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If everything goes as per plan, India's first private space-faring rocket Skyroot Vikram-I would liftoff sometime in 2026, carrying miniature satellites to orbit. The historic launch would be carried out from the First Launchpad(FLP), at the Indian Space Agency ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. So far, both launchpads at Sriharikota have only launched rockets designed, developed, and built by ISRO. WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot.<h2>The journey so far...</h2>In November 2022, Skyroot successfully carried out the test launch of its Vikram-S rocket, a small experimental rocket meant to fly to the Earth's upper atmosphere. Fundamentally, it was not very different from the rockets that INCOSPAR (nascent ISRO) launched in the 1960s for experimental purposes and validating the basics of rocketry. The Vikram-S marked the first flight of a privately designed and developed Indian rocket, and a small step towards bigger ambitions. It must be emphasised that this launch was not destined for space and did not carry any satellite for placing in orbit around the earth. However, this was a first step for the up-and-coming Indian private rocket maker.It was in October 2023 that Skyroot first "revealed" their 7-storey-tall Vikram-I spacefaring rocket, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who handles the space portfolio, among others. Back then, Skyroot had publicly announced carrying out their maiden space launch sometime in 2024. However, their plan has seen multiple delays, and the maiden space launch is now expected in the first six months of 2026.Queried about not meeting their timelines, Pawan explained that the first launch is always very challenging and that they have been facing "unexpected glitches". He elaborated that the average time for a new rocket development is about ten years, whereas their team has been attempting to compress timelines, as they began working on their spacefaring rocket only after 2022, and they hope to fly it to space in 2026.For this, Skyroot is also conducting technical reviews with ISRO to ensure everything goes smoothly. "In a few months.... we will announce soon," said Pawan, on a question regarding their highly anticipated maiden launch to space.When asked about the difference between the rocket that was "revealed" in 2023 by the junior minister and the rocket "unveiled" in November 2025 by Prime Minister Modi, Pawan explained that the latest one is a flight model, and the 2023 version was a prototype/engineering model. He added that the model showcased in November 2025 would be the actual rocket that would launch on the first orbital mission.<h2>First orbital launch is crucial...</h2>With its additional rocket-making facility in Hyderabad, Skyroot aims to gradually scale up manufacturing capacity to build one rocket a month, and meet the growing global demand for small rockets that launch small satellites. However, Pawan admits that the outcome of the first launch is crucial. He points out that it is extremely rare or near-impossible for a private firm to be completely successful in its first spacefaring rocket launch.Typically, all companies/space agencies attempting to launch a new rocket to space would consider their first three launches as developmental flights. These fights offer crucial data and learning opportunities for them to refine the technology and make necessary changes for the future. Skyroot is also considering that they would perform three developmental flights. For instance, even ISRO considers the first three flights of every new rocket variant as development flights. After completing the necessary number of development flights, the rocket is formally declared operational.In their first developmental flight, Skyroot would be carrying a few small satellites belonging to paying customers. However, given the complex nature of the maiden launch and the risks involved, the customers have been offered an "attractive rate", Pawan said.Skyroot's first launch would be to low Earth orbit, about 500 km above the Earth's surface. While the rocket is meant to carry a 300&nbsp;kg payload 500 km above the earth, the maiden flight would only involve a small payload that is a fraction of 300 kg. This is because the company wants to launch limited payloads and test the rocket in the initial flights, before unlocking the full lifting power of their rocket.Skyroot is well on track to be the first Indian private firm to launch its own rocket to space, but they already has established competitors within India and abroad in the small-rocket market(rockets that can carry less than 500kgs to Low Earth orbit). Skyroot considers American firm Rocket Lab as its primary competitor, because Rocket Lab's Electron is among the small rockets that are dominating commercial launches to Low Earth orbit. Electron is capable of launching around 320kg to a 500 km orbit. Similarly, ISRO's SSLV, which can carry about 500kg to a 500 km orbit, is also among the competitors to Skyroot's Vikram-I. SSLV has flown thrice over the last three years, whereas Electron has been flying at least a dozen times annually, in recent years.<h2>What more needs to be accomplished before the maiden launch...</h2>Before Skyroot launches to space, the company has to carry out vibration tests of some parts of its rocket, and also carry out a review with ISRO, Pawan shared. This includes interfacing their rocket with the ISRO launchpad and Mission control systems in Sriharikota. &nbsp;For the next couple of years, Skyroot plans to launch to Low Earth orbit from Sriharikota. Once the ISRO spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu becomes operational, Skyroot could also use the new facility for more efficient launches to Sun Synchronous Polar orbits, where Earth-imaging satellites are placed.Skyroot will also be required to take launch liability insurance to compensate in case of any major catastrophes at the launchpad or mid-flight. Even during their earlier upper atmospheric mission, Skyroot had taken a launch liability insurance to cover any damages that may arise.Until the year 2020, the Indian Government's ISRO was the only agency that was allowed to design, develop, build and launch rockets and satellites from India. The Indian Government's "Space reforms" that were gradually rolled out from the year 2020, enabled private firms to also compete in the global space sector(estimated to be around $450bn), where India has a share of barely 2 per cent.

WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. Scroll down to read.

If everything goes as per plan, India's first private space-faring rocket Skyroot Vikram-I would liftoff sometime in 2026, carrying miniature satellites to orbit. The historic launch would be carried out from the First Launchpad(FLP), at the Indian Space Agency ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. So far, both launchpads at Sriharikota have only launched rockets designed, developed, and built by ISRO. WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. The journey so far... In November 2022, Skyroot successfully carried out the test launch of its Vikram-S rocket, a small experimental rocket meant to fly to the Earth's upper atmosphere. Fundamentally, it was not very different from the rockets that INCOSPAR (nascent ISRO) launched in the 1960s for experimental purposes and validating the basics of rocketry. The Vikram-S marked the first flight of a privately designed and developed Indian rocket, and a small step towards bigger ambitions. It must be emphasised that this launch was not destined for space and did not carry any satellite for placing in orbit around the earth. However, this was a first step for the up-and-coming Indian private rocket maker. It was in October 2023 that Skyroot first "revealed" their 7-storey-tall Vikram-I spacefaring rocket, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who handles the space portfolio, among others. Back then, Skyroot had publicly announced carrying out their maiden space launch sometime in 2024. However, their plan has seen multiple delays, and the maiden space launch is now expected in the first six months of 2026. Queried about not meeting their timelines, Pawan explained that the first launch is always very challenging and that they have been facing "unexpected glitches". He elaborated that the average time for a new rocket development is about ten years, whereas their team has been attempting to compress timelines, as they began working on their spacefaring rocket only after 2022, and they hope to fly it to space in 2026. For this, Skyroot is also conducting technical reviews with ISRO to ensure everything goes smoothly. "In a few months.... we will announce soon," said Pawan, on a question regarding their highly anticipated maiden launch to space. When asked about the difference between the rocket that was "revealed" in 2023 by the junior minister and the rocket "unveiled" in November 2025 by Prime Minister Modi, Pawan explained that the latest one is a flight model, and the 2023 version was a prototype/engineering model. He added that the model showcased in November 2025 would be the actual rocket that would launch on the first orbital mission. First orbital launch is crucial... With its additional rocket-making facility in Hyderabad, Skyroot aims to gradually scale up manufacturing capacity to build one rocket a month, and meet the growing global demand for small rockets that launch small satellites. However, Pawan admits that the outcome of the first launch is crucial. He points out that it is extremely rare or near-impossible for a private firm to be completely successful in its first spacefaring rocket launch. Typically, all companies/space agencies attempting to launch a new rocket to space would consider their first three launches as developmental flights. These fights offer crucial data and learning opportunities for them to refine the technology and make necessary changes for the future. Skyroot is also considering that they would perform three developmental flights. For instance, even ISRO considers the first three flights of every new rocket variant as development flights. After completing the necessary number of development flights, the rocket is formally declared operational. In their first developmental flight, Skyroot would be carrying a few small satellites belonging to paying customers. However, given the complex nature of the maiden launch and the risks involved, the customers have been offered an "attractive rate", Pawan said. Skyroot's first launch would be to low Earth orbit, about 500 km above the Earth's surface. While the rocket is meant to carry a 300 kg payload 500 km above the earth, the maiden flight would only involve a small payload that is a fraction of 300 kg. This is because the company wants to launch limited payloads and test the rocket in the initial flights, before unlocking the full lifting power of their rocket. Skyroot is well on track to be the first Indian private firm to launch its own rocket to space, but they already has established competitors within India and abroad in the small-rocket market(rockets that can carry less than 500kgs to Low Earth orbit). Skyroot considers American firm Rocket Lab as its primary competitor, because Rocket Lab's Electron is among the small rockets that are dominating commercial launches to Low Earth orbit. Electron is capable of launching around 320kg to a 500 km orbit. Similarly, ISRO's SSLV, which can carry about 500kg to a 500 km orbit, is also among the competitors to Skyroot's Vikram-I. SSLV has flown thrice over the last three years, whereas Electron has been flying at least a dozen times annually, in recent years. What more needs to be accomplished before the maiden launch... Before Skyroot launches to space, the company has to carry out vibration tests of some parts of its rocket, and also carry out a review with ISRO, Pawan shared. This includes interfacing their rocket with the ISRO launchpad and Mission control systems in Sriharikota. For the next couple of years, Skyroot plans to launch to Low Earth orbit from Sriharikota. Once the ISRO spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu becomes operational, Skyroot could also use the new facility for more efficient launches to Sun Synchronous Polar orbits, where Earth-imaging satellites are placed. Skyroot will also be required to take launch liability insurance to compensate in case of any major catastrophes at the launchpad or mid-flight. Even during their earlier upper atmospheric mission, Skyroot had taken a launch liability insurance to cover any damages that may arise. Until the year 2020, the Indian Government's ISRO was the only agency that was allowed to design, develop, build and launch rockets and satellites from India. The Indian Government's "Space reforms" that were gradually rolled out from the year 2020, enabled private firms to also compete in the global space sector(estimated to be around $450bn), where India has a share of barely 2 per cent.

WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. Scroll down to read.

Indian Private rocket Vikram-I to liftoff from ISRO's first launchpad in 2026

AI-powered advanced bionic hands today can closely match natural human hands in terms of movement and design. Yet, many amputees stop using them. According to researchers at the University of Utah, up to 50 per cent of people with upper limb amputations abandon advanced bionic prostheses. The main reason, experts say, is not hardware but control.<h2>Why many users abandon bionic hands</h2>Jake George, an electrical and computer engineer at the University of Utah, said modern bionic hands are difficult to operate in daily life. “Our goal was to make bionic arms more intuitive, so users could perform tasks without having to think about every movement,” George said. Natural hands rely on automatic reflexes. For example, when an object starts slipping, sensors in the fingertips adjust grip strength in 60 to 80 milliseconds, without conscious effort.Most commercial bionic hands lack this automatic response. Users must manually control grip force and finger position, often through:Mobile apps with preset grip modesMuscle signals captured using surface electromyography. Researchers said this places a heavy mental burden on users, making simple actions exhausting.<h2>How the AI ‘co-pilot’ works</h2>To address this, the research team developed an AI-powered bionic hand co-pilot.According to the study: The team modified an existing bionic hand. Fingertips were replaced with pressure and proximity sensors. These sensors detect distance and grip force in real time. An AI controller processes this data and automatically adjusts each finger.By repeatedly touching and releasing objects, the system learned how to grip items without crushing or dropping them.“The hand naturally adapts to the object. Each finger moves independently,” George explained.Shared control keeps humans in charge. Unlike earlier autonomous prosthetic systems, this AI does not take full control. The researchers designed it as a shared-control system, where:The user remains in chargeThe AI quietly assists in the backgroundUsers can still tighten, loosen, or release objects at any time“It’s not self-driving,” George said. “It helps without fighting the user.”Success rate jumps to 90 per cent in testsThe AI-powered bionic hand was tested on amputees and non-amputees in laboratory conditions.<h2>Participants were asked to:</h2>Pick up a paper cup and drinkMove fragile objects like eggsResults showed:Without AI: success rate was 10-20 per centWith AI assistance, the success rate rose to 80-90 per centThe AI also reduced mental effort, allowing users to focus less on controlling the hand.Still early, but promising&nbsp;Researchers caution that the technology is still in testing. “This hand is not yet as natural as a biological limb,”&nbsp;The next step is real-world testing in home environments. The team is also working on:Internal electromyographyNeural interface technologiesPartnerships for larger clinical trials“The goal is to combine AI, robotics, and neural interfaces into one device,” George said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AI-powered bionic hands now look and move like real human hands, yet many users abandon them due to difficult controls. Researchers at the University of Utah have developed an AI “co-pilot” that adjusts grip automatically, cutting mental effort and sharply improving success rates.

AI-powered advanced bionic hands today can closely match natural human hands in terms of movement and design. Yet, many amputees stop using them. According to researchers at the University of Utah, up to 50 per cent of people with upper limb amputations abandon advanced bionic prostheses. The main reason, experts say, is not hardware but control. Why many users abandon bionic hands Jake George, an electrical and computer engineer at the University of Utah, said modern bionic hands are difficult to operate in daily life. “Our goal was to make bionic arms more intuitive, so users could perform tasks without having to think about every movement,” George said. Natural hands rely on automatic reflexes. For example, when an object starts slipping, sensors in the fingertips adjust grip strength in 60 to 80 milliseconds, without conscious effort. Most commercial bionic hands lack this automatic response. Users must manually control grip force and finger position, often through: Mobile apps with preset grip modes Muscle signals captured using surface electromyography. Researchers said this places a heavy mental burden on users, making simple actions exhausting. How the AI ‘co-pilot’ works To address this, the research team developed an AI-powered bionic hand co-pilot. According to the study: The team modified an existing bionic hand. Fingertips were replaced with pressure and proximity sensors. These sensors detect distance and grip force in real time. An AI controller processes this data and automatically adjusts each finger. By repeatedly touching and releasing objects, the system learned how to grip items without crushing or dropping them. “The hand naturally adapts to the object. Each finger moves independently,” George explained. Shared control keeps humans in charge. Unlike earlier autonomous prosthetic systems, this AI does not take full control. The researchers designed it as a shared-control system, where: The user remains in charge The AI quietly assists in the background Users can still tighten, loosen, or release objects at any time “It’s not self-driving,” George said. “It helps without fighting the user.” Success rate jumps to 90 per cent in tests The AI-powered bionic hand was tested on amputees and non-amputees in laboratory conditions. Participants were asked to: Pick up a paper cup and drink Move fragile objects like eggs Results showed: Without AI: success rate was 10-20 per cent With AI assistance, the success rate rose to 80-90 per cent The AI also reduced mental effort, allowing users to focus less on controlling the hand. Still early, but promising Researchers caution that the technology is still in testing. “This hand is not yet as natural as a biological limb,” The next step is real-world testing in home environments. The team is also working on: Internal electromyography Neural interface technologies Partnerships for larger clinical trials “The goal is to combine AI, robotics, and neural interfaces into one device,” George said.

AI-powered bionic hands now look and move like real human hands, yet many users abandon them due to difficult controls. Researchers at the University of Utah have developed an AI “co-pilot” that adjusts grip automatically, cutting mental effort and sharply improving success rates.

Why advanced bionic hands fail, and how AI is fixing the problem

OpenAI is using an AI coding agent and they also uses it to improve the agent itself. It is being revealed that its artificial intelligence coding agent, Codex, is now responsible for building most of its own software. The disclosure marks an important moment in how AI tools are being used to improve themselves.According to Alexander Embiricos, who is product lead for Codex at OpenAI, the system is now “almost entirely being used to improve itself”. He shared this information in an interview with Ars Technica this week.<h2>What is Codex and what does it do?</h2>Codex is a cloud-based AI software engineering agent launched by OpenAI in May 2025. It is designed to help developers with tasks such as:Writing new featuresFixing bugsReviewing codeSuggesting pull requestsThe tool works in secure sandboxed environments connected to a user’s code repository and can run multiple tasks at the same time.&nbsp;OpenAI offers Codex through:ChatGPT’s web interfaceA command-line tool (CLI)IDE extensions for VS Code, Cursor and WindsurfOpenAI says Codex is now deeply integrated into its own development process.According to the company:More than 92 per cent of OpenAI’s technical staff use CodexCodex reviews every internal pull requestEngineers using Codex ship around 70 per cent more merged pull requestsCodex catches bugs before they reach productionAt OpenAI DevDay 2025, the company revealed that Codex wrote 80 per cent of the Agent Builder tool in less than six weeks.This information was shared by OpenAI during public events and interviews.<h2>How Codex helps improve itself</h2>Codex is powered by codex-1, a specialised version of OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model, trained using reinforcement learning on coding tasks.OpenAI later released:GPT-5-Codex in September 2025, designed for long, independent coding sessionsGPT-5.1-Codex-Max, released in early December via GitHub CopilotAccording to OpenAI, Codex can now:Monitor its own training runsReview user feedbackHelp decide what features to build nextOpenAI employees can assign tasks to Codex using the same tools they use for human colleagues, such as Linear and Slack.Faster development with AI “teammates”One example shared by OpenAI was the Sora Android app.According to Embiricos: The app was built by four engineers It took 18 days to build and 28 days to ship. Codex helped plan the architecture and write codeOpenAI says Codex acts like a junior developer, working under human supervision. Engineers review all code before it is merged.<h2>Competition in AI coding tools</h2>OpenAI faces strong competition in the AI coding space from:Anthropic’s Claude CodeGitHub CopilotGoogle’s Gemini CLIStartups like CursorOn benchmarks, OpenAI says its latest models show improvement.According to company data, GPT-5.2 scored 55.6 per cent on SWE-Bench Pro, higher than earlier versions and some competitors.<h2>Will AI coding tools replace developers?</h2>OpenAI says Codex is designed to support developers, not replace them.According to Embiricos, humans remain in control:Developers review all codeAI is used for speed and assistanceFinal decisions stay with peopleOpenAI believes coding agents could eventually help even non-programmers, but says human oversight will remain important.

OpenAI coding agent Codex is now helping build and improve most of its own software. Used daily by engineers, Codex writes code, reviews pull requests, and speeds up development, showing how AI tools are starting to improve themselves.

OpenAI is using an AI coding agent and they also uses it to improve the agent itself. It is being revealed that its artificial intelligence coding agent, Codex, is now responsible for building most of its own software. The disclosure marks an important moment in how AI tools are being used to improve themselves. According to Alexander Embiricos, who is product lead for Codex at OpenAI, the system is now “almost entirely being used to improve itself”. He shared this information in an interview with Ars Technica this week. What is Codex and what does it do? Codex is a cloud-based AI software engineering agent launched by OpenAI in May 2025. It is designed to help developers with tasks such as: Writing new features Fixing bugs Reviewing code Suggesting pull requests The tool works in secure sandboxed environments connected to a user’s code repository and can run multiple tasks at the same time. OpenAI offers Codex through: ChatGPT’s web interface A command-line tool (CLI) IDE extensions for VS Code, Cursor and Windsurf OpenAI says Codex is now deeply integrated into its own development process. According to the company: More than 92 per cent of OpenAI’s technical staff use Codex Codex reviews every internal pull request Engineers using Codex ship around 70 per cent more merged pull requests Codex catches bugs before they reach production At OpenAI DevDay 2025, the company revealed that Codex wrote 80 per cent of the Agent Builder tool in less than six weeks. This information was shared by OpenAI during public events and interviews. How Codex helps improve itself Codex is powered by codex-1, a specialised version of OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model, trained using reinforcement learning on coding tasks. OpenAI later released: GPT-5-Codex in September 2025, designed for long, independent coding sessions GPT-5.1-Codex-Max, released in early December via GitHub Copilot According to OpenAI, Codex can now: Monitor its own training runs Review user feedback Help decide what features to build next OpenAI employees can assign tasks to Codex using the same tools they use for human colleagues, such as Linear and Slack. Faster development with AI “teammates” One example shared by OpenAI was the Sora Android app. According to Embiricos: The app was built by four engineers It took 18 days to build and 28 days to ship. Codex helped plan the architecture and write code OpenAI says Codex acts like a junior developer, working under human supervision. Engineers review all code before it is merged. Competition in AI coding tools OpenAI faces strong competition in the AI coding space from: Anthropic’s Claude Code GitHub Copilot Google’s Gemini CLI Startups like Cursor On benchmarks, OpenAI says its latest models show improvement. According to company data, GPT-5.2 scored 55.6 per cent on SWE-Bench Pro, higher than earlier versions and some competitors. Will AI coding tools replace developers? OpenAI says Codex is designed to support developers, not replace them. According to Embiricos, humans remain in control: Developers review all code AI is used for speed and assistance Final decisions stay with people OpenAI believes coding agents could eventually help even non-programmers, but says human oversight will remain important.

OpenAI coding agent Codex is now helping build and improve most of its own software. Used daily by engineers, Codex writes code, reviews pull requests, and speeds up development, showing how AI tools are starting to improve themselves.

OpenAI’s coding agent Codex now writes the majority of its own code under developer supervision

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to save unfinished Status updates and complete them later. The feature is currently available to select beta testers, as per a report by WABetaInfo, which tracks WhatsApp updates.The move brings WhatsApp Status closer to Instagram-style posting, where users can work on content without publishing it immediately.<h2>What is the new WhatsApp Status draft feature?</h2>The new feature allows users to save a Status update as a draft if they are unable to finish it at once.According to WABetaInfo, users can save:Text-based Status updatesPhotos with editsStickers and drawingsPartially written captionsIf a user starts creating a Status but exits the editor, WhatsApp now offers an option to save the update instead of discarding it. This means users can return later and continue editing from where they left off.<h2>How the feature works inside WhatsApp</h2>WhatsApp has added a save button at the top of the Status editor. Tapping this button stores the draft safely, allowing users to access it later. If a user presses the back button while editing, WhatsApp may show a prompt asking whether they want to:Discard the Status, orSave it as a draft just like it is asked in Instagram as of now.This reduces the risk of losing work, especially when switching apps or getting interrupted.Update for usersEarlier, users who wanted to save an edited image or half-written Status had to send it to themselves in a chat. The new feature removes this extra step. It is especially useful for:Users who plan their Status updatesPeople who get interrupted mid-editCreators who want more control before postingWhatsApp had recently introduced draft labels for unsent chat messages, making it easier to spot unfinished texts.The Status draft feature builds on the same idea.<h2>When will the feature be available to everyone?</h2>At present, the Status draft feature is not available to all users. WhatsApp is still testing it across different devices and accounts. According to WABetaInfo, a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks, once performance and stability improve.WhatsApp has not yet shared an official release date.

WhatsApp is testing a new Status draft feature that lets users save unfinished updates and edit them later. This new feature offers Instagram-style saving options and is currently available to select beta users, with a wider rollout expected soon.


WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will allow users to save unfinished Status updates and complete them later. The feature is currently available to select beta testers, as per a report by WABetaInfo, which tracks WhatsApp updates. The move brings WhatsApp Status closer to Instagram-style posting, where users can work on content without publishing it immediately. What is the new WhatsApp Status draft feature? The new feature allows users to save a Status update as a draft if they are unable to finish it at once. According to WABetaInfo, users can save: Text-based Status updates Photos with edits Stickers and drawings Partially written captions If a user starts creating a Status but exits the editor, WhatsApp now offers an option to save the update instead of discarding it. This means users can return later and continue editing from where they left off. How the feature works inside WhatsApp WhatsApp has added a save button at the top of the Status editor. Tapping this button stores the draft safely, allowing users to access it later. If a user presses the back button while editing, WhatsApp may show a prompt asking whether they want to: Discard the Status, or Save it as a draft just like it is asked in Instagram as of now. This reduces the risk of losing work, especially when switching apps or getting interrupted. Update for users Earlier, users who wanted to save an edited image or half-written Status had to send it to themselves in a chat. The new feature removes this extra step. It is especially useful for: Users who plan their Status updates People who get interrupted mid-edit Creators who want more control before posting WhatsApp had recently introduced draft labels for unsent chat messages, making it easier to spot unfinished texts. The Status draft feature builds on the same idea. When will the feature be available to everyone? At present, the Status draft feature is not available to all users. WhatsApp is still testing it across different devices and accounts. According to WABetaInfo, a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks, once performance and stability improve. WhatsApp has not yet shared an official release date.

WhatsApp is testing a new Status draft feature that lets users save unfinished updates and edit them later. This new feature offers Instagram-style saving options and is currently available to select beta users, with a wider rollout expected soon.

WhatsApp users can now save status drafts like Instagram

The rapid growth of AI data centres may come at a cost for other key infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and public transport, according to a Bloomberg report.As governments invest heavily in public infrastructure, the surge in private spending on data centres is creating strong competition for money, workers and materials. Experts warn this could slow down long-planned public projects.Record government spending meets private AI investmentIn 2025, state and local governments in the United States sold record levels of debt for the second year in a row, according to Bloomberg. Strategists expect another $600 billion in government debt sales next year, with most of the funds aimed at infrastructure improvements.<h2>These project to include:</h2>Roads and highwaysBridgesTransport systemsPublic utilitiesHowever, at the same time, private investment in AI data centres is rising sharply.According to US Census Bureau data, private spending on data centre construction is running at an annual rate of more than $41 billion.This figure is roughly equal to state and local government spending on transportation construction.<h2>Labour shortages add to the pressure</h2>The growing number of construction projects is increasing demand for skilled workers at a time when the industry already faces shortages.According to Bloomberg, the construction sector is under pressure due to:Retirements of experienced workersFewer new workers entering the industryStricter immigration policies and both public infrastructure and private data centres competing for the same workforce, delays are becoming more likely.Industry leaders warn of delays Andrew Anagnost who is CEO of Autodesk, a company that provides architecture and design software, said there is “absolutely no doubt” that data centre construction is pulling resources away from other projects.“I guarantee you a lot of those infrastructure projects are not going to move as fast as people want,” Anagnost told Bloomberg.<h2>Why this matters</h2>AI data centres are critical for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services.But roads, bridges and transport systems are equally important for daily life and economic activity. As spending and labour become more limited, governments may face tough choices about where resources go first. The challenge now is to balance the fast-growing AI sector with the long-term need for strong and reliable public infrastructure.&nbsp;

The rapid rise of AI data centres is putting pressure on public infrastructure projects. As private tech firms spend billions, governments face shortages of money, workers and materials, raising concerns that roads, bridges and transport upgrades could face delays.


The rapid growth of AI data centres may come at a cost for other key infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and public transport, according to a Bloomberg report. As governments invest heavily in public infrastructure, the surge in private spending on data centres is creating strong competition for money, workers and materials. Experts warn this could slow down long-planned public projects. Record government spending meets private AI investment In 2025, state and local governments in the United States sold record levels of debt for the second year in a row, according to Bloomberg. Strategists expect another $600 billion in government debt sales next year, with most of the funds aimed at infrastructure improvements. These project to include: Roads and highways Bridges Transport systems Public utilities However, at the same time, private investment in AI data centres is rising sharply. According to US Census Bureau data, private spending on data centre construction is running at an annual rate of more than $41 billion. This figure is roughly equal to state and local government spending on transportation construction. Labour shortages add to the pressure The growing number of construction projects is increasing demand for skilled workers at a time when the industry already faces shortages.According to Bloomberg, the construction sector is under pressure due to: Retirements of experienced workers Fewer new workers entering the industry Stricter immigration policies and both public infrastructure and private data centres competing for the same workforce, delays are becoming more likely. Industry leaders warn of delays Andrew Anagnost who is CEO of Autodesk, a company that provides architecture and design software, said there is “absolutely no doubt” that data centre construction is pulling resources away from other projects. “I guarantee you a lot of those infrastructure projects are not going to move as fast as people want,” Anagnost told Bloomberg. Why this matters AI data centres are critical for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services. But roads, bridges and transport systems are equally important for daily life and economic activity. As spending and labour become more limited, governments may face tough choices about where resources go first. The challenge now is to balance the fast-growing AI sector with the long-term need for strong and reliable public infrastructure.

The rapid rise of AI data centres is putting pressure on public infrastructure projects. As private tech firms spend billions, governments face shortages of money, workers and materials, raising concerns that roads, bridges and transport upgrades could face delays.

AI data centre growth may hit public infrastructure work

Google started rolling out its built-in Gemini AI features to the iOS version of the Chrome browser, making them available to more users on iPhone and iPad.As per the reports by 9to5Google and Engadget, the update is now appearing for users several months after Gemini features were first introduced on Chrome’s desktop version in September.The rollout is gradual, and not all users may see the new features immediately.<h2>What changes users will see in Chrome on iOS</h2>Once the Gemini features are enabled, Chrome users on iOS will notice a new icon in the address bar. This icon appears on the left side of the bar, replacing the earlier Google Lens button.&nbsp;The icon looks like a notebook page with a Gemini star symbol.By tapping it, users can interact with Gemini without leaving the webpage they are viewing.&nbsp;According to Google, this feature allows users to:&nbsp;Ask questions about what is on the screenGet quick summaries of webpagesFind information without opening a separate appHow Gemini works inside the browserThe Gemini integration in Chrome is designed for quick help, not full chatbot use.&nbsp;Users can ask simple questions or request summaries while staying on the same page.However, the features are currently more limited compared to using the standalone Gemini app or website.&nbsp;As per information available on Google’s support page, the tool focuses on speed and convenience rather than deep conversations.&nbsp;Important things that users should know<h2>There are a few conditions to use Gemini in Chrome on iOS:</h2>Users must be signed in to Chrome&nbsp;The feature does not work in Incognito mode&nbsp;It currently supports English only&nbsp;Availability depends on Google’s phased rollout&nbsp;If users still see the Google Lens icon, Google suggests updating Chrome from the App Store and checking again.If the icon does not appear even after updating, users may need to wait, as the feature is “rolling out to users over time”<h2>Why this update matters</h2>With Gemini now inside Chrome on iOS, Google is making AI tools easier to access during everyday browsing. Users no longer need to switch apps to get quick answers or summaries.This move also brings Chrome on iPhone closer to the AI experience already available on desktop, as Google continues to expand Gemini across its products.

Google started rolling out Gemini AI inside the Chrome browser on iPhone and iPad, letting users ask questions and get quick summaries without leaving a webpage. The feature is arriving gradually, and many users may not see it yet.

Google started rolling out its built-in Gemini AI features to the iOS version of the Chrome browser, making them available to more users on iPhone and iPad. As per the reports by 9to5Google and Engadget, the update is now appearing for users several months after Gemini features were first introduced on Chrome’s desktop version in September. The rollout is gradual, and not all users may see the new features immediately. What changes users will see in Chrome on iOS Once the Gemini features are enabled, Chrome users on iOS will notice a new icon in the address bar. This icon appears on the left side of the bar, replacing the earlier Google Lens button. The icon looks like a notebook page with a Gemini star symbol. By tapping it, users can interact with Gemini without leaving the webpage they are viewing. According to Google, this feature allows users to: Ask questions about what is on the screen Get quick summaries of webpages Find information without opening a separate app How Gemini works inside the browser The Gemini integration in Chrome is designed for quick help, not full chatbot use. Users can ask simple questions or request summaries while staying on the same page. However, the features are currently more limited compared to using the standalone Gemini app or website. As per information available on Google’s support page, the tool focuses on speed and convenience rather than deep conversations. Important things that users should know There are a few conditions to use Gemini in Chrome on iOS: Users must be signed in to Chrome The feature does not work in Incognito mode It currently supports English only Availability depends on Google’s phased rollout If users still see the Google Lens icon, Google suggests updating Chrome from the App Store and checking again. If the icon does not appear even after updating, users may need to wait, as the feature is “rolling out to users over time” Why this update matters With Gemini now inside Chrome on iOS, Google is making AI tools easier to access during everyday browsing. Users no longer need to switch apps to get quick answers or summaries. This move also brings Chrome on iPhone closer to the AI experience already available on desktop, as Google continues to expand Gemini across its products.

Google started rolling out Gemini AI inside the Chrome browser on iPhone and iPad, letting users ask questions and get quick summaries without leaving a webpage. The feature is arriving gradually, and many users may not see it yet.

Google rolling out Gemini AI features to Chrome on iPhone and iPad

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve.He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday.&nbsp;He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems.&nbsp;<h2>AI allows organisations to rethink how they work</h2>Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency.&nbsp;“The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said.According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools.&nbsp;Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change&nbsp;Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals.&nbsp;As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster.This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies.&nbsp;<h2>AI needs a new way of thinking and learning</h2>Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones.&nbsp;At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software.In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first.&nbsp;“You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said.&nbsp;<h2>New skills are essential in the AI era</h2>Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.&nbsp;

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work. 


Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, speaking at the AI Tour in Mumbai, said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding what people and organisations can achieve. He said this while speaking at the Microsoft AI Tour in Mumbai on Friday. He said AI is not just a new tool but a major shift that allows governments, companies and individuals to rethink how they work, deliver services and solve problems. AI allows organisations to rethink how they work Speaking at the event, Nadella said technology is helping people completely reimagine their daily operations, from customer experience to employee productivity and efficiency. “The frontier of what is possible is changing,” he said. According to him, AI makes it possible to rethink systems at every level, whether in government, businesses or personal life. He explained that organisations are no longer limited by older systems and can now design faster, more flexible ways of working using AI-powered tools. Highly regulated sectors are also seeing change Nadella said AI is also transforming industries that traditionally move slowly, such as pharmaceuticals. As per him, drug companies can now study whether AI can help speed up clinical trials and bring new medicines to market faster. This shows how innovation is moving forward even in sectors that face strict rules and controls. He said this shift reflects how industries are trying to move closer to the “frontier” of innovation made possible by AI technologies. AI needs a new way of thinking and learning Nadella said that entering this new phase means people must be ready to unlearn old methods and learn new ones. At the event, he also explained that building AI systems is very different from building traditional software. In the past, developers started with detailed instructions. With AI, the process begins by deciding the outcome first. “You don’t start with a specification. You start with the test,” Nadella said. New skills are essential in the AI era Nadella said adapting to this new AI-driven world requires everyone to develop new skills and use modern tools every day. He added that organisations must bring together their data, tools and workflows so AI becomes part of everyday work, not just an experimental idea. According to him, the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, learn continuously and use AI as a practical tool to solve real-world problems.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the world is entering a new phase where artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments, businesses and individuals work.&nbsp;

AI is expanding the ‘frontier of what is possible’, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Google started rolling out a new beta feature that allows users to hear real-time translations through their headphones, the company announced on Friday.The update also brings advanced Gemini-powered translations and expanded language learning tools to the Google Translate app. As per Google, the update aims to make conversations across languages easier and more natural for everyday users.<h2>Real-time translation through headphones</h2>The new feature allows users to listen to live translations while wearing any pair of headphones. Once enabled, Google Translate listens to the speaker and plays a translated version in the user’s chosen language.As per Google, the system keeps the speaker’s tone, pace and emphasis, making it easier to understand who is speaking and follow the conversation clearly.Rose Yao, Google Vice President for Product Management, said in a blog post that users can open the Translate app, tap “Live translate”, and hear translations instantly.The feature can be used during conversations, speeches, lectures, or while watching content in another language.The beta version is now available on Android in the United States, India and Mexico.As of now it supports more than 70 languages and works with any standard headphones.Google plans to expand the feature to iOS and more countries in 2026.&nbsp;

Gemini AI brings smarter translations

<h2>Gemini AI brings smarter translations</h2>They are also adding advanced Gemini AI capabilities to Translate. These upgrades improve how the app understands context, especially for slang, idioms and local expressions.For example, phrases like “stealing my thunder” will now be translated based on meaning, not word-for-word.As per the Google website, this makes translations sound more natural and accurate. This update is rolling out in the US and India, supporting English translations with nearly 20 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and German.The feature is available on Android, iOS and the web. Here you can check more -&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.google/products/search/gemini-capabilities-translation-upgrades/">https://blog.google/products/search/gemini-capabilities-translation-upgrades/</a>&nbsp;<h2>Language learning tools expanded to new countries</h2>Google is also expanding its language learning tools to nearly 20 new countries. English speakers can now practise German, while speakers of Bengali, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Romanian and Swedish can practise English.&nbsp;The translate app now provides improved feedback during speaking practice and tracks learning streaks, showing how many days a user has practised in a row.This update brings Google Translate closer to popular language-learning apps like Duolingo.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Translate app

<h2>Focus on everyday language use</h2>

Google says these updates are designed to help users communicate better while travelling, studying or working across borders.With live translation, smarter AI understanding and improved learning tools, the company is pushing Translate beyond basic text conversion.The rollout is gradual, and more features and languages are expected to be added in the coming months.

Google is rolling out a beta feature that lets users hear real-time translations through headphones using Google Translate. Powered by Gemini AI, the update improves context-based translations.

Google started rolling out a new beta feature that allows users to hear real-time translations through their headphones, the company announced on Friday. The update also brings advanced Gemini-powered translations and expanded language learning tools to the Google Translate app. As per Google, the update aims to make conversations across languages easier and more natural for everyday users. Real-time translation through headphones The new feature allows users to listen to live translations while wearing any pair of headphones. Once enabled, Google Translate listens to the speaker and plays a translated version in the user’s chosen language. As per Google, the system keeps the speaker’s tone, pace and emphasis, making it easier to understand who is speaking and follow the conversation clearly. Rose Yao, Google Vice President for Product Management, said in a blog post that users can open the Translate app, tap “Live translate”, and hear translations instantly. The feature can be used during conversations, speeches, lectures, or while watching content in another language. The beta version is now available on Android in the United States, India and Mexico. As of now it supports more than 70 languages and works with any standard headphones. Google plans to expand the feature to iOS and more countries in 2026.

Google is rolling out a beta feature that lets users hear real-time translations through headphones using Google Translate. Powered by Gemini AI, the update improves context-based translations.

Google rolls out live translation through headphones: Here’s everything you need to know

Social news aggregation and forum social media platform Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court on Friday challenging the country’s social media ban for under-16 children, while calling it an intrusion on free political discourse, just days after the landmark law came into effect. Reddit, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country’s constitution. It added that even if the court upheld the ban, Reddit should be exempt since it did not meet the definition of social media. The filing names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants.&nbsp;The suit was filed just two days after the world’s first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media came into force. Earlier, two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group had filed a suit in November.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Australian govt on the side of parents and kids, not platforms’</h2>&nbsp;The legal challenge from the Silicon Valley tech major paves the way for a long court battle.&nbsp;Reacting to the legal challenge, a spokesperson for Wells said the Australian government was “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms” and would “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media”.&nbsp;Reddit and nine other platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, and TikTok, campaigned against the ban for over a year before ultimately saying they would comply.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a><h2>Reddit filed lawsuit to protect profits, says minister</h2>&nbsp;Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression, and “we will fight this action every step of the way”.“It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or big tech giants,” he told reporters in Brisbane.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-war-widens-after-us-mexico-announces-up-to-50-tariffs-on-imports-from-india-other-asian-countries-1765454197194">Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries</a>&nbsp;Tech companies that fail to comply face Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) fines if they do not purge Australia-based users younger than 16.Australia’s social media ban is being closely watched, as New Zealand and Malaysia are also mulling similar restrictions.

Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression. “We will fight this action every step of the way. It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now,” he said.

Social news aggregation and forum social media platform Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia’s highest court on Friday challenging the country’s social media ban for under-16 children, while calling it an intrusion on free political discourse, just days after the landmark law came into effect. Reddit, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country’s constitution. It added that even if the court upheld the ban, Reddit should be exempt since it did not meet the definition of social media. The filing names the Commonwealth of Australia and Communications Minister Anika Wells as defendants. The suit was filed just two days after the world’s first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media came into force. Earlier, two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group had filed a suit in November. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? ‘Australian govt on the side of parents and kids, not platforms’ The legal challenge from the Silicon Valley tech major paves the way for a long court battle. Reacting to the legal challenge, a spokesperson for Wells said the Australian government was “on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms” and would “stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media”. Reddit and nine other platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube, and TikTok, campaigned against the ban for over a year before ultimately saying they would comply. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin Reddit filed lawsuit to protect profits, says minister Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression, and “we will fight this action every step of the way”. “It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or big tech giants,” he told reporters in Brisbane. Also Read: Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries Tech companies that fail to comply face Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) fines if they do not purge Australia-based users younger than 16. Australia’s social media ban is being closely watched, as New Zealand and Malaysia are also mulling similar restrictions.

Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people’s right to political expression. “We will fight this action every step of the way. It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now,” he said.

Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse

A woman, on her way to the University of California, San Francisco medical centre on Monday, gave birth in a Self-driving Waymo taxi, said a Waymo spokesperson in a statement Wednesday. The company stated that its rider assistance team found “unusual activity” inside the vehicle and called to check on the rider as well as alert 911.&nbsp;The Self-driving Waymo taxis, which are owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, refused to explain how the vehicle knew something was amiss. Meanwhile, the taxi and its passengers reached the hospital safely ahead of emergency services. A UCSF spokesperson, Jess Berthold, confirmed that the mother and child were rushed to the hospital, adding that the mother was not available for interviews.&nbsp;Waymo said the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning after the incident, adding that although such cases are uncommon, it was not the first time a baby had been born in one of its autonomous taxis. “We’re proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young,” the company said, ABC News reported.<h3>Self-driving Waymo taxi have gone viral for negative reasons&nbsp;</h3>The driverless cabs have grown increasingly popular, even as they face heightened public and regulatory scrutiny. Passengers can use them on freeways and major highways across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Phoenix.&nbsp;In September, one Waymo car made a U-turn despite a posted sign prohibiting it, prompting social media criticism of the San Bruno Police, who were unable to issue a citation because state law barred them from ticketing the autonomous vehicle. In October, a well-known Mission District tabby named Kit Kat, familiar to locals, was reportedly hit by a Waymo.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-waymo-launch-robotaxi-service-in-atlanta-amid-intensifying-autonomous-race-1750769408672">Uber, Waymo launch robotaxi service in Atlanta amid intensifying autonomous race</a>

Waymo said the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning after the incident, adding that although such cases are uncommon, it was not the first time a baby had been born in one of its autonomous taxis.

A woman, on her way to the University of California, San Francisco medical centre on Monday, gave birth in a Self-driving Waymo taxi, said a Waymo spokesperson in a statement Wednesday. The company stated that its rider assistance team found “unusual activity” inside the vehicle and called to check on the rider as well as alert 911. The Self-driving Waymo taxis, which are owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, refused to explain how the vehicle knew something was amiss. Meanwhile, the taxi and its passengers reached the hospital safely ahead of emergency services. A UCSF spokesperson, Jess Berthold, confirmed that the mother and child were rushed to the hospital, adding that the mother was not available for interviews. Waymo said the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning after the incident, adding that although such cases are uncommon, it was not the first time a baby had been born in one of its autonomous taxis. “We’re proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young,” the company said, ABC News reported. Self-driving Waymo taxi have gone viral for negative reasons The driverless cabs have grown increasingly popular, even as they face heightened public and regulatory scrutiny. Passengers can use them on freeways and major highways across San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Phoenix. In September, one Waymo car made a U-turn despite a posted sign prohibiting it, prompting social media criticism of the San Bruno Police, who were unable to issue a citation because state law barred them from ticketing the autonomous vehicle. In October, a well-known Mission District tabby named Kit Kat, familiar to locals, was reportedly hit by a Waymo. Also read: Uber, Waymo launch robotaxi service in Atlanta amid intensifying autonomous race

Waymo said the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning after the incident, adding that although such cases are uncommon, it was not the first time a baby had been born in one of its autonomous taxis.

San Francisco woman delivers baby in Self-driving Waymo taxi: What really happened inside the cab?

Maria Corina Machado to Narges Mohammadi: Nobel laureates who couldn't accept prize in person at Oslo

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bans-under-16s-from-social-media-but-youtube-warns-it-could-make-them-less-safe-wion-explains-1764746581502">Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how</a><h2>What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban?</h2>According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication.<h2>Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban</h2>According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-safe-again-us-state-department-touts-achievement-85-000-visas-revoked-since-trump-returned-to-white-house-indians-students-affected-1765332063561">Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you</a><h2>Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe</h2>The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP."We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog. Also read | Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban? According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication. Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent. Also read | Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP. "We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?

In a major push to accelerate India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a $17.5 billion commitment to strengthen the country’s AI infrastructure, skills pipeline and sovereign capabilities. This marks Microsoft’s largest investment in Asia to date. Nadella revealed the investment in a post on X shortly after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Delhi residence. &nbsp;“Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on India’s AI opportunity. To support the country’s ambitions, Microsoft is committing USD 17.5B… to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AI-first future,” he wrote. Prime Minister Modi described their interaction as “productive,” expressing confidence that global confidence in India’s AI potential is growing. “Glad to see Microsoft choosing India for its biggest Asian investment,” he said, adding that the country’s youth would drive innovation and use AI to improve the planet.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-deploy-indigenous-air-defence-weapon-system-to-protect-national-capital-from-enemy-aerial-threats-1765290185034">India to deploy indigenous air defence weapon system to protect national capital from enemy aerial threats</a><h2>See PM Modi's tweet after meeting Satya Nadella</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India! Had a very productive discussion with Mr. Satya Nadella. Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia. The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate… <a href="https://t.co/fMFcGQ8ctK">https://t.co/fMFcGQ8ctK</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1998386413885386847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Nadella’s India Tour</h3>The Microsoft chief is on a four-day tour of India, with planned stops in Bengaluru and Mumbai after New Delhi. His visit seeks to reinforce Microsoft’s expanding footprint in India’s cloud and AI markets. Earlier in January, Nadella had announced a $3 billion investment over two years for AI and cloud expansion, along with a strong push to train 10 million Indians in AI skills by 2030, especially women and youth from smaller towns.&nbsp;A key milestone under Microsoft’s roadmap is the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot with in-country data processing by late 2025, ensuring that sensitive data for sectors like government, BFSI and healthcare remains within Indian borders in line with regulatory needs. Nadella’s trip underscores India’s growing role as a global center for AI research, talent and digital infrastructure. Microsoft aims to deepen collaboration between India and the US in AI, digital trade and workforce skilling to support inclusive and sustainable development.

Microsoft will invest $17.5bn in India to expand AI infrastructure, skills and data capabilities, marking its biggest Asian investment after Nadella’s meeting with PM Modi

In a major push to accelerate India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a $17.5 billion commitment to strengthen the country’s AI infrastructure, skills pipeline and sovereign capabilities. This marks Microsoft’s largest investment in Asia to date. Nadella revealed the investment in a post on X shortly after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Delhi residence. “Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on India’s AI opportunity. To support the country’s ambitions, Microsoft is committing USD 17.5B… to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AI-first future,” he wrote. Prime Minister Modi described their interaction as “productive,” expressing confidence that global confidence in India’s AI potential is growing. “Glad to see Microsoft choosing India for its biggest Asian investment,” he said, adding that the country’s youth would drive innovation and use AI to improve the planet. Also Read: India to deploy indigenous air defence weapon system to protect national capital from enemy aerial threats See PM Modi's tweet after meeting Satya Nadella

Microsoft will invest $17.5bn in India to expand AI infrastructure, skills and data capabilities, marking its biggest Asian investment after Nadella’s meeting with PM Modi

'AI first future': Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella meets Indian PM Narendra Modi; promises $17.5 billion investment in India

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15.&nbsp;Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-911-call-from-mcdonald-s-led-to-arrest-of-luigi-mangione-shooter-accused-of-killing-unitedhealthcare-s-ceo-1765280137698">How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO</a>&nbsp;How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users.&nbsp;The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

In a global first, Australia’s under-16 social media ban takes effect

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15. Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems. Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks. Also Read: How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users. The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

Australia’s world-first legislation banning under-16s from using social media goes live, with tech companies tasked to enforce age restrictions to avoid heavy fines

Reddit appears to be down for the second day in a row for thousands of users. Reddit is the heart of the Internet — or the “toilet of the Internet,” depending on your likes and dislikes. The discussion forum's downtimes are becoming a frequent issue. The latest is prompting Redditors to complain about what they see as lax attention from Reddit engineers to improving and stabilising the site. Is Reddit losing the game?<h2>Latest on Reddit downtime</h2>Reddit global outage affected thousands of users since late Monday, with 24,000 users filing reports on outage-tracker site DownDetector by Tuesday. About 73 per cent of complaints concerned site inaccessibility (website not loading), while 22 per cent reported server-connection issues, and 5 per cent described app problems. Many users saw “Internal Server Error” messages; others said the app froze or crashed, individual feeds wouldn’t load, and many features like posting, commenting, browsing subreddits failed on both web and mobile versions. The outage is worldwide, hitting major regions including the US, India and Europe. The global demand on Reddit’s servers appears to be straining the infrastructure.<h2>What is Reddit saying about the outage?</h2>On its own status dashboard, Reddit flagged “elevated errors” beginning late Monday and said engineers were investigating. The problem may be stemming from server or backend instabilities rather than a single user issue.<h2>What are Reddit users saying?</h2>Frustrated redditors took to other social platforms mocking the outage, with some joking about a “meme takeover” on X (formerly Twitter) while Reddit was offline. Reports of pages failing to load, error messages and crashes poured in, with one user lamenting: “Every scroll attempt hurts because is Reddit down.” Others complained that, despite being a massive social media platform, Reddit seems unable to guarantee stable access.<h2>For many, Reddit is a go-to hub for news, entertainment, community and support</h2>When Reddit goes down, billions of conversations are disrupted, &nbsp;as people use it for community discussions, and even serious discourse.Reddit faced repeated outages throughout 2025, some of which affected up to 100,000 users globally. Reddit's usual response is to acknowledge “elevated errors,” issue fixes and restore services, but the pattern is persistent.This is raising questions about Reddit’s infrastructure stability, engineering priorities, and commitment to reliable user experience.&nbsp;

Reddit has suffered a major global outage with users reporting errors, crashes and loading failures on both web and app versions. Questions are being raised about its 24/7 reliability

Reddit appears to be down for the second day in a row for thousands of users. Reddit is the heart of the Internet — or the “toilet of the Internet,” depending on your likes and dislikes. The discussion forum's downtimes are becoming a frequent issue. The latest is prompting Redditors to complain about what they see as lax attention from Reddit engineers to improving and stabilising the site. Is Reddit losing the game? Latest on Reddit downtime Reddit global outage affected thousands of users since late Monday, with 24,000 users filing reports on outage-tracker site DownDetector by Tuesday. About 73 per cent of complaints concerned site inaccessibility (website not loading), while 22 per cent reported server-connection issues, and 5 per cent described app problems. Many users saw “Internal Server Error” messages; others said the app froze or crashed, individual feeds wouldn’t load, and many features like posting, commenting, browsing subreddits failed on both web and mobile versions. The outage is worldwide, hitting major regions including the US, India and Europe. The global demand on Reddit’s servers appears to be straining the infrastructure. What is Reddit saying about the outage? On its own status dashboard, Reddit flagged “elevated errors” beginning late Monday and said engineers were investigating. The problem may be stemming from server or backend instabilities rather than a single user issue. What are Reddit users saying? Frustrated redditors took to other social platforms mocking the outage, with some joking about a “meme takeover” on X (formerly Twitter) while Reddit was offline. Reports of pages failing to load, error messages and crashes poured in, with one user lamenting: “Every scroll attempt hurts because is Reddit down.” Others complained that, despite being a massive social media platform, Reddit seems unable to guarantee stable access. For many, Reddit is a go-to hub for news, entertainment, community and support When Reddit goes down, billions of conversations are disrupted, as people use it for community discussions, and even serious discourse. Reddit faced repeated outages throughout 2025, some of which affected up to 100,000 users globally. Reddit's usual response is to acknowledge “elevated errors,” issue fixes and restore services, but the pattern is persistent. This is raising questions about Reddit’s infrastructure stability, engineering priorities, and commitment to reliable user experience.

Reddit has suffered a major global outage with users reporting errors, crashes and loading failures on both web and app versions. Questions are being raised about its 24/7 reliability

Reddit down for thousands of users in India, US, Europe

As per few reports says Google is getting ready to introduce the Nano Banana 2 Flash model. An update to its Banana series that focuses more on speed than precision.Early reports shared by AI watchers suggest that the new model is designed for low-latency image generation, meaning it can produce pictures very quickly while keeping the cost of running it relatively low.&nbsp;If confirmed, this could make the model useful for developers who rely on Google’s API to build image tools, creative apps or lightweight AI features.&nbsp;<h2>A speed-first model for quick results</h2>According to early community discussions, the Nano Banana 2 Flash will follow the same pattern as the earlier Flash variant.Instead of producing highly detailed images, the Flash version aims to:&nbsp;Generate images fasterReduce server or device loadKeep operational costs down for developers&nbsp;This focus on speed makes it suitable for apps where quick results matter more than ultra-high accuracy.&nbsp;Google has not made any official announcement yet, but AI researchers who track the company’s updates say the new Flash model is already appearing in internal test logs and API references.&nbsp;<h2>Lower operational cost could help developers</h2>One of the standout points being discussed is the model’s ability to run images at a lower cost. This is important for developers who use Google Cloud or the Gemini API and need to keep expenses under control.&nbsp;As per reports, Nano Banana 2 Flash could become a good option for:&nbsp;Mobile AI apps&nbsp;Creative tools that need instant previews&nbsp;Low-cost generative features&nbsp;Small teams&nbsp;Since the model is not focused on perfect accuracy, it may not replace high-end versions like the main Gemini models, but it may fill a different need fast, lightweight generation.<h2>Possible good news for free users</h2>One of the most interesting parts of the leak is that Nano Banana 2 Flash may be available to users without Google AI Pro.If this is correct, it would allow more people to try the model without a paid subscription, similar to how the earlier Flash model was tested with free-tier users. However, Google has not confirmed any details, and access rules may change when the model officially launches.&nbsp;No official launch date yetAt the moment:&nbsp; Google has not confirmed the modelThere is no launch dateThis is based on early media reports and community leaks.

Google is reportedly testing a new AI image model called Nano Banana 2 Flash. Early leaks say it can create images very quickly while keeping costs low. It may help developers build fast, lightweight apps, but Google has not confirmed any details or the launch date yet.

As per few reports says Google is getting ready to introduce the Nano Banana 2 Flash model. An update to its Banana series that focuses more on speed than precision. Early reports shared by AI watchers suggest that the new model is designed for low-latency image generation, meaning it can produce pictures very quickly while keeping the cost of running it relatively low. If confirmed, this could make the model useful for developers who rely on Google’s API to build image tools, creative apps or lightweight AI features. A speed-first model for quick results According to early community discussions, the Nano Banana 2 Flash will follow the same pattern as the earlier Flash variant. Instead of producing highly detailed images, the Flash version aims to: Generate images faster Reduce server or device load Keep operational costs down for developers This focus on speed makes it suitable for apps where quick results matter more than ultra-high accuracy. Google has not made any official announcement yet, but AI researchers who track the company’s updates say the new Flash model is already appearing in internal test logs and API references. Lower operational cost could help developers One of the standout points being discussed is the model’s ability to run images at a lower cost. This is important for developers who use Google Cloud or the Gemini API and need to keep expenses under control. As per reports, Nano Banana 2 Flash could become a good option for: Mobile AI apps Creative tools that need instant previews Low-cost generative features Small teams Since the model is not focused on perfect accuracy, it may not replace high-end versions like the main Gemini models, but it may fill a different need fast, lightweight generation. Possible good news for free users One of the most interesting parts of the leak is that Nano Banana 2 Flash may be available to users without Google AI Pro. If this is correct, it would allow more people to try the model without a paid subscription, similar to how the earlier Flash model was tested with free-tier users. However, Google has not confirmed any details, and access rules may change when the model officially launches. No official launch date yet At the moment: Google has not confirmed the model There is no launch date This is based on early media reports and community leaks.

Google is reportedly testing a new AI image model called Nano Banana 2 Flash. Early leaks say it can create images very quickly while keeping costs low. It may help developers build fast, lightweight apps, but Google has not confirmed any details or the launch date yet.

Google preparing to launch Nano Banana 2 Flash AI model: Here’s what early reports say

A social media post by Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has triggered curiosity across social media after he hinted at a new technology product under the name “Temple”. The teaser featured an image of a small device with the words “Coming Soon”, without revealing any details about its purpose.He shared the image on X, prompting users to guess whether the device could be smart hardware, an AI assistant, or something completely new.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Coming soon. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/temple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@temple</a> for more updates. <a href="https://t.co/E7S8NeUDP4">pic.twitter.com/E7S8NeUDP4</a>&mdash; Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepigoyal/status/1997579981309030605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is Temple?&nbsp;</h2>The website Temple.com, which appears to be linked to the device, does not reveal much.It only displays the name “Temple” with a minimal design and an option to join a waitlist.As per a few media reports, they are speculating that this is AI powered wearable device this device could be an AI-powered gadget, a smart assistant, or a new kind of household technology.The company has not yet issued any official statement explaining what Temple is, what problem it aims to solve or when it will launch.Deepinder Goyal is known for announcing new products in unconventional ways.Earlier launches such as Zomato Instant, Intercity Legends, and Blinkit’s smart home features were also teased through brief posts before their official rollout.Because of this pattern, users are closely watching his posts, expecting another technology-first product. Some netizens also linked the teaser to the growing trend of AI-enabled home devices, especially after the launch of products like Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1.<h2>Internet reacts with speculation</h2>Within hours of posting, Goyal’s teaser sparked thousands of reactions.Many users expressed excitement, while others shared humorous guesses about what the device might be. Until then, speculation continues as users wait to see what Temple will actually be.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal teases a mystery device called “Temple”, sparking speculation about an AI-powered gadget. Some media reports suggest it may be an AI-powered wearable, smart assistant, or home technology product, but the company has not confirmed anything yet.



A social media post by Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has triggered curiosity across social media after he hinted at a new technology product under the name “Temple”. The teaser featured an image of a small device with the words “Coming Soon”, without revealing any details about its purpose. He shared the image on X, prompting users to guess whether the device could be smart hardware, an AI assistant, or something completely new.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal teases a mystery device called “Temple”, sparking speculation about an AI-powered gadget. Some media reports suggest it may be an AI-powered wearable, smart assistant, or home technology product, but the company has not confirmed anything yet.

What is Temple?: Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal teases new tech device

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday (Dec 06) said that the European Union should be abolished and nations should become sovereign to ensure better representation of the people. The Tesla Ceo's remarks came amid escalating tensions with the bloc after Musk's social media platform X, slapped with a 120 million euro ($140 million) fine for breaching digital transparency laws.&nbsp;"The EU should be abolished, and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people," Musk wrote on X.&nbsp;In a series of posts on X, he described the fine as "crazy," "insane," and straight up "bullshit." The SpaceX CEO accused the EU regulators of targeting him personally and called for actions against the bloc and individuals behind the actions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-7500-up-to-500-km-centre-caps-ticket-prices-as-indigo-crisis-deepens-airlines-airfares-airindia-1765022186442">Rs 7500 up to 500 KM: Centre caps ticket prices as IndiGo crisis deepens</a><h2>Why X got fined</h2>Musk's social media platform X becomes the first entity to get fined under the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), legislation aimed at regulating social media companies. European regulators found X guilty of three violations after a two-year probe.&nbsp;Deceptive Blue Checkmarks: €45 million fine&nbsp;The platform’s paid blue checkmark system, which the EU said has “deceptive design,” arguing that it blurs the line between genuine voices and scammers and exposes users to fraud. The Commission said the badge “does not meaningfully verify who is behind the account,” making authenticity harder to judge.&nbsp;Flawed Ad Repository:€35 million fine&nbsp;Under the DSA, platforms must maintain a searchable ad database showing buyers, targeting criteria, and spending. Regulators found X’s repository hampered by “built-in limitations, delays, and access obstacles,” restricting researchers and watchdogs from tracking hidden influence operations or scams.&nbsp;Researcher data barriers: €40 million fine&nbsp;X allegedly created “unnecessary barriers” that blocked academics and experts from accessing public data essential for studying systemic risks such as hate speech and election interference. The EU said this opacity undermines efforts to protect democratic processes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drug-boat-strike-controversy-trump-bradley-hegseth-1765023842778">Admiral contradicts Donald Trump's claims, alleged drug boat was not heading to US</a><h2>Washington calls 'attack on America'</h2>US Vice President JD Vance lashed out at the 27-country bloc even before the announcement, accusing it of unfair targeting of American companies through censorship.&nbsp;The Secretary of State Marco Rubo called the penalty an attack on all US-based tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments. "The European Commission's $140 million fine isn't just an attack on X, it's an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments," Rubio posted on X, adding, "The days of censoring Americans online are over."&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance also lashed out at the 27-country bloc even before the announcement, accusing it of unfair targeting of American companies through censorship.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday (Dec 06) said that the European Union should be abolished and nations should become sovereign to ensure better representation of the people. The Tesla Ceo's remarks came amid escalating tensions with the bloc after Musk's social media platform X, slapped with a 120 million euro ($140 million) fine for breaching digital transparency laws. "The EU should be abolished, and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people," Musk wrote on X. In a series of posts on X, he described the fine as "crazy," "insane," and straight up "bullshit." The SpaceX CEO accused the EU regulators of targeting him personally and called for actions against the bloc and individuals behind the actions. Also Read: Rs 7500 up to 500 KM: Centre caps ticket prices as IndiGo crisis deepens Why X got fined Musk's social media platform X becomes the first entity to get fined under the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), legislation aimed at regulating social media companies. European regulators found X guilty of three violations after a two-year probe. Deceptive Blue Checkmarks: €45 million fine The platform’s paid blue checkmark system, which the EU said has “deceptive design,” arguing that it blurs the line between genuine voices and scammers and exposes users to fraud. The Commission said the badge “does not meaningfully verify who is behind the account,” making authenticity harder to judge. Flawed Ad Repository:€35 million fine Under the DSA, platforms must maintain a searchable ad database showing buyers, targeting criteria, and spending. Regulators found X’s repository hampered by “built-in limitations, delays, and access obstacles,” restricting researchers and watchdogs from tracking hidden influence operations or scams. Researcher data barriers: €40 million fine X allegedly created “unnecessary barriers” that blocked academics and experts from accessing public data essential for studying systemic risks such as hate speech and election interference. The EU said this opacity undermines efforts to protect democratic processes. Also Read: Admiral contradicts Donald Trump's claims, alleged drug boat was not heading to US Washington calls 'attack on America' US Vice President JD Vance lashed out at the 27-country bloc even before the announcement, accusing it of unfair targeting of American companies through censorship. The Secretary of State Marco Rubo called the penalty an attack on all US-based tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments. "The European Commission's $140 million fine isn't just an attack on X, it's an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments," Rubio posted on X, adding, "The days of censoring Americans online are over."

US Vice President JD Vance lashed out at the 27-country bloc even before the announcement, accusing it of unfair targeting of American companies through censorship.

'European Union should be abolished': Elon Musk escalates feud with Brussels after X slapped $140 Mn fine

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4-5, 2025, in New Delhi, marked a significant moment in strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. The joint statement issued after the summit highlighted the enduring cooperation across various sectors, underscoring the resilience of this time-tested relationship. Here are the key takeaways from the summit:<h2>Strengthening the strategic partnership</h2>The leaders of India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to a strong, multi-dimensional partnership, rooted in mutual respect and trust. This year marks 25 years since the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed, and both sides agreed to make every effort to unlock the full potential of their relationship. The two countries emphasised their role as major global powers, working together to promote peace and stability, based on the principles of equality and indivisible security.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-joint-statement-between-india-russia-see-full-text-here-1764939638416">Putin India visit: Joint statement between India-Russia. See full text here</a><h2>Expanding trade and economic cooperation</h2>A major focus of the summit was expanding economic cooperation, with both sides setting an ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders highlighted the launch of the Programme 2030, a framework to enhance economic ties, particularly in advanced high-tech industries, energy, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union. Both sides also discussed initiatives to ease trade barriers, improve logistics, and strengthen financial cooperation, including the use of national currencies for transactions.<h2>Advancing energy and defense cooperation</h2>Energy and defense remain pillars of the India-Russia partnership. The summit saw further collaboration in sectors like oil, gas, nuclear energy, and defense technology. Both sides discussed joint ventures in the energy sector, including long-term supply of fertilizers and oil, as well as technological cooperation in nuclear energy. On defense, India and Russia committed to expanding joint research, development, and manufacturing of advanced defense technologies, in line with India’s “Make-in-India” initiative.<h2>Cooperation on regional and global issues</h2>In terms of international diplomacy, both India and Russia agreed to continue their strong cooperation in multilateral platforms like the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. The leaders emphasised their commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership. On regional issues, the two countries expressed their unified stance on counter-terrorism, global climate change, and the security situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.<h2>Focus on science, technology, and cultural exchange</h2>India and Russia agreed to ramp up cooperation in science, technology, and education. Both sides expressed interest in collaborative research, especially in emerging fields like critical minerals, AI, and digital technologies. Cultural exchanges were also a key part of the discussions, with both nations looking to expand bilateral ties through joint film productions, art festivals, and educational linkages.

India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4-5, 2025, in New Delhi, marked a significant moment in strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. The joint statement issued after the summit highlighted the enduring cooperation across various sectors, underscoring the resilience of this time-tested relationship. Here are the key takeaways from the summit: Strengthening the strategic partnership The leaders of India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to a strong, multi-dimensional partnership, rooted in mutual respect and trust. This year marks 25 years since the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed, and both sides agreed to make every effort to unlock the full potential of their relationship. The two countries emphasised their role as major global powers, working together to promote peace and stability, based on the principles of equality and indivisible security. Also Read: Putin India visit: Joint statement between India-Russia. See full text here Expanding trade and economic cooperation A major focus of the summit was expanding economic cooperation, with both sides setting an ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders highlighted the launch of the Programme 2030, a framework to enhance economic ties, particularly in advanced high-tech industries, energy, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union. Both sides also discussed initiatives to ease trade barriers, improve logistics, and strengthen financial cooperation, including the use of national currencies for transactions. Advancing energy and defense cooperation Energy and defense remain pillars of the India-Russia partnership. The summit saw further collaboration in sectors like oil, gas, nuclear energy, and defense technology. Both sides discussed joint ventures in the energy sector, including long-term supply of fertilizers and oil, as well as technological cooperation in nuclear energy. On defense, India and Russia committed to expanding joint research, development, and manufacturing of advanced defense technologies, in line with India’s “Make-in-India” initiative. Cooperation on regional and global issues In terms of international diplomacy, both India and Russia agreed to continue their strong cooperation in multilateral platforms like the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. The leaders emphasised their commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership. On regional issues, the two countries expressed their unified stance on counter-terrorism, global climate change, and the security situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Focus on science, technology, and cultural exchange India and Russia agreed to ramp up cooperation in science, technology, and education. Both sides expressed interest in collaborative research, especially in emerging fields like critical minerals, AI, and digital technologies. Cultural exchanges were also a key part of the discussions, with both nations looking to expand bilateral ties through joint film productions, art festivals, and educational linkages.

Russia President Vladimir Putin is in India for his two-day visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. WION takes a look at the key takeaways from the joint statement issued after both the leaders met

In the past 72 hours, four senior Apple executives departed, including the head of its Artificial Intelligence division, marking one of the highest-density waves of top-level turnover in the tech giant's modern history. The exits also span design, legal, and environmental policy. Apple is describing the changes as part of planned transitions, but the short burst of departures from strategically crucial roles has raised questions about what is happening inside Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Other major exits this year include that of longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams in July, as well as Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri earlier in 2025.<h2>Who is out, who is in at Apple?</h2>John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, has stepped down after nearly eight years and will transition to an advisory role until retiring in spring 2026. Apple’s engineering director Amar Subramanya has been named Vice President of AI, reporting to software chief Craig Federighi. Alan Dye, the design chief and head of Human Interface, is leaving at year-end after more than two decades at Apple, to become Meta’s Chief Design Officer. Veteran designer Stephen Lemay will now lead User Interface design. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is retiring in January 2026, with her teams shifting to Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan. Apple’s General Counsel, Kate Adams, will retire in late 2026. Former Meta legal chief Jennifer Newstead will succeed her and oversee both Legal and Government Affairs. Recent months have also seen Apple reassign several AI-related teams to Eddy Cue’s Services group and Sabih Khan’s Operations group, in an ongoing internal restructuring.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed</a><h2>Why is Apple seeing an ‘executive exodus’?</h2>From AI innovation and product lags to intensifying regulatory pressure, several factors appear to be driving the turnover. Apple’s AI strategy faced delays, from advanced Siri features to Apple Intelligence products.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-iphone-17-series-launched-here-s-what-new-in-the-fresh-lineup-1757490724356">Apple iPhone 17 series launched: Here's what new in the fresh&nbsp;lineup</a>&nbsp;Talent poaching is another factor. Dye’s move to Meta comes amid aggressive competition for next-generation AR/VR and AI interface design, with Meta expanding its Reality Labs and AI Experiences groups.&nbsp;Apple is also under growing legal and regulatory pressure in both the US and Europe, ranging from EU antitrust actions to domestic privacy litigation. Newstead’s appointment, spanning both legal and government affairs, is aimed at addressing this.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-amar-subramanya-indian-origin-researcher-appointed-as-apple-s-ai-head-microsoft-google-openai-siri-1764672414420">Meet Amar Subramanya: Indian-origin researcher appointed as Apple’s AI head</a><h2>Apple is trying to stabilise the ship, but more exits are likely</h2>Apple moved quickly to announce successors, replacements and reassignment of teams, to maintain operational stability. No product delays have been announced. But the renewed talk of Tim Cook preparing for retirement after more than a decade as chief executive, the leadership reshuffle points to a broader generational handover.&nbsp;It is not necessarily a crisis, but a recalibration. The company’s AI strategy, regulatory posture and post-Jony Ive design identity are all in transition. Next year will test whether these changes produce renewed momentum for the Big Tech giant.

Apple has seen four top executive exits in 72 hours. This is raising questions on its AI strategy, design shifts, and regulatory pressure, even as Tim Cook’s potential retirement in 2026 looms. What's really happening?


In the past 72 hours, four senior Apple executives departed, including the head of its Artificial Intelligence division, marking one of the highest-density waves of top-level turnover in the tech giant's modern history. The exits also span design, legal, and environmental policy. Apple is describing the changes as part of planned transitions, but the short burst of departures from strategically crucial roles has raised questions about what is happening inside Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Other major exits this year include that of longtime Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams in July, as well as Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri earlier in 2025. Who is out, who is in at Apple? John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, has stepped down after nearly eight years and will transition to an advisory role until retiring in spring 2026. Apple’s engineering director Amar Subramanya has been named Vice President of AI, reporting to software chief Craig Federighi. Alan Dye, the design chief and head of Human Interface, is leaving at year-end after more than two decades at Apple, to become Meta’s Chief Design Officer. Veteran designer Stephen Lemay will now lead User Interface design. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, is retiring in January 2026, with her teams shifting to Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan. Apple’s General Counsel, Kate Adams, will retire in late 2026. Former Meta legal chief Jennifer Newstead will succeed her and oversee both Legal and Government Affairs. Recent months have also seen Apple reassign several AI-related teams to Eddy Cue’s Services group and Sabih Khan’s Operations group, in an ongoing internal restructuring. https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-faces-38-billion-fine-in-global-antitrust-dispute-1764236390759/embed Why is Apple seeing an ‘executive exodus’? From AI innovation and product lags to intensifying regulatory pressure, several factors appear to be driving the turnover. Apple’s AI strategy faced delays, from advanced Siri features to Apple Intelligence products. Also read: Apple iPhone 17 series launched: Here's what new in the fresh lineup Talent poaching is another factor. Dye’s move to Meta comes amid aggressive competition for next-generation AR/VR and AI interface design, with Meta expanding its Reality Labs and AI Experiences groups. Apple is also under growing legal and regulatory pressure in both the US and Europe, ranging from EU antitrust actions to domestic privacy litigation. Newstead’s appointment, spanning both legal and government affairs, is aimed at addressing this. Also read: Meet Amar Subramanya: Indian-origin researcher appointed as Apple’s AI head Apple is trying to stabilise the ship, but more exits are likely Apple moved quickly to announce successors, replacements and reassignment of teams, to maintain operational stability. No product delays have been announced. But the renewed talk of Tim Cook preparing for retirement after more than a decade as chief executive, the leadership reshuffle points to a broader generational handover. It is not necessarily a crisis, but a recalibration. The company’s AI strategy, regulatory posture and post-Jony Ive design identity are all in transition. Next year will test whether these changes produce renewed momentum for the Big Tech giant.

Apple has seen four top executive exits in 72 hours. This is raising questions on its AI strategy, design shifts, and regulatory pressure, even as Tim Cook’s potential retirement in 2026 looms. What's really happening?

Four top Apple executives exit in 72 hours amid Tim Cook retirement talk: What is happening at The Space Ship of Cupertino?

On Friday (December 5), India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin announced Economic Cooperation Programme aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries till 2030. The announcement came during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reflecting the strong bilateral ties that have endured various global challenges over decades.&nbsp;In his remarks, PM Modi stressed on the enduring nature of India-Russia relations, describing them as “steadfast like a pole star.” He expressed that the partnership, based on mutual respect and deep trust, has withstood the test of time and several global shifts. Modi highlighted that the new Economic Cooperation Programme will aim to diversify and balance trade, ensuring its sustainability. Additionally, he showed optimism about the India-Russia Business Forum, scheduled to follow the summit, which will serve as a platform to enhance export opportunities, co-production ventures, and innovation between the two countries.&nbsp;Modi further mentioned that both countries are actively working towards finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which will expand economic ties. Reflecting on the historical progression of the partnership, he recalled that 25 years ago, President Putin laid the groundwork for a strategic relationship between India and Russia. Over time, this partnership was elevated to a "special and privileged strategic" status, which has been continually nurtured by Putin.<h2>Here are the key agreements signed during the summit</h2>Several agreements were signed across various sectors, further cementing the bilateral ties between India and Russia. Key highlights include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Energy cooperation: Russia reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted fuel shipments to support India's growing economy.</li><li>Industrial partnerships: Indian firms inked a deal with Russia’s URALCHEM to set up a urea manufacturing plant in Russia.</li><li>Food safety: India’s FSSAI and Russia’s consumer protection agency formalized agreements to strengthen food safety regulations.</li><li>Healthcare cooperation: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance collaboration in medical research and healthcare.</li><li>Maritime logistics: An MoU was signed to bolster India-Russia collaboration in port and shipping operations.</li><li>Migration and mobility: Both countries signed agreements to streamline migration and facilitate the movement of people between India and Russia.</li></ul>President Putin also highlighted joint efforts in building new international logistics routes and proposed future cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants.<h2>Energy and strategic partnership</h2>The energy and strategic partnership remain central to the India-Russia relationship. PM Modi emphasised that energy security plays a vital role in the partnership, especially in the fields of civil nuclear energy and critical minerals. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of these minerals in securing global supply chains and supporting the clean energy sector, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging industries.&nbsp;The two countries also expressed mutual interest in Arctic operations, with India offering training to seafarers for polar conditions, thus opening up employment opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the region. Both leaders set their sights on increasing annual bilateral trade to $100 billion and highlighted the shift towards settling trade in national currencies, marking a significant step towards deeper economic integration.<h2>Cultural and diplomatic engagements</h2>The summit was preceded by a formal reception for President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services guard of honour. This was followed by a visit to Rajghat, where Putin paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, further solidifying the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin at Palam Airport, with a hug, which underscored their strong personal rapport. The two leaders shared a ride to the Prime Minister's residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolising the cultural connection between India and Russia.&nbsp;Throughout the visit, President Putin is set to engage in various activities, including participating in the India-Russia Business Forum, launching the RT channel in India, and attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin also thanked PM Modi for India’s role in mediating the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling the discussions “informative and useful.” Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and collaborating on environmental conservation. Additionally, Russia agreed to join India in the International Big Cat Alliance, a further extension of their environmental cooperation.

Putin India visit: All the deals India-Russia have signed. See details here

On Friday (December 5), India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin announced Economic Cooperation Programme aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries till 2030. The announcement came during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reflecting the strong bilateral ties that have endured various global challenges over decades. In his remarks, PM Modi stressed on the enduring nature of India-Russia relations, describing them as “steadfast like a pole star.” He expressed that the partnership, based on mutual respect and deep trust, has withstood the test of time and several global shifts. Modi highlighted that the new Economic Cooperation Programme will aim to diversify and balance trade, ensuring its sustainability. Additionally, he showed optimism about the India-Russia Business Forum, scheduled to follow the summit, which will serve as a platform to enhance export opportunities, co-production ventures, and innovation between the two countries. Modi further mentioned that both countries are actively working towards finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which will expand economic ties. Reflecting on the historical progression of the partnership, he recalled that 25 years ago, President Putin laid the groundwork for a strategic relationship between India and Russia. Over time, this partnership was elevated to a "special and privileged strategic" status, which has been continually nurtured by Putin. Here are the key agreements signed during the summit Several agreements were signed across various sectors, further cementing the bilateral ties between India and Russia. Key highlights include: Energy cooperation: Russia reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted fuel shipments to support India's growing economy. Industrial partnerships: Indian firms inked a deal with Russia’s URALCHEM to set up a urea manufacturing plant in Russia. Food safety: India’s FSSAI and Russia’s consumer protection agency formalized agreements to strengthen food safety regulations. Healthcare cooperation: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance collaboration in medical research and healthcare. Maritime logistics: An MoU was signed to bolster India-Russia collaboration in port and shipping operations. Migration and mobility: Both countries signed agreements to streamline migration and facilitate the movement of people between India and Russia. President Putin also highlighted joint efforts in building new international logistics routes and proposed future cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants. Energy and strategic partnership The energy and strategic partnership remain central to the India-Russia relationship. PM Modi emphasised that energy security plays a vital role in the partnership, especially in the fields of civil nuclear energy and critical minerals. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of these minerals in securing global supply chains and supporting the clean energy sector, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging industries. The two countries also expressed mutual interest in Arctic operations, with India offering training to seafarers for polar conditions, thus opening up employment opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the region. Both leaders set their sights on increasing annual bilateral trade to $100 billion and highlighted the shift towards settling trade in national currencies, marking a significant step towards deeper economic integration. Cultural and diplomatic engagements The summit was preceded by a formal reception for President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services guard of honour. This was followed by a visit to Rajghat, where Putin paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, further solidifying the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin at Palam Airport, with a hug, which underscored their strong personal rapport. The two leaders shared a ride to the Prime Minister's residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolising the cultural connection between India and Russia. Throughout the visit, President Putin is set to engage in various activities, including participating in the India-Russia Business Forum, launching the RT channel in India, and attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin also thanked PM Modi for India’s role in mediating the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling the discussions “informative and useful.” Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and collaborating on environmental conservation. Additionally, Russia agreed to join India in the International Big Cat Alliance, a further extension of their environmental cooperation.

Russia President Vladimir Putin is in India for his two-day visit, where he held talks with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, looking to strengthen trade, defence and economic sector. WION takes a look at some of the key deals that has been signed between the two countries

Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details

Users around the world experienced significant disruptions in Cloudflare’s services on Friday (December 5), triggering a surge of frustration and complaints on social media platform X. The outage affected numerous websites, including popular services like Canva and Downdetector, leaving users unable to access essential online tools. Several trading platforms, including Groww and Zerodha, were also impacted by the downtime. Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, citing problems with its Dashboard and associated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and said that it was investigating the cause.&nbsp;This is Cloudflare's second major disruption in less than a month. In November, a similar outage affected a wide range of platforms, including Spotify, ChatGPT, and even US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social. As a major provider of internet infrastructure, Cloudflare offers services designed to protect websites from cyberattacks and ensure they remain accessible during heavy traffic. Following the latest outage, social media was flooded with users expressing their frustration. Many shared how the disruption had impacted their work and businesses, with many demanding swift action and a permanent resolution.<h2>What caused today’s Cloudflare outage?</h2>Cloudflare said that the outage was due to an internal malfunction disrupting key parts of its network infrastructure. According to information shared publicly, problem led to slowdowns and instability across its services. Even Downdetector, the go-to site for monitoring online service failures, went down, showing just how big the disruption was. Users on X reported their apps crashing without warning and posted screenshots showing a variety of server error notices.&nbsp;The incident drew even more attention after a viral post on social media joked about a “tiny tweak” by a new Cloudflare engineer supposedly triggering the chaos and the outage. Although the remark originated from X users and wasn’t an official statement, it captured the uncertainty and speculation that spread during the outage.

Cloudflare outage today: Major websites affected as users unable to use apps; company issues statement

Users around the world experienced significant disruptions in Cloudflare’s services on Friday (December 5), triggering a surge of frustration and complaints on social media platform X. The outage affected numerous websites, including popular services like Canva and Downdetector, leaving users unable to access essential online tools. Several trading platforms, including Groww and Zerodha, were also impacted by the downtime. Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, citing problems with its Dashboard and associated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and said that it was investigating the cause. This is Cloudflare's second major disruption in less than a month. In November, a similar outage affected a wide range of platforms, including Spotify, ChatGPT, and even US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social. As a major provider of internet infrastructure, Cloudflare offers services designed to protect websites from cyberattacks and ensure they remain accessible during heavy traffic. Following the latest outage, social media was flooded with users expressing their frustration. Many shared how the disruption had impacted their work and businesses, with many demanding swift action and a permanent resolution. What caused today’s Cloudflare outage? Cloudflare said that the outage was due to an internal malfunction disrupting key parts of its network infrastructure. According to information shared publicly, problem led to slowdowns and instability across its services. Even Downdetector, the go-to site for monitoring online service failures, went down, showing just how big the disruption was. Users on X reported their apps crashing without warning and posted screenshots showing a variety of server error notices. The incident drew even more attention after a viral post on social media joked about a “tiny tweak” by a new Cloudflare engineer supposedly triggering the chaos and the outage. Although the remark originated from X users and wasn’t an official statement, it captured the uncertainty and speculation that spread during the outage.

Cloudflare faces a second major outage in a month, impacting websites like Canva, Downdetector, and trading platforms. Several users expressed frustration on social media platforms

A major Cloudflare outage on 5 December 2025 caused internet disruptions across several countries, making many popular websites and apps inaccessible. Cloudflare confirmed that it is facing an “internal service degradation”, which is affecting its global network.Cloudflare is one of the most widely used internet infrastructure providers. Millions of websites rely on it for security, traffic routing and content delivery. Because of this, even a short disruption often impacts many online platforms at the same time.<h2>Cloudflare confirms internal issue</h2>Cloudflare’s status page shows that the company is investigating a problem inside its systems that has led to degraded performance.The company has also reported a large number of empty pages appearing when using the List API on Workers KV namespaces, and increased errors for customers running Workers scripts.Cloudflare said a fix has now been implemented and that engineers are monitoring the results. (Source: Cloudflare Status Page)&nbsp;Cloudflare has not yet shared the exact cause. Outages like this are rare but tend to have large-scale effects because of Cloudflare’s role as a backend service for many major platforms.<h2>Netizens express frustration</h2>Social media was flooded with posts from frustrated users across the world.Many reported that their work and businesses were disrupted due to the outage. Some demanded quick answers from the company, saying that repeated service failures are affecting productivity and online operations.Users also highlighted how essential Cloudflare has become for day-to-day internet usage, urging the company to ensure better reliability.<h2>Major platforms affected</h2>Many well-known platforms became slow or stopped working during the outage.&nbsp;As per the company, the issue has now been fixed, and services are gradually returning to normal as monitoring continues.

A major Cloudflare outage on 5 December 2025 caused internet disruptions across several countries, making many popular websites and apps inaccessible.

A major Cloudflare outage on 5 December 2025 caused internet disruptions across several countries, making many popular websites and apps inaccessible. Cloudflare confirmed that it is facing an “internal service degradation”, which is affecting its global network. Cloudflare is one of the most widely used internet infrastructure providers. Millions of websites rely on it for security, traffic routing and content delivery. Because of this, even a short disruption often impacts many online platforms at the same time. Cloudflare confirms internal issue Cloudflare’s status page shows that the company is investigating a problem inside its systems that has led to degraded performance. The company has also reported a large number of empty pages appearing when using the List API on Workers KV namespaces, and increased errors for customers running Workers scripts. Cloudflare said a fix has now been implemented and that engineers are monitoring the results. (Source: Cloudflare Status Page) Cloudflare has not yet shared the exact cause. Outages like this are rare but tend to have large-scale effects because of Cloudflare’s role as a backend service for many major platforms. Netizens express frustration Social media was flooded with posts from frustrated users across the world. Many reported that their work and businesses were disrupted due to the outage. Some demanded quick answers from the company, saying that repeated service failures are affecting productivity and online operations. Users also highlighted how essential Cloudflare has become for day-to-day internet usage, urging the company to ensure better reliability. Major platforms affected Many well-known platforms became slow or stopped working during the outage. As per the company, the issue has now been fixed, and services are gradually returning to normal as monitoring continues.

A major Cloudflare outage on 5 December 2025 caused internet disruptions across several countries, making many popular websites and apps inaccessible.

As Cloudflare goes down twice a month: What they have said about the outage

Zoho co-founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has said that the company does not ask for a college degree for any job. He shared this in a post on X, where he also urged Indian parents and companies to rethink how they look at higher education and hiring.Vembu said this approach is part of a larger cultural shift around the world, especially as more young people choose skills and work experience over expensive degrees.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Smart American students now skip going to college and forward-thinking employers are enabling them. This is going to be a profound cultural shift. This is the real &quot;youth power&quot;, enabling young men and women to stand on their own feet, without having to incur heavy debt to get a… <a href="https://t.co/qrtuWnCx5n">https://t.co/qrtuWnCx5n</a>&mdash; Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) <a href="https://twitter.com/svembu/status/1996181970691465234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Vembu says skills matter more than degrees</h2>In his post on X, Vembu said many smart young people in the United States are now choosing to skip college.He added that “forward-thinking employers” are now supporting this trend by hiring based on skills instead of degrees.&nbsp;He wrote that this shift will allow young people to avoid heavy student loans and become financially independent earlier. According to him, this change may also influence society, culture and even politics in the long term.He wrote, “This is the real youth power, enabling young men and women to stand on their own feet, without having to incur heavy debt to get a degree.”He encouraged Indian parents, high school students and major companies to “pay attention” to this trend.<h2>What Zoho does when a manager asks for a degree</h2>Vembu explained that Zoho has a clear internal rule that no job requires a degree.If a manager posts a job that includes a degree requirement, HR sends a polite message asking them to remove it.Zoho wants hiring to focus fully on skills, interest and willingness to learn.This policy has been part of Zoho’s culture for years, especially through its Zoho Schools of Learning programme, which trains young people directly after school.<h2>Young teams already working at Zoho</h2>Vembu also shared an example from Zoho’s office in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu.He said he works closely with a technical team there where the median age is only 19.According to him, their “energy and can-do spirit” inspires him and pushes him to keep up with them.This, he suggested, shows that young people can learn and grow quickly without a formal degree if they are given the right opportunities.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu says the company never asks for degrees, urging India to value skills over certificates. He highlights young teams thriving without college and calls for a shift in how parents and employers judge talent.


Zoho co-founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has said that the company does not ask for a college degree for any job. He shared this in a post on X, where he also urged Indian parents and companies to rethink how they look at higher education and hiring. Vembu said this approach is part of a larger cultural shift around the world, especially as more young people choose skills and work experience over expensive degrees.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu says the company never asks for degrees, urging India to value skills over certificates. He highlights young teams thriving without college and calls for a shift in how parents and employers judge talent.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu says degrees not needed for any job at the company

Google has started testing a new feature that combines its AI Overviews with AI Mode inside Search. The company says the update will allow people to move from a simple search to a deeper, conversational follow-up without leaving the results page. The announcement was made on Monday, and the test is now rolling out globally on mobile devices.This comes at a time when OpenAI is reportedly in a “Code Red” phase, delaying some products and focusing more on improving its chatbot experience, according to recent industry reports.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">(1/2) Today we’re starting to test a new way to seamlessly go deeper in AI Mode directly from the Search results page on mobile, globally. This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever’s on your mind – no matter how long or complex – and find exactly what you… <a href="https://t.co/mcCS7oT2FI">pic.twitter.com/mcCS7oT2FI</a>&mdash; Robby Stein (@rmstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/rmstein/status/1995572911093289055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>AI Mode and AI Overviews come together</h2>Until now, users received an AI Overview at the top of their Google Search results. If they wanted to continue the conversation or ask additional questions, they had to manually switch to the AI Mode tab.As per the Google, this created an extra step that many people did not think about in advance.Robby Stein, Google Search’s Vice President of Product, explained on X that users “shouldn’t have to think about where or how to ask your question.”He added that the new test will allow people to continue from an AI Overview to a conversation in AI Mode “right from where you are.”&nbsp;Google says the goal is to make the experience “seamless”-a quick snapshot with AI Overviews when you need it, and a deeper chat when you want more details.<h2>Why Google is making this change</h2>Google shared that people often start with a simple question, but end up wanting more information. The company wants to support this natural shift in behaviour by keeping everything in one place.This update also comes during a period of growing competition in the AI market.According to Google, its Gemini AI has reached more than 650 million monthly users as of November. AI Overviews, which launched earlier this year, reportedly reach around 2 billion monthly users globally.Bringing these two experiences together may strengthen Google’s position as more people compare Gemini with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Google is testing a new way to blend AI Overviews with AI Mode so users can move from search to conversation without switching tabs. The update aims to simplify search 

Google has started testing a new feature that combines its AI Overviews with AI Mode inside Search. The company says the update will allow people to move from a simple search to a deeper, conversational follow-up without leaving the results page. The announcement was made on Monday, and the test is now rolling out globally on mobile devices. This comes at a time when OpenAI is reportedly in a “Code Red” phase, delaying some products and focusing more on improving its chatbot experience, according to recent industry reports.

Google is testing a new way to blend AI Overviews with AI Mode so users can move from search to conversation without switching tabs. The update aims to simplify search&nbsp;

Gemini and AI search overviews merge in Google’s latest search experiment

Voice-based communication Voice-based communication is becoming a routine part of how many young people connect online. Instead of typing long messages or joining crowded social feeds, a growing number of users now prefer speaking directly through audio rooms and short voice chats. Several recent studies on digital habits in India, including reports from industry trackers such as Data.ai and Redseer, note a steady rise in time spent on voice-first apps, especially among people aged 18 to 30.Researchers studying digital behaviour say that voice chats feel more natural and less demanding than video calls. They also point out that many young people, especially in non-metro regions, use inexpensive phones with limited typing comfort, making voice a more practical choice. Additionally, most of voice conversations allow users to express tone and emotion more easily, something text often fails to capture. FRND, an audio-based social platform launched in 2019, is one example of this shift. As per the figures shared by the company in its latest usage summary, the app records around 29 million conversations each month. These interactions mostly come from smaller cities and towns, where young users often look for simple and low-pressure ways to talk to others. The app runs in ten Indian languages, which helps it reach students, first-time internet users, and people who feel more comfortable speaking than typing.&nbsp;<h2>What Report says</h2>

Reports from Kantar and IAMAI indicate that India’s internet population is increasingly choosing interactive formats voice notes, audio rooms, and short voice messages over long text exchanges. These shift reflects young people preference for quick, conversational communication rather than heavy scrolling or posting. As more and more youth adopt this simple, low-barrier ways of talking online, voice chats appear set to remain a common part of everyday digital life. The numbers coming in from various platforms show a clear pattern: young users want conversations that feel direct, easy and closer to real life.

More young people now prefer voice-based communication online. It feels natural, faster than typing, and easier than video. Reports show a steady shift towards simple audio conversations, especially among users in smaller towns.

Voice-based communication Voice-based communication is becoming a routine part of how many young people connect online. Instead of typing long messages or joining crowded social feeds, a growing number of users now prefer speaking directly through audio rooms and short voice chats. Several recent studies on digital habits in India, including reports from industry trackers such as Data.ai and Redseer, note a steady rise in time spent on voice-first apps, especially among people aged 18 to 30. Researchers studying digital behaviour say that voice chats feel more natural and less demanding than video calls. They also point out that many young people, especially in non-metro regions, use inexpensive phones with limited typing comfort, making voice a more practical choice. Additionally, most of voice conversations allow users to express tone and emotion more easily, something text often fails to capture. FRND, an audio-based social platform launched in 2019, is one example of this shift. As per the figures shared by the company in its latest usage summary, the app records around 29 million conversations each month. These interactions mostly come from smaller cities and towns, where young users often look for simple and low-pressure ways to talk to others. The app runs in ten Indian languages, which helps it reach students, first-time internet users, and people who feel more comfortable speaking than typing. What Report says

More young people now prefer voice-based communication online. It feels natural, faster than typing, and easier than video. Reports show a steady shift towards simple audio conversations, especially among users in smaller towns.

Young internet users turning to voice chats for daily interaction

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Young internet users turning to voice chats for daily interaction