India now OpenAI’s second largest market, Altman says

FILE PHOTO: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during a press conference with Kakao CEO Chung Shina to announce partnerships on AI services, in Seoul, South Korea, February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo(Reuters) -OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday said India is now OpenAI’s second-largest market by number of users, which have tripled in the past year.Altman met with India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and discussed India’s plan of creating a low-cost AI ecosystem. Altman lauded the country’s rapid AI adoption and growing ambitions.Vaishnaw posted on X that he had a “super cool discussion” with Altman on India’s “strategy of creating the entire AI stack – GPUs, model, and apps” and that OpenAI was willing to collaborate on all three.“I think India should be doing everything. I think India should be one of the leaders of the AI revolution”, Altman said, a reversal from last year when he cast doubt on whether the country could build a substantial model in the OpenAI space with a $10 million budget.It was Altman’s first visit since 2023 to India, where his company faces legal challenges.Vaishnaw last week praised Chinese startup DeepSeek for shaking up the sector with its low-cost AI assistant, likening its frugal approach to his government’s efforts to build a localised AI model.“Our country sent a mission to the moon at a fraction...

Read More........→March 18, 2025

Indian American engineers discuss advancements in hot technologies

Debu Chatterjee, CEO Konfer and Mihir Shukla, CEO Automation Anywhere discussing responsible AI and engaging the audience. ALL PHOTOS: ASEIThe American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin (ASEIUSA.org), a non-profit founded in 1983, convened an AI Summit February 17, 2025, in Santa Clara, California, attended by a number of academics, researchers, authors, speakers and industry innovators.Held at the UCSC Silicon Valley campus, the event also marked the 10-year anniversary of ASEI’s Silicon Valley chapter.The Conference covered a wide variety of subjects in Artificial Intelligence.India’s Consul General in San Francisco Dr Srikar Reddy addressing the ASEI audience at AI meeting, Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTO: ASEIAfter a warm welcome by co-hosts UCSC Dean P.K. Agarwal,and ASEI Silicon Valley President Piyush Malik, setting the stage for the event, the Consul General (CG) of India in San Francisco Dr. Srikar Reddy, shared his perspectives on India’s digital economy, the strength of Silicon Valley Indian community and how the Indian government is investing in and leveraging AI for improving lives and livelihoods of citizens. Reddy alluded to Prime Minister Modi’s recent speeches at AI Action Summit in Paris and recent visit to the US.Opening the program with a classical Indian music performance by a young high school STEM student Sohum Gupta,...

Read More........→February 26, 2025

India’s e-waste offers $6 billion economic opportunity: Report

Bengaluru, (IANS): There is an estimated economic potential of $6 billion from recoverable materials through metal extraction as India’s e-waste holds a great economic opportunity, a report said on Friday.India is now the world’s third-largest e-waste producer, after China and the US. The country’s e-waste has doubled from 2 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY14 to 3.8 MMT in FY24, fuelled by urbanisation and rising incomes, said the report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.Predominantly generated by households and businesses, the consumer segment contributes nearly 70 per cent of total e-waste in FY24.A significant trend in e-waste generation is the shift in material intensity. While appliances are becoming more compact and lightweight, the sheer volume of discarded items is increasing, necessitating efficient recycling strategies.“The volume of e-waste is expected to rise in the coming years. The rising value of metals in e-waste presents a major opportunity for India to enhance recovery efficiency and establish itself as a leader in sustainable metal extraction,” said Jasbir S. Juneja, Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants.Currently, only 16 per cent of consumer e-waste in India is processed by formal recyclers. Despite projections of a 17 per cent CAGR growth in the formal recycling sector by FY35, it is expected to handle just...

Read More........→February 20, 2025

India’s first flying taxi prototype unveiled at auto expo 2025

New Delhi, (IANS): In a bid to realise the dream of air taxis and transform urban mobility in India, the country’s first flying taxi prototype, called ‘Shunya’, has been unveiled at the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025’ here.Precision manufacturing firm Sona SPEED signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation towards this goal.Sarla Aviation is developing India's most sophisticated electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the Sarla Aviation booth, and showed keen interest in the flying taxi prototype, considered a historic step toward sustainable and futuristic mobility in the country.Sona SPEED motors have been part of several space missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The agreement positions Sona SPEED as a key partner in revolutionising urban air mobility in the country.“This partnership is a significant step in Sona SPEED’s evolution as a hub for aerospace innovation. Together, we aim to shape a cleaner, faster, and more efficient future for urban transportation,” said Chocko Valliappa, CEO of Sona SPEED.Under the MoU, Sona SPEED will utilise its state-of-the-art facilities in Karnataka to design and manufacture critical components, like the motors and landing gear among others for Sarla...

Read More........→February 05, 2025

AI technologies set to revolutionise Indian businesses this year: Report

New Delhi, (IANS): India is expected to witness a transformative shift in its technological landscape this year, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI), a report said on Thursday.The Indian organisations are rapidly adopting AI technologies across key domains such as automation, cybersecurity, robotics, and supply chain management, said Capgemini Research Institute’s report.Nearly 80 per cent of surveyed Indian organisations are planning to initiate proof-of-concepts (PoCs) or fully adopt AI agents by 2025.Additionally, 36 per cent of Indian organisations plan to partially implement AI agents in specific areas, said the report.The enthusiasm for AI is also echoed by Indian venture capitalists (VCs) and executives, with 85 per cent of VCs and 70 per cent of business leaders believing AI agents will play a transformative role in the AI and data domain by 2025.Generative AI is also set to make waves in cybersecurity. According to the report, around 63 per cent of Indian organisations surveyed expect Gen AI to enable faster threat detection.Retail and telecom sectors are particularly optimistic, with 92 per cent and 91 per cent of executives, respectively, ranking Gen AI among the top three cybersecurity trends for 2025, said the report.Over 70 per cent of Indian companies are expected to integrate...

Read More........→January 27, 2025

Experts urge heart disease patients to avoid extreme weather exposures

New Delhi, (IANS): People with cardiovascular diseases and those with risk factors must avoid extreme exposures, said health experts on Wednesday."Exposure to extreme cold or heat without any pre-acculturation might lead to disturbance in cardiovascular function. Hence, patients with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases should avoid such extreme exposures," Harshal R Salve, Additional professor, centre for community medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.He also urged people to be "aware about one's cardiovascular health such as blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled diabetes status before venturing to extreme weather events".Cardiologist Ashwani Mehta, from a city-based hospital, said many people get heart attacks in the winter.It is majorly due to the fluctuation in the temperature which can spike the blood pressure levels."It can even increase the sympathetic response to the changing blood pressure, leading to increased BP and heart rate; and the arteries can go into constriction".Various studies show that the platelet aggregability and the tendency to form clots in the arteries increase during the winter season. This can also increase the rate of heart attacks during the winter season.Exposure to extreme cold can affect the heart, the brain and other vital organs. One should keep their body warm to help reduce...

Read More........→January 21, 2025

India’s CO2 emissions account 8pc of global total, to rise by 4.6pc in 2024: Report

New Delhi, (IANS): India accounts for per cent of the global total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and it is expected to increase by 4.6 per cent in 2024, according to a new report released on Wednesday, ahead of the UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.The report by Global Carbon Project, involving an international team of more than 120 scientists, showed that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 -- 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, up 0.8 per cent from 2023 levels.The report led by the University of Exeter showed “there is ‘no sign’ that the world has reached a peak in fossil CO2 emissions”. This is despite the urgent need to cut emissions to slow climate change.It showed that emissions from coal are expected to rise by 0.2 per cent; oil by 0.9 per cent; and gas by 2.4 per cent.China’s emissions -- which account for 32 per cent of the global total -- are projected to marginally increase by 0.2 per cent, while US emissions (which account for 13 per cent of the global total) are projected to decrease by 0.6 per cent.Notably, emissions from the European Union (accounting for 7 per cent of the global total) will decrease by 3.8 per cent.Emissions in the rest of the world (accounting for 38 per cent of the global total) are projected to increase by 1.1 per cent, said the report, published in...

Read More........→December 02, 2024

Indian startups file 83,000 patents in FY23; AI, neurotechnology lead

New Delhi, (IANS): Led by artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and neuro-technology, India witnessed 83,000 patents being filed by deep-tech startups in FY2023, marking an annual growth rate of 24.6 per cent which is highest since the last two decades, a Nasscom report showed on Friday.The number of patents granted also witnessed significant growth, rising over 2 times between FY2019-FY2023.This trend is expected to increase significantly with over 100K patents granted between March 15, 2023 and March 14 this year."The surge in patent filings within the last few years is a clear indication of India’s growing innovation prowess, particularly in areas like AI," said Debjani Ghosh, President, Nasscom.To further enhance domestic patent activity, collaborations among key stakeholders are essential for fostering and increasing awareness of intellectual property rights, she added.Over the past decade, the proportion of patents filed by residents (primary filers based in India) has doubled, climbing from 33.6 per cent of total filings in fiscal year 2019 to more than 50 per cent in fiscal year 2023."The filing of over 900 patents since 2008 by leading Indian deep-tech startups coupled with the submission of 32,000 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications in India by other countries stood as a testament to this increasing...

Read More........→October 24, 2024

India's elusive snow leopards snapped in key survey

NEW DELHI - Snow leopards have been dubbed the "ghosts of the mountains" for their elusive behaviour, but Indian researchers have successfully photographed more than 200 in a landmark study estimating at least 718 across the country.The mammoth five-year survey, the first nationwide review of snow leopards in India, monitored 120,000 square kilometres of their remote mountain habitat, according to the environment ministry.It involved setting out camera traps in nearly 2,000 locations recording more than 180,000 nights -- the equivalent to nearly 500 years -- to record 241 individual leopards on camera.The leopards -- with thick grey fur dotted with dark spots, and large paws that act as natural snow shoes -- are "masters of stealth and camouflage", according to the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) India, who assisted the assessment.The environment ministry said the survey has "significantly increased understanding" of the rare creatures, Indian media reported Wednesday.Snow leopards, scientific name panthera uncia, are listed as "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Before the survey, the WWF had suggested that there were between 400-700 snow leopards in India. The report now puts the total number in the upper range of earlier estimates.Two-thirds of the cats are found in India's far northern...

Read More........→October 21, 2024

India to get Centre of Excellence in quantum and 6G technologies

New Delhi, September 20 (IANS): In an effort to bolster India’s position in the sphere of quantum and 6G technologies, the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) India and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka have joined hands to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in quantum technology and related areas.The centre, headquartered at VTU-Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF) Bangalore, aims to accelerate India’s progress across these key sectors and is part of the 100-day programme, according to the Ministry of Communications.The CoE is designed on a hub-and-spoke model for innovation with VTU-VRIF and TCOE India serving as the central hub.According to the government, leveraging the intellectual and infrastructural strengths of VTU’s 228 affiliated colleges, the CoE will act as a key facilitator in research and development.Through this model, the CoE will streamline cutting-edge research, foster collaboration, and rapidly scale innovations across Quantum and associated 5G/6G Technologies.The hub will have vertical focussed innovation groups and get the best experts among the affiliated colleges, said the ministry.The centre will enhance synergy among key organisations working in telecom standardisation such as Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) Bharat 6G Alliance, TSDSI, Academic Network and the...

Read More........→September 20, 2024

Indian scientists use machine learning to predict crustal movements in Tibetan Plateau

New Delhi, (IANS): A team of scientists at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), on Tuesday revealed machine learning (ML) techniques for modelling crustal deformations over the Tibetan Plateau.The team noted that the techniques helped them forecast the velocity vectors of such movements and enhanced the characterisation of plate movements.Typically, a dense network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) is employed to continuously monitor crustal deformation. Campaign-mode GPS surveys are often used to densify the existing CORS network. However, these are not only expensive but also challenging due to logistical problems and regional geographical considerations.The Wadia Institute scientists instead implemented ML techniques such as support vector machines, decision trees, and Gaussian process regression to accurately model crustal movement. In the study, the team analysed data from 1,271 permanent continuous and campaign-mode GPS stations located on the Tibetan plateau and its surrounding areas. They used data from 892 stations for model training and data from 379 stations for testing.The results, published in the Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, demonstrate the "effectiveness of these ML techniques in forecasting velocity vectors -- easting...

Read More........→September 18, 2024

DRDO’s young scientists complete testing of 6-qubit quantum processor

New Delhi, (IANS): Scientists from DRDO's Young Scientists Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) have completed end-to-end testing of a 6-qubit quantum processor, the Ministry of Defence said.“The project executed at TIFR Mumbai’s Colaba campus is a three-way collaboration between DYSL-QT, TIFR and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The DYSL-QT scientists put together the control and measurement apparatus using a combination of commercial off-the-shelf electronics and custom-programmed development boards,” the ministry said.It added that these qubits were designed and fabricated at TIFR and the quantum processor architecture is based on a novel ring-resonator design invented at TIFR. The cloud-based interface to the quantum hardware is developed by TCS.“The scientists are now working on optimising various aspects of the system performance before it becomes ready for operation,” the ministry said.The ministry added that plans are underway to provide wider access to this system for education, and research and eventually as a test bed for testing superconducting quantum devices for analysis.“The next development target is to scale up the number of qubits and assess the scaling trends to technology challenges, development effort/time and monetary resources required for development, operations and commercialisation of various sizes...

Read More........→September 16, 2024

Concerning spike in back and spine problems due to excessive gadget use: Doctors

New Delhi, (IANS): The excessive use of gadgets among individuals aged 20 to 55 is leading to a significant increase in back and spine problems, doctors warn.Many are experiencing severe and debilitating symptoms, including sharp, stabbing, or dull pain in the back or neck, muscle spasms, tingling, loss of sensation, and even weakness or limited mobility.Prolonged screen time is increasing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the spine, with severe pain, tingling, and functional weakness being reported."In this digital era, prolonged screen time is causing a rise in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), particularly affecting the spine. There has been a 60 per cent surge in back and spine issues. Individuals aged 20-55 are reporting severe pain, sometimes accompanied by loss of urinary or bowel control, tingling in the extremities, and functional weakness. Seven in ten patients I see daily suffer from back and neck pain," Mohit Muttha, Orthopaedic & Spine Surgeon at Apollo Spectra, Pune told IANS."Poor posture, especially forward head posture (FHP), due to excessive gadget use, leads to muscle imbalances and tightened hip flexors, making daily activities stressful and painful," added Muttha."A 60 per cent increase in low back and neck issues among 20-45-year-olds is linked to gadget addiction, causing discomfort in the...

Read More........→September 09, 2024

India's 1st reusable hybrid rocket 'RHUMI-1' launched

New Delhi, (IANS): Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone, in collaboration with the Martin Group on Saturday successfully launched India’s first reusable hybrid rocket 'RHUMI-1'.RHUMI-1, carrying 3 Cube satellites and 50 PICO satellites was launched to a suborbital trajectory from the TTDC Ground in Thiruvidandhai, ECR, Chennai using a mobile launcher, the company said.The satellites aim to collect data for research purposes on global warming and climate change.Equipped with a generic-fuel-based hybrid motor and electrically triggered parachute deployer, the rocket is 100 per cent pyrotechnic-free and 0 per cent TNT.“The demand for small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is increasing in India,” said Anand Megalingam, founder and CEO of Space Zone, in a company blog post, before the launch.This, he said, prompted “the company to focus on capturing the small satellite market while employing a Hybrid Propulsion system to ensure cost-effectiveness”.Mission RHUMI was led by Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, The Moon Man of India, Former Director ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), and Megalingam as its Mission Director.Other key features of RHUMI-1 include its angle, which can be fine-tuned from 0 to 120 degrees, allowing precise trajectory control.The company also built an innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly descent mechanism that will ensure...

Read More........→September 04, 2024

Indian tech industry projected to reach $350 billion in FY25 as salaries jump

New Delhi, (IANS): The Indian tech industry is projected to reach $350 billion in FY25 -- from $254 billion in FY24 -- fuelled by the rise of remote work and digital-first strategies, a report showed on Tuesday.Traditionally non-tech industries are being transformed through the use of advanced technologies, with over 70 per cent of the companies in telecom, media and entertainment, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), and energy and utilities sectors, dedicating more than 20 per cent of their technology budgets to digital advancements.The tech talent pool in this non-tech sector is also expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.86 per cent, reaching from 7.65 lakh in FY22 to 11.15 lakh by FY27, highlighting the increasing integration of technology across various traditional industries, according to the report by TeamLease Digital.Considering tech functions in non-tech sectors, the role of a SAP-ABAP consultant has a starting salary of about Rs 7.2 lakh per annum that can go as high as Rs 31 lakh per annum at over eight years of experience.In IT products and services sector, cloud investment is set to grow by 25-30 per cent in the next five years. The sector is expected to account for eight per cent of the country’s GDP by 2026 and create 14 million jobs by adopting cloud solutions, underlining the sector's potential for economic...

Read More........→August 30, 2024

E-commerce, engineering, infrastructure among top industries hiring freshers in India

New Delhi, (IANS): E-commerce and technology startups, engineering and infrastructure and retail are top three industries in the country showing intent to hire freshers in the second half this year, a report has said.The 7 per cent rise compared to the July-December 2023 period in fresher hiring intent, coupled with growing demand across diverse sectors, signals a robust job market recovery.Bengaluru leads with 74 per cent of employers aiming to hire freshers, followed by Mumbai at 60 per cent and Chennai at 54 per cent, according to a TeamLease EdTeach report.According to the findings, 72 per cent of employers intend to hire freshers in the coming months. The report was based on a survey of over 603 companies across India, indicates a positive trend in the job market for new graduates.Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, said that the increase in hiring intent for freshers is an encouraging sign as it reflects growing confidence among employers and presents valuable opportunities for fresh talent entering the workforce.Job roles like full-stack developer, SEO executive, digital sales associate, and UI/UX designer have emerged as the most in-demand positions for freshers.According to the report, employers are particularly seeking candidates with skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and search engine...

Read More........→August 23, 2024

Smart home market to reach Rs 36,000 crore by 2028 as more Indians embrace advanced tech

Bengaluru, (IANS): The smart home category in India, valued at Rs 8,000 crore in 2023, is projected to reach Rs 36,000 crore by 2028, underscoring India's rapidly growing appetite for advanced home technologies, a report said on Wednesday.The overall smart and non-smart home category, valued at Rs 90,000 crore in 2023, is now projected to expand approximately by 1.5 times, reaching Rs 1,40,000 crore by 2028, according to data provided by Redseer Strategy ConsultantsWhile security-related products are expected to lead the charge, contributing around 14 per cent to the market, other categories are also poised for steady growth by the given timeframe."India's smart home market is at an inflexion point due to changing market dynamics, most notably the growing customer interest, which has led to a 4 times increase in smart home device penetration since pre-Covid levels," said Amitabh Kumar, Engagement Manager at Redseer.This trend is further bolstered by rising internet penetration, now at 55 per cent, enabling a wider array of use cases for smart home devices.According to the report, smart home devices in India have evolved from basic, high-energy-consuming gadgets to sophisticated, connected systems that can be easily controlled by phones.Key categories driving this revolution include security (cameras, doorbells, locks), lighting...

Read More........→August 09, 2024

Lack of proper sleep could lead to brain-related problems, warn doctors

Hyderabad, (IANS) People must never ignore sleep to meet deadlines, and it's never appropriate to waste time on the Internet over a proper good night's sleep, advise healthcare professionals on World Brain Day.Recommending a seven-hour sleep to help the brain function better, they warned that lack of proper sleep could lead to brain-related problems.Commenting on the importance of sleep and the adverse effect on the brain due to lack of it, Dr. S Ramesh, Consulting Neurosurgery, Kamineni Hospitals said, "Sleep is one of the most important components in the daily routine of an individual. Sleep is important for a number of brain-related functions, like the communication between neurons/nerve cells.“People must be made aware that without proper sleep, the required pathways in the brain to create new memories and new response systems, will get adversely affected.""It is a known fact that the brain controls the human body and functions and emotions. It is important to know that sleep affects every aspect and every organ in the human body, especially the brain.“While a good sleep will have a positive impact, irregular sleeping habits could affect almost every type of tissue and system like the brain, the heart, and even the lungs. Many people complain about mood swings, and this has a direct connection with the quality of sleep and its...

Read More........→August 03, 2024

India has talent, expertise to be a global leader in semiconductor industry: MeitY Secy

New Delhi, (IANS): Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan said that India has the talent and deep expertise to be a global player in the semiconductor industry, an important sector for the country.Speaking at a conference organised by fabless semiconductor firm iVP Semiconductor, Krishnan said that the government is helping the industry to create the ecosystem to build semiconductors.He highlighted the government's commitment to creating an environment conducive to the industry's growth, including providing necessary support and infrastructure.The Secretary also mentioned that iVP Semiconductors plays an important role in creating demand to fill up the manufacturing capacity in the wafer fab."I would like to congratulate iVP Semiconductor on the creation of an Indian fabless chip company," he said.According to the global management consulting firm McKinsey, the semiconductor industry is expected to become a trillion-dollar industry globally, while the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) estimated the sector to reach $100 billion by 2030.Meanwhile, a recent report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship said that the country will require 2.5 lakh-3 lakh skilled professionals by 2027 across Research and Development (R&D), design, manufacturing and advanced packaging domains.The...

Read More........→July 15, 2024

Indian scientists develop tool to generate infrared star catalogue for Thirty Meter Telescope

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) A team of Indian scientists has developed an open-source tool to generate an infrared star catalogue for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), which is a planned telescope proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Tuesday.The online tool to create a comprehensive star catalogue for the Adaptive Optics (AO) system of the upcoming TMT can enable this ground-based telescope -- one of the largest to be operational in the next decade -- to generate sharper astronomical images.India is a key partner in the TMT project, with the India TMT Center at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru leading the national collaboration."The AOS system on TMT, known as the Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS), will be enhanced by a Laser Guide Star (LGS) facility," said Dr Sarang Shah from IIA.This facility will project up to nine lasers into the sky to create artificial guide stars."However, atmospheric turbulence affects these laser beams, so measuring atmospheric tip-tilt is uncertain. To correct these effects, the AO system requires feedback from three real stars, known as Natural Guide Stars (NGS)," Shah said in the research published in the Astronomical Journal.Telescopes on the surface of the Earth face the challenge of atmospheric...

Read More........→July 12, 2024