seven years would demonstrate that both governments are willing to maintain direct political communication despite their difficult recent history.Regular leadership-level engagement can help reduce misunderstandings, establish mechanisms for managing disagreements and potentially create space for economic cooperation.The BRICS setting also allows the two governments to engage without portraying the summit exclusively as a bilateral reconciliation exercise.Yet expectations should remain measured.The unresolved border dispute remains a fundamental source of distrust, and recent border-related concerns demonstrate how quickly tensions can return to the centre of the relationship.India and China are also strategic competitors whose interests do not always align across South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.Xi's visit, therefore, would be better viewed as evidence of careful diplomatic re-engagement rather than a complete reset.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Xi Jinping's likely attendance at the September 12–13 BRICS Summit could become one of the most significant India-China diplomatic developments of 2026.If confirmed, it would be the Chinese president's first visit to India in seven years and would come after a prolonged period dominated by the consequences of the 2020 border confrontation.The prospect of a roughly 400-member delegation and potential talks between Xi and Prime Minister Modi will ensure that the visit is watched far beyond the formal BRICS agenda.Whether it produces lasting improvement will depend less on symbolism and more on progress in managing the border dispute, rebuilding confidence and establishing a stable framework for coexistence between two powerful neighbours.<hr><h2>This article is based on reporting published by Reuters.</h2>

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026, in what would be his first visit to India in seven years. Reports indicate he could arrive with a delegation of about 400 officials, while his final travel plans have not yet been officially confirmed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India for the September 2026 BRICS Summit, potentially marking his first India trip in seven years amid efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.

Xi Jinping Likely to Visit India for BRICS Summit After 7 Years

Xi Jinping Likely to Visit India After 7 Years for BRICS Summit in Major Diplomatic Development

Karnataka BJP Protest Over Valmiki Corporation Case Creates Tension at Vidhana SoudhaPolitical tensions surrounding Karnataka's Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation case intensified as BJP leaders and workers staged a major demonstration around the state's seat of government in Bengaluru.The opposition party has been demanding the removal of Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra from the state cabinet over allegations connected to the diversion of funds from the state-run corporation. Nagendra has disputed the political accusations against him, while the state government has faced sustained pressure from the opposition over his presence in the cabinet.The confrontation moved beyond arguments inside the legislature when protesters marched toward Vidhana Soudha on August 24.<h2>What Happened Outside Vidhana Soudha?</h2>BJP leaders and supporters attempted to advance toward the legislature as part of their campaign seeking Nagendra's resignation.Police prevented protesters from entering the government complex, resulting in tense scenes and brief scuffles around the barricades. Several BJP leaders and workers were detained as authorities sought to bring the demonstration under control.Among the prominent leaders detained during the protest were Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka.The security deployment around Vidhana Soudha was substantial, with more than 500 police personnel and Karnataka State Reserve Police platoons deployed around the complex, according to a report published on August 25.<h2>Why Is BJP Demanding B Nagendra's Removal?</h2>The political confrontation centres on alleged irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, which administers welfare initiatives for Scheduled Tribe communities.The controversy originally surfaced in 2024 following the death of corporation accounts superintendent P Chandrasekharan. Nagendra, who was Tribal Welfare Minister at the time, subsequently resigned from the cabinet and was later arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. He eventually returned to the state cabinet, a development that revived opposition demands for his removal.The BJP has alleged that large amounts of money belonging to the corporation were improperly diverted and has accused the government of failing to provide satisfactory answers about the funds.The precise amount cited in political statements and reports has varied, making it important to distinguish between established investigative findings and broader allegations being made by political parties.<h2>BJP-JD(S) Pressure Builds Inside Karnataka Assembly</h2>The street protest did not emerge in isolation.BJP and JD(S) legislators had already been putting pressure on the Congress government during the Karnataka Assembly's Monsoon Session, demanding that Nagendra be removed.The confrontation disrupted Assembly proceedings for several days. On August 20, for example, opposition protests continued for a fourth consecutive day while legislative business, including Question Hour and the passage of bills, proceeded amid the standoff.BJP then announced plans to intensify its campaign by marching toward Vidhana Soudha. R Ashoka said party workers would take out a procession and press the government for Nagendra's resignation.<h2>Nagendra and Government Push Back Against Opposition</h2>The political dispute also has another side.Nagendra has rejected the BJP's campaign against him and argued that he is being targeted politically. He has also challenged the opposition over allegations involving its own leaders.Government representatives have pushed for the matter to be debated within the legislature rather than allowing repeated protests to disrupt proceedings. During an earlier round of Assembly disruption, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda suggested that the opposition formally seek a debate on the issue.This leaves Karnataka's political debate divided between the opposition's demand for ministerial accountability and the government's argument that allegations should be addressed through institutional and legislative processes.<h2>Why the Valmiki Corporation Case Matters</h2>The controversy carries significance beyond the immediate political battle between the Congress and BJP.The money at the centre of the allegations was connected to a corporation established to support Scheduled Tribe communities. Any misuse of welfare funds therefore raises questions not only about financial accountability but also about whether public resources intended for vulnerable communities reached their intended beneficiaries.That explains why the controversy has remained politically sensitive even after the original allegations emerged.It also demonstrates how unresolved corruption allegations can return to dominate legislative politics when a politician associated with an earlier controversy returns to government.<h2>Protest Raises Questions About Political Accountability and Legislative Functioning</h2>The BJP has the democratic right to challenge the government and seek accountability over alleged misuse of public funds. Opposition scrutiny is an important component of parliamentary government, particularly when allegations involve money intended for welfare programmes.At the same time, attempts to breach security barriers or confront police can shift attention away from the substantive financial questions at the heart of a controversy.Repeated disruption of Assembly proceedings presents another challenge. Protests can generate political pressure, but extended disruption can also reduce opportunities for detailed questioning, debate and examination of evidence inside the legislature.The strongest resolution would ultimately depend on verifiable investigative findings rather than competing political claims.<h2>Political Pressure on Karnataka Government Unlikely to Fade Quickly</h2>The confrontation at Vidhana Soudha indicates that the Valmiki Corporation controversy remains a significant political issue in Karnataka.For the BJP and JD(S), Nagendra's continuation in the cabinet provides a focal point for their campaign against the Congress government. For the ruling party, the challenge is to defend its position while answering questions about accountability and the handling of the corporation's funds.With opposition protests having moved from sustained Assembly disruption to demonstrations around Vidhana Soudha, the dispute has entered a more confrontational phase.What happens next will depend on the government's response, the opposition's strategy and, most importantly, the evidence and findings emerging from the legal and investigative processes surrounding the Valmiki Corporation funds case.This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Political tensions intensified around Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha as Karnataka BJP leaders and workers protested demanding the removal of minister B Nagendra over alleged financial irregularities involving the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. Police blocked protesters attempting to move toward the legislature, leading to scuffles and the detention of several BJP leaders.

Karnataka BJP's protest over the Valmiki Corporation funds case created tense scenes near Vidhana Soudha as protesters demanded minister B Nagendra's removal.

Karnataka BJP Valmiki Case Protest Sparks Tension at Vidhana Soudha

Tension at Vidhana Soudha as Karnataka BJP Protest Over Valmiki Corporation Case Escalates

NEET PG 2026 ‘Paper Leak’ Claims Go Viral — NBEMS Says They’re FakeViral claims about an alleged NEET PG 2026 question-paper leak have caused concern among medical aspirants, prompting the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to step in and reject the allegations.NBEMS cautioned candidates about individuals and online groups claiming that they could provide NEET PG questions or examination material in advance. The examination authority made clear that candidates should not treat such claims as genuine and should remain alert to attempts to exploit anxiety surrounding the high-stakes medical entrance examination.The clarification is particularly important because even an unverified allegation of a paper leak can spread rapidly through messaging applications and social-media platforms, potentially creating confusion among thousands of candidates preparing for the examination.<h2>What Are the NEET PG 2026 Viral Claims?</h2>Posts and messages circulating online purported to offer access to NEET PG 2026 examination questions or leaked papers.Such claims can appear convincing to students, particularly when accompanied by screenshots, sample questions, payment demands or assurances that the material has come from someone connected with the examination process.NBEMS, however, rejected the purported advance access to NEET PG examination questions and warned candidates about misleading claims.The regulator's intervention effectively draws a distinction between viral allegations and verified evidence. At present, the claims being circulated should not be treated as proof that the NEET PG 2026 examination paper was compromised.<h2>NBEMS Warns Candidates About Fraudsters</h2>The issue is not limited to misinformation. Fake paper-leak claims can also be used as a financial scam.Fraudsters may attempt to convince anxious candidates that they possess confidential examination material and then demand money in exchange for access. Students who engage with such groups could lose money while receiving fabricated questions that have no connection with the actual examination.Candidates should therefore rely on official NBEMS communications for examination-related information rather than screenshots, forwarded messages or anonymous social-media accounts.<h2>Why Paper-Leak Rumours Can Have a Serious Impact</h2>NEET PG is a highly competitive examination that plays a major role in postgraduate medical admissions in India.Candidates typically spend months preparing for the test, making any suggestion of an examination-security breach particularly sensitive.A genuine paper leak would raise serious questions about fairness because candidates who obtained questions beforehand could gain an unlawful advantage. But false allegations can also cause substantial damage.They can increase stress among candidates, undermine confidence in the examination process and create an impression of wrongdoing before facts have been independently established.That makes quick verification and transparent communication especially important.<h2>Viral Posts Are Not Evidence of an Exam Leak</h2>The controversy also demonstrates a broader problem surrounding high-stakes examinations in the social-media era.A screenshot or forwarded message can reach thousands of people within minutes, while verifying its origin may take considerably longer. Repetition can then make an unsupported claim appear credible even when no evidence has been presented.For candidates, the safest approach is to distinguish between three things: an allegation circulating online, evidence demonstrating that confidential examination material was actually compromised, and an official finding following investigation.Those categories should not be treated as interchangeable.<h2>Candidates Should Be Careful With ‘Leaked Paper’ Offers</h2>Students encountering accounts that claim to possess NEET PG questions should avoid making payments or sharing sensitive personal information.They should also be cautious about joining groups that promise guaranteed questions, answer keys or confidential examination material.Apart from the possibility of financial fraud, participation in activities involving genuinely stolen examination material could potentially create serious academic or legal consequences.Candidates who encounter suspicious claims should preserve relevant evidence and use appropriate official reporting channels rather than amplifying the material publicly.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Why NBEMS’ Clarification Matters</h2>NBEMS' rejection of the viral claims is important because examination authorities need to respond rapidly when allegations capable of affecting candidate confidence begin spreading.At the same time, official denial alone should not become a reason to dismiss every future concern automatically. If credible evidence of an examination-security problem emerges, it should be examined transparently and appropriate action should follow.The appropriate standard is therefore evidence.Unverified social-media claims should not be presented as established paper leaks, while genuine evidence of irregularities should receive proper scrutiny.This distinction protects both candidates and the integrity of the examination process.<h2>What NEET PG 2026 Aspirants Should Do</h2>For aspirants, the controversy should not distract from examination preparation.Candidates should check examination dates, admit-card information, instructions and official notices through NBEMS' authorised channels. Messages promising advance access to questions should be treated with extreme caution, particularly when money is demanded.The viral NEET PG 2026 “paper leak” episode ultimately highlights how misinformation can become an additional challenge for students already facing the pressure of a major competitive examination.Until credible evidence establishes otherwise, the circulating claims should be treated according to NBEMS' clarification: fake and misleading, rather than proof of a confirmed NEET PG 2026 paper leak.This article is based on reporting published by India Today.

Claims suggesting that the NEET PG 2026 question paper had been leaked began circulating online ahead of the examination, triggering concern among medical aspirants. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) rejected the claims and cautioned candidates against fraudulent individuals and social-media groups claiming access to examination questions.

NEET PG 2026 paper leak claims circulating online have been rejected by NBEMS. Candidates have been warned against fake papers, fraudsters and misleading social-media posts.

NEET PG 2026 Paper Leak Claims Fake, NBEMS Warns Candidates

NEET PG 2026 ‘Paper Leak’ Claims Go Viral; NBEMS Warns Candidates Against Fake Question Paper Claims

<h2>Bengaluru Couple Reveals ₹1.7-Lakh Monthly Budget</h2>A Bengaluru-based couple has drawn attention online after sharing a detailed look at how they spend approximately ₹1.7 lakh per month, offering a glimpse into the financial choices of young professionals living in one of India's biggest technology hubs.Shubhi Khandelwal shared the breakdown in an Instagram video, explaining how she and her husband allocate money across housing, groceries, domestic help, transportation, leisure and travel.Their largest regular housing expense is approximately ₹60,000 per month for rent and maintenance. Groceries account for another ₹13,000–₹14,000, while a cook and domestic help cost about ₹8,000 per month.But one figure in particular significantly raises their monthly average: travel.<h2>How the Couple Spends Their Money</h2>According to the breakdown shared by Khandelwal, their approximate expenditure includes:ExpenseApproximate AmountRent and maintenance₹60,000/monthGroceries₹13,000–₹14,000/monthCook and maid₹8,000/monthWeekend outings₹10,000/monthPetrol and cabs₹3,500/monthShopping and miscellaneous₹3,000/monthTravel₹9 lakh/year, or ₹75,000/month averagedAverage monthly spendingAround ₹1.7 lakhThe travel figure needs context. The couple does not necessarily spend ₹75,000 on trips every single month. Khandelwal said their travel expenditure is based on roughly ₹9 lakh spent annually, converted into a monthly average. She said the figure comes from expenses tracked over the past two years.That distinction is important because without it, the ₹1.7-lakh headline figure could give a misleading impression of their routine monthly household bills.<h2>Why Their Grocery Bill Reaches ₹13,000–₹14,000</h2>Khandelwal also provided context for the couple's grocery spending.A considerable part of their grocery budget goes toward foods associated with their high-protein diet. Products such as whey protein, Greek yogurt and paneer contribute to the monthly total, she explained.The disclosure highlights an important point in discussions surrounding household budgets: spending figures often reflect personal priorities and lifestyles rather than simply the minimum cost required to live in a city.Two households living in the same neighbourhood can therefore have substantially different monthly expenditure.<h2>₹60,000 for Rent and Maintenance</h2>Housing is the couple's biggest recurring fixed expense.Their rent and maintenance together amount to approximately ₹60,000 every month. Khandelwal noted that Bengaluru's rental market varies considerably depending on the residential society and location, meaning comparable apartments can command very different rents.Housing costs have become a frequent subject of online discussion among Bengaluru professionals, particularly because proximity to major employment centres, gated-community amenities and apartment size can dramatically affect rents.However, the couple's ₹60,000 figure should not be interpreted as a universal benchmark for living in Bengaluru. Residents can spend substantially more or less depending on neighbourhood, property type, whether they share accommodation and their preferred standard of living.<h2>Travel Is the Biggest Variable Expense</h2>Perhaps the most striking component of the couple's budget is travel.Khandelwal said the pair spends approximately ₹9 lakh annually on travelling together. When spread across 12 months, that produces an average monthly travel expense of around ₹75,000.Travel therefore represents a major lifestyle choice rather than an unavoidable Bengaluru living expense.Removing the averaged travel allocation would substantially reduce the headline monthly figure, which is one reason comparisons between this budget and the finances of other Bengaluru households need to be made carefully.<h2>Couple Tracks Spending Without Splitting Every Bill</h2>Another element of the couple's approach attracted attention: how they manage shared finances.Khandelwal explained that they track their expenses to understand where their money is going and to make more deliberate spending decisions. However, they do not use that tracking process to calculate exactly how much one partner owes the other for individual purchases.The approach reflects a distinction between expense tracking and expense splitting.For couples managing finances jointly, monitoring total household expenditure can provide visibility over financial habits without necessarily requiring every transaction to be divided equally.<h2>Why the ₹1.7-Lakh Budget Has Attracted Attention</h2>The discussion goes beyond one household's spending.Personal-finance content built around salaries, investments, rent and monthly expenditure has become increasingly visible on social media. Such posts can attract attention because they provide concrete numbers for subjects that people traditionally considered private.They also invite comparison.For some viewers, a ₹1.7-lakh monthly budget may appear extremely high. For others with similar incomes and lifestyle priorities, particularly those allocating substantial sums to travel, the figures may appear more understandable.The problem arises when an individual's lifestyle budget is treated as evidence of what it universally costs to live in Bengaluru.This couple's spending includes substantial discretionary expenditure, particularly travel and weekend activities. It is therefore better understood as their personal household budget, not as a calculation of Bengaluru's minimum or average cost of living.<h2>Bengaluru's Cost-of-Living Conversation</h2>The viral discussion nevertheless taps into a broader concern facing professionals in India's major cities.Housing, transportation, food, domestic services and leisure can collectively absorb a significant share of household income. At the same time, Bengaluru contains enormous variation in living costs.Someone sharing an apartment, cooking independently and travelling infrequently could maintain a dramatically different budget from a dual-income household living in a premium residential development and travelling regularly.Income also matters. A ₹1.7-lakh monthly expense carries very different financial implications for a household earning ₹2 lakh compared with one earning ₹5 lakh or more.Without knowing income, savings, debt, investments and long-term financial obligations, expenditure alone cannot determine whether a household is financially comfortable or overspending.<h2>Balanced Analysis: High Cost of Living or Lifestyle Choice?</h2>The viral numbers illustrate why discussions about urban affordability require context.Approximately ₹60,000 in rent and maintenance demonstrates how housing can represent a major fixed commitment for professionals choosing certain Bengaluru neighbourhoods or residential societies.At the same time, the couple's ₹9-lakh annual travel spending shows that a large part of their ₹1.7-lakh monthly average reflects discretionary priorities rather than basic necessities.Neither approach is inherently right or wrong. Personal finance depends heavily on income, savings targets, family responsibilities, debt and individual priorities.A household that can comfortably meet its savings and investment goals may deliberately allocate significant income toward travel. Another household earning a similar amount might prioritise purchasing property, retirement savings or building a larger emergency fund.The more useful lesson from the viral breakdown may therefore be the couple's decision to track spending rather than the absolute ₹1.7-lakh figure.Knowing where money goes makes it easier to decide whether spending aligns with personal priorities.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The Bengaluru couple's ₹1.7-lakh monthly expenditure has become another example of how personal-finance disclosures can rapidly generate debate online.With ₹60,000 going toward rent and maintenance, ₹13,000–₹14,000 toward groceries and travel expenditure averaging ₹75,000 a month, their budget combines significant fixed expenses with substantial lifestyle spending.Rather than establishing what it costs everyone to live in Bengaluru, the breakdown demonstrates how dramatically personal choices can influence household budgets.The debate surrounding it also underlines a broader financial principle: a headline spending figure means relatively little without understanding what is included, how much the household earns and what financial goals it is trying to achieve.This article is based on reporting published by Hindustan Times.

A Bengaluru-based couple’s disclosure that they spend around ₹1.7 lakh a month has triggered a fresh online discussion about urban living costs, lifestyle choices and financial planning. Their budget includes ₹60,000 for rent and maintenance, ₹13,000–₹14,000 for groceries and an average of ₹75,000 a month for travel.

A Bengaluru couple reveals spending around ₹1.7 lakh monthly, including ₹60,000 rent and ₹9 lakh annual travel, sparking debate over urban living costs.

Bengaluru Couple's ₹1.7 Lakh Monthly Expenses Spark Online Debate

Bengaluru Couple Spends ₹1.7 Lakh a Month: Their Expense Breakdown Sparks Debate

<h2>Technology Meets Tradition at Ujjain Shop Opening</h2>A routine commercial inauguration in Ujjain turned into an unusual technology showcase when a humanoid robot became part of the opening celebrations.Instead of being displayed simply as a technology exhibit, the robot participated in activities associated with the ceremony. It performed actions during the puja and later entertained those present with dance movements.The combination of a futuristic-looking machine and a traditional Indian ceremony made the inauguration stand out from a conventional shop opening.<h2>Humanoid Robot Participates in Puja</h2>Puja ceremonies are commonly organised when new shops, offices and businesses are inaugurated in India, with owners seeking an auspicious beginning for their ventures.What made the Ujjain event different was the involvement of the humanoid robot.The machine's participation offered a striking visual contrast: a technology associated with robotics and automation appearing alongside a centuries-old cultural tradition.Rather than replacing the ceremony itself, the robot appears to have been incorporated as a distinctive attraction within the inauguration.<h2>Robot's Dance Adds Entertainment to the Event</h2>The robot's role was not limited to the ceremonial activity.It also demonstrated dance-like movements, turning the inauguration into a technology and entertainment showcase for people attending the event.Humanoid robots are designed to resemble aspects of human appearance or movement. Depending on their capabilities, such machines can walk, move their arms, interact with people or execute programmed sequences.Public demonstrations are therefore becoming an effective way of introducing robotics to people who might otherwise encounter such technologies only through online videos or technology exhibitions.<h2>Why the Ujjain Robot Event Matters</h2>On its own, a robot appearing at a shop inauguration is a relatively small local event. Its broader significance comes from what it represents about changing public interaction with emerging technologies.Robotics was once associated primarily with factories, research institutions and highly specialised engineering applications. Advances in sensors, computing, artificial intelligence and robotic hardware are gradually expanding potential applications into hospitality, education, customer engagement and entertainment.Events such as the one in Ujjain also show how businesses can use emerging technologies as attention-grabbing promotional tools.For a newly opened shop, an unusual robot demonstration can generate curiosity among visitors while creating visually distinctive material for social media.<h2>Robots Are Becoming More Visible in Public Spaces</h2>Industrial robots have been used in manufacturing for decades, but humanoid machines represent a different challenge.They are designed to operate in environments created primarily for humans, which requires machines to deal with movement, balance, object handling and human interaction.Recent advances in artificial intelligence have further increased interest in combining humanoid robotic hardware with systems capable of understanding language and interpreting their surroundings.However, the impressive movements seen during demonstrations should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that robots possess human-like understanding.Some public performances may involve predefined routines, remote operation or carefully programmed sequences.<h2>Tradition and Technology Can Coexist — but Context Matters</h2>The robot's participation in a religious ceremony is likely to generate different interpretations.Some viewers may see the event simply as a creative demonstration showing how technology can be incorporated into traditional celebrations. Others may consider the religious setting significant and believe that technological novelty should remain separate from rituals carrying spiritual meaning.Both reactions underline an important question that is likely to become more common as sophisticated machines enter everyday environments: where should society draw the line between technological participation, entertainment and culturally meaningful human activities?The Ujjain inauguration does not settle that debate, but it provides an interesting example of how quickly those questions are moving from science-fiction scenarios into real-world situations.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Spectacle Today, Practical Applications Tomorrow?</h2>The robot's appearance at the Ujjain shop opening primarily demonstrates the public appeal of humanoid technology.For businesses, robots can provide novelty, attract visitors and generate social-media attention. They can also make complex technology feel more accessible to ordinary consumers.At the same time, a ceremonial performance should be distinguished from practical autonomous robotics.Dancing or completing predetermined gestures in a controlled environment is considerably different from performing complex tasks reliably in unpredictable workplaces.The real test for humanoid robotics will therefore be whether these machines can progress beyond demonstrations and become safe, affordable and genuinely useful in areas such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare support, hospitality and customer service.For now, the Ujjain shop opening offers a striking glimpse of something increasingly visible in India and around the world: technology entering spaces where tradition, commerce and everyday social life intersect.This article is based on reporting published by India Today.

A humanoid robot became the centre of attention at a shop inauguration in Ujjain after participating in a traditional puja and performing dance movements, bringing technology and tradition together at the unusual event.

A humanoid robot participated in a puja and performed dance movements during a shop inauguration in Ujjain, creating an unusual blend of robotics, tradition and entertainment.

Humanoid Robot Performs Puja and Dances at Ujjain Shop Opening

Humanoid Robot Performs Puja, Breaks Into Dance at Ujjain Shop Opening

<h2>GENESIS EIR 3.0 Targets India's Next Generation of Tech Founders</h2>India's government-backed startup ecosystem is expanding its focus on founders at the earliest stages of building technology businesses.MeitY, through MeitY Startup Hub, has launched GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence Cohort 3 as part of the wider GENESIS — Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups — initiative.The programme was formally launched during the GENESIS NextGen Startup Summit – Coimbatore Edition, held at Rathinam Global University in Coimbatore on August 4, 2026. Applications are open until September 3, 2026.Rather than focusing only on established startups, EIR 3.0 is designed for people who may still be developing an idea, proof of concept, prototype or early minimum viable product.That makes the programme particularly relevant to founders who have technical potential but have not yet reached the stage where conventional venture capital or institutional investment is readily accessible.<h2>Up to ₹10 Lakh Financial Assistance</h2>One of the programme's biggest attractions is financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh for selected innovators through participating GENESIS incubators.The funding is intended to help entrepreneurs advance early-stage technologies and reduce the gap between an innovative concept and a pilot-ready solution.However, funding is only one part of the support package.Selected participants can also receive incubation, individual mentorship, product and MVP development assistance, technology validation support, startup ecosystem connections and guidance towards commercialisation.For early-stage founders, this combination can be significant because technical ideas frequently require more than capital. Access to experienced mentors, infrastructure, industry networks and business-development guidance can influence whether a prototype ultimately becomes a viable company.<h2>Which Technology Sectors Are Covered?</h2>GENESIS EIR 3.0 covers a broad range of emerging technology areas.The government's identified focus domains include Electronics and IT, DeepTech, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Semiconductor and VLSI technologies, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum technologies, and AR/VR and spatial or immersive technologies.The range reflects India's broader effort to develop domestic capabilities in strategically important technology sectors while encouraging more technology-focused entrepreneurship outside the country's traditional startup centres.<h2>Who Can Apply for GENESIS EIR 3.0?</h2>The programme is open to Indian citizens who may be entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, students or founders and co-founders of early-stage startups.According to the official eligibility conditions, proposed innovations should generally be at Technology Readiness Level 1–4, covering stages such as ideation, proof of concept, prototype, MVP or early validation.The startup should be based in a Tier-II or Tier-III city. If the company has already been incorporated, it should be less than two years old on the application date.Applicants must also meet restrictions concerning previous government financial assistance: the startup should not have received more than ₹10 lakh in support under another Central or State government scheme for the same proposed idea or startup.<h2>Why Tier-II and Tier-III Cities Matter</h2>A notable feature of GENESIS is its geographical focus.India has built one of the world's most active startup ecosystems, but access to investors, experienced mentors, specialised talent and incubation infrastructure has historically been stronger in major technology centres.GENESIS attempts to broaden that opportunity by supporting entrepreneurs in emerging startup locations.Instead of requiring promising founders to first establish themselves in the largest startup hubs, programmes such as EIR can potentially create stronger local innovation networks around universities, incubators and technology institutions.This could become particularly important for founders developing products that address regional industries or problems where local knowledge provides an advantage.<h2>GENESIS Has a Broader ₹490 Crore Mandate</h2>EIR 3.0 forms part of the larger GENESIS programme rather than operating as a standalone funding initiative.The GENESIS scheme has a total budget outlay of ₹490 crore and is designed to support startups and innovators through different stages — from experimentation and early development to validation, investment and eventual scale.Its support framework includes Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Pilot, Investment and DeepTech funding components.The EIR component specifically targets the earliest part of that pipeline, where entrepreneurs may have promising technology but still need resources to demonstrate that their idea can work in practice.<h2>Why GENESIS EIR 3.0 Matters</h2>For India's startup ecosystem, the importance of GENESIS EIR 3.0 goes beyond the maximum ₹10 lakh assistance.One of the persistent challenges for very early-stage technology entrepreneurs is the gap between developing an idea and creating something sufficiently mature to attract customers or investors.Deep-tech ventures can face an even more difficult path because building prototypes, conducting technical validation and accessing specialised expertise can require substantial time and resources before meaningful revenue appears.A structured programme combining capital with incubation and mentoring can help reduce some of these barriers.The initiative could also strengthen the pipeline of technology startups emerging from universities, research communities and smaller cities — groups that may possess technical expertise but have fewer connections to established startup networks.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Funding Helps, but Execution Will Decide the Impact</h2>GENESIS EIR 3.0 offers a potentially useful entry point for entrepreneurs who are too early for traditional institutional investment.The ₹10 lakh ceiling can be meaningful for proof-of-concept development, prototyping and early validation, particularly when combined with incubation infrastructure and mentorship.However, government-backed funding alone cannot guarantee that participating ideas will become sustainable businesses.The programme's longer-term impact will depend on factors such as the quality of startup selection, effectiveness of participating incubators, speed of fund deployment, technical mentorship and the ability to connect promising ventures with customers and follow-on investors.Another important measure of success will be whether startups supported in Tier-II and Tier-III cities can continue growing after completing the programme instead of losing momentum once initial assistance ends.If GENESIS successfully connects early-stage innovators with strong incubation, industry expertise and subsequent capital, EIR 3.0 could help expand India's technology entrepreneurship pipeline beyond its largest metropolitan startup clusters.<h2>Application Deadline</h2>Applications for GENESIS EIR Cohort 3 opened on August 4 and are scheduled to close on September 3, 2026.Eligible innovators therefore have a limited window to submit their proposals for consideration.This article is based on reporting published by DD India.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), has opened applications for the third cohort of the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence programme. GENESIS EIR 3.0 is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, students, researchers, innovators and early-stage startup founders developing technology-led ideas, with selected participants eligible for financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh along with incubation, mentorship and product-development support.

MeitY has opened GENESIS EIR 3.0 applications for early-stage tech innovators, offering up to ₹10 lakh in financial assistance, incubation and mentorship.

GENESIS EIR 3.0 Launched: Get Up to ₹10 Lakh Startup Funding

Got a Tech Startup Idea? Government's GENESIS EIR 3.0 Offers Funding Up to ₹10 Lakh

<h2>Asaya Secures ₹88 Crore Series A Funding</h2>Indian direct-to-consumer skincare brand Asaya has secured ₹88 crore, or roughly $9.2 million, in a Series A funding round, giving the Bengaluru-based company additional capital to accelerate its next phase of expansion.The investment values Asaya at approximately ₹400 crore on a post-money basis. The round saw participation from RPSG Capital, OTP Ventures, Huddle Ventures, Hyperscale Ventures and 72 Ventures. It included a combination of primary and secondary capital, with some early angel investors receiving an opportunity to exit their holdings.The transaction represents a significant step for the young skincare company as it attempts to move beyond its digital-first foundations and build a larger presence across products, channels and geographies.<h2>Where Asaya Plans to Invest the Fresh Capital</h2>Research and product development will form an important part of Asaya's investment strategy. The company plans to allocate nearly 20% of the new funding to research and development, while the remaining capital is expected to support product-line expansion, distribution growth and hiring.Asaya also plans to expand its workforce as it scales operations. According to the company, it is targeting a doubling of its team in the coming months.This approach indicates that the startup is trying to balance customer acquisition and distribution with investment in product development—an increasingly important consideration in India's crowded beauty and personal-care industry.<h2>A Skincare Brand Focused on Melanin-Rich Skin</h2>Founded in 2021 by Neeraj Biyani, Eeti Sharma and Mandeep Singh Bhatia, Asaya has positioned itself as a science-focused skincare company developing products for concerns particularly relevant to melanin-rich skin.Hyperpigmentation is one of the company's central areas of focus. Its portfolio includes products across multiple skincare categories, including cleansers, serums, spot treatments, moisturisers and sunscreens. The company also addresses concerns such as dehydration and acne.Rather than relying exclusively on its own website, Asaya has been widening its reach through ecommerce and quick-commerce platforms as well as selected offline retail channels.That multi-channel strategy could become increasingly important as digital-first beauty companies seek growth beyond customers acquired through conventional online advertising.<h2>Asaya's Valuation Climbs to ₹400 Crore</h2>The Series A round values Asaya at ₹400 crore, representing roughly a threefold increase from its previous valuation, according to the company. Asaya has also said that its revenue has grown 16-fold.The latest financing comes less than a year after Asaya raised ₹28 crore in a pre-Series A round in September 2025. That earlier investment was led by RPSG Capital and included participation from OTP Ventures and Huddle Ventures, along with angel investors Suyash Saraf and Anisha Agarwal Saraf.The repeat participation of existing investors can be interpreted as a sign of continued investor confidence in the company's growth strategy, although future performance will ultimately depend on whether Asaya can convert its expansion plans into sustainable revenue and profitability.<h2>Why the ₹88 Crore Funding Matters</h2>India's beauty and personal-care market has produced a growing number of digital-first brands targeting specific consumer concerns rather than competing only as broad cosmetics companies.Within that environment, Asaya is attempting to differentiate itself through a science-led positioning and its focus on skincare concerns associated with melanin-rich skin.The ₹88 crore investment gives the company greater resources to deepen that differentiation through research while simultaneously expanding distribution.The funding is particularly notable because the company is not directing all of the capital toward marketing and customer acquisition. Allocating nearly one-fifth to R&amp;D suggests that formulation and product innovation are intended to remain an important part of its long-term strategy.<h2>From D2C Brand to Omnichannel Skincare Business</h2>Asaya began with a primarily direct-to-consumer approach, but its expanding presence across ecommerce, quick commerce and offline retail reflects a wider evolution occurring among Indian D2C companies.Pure online distribution can help young brands launch quickly and build direct relationships with consumers. However, scaling beyond a certain point can require access to additional channels, particularly in categories such as skincare where customers may discover and purchase products across multiple platforms.For Asaya, expanding offline and digital distribution could therefore broaden its addressable customer base while reducing dependence on any single sales channel.<h2>Growth Ambitions After Series A</h2>Asaya has set an ambitious growth target following the fundraise. Co-founder Neeraj Biyani said the company is targeting ₹200 crore in annual recurring revenue within 18 months. The company has also said it has reached profitability at the variable contribution level.Achieving that target would require continued momentum in customer acquisition, repeat purchases and distribution expansion.The additional funding gives Asaya greater financial capacity to pursue those objectives, but rapid expansion also introduces execution challenges, particularly as the company adds employees, products and sales channels simultaneously.<h2>Balanced Analysis: Opportunity Comes With Intense Competition</h2>Asaya's Series A provides several advantages. A higher valuation, support from existing investors and substantial new capital could help the company invest in research while building a larger distribution network.Its specialised focus on hyperpigmentation and melanin-rich skin may also provide a clearer brand identity than a broad, general-purpose skincare positioning.However, India's skincare category is highly competitive. Digital-first startups compete not only with other emerging D2C companies but also with established Indian and multinational beauty businesses with significant marketing budgets and extensive retail networks.Expanding rapidly can additionally increase operating complexity and expenditure. Asaya will therefore need to ensure that customer retention, product performance and unit economics develop alongside headline revenue growth.The company's next stage will likely be defined not simply by how quickly it expands, but by whether it can build a durable consumer brand while maintaining the science-led positioning that helped distinguish it in the first place.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Asaya's ₹88 crore Series A represents an important milestone in the skincare startup's journey from a young D2C company toward a larger omnichannel beauty business.With a ₹400 crore valuation and plans to invest in R&amp;D, new products, distribution and talent, the company now has more resources to pursue aggressive expansion.The bigger test will be execution. If Asaya can translate product innovation and wider availability into repeat customers and sustainable growth, the Series A could provide the foundation for its next phase. If competition and expansion costs rise faster than sales, maintaining that momentum could prove considerably more difficult.<hr><h2></h2>This article is based on reporting published by Indian Startup News.

Bengaluru-based skincare startup Asaya has raised ₹88 crore in a Series A funding round at a post-money valuation of ₹400 crore. The company plans to deploy the fresh capital toward research and development, new products, wider distribution and team expansion as it strengthens its position in India's competitive skincare market.

D2C skincare startup Asaya raises ₹88 crore in Series A funding at a ₹400 crore valuation to expand R&D, products, distribution and its team.

Asaya Raises ₹88 Crore Series A Funding at ₹400 Crore Valuation

Asaya Raises ₹88 Crore in Series A Funding, Valuation Reaches ₹400 Crore

WATER Raises $2.5 Million to Push Physical AI Into Everyday ProductsIndia's emerging Physical AI ecosystem has received another funding boost as Hyderabad-based startup WATER secured $2.5 million to advance technology that aims to make everyday physical surfaces capable of sensing and responding to people.The funding round was led by Endiya Partners, with participation from Indian badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, Darwinbox co-founder Rohit Chennamaneni, Swiggy co-founder Nandan Reddy and other angel investors.Rather than concentrating primarily on conversational or screen-based artificial intelligence, WATER is working on AI that directly interacts with the physical environment. Its initial focus is on surfaces people use for extended periods, particularly chairs and beds.<h2>WATER Is Building FLOW and CAMA</h2>Founded by Teja Vinukollu and Haneesh Mourya Desu, WATER is developing two flagship products: FLOW, an adaptive chair, and CAMA, an adaptive bed.FLOW is being designed around posture, movement and the distribution of load while a person is seated. Instead of functioning simply as a connected chair that collects information, the concept is to enable the surface itself to adapt to the user's physical interaction.CAMA applies a similar approach to sleep. Its development is focused on factors including sleep, recovery and respiration. WATER has also developed a near-production-ready adaptive sleep system, according to information reported about the funding round.The two products therefore serve as early demonstrations of a broader technological ambition rather than isolated pieces of smart furniture.<h2>VORTEX Forms the Intelligence Layer</h2>At the centre of WATER's technology is VORTEX, a shared foundational model designed to sense and model interactions with the human body and translate that information into physical responses.This distinction is important.Many existing connected products are designed mainly to measure behaviour, generate data or provide recommendations through an app. WATER is attempting to create a closed loop in which a physical surface can collect signals, interpret them and then adjust itself accordingly.If successfully validated, such an architecture could potentially allow the same underlying intelligence to work across several categories of physical products instead of requiring completely separate AI systems for each device.<h2>Funding Will Focus on Technical Validation</h2>The $2.5 million investment is expected to support WATER's continued technical validation.A major question the company intends to address is whether VORTEX's understanding can transfer effectively between different products and different users.That challenge could prove crucial to WATER's wider strategy.An adaptive system that works only with a narrowly defined product or limited group of users would have fewer opportunities to scale. A model capable of learning principles that remain useful across chairs, beds and eventually other environments could create a much broader technology platform.<h2>Why WATER's Funding Matters for Physical AI</h2>Artificial intelligence investment has largely been associated with software platforms, generative AI models and enterprise automation. Physical AI represents a different direction: connecting intelligence with machines and environments capable of taking action in the real world.WATER's approach brings that idea into objects that people interact with every day.Instead of limiting Physical AI to conventional robots, autonomous vehicles or industrial machinery, adaptive furniture demonstrates how the technology could eventually become embedded into ordinary environments.A chair could potentially respond continuously to changes in posture. A sleeping surface could adapt as a person's position or breathing patterns change. The broader concept is an environment that does not simply collect information about its user but changes its physical behaviour in response.<h2>WATER Sees Opportunities Beyond Furniture</h2>The startup's ambitions extend beyond seating and sleeping products.WATER sees potential for its technology to eventually move into areas such as automotive and aviation environments, where people also spend substantial periods interacting with seats and other physical surfaces.That expansion would represent a significant shift in WATER's positioning—from a company producing adaptive furniture to one providing an intelligence layer for human-responsive environments.If the underlying technology proves transferable, applications could eventually emerge wherever physical surfaces need to understand and dynamically respond to their users.<h2>A Promising Idea Still Facing Real-World Tests</h2>WATER's funding highlights investor interest in AI systems that extend beyond screens, but the company's ambitions also come with substantial technical and commercial challenges.Physical products must meet standards that software-only businesses generally do not face. Reliability, manufacturing costs, durability and safety can all become critical once AI begins controlling objects that directly interact with people.The startup will also need to demonstrate that adaptive behaviour provides enough practical improvement for consumers or businesses to justify potentially higher hardware costs.Technical transferability is another key question. Demonstrating that VORTEX can reliably interpret different users across multiple physical products will be important if WATER wants to turn its technology into a scalable platform.The company has filed a foundational patent related to its safety approach, while its new funding gives it additional resources to test the underlying technology and its ability to operate across products.<h2>What Comes Next for WATER?</h2>The immediate priority is likely to be proving that the technology behind FLOW and CAMA can work reliably outside controlled demonstrations and across a diverse range of users.Success could give WATER an opportunity to establish an early position in India's emerging Physical AI market.More importantly, the startup is testing a larger idea: whether AI can move from simply understanding human behaviour to continuously reshaping the physical environments around people.The $2.5 million round provides WATER with capital to pursue that vision, but the next phase will depend on technical validation, product reliability and evidence that adaptive surfaces deliver meaningful benefits in everyday use.For now, WATER represents an interesting example of how India's AI startup ecosystem is beginning to expand beyond software and into technologies where artificial intelligence directly interacts with the physical world.

Hyderabad-based Physical AI startup WATER has raised $2.5 million in funding led by Endiya Partners to advance its technology for adaptive physical surfaces. The company is developing FLOW, an intelligent chair, and CAMA, an adaptive bed, both powered by its VORTEX foundational model designed to sense and respond to the human body in real time.

Physical-AI startup WATER secures $2.5 million led by Endiya Partners to develop FLOW adaptive chairs, CAMA intelligent beds and its VORTEX AI platform.

WATER Raises $2.5 Million for Physical AI Adaptive Products

Physical-AI Startup WATER Raises $2.5 Million to Build Adaptive Chairs, Beds and Intelligent Surfaces

<h2>Rishabh Pant Adds Another WTC Record to His Name</h2>Rishabh Pant has once again written his name into India's World Test Championship record books.The wicketkeeper-batter overtook Shubman Gill to become India's second-highest run-scorer in World Test Championship history during the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="http://hindustantimes.com">hindustantimes.com</a>)The milestone underlines Pant's remarkable influence on India's Test batting since the WTC format was introduced.Unlike many traditional Test batters, Pant has built his reputation through a combination of aggressive stroke-making and the ability to produce match-changing innings under pressure.His latest achievement further demonstrates that his attacking approach has also translated into sustained run-scoring across multiple WTC cycles.<h2>Pant Goes Past Shubman Gill</h2>Before the Colombo Test, Pant and Gill were already among India's most productive batters in World Test Championship cricket.Pant's latest innings took him beyond Gill's career WTC tally, moving the wicketkeeper into second place among Indian run-scorers in the competition.Rohit Sharma remains ahead of Pant on India's all-time WTC run-scoring list. (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-cyan-700 underline" href="http://hindustantimes.com">hindustantimes.com</a>)The comparison with Gill is particularly interesting because the two batters represent different approaches to Test batting.Gill is generally associated with technically elegant stroke play, while Pant has built his Test identity around calculated aggression and an ability to disrupt opposition bowling plans.Yet Pant's position among India's leading WTC run-makers shows that his aggressive style has been accompanied by significant consistency.<h2>Why Pant's WTC Achievement Matters</h2>The World Test Championship has become one of the most important measures of sustained performance in modern Test cricket.Rather than focusing on one bilateral series, WTC statistics capture performances across different countries, opponents and playing conditions over multiple championship cycles.Pant's position near the top of India's run-scoring charts therefore reflects more than a handful of memorable innings.He has produced important performances in several demanding environments, including overseas conditions where wicketkeeper-batters traditionally face an especially difficult challenge.That combination of wicketkeeping responsibility and middle-order batting makes his numbers even more notable.<h2>Rishabh Pant's Unusual Impact on Test Cricket</h2>Pant's influence cannot always be measured through runs alone.His willingness to attack can rapidly change the tempo of a Test match. A session that appears evenly balanced can shift dramatically if Pant successfully puts pressure back on the bowling side.That approach inevitably carries risk.Aggressive strokes can sometimes result in dismissals that attract criticism, particularly when India are in a difficult position. However, the same attacking instinct has also been central to some of Pant's most important Test performances.His growing WTC run tally suggests that India have largely benefited from allowing him to maintain that natural style rather than attempting to transform him into a conventional defensive middle-order batter.<h2>Pant's Comeback Makes the Record More Significant</h2>Pant's career numbers carry additional context because his international journey was interrupted following the serious car accident he suffered in December 2022.He spent an extended period away from competitive cricket before eventually returning to international action.Re-establishing himself as India's first-choice Test wicketkeeper-batter required not only physical recovery but also rebuilding the rhythm and endurance necessary for five-day cricket.His subsequent return to the upper reaches of India's WTC batting records therefore represents an important chapter in his career.<h2>A Key Player in India's Current Test Generation</h2>Pant's latest milestone also highlights his growing importance during a period of transition in India's Test team.As senior players gradually make way for a newer generation, players such as Pant and Gill are increasingly becoming central figures in India's long-term red-ball plans.Pant's experience gives him a particularly important role.Despite still having many potential years of international cricket ahead of him, he has already played high-pressure Test matches across Australia, England, South Africa and India.That experience could become increasingly valuable as India build toward future World Test Championship campaigns.<h2>Can Pant Become India's Leading WTC Run-Scorer?</h2>Moving into second place naturally raises another question: can Pant eventually reach the top?If he remains fit and continues playing regularly, the opportunity is certainly there.Pant's ability to score quickly also allows him to accumulate substantial runs without necessarily requiring extremely long innings.However, Test cricket places significant physical demands on wicketkeepers. Managing workload and avoiding injuries will therefore be important if Pant is to continue climbing the WTC record charts.Individual records will also remain secondary to India's larger objective of collecting enough championship points to challenge for another WTC final.<h2>Balanced Analysis</h2>Pant overtaking Gill is an impressive statistical achievement, but comparisons between the two players require context.They occupy different batting roles, have played different numbers of matches and often enter the crease under very different circumstances.A simple career run tally therefore cannot definitively establish which player has been more valuable.What the milestone does demonstrate is Pant's remarkable productivity in World Test Championship cricket.His aggressive reputation can sometimes overshadow his consistency, but becoming one of India's leading WTC run-scorers provides strong statistical evidence of his sustained contribution.For India, that may ultimately be more important than the record itself. A fit and confident Rishabh Pant gives the Test side something few teams possess—a wicketkeeper capable of changing the direction of a match with the bat in a single session.<hr>This article is based on reporting published by TOI.

Rishabh Pant has added another major achievement to his Test career, moving past Shubman Gill on the list of India's leading run-scorers in World Test Championship history. Pant reached the milestone during India's ongoing Test against Sri Lanka at the SSC in Colombo, strengthening his reputation as one of India's most influential red-ball batters.

Rishabh Pant creates WTC history by overtaking Shubman Gill on India's all-time World Test Championship run-scoring list during the Test against Sri Lanka.

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