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Google is preparing to add advanced artificial intelligence features to its Chrome browser, allowing Gemini AI to help users browse websites, manage tasks, post online and even shop. The update will introduce a new AI-powered side panel in Chrome, marking one of Google’s biggest changes to how people use the browser.According to Google, the new features are designed to make browsing more productive by letting AI assist users directly, without switching tabs or apps.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re introducing major updates to Gemini in <a href="https://twitter.com/googlechrome?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoogleChrome</a> for MacOS, Windows and Chromebook Plus. Built on Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, these powerful new AI features can help you multitask more easily and get the most out of the web 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/OxwTdrUrDy">pic.twitter.com/OxwTdrUrDy</a>&mdash; Google (@Google) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google/status/2016575105346773297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Gemini AI side panel comes to Chrome</h2>Google says Gemini AI will soon appear in a dedicated side panel inside Chrome on macOS, Windows and Chromebooks. This will allow users to ask questions, summarise web pages, check emails or manage calendars while staying on the same page.The side panel will be powered by Gemini 3 and can pull information from across the web. Users can ask it to explain articles, organise information or help with daily tasks such as planning schedules. According to Google’s Chrome team, this feature is meant to act like an assistant that works quietly alongside regular browsing.&nbsp;<h2>Connected Apps and personalised browsing</h2>Gemini in Chrome will also support Google’s Connected Apps system. This allows the AI to work with services like Gmail, Google Calendar, Maps and YouTube, if users choose to enable it. For example, Gemini could read an email about an event, check calendar availability and suggest travel options.Google is also introducing an optional feature called Personal Intelligence. This allows Gemini to remember context from earlier conversations to give more relevant answers over time. The company says this feature will be turned off by default and users will need to opt in.Another tool, called Nano Banana, will let users edit or transform images directly in the browser using AI, without downloading or uploading files elsewhere.&nbsp;<h2>Chrome auto-browse&nbsp;</h2>One of the most notable additions is Chrome auto-browse, an agentic AI feature that can perform actions for users. Google says this tool will be able to research topics, fill forms, post on social media, manage subscriptions and collect service quotes, such as from plumbers or electricians.Auto-browse will also support online shopping. Using Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol, Gemini AI will be able to search products and complete purchases on behalf of users. Payments and actions will still require user approval.This feature will first be available to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States.&nbsp;<h2>What this means for everyday browsing</h2>Google’s move shows how browsers are shifting from simple tools into AI-powered assistants. By embedding Gemini directly into Chrome, the company aims to reduce the need for separate apps and manual searching.While Google has not shared an exact rollout date, the company says these features will begin appearing gradually. As AI takes a bigger role inside browsers, Chrome could soon move from helping users find information to actively getting things done for th

Google is adding Gemini AI to Chrome, introducing an AI side panel that can browse, summarise pages, manage emails, post online and shop on users’ behalf. The update turns Chrome into an AI assistant, with agentic auto-browse features coming first to paid users.

Google is preparing to add advanced artificial intelligence features to its Chrome browser, allowing Gemini AI to help users browse websites, manage tasks, post online and even shop. The update will introduce a new AI-powered side panel in Chrome, marking one of Google’s biggest changes to how people use the browser. According to Google, the new features are designed to make browsing more productive by letting AI assist users directly, without switching tabs or apps.

Google is adding Gemini AI to Chrome, introducing an AI side panel that can browse, summarise pages, manage emails, post online and shop on users’ behalf. The update turns Chrome into an AI assistant, with agentic auto-browse features coming first to paid users.

Google is bringing agentic AI to Chrome that will let Gemini AI browse, post, and shop for you

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says artificial intelligence will define the next phase of social media; in the future, it will change how people create and consume content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Speaking during Meta’s latest earnings call, Zuckerberg said AI will power new media formats that are more immersive, interactive and personalised than anything seen before.He said social media has evolved with technology, first moving from text to photos, then to video. The next shift, he said, will be driven by AI-generated content that combines text, images and video in new ways.<h2>AI could change content on Facebook and Instagram</h2>He explained that advances in artificial intelligence will allow social media platforms to better understand users and generate content tailored to individual interests. Unlike current recommendation systems, future AI tools could create personalised posts, images and videos rather than only showing existing content.“Soon, we’ll see an explosion of new media formats that are more immersive and interactive, and only possible because of advances in AI,” Zuckerberg said during the call.He added that users may be able to create digital worlds, games and interactive experiences using AI tools, and then share or remix them with friends. These experiences, according to Meta, would allow people to engage with content rather than just scroll past it.<h2>AI content already appearing on Meta platforms</h2>AI-generated images and videos are already visible across Meta’s apps. The Meta AI app, for example, includes a feed where users can scroll through short AI-generated videos in a format similar to TikTok. However, this has also led to criticism, with many users referring to low-quality AI visuals as “AI slop”.While Zuckerberg did not directly address these concerns, he stressed that AI would improve over time and enable more meaningful forms of expression. Meta believes better tools and stronger controls will help improve the quality of AI-generated content.<h2>AI replaces the metaverse as Meta’s main focus</h2>Notably, Zuckerberg did not highlight the metaverse during the earnings call. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees virtual reality and Horizon Worlds, reported an operating loss of $6.02 billion for the quarter. In contrast, Meta posted $59.9 billion in revenue and $22.8 billion in profit, reflecting strong growth driven largely by AI-related products and advertising.The shift suggests that Meta is now placing its long-term bets on artificial intelligence rather than virtual reality. According to Zuckerberg, AI-generated content and tools will play a central role in keeping users engaged and driving the company’s next stage of growth.As social media platforms compete for attention, Meta is betting that AI-created content rather than traditional posts will shape how people connect online in the years ahead

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-generated content will drive the next phase of social media. From personalised posts to interactive experiences, AI will reshape how users create and consume content on Facebook and Instagram, replacing the metaverse as Meta’s core focus.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says artificial intelligence will define the next phase of social media; in the future, it will change how people create and consume content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Speaking during Meta’s latest earnings call, Zuckerberg said AI will power new media formats that are more immersive, interactive and personalised than anything seen before. He said social media has evolved with technology, first moving from text to photos, then to video. The next shift, he said, will be driven by AI-generated content that combines text, images and video in new ways. AI could change content on Facebook and Instagram He explained that advances in artificial intelligence will allow social media platforms to better understand users and generate content tailored to individual interests. Unlike current recommendation systems, future AI tools could create personalised posts, images and videos rather than only showing existing content. “Soon, we’ll see an explosion of new media formats that are more immersive and interactive, and only possible because of advances in AI,” Zuckerberg said during the call. He added that users may be able to create digital worlds, games and interactive experiences using AI tools, and then share or remix them with friends. These experiences, according to Meta, would allow people to engage with content rather than just scroll past it. AI content already appearing on Meta platforms AI-generated images and videos are already visible across Meta’s apps. The Meta AI app, for example, includes a feed where users can scroll through short AI-generated videos in a format similar to TikTok. However, this has also led to criticism, with many users referring to low-quality AI visuals as “AI slop”. While Zuckerberg did not directly address these concerns, he stressed that AI would improve over time and enable more meaningful forms of expression. Meta believes better tools and stronger controls will help improve the quality of AI-generated content. AI replaces the metaverse as Meta’s main focus Notably, Zuckerberg did not highlight the metaverse during the earnings call. Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees virtual reality and Horizon Worlds, reported an operating loss of $6.02 billion for the quarter. In contrast, Meta posted $59.9 billion in revenue and $22.8 billion in profit, reflecting strong growth driven largely by AI-related products and advertising. The shift suggests that Meta is now placing its long-term bets on artificial intelligence rather than virtual reality. According to Zuckerberg, AI-generated content and tools will play a central role in keeping users engaged and driving the company’s next stage of growth. As social media platforms compete for attention, Meta is betting that AI-created content rather than traditional posts will shape how people connect online in the years ahead

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI-generated content will drive the next phase of social media. From personalised posts to interactive experiences, AI will reshape how users create and consume content on Facebook and Instagram, replacing the metaverse as Meta’s core focus.

AI-generated content will shape the future of social media, says Mark Zuckerberg

Amazon was reported to slash around 16,000 jobs in its latest round of layoffs in the tech industry. &nbsp;A senior vice president at the e-commerce giant, Beth Galetti, announced the decision on Wednesday (Jan 28) via a blog post, which was sent to the employees. This came after a round of layoffs in October last year when Amazon fired 14,000 workers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vs-iran-america-offers-15mn-in-reward-for-information-about-the-irgc-s-oil-transfers-details-inside-1769516715631">US vs Iran: America offers $15mn in reward for ‘information about the IRGC's oil transfers’. Details inside</a>&nbsp;"Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That's not our plan," Galetti said, CBS News reported.&nbsp;"But just as we always have, every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate. That's never been more important than it is today in a world that's changing faster than ever," she added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-their-soil-sky-or-waters-are-used-against-iran-irgc-s-warning-to-neighbouring-nations-says-they-ll-be-considered-hostile-1769541085343">‘If their soil, sky, or waters are used against Iran...’: IRGC’s warning to neighbouring nations, says they’ll be considered ‘hostile’</a>&nbsp;"While we're making these changes, we'll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future. We're still in the early stages of building every one of our businesses, and there's significant opportunity ahead," she further said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-under-state-of-emergency-as-extremely-dangerous-winter-storm-hits-america-millions-at-risk-details-inside-1769264055230">US under ‘State of Emergency’ as ‘extremely dangerous’ winter storm hits America; millions at risk. Details inside</a>&nbsp;She also said that the US-based staff would be allotted a time frame of 90 days to look for a new role. They will be offered severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-iranians-know-how-to-defend-ourselves-iran-fm-lashes-out-at-confused-clown-zelensky-over-his-remark-on-tehran-1769277845979">‘We Iranians know how to defend ourselves’: Iran FM lashes out at ‘confused clown’ Zelensky over his remark on Tehran</a>

Amazon will lay off around 16,000 employees in a fresh round of job cuts, offering US-based staff 90 days to find new roles along with severance, benefits, and continued strategic hiring.

Amazon was reported to slash around 16,000 jobs in its latest round of layoffs in the tech industry. A senior vice president at the e-commerce giant, Beth Galetti, announced the decision on Wednesday (Jan 28) via a blog post, which was sent to the employees. This came after a round of layoffs in October last year when Amazon fired 14,000 workers. Also read: US vs Iran: America offers $15mn in reward for ‘information about the IRGC's oil transfers’. Details inside "Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That's not our plan," Galetti said, CBS News reported. "But just as we always have, every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate. That's never been more important than it is today in a world that's changing faster than ever," she added. Also read: ‘If their soil, sky, or waters are used against Iran...’: IRGC’s warning to neighbouring nations, says they’ll be considered ‘hostile’ "While we're making these changes, we'll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future. We're still in the early stages of building every one of our businesses, and there's significant opportunity ahead," she further said. Also read: US under ‘State of Emergency’ as ‘extremely dangerous’ winter storm hits America; millions at risk. Details inside She also said that the US-based staff would be allotted a time frame of 90 days to look for a new role. They will be offered severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits. Also read: ‘We Iranians know how to defend ourselves’: Iran FM lashes out at ‘confused clown’ Zelensky over his remark on Tehran

Amazon will lay off around 16,000 employees in a fresh round of job cuts, offering US-based staff 90 days to find new roles along with severance, benefits, and continued strategic hiring.

Amazon to fire 16,000 employees, US-based staff will get 90 days to look for new roles. Details here

A recent lawsuit in the US claims that WhatsApp can read private or encrypted messages, basing its arguments on whistleblower revelations. Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg–led parent company of WhatsApp which also owns Facebook and Instagram, has strongly rejected these claims. The lawsuit’s claim about ‘whistleblowers’ is yet to be substantiated, as they are not named. Nevertheless, the case has brought renewed attention to the reliability of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE).<h2>What is WhatsApp’s encryption technology?</h2>E2EE uses the widely respected Signal protocol, a golden standard considered secure by experts. WhatsApp has often resisted government requests to decrypt chats, and there have been no known backdoor entries that allow the company or third parties to access message content. Enabled by default in WhatsApp, the E2EE encryption keys are stored only on users’ devices, theoretically preventing Meta from decrypting messages in transit or on servers. While metadata, such as who sent a message to whom, can be collected, the system is generally considered robust and capable of ensuring privacy and secrecy for users.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-tiktok-youtube-face-court-case-over-social-media-addiction-in-children-1769486751202/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-tiktok-youtube-face-court-case-over-social-media-addiction-in-children-1769486751202/embed</a><h2>What is the new case against Meta on WhatsApp message encryption?</h2>An international group of plaintiffs from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa filed the lawsuit on January 24 at the US District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco. They are seeking 'global class action' status for their complaint, aiming to represent billions of WhatsApp users across the world.The suit claims that Meta and WhatsApp ‘mislead users by advertising E2EE, while secretly storing, analysing and accessing virtually all private communications’.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/meta-launches-2-variants-of-ai-enabled-smart-glasses-price-features-revealed-1758186792998">Meta launches 2 variants of AI-enabled smart glasses: Price, features&nbsp;revealed</a>&nbsp;Employees can allegedly request such access via an internal system, which apparently involves sending a “task” to engineers who grant access without scrutiny.The messages, the lawsuit claims, can be viewed in real time through a widget using a user’s ID.Past messages since an account was created could be accessed with no decryption needed, contradicting Meta’s promises that only senders and recipients can read messages, the suit claims.According to reports, the lawsuit argues that Meta’s alleged conduct amounts to 'fraud on billions of users worldwide' who rely on WhatsApp’s privacy assurances. &nbsp;It is seeking damages and injunctive relief.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-vishal-shah-meta-ceo-zuckerberg-appoints-head-project-management-for-ai-division-1761634315870">Who Is Vishal Shah? Meta CEO Zuckerberg appoints head of project management for AI Division</a>The lawsuit cited unnamed ‘courageous whistleblowers’ as the source of these revelations.&nbsp; Among other things, it alleged that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) at Meta are suppressing this information from becoming public.However, the lawsuit provides no names or roles of the whistleblowers, or specific evidence or technical information in the complaint.<h2>Meta rejects claims as false and absurd</h2>Calling the allegations categorically false, absurd, and a “frivolous work of fiction”, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said WhatsApp has used the Signal protocol for E2EE for nearly a decade.Meta also vowed to seek sanctions against the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and fight the lawsuit from the beginning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A US lawsuit claimed that Meta misled users by saying WhatsApp chats are private. It alleged that staff can have internal access to the messages. Meta rejected the claims in the lawsuit, which is allegedly based on whistleblower revelations

A recent lawsuit in the US claims that WhatsApp can read private or encrypted messages, basing its arguments on whistleblower revelations. Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg–led parent company of WhatsApp which also owns Facebook and Instagram, has strongly rejected these claims. The lawsuit’s claim about ‘whistleblowers’ is yet to be substantiated, as they are not named. Nevertheless, the case has brought renewed attention to the reliability of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE). What is WhatsApp’s encryption technology? E2EE uses the widely respected Signal protocol, a golden standard considered secure by experts. WhatsApp has often resisted government requests to decrypt chats, and there have been no known backdoor entries that allow the company or third parties to access message content. Enabled by default in WhatsApp, the E2EE encryption keys are stored only on users’ devices, theoretically preventing Meta from decrypting messages in transit or on servers. While metadata, such as who sent a message to whom, can be collected, the system is generally considered robust and capable of ensuring privacy and secrecy for users. https://www.wionews.com/videos/meta-tiktok-youtube-face-court-case-over-social-media-addiction-in-children-1769486751202/embed What is the new case against Meta on WhatsApp message encryption? An international group of plaintiffs from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa filed the lawsuit on January 24 at the US District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco. They are seeking 'global class action' status for their complaint, aiming to represent billions of WhatsApp users across the world. The suit claims that Meta and WhatsApp ‘mislead users by advertising E2EE, while secretly storing, analysing and accessing virtually all private communications’. Also read: Meta launches 2 variants of AI-enabled smart glasses: Price, features revealed Employees can allegedly request such access via an internal system, which apparently involves sending a “task” to engineers who grant access without scrutiny. The messages, the lawsuit claims, can be viewed in real time through a widget using a user’s ID. Past messages since an account was created could be accessed with no decryption needed, contradicting Meta’s promises that only senders and recipients can read messages, the suit claims. According to reports, the lawsuit argues that Meta’s alleged conduct amounts to 'fraud on billions of users worldwide' who rely on WhatsApp’s privacy assurances. It is seeking damages and injunctive relief. Also read: Who Is Vishal Shah? Meta CEO Zuckerberg appoints head of project management for AI Division The lawsuit cited unnamed ‘courageous whistleblowers’ as the source of these revelations. Among other things, it alleged that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) at Meta are suppressing this information from becoming public. However, the lawsuit provides no names or roles of the whistleblowers, or specific evidence or technical information in the complaint. Meta rejects claims as false and absurd Calling the allegations categorically false, absurd, and a “frivolous work of fiction”, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said WhatsApp has used the Signal protocol for E2EE for nearly a decade. Meta also vowed to seek sanctions against the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and fight the lawsuit from the beginning.

A US lawsuit claimed that Meta misled users by saying WhatsApp chats are private. It alleged that Meta staff can have internal access to the messages. Meta rejected the claims in the lawsuit, which is allegedly based on whistleblower revelations

WhatsApp can read users' encrypted messages, claims lawsuit against Meta in the US, citing whistleblowers

The Maharashtra government&nbsp;has teamed up with IIT Bombay&nbsp;to build an AI-based tool&nbsp;that it says will help identify suspected illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants&nbsp;living in the state. The plan, still under development, has already triggered a mix of political messaging, public debate, and serious questions around accuracy and rights. According to officials, the proposed system will rely on language and speech analysis. In simple terms, the AI will study how a person speaks, including accent, tone, and certain linguistic patterns, to flag individuals who may not have valid Indian documents. The tool is meant to act as a support system for authorities, not as final proof of nationality.&nbsp;The project came into the spotlight after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis&nbsp;mentioned it while releasing the Mahayuti alliance’s BMC election manifesto. During the announcement, the chief minister repeated the government’s promise to “free Mumbai” of undocumented migrants, saying technology would play a key role in identifying them. Sources say the AI model has been under testing for some time, but is still far from perfect. Early results reportedly show an accuracy level of around 60 percent, which experts say leaves room for major errors.&nbsp;&nbsp;The government, however, believes the system will improve as more data is fed into it and further refinements are made. Not everyone is convinced. Civil rights activists and tech experts&nbsp;have raised red flags, warning that language-based identification can easily go wrong. They point out that many Indian citizens, especially from West Bengal, Assam, and border regions, speak in ways that closely resemble Bangladeshi dialects. This, they say, could lead to innocent people being wrongly flagged.&nbsp;There are also privacy concerns. Questions are being asked about how voice samples will be collected, whether people will be aware they are being analysed, and what safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse of the data. So far, the government has not shared detailed answers on these aspects. Alongside the AI initiative, the state has also indicated plans to set up detention centres&nbsp;for undocumented migrants before deportation, though specifics on location, capacity, and legal oversight are yet to be made public.

Explained: How Maharashtra’s proposed AI tool plans to identify illegal migrants

The Maharashtra government has teamed up with IIT Bombay to build an AI-based tool that it says will help identify suspected illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants living in the state. The plan, still under development, has already triggered a mix of political messaging, public debate, and serious questions around accuracy and rights. According to officials, the proposed system will rely on language and speech analysis. In simple terms, the AI will study how a person speaks, including accent, tone, and certain linguistic patterns, to flag individuals who may not have valid Indian documents. The tool is meant to act as a support system for authorities, not as final proof of nationality. The project came into the spotlight after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mentioned it while releasing the Mahayuti alliance’s BMC election manifesto. During the announcement, the chief minister repeated the government’s promise to “free Mumbai” of undocumented migrants, saying technology would play a key role in identifying them. Sources say the AI model has been under testing for some time, but is still far from perfect. Early results reportedly show an accuracy level of around 60 percent, which experts say leaves room for major errors. The government, however, believes the system will improve as more data is fed into it and further refinements are made. Not everyone is convinced. Civil rights activists and tech experts have raised red flags, warning that language-based identification can easily go wrong. They point out that many Indian citizens, especially from West Bengal, Assam, and border regions, speak in ways that closely resemble Bangladeshi dialects. This, they say, could lead to innocent people being wrongly flagged. There are also privacy concerns. Questions are being asked about how voice samples will be collected, whether people will be aware they are being analysed, and what safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse of the data. So far, the government has not shared detailed answers on these aspects. Alongside the AI initiative, the state has also indicated plans to set up detention centres for undocumented migrants before deportation, though specifics on location, capacity, and legal oversight are yet to be made public.

The project came into the spotlight after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis&nbsp;mentioned it while releasing the Mahayuti alliance’s BMC election manifesto

India is emerging as a preferred destination for skilled technology professionals as uncertainty around the US H-1B visa programme forces many to rethink their future. What was once a one-way journey from India to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with experienced engineers, founders and executives choosing to return home, according to a Bloomberg report.Stricter immigration rules, rising visa costs and delays under President Donald Trump’s administration have made long-term planning difficult for foreign workers in the US. As a result, India is increasingly benefiting from a flow of global tech talent looking for stability and opportunity.<h2>H-1B uncertainty reshapes global tech careers</h2>Indian professionals have long dominated the H-1B visa system, accounting for nearly three-quarters of annual approvals. Many of today’s global tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, once relied on the programme early in their careers.However, recent policy changes have altered that equation. Higher application fees, stricter eligibility rules and increased scrutiny have made the US a risky option, especially for young engineers and startup founders.Bloomberg reports that LinkedIn data showed a 40 per cent rise in tech professionals relocating to India in late 2025, pointing to a clear shift in global talent movement. At the same time, multinational firms are expanding their engineering and AI teams directly in India instead of hiring through US visas.<h2>Founders and firms follow talent back to India</h2>Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, told Bloomberg that his own US career ended suddenly in 2007 after his H-1B visa was denied. At just 23, he returned to India, where he later built one of the country’s earliest e-commerce companies and now supports startups through his venture fund.He said recent visa announcements have triggered renewed interest among founders and professionals seeking alternatives to the US. According to him, visa uncertainty is already pushing skilled workers towards India, a trend he believes will accelerate.Global companies are also adjusting. Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR Inc., which helps corporations set up technology centres in India, said applications from H-1B holders based in the US have risen 35 per cent since the latest policy changes. His firm has helped establish 38 global capability centres in India in the past year, Bloomberg reported.<h2>India’s tech ecosystem&nbsp;</h2>India’s expanding startup ecosystem and deep talent pool are proving attractive not just to returning Indians but also to foreign founders. Tony Klor, a graduate of Arizona State University, moved to Bengaluru last year to launch his AI-driven startup, Badchain, which has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding.“There’s a depth of developer talent and an openness to innovation here,” Klor told Bloomberg, adding that India’s potential is increasingly recognised by global entrepreneurs.As the US tightens its immigration policies, India appears to be gaining a strategic advantage. With strong domestic demand, growing AI adoption and increasing global investment, the country is positioning itself as a long-term hub for technology talent that once looked almost exclusively to Silicon Valley.

H-1B visa uncertainty in the US is driving skilled tech workers back to India. Stricter rules, higher costs and delays are reshaping careers, while India’s growing startup ecosystem, AI demand and global investments make it an attractive alternative.

India is emerging as a preferred destination for skilled technology professionals as uncertainty around the US H-1B visa programme forces many to rethink their future. What was once a one-way journey from India to Silicon Valley is now showing signs of reversal, with experienced engineers, founders and executives choosing to return home, according to a Bloomberg report. Stricter immigration rules, rising visa costs and delays under President Donald Trump’s administration have made long-term planning difficult for foreign workers in the US. As a result, India is increasingly benefiting from a flow of global tech talent looking for stability and opportunity. H-1B uncertainty reshapes global tech careers Indian professionals have long dominated the H-1B visa system, accounting for nearly three-quarters of annual approvals. Many of today’s global tech leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, once relied on the programme early in their careers. However, recent policy changes have altered that equation. Higher application fees, stricter eligibility rules and increased scrutiny have made the US a risky option, especially for young engineers and startup founders. Bloomberg reports that LinkedIn data showed a 40 per cent rise in tech professionals relocating to India in late 2025, pointing to a clear shift in global talent movement. At the same time, multinational firms are expanding their engineering and AI teams directly in India instead of hiring through US visas. Founders and firms follow talent back to India Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal, told Bloomberg that his own US career ended suddenly in 2007 after his H-1B visa was denied. At just 23, he returned to India, where he later built one of the country’s earliest e-commerce companies and now supports startups through his venture fund. He said recent visa announcements have triggered renewed interest among founders and professionals seeking alternatives to the US. According to him, visa uncertainty is already pushing skilled workers towards India, a trend he believes will accelerate. Global companies are also adjusting. Vikram Ahuja, co-founder of ANSR Inc., which helps corporations set up technology centres in India, said applications from H-1B holders based in the US have risen 35 per cent since the latest policy changes. His firm has helped establish 38 global capability centres in India in the past year, Bloomberg reported. India’s tech ecosystem India’s expanding startup ecosystem and deep talent pool are proving attractive not just to returning Indians but also to foreign founders. Tony Klor, a graduate of Arizona State University, moved to Bengaluru last year to launch his AI-driven startup, Badchain, which has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. “There’s a depth of developer talent and an openness to innovation here,” Klor told Bloomberg, adding that India’s potential is increasingly recognised by global entrepreneurs. As the US tightens its immigration policies, India appears to be gaining a strategic advantage. With strong domestic demand, growing AI adoption and increasing global investment, the country is positioning itself as a long-term hub for technology talent that once looked almost exclusively to Silicon Valley.

H-1B visa uncertainty in the US is driving skilled tech workers back to India. Stricter rules, higher costs and delays are reshaping careers, while India’s growing startup ecosystem, AI demand and global investments make it an attractive alternative.

Top tech workers are choosing India over the US as H‑1B visa chaos pushes skilled talent home

&nbsp;Google Photos has started rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature called ‘Me Meme’, which allows users to turn their own photos into personalised, shareable memes. The feature, which was first spotted during testing last year, has now been officially announced by Google.&nbsp;As per the Google, the tool is currently experimental and is designed to create light-hearted images that users can share with friends and family. The company has said that results may vary, as the AI-generated images may not always match the original photo perfectly.&nbsp;<h2>Google Photos ‘Me Meme’?</h2>‘Me Meme’ is an AI-based image generation feature built directly into the Google Photos app. It uses a user’s uploaded photo and applies different meme-style templates to create humorous images.&nbsp;Google has advised users to upload clear, well-lit and front-facing photos to get better results. Since the feature is still in its early stage, Google has acknowledged that some images may look inaccurate or slightly distorted.&nbsp;The announcement was made on Google’s Photos Community platform, where the company confirmed that Me Meme is part of its wider push to bring more AI-powered creativity tools to everyday apps.&nbsp;<h2>How to use the Me Meme feature</h2>Using Me Meme is simple and does not require any additional app or setup. Users can follow these steps:&nbsp;Open the Google Photos app and tap on Create from the bottom menu.Select Me Meme from the available options.Choose a meme template and upload the photo you want to use.Tap Generate and wait for the AI to create the image.Users can either save the image or tap Regenerate to try again.&nbsp;First-time users will see a short introduction screen explaining how the feature works.&nbsp;<h2>Who can access the feature right now?</h2>The Me Meme feature is currently rolling out in the United States for both Android and iOS users. Google has said the rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks. There is no official timeline yet for availability in other regions.&nbsp;A Google spokesperson told tech media outlets that the company is closely monitoring user feedback before expanding the feature more widely.&nbsp;<h2>Part of Google’s wider AI push</h2>The Me Meme tool comes as Google continues to expand AI features across its services. Recently, the company announced Personal Intelligence, a feature that can connect AI mode with apps like Gmail and Google Photos to offer more personalised responses based on user data.&nbsp;Google has said that Personal Intelligence will be turned off by default and must be manually enabled by users, highlighting the company’s focus on user control and privacy.&nbsp;With Me Meme, Google Photos is moving beyond storage and editing, adding AI-driven creativity to everyday photo use.

Google Photos has rolled out an experimental AI feature called ‘Me Meme’, letting users turn their own photos into personalised, shareable memes. The tool is currently available in the US and marks Google’s push to add AI-powered creativity to everyday apps.

Google Photos has started rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature called ‘Me Meme’, which allows users to turn their own photos into personalised, shareable memes. The feature, which was first spotted during testing last year, has now been officially announced by Google. As per the Google, the tool is currently experimental and is designed to create light-hearted images that users can share with friends and family. The company has said that results may vary, as the AI-generated images may not always match the original photo perfectly. Google Photos ‘Me Meme’? ‘Me Meme’ is an AI-based image generation feature built directly into the Google Photos app. It uses a user’s uploaded photo and applies different meme-style templates to create humorous images. Google has advised users to upload clear, well-lit and front-facing photos to get better results. Since the feature is still in its early stage, Google has acknowledged that some images may look inaccurate or slightly distorted. The announcement was made on Google’s Photos Community platform, where the company confirmed that Me Meme is part of its wider push to bring more AI-powered creativity tools to everyday apps. How to use the Me Meme feature Using Me Meme is simple and does not require any additional app or setup. Users can follow these steps: Open the Google Photos app and tap on Create from the bottom menu. Select Me Meme from the available options. Choose a meme template and upload the photo you want to use. Tap Generate and wait for the AI to create the image. Users can either save the image or tap Regenerate to try again. First-time users will see a short introduction screen explaining how the feature works. Who can access the feature right now? The Me Meme feature is currently rolling out in the United States for both Android and iOS users. Google has said the rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks. There is no official timeline yet for availability in other regions. A Google spokesperson told tech media outlets that the company is closely monitoring user feedback before expanding the feature more widely. Part of Google’s wider AI push The Me Meme tool comes as Google continues to expand AI features across its services. Recently, the company announced Personal Intelligence, a feature that can connect AI mode with apps like Gmail and Google Photos to offer more personalised responses based on user data. Google has said that Personal Intelligence will be turned off by default and must be manually enabled by users, highlighting the company’s focus on user control and privacy. With Me Meme, Google Photos is moving beyond storage and editing, adding AI-driven creativity to everyday photo use.

Google Photos has rolled out an experimental AI feature called ‘Me Meme’, letting users turn their own photos into personalised, shareable memes. The tool is currently available in the US and marks Google’s push to add AI-powered creativity to everyday apps.

Google launches ‘Me Meme’ feature in Photos: AI turns your photos into personalised memes

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is planning a visit to India in mid-February, nearly a year after his last trip to the country, as per a report by TechCrunch. The visit comes as New Delhi prepares to host a major global gathering of artificial intelligence leaders.India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi between February 16 and 20. The event is expected to bring together top global technology executives.Sam Altman’s visit has not yet been publicly announced and could still change.<h2>AI summit draws global tech leaders to India</h2>The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to see the presence of some of the biggest names in the AI industry. According to the summit website, confirmed attendees include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, along with Indian business leaders such as Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.While Sam Altman’s name does not currently appear on the official list of speakers, TechCrunch reports that OpenAI is planning closed-door meetings on the sidelines of the summit in New Delhi, where Altman is expected to be present.OpenAI is also reportedly hosting a separate event in Delhi on February 19, with venture capital firms and industry executives invited.<h2>India becomes key market for global AI companies</h2>Altman’s proposed visit highlights India’s growing importance for American AI firms. In recent months, several companies have expanded their presence in the country. Anthropic has opened an office in Bengaluru, while Google and Perplexity have partnered with Indian telecom firms to offer AI services to millions of users.OpenAI itself has been increasing hiring in India across enterprise sales, technical deployment and legal roles linked to AI regulation. Job listings are currently active in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.India has emerged as ChatGPT’s largest market by downloads and the second-largest by total users.&nbsp;However, OpenAI has faced challenges converting that popularity into paid subscriptions. To address this, the company launched a lower-priced ChatGPT Go plan last year, priced below $5, and offered it free for a year to boost adoption.<h2>India is the future of AI infrastructure</h2>India is also being studied as a possible location for future AI infrastructure. Global firms like Google and Microsoft have already announced multi-billion-dollar investments to expand AI and cloud capacity in the country. Analysts hope the summit will strengthen India’s position as a global AI destination.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning a mid-February India visit as New Delhi hosts the India AI Impact Summit 2026. With global tech leaders attending, the move highlights India’s growing importance as a key market and future hub for AI users, talent and infrastructure.


OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is planning a visit to India in mid-February, nearly a year after his last trip to the country, as per a report by TechCrunch. The visit comes as New Delhi prepares to host a major global gathering of artificial intelligence leaders. India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi between February 16 and 20. The event is expected to bring together top global technology executives. Sam Altman’s visit has not yet been publicly announced and could still change. AI summit draws global tech leaders to India The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to see the presence of some of the biggest names in the AI industry. According to the summit website, confirmed attendees include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, along with Indian business leaders such as Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. While Sam Altman’s name does not currently appear on the official list of speakers, TechCrunch reports that OpenAI is planning closed-door meetings on the sidelines of the summit in New Delhi, where Altman is expected to be present. OpenAI is also reportedly hosting a separate event in Delhi on February 19, with venture capital firms and industry executives invited. India becomes key market for global AI companies Altman’s proposed visit highlights India’s growing importance for American AI firms. In recent months, several companies have expanded their presence in the country. Anthropic has opened an office in Bengaluru, while Google and Perplexity have partnered with Indian telecom firms to offer AI services to millions of users. OpenAI itself has been increasing hiring in India across enterprise sales, technical deployment and legal roles linked to AI regulation. Job listings are currently active in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. India has emerged as ChatGPT’s largest market by downloads and the second-largest by total users. However, OpenAI has faced challenges converting that popularity into paid subscriptions. To address this, the company launched a lower-priced ChatGPT Go plan last year, priced below $5, and offered it free for a year to boost adoption. India is the future of AI infrastructure India is also being studied as a possible location for future AI infrastructure. Global firms like Google and Microsoft have already announced multi-billion-dollar investments to expand AI and cloud capacity in the country. Analysts hope the summit will strengthen India’s position as a global AI destination.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning a mid-February India visit as New Delhi hosts the India AI Impact Summit 2026. With global tech leaders attending, the move highlights India’s growing importance as a key market and future hub for AI users, talent and infrastructure.

Sam Altman plans India visit as global AI leaders gather in New Delhi

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned on Friday that the ‘artificial intelligence (AI) tsunami’ will hit the labour market soon, and 60% of jobs in advanced economies will be affected by it. The ‘AI tsunami’ will wipe out many entry-level roles, and hence the young will be the most affected, Georgieva said, citing research. Artificial intelligence will be a “tsunami hitting the labour market”, with young people being the worst hit, the IMF chief said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Friday.&nbsp;Georgieva told delegates that the IMF’s own research suggested that there would be a big transformation of demand for skills as the technology becomes increasingly widespread.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-karachi-shopping-mall-blaze-rises-to-71-may-go-up-further-as-search-operation-still-on-1769170605758">Death toll in Karachi shopping mall blaze rises to 71, may go up further as search operation still on</a>&nbsp;“We expect over the next years, in advanced economies, 60% of jobs to be affected by AI, either enhanced or eliminated or transformed–40% globally,” she said. “This is like a tsunami hitting the labour market.”She further said that one in 10 jobs in advanced economies had already been “enhanced” by AI, tending to boost these workers’ pay, with knock-on benefits for the local economy.&nbsp;<h2>‘AI would wipe out roles taken up by younger workers’</h2>&nbsp;By contrast, Georgieva warned that AI would wipe out many roles traditionally taken up by younger workers. “Tasks that are eliminated are usually what entry-level jobs do at present, so young people searching for jobs find it harder to get to a good placement.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-soon-there-will-be-more-robots-than-people-says-elon-musk-1769105556661">Davos 2026: ‘Soon there will be more robots than people,’ says Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;Besides, people whose jobs are not directly changed by artificial intelligence will be at risk of being squeezed, and their pay may potentially fall without a productivity boost from AI, she said.“So the middle class, inevitably, is going to be affected,” Georgieva predicted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘AI insufficiently regulated, moving fast but not safe yet’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;She further said that her greatest fear was that AI was insufficiently regulated. “This is moving so fast, and yet we don’t know how to make it safe. We don’t know how to make it inclusive. Wake up, AI is for real, and it is transforming our world faster than we are getting ahead of it,” she said.&nbsp;Georgieva was speaking on a panel alongside the president of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, who warned that the AI boom could be hampered by growing mistrust between rival economies as the US throws up tariff barriers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-zelensky-says-europe-needs-to-protect-itself-take-action-to-become-global-force-1769091116500">‘Europe needs to protect itself, take action to become global force,’ says Zelensky at Davos</a>&nbsp;“We are dependent on each other,” she said, pointing out that AI was capital intensive, energy intensive, and data intensive. If countries did not work cooperatively and “define the new rules of the game,” she said, there would be less capital and less data. “We are in a bind, let’s face it,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Disparity getting deeper and bigger,’ says Christine Lagarde</h2>&nbsp;Lagarde also sounded the alarm about widening global inequality, highlighting the “disparity that is getting deeper and bigger”.The session titled ‘The Great Rebalancing: Artificial Intelligence, Jobs, and the Future of Inclusive Growth’ was held at the UAE Pavilion.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-total-access-greenland-deal-pm-says-unaware-as-europe-unites-1769111824495">Trump claims ‘total access’ Greenland deal, PM Nielsen says unaware of details</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella warned at Davos that AI could lose its “social permission” to compete for resources such as energy, for example, if it failed to generate benefits beyond a few powerful tech firms–such as the rapid development of effective new drugs.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said her greatest fear was that AI was insufficiently regulated. It is moving so fast, and yet we don’t know how to make it safe, she said. “Wake up, AI is for real, and it is transforming our world faster than we are getting ahead of it,” she added.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned on Friday that the ‘artificial intelligence (AI) tsunami’ will hit the labour market soon, and 60% of jobs in advanced economies will be affected by it. The ‘AI tsunami’ will wipe out many entry-level roles, and hence the young will be the most affected, Georgieva said, citing research. Artificial intelligence will be a “tsunami hitting the labour market”, with young people being the worst hit, the IMF chief said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Friday. Georgieva told delegates that the IMF’s own research suggested that there would be a big transformation of demand for skills as the technology becomes increasingly widespread. Also Read: Death toll in Karachi shopping mall blaze rises to 71, may go up further as search operation still on “We expect over the next years, in advanced economies, 60% of jobs to be affected by AI, either enhanced or eliminated or transformed–40% globally,” she said. “This is like a tsunami hitting the labour market.” She further said that one in 10 jobs in advanced economies had already been “enhanced” by AI, tending to boost these workers’ pay, with knock-on benefits for the local economy. ‘AI would wipe out roles taken up by younger workers’ By contrast, Georgieva warned that AI would wipe out many roles traditionally taken up by younger workers. “Tasks that are eliminated are usually what entry-level jobs do at present, so young people searching for jobs find it harder to get to a good placement.” Also Read: Davos 2026: ‘Soon there will be more robots than people,’ says Elon Musk Besides, people whose jobs are not directly changed by artificial intelligence will be at risk of being squeezed, and their pay may potentially fall without a productivity boost from AI, she said. “So the middle class, inevitably, is going to be affected,” Georgieva predicted. ‘AI insufficiently regulated, moving fast but not safe yet’ She further said that her greatest fear was that AI was insufficiently regulated. “This is moving so fast, and yet we don’t know how to make it safe. We don’t know how to make it inclusive. Wake up, AI is for real, and it is transforming our world faster than we are getting ahead of it,” she said. Georgieva was speaking on a panel alongside the president of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, who warned that the AI boom could be hampered by growing mistrust between rival economies as the US throws up tariff barriers. Also Read: ‘Europe needs to protect itself, take action to become global force,’ says Zelensky at Davos “We are dependent on each other,” she said, pointing out that AI was capital intensive, energy intensive, and data intensive. If countries did not work cooperatively and “define the new rules of the game,” she said, there would be less capital and less data. “We are in a bind, let’s face it,” she said. ‘Disparity getting deeper and bigger,’ says Christine Lagarde Lagarde also sounded the alarm about widening global inequality, highlighting the “disparity that is getting deeper and bigger”. The session titled ‘The Great Rebalancing: Artificial Intelligence, Jobs, and the Future of Inclusive Growth’ was held at the UAE Pavilion. Also Read: Trump claims ‘total access’ Greenland deal, PM Nielsen says unaware of details Earlier, Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella warned at Davos that AI could lose its “social permission” to compete for resources such as energy, for example, if it failed to generate benefits beyond a few powerful tech firms–such as the rapid development of effective new drugs.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said her greatest fear was that AI was insufficiently regulated. It is moving so fast, and yet we don’t know how to make it safe, she said. “Wake up, AI is for real, and it is transforming our world faster than we are getting ahead of it,” she added.

AI ‘tsunami’ will hit job market, young and middle class will suffer most: IMF chief

European organisations are preparing to launch a new social media platform called W, positioning it as a European alternative to Elon Musk-owned X. The move comes amid growing political, regulatory and digital tensions between Europe and the United States.According to the Danish media outlet, W will focus on verified human users, strong data protection and the fight against disinformation. The platform is backed by an advisory board that includes former ministers and business leaders, mainly from Sweden.<h2>What is W?</h2>W is designed as a social media platform where users must verify their identity using photo validation and identification. The aim is to ensure that users are real people and not bots or fake accounts, a growing concern on existing platforms.Anna Zeiter, the CEO of W, told Swiss outlet Bilanz.ch that the name stands for “We”, while the two hidden “V” meanings represent “Values” and “Verified”. She added that the fact W comes before X in the alphabet was “a welcome coincidence”.Unlike many global platforms, W’s data will be hosted within Europe by European companies. The platform will follow strict European Union data protection laws, including GDPR, giving users more control over their personal information.<h2>Why Europe wants an alternative to X</h2>Support for W comes at a time when relations between Europe and the US have become strained. US President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on some European countries, adding to diplomatic friction.At the same time, Elon Musk’s X has been at the centre of disputes with European regulators. The platform was fined €120 million under the EU’s Digital Services Act for failing to meet transparency rules. Musk responded by publicly criticising the European Union.A group of 54 Members of the European Parliament has also called for European alternatives to major social platforms. In an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they said X was “no longer an open and balanced tool for political communication or journalism”.They argued that the platform no longer functions as a public square and has been increasingly linked to disinformation and harmful AI-generated content.<h2>Concerns over disinformation and AI content</h2>In her LinkedIn post announcing W, Anna Zeiter warned that systemic disinformation is damaging public trust and weakening democratic decision-making. She said Europe needs a platform built and governed locally, with human verification, free speech and privacy at its core.X has faced criticism in recent weeks after the spread of AI-generated explicit images, including digitally altered images of women and children, reportedly produced using its chatbot Grok. These incidents have added urgency to calls for stronger platform accountability.<h2>Who is behind the W platform</h2>Anna Zeiter is a Swiss privacy expert with a long career in technology and data protection. She spent more than a decade at eBay, where she worked on privacy, compliance and artificial intelligence issues. She holds a PhD in law from the University of Hamburg and has also studied at Stanford University.W will be legally a subsidiary of “We Don’t Have Time”, a media platform focused on climate action. The team behind W is spread across Europe, with planned offices in Berlin and Paris, according to Bilanz.<h2>Is W available yet?</h2>W is not yet widely available to users. The platform was introduced publicly on January 20 at an event during the World Economic Forum in Davos. A broader rollout is expected later, though no official launch date has been announced.Earlier attempts to move users away from X to platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky had limited success, mainly because users struggled to rebuild their existing networks. W’s creators believe stronger verification and trust could make the difference.

Europe is preparing to launch W, a new social media platform positioned as an alternative to X. Focused on verified users, EU-based data hosting and strict privacy rules, W aims to fight disinformation and reduce reliance on US tech platforms.

European organisations are preparing to launch a new social media platform called W, positioning it as a European alternative to Elon Musk-owned X. The move comes amid growing political, regulatory and digital tensions between Europe and the United States. According to the Danish media outlet, W will focus on verified human users, strong data protection and the fight against disinformation. The platform is backed by an advisory board that includes former ministers and business leaders, mainly from Sweden. What is W? W is designed as a social media platform where users must verify their identity using photo validation and identification. The aim is to ensure that users are real people and not bots or fake accounts, a growing concern on existing platforms. Anna Zeiter, the CEO of W, told Swiss outlet Bilanz.ch that the name stands for “We”, while the two hidden “V” meanings represent “Values” and “Verified”. She added that the fact W comes before X in the alphabet was “a welcome coincidence”. Unlike many global platforms, W’s data will be hosted within Europe by European companies. The platform will follow strict European Union data protection laws, including GDPR, giving users more control over their personal information. Why Europe wants an alternative to X Support for W comes at a time when relations between Europe and the US have become strained. US President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on some European countries, adding to diplomatic friction. At the same time, Elon Musk’s X has been at the centre of disputes with European regulators. The platform was fined €120 million under the EU’s Digital Services Act for failing to meet transparency rules. Musk responded by publicly criticising the European Union. A group of 54 Members of the European Parliament has also called for European alternatives to major social platforms. In an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they said X was “no longer an open and balanced tool for political communication or journalism”. They argued that the platform no longer functions as a public square and has been increasingly linked to disinformation and harmful AI-generated content. Concerns over disinformation and AI content In her LinkedIn post announcing W, Anna Zeiter warned that systemic disinformation is damaging public trust and weakening democratic decision-making. She said Europe needs a platform built and governed locally, with human verification, free speech and privacy at its core. X has faced criticism in recent weeks after the spread of AI-generated explicit images, including digitally altered images of women and children, reportedly produced using its chatbot Grok. These incidents have added urgency to calls for stronger platform accountability. Who is behind the W platform Anna Zeiter is a Swiss privacy expert with a long career in technology and data protection. She spent more than a decade at eBay, where she worked on privacy, compliance and artificial intelligence issues. She holds a PhD in law from the University of Hamburg and has also studied at Stanford University. W will be legally a subsidiary of “We Don’t Have Time”, a media platform focused on climate action. The team behind W is spread across Europe, with planned offices in Berlin and Paris, according to Bilanz. Is W available yet? W is not yet widely available to users. The platform was introduced publicly on January 20 at an event during the World Economic Forum in Davos. A broader rollout is expected later, though no official launch date has been announced. Earlier attempts to move users away from X to platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky had limited success, mainly because users struggled to rebuild their existing networks. W’s creators believe stronger verification and trust could make the difference.

Europe is preparing to launch W, a new social media platform positioned as an alternative to X. Focused on verified users, EU-based data hosting and strict privacy rules, W aims to fight disinformation and reduce reliance on US tech platforms.

Europeans plan to launch ‘W’, their own social media platform to rival Elon Musk’s X

India’s Republic Day sales in 2026 showed a clear shift in online shopping patterns, with Tier-3 cities emerging as the biggest growth drivers, according to industry data. Overall online order volumes increased 16.9 per cent year-on-year, indicating stronger participation from smaller towns and districts.The data is based on more than 27 million order items processed during the Republic Day sale periods of 2025 and 2026, according to an analysis by Unicommerce.<h2>Tier-3 cities account for nearly 40 per cent of orders</h2>Tier-3 cities contributed close to 40 per cent of total online orders during the sales period, with order volumes growing by over 19 per cent compared to last year. Cities such as Kolar, Rohtak, Ernakulam, Kamrup and Khordha were among the key contributors, reflecting rising digital adoption beyond metro and Tier-1 markets.The data suggests that reach and wider access to everything and digital payments are helping smaller cities play a larger role in India’s e-commerce growth.<h2>Everyday goods drive demand during sales</h2>While overall spending grew, the rise was led more by higher order frequency than larger ticket sizes. Gross merchandise value (GMV) increased 11.9 per cent year-on-year, lower than the growth in order volumes.Categories linked to daily needs saw the strongest demand. FMCG and agriculture-related products recorded nearly 80 per cent growth, while beauty and wellness grew by about 53 per cent compared to last year. Food and beverage products also saw higher participation from Tier-3 cities, which made up around 43 per cent of total orders in the category.<h2>Quick commerce sees faster adoption</h2>Faster delivery models continued to gain traction during the Republic Day sales period. Quick commerce orders rose 25 per cent year-on-year, slightly ahead of brand-owned websites, which grew by 23 per cent. Marketplaces still handled the largest share of overall orders.The trend indicates that consumers are increasingly prioritising speed and convenience.<h2>More customer communication during peak demand</h2>To manage high order volumes, sellers relied more on direct customer communication. According to the report, over 2.5 million messages were sent through channels such as SMS, WhatsApp and RCS during the sales period. AI-based voice calls were also used to support last-mile delivery and order confirmation.The Republic Day sales figures point to a broader shift in India’s e-commerce landscape, with growth increasingly coming from smaller cities rather than large metros.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s Republic Day sales 2026 highlight Tier-3 cities as the biggest e-commerce growth engine. These smaller cities drove nearly 40% of online orders, with volumes rising over 19% year-on-year, showing deeper digital adoption beyond metros.


India’s Republic Day sales in 2026 showed a clear shift in online shopping patterns, with Tier-3 cities emerging as the biggest growth drivers, according to industry data. Overall online order volumes increased 16.9 per cent year-on-year, indicating stronger participation from smaller towns and districts. The data is based on more than 27 million order items processed during the Republic Day sale periods of 2025 and 2026, according to an analysis by Unicommerce. Tier-3 cities account for nearly 40 per cent of orders Tier-3 cities contributed close to 40 per cent of total online orders during the sales period, with order volumes growing by over 19 per cent compared to last year. Cities such as Kolar, Rohtak, Ernakulam, Kamrup and Khordha were among the key contributors, reflecting rising digital adoption beyond metro and Tier-1 markets. The data suggests that reach and wider access to everything and digital payments are helping smaller cities play a larger role in India’s e-commerce growth. Everyday goods drive demand during sales While overall spending grew, the rise was led more by higher order frequency than larger ticket sizes. Gross merchandise value (GMV) increased 11.9 per cent year-on-year, lower than the growth in order volumes. Categories linked to daily needs saw the strongest demand. FMCG and agriculture-related products recorded nearly 80 per cent growth, while beauty and wellness grew by about 53 per cent compared to last year. Food and beverage products also saw higher participation from Tier-3 cities, which made up around 43 per cent of total orders in the category. Quick commerce sees faster adoption Faster delivery models continued to gain traction during the Republic Day sales period. Quick commerce orders rose 25 per cent year-on-year, slightly ahead of brand-owned websites, which grew by 23 per cent. Marketplaces still handled the largest share of overall orders. The trend indicates that consumers are increasingly prioritising speed and convenience. More customer communication during peak demand To manage high order volumes, sellers relied more on direct customer communication. According to the report, over 2.5 million messages were sent through channels such as SMS, WhatsApp and RCS during the sales period. AI-based voice calls were also used to support last-mile delivery and order confirmation. The Republic Day sales figures point to a broader shift in India’s e-commerce landscape, with growth increasingly coming from smaller cities rather than large metros.

India’s Republic Day sales 2026 highlight Tier-3 cities as the biggest e-commerce growth engine. These smaller cities drove nearly 40% of online orders, with volumes rising over 19% year-on-year, showing deeper digital adoption beyond metros.

Tier-3 cities are the top contributors to online consumption this Republic Day

Recruiters across India are adopting intelligent technology to hire smartly and efficiently. According to research from LinkedIn, 63% of recruiters in India are turning to AI-powered tools to improve both speed and accuracy in hiring. This is because AI’s impact on hiring has transcended mere automation – now, it’s about reshaping workflows, improving decision-making, and delivering tangible output that adds value to the business.&nbsp;This transformation is central to the second episode of Zee Media’s special series ‘Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs with LinkedIn’, featuring Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent &amp; Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro. The episode explores how AI is enabling efficiency at scale with tools such as LinkedIn Hiring Assistant, which help recruiters deliver improved hiring outcomes without replacing human judgement.&nbsp;<h2>Redefining roles through AI-powered, skills-based job design</h2>&nbsp;One of the most immediate ways AI is changing recruiter workflows is in how roles are defined and talent is discovered. As Jain explains in this episode, “AI is being used to define roles based on skills and capabilities.” By shifting away from rigid, experience-led job descriptions, recruiters are able to focus on what success in a role actually requires.&nbsp;&nbsp;AI enables this by analysing role requirements and mapping them to skills, helping recruiters build sharper job descriptions and improving alignment at the onset of the hiring process. It also supports internal job matching by identifying role adjacencies and surfacing existing capabilities within the organisation, not just external talent. The result is more informed, efficient, and opportunity-led hiring decisions, without adding complexity to recruiter workflows.&nbsp;<h2>AI improves hiring quality across the funnel</h2>&nbsp;AI’s impact extends across every stage of the hiring funnel, which strengthens as well as accelerates decision-making. Drawing from Wipro’s experience, Jain highlights how AI enhances job descriptions for clarity and relevance, screens profiles against defined skill requirements, and improves the quality of shortlisted candidates through more data-based, intuitive, and unbiased evaluation. Today, 63% of recruiters in India use AI-powered screening tools, and 54% report improved skills-to-role alignment, resulting in higher-quality shortlists.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>LinkedIn Hiring Assistant helps recruiters uncover talent they didn’t know existed</h2>&nbsp;With AI taking on routine work, recruiters are able to redirect their time toward what matters most:&nbsp;candidate experience. As Jain explains, “Tools such as LinkedIn Hiring Assistant help recruiters move faster by reducing back-and-forth and simplifying early-stage hiring tasks.” This reduction in manual effort gives recruiters valuable time back, which they can focus on tasks that no AI tool can do.&nbsp;&nbsp;That time can now be focused toward higher-value work: advising hiring managers, building candidate relationships, and contributing to workforce and capability planning. These are areas where human judgement remains essential. Anand reinforces this perspective, noting that AI tools like LinkedIn Hiring Assistant help recruiters in “being more intentional in decision-making rather than just processing more profiles.”&nbsp;&nbsp;LinkedIn Hiring Assistant is not automation for its own sake. It is an enabler of better recruiter judgement, stronger hiring outcomes, and a more impactful recruitment function – one that is equipped to hire smarter, faster, and at scale.&nbsp;(Disclaimer:&nbsp;This&nbsp;article&nbsp;is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)&nbsp;Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJeuHFXT7kU"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

In this episode, Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, explains, “AI is being used to define roles based on skills and capabilities.”

Recruiters across India are adopting intelligent technology to hire smartly and efficiently. According to research from LinkedIn, 63% of recruiters in India are turning to AI-powered tools to improve both speed and accuracy in hiring. This is because AI’s impact on hiring has transcended mere automation – now, it’s about reshaping workflows, improving decision-making, and delivering tangible output that adds value to the business. This transformation is central to the second episode of Zee Media’s special series ‘Beyond AI, CVs & JDs with LinkedIn’, featuring Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro. The episode explores how AI is enabling efficiency at scale with tools such as LinkedIn Hiring Assistant, which help recruiters deliver improved hiring outcomes without replacing human judgement. Redefining roles through AI-powered, skills-based job design One of the most immediate ways AI is changing recruiter workflows is in how roles are defined and talent is discovered. As Jain explains in this episode, “AI is being used to define roles based on skills and capabilities.” By shifting away from rigid, experience-led job descriptions, recruiters are able to focus on what success in a role actually requires. AI enables this by analysing role requirements and mapping them to skills, helping recruiters build sharper job descriptions and improving alignment at the onset of the hiring process. It also supports internal job matching by identifying role adjacencies and surfacing existing capabilities within the organisation, not just external talent. The result is more informed, efficient, and opportunity-led hiring decisions, without adding complexity to recruiter workflows. AI improves hiring quality across the funnel AI’s impact extends across every stage of the hiring funnel, which strengthens as well as accelerates decision-making. Drawing from Wipro’s experience, Jain highlights how AI enhances job descriptions for clarity and relevance, screens profiles against defined skill requirements, and improves the quality of shortlisted candidates through more data-based, intuitive, and unbiased evaluation. Today, 63% of recruiters in India use AI-powered screening tools, and 54% report improved skills-to-role alignment, resulting in higher-quality shortlists. LinkedIn Hiring Assistant helps recruiters uncover talent they didn’t know existed With AI taking on routine work, recruiters are able to redirect their time toward what matters most: candidate experience. As Jain explains, “Tools such as LinkedIn Hiring Assistant help recruiters move faster by reducing back-and-forth and simplifying early-stage hiring tasks.” This reduction in manual effort gives recruiters valuable time back, which they can focus on tasks that no AI tool can do. That time can now be focused toward higher-value work: advising hiring managers, building candidate relationships, and contributing to workforce and capability planning. These are areas where human judgement remains essential. Anand reinforces this perspective, noting that AI tools like LinkedIn Hiring Assistant help recruiters in “being more intentional in decision-making rather than just processing more profiles.” LinkedIn Hiring Assistant is not automation for its own sake. It is an enabler of better recruiter judgement, stronger hiring outcomes, and a more impactful recruitment function – one that is equipped to hire smarter, faster, and at scale. (Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs here:

In this episode, Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, explains, “AI is being used to define roles based on skills and capabilities.”

AI in hiring is no longer experimental, it is mission critical

Recruiters today operate in a high-stakes environment. They are expected to build skilled talent pipelines, hire at scale, and demonstrate clear business impact – all while running against timeliness. Recruitment is no longer evaluated only through cost-per-hire, but is being linked to measures of business productivity.&nbsp;&nbsp;This shift marks a transitional era for the recruitment function. Recruiter priorities are moving from execution to strategy, where working smarter has become as important as hiring fast. At the centre of the second episode of ‘Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs with LinkedIn’, created in collaboration with Zee Media, Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent &amp; Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, explore how recruitment is changing amidst this evolution and why AI is becoming central to delivering more intelligent hiring outcomes.&nbsp;<h2>Growing pressures on recruiters to define the ‘right fit’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Amidst hiring pressures, recruiters’ realities shift in real time. What was earlier a streamlined process of matching job descriptions to resumes is now constantly rejigged by developments in technology, which impact business needs, therefore altering demands of the organisation. Moreover, high volumes of applications coupled with lack of relevant or qualified candidates takes a greater toll on recruiters. As Anand explains, recruiters are paying multiple taxes at once. “There is a switch tax, where roles keep changing as business needs evolve, and a scroll tax, where recruiters are navigating large volumes of profiles to find relevance at scale,” she notes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Together, these pressures are pushing recruiters to become more intentional and skills-focused. LinkedIn data shows more than half of recruiters in India are focused on finding a cultural fit, while 64% say identifying candidates with the right mix of technical and human skills remains difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Speed as a strategic priority</h2>&nbsp;Hiring speed has moved beyond being an operational metric. It is now a competitive advantage. As per LinkedIn’s research, 58% of recruiters say faster hiring improves access to top talent, yet most delays in hiring are structural rather than intentional. In India, more than half recruiters cite multi-layered approval processes as a key reason for slow hiring, creating what Anand described the third tax&nbsp; as the ‘stall tax.’ This is ”when hiring momentum pauses due to internal friction rather than candidate readiness.” When hiring stalls, candidates disengage and organisations lose time and opportunity. Speed, therefore, is not about rushing decisions, but about removing friction so recruiters can sustain momentum without compromising quality.&nbsp;<h2>How AI is helping recruiters meet these expectations</h2>&nbsp;AI is creating a meaningful impact here. Not by replacing judgement, but by helping recruiters balance quality, speed, and scale. According to LinkedIn’s research, 45% of recruiters say AI improves hiring efficiency, and 42% say it frees them from repetitive tasks, allowing time to be redirected toward higher-value work.&nbsp;As Sanjeev Jain explains in the episode, “By reducing manual effort across job descriptions, screening, and candidate ranking, AI allows recruiters to focus on candidate engagement, experience, and thoughtful evaluation.” The result is not just faster hiring, but better hiring. AI is helping recruiters move from managing complexity to creating impact, strengthening their role as strategic partners to the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer:&nbsp;This&nbsp;article&nbsp;is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)&nbsp;Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs here:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/lJeuHFXT7kU?si=cj75sX162Cw0iWvb"></oembed></figure>

Amidst hiring pressures, recruiters’ realities shift in real time. What was earlier a streamlined process of matching job descriptions to resumes is now constantly rejigged by developments in technology, which impact business needs, therefore altering demands of the organisation.

Recruiters today operate in a high-stakes environment. They are expected to build skilled talent pipelines, hire at scale, and demonstrate clear business impact – all while running against timeliness. Recruitment is no longer evaluated only through cost-per-hire, but is being linked to measures of business productivity. This shift marks a transitional era for the recruitment function. Recruiter priorities are moving from execution to strategy, where working smarter has become as important as hiring fast. At the centre of the second episode of ‘Beyond AI, CVs & JDs with LinkedIn’, created in collaboration with Zee Media, Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, explore how recruitment is changing amidst this evolution and why AI is becoming central to delivering more intelligent hiring outcomes. Growing pressures on recruiters to define the ‘right fit’ Amidst hiring pressures, recruiters’ realities shift in real time. What was earlier a streamlined process of matching job descriptions to resumes is now constantly rejigged by developments in technology, which impact business needs, therefore altering demands of the organisation. Moreover, high volumes of applications coupled with lack of relevant or qualified candidates takes a greater toll on recruiters. As Anand explains, recruiters are paying multiple taxes at once. “There is a switch tax, where roles keep changing as business needs evolve, and a scroll tax, where recruiters are navigating large volumes of profiles to find relevance at scale,” she notes. Together, these pressures are pushing recruiters to become more intentional and skills-focused. LinkedIn data shows more than half of recruiters in India are focused on finding a cultural fit, while 64% say identifying candidates with the right mix of technical and human skills remains difficult. Speed as a strategic priority Hiring speed has moved beyond being an operational metric. It is now a competitive advantage. As per LinkedIn’s research, 58% of recruiters say faster hiring improves access to top talent, yet most delays in hiring are structural rather than intentional. In India, more than half recruiters cite multi-layered approval processes as a key reason for slow hiring, creating what Anand described the third tax as the ‘stall tax.’ This is ”when hiring momentum pauses due to internal friction rather than candidate readiness.” When hiring stalls, candidates disengage and organisations lose time and opportunity. Speed, therefore, is not about rushing decisions, but about removing friction so recruiters can sustain momentum without compromising quality. How AI is helping recruiters meet these expectations AI is creating a meaningful impact here. Not by replacing judgement, but by helping recruiters balance quality, speed, and scale. According to LinkedIn’s research, 45% of recruiters say AI improves hiring efficiency, and 42% say it frees them from repetitive tasks, allowing time to be redirected toward higher-value work. As Sanjeev Jain explains in the episode, “By reducing manual effort across job descriptions, screening, and candidate ranking, AI allows recruiters to focus on candidate engagement, experience, and thoughtful evaluation.” The result is not just faster hiring, but better hiring. AI is helping recruiters move from managing complexity to creating impact, strengthening their role as strategic partners to the business. (Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.) Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs here:

Amidst hiring pressures, recruiters’ realities shift in real time. What was earlier a streamlined process of matching job descriptions to resumes is now constantly rejigged by developments in technology, which impact business needs, therefore altering demands of the organisation.

Changing hiring rules: From filling roles fast to smarter and strategic workforce-building

Tech billionaire Elon Musk made his first appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday and predicted that robots will eventually outnumber humans in the years to come and humanoid machines will become as commonplace as smartphones. “By the end of next year I think we’d be selling humanoid robots to the public,” Musk said, adding, “My prediction is there’ll be more robots than people… everyone on Earth is going to have one and going to want one… who wouldn’t want a robot to… watch over your kids, take care of your pets… we are in the most interesting time in history.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ukraine-us-russia-to-hold-trilateral-talks-in-uae-hope-war-ends-says-zelensky-at-davos-2026-1769097668812">‘Ukraine, US, Russia to hold trilateral talks in UAE; hope war ends,’ says Zelensky at Davos 2026</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The South Africa-born Tesla and SpaceX chief, who is the world’s richest person, spoke with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at the Davos summit he previously dismissed as elitist and boring.Musk began with a joke about US President Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions, referencing a peace summit. “And I was like, is that piece? A little piece of Greenland. A little piece of Venezuela,” he said to limited laughter.Trump also repeated his claim about extraterrestrial life. “I’m often asked: ‘Are there aliens among us?’ And I say, I am one, but they don’t believe me. If anyone would know if there were aliens among us, it would be me.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-zelensky-says-europe-needs-to-protect-itself-take-action-to-become-global-force-1769091116500">‘Europe needs to protect itself, take action to become global force,’ says Zelensky at Davos</a><h2>‘AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion’</h2>&nbsp;Musk also told the audience that AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion.“We will actually make so many robots and AI that they will actually saturate human needs,” he said. “My prediction is that there will be more robots than people.”Musk said Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots would perform simple tasks in factories by the end of this year and more complex industrial work within 12 months.“Who wouldn’t want a robot to, assuming it’s very safe, watch over your kids, take care of your pets?” Musk asked.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-peace-deal-talks-down-to-one-issue-says-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-1769082947582">Russia-Ukraine peace talks ‘down to one issue’, says US envoy Steve Witkoff</a><h2>‘AI would become smarter than any human by 2026-end’</h2>&nbsp;Musk also predicted that AI would become smarter than any individual human by the end of 2026 and surpass the collective intelligence of humanity within five years.Tesla has rolled out robotaxi services in several US cities and expects widespread deployment across the country by year’s end, Musk said. He added that Tesla hopes to receive European approval for the vehicles next month but did not specify which countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-hands-over-list-of-over-900-indian-prisoners-set-for-release-1769084675586">UAE hands over list of over 900 Indian prisoners set for release</a><h2>‘Ageing a very solvable problem’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Discussing human longevity, Musk said ageing was “a very solvable problem” and predicted that once identified, the cause would be “incredibly obvious” to scientists.Musk was added to the WEF schedule as a last-minute participant, appearing one day after Trump addressed the forum.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-ashwini-vaishnaw-corrects-imf-chief-says-india-among-top-tier-ai-powers-1769020163510">Davos 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw corrects IMF chief, says India among ‘top tier’ AI powers</a>&nbsp;He had previously called the annual gathering “boring” and slammed the WEF as a body that’s “increasingly becoming an unelected world government” in previous years.In December 2022, he said he declined a Davos invitation because it sounded “boring af”.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk told the audience that AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion. He said Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots would perform simple tasks in factories by the end of this year and more complex industrial work within 12 months.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk made his first appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday and predicted that robots will eventually outnumber humans in the years to come and humanoid machines will become as commonplace as smartphones. “By the end of next year I think we’d be selling humanoid robots to the public,” Musk said, adding, “My prediction is there’ll be more robots than people… everyone on Earth is going to have one and going to want one… who wouldn’t want a robot to… watch over your kids, take care of your pets… we are in the most interesting time in history.” Also Read: ‘Ukraine, US, Russia to hold trilateral talks in UAE; hope war ends,’ says Zelensky at Davos 2026 The South Africa-born Tesla and SpaceX chief, who is the world’s richest person, spoke with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at the Davos summit he previously dismissed as elitist and boring. Musk began with a joke about US President Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions, referencing a peace summit. “And I was like, is that piece? A little piece of Greenland. A little piece of Venezuela,” he said to limited laughter. Trump also repeated his claim about extraterrestrial life. “I’m often asked: ‘Are there aliens among us?’ And I say, I am one, but they don’t believe me. If anyone would know if there were aliens among us, it would be me.” Also Read: ‘Europe needs to protect itself, take action to become global force,’ says Zelensky at Davos ‘AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion’ Musk also told the audience that AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion. “We will actually make so many robots and AI that they will actually saturate human needs,” he said. “My prediction is that there will be more robots than people.” Musk said Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots would perform simple tasks in factories by the end of this year and more complex industrial work within 12 months. “Who wouldn’t want a robot to, assuming it’s very safe, watch over your kids, take care of your pets?” Musk asked. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine peace talks ‘down to one issue’, says US envoy Steve Witkoff ‘AI would become smarter than any human by 2026-end’ Musk also predicted that AI would become smarter than any individual human by the end of 2026 and surpass the collective intelligence of humanity within five years. Tesla has rolled out robotaxi services in several US cities and expects widespread deployment across the country by year’s end, Musk said. He added that Tesla hopes to receive European approval for the vehicles next month but did not specify which countries. Also Read: UAE hands over list of over 900 Indian prisoners set for release ‘Ageing a very solvable problem’ Discussing human longevity, Musk said ageing was “a very solvable problem” and predicted that once identified, the cause would be “incredibly obvious” to scientists. Musk was added to the WEF schedule as a last-minute participant, appearing one day after Trump addressed the forum. Also Read: Davos 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw corrects IMF chief, says India among ‘top tier’ AI powers He had previously called the annual gathering “boring” and slammed the WEF as a body that’s “increasingly becoming an unelected world government” in previous years. In December 2022, he said he declined a Davos invitation because it sounded “boring af”.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk told the audience that AI and robotics would trigger an unprecedented economic explosion. He said Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots would perform simple tasks in factories by the end of this year and more complex industrial work within 12 months.

Davos 2026: ‘Soon there will be more robots than people,’ says Elon Musk

Apple is preparing a major overhaul of Siri, aiming to turn the voice assistant into the company’s first full artificial intelligence chatbot later this year. The move will push Apple directly into the generative AI race dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to people familiar with the plan, the new chatbot is code-named Campos and will be deeply integrated into Apple’s operating systems across the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Users will activate it the same way they use Siri today, by saying “Siri” or holding the side button on their device.&nbsp;<h2>What makes the new Siri different</h2>The new chatbot will go far beyond the current version of Siri, which lacks smooth back-and-forth conversation and struggles with complex tasks. Unlike today’s assistant, Campos will offer a chat-style experience, similar to ChatGPT and Gemini, with both voice and typing options.Apple plans to first release a smaller Siri upgrade with iOS 26.4 in the coming months. This update will keep the existing Siri interface but add features announced in 2024, including analysing on-screen content, searching the web more effectively and using personal data to complete tasks.The full chatbot experience will arrive later in the year. Apple is expected to preview Campos at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a public release likely in September.&nbsp;<h2>How Campos will work across Apple devices</h2>As per media reports, campos will be built into iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. Rather than being a separate app, the chatbot will be woven into the system, just like Siri is today. Apple is also testing it internally as a standalone app, but there are no plans to release that version to users.The chatbot will be able to search the web, summarise information, generate images, analyse files and create content. It will also understand what is on the user’s screen and take actions, such as making calls, setting timers, opening apps or adjusting settings.Apple plans to integrate the chatbot across core apps like Mail, Photos, Music, Podcasts, TV and even Xcode. For example, users could ask Siri to find a specific photo based on a description and edit it, or draft an email using calendar details already on the device.&nbsp;<h2>Why Apple is changing its AI strategy</h2>Apple has long avoided launching a standalone chatbot, arguing that users prefer AI built directly into features. Senior executives had previously said they did not want to push users into separate chat experiences.However, competition has forced a rethink. Samsung, Google and several Chinese smartphone makers already offer deep conversational AI inside their devices. ChatGPT crossed 800 million weekly active users in October, highlighting how quickly chat-based AI has become mainstream.Apple has also faced pressure after a slow and uneven rollout of its Apple Intelligence features in 2024. Turning Siri into a chatbot is now seen as central to Apple’s AI recovery plan.&nbsp;<h2>Google’s role and privacy limits</h2>Although Apple is designing the interface, the chatbot will rely heavily on AI models developed by Google’s Gemini team. Apple is reportedly paying Google around $1 billion a year for access to these models. The upcoming chatbot will run on a more advanced system than the one powering the earlier Siri update.Unlike ChatGPT, Apple is considering strict limits on how much the chatbot can remember about users. The company is discussing tighter controls to protect privacy, a long-standing focus for Apple.Apple has also designed Campos so that its AI models can be replaced in the future, giving the company flexibility to move away from Google if needed.&nbsp;<h2>A turning point for Siri</h2>The chatbot shift follows internal leadership changes at Apple, with software chief Craig Federighi taking greater control of AI strategy after longtime AI head John Giannandrea stepped aside. Apple has also hired senior AI talent from Google’s Gemini team.If successful, Campos could mark the biggest change to Siri since its launch more than a decade ago, transforming it from a basic voice assistant into a central AI layer across Apple devices.

Apple plans to transform Siri into a full AI chatbot later this year, code-named Campos. Integrated across iPhone, iPad and Mac, it will offer ChatGPT-like conversations, screen awareness and deep app control, marking Apple’s biggest AI shift yet.

Apple is preparing a major overhaul of Siri, aiming to turn the voice assistant into the company’s first full artificial intelligence chatbot later this year. The move will push Apple directly into the generative AI race dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to people familiar with the plan, the new chatbot is code-named Campos and will be deeply integrated into Apple’s operating systems across the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Users will activate it the same way they use Siri today, by saying “Siri” or holding the side button on their device. What makes the new Siri different The new chatbot will go far beyond the current version of Siri, which lacks smooth back-and-forth conversation and struggles with complex tasks. Unlike today’s assistant, Campos will offer a chat-style experience, similar to ChatGPT and Gemini, with both voice and typing options. Apple plans to first release a smaller Siri upgrade with iOS 26.4 in the coming months. This update will keep the existing Siri interface but add features announced in 2024, including analysing on-screen content, searching the web more effectively and using personal data to complete tasks. The full chatbot experience will arrive later in the year. Apple is expected to preview Campos at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a public release likely in September. How Campos will work across Apple devices As per media reports, campos will be built into iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. Rather than being a separate app, the chatbot will be woven into the system, just like Siri is today. Apple is also testing it internally as a standalone app, but there are no plans to release that version to users. The chatbot will be able to search the web, summarise information, generate images, analyse files and create content. It will also understand what is on the user’s screen and take actions, such as making calls, setting timers, opening apps or adjusting settings. Apple plans to integrate the chatbot across core apps like Mail, Photos, Music, Podcasts, TV and even Xcode. For example, users could ask Siri to find a specific photo based on a description and edit it, or draft an email using calendar details already on the device. Why Apple is changing its AI strategy Apple has long avoided launching a standalone chatbot, arguing that users prefer AI built directly into features. Senior executives had previously said they did not want to push users into separate chat experiences. However, competition has forced a rethink. Samsung, Google and several Chinese smartphone makers already offer deep conversational AI inside their devices. ChatGPT crossed 800 million weekly active users in October, highlighting how quickly chat-based AI has become mainstream. Apple has also faced pressure after a slow and uneven rollout of its Apple Intelligence features in 2024. Turning Siri into a chatbot is now seen as central to Apple’s AI recovery plan. Google’s role and privacy limits Although Apple is designing the interface, the chatbot will rely heavily on AI models developed by Google’s Gemini team. Apple is reportedly paying Google around $1 billion a year for access to these models. The upcoming chatbot will run on a more advanced system than the one powering the earlier Siri update. Unlike ChatGPT, Apple is considering strict limits on how much the chatbot can remember about users. The company is discussing tighter controls to protect privacy, a long-standing focus for Apple. Apple has also designed Campos so that its AI models can be replaced in the future, giving the company flexibility to move away from Google if needed. A turning point for Siri The chatbot shift follows internal leadership changes at Apple, with software chief Craig Federighi taking greater control of AI strategy after longtime AI head John Giannandrea stepped aside. Apple has also hired senior AI talent from Google’s Gemini team. If successful, Campos could mark the biggest change to Siri since its launch more than a decade ago, transforming it from a basic voice assistant into a central AI layer across Apple devices.

Apple plans to transform Siri into a full AI chatbot later this year, code-named Campos. Integrated across iPhone, iPad and Mac, it will offer ChatGPT-like conversations, screen awareness and deep app control, marking Apple’s biggest AI shift yet.

What will change? Apple to turn Siri into an AI chatbot later this year

Across industries, organisations are facing a growing mismatch: skills are evolving faster than job roles themselves. For both recruiters and professionals, job readiness is no longer about matching past experience to a static role, it is about identifying who can adapt swiftly as the role itself continues to change.&nbsp;This shift sits at the centre of the second episode of ‘Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs with LinkedIn’ created in collaboration with Zee Media. In conversation with Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent &amp; Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, the episode explores how AI is accelerating changes in skill demand; and what it takes to be career-safe and future-ready in India’s evolving job market.<h2>In the AI era, upskilling and learning is perpetual</h2>AI is accelerating a longer-term transition in how work is defined and delivered. Ruchee Anand highlights the scale of this shift, noting that nearly 70% of the skills required to succeed in roles today are expected to change by 2030. This change represents a fundamental compression in the lifecycle of skill sets, demanding that professionals continuously add to their skills arsenal.&nbsp;Sanjeev Jain places this moment of change in perspective by comparing AI’s impact today to the industrial revolution's introduction of the assembly line, an innovation that permanently reshaped how we work. For that reason, he emphasises that AI literacy today enables organisations to innovate at scale, making its relevance critical across experience levels, including leadership roles. AI understanding is fast becoming the baseline; what will differentiate professionals is what they build on top of it.<h2>New skill priorities: The human edge takes centre stage</h2>As AI proficiency becomes the baseline requisite, human capabilities are emerging as the real differentiator. Anand points out that creativity, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and innovation are now critical skills across roles - from technology to finance and operations. This blended skill set is exactly what recruiters are struggling to find. 64% of recruiters in India find it difficult to identify candidates who bring the right mix of technical and human skills.<h2>Learnability is the real differentiator</h2>Bridging this gap requires continuous learning and the ability to signal it clearly. Anand explains this through a simple traffic-signal analogy. She sees unexplained career breaks or transitions as the red signal. Professionals should explain these on their profile to give recruiters a complete picture. Incomplete profiles, especially those missing important skills, are a yellow signal to recruiters. Profiles that showcase readiness with clarity, such as a sharp profile summary, strong skill set, and a clear indication of job search intent with the ‘Open to Work’ badge – provide the green signal to recruiters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Features such as Open to Work, notice period, salary expectations, and updated skills help recruiters assess readiness faster and with greater confidence. In fact, LinkedIn profiles are up to 5.6x more likely to be viewed by recruiters if you list five or more skills. In an evolving job market, it’s the professionals who clearly signal learning, intent, and adaptability who will turn possibility into progress.&nbsp;Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs &amp; JDs here:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/8ypaR1hFkAk?si=flHV-WkthCGrU5Ez"></oembed></figure>

AI is accelerating a longer-term transition in how work is defined and delivered. Ruchee Anand highlights the scale of this shift, noting that nearly 70% of the skills required to succeed in roles today are expected to change by 2030.

Across industries, organisations are facing a growing mismatch: skills are evolving faster than job roles themselves. For both recruiters and professionals, job readiness is no longer about matching past experience to a static role, it is about identifying who can adapt swiftly as the role itself continues to change. This shift sits at the centre of the second episode of ‘Beyond AI, CVs & JDs with LinkedIn’ created in collaboration with Zee Media. In conversation with Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, the episode explores how AI is accelerating changes in skill demand; and what it takes to be career-safe and future-ready in India’s evolving job market. In the AI era, upskilling and learning is perpetual AI is accelerating a longer-term transition in how work is defined and delivered. Ruchee Anand highlights the scale of this shift, noting that nearly 70% of the skills required to succeed in roles today are expected to change by 2030. This change represents a fundamental compression in the lifecycle of skill sets, demanding that professionals continuously add to their skills arsenal. Sanjeev Jain places this moment of change in perspective by comparing AI’s impact today to the industrial revolution's introduction of the assembly line, an innovation that permanently reshaped how we work. For that reason, he emphasises that AI literacy today enables organisations to innovate at scale, making its relevance critical across experience levels, including leadership roles. AI understanding is fast becoming the baseline; what will differentiate professionals is what they build on top of it. New skill priorities: The human edge takes centre stage As AI proficiency becomes the baseline requisite, human capabilities are emerging as the real differentiator. Anand points out that creativity, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and innovation are now critical skills across roles - from technology to finance and operations. This blended skill set is exactly what recruiters are struggling to find. 64% of recruiters in India find it difficult to identify candidates who bring the right mix of technical and human skills. Learnability is the real differentiator Bridging this gap requires continuous learning and the ability to signal it clearly. Anand explains this through a simple traffic-signal analogy. She sees unexplained career breaks or transitions as the red signal. Professionals should explain these on their profile to give recruiters a complete picture. Incomplete profiles, especially those missing important skills, are a yellow signal to recruiters. Profiles that showcase readiness with clarity, such as a sharp profile summary, strong skill set, and a clear indication of job search intent with the ‘Open to Work’ badge – provide the green signal to recruiters. Features such as Open to Work, notice period, salary expectations, and updated skills help recruiters assess readiness faster and with greater confidence. In fact, LinkedIn profiles are up to 5.6x more likely to be viewed by recruiters if you list five or more skills. In an evolving job market, it’s the professionals who clearly signal learning, intent, and adaptability who will turn possibility into progress. Watch the second episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs here:

AI is accelerating a longer-term transition in how work is defined and delivered. Ruchee Anand highlights the scale of this shift, noting that nearly 70% of the skills required to succeed in roles today are expected to change by 2030.

Why adaptability and intent, not experience, now define career readiness

New research from Penn State University found that quantum computers are exposed to serious security risks, despite the promise to revolutionise science and industry with their unmatched processing power. Researchers also said that securing quantum computers requires more than protecting software, adding that it must also be treated as a critical part of any defence strategy.&nbsp;"Quantum computers are expected to deliver extraordinary speed and computing power, with the potential to transform scientific research and business operations. That same power also makes them especially appealing targets for cyberattacks," said Swaroop Ghosh, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.&nbsp;“Quantum computers need to be safeguarded from the ground up. At the device level, developers should focus on mitigating crosstalk and other sources of noise -- external interference -- that may leak information or impede effective information transfer. At the circuit level, techniques like scrambling and information encoding must be used to protect the data built into the system. At the system level, hardware needs to be compartmentalised by dividing business data into different groups, granting users specific access based on their roles and adding a layer of protection to the information. New software techniques and extensions need to be developed to detect and fortify quantum programs against security threats,” he added.&nbsp;He said, unlike traditional computers, which rely on bits that exist as either zero or one, quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits can exist as zero, one or both at the same time through a phenomenon known as superposition. They can also be linked through entanglement, allowing quantum machines to process exponentially larger amounts of data compared with classical systems.&nbsp;This capability makes quantum computers highly attractive for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where they could dramatically speed up drug discovery and development. However, the same complexity introduces unique security challenges.<h3>Interconnected qubits and unwanted interactions</h3>Meanwhile, another researcher from the university, Suryansh Upadhyay, claimed that there is currently no efficient way to verify the integrity of quantum programs and compilers, many of which are developed by third parties. This leaves sensitive corporate and personal data vulnerable to theft or manipulation. He also warned that intellectual property is often embedded directly into quantum circuits, meaning exposed circuits could allow attackers to extract proprietary algorithms, financial data or even critical infrastructure details.&nbsp;Another risk stems from the very feature that gives quantum computers their power: interconnected qubits. Unwanted interactions, known as crosstalk, can leak information or disrupt computations, especially when multiple users share the same quantum processor. "Since quantum computers are still a relatively new technology, there is not much incentive for attackers to target them, but as the computers are integrated into industry and our day-to-day life, they will become a prime target," Upadhyay said.&nbsp;The researchers argued that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure, leaving critical assets such as circuit designs and encoded data without full protection.&nbsp;In order to solve these risks, Ghosh said security must be designed into quantum computers from the ground up. This includes reducing noise and crosstalk at the hardware level, protecting data at the circuit level using encoding and scrambling, and compartmentalising information at the system level. In addition, he highlighted that new software tools will also be required to detect and counter emerging quantum-specific threats as the technology moves closer to widespread use. &nbsp;

The researchers said that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure.

New research from Penn State University found that quantum computers are exposed to serious security risks, despite the promise to revolutionise science and industry with their unmatched processing power. Researchers also said that securing quantum computers requires more than protecting software, adding that it must also be treated as a critical part of any defence strategy. "Quantum computers are expected to deliver extraordinary speed and computing power, with the potential to transform scientific research and business operations. That same power also makes them especially appealing targets for cyberattacks," said Swaroop Ghosh, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Quantum computers need to be safeguarded from the ground up. At the device level, developers should focus on mitigating crosstalk and other sources of noise -- external interference -- that may leak information or impede effective information transfer. At the circuit level, techniques like scrambling and information encoding must be used to protect the data built into the system. At the system level, hardware needs to be compartmentalised by dividing business data into different groups, granting users specific access based on their roles and adding a layer of protection to the information. New software techniques and extensions need to be developed to detect and fortify quantum programs against security threats,” he added. He said, unlike traditional computers, which rely on bits that exist as either zero or one, quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits can exist as zero, one or both at the same time through a phenomenon known as superposition. They can also be linked through entanglement, allowing quantum machines to process exponentially larger amounts of data compared with classical systems. This capability makes quantum computers highly attractive for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where they could dramatically speed up drug discovery and development. However, the same complexity introduces unique security challenges. Interconnected qubits and unwanted interactions Meanwhile, another researcher from the university, Suryansh Upadhyay, claimed that there is currently no efficient way to verify the integrity of quantum programs and compilers, many of which are developed by third parties. This leaves sensitive corporate and personal data vulnerable to theft or manipulation. He also warned that intellectual property is often embedded directly into quantum circuits, meaning exposed circuits could allow attackers to extract proprietary algorithms, financial data or even critical infrastructure details. Another risk stems from the very feature that gives quantum computers their power: interconnected qubits. Unwanted interactions, known as crosstalk, can leak information or disrupt computations, especially when multiple users share the same quantum processor. "Since quantum computers are still a relatively new technology, there is not much incentive for attackers to target them, but as the computers are integrated into industry and our day-to-day life, they will become a prime target," Upadhyay said. The researchers argued that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure, leaving critical assets such as circuit designs and encoded data without full protection. In order to solve these risks, Ghosh said security must be designed into quantum computers from the ground up. This includes reducing noise and crosstalk at the hardware level, protecting data at the circuit level using encoding and scrambling, and compartmentalising information at the system level. In addition, he highlighted that new software tools will also be required to detect and counter emerging quantum-specific threats as the technology moves closer to widespread use.

The researchers said that current cybersecurity techniques, which are used in classical computing, are largely ineffective for quantum systems. They added that the commercial providers are currently focused on making quantum computers reliable rather than secure.

Quantum computers have serious security flaws? Here's what researchers warn

Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to launch its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by the end of 2026. According to reports, the iPhone maker is already in talks with global card networks such as Visa and Mastercard and is working on securing regulatory approvals required to operate in the country.&nbsp;If launched, Apple Pay will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users in India to make contactless payments using their devices, marking Apple’s first major push into India’s fast-growing digital payments market.&nbsp;<h2>Apple Pay’s India entry</h2>Apple Pay’s India entry is expected to follow a cautious and phased approach. In the first stage, the service will focus on card-based contactless payments. Users will be able to add their debit or credit cards issued by Indian banks to the Apple Wallet and pay by tapping their device on NFC-enabled payment terminals.&nbsp;This model mirrors Apple Pay’s rollout in several other countries and helps Apple avoid immediate integration with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which involves complex technical and regulatory challenges.&nbsp;According to industry sources, Apple is currently engaging with Indian regulators and payment partners to ensure compliance with local rules before the service goes live.&nbsp;<h2>UPI integration remains a future option</h2>UPI integration is not expected at launch but could be considered later. Adding UPI would require approvals from multiple regulators and coordination with India’s payments ecosystem, which is dominated by bank-led platforms and government-backed systems.&nbsp;Reports also suggest Apple is also discussing transaction fee structures with card issuers, an important factor in a market where digital payments are largely low-cost or free for users.&nbsp;Experts say Apple may choose to first test user adoption with card payments before deciding whether to invest in deeper UPI integration.&nbsp;<h2>Why India matters to Apple’s services&nbsp;</h2>India has become one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets. The company recently recorded its highest-ever iPhone shipments in the country and has been expanding its manufacturing and retail presence.&nbsp;The possible Apple Pay launch fits into Apple’s wider plan to grow its services business in India. The company recently introduced Apple Fitness+ in the country and continues to promote subscriptions such as Apple Music and iCloud.&nbsp;As smartphone usage and digital payments continue to rise in India, Apple Pay could become a key part of Apple’s long-term strategy in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apple Pay is likely to launch in India by end-2026, starting with card-based contactless payments on iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple is in talks with Visa and Mastercard, while UPI integration may come later as part of a phased services expansion.

Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to launch its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by the end of 2026. According to reports, the iPhone maker is already in talks with global card networks such as Visa and Mastercard and is working on securing regulatory approvals required to operate in the country. If launched, Apple Pay will allow iPhone and Apple Watch users in India to make contactless payments using their devices, marking Apple’s first major push into India’s fast-growing digital payments market. Apple Pay’s India entry Apple Pay’s India entry is expected to follow a cautious and phased approach. In the first stage, the service will focus on card-based contactless payments. Users will be able to add their debit or credit cards issued by Indian banks to the Apple Wallet and pay by tapping their device on NFC-enabled payment terminals. This model mirrors Apple Pay’s rollout in several other countries and helps Apple avoid immediate integration with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which involves complex technical and regulatory challenges. According to industry sources, Apple is currently engaging with Indian regulators and payment partners to ensure compliance with local rules before the service goes live. UPI integration remains a future option UPI integration is not expected at launch but could be considered later. Adding UPI would require approvals from multiple regulators and coordination with India’s payments ecosystem, which is dominated by bank-led platforms and government-backed systems. Reports also suggest Apple is also discussing transaction fee structures with card issuers, an important factor in a market where digital payments are largely low-cost or free for users. Experts say Apple may choose to first test user adoption with card payments before deciding whether to invest in deeper UPI integration. Why India matters to Apple’s services India has become one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets. The company recently recorded its highest-ever iPhone shipments in the country and has been expanding its manufacturing and retail presence. The possible Apple Pay launch fits into Apple’s wider plan to grow its services business in India. The company recently introduced Apple Fitness+ in the country and continues to promote subscriptions such as Apple Music and iCloud. As smartphone usage and digital payments continue to rise in India, Apple Pay could become a key part of Apple’s long-term strategy in the market.

Apple Pay is likely to launch in India by end-2026, starting with card-based contactless payments on iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple is in talks with Visa and Mastercard, while UPI integration may come later as part of a phased services expansion.

Expanding payment options: Apple Pay may launch in India by 2026

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new artificial intelligence tools for teachers this week, signalling a growing race among tech giants to shape how AI is used in classrooms. The announcements come at a time when many educators remain cautious about the impact of AI on learning.These companies unveiled separate initiatives aimed at teachers, students and schools, promising better access to AI tools, training and support. However, a new survey suggests that concerns around student dependence, critical thinking and data privacy remain strong among faculty members.<h2>Anthropic partners with Teach For All</h2>Anthropic announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Teach For All to bring AI tools and training to more than 100,000 educators across 63 countries, reaching over 1.5 million students. The initiative, called the AI Literacy &amp; Creator Collective, will give teachers access to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude.Unlike many other AI programmes, Anthropic said teachers will help shape how the technology develops. Educators will act as “co-architects”, offering feedback on how AI should be designed and used in classrooms.According to Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, teachers must play a central role if AI is to make education more fair and effective. She said educators should guide how AI tools are built, rather than simply adapting to them.&nbsp;

Anthropic partners with Teach For All

&nbsp;<h2>Google and Microsoft expand education AI</h2>Google introduced its biggest education-focused AI push so far at the Bett UK 2026 conference. The company announced free SAT practice exams through its Gemini assistant, with content reviewed by The Princeton Review. Google also announced that Khan Academy’s Writing Coach will now run on Gemini, offering writing feedback to students from Classes 5 to 12.&nbsp;In addition, Google said Gemini will be available across its Workspace for Education tools, including Gmail, Docs, Slides and Sheets, at no extra cost to schools.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Microsoft launched its Elevate for Educators programme. The initiative offers free professional training, AI-focused certifications developed with ISTE+ASCD, and access to educator networks in more than 13 languages. Microsoft said the programme supports its goal of helping 20 million people gain AI skills over the next two years.<h2>Teachers remain cautious about AI</h2>Despite the push from tech companies, many educators remain uneasy. A survey of 1,057 faculty members, released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and Elon University, found that 95 percent believe AI will increase student overreliance on technology. Around 90 percent said it could weaken critical thinking skills.&nbsp;The survey also showed that 68 percent of faculty feel their institutions have not prepared them properly to use AI in teaching, while nearly one in four said they do not use AI tools at all.&nbsp;Eddie Watson, vice president for digital innovation at AAC&amp;U, said the findings show higher education is at a turning point, with strong warnings from faculty that AI may harm learning if not used carefully.&nbsp;<h2>Privacy and data concerns</h2>Privacy experts have also raised concerns as AI adoption in schools accelerates. While companies must follow student data protection laws such as FERPA in the United States, enforcement has often been weak.&nbsp;Some experts warn that student data protections may fade after graduation, while others suggest companies may be focused on building long-term user loyalty.Tam Winc, CEO of Secur, said that while many AI firms want to improve education, schools and parents must prioritise student safety and well-being as competition for classroom adoption increases. &nbsp;&nbsp;The growing interest in AI-powered education is also creating opportunities for specialised platforms that focus on the day-to-day needs of schools. Alongside global technology companies, India-based Neev Learn is among the platforms integrating AI into school management to support teachers, administrators, students and parents. By combining school management software with AI-powered features, the platform aims to streamline routine administrative tasks, improve communication and help educators spend more time on teaching than paperwork. As schools continue to evaluate how AI can be used responsibly, such purpose-built platforms reflect a broader shift towards practical AI applications that complement teaching rather than replace it.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new AI tools for teachers, expanding AI use in classrooms worldwide. While firms promise support and training, surveys show educators remain worried about student dependence, weak critical thinking and data privacy risks.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new artificial intelligence tools for teachers this week, signalling a growing race among tech giants to shape how AI is used in classrooms. The announcements come at a time when many educators remain cautious about the impact of AI on learning. These companies unveiled separate initiatives aimed at teachers, students and schools, promising better access to AI tools, training and support. However, a new survey suggests that concerns around student dependence, critical thinking and data privacy remain strong among faculty members. Anthropic partners with Teach For All Anthropic announced a partnership with non-profit organisation Teach For All to bring AI tools and training to more than 100,000 educators across 63 countries, reaching over 1.5 million students. The initiative, called the AI Literacy & Creator Collective, will give teachers access to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude. Unlike many other AI programmes, Anthropic said teachers will help shape how the technology develops. Educators will act as “co-architects”, offering feedback on how AI should be designed and used in classrooms. According to Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All, teachers must play a central role if AI is to make education more fair and effective. She said educators should guide how AI tools are built, rather than simply adapting to them.

Google, Microsoft and Anthropic have launched new AI tools for teachers, expanding AI use in classrooms worldwide. While firms promise support and training, surveys show educators remain worried about student dependence, weak critical thinking and data privacy risks.

‘AI-powered teaching’: Google, Microsoft and Anthropic roll out AI tools for teachers

You may soon start seeing AI-generated versions of your favourite creators while scrolling through Shorts. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced that creators will be able to make Shorts using their own likeness, including their face and voice, using artificial intelligence tools.The announcement was made in Mohan’s annual letter, where he outlined YouTube’s plans for AI-powered creation in 2026. According to him, AI on YouTube will focus on helping creators express themselves, not replace them.<h2>What the new AI likeness feature means</h2>According to him, creators will soon be able to use their own likeness to create Shorts, generate games using simple text prompts, and experiment with music. While YouTube has not yet shared detailed technical information, the feature will be added to the platform’s growing list of AI tools for Shorts.These already include AI-generated video clips, AI stickers, automatic dubbing into other languages, and editing tools designed to save time for creators. The new likeness feature will allow creators to appear in content even when they are not directly recording videos.<h2>Massive reach and YouTube’s AI push</h2>Shorts is one of the platform’s fastest-growing formats. Mohan said Shorts now receives an average of&nbsp;200 billion views every day, making it a key focus area for YouTube’s future growth.To keep creators engaged and maintain viewer interest, YouTube is investing heavily in AI-powered features. The company believes these tools can help creators produce content faster.Control and protection of creator identityHe said creators will be given new tools to manage how their likeness is used in AI-generated content. This comes as concerns grow around misuse of AI, including deepfakes and unauthorised impersonation.&nbsp;Last October, YouTube introduced likeness-detection technology for eligible creators. The system helps identify AI-generated videos that use a creator’s face or voice without permission. Creators can then request removal of such content.According to Mohan, YouTube will continue improving these systems to protect creators while allowing responsible use of AI tools.<h2>YouTube’s effort to curb low-quality AI content</h2>Like other social media platforms, YouTube has faced criticism over the spread of low-quality and repetitive AI-generated videos. Mohan said the company is actively working to reduce such content.He noted that YouTube is building on its existing systems that already fight spam and clickbait. The goal, he said, is to protect the quality of content while still allowing creative freedom.YouTube believes that while trends change over time, maintaining trust and viewing quality remains essential as AI becomes a bigger part of online video creation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

YouTube will soon let creators use AI to generate Shorts using their own face and voice, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said. The move is to boost creativity while adding safeguards to prevent misuse, deepfakes and low-quality AI content.

You may soon start seeing AI-generated versions of your favourite creators while scrolling through Shorts. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced that creators will be able to make Shorts using their own likeness, including their face and voice, using artificial intelligence tools. The announcement was made in Mohan’s annual letter, where he outlined YouTube’s plans for AI-powered creation in 2026. According to him, AI on YouTube will focus on helping creators express themselves, not replace them. What the new AI likeness feature means According to him, creators will soon be able to use their own likeness to create Shorts, generate games using simple text prompts, and experiment with music. While YouTube has not yet shared detailed technical information, the feature will be added to the platform’s growing list of AI tools for Shorts. These already include AI-generated video clips, AI stickers, automatic dubbing into other languages, and editing tools designed to save time for creators. The new likeness feature will allow creators to appear in content even when they are not directly recording videos. Massive reach and YouTube’s AI push Shorts is one of the platform’s fastest-growing formats. Mohan said Shorts now receives an average of 200 billion views every day, making it a key focus area for YouTube’s future growth. To keep creators engaged and maintain viewer interest, YouTube is investing heavily in AI-powered features. The company believes these tools can help creators produce content faster. Control and protection of creator identity He said creators will be given new tools to manage how their likeness is used in AI-generated content. This comes as concerns grow around misuse of AI, including deepfakes and unauthorised impersonation. Last October, YouTube introduced likeness-detection technology for eligible creators. The system helps identify AI-generated videos that use a creator’s face or voice without permission. Creators can then request removal of such content. According to Mohan, YouTube will continue improving these systems to protect creators while allowing responsible use of AI tools. YouTube’s effort to curb low-quality AI content Like other social media platforms, YouTube has faced criticism over the spread of low-quality and repetitive AI-generated videos. Mohan said the company is actively working to reduce such content. He noted that YouTube is building on its existing systems that already fight spam and clickbait. The goal, he said, is to protect the quality of content while still allowing creative freedom. YouTube believes that while trends change over time, maintaining trust and viewing quality remains essential as AI becomes a bigger part of online video creation.

YouTube will soon let creators use AI to generate Shorts using their own face and voice, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said. The move is to boost creativity while adding safeguards to prevent misuse, deepfakes and low-quality AI content.

'200 billion views a day on Shorts': YouTube bets big on AI, creators may soon get to use AI likenesses

The Artificial Intelligence-driven upskilling is leading to a steady increase in women's participation across India's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) ecosystem, a latest report by EY India said. Generative AI and technology-enabled skilling are emerging as significant catalysts for expanding women's participation in STEM careers in India. STEM-related upskilling has witnessed rapid adoption among women, supported by increased digital access, flexible learning pathways, and rising demand for future-focused skills, the report said. As per the data released by EY India in a report titled 'Breaking the code: The rise of women in India's STEM landscape', women's participation in STEM upskilling increased from 22 per cent in 2018-19 to 33% in 2023, reflecting a sustained shift in career aspirations and preparedness for high-growth technology roles. This momentum has been further accelerated by the rise of generative AI, with GenAI course enrolments surging 195% year-on-year in 2025. Meanwhile, companies are also signalling a positive trend. 62% of employers reported hiring more women in STEM roles in fiscal year 23-2024. Despite strong graduation rates and growing enthusiasm for technical upskilling, women remain underrepresented across several STEM-intensive sectors. In technology and IT, women account for 36% of STEM jobs, demonstrating comparatively stronger representation but still below parity. Representation drops significantly in heavy manufacturing and engineering, where women make up only 3% of the STEM workforce. In India's rapidly expanding electric mobility space, women hold approximately 13% of roles in the EV/automotive sector. At a macro level, national employment patterns also shape STEM outcomes. India's labour force participation rate for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24. To fully harness the potential of women in STEM, the report calls for a comprehensive approach that expands inclusive education, strengthens mentorship and career support, and highlights women's achievements to inspire future talent.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In India's rapidly expanding electric mobility space, women hold approximately 13% of roles in the EV/automotive sector. At a macro level, national employment patterns also shape STEM outcomes. India's labour force participation rate for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24.

The Artificial Intelligence-driven upskilling is leading to a steady increase in women's participation across India's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) ecosystem, a latest report by EY India said. Generative AI and technology-enabled skilling are emerging as significant catalysts for expanding women's participation in STEM careers in India. STEM-related upskilling has witnessed rapid adoption among women, supported by increased digital access, flexible learning pathways, and rising demand for future-focused skills, the report said. As per the data released by EY India in a report titled 'Breaking the code: The rise of women in India's STEM landscape', women's participation in STEM upskilling increased from 22 per cent in 2018-19 to 33% in 2023, reflecting a sustained shift in career aspirations and preparedness for high-growth technology roles. This momentum has been further accelerated by the rise of generative AI, with GenAI course enrolments surging 195% year-on-year in 2025. Meanwhile, companies are also signalling a positive trend. 62% of employers reported hiring more women in STEM roles in fiscal year 23-2024. Despite strong graduation rates and growing enthusiasm for technical upskilling, women remain underrepresented across several STEM-intensive sectors. In technology and IT, women account for 36% of STEM jobs, demonstrating comparatively stronger representation but still below parity. Representation drops significantly in heavy manufacturing and engineering, where women make up only 3% of the STEM workforce. In India's rapidly expanding electric mobility space, women hold approximately 13% of roles in the EV/automotive sector. At a macro level, national employment patterns also shape STEM outcomes. India's labour force participation rate for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24. To fully harness the potential of women in STEM, the report calls for a comprehensive approach that expands inclusive education, strengthens mentorship and career support, and highlights women's achievements to inspire future talent. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In India's rapidly expanding electric mobility space, women hold approximately 13% of roles in the EV/automotive sector. At a macro level, national employment patterns also shape STEM outcomes. India's labour force participation rate for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24.

GenAI fuels surge in women entering India’s STEM ecosystem, EY report says

In many nations, driverless or AI-enabled cars are not in use or banned, but a recent viral video shows how China is far ahead in adopting such vehicles. The footage is a compilation of clips lasting &nbsp;over a minute, showing real-world instances from various Chinese cities where people use hand gestures to get their cars to open doors and self-drive to them. The models shown are mostly electric vehicles and include Li Auto, NIO, and AITO/Ask's M9. Scroll down to watch the video.<h2>What does the video show?</h2>Men and women are shown simply walking up to parked cars, including SUVs and sedans, on streets, parking lots, or outside buildings. When they gesture from the road, either the car doors swing open, or the cars self-drive safely towards them. There is no touching of handles or pressing of buttons. In some cases, the car appears to lower itself using adaptive air suspension to match the height of the owner, so that entry into the car is easier and smooth.Headlights, taillights, and interior ambient lighting are shown to be switched on magically as the owners near the vehicle, almost like the car greeting them like a pet would.There are also visuals of car boots automatically opening when owners walk behind them with bags or groceries. Some clips also show cars moving out of tricky parking spots.<h2>What are the technologies and brands behind it?</h2>Adaptive air suspension, remote summon, and memory parking systems are among the advanced technologies in play. Several door and suspension features of these advanced vehicles are also evident.The impression given in the video is that much of this is already normal in China, leaving the rest of the world far behind. The video has a caption emblazoned: 'China is living in 2080'.Technologies like auto power doors, auto low-entry suspension, gesture and walk-up recognition, and welcome lights are features available on many new Chinese flagship EVs like Li Auto's L-series, AITO M9, and some NIO and Zeekr models. These are not concepts or fake models.Watch the video below

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Wow! In the meantime in China..: <a href="https://t.co/EUPMP3kttO">pic.twitter.com/EUPMP3kttO</a>&mdash; Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TansuYegen/status/2013250247233880346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A viral video shows Chinese people using hand gestures to summon their vehicles and to open and close the doors.  AI-powered cars are a daily thing for many Chinese, not the stuff of fantasy.

In many nations, driverless or AI-enabled cars are not in use or banned, but a recent viral video shows how China is far ahead in adopting such vehicles. The footage is a compilation of clips lasting over a minute, showing real-world instances from various Chinese cities where people use hand gestures to get their cars to open doors and self-drive to them. The models shown are mostly electric vehicles and include Li Auto, NIO, and AITO/Ask's M9. Scroll down to watch the video. What does the video show? Men and women are shown simply walking up to parked cars, including SUVs and sedans, on streets, parking lots, or outside buildings. When they gesture from the road, either the car doors swing open, or the cars self-drive safely towards them. There is no touching of handles or pressing of buttons. In some cases, the car appears to lower itself using adaptive air suspension to match the height of the owner, so that entry into the car is easier and smooth. Headlights, taillights, and interior ambient lighting are shown to be switched on magically as the owners near the vehicle, almost like the car greeting them like a pet would. There are also visuals of car boots automatically opening when owners walk behind them with bags or groceries. Some clips also show cars moving out of tricky parking spots. What are the technologies and brands behind it? Adaptive air suspension, remote summon, and memory parking systems are among the advanced technologies in play. Several door and suspension features of these advanced vehicles are also evident. The impression given in the video is that much of this is already normal in China, leaving the rest of the world far behind. The video has a caption emblazoned: 'China is living in 2080'. Technologies like auto power doors, auto low-entry suspension, gesture and walk-up recognition, and welcome lights are features available on many new Chinese flagship EVs like Li Auto's L-series, AITO M9, and some NIO and Zeekr models. These are not concepts or fake models. Watch the video below

A viral video shows Chinese people using hand gestures to summon their vehicles and to open and close the doors. &nbsp;AI-powered cars are a daily thing for many Chinese, not the stuff of fantasy.

'China is living in 2080': Viral video shows people hailing their driverless cars with simple hand gestures | Watch

OpenAI has announced that it will start testing advertisements on ChatGPT in the coming weeks, marking a major shift in how the popular AI chatbot will generate revenue. The company said the ads will first appear in the United States and will be shown only to free and lower-tier users.&nbsp;Users subscribed to ChatGPT Pro and Enterprise plans will remain ad-free. The announcement was made in a blog post on Friday, as the company looks for new ways to support the growing cost of running large-scale artificial intelligence systems.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In the coming weeks, we plan to start testing ads in ChatGPT free and Go tiers. We’re sharing our principles early on how we’ll approach ads–guided by putting user trust and transparency first as we work to make AI accessible to everyone. What matters most: - Responses in… <a href="https://t.co/3UQJsdriYR">pic.twitter.com/3UQJsdriYR</a>&mdash; OpenAI (@OpenAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI/status/2012223373489614951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why OpenAI is turning to advertising</h2>ChatGPT has close to one billion users worldwide, but only a small share of them pay for subscriptions. At the same time, OpenAI spends heavily on computing infrastructure needed to run its AI models.&nbsp;According to industry analysts, advertising has become a practical option to balance these costs. Since ChatGPT launched in 2022, OpenAI’s valuation has risen sharply, reaching around $500 billion in recent funding rounds. However, the company continues to burn cash due to the high cost of powerful data centres and advanced chips.&nbsp;Jeremy Goldman, an analyst at Emarketer, said ads are now part of staying competitive in the AI race. He said monetising attention without losing user trust is the real challenge ahead.&nbsp;<h2>How ads will appear on ChatGPT</h2>OpenAI said advertisements will be clearly labelled and kept separate from ChatGPT responses. The company said that ads will not influence ChatGPT’s answers or recommendations.&nbsp;“Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you,” OpenAI said in its statement. Responses will continue to be generated based on what is most useful to the user, not on advertising goals.&nbsp;The company also confirmed that user conversations will not be shared with advertisers, addressing long-standing concerns about privacy and data use.&nbsp;<h2>OpenAI’s approach&nbsp;</h2>With this move, OpenAI’s business model starts to resemble companies like Google and Meta, which rely heavily on advertising to fund free digital services. Unlike OpenAI, these companies already have large ad businesses that support their AI investments.&nbsp;OpenAI said it will not optimise ChatGPT for time spent, distancing itself from platforms such as social media and video apps that focus on engagement to increase ad views. The company added that user trust and experience remain its priority.&nbsp;Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of applications and a former Meta executive, said maintaining trust is essential as ads are introduced. She said ChatGPT’s value depends on users believing that answers are helpful and neutral.<h2>What this means for users</h2>For now, the ad rollout is limited to the US and only affects free and lower-tier users. Premium subscribers will continue to get an ad-free experience. The move also comes as OpenAI expands its lower-cost ChatGPT Go plan, priced at $8 per month, across multiple markets.&nbsp;As competition grows from Google’s Gemini and other AI tools integrated into apps like Gmail and YouTube, OpenAI’s decision highlights how AI companies are balancing innovation with long-term sustainability.

OpenAI will begin testing ads on ChatGPT in the US, showing them only to free and lower-tier users. Pro and Enterprise plans stay ad-free. The move helps cover rising AI costs, with ads clearly labelled, no chat sharing, no influence on answers, and a focus on user privacy.

OpenAI has announced that it will start testing advertisements on ChatGPT in the coming weeks, marking a major shift in how the popular AI chatbot will generate revenue. The company said the ads will first appear in the United States and will be shown only to free and lower-tier users. Users subscribed to ChatGPT Pro and Enterprise plans will remain ad-free. The announcement was made in a blog post on Friday, as the company looks for new ways to support the growing cost of running large-scale artificial intelligence systems.

OpenAI will begin testing ads on ChatGPT, showing them only to free and lower-tier users. Pro and Enterprise plans stay ad-free. The move helps cover rising AI costs, with ads clearly labelled, no chat sharing, no influence on answers, and a focus on user privacy.

OpenAI to introduce ads on ChatGPT for free users

Micro-blogging platform X experienced a widespread service disruption on Friday (January 16) evening, leaving users in India and several other countries unable to access the site. According to outage-tracking platform Downdetector, tens of thousands of users reported problems within a short span of time. By 8:46 pm IST, more than 77,000 outage complaints had been logged globally, including over 6,000 reports from India alone. Downdetector gathers such data by compiling real-time feedback submitted by users, along with other monitoring sources.&nbsp;This marked the second major outage for X within the same week. A similar disruption earlier on Tuesday had affected users worldwide. During the incident, Cloudflare, the content delivery and security provider used by X, remained operational but failed to connect to the platform’s servers. Users attempting to access X were shown an error message indicating that Cloudflare was functioning correctly, but the destination web server could not be reached. The message suggested the issue was likely originating from X’s servers rather than Cloudflare’s infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-12-000-iranians-massacred-in-48-hours-reza-pahlavi-seeks-international-support-to-topple-khamenei-s-regime-1768578001481">‘12,000 Iranians massacred in 48 hours’: Reza Pahlavi seeks international support to topple Khamenei’s regime</a>&nbsp;In the United States, Downdetector recorded more than 62,000 complaints by 10:22 am ET. The United Kingdom also saw a significant spike, with around 11,000 users reporting problems around 3 pm local time, which corresponded to 9 pm IST. India reported over 3,000 user complaints during the outage period. &nbsp;Many users reported that the platform failed to load entirely. While the app would open, it only showed a blank screen, and some browsers displayed Cloudflare error pages—typically seen during server communication failures. However, sources confirmed that the problem originated from within X’s internal systems.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-overhaul-in-yemen-s-internationally-recognised-govt-after-stc-crisis-1768581373443/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-overhaul-in-yemen-s-internationally-recognised-govt-after-stc-crisis-1768581373443/embed</a>&nbsp;However, Downdetector noted that the actual number of affected users could be higher, as not all impacted individuals submit reports. Friday’s disruption follows another global outage on 13 January, raising concerns over the platform’s service stability.

X suffers second global outage this week, thousands of users affected

Micro-blogging platform X experienced a widespread service disruption on Friday (January 16) evening, leaving users in India and several other countries unable to access the site. According to outage-tracking platform Downdetector, tens of thousands of users reported problems within a short span of time. By 8:46 pm IST, more than 77,000 outage complaints had been logged globally, including over 6,000 reports from India alone. Downdetector gathers such data by compiling real-time feedback submitted by users, along with other monitoring sources. This marked the second major outage for X within the same week. A similar disruption earlier on Tuesday had affected users worldwide. During the incident, Cloudflare, the content delivery and security provider used by X, remained operational but failed to connect to the platform’s servers. Users attempting to access X were shown an error message indicating that Cloudflare was functioning correctly, but the destination web server could not be reached. The message suggested the issue was likely originating from X’s servers rather than Cloudflare’s infrastructure. Also Read: ‘12,000 Iranians massacred in 48 hours’: Reza Pahlavi seeks international support to topple Khamenei’s regime In the United States, Downdetector recorded more than 62,000 complaints by 10:22 am ET. The United Kingdom also saw a significant spike, with around 11,000 users reporting problems around 3 pm local time, which corresponded to 9 pm IST. India reported over 3,000 user complaints during the outage period. Many users reported that the platform failed to load entirely. While the app would open, it only showed a blank screen, and some browsers displayed Cloudflare error pages—typically seen during server communication failures. However, sources confirmed that the problem originated from within X’s internal systems. https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-overhaul-in-yemen-s-internationally-recognised-govt-after-stc-crisis-1768581373443/embed However, Downdetector noted that the actual number of affected users could be higher, as not all impacted individuals submit reports. Friday’s disruption follows another global outage on 13 January, raising concerns over the platform’s service stability.

X faced a major global outage on Friday (January 16), impacting users in India, the US, and the UK, marking the platform’s second service disruption this week

The government of India has intensified its crackdown on unlawful online betting and gambling by blocking 242 website links in a fresh enforcement action, officials confirmed on Friday (January 16). With this latest move, the total number of illegal betting and gambling platforms taken offline has crossed 7,800. Authorities said enforcement efforts have accelerated significantly since the introduction of the Online Gaming Act, with a strong focus on safeguarding users, particularly young people, from the financial and social harm associated with illegal gambling platforms.&nbsp;The stepped-up action follows the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation establishes a dedicated legal framework for the online gaming sector, places restrictions on certain real-money games, and enhances regulatory oversight of unlawful gambling activities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-passengers-fly-into-a-rage-after-pilot-of-indigo-flight-to-krabi-refuses-to-takeoff-here-s-why-1768566589159">WATCH | Passengers fly into a rage after pilot of IndiGo flight to Krabi refuses to takeoff. Here’s why</a>&nbsp;Under the Act, operators offering prohibited online money games face stringent penalties, while enforcement agencies have been granted expanded powers to investigate, penalise, and take action against both platform operators and advertisers promoting illegal gaming services. Government briefings at the time highlighted concerns over addiction, mounting financial losses, and social distress linked to unregulated real-money gaming.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-fy26-budget-key-sectors-in-spotlight-1768562459856/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-fy26-budget-key-sectors-in-spotlight-1768562459856/embed</a>&nbsp;Website blocking has been executed through existing legal mechanisms under the Information Technology Act, including Section 69A, which allows authorities to restrict access to online content deemed illegal or harmful. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has relied on these provisions, along with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to direct internet service providers and digital platforms to disable access to gambling-related websites and applications. Officials noted that the new gaming law has provided clearer authority, enabling faster and broader enforcement.

The Indian government has blocked 242 illegal betting links, taking the total shutdowns to over 7,800, as enforcement ramps up under the Online Gaming Act, 2025.

The government of India has intensified its crackdown on unlawful online betting and gambling by blocking 242 website links in a fresh enforcement action, officials confirmed on Friday (January 16). With this latest move, the total number of illegal betting and gambling platforms taken offline has crossed 7,800. Authorities said enforcement efforts have accelerated significantly since the introduction of the Online Gaming Act, with a strong focus on safeguarding users, particularly young people, from the financial and social harm associated with illegal gambling platforms. The stepped-up action follows the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation establishes a dedicated legal framework for the online gaming sector, places restrictions on certain real-money games, and enhances regulatory oversight of unlawful gambling activities. Also Read: WATCH | Passengers fly into a rage after pilot of IndiGo flight to Krabi refuses to takeoff. Here’s why Under the Act, operators offering prohibited online money games face stringent penalties, while enforcement agencies have been granted expanded powers to investigate, penalise, and take action against both platform operators and advertisers promoting illegal gaming services. Government briefings at the time highlighted concerns over addiction, mounting financial losses, and social distress linked to unregulated real-money gaming. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-fy26-budget-key-sectors-in-spotlight-1768562459856/embed Website blocking has been executed through existing legal mechanisms under the Information Technology Act, including Section 69A, which allows authorities to restrict access to online content deemed illegal or harmful. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has relied on these provisions, along with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to direct internet service providers and digital platforms to disable access to gambling-related websites and applications. Officials noted that the new gaming law has provided clearer authority, enabling faster and broader enforcement.

The Indian government has blocked 242 illegal betting links, taking the total shutdowns to over 7,800, as enforcement ramps up under the Online Gaming Act, 2025.

'Protecting youth, curbing financial and social harm': India blocks 242 illegal betting sites as online gaming crackdown intensifies

Google has started testing a new artificial intelligence feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows its Gemini chatbot to pull information from apps like Gmail and Google Photos to give more personalised answers. They announced the update in a blog post on Wednesday, as it continues to strengthen Gemini’s reasoning abilities.According to Google, the feature helps Gemini understand context across a user’s data instead of relying on single prompts. This means the chatbot can connect details from emails, photos and other Google apps to respond more accurately to questions.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we’re introducing Personal Intelligence. With your permission, Gemini can now securely connect information from Google apps like <a href="https://twitter.com/gmail?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gmail</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/googlephotos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GooglePhotos</a>, Search and <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTube</a> history with a single tap to make Gemini uniquely helpful &amp; personalized to *you* ✨ This feature… <a href="https://t.co/79zKJGA5ft">pic.twitter.com/79zKJGA5ft</a>&mdash; Google (@Google) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google/status/2011473056921706852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Google’s Personal Intelligence&nbsp;</h2>Google said Personal Intelligence allows Gemini to “reason across your data” to surface useful insights. For example, Gemini can connect an email conversation to a video you watched earlier or find specific moments stored in your photo library without being told where to search.Josh Woodward, Vice President of Google Labs and the Gemini app, said the chatbot can now understand context more naturally. According to him, Gemini does not need users to manually point it to Gmail or Photos to retrieve information.This feature builds on Gemini’s earlier ability to access Google apps but takes it further by allowing deeper reasoning across different sources at the same time.&nbsp;<h2>Who can use the feature and where it is available</h2>Google said Personal Intelligence is currently available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. The feature is limited to personal accounts and is turned off by default, meaning users must enable it manually.The company also said the feature will be added to Google Search’s AI Mode in the future. For now, it remains part of the Gemini app as a beta release.<h2>Privacy, limits and known issues</h2>They said that it does not train its AI models directly on users’ Gmail inboxes or Google Photos libraries. It only uses limited information such as user prompts and Gemini’s responses to improve how the feature works over time.Woodward also warned that Gemini may struggle with timing and nuance, especially in personal situations such as relationship changes or shifting interests. For sensitive topics like health, They said Gemini avoids making assumptions and will only discuss such information if users ask directly.They also acknowledged that while the tool aims to be helpful, it is not yet perfect and should not be treated as error-free.<h2>Why Google is pushing personalised AI</h2>The launch of Personal Intelligence comes as Google faces strong competition from companies like OpenAI in the generative AI space. By making Gemini more personalised and context-aware, Google is trying to keep users within its ecosystem of apps and services.According to Google, the goal is to make AI assistants more useful in everyday life by helping users find information faster, without searching through emails or photos manually.

Google’s Gemini AI now offers Personal Intelligence, letting it pull info from Gmail, Google Photos, and other apps to give personalised answers. Currently in beta for Pro and Ultra users in the U.S., it improves AI reasoning while keeping privacy safe.

Google has started testing a new artificial intelligence feature called Personal Intelligence, which allows its Gemini chatbot to pull information from apps like Gmail and Google Photos to give more personalised answers. They announced the update in a blog post on Wednesday, as it continues to strengthen Gemini’s reasoning abilities. According to Google, the feature helps Gemini understand context across a user’s data instead of relying on single prompts. This means the chatbot can connect details from emails, photos and other Google apps to respond more accurately to questions.

Google’s Gemini AI now offers Personal Intelligence, letting it pull info from Gmail, Google Photos, and other apps to give personalised answers. Currently in beta for Pro and Ultra users in the U.S., it improves AI reasoning while keeping privacy safe.

Google rolls out ‘Personal Intelligence’: Can pull info from your Gmail and photos - Here’s how it works

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Expanding payment options: Apple Pay may launch in India by 2026

AI in classrooms: Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic roll out tools for teachers

YouTube to allow creators to use AI versions of themselves in Shorts

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'Protecting youth': India government blocks 242 illegal betting sites

Google’s new AI can read Gmail and Photos to give personal answers