Offline UPI payments using NFC could soon allow users to tap and pay without mobile data, Wi-Fi or a telecom network at compatible terminals. Offline UPI Payments Could Work Without Internet A new Unified Payments Interface feature reportedly under development could allow users to complete payments without internet access or even an active mobile network. The proposed system would use near-field communication, commonly known as NFC, to tra

YouTube’s AI monetization policy does not ban creators from using artificial intelligence. Instead, it targets repetitive, mass-produced and low-value videos that offer little original contribution. Creators can still use AI voices, scripts, editing tools and visuals when the finished video provides genuine value. YouTube Inauthentic Content Policy YouTube clarified its Channel Monetization P

France is preparing to introduce a social media age ban for children under 15, aiming to improve teen safety and reduce cyberbullying. While the proposal has gained political backing, officials still face major challenges in implementing secure, privacy-friendly age verification systems. France Social Media Age Ban Nears Approval but Age Verification Remains

The S-400 radar network uses multiple advanced radar systems, including Big Bird, 96L6E, Nebo-M and 92N6E, to detect, track and engage aircraft, drones and missiles. This article explains how these sensors work together to create one of the world's most advanced layered air defence systems. S-400 radar network creates layered surveillance The S-400 Triumf does not depend on a single radar to de

Google has reportedly delayed the public launch of Gemini 3.5 Pro after the flagship AI model fell short of internal expectations, particularly in coding performance. While the company continues testing the model with selected partners, reports suggest engineers are rebuilding key parts of the system to improve reasoning and software development capabilities.

Apple has accused OpenAI of orchestrating a coordinated effort to obtain confidential hardware information through former employees, escalating a once-close partnership into one of Silicon Valley's biggest legal battles. OpenAI denies the allegations, and the claims remain unproven as the case moves toward discovery. Apple OpenAI trade secret lawsuit targets h

Skyroot Aerospace is preparing Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital mission from Sriharikota. Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the launch could mark India’s first privately developed orbital rocket flight and strengthen the country’s commercial small-satellite launch sector. The Vikram-1 first orbital launch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Through Missio

India’s bullet train programme is moving into a new phase, with Indian-built high-speed trains expected to start services before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen sets. The plan is important for domestic rail technology, faster corridor rollout and long-term India-Japan cooperation. The India bullet train project with Indian trains is set to begin before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen fleet. The Ministry of E

OpenAI Smart Speaker Report Reveals Screenless AI Device OpenAI is reportedly preparing to enter the consumer hardware market with a portable, screenless AI speaker designed to bring ChatGPT into the home. According to the report, the device could serve as a more conversational and proactive alternative to traditional smart speakers from Amazon, Google and Apple. OpenAI has not publicly confirmed the product’s final design, features, price or release schedule.

China’s reported progress in extreme ultraviolet lithography has intensified the global race for advanced AI chips. Although its prototype cannot yet manufacture usable semiconductors, the project highlights why India must invest in chip equipment, research and skilled manufacturing. China EUV prototype reaches an important stage China has reportedly assembled an indigenous extreme ultraviolet lithography pro

Microsoft Xbox layoffs have intensified the US debate over H-1B visas after Rep. Riley Moore linked the job cuts to foreign-worker approvals. Microsoft says the restructuring is based on business needs and that H-1B employees were also affected. Microsoft announces thousands of job cuts Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs have renewed political scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, with critics questioning

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging that confidential information was improperly obtained and used to support the ChatGPT maker’s expansion into consumer hardware. The case signals a major shift in the relationship between the companies, which have previously worked together to integrate ChatGPT into Apple devices. According to the complaint filed on July 10 in the US District Court for the Norther

Fidji Simo is leaving her full-time position as OpenAI’s CEO of AGI Deployment after a prolonged health struggle involving postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. She will remain connected to the company as a part-time adviser while focusing on recovery and neuroimmune research. Fidji Simo steps back from OpenAI leadership Simo announced on July 9 that she would step down from her daily executive responsibili

Apple market value approaches Alphabet Apple market value has moved closer to Alphabet as investor confidence continues to support the iPhone maker despite questions surrounding its artificial intelligence strategy. Nvidia remains the world's most valuable company, but the gap has narrowed, reflecting changing investor sentiment across the technology sector and growing interest in AI opportunities beyond a single company. A

The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has cited Cognizant as U.S. officials examine alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking claims, wage-related violations and possible worker displacement in the technology sector. The Trump administration’s H-1B visa probe could matter to NRIs who are working in the United States, waiting for employer-sponsored green cards or planning to move through the H-1B route. The NRI impact follows the main investigation in which Cognizant was mentioned in Trump’s H-1B visa fraud probe. The investigation, reported on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, focuses on alleged abuse involving H-1B and PERM employment-based visa programs. U.S. labor officials have described the probe as part of a wider effort to examine suspected visa fraud, labor exploitation and possible displacement of American workers. H-1B workers may face closer employer checks The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including technology, healthcare, research, education and business roles. The Department of Labor says H-1B employers must follow wage and job-condition rules when hiring foreign workers. For NRIs already on valid H-1B visas, the probe does not automatically mean their status is at risk. The bigger concern is whether employers, staffing firms or consulting companies face more scrutiny over wages, job locations, job duties, benching, subcontracting or visa paperwork. PERM applicants should watch green card cases The PERM process is important for many Indian professionals because it is often the first major step in an employer-sponsored green card case. A permanent labor certification from the Department of Labor allows an employer to hire a foreign worker permanently in the United States before filing an immigration petition with USCIS. NRIs in the green card queue may need to watch whether employers become more cautious about new PERM filings, audits, recruitment records or job advertisements. A broader enforcement push could slow some cases if companies review older filings or tighten internal compliance. Why Indian tech workers are watching closely Indian nationals make up the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries. USCIS data for fiscal year 2024 showed that 71% of approved H-1B petitions were for beneficiaries born in India. That makes the investigation especially relevant for Indian tech workers, students moving from F-1 to H-1B, families on H-4 visas and professionals waiting for green cards. Any major change in enforcement can affect hiring decisions, sponsorship timelines and immigration planning. What NRIs should do now NRIs should avoid panic but stay careful. Workers should keep copies of offer letters, pay records, job descriptions, worksite details, visa approvals and immigration filings. Anyone facing wage issues, forced payments, fake job placement, benching without pay or pressure from an employer should speak with a qualified immigration attorney or report concerns through official channels. The wider impact will depend on whether the probe leads to formal enforcement action, company-level penalties or broader rule changes. Until then, the main effect for NRIs is likely to be greater attention on employer compliance, documentation and the accuracy of H-1B and PERM filings.

The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned in connection with whistleblower claims. U.S. labor officials are investigating alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking and possible worker displacement. The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned while U.S. officials described a wider investigation into alleged abuse of employment-based visa programs.

Nara Lokesh takes Andhra Pradesh investment pitch to Seoul Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has taken the state’s investment outreach campaign to South Korea, holding discussions with business leaders and pitching Andhra Pradesh as a destination for new projects in technology, electronics, manufacturing and other major industrial sectors. Lokesh’s six-day official visit to South Korea, scheduled from July 5 to

US opens H-1B visa fraud investigation The United States has launched a major investigation into alleged fraud involving the H-1B visa programme, with IT services company Cognizant among the firms named as authorities examine possible misuse. The probe was announced by US Labour Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, who said investigators were looking into

British Columbia’s move toward legal action against OpenAI has pushed the Tumbler Ridge shooting into a wider debate over artificial intelligence safety, corporate responsibility and public protection. The province has hired legal teams in B.C. and California as it examines whether the company can be held accountable for alleged warning signs connected to the attacker’s ChatGPT use before the February tragedy. The case has drawn attent

Microsoft begins new round of job cuts Microsoft has announced another round of layoffs, cutting nearly 4,800 jobs worldwide, or about 2.1 percent of its global workforce, as the company continues to restructure parts of its business. The latest Microsoft layoffs include a significant impact on the Xbox division, where about 1,600 employees have already been affected