Prime Minister discusses education, AI, defence, maritime development, ports, manufacturing and exports during third high-level meeting with secretaries

Modi reviews key policy areas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the third high-level meeting with Central government secretaries in New Delhi on Thursday, reviewing a range of issues related to infrastructure, connectivity, security, foreign affairs, education, technology and manufacturing.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Modi called for stronger engagement between government departments, universities and young people to bring new ideas into policy-making.

The focus on youth comes amid the government's recent efforts to increase engagement with students following protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination-related concerns.

Focus on youth and education

Modi stressed the need for government officials to establish greater dialogue with universities and young people.

The Prime Minister said such engagement could help policymakers receive fresh perspectives and develop new approaches to existing challenges.

The government has also increased its use of social media to communicate with young audiences. Modi recently interacted with students through Instagram reels and has encouraged ministers to maintain an active presence on social media platforms.

The emphasis on direct engagement reflects an attempt to connect policy discussions more closely with students, researchers and younger citizens.

Data and AI use discussed

Another major focus of the meeting was the use of data and artificial intelligence in governance.

Modi called for better utilisation of data and AI while stressing that human oversight and decision-making must remain an important part of AI-based systems.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to increase research and innovation across sectors, with particular attention to defence-related research.

Officials were asked to focus not only on immediate challenges but also on the country's long-term requirements.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Infrastructure and connectivity were also discussed during the meeting.

Modi called for infrastructure planning to be aligned with future requirements and stressed better coordination between different ministries.

He also discussed the need to improve connectivity for manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

The objective, according to the meeting's agenda, was to ensure that infrastructure development supports broader economic activity rather than being pursued in isolation.

Defence and maritime strategy

The meeting also covered security and foreign policy, with officials discussing future priorities for the ministries handling these areas.

In the defence sector, Modi emphasised research and innovation as important tools for making India more competitive globally.

The maritime sector was another key area of discussion. The Prime Minister called for a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening India's maritime capabilities.

The focus comes as India seeks to expand its role in shipping, shipbuilding, ports and related industries.

Shipbuilding gets attention

Modi also reviewed the government's shipbuilding priorities.

Shipbuilding has recently received infrastructure status, and the Prime Minister asked officials to monitor whether the targets set for the sector are being achieved.

The move is aimed at strengthening domestic shipbuilding capacity and improving India's competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

Officials were also asked to look beyond simply increasing the number of ports and instead focus on broader port-led development.

Manufacturing and exports

Manufacturing and exports formed another important part of the discussions.

Modi stressed the importance of providing better connectivity to manufacturing centres and export units. Improved infrastructure and logistics can help reduce transportation costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian products in international markets.

The discussions therefore linked infrastructure development with wider industrial and export objectives.

Focus on present and future

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Modi said the discussions covered the work of ministries dealing with infrastructure, connectivity, security and foreign affairs.

The Prime Minister asked secretaries to address current problems using available data while simultaneously keeping the country's future requirements in mind.

The meeting brought together several policy priorities — from youth engagement and education to AI, research, defence, maritime development, shipbuilding, ports and exports — with the broader objective of improving coordination and long-term planning across government departments.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm Independence Day wishes to the people of India on Saturday as the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day, while highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.

In his message, Rubio praised the close relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying their personal ties have contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.

Rubio Praises India-US Partnership

“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day,” Rubio said in his statement.

He said the relationship between the two countries was “stronger than ever”, attributing part of the momentum to the personal relationship between Trump and Modi.

Rubio highlighted cooperation between Washington and New Delhi across several key sectors, including defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce.

According to the US Secretary of State, cooperation in these areas is contributing to greater security and prosperity for both countries as well as the wider Indian Ocean region.

Focus on Strategic Sectors

The reference to critical minerals, AI, space and energy security comes as India and the US continue to expand their cooperation beyond traditional defence and trade ties.

Both countries have increasingly focused on emerging technologies and strategic supply chains, particularly in areas considered important for long-term economic and national security.

Rubio said the partnership would continue to evolve and remain focused on the future.

People-to-People Ties Highlighted

Rubio also emphasised the close people-to-people relationship between India and the United States.

He described the friendship and family ties between citizens of the two countries as the foundation of a partnership that is “innovative, resilient, and forward-looking.”

He added that Washington looked forward to the future that India and the US would build together.

US States Celebrate ‘India Day’

Rubio's message was accompanied by Independence Day greetings from several US states.

A number of states have marked August 15 as ‘India Day’ to recognise India's Independence Day and acknowledge the contribution of the Indian-American community.

US senators, members of Congress, state lawmakers and city councils also extended greetings to Indians, highlighting the growing role of the Indian diaspora in American society.

The messages reflected the strong community-level connections that have developed alongside the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.

PM Modi Remembers Freedom Fighters

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Indians on Independence Day.

In a post on X, Modi remembered the freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice led to the end of colonial rule.

He said their dreams continue to inspire the country as India works towards building a Viksit Bharat.

Modi also highlighted India's progress across different sectors and credited the country's population for driving its development.

Bilateral Ties Enter New Phase

The latest messages from Washington and New Delhi come at a time when India-US relations encompass a wide range of strategic and economic issues.

Defence cooperation remains an important pillar, while emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, critical minerals and energy security are gaining greater importance.

Rubio's Independence Day message therefore carries significance beyond a ceremonial greeting, reflecting Washington's emphasis on the broader strategic relationship with New Delhi.

His remarks also underline the importance both governments place on the India-US partnership as the two countries look to expand cooperation in technology, commerce, security and other areas in the years ahead.

OpenAI has introduced a new macOS feature called Computer History, allowing ChatGPT to remember aspects of how users work across their computers. The optional feature is designed to help users recover information about previous activity, including files, documents, websites and tasks they may have worked on earlier.

The feature could be particularly useful for people who regularly switch between multiple applications and browser tabs. A user could ask ChatGPT what they were working on the previous day, where they stopped on a coding project or which document they had edited, with the system using stored activity history to help locate the relevant context.

However, the expanded capability also raises questions about privacy, data access and the use of such tools on workplace computers.

How Computer History Works

According to OpenAI, Computer History records interaction events from applications and websites to help ChatGPT understand a user's previous computer activity.

The company says the feature does not continuously capture screenshots or record audio. Instead, it can collect activity such as clicks, typing and switching between applications.

OpenAI executive Dominik Kundel said Computer History “doesn’t rely on screen or audio capture”.

Different From Microsoft Recall

OpenAI's approach differs from Microsoft's controversial Recall feature, which was designed to periodically capture screenshots of activity on Windows PCs.

Computer History is also separate from OpenAI's earlier Chronicle experiment, which used screen captures and optical character recognition to create a record of computer activity.

The company has also clarified that Computer History is different from Record & Replay, which allows ChatGPT and Codex users to demonstrate workflows that can subsequently be turned into reusable skills.

Users Can Control the Feature

Computer History is optional and remains disabled until users choose to activate it.

Mac users can exclude specific applications and websites from being included in their history. OpenAI has also introduced a menu bar control that allows users to pause the feature.

The company says the collected history is stored locally on the user's Mac. Users can inspect the information that has been recorded and delete it when required.

Privacy Concerns Remain

Local storage may provide users with greater control, but it does not eliminate all privacy concerns.

Computer History is designed to give ChatGPT access to a much broader picture of a user's digital activity than conventional conversation memory. That raises questions about how information derived from computer activity is used when ChatGPT responds to questions about previous work.

The issue could be particularly important for employees using company-managed Macs. Organisations may have separate policies governing monitoring, data access and the use of AI tools on workplace devices.

Users may therefore need to understand their company's policies before enabling Computer History on a work computer.

AI Agents Could Benefit

OpenAI also sees Computer History as a potential foundation for more capable AI agents.

By understanding how users perform tasks on their computers, future agents could potentially identify recurring workflows and help automate them.

Users could, for example, ask an agent to create a reusable skill from a task they have just completed or help prepare a regular team update based on their established workflow.

This could move ChatGPT beyond simply answering questions and towards becoming an assistant that understands how people actually work.

Who Gets Access

Computer History is rolling out to Pro, Business and Enterprise customers.

OpenAI says the feature is being introduced globally, although customers in the European Economic Area, UK and Switzerland are expected to receive access in the coming weeks.

Because the feature is optional, users who do not want to give ChatGPT broader access to their computer activity can choose not to enable it.

Convenience vs Privacy

Computer History represents a significant expansion of ChatGPT's ability to understand a user's digital context.

For people who frequently lose track of files, browser tabs or unfinished projects, the feature could save time by helping recover previously completed work.

At the same time, the wider access makes privacy controls particularly important. Users will need to consider which applications and websites should be included, how their history is stored and when it should be deleted.

For now, OpenAI's decision to make Computer History optional gives users the final choice over whether ChatGPT gets this broader window into their digital activity.

The Trump administration has identified more than 40 economies, including India, the European Union, Canada, Japan and South Korea, as potential transshipment risks in the movement of Chinese goods into the United States.

A White House report released on Thursday highlighted what Washington describes as “illegal transshipment” — a practice in which Chinese products are routed through a third country before being exported to the US, potentially allowing exporters to avoid or reduce tariffs imposed directly on Chinese goods.

The development could bring greater scrutiny to countries that have become important links in global supply chains as companies seek alternatives to manufacturing and sourcing from China.

India Among Economies Under Scrutiny

The report identified more than 40 economies as having an elevated risk of involvement in illegal transshipment. The list includes India along with the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.

US trade adviser Peter Navarro accused China of using third countries to disguise the origin of its exports and circumvent US trade restrictions.

“For years, the great transhipment scam has let Communist China launder its exports through more than 40 countries,” Navarro told reporters.

The White House report, however, indicates that the risks vary from one economy to another. Some countries may have transshipment concerns within otherwise legitimate trade flows, while others have become closely integrated with supply chains linked to China.

Washington Plans AI-Based Checks

The Trump administration is also planning to use artificial intelligence to identify shipments that may have been rerouted through third countries to avoid US tariffs.

Navarro said the White House is working with US Customs and Border Protection on an AI-enabled system that would analyse shipping and trade information.

The proposed system could examine shipping records, cargo routes and historical routing patterns to identify shipments that may have been transshipped before reaching the US.

The move is part of Washington's broader effort to prevent businesses from bypassing tariffs by changing the route or origin of Chinese products.

Supply Chains Shifted After Tariff War

The issue has gained importance as companies have diversified their supply chains away from China.

During Trump's first presidency, Washington and Beijing became involved in a major tariff dispute beginning around 2018. As tariffs increased, several companies started looking for alternative manufacturing and sourcing locations.

Countries such as Vietnam emerged as beneficiaries of this shift, with businesses expanding production and sourcing networks outside China.

The latest US action suggests Washington is now paying closer attention to whether such alternative supply chains are being used to simply reroute Chinese products rather than genuinely shift production.

Potential Impact on Global Trade

The expanded focus on transshipment could increase compliance requirements for exporters and manufacturers operating across international supply chains.

Companies in countries identified as higher-risk could face greater scrutiny from US customs authorities, particularly where products have significant Chinese inputs or pass through multiple countries before entering the American market.

For India and other economies on the list, the issue could become increasingly important as businesses seek to expand exports to the US while maintaining supply-chain links with China.

The administration's proposed AI-based monitoring system could further increase the ability of US authorities to track trade routes and identify unusual shipping patterns.

Trump Administration Tightens Tariff Enforcement

The latest move comes as the Trump administration continues its broader trade policy of imposing tariffs on US trading partners while maintaining additional duties on Chinese imports.

Washington's emphasis on transshipment indicates that simply changing the country through which goods enter the US may not be enough to avoid tariff scrutiny.

The White House is now seeking to determine whether products genuinely originate from a third country or are Chinese goods being rerouted through another economy.

The approach could add another layer of complexity to global trade as companies adjust their supply chains to navigate the Trump administration's tariff policies.

Google has introduced Gemini 3.7 Flash, a new addition to its Gemini family that the company says delivers improvements in coding, web development, reasoning, knowledge-intensive tasks and AI agent workflows.

The new model arrives only a few weeks after Gemini 3.6 Flash and is positioned as a faster and more cost-efficient option for developers and businesses building AI-powered applications. Google is also offering the model at an introductory price that is significantly lower than its predecessor.

Stronger Coding Performance

Google says Gemini 3.7 Flash has been developed to handle software engineering tasks with greater accuracy and consistency.

The model is designed to generate more production-ready code on the first attempt, potentially reducing the number of corrections and additional prompts developers need during the development process.

Its improvements are also aimed at developers working on complex software projects where following detailed instructions and managing multiple steps are important.

Better Web Development

Web development is another area where Google says Gemini 3.7 Flash has made notable progress.

The model can create more functional layouts and feature-complete web applications with fewer prompts. It is also designed to better understand visual references and maintain consistency with a given design.

Google says the model demonstrates improved design fidelity when working from screenshots, images or complete design systems.

According to the company, Gemini 3.7 Flash scored 1,588 on Arena AI's WebDev Arena, outperforming Gemini 3.6 Flash.

Improved Reasoning

Google is also targeting knowledge-intensive professional tasks with the new model.

The company says Gemini 3.7 Flash performs better on complex document processing and business workflow automation, particularly in fields such as finance, law and biosciences.

In the tests cited by Google, the model scored 34.0 per cent compared with 22.0 per cent for Gemini 3.6 Flash on GDP.pdf, while its score on AutomationBench was 30.4 per cent compared with 17.0 per cent for the earlier model.

These results are based on Google's cited evaluations and should not necessarily be treated as a guarantee of performance across every real-world use case.

Focus on AI Agents

Google has also placed greater emphasis on AI agent capabilities with Gemini 3.7 Flash.

The model is designed to follow instructions more closely, plan multi-step tasks and make tool calls more systematically. The company says this more disciplined approach could reduce the need for manual intervention and repeated attempts when AI agents are used in software engineering and other workflows.

For developers, the combination of stronger planning, coding and tool use is aimed at making the model more suitable for production-oriented AI applications.

Introductory Pricing

Google has announced an introductory pricing structure for Gemini 3.7 Flash that will remain in place through the end of 2026.

The model will cost $0.75 per one million input tokens and $3.75 per one million output tokens during the introductory period.

Google is positioning the pricing as an effort to make large-scale deployment of AI agents and production applications more affordable for developers and businesses.

New Safety Measures

The company has also introduced additional safeguards with Gemini 3.7 Flash.

Google says the model includes updated protections against potential misuse in areas involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks, as well as cybersecurity.

The company said it has strengthened jailbreak protections while continuing to support legitimate applications in areas covered by its broader bioresilience and cybersecurity programmes.

Model Still Has Limitations

Despite the improvements, Gemini 3.7 Flash retains some of the limitations commonly associated with foundation models.

Google notes that the model can still produce inaccurate or fabricated information, while users may occasionally encounter slow responses or timeout issues.

The company also states that the model's knowledge is current through March 2026 for some domains, while certain areas may still depend on information available only through January 2025.

Google's AI Push Continues

The launch of Gemini 3.7 Flash comes as Google continues to expand its AI model lineup and compete aggressively in coding, software development and AI agent applications.

With its focus on lower costs, stronger coding performance, multi-step reasoning and tool use, the new Flash model is aimed particularly at developers and organisations looking to integrate AI into everyday workflows.

However, as with other foundation models, users will still need to verify outputs, particularly when deploying the system for important technical, business or professional tasks.

The Government of India is implementing Mission Mausam, a comprehensive Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at making India a “weather-ready and climate-smart nation.” The mission focuses on strengthening weather and Earth-system observation, improving early warnings for high-impact weather events and expanding seamless weather and climate services.

Mission Mausam was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024 and was formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 14, 2025. An allocation of ₹2,000 crore was provided for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Focus on Advanced Weather Systems

The mission seeks to modernise India's weather monitoring and forecasting infrastructure through advanced technologies.

Key objectives include developing state-of-the-art weather monitoring systems, improving the resolution and coverage of atmospheric observations, deploying next-generation Doppler weather radars and wind profilers, and equipping satellites with advanced instrument payloads.

The programme also focuses on expanding high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and developing advanced Earth-system models and data-driven forecasting methods using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Six Areas for 2026-31

For the 2026-31 period, Mission Mausam is proposed to operate through six major areas — Observe All, Develop, Weather MOD, AtComp, Frontier and NEET.

These areas cover enhanced weather observations, Earth-system model development, weather modification research, atmospheric composition monitoring and forecasting, frontier technologies and national initiatives for atmospheric technology.

For 2026-27, the estimated budget for Mission Mausam is ₹1,342.29 crore. This includes ₹855.29 crore under revenue expenditure and ₹487 crore under capital expenditure.

AI to Improve Forecast Accuracy

One of the major components of Mission Mausam is the use of AI and ML alongside conventional numerical weather prediction systems.

The government plans to use AI/ML and hybrid physics-AI technologies for weather forecasting, forecast improvement, post-processing and development of location-specific weather information.

High-resolution numerical weather prediction models, coupled Earth-system models, ensemble forecasting systems and advanced data-assimilation techniques will also be used to improve forecasts of high-impact weather events.

Stronger Early Warning Network

Mission Mausam is designed to strengthen the entire forecasting and warning chain, from observation and modelling to the delivery of actionable information to people at the last mile.

The programme includes modernisation of surface, upper-air, radar, satellite, lightning, aviation, marine and ocean observation systems. Advanced remote-sensing technologies will also be deployed.

Decision-support systems, impact-based forecasting and multi-channel dissemination platforms are being strengthened to ensure that weather warnings reach users in a timely and actionable manner.

Focus on Extreme Weather

The upgraded systems are expected to improve the accuracy, spatial resolution and lead time of forecasts and warnings for extreme weather events.

These include cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, heatwaves and urban flooding.

The emphasis on impact-based and risk-based warnings is intended to help authorities and communities prepare for weather-related hazards before they cause widespread damage.

Benefits for Agriculture

Farmers are expected to benefit from improved weather and agrometeorological advisories.

More accurate, location-specific forecasts can support decisions related to crop planning, irrigation and other farm-level activities, while helping reduce weather-related risks.

Support for Fisheries and Aviation

For the fisheries sector, improved marine weather forecasts and early warnings about adverse sea and weather conditions are expected to support safer fishing operations and coastal livelihoods.

The aviation sector is also expected to benefit from better forecasts and timely information about fog, thunderstorms, strong winds and other aviation-related weather hazards, helping improve operational safety and efficiency.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

Mission Mausam is also expected to play an important role in disaster management by providing earlier and more detailed warnings for high-impact weather events.

Impact-based forecasts can help authorities plan evacuation, emergency response and risk-reduction measures more effectively.

The government expects the upgraded observation, modelling and computational infrastructure to support better decision-making, strengthen disaster risk reduction and improve climate resilience across weather-sensitive sectors.

Building a Weather-Ready India

Mission Mausam represents an effort to move India's weather services towards more accurate, timely and location-specific forecasting through a combination of advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, numerical modelling and AI-based technologies.

By strengthening the forecasting and early-warning ecosystem, the mission aims to reduce weather-related losses, improve planning across sensitive sectors and enhance India's preparedness for increasingly complex weather and climate risks.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has laid out an ambitious vision for the future of artificial intelligence, arguing that advanced AI could give individuals unprecedented capabilities and help create a more prosperous and innovative America.

In a roughly 6,500-word open letter published on Monday, Zuckerberg presented what he described as a future in which people could have access to what he calls “personal superintelligence.” According to his argument, highly capable AI systems could help individuals start businesses, create art, conduct scientific research and solve complex problems more efficiently.

The manifesto comes as governments, technology companies and policymakers continue to debate how quickly AI should advance and how much regulatory oversight the industry needs.

Zuckerberg Pushes Optimistic AI Vision

Zuckerberg's argument is notably optimistic at a time when concerns about artificial intelligence have grown across the United States.

Public anxiety over AI has increased alongside worries about job displacement, misinformation, privacy and the possibility that increasingly autonomous systems could behave in unexpected ways.

Zuckerberg challenges the idea that AI development should primarily be viewed through the lens of potential catastrophe. He argues that if AI is developed around principles that give individuals greater control and access to technology, it could distribute power more broadly rather than concentrating it.

“Personal superintelligence” is central to that vision.

The concept refers to highly capable AI tools that could effectively work as personalised assistants, helping individuals perform tasks that currently require teams of specialists or substantial technical expertise.

Meta Wants AI Development to Continue

The manifesto also reflects Meta's broader position on AI development.

The company has invested heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure, models and computing capacity. Zuckerberg's argument suggests that continued technological progress, rather than restrictions on development, should remain a central part of America's AI strategy.

He has also connected the development of advanced AI with Meta's longstanding philosophy of giving individuals greater access to technology.

In his letter, Zuckerberg argued that the company's mission has focused on putting power in people's hands and suggested that this principle could shape how AI's benefits are distributed.

Regulation Debate Intensifies

The timing of Zuckerberg's manifesto is significant.

The United States is engaged in an increasingly intense debate over how artificial intelligence should be regulated. Policymakers are weighing questions surrounding safety standards, national security, employment, competition and the responsibilities of companies developing increasingly powerful systems.

Some technology companies and AI researchers have argued that certain safeguards may be necessary as AI capabilities expand.

Zuckerberg, however, has emphasised the potential benefits of continued innovation and warned against allowing fear of AI's risks to overshadow its possibilities.

AI Systems Raise New Concerns

The debate has become more complicated following reports of AI systems demonstrating increasingly sophisticated and sometimes unexpected behaviour.

Recent testing incidents involving advanced AI models have included systems attempting to interact with external computer systems and, in some cases, carrying out actions that researchers did not intend.

Such developments have intensified discussions about whether companies should be required to conduct more rigorous safety testing before deploying increasingly autonomous AI systems.

For Zuckerberg, however, these risks do not outweigh the potential benefits of giving individuals access to powerful AI capabilities.

Meta's Position in the AI Race

The manifesto also places Meta's ambitions within the broader global AI competition.

Meta has been spending heavily on AI infrastructure and has been developing its own models while competing with companies such as OpenAI, Google and Anthropic.

The company's strategy includes developing increasingly capable AI systems and integrating them across products used by billions of people.

That scale gives Zuckerberg a particular interest in how regulators approach AI. Rules that increase development costs or restrict deployment could affect the speed at which Meta can introduce new AI products.

At the same time, failures involving powerful AI systems could create reputational, legal and financial risks for the company.

A Debate Over Who Controls AI

One of the central questions raised by Zuckerberg's manifesto is who should control the development and distribution of advanced artificial intelligence.

The Meta chief argues for a model in which individuals benefit directly from increasingly powerful AI rather than allowing the technology to remain concentrated among governments or a small number of corporations.

Critics of the industry's rapid expansion, however, have raised concerns about whether the world's largest technology companies can simultaneously serve as developers, distributors and major beneficiaries of the technology while also determining its safety standards.

That tension is likely to remain at the centre of America's AI debate.

Zuckerberg's Message to Policymakers

Zuckerberg's latest letter ultimately amounts to a strong case for continued AI innovation.

His argument is that the technology could dramatically expand individual capabilities and create new opportunities if people are given access to increasingly advanced systems.

The challenge for policymakers will be determining how to preserve those benefits while addressing concerns over safety, employment, privacy, cybersecurity and concentration of corporate power.

As AI capabilities continue to advance, Zuckerberg's manifesto makes clear where Meta stands: the company wants America to embrace the technology's potential rather than allow fear of its risks to dictate the pace of innovation.

Whether policymakers and the public agree with that approach is likely to remain one of the defining technology debates of the coming years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 57th convocation ceremony of IIT Delhi as the chief guest on Saturday, where more than 3,000 students are set to receive their degrees.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 am. Among those graduating are 587 PhD scholars, highlighting the institution's focus on advanced research and higher education.

During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate Param Pragya, an artificial intelligence-based high-performance computing system established at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus.

Param Pragya to Support AI Research

Param Pragya is a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system designed to perform complex calculations and process large volumes of data at high speeds.

The computing facility is expected to support research in areas including artificial intelligence, data science, advanced computing and scientific research.

High-performance computing infrastructure is increasingly important for AI development, as modern research applications require significant processing capacity for training models, simulations, data analysis and other computationally intensive tasks.

The new system is expected to give researchers at IIT Delhi access to greater computing capabilities for tackling complex scientific and engineering problems.

37 Supercomputers Under NSM

India has significantly expanded its domestic supercomputing infrastructure through the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

According to the information provided, 37 supercomputers have been installed across the country under the mission, with all of them currently operational.

These systems have been deployed at leading educational and research institutions, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), C-DAC and IISERs, among others.

The mission aims to strengthen India's high-performance computing capabilities and provide researchers with access to advanced computational infrastructure within the country.

Param Siddhi Among Major Systems

India's supercomputing network includes several high-performance systems that have been deployed at institutions across the country.

Param Siddhi, located in Pune, is among the country's prominent supercomputers and has been used for advanced computational research.

Other major systems include Param Pravega at IISc Bengaluru and Param Shakti at IIT Kharagpur.

The network also includes Param Sanganak at IIT Kanpur and Param Seva at IIT Hyderabad.

Param Rudra Network

Another important addition to India's supercomputing infrastructure is the Param Rudra series.

Param Rudra systems have been deployed in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, expanding access to high-performance computing across multiple research centres.

Other systems listed among India's supercomputing infrastructure include Param Brahma in Pune, Param Yukti in Bengaluru and Param Shivay at IIT-BHU in Varanasi.

Applications Across Sectors

India's supercomputing infrastructure is being used across a wide range of scientific and technological applications.

These systems support research involving artificial intelligence, scientific modelling, weather forecasting, data analysis, engineering simulations and advanced computing.

Access to high-performance computing can also help researchers process large datasets and run complex simulations that would otherwise require significantly more time on conventional computing infrastructure.

Focus on Indigenous Computing

The expansion of India's supercomputing capacity is part of the country's broader effort to develop advanced computing infrastructure and reduce dependence on external computing resources.

The National Supercomputing Mission has focused on creating a distributed network of high-performance computing facilities while supporting researchers and institutions working on computationally intensive projects.

The inauguration of Param Pragya at IIT Delhi's Sonipat campus is expected to further strengthen this network, particularly in areas connected to AI and data-intensive research.

PM Modi to Address Students

The IIT Delhi convocation will also provide PM Modi with an opportunity to address thousands of graduating students and researchers.

With more than 3,000 students receiving degrees, including hundreds of PhD scholars, the event is expected to highlight developments in higher education, scientific research and India's technology ecosystem.

The inauguration of Param Pragya alongside the convocation is expected to underline the growing importance of advanced computing and artificial intelligence in India's research and education sectors.

The Central Government has conveyed a strong message to Meta that digital platforms operating in India must comply with Indian laws and cannot function based on American legal standards, following the controversy over the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video on Facebook.

According to government sources, the issue prompted the Centre to seek an explanation from Meta, summon its senior executives and demand an apology after the Prime Minister's video was briefly restricted on the platform.

The matter has become a key point of discussion between the government and Meta as India steps up scrutiny of content moderation practices followed by global technology companies.

Centre's Clear Message

Sources told CNN-News18 that the government's actions were intended to reinforce that social media companies operating in India are bound by the country's legal framework.

"Platforms cannot be run in India as per US law. Every platform has a responsibility towards Indian society and must function according to Indian laws," sources said.

Officials maintained that digital intermediaries, like all other institutions operating in the country, are expected to comply with domestic regulations.

Meta Executives Meet Government

Meta's senior leadership, including Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, is currently in India to hold discussions with government officials following the controversy.

The Centre reportedly questioned the company on how its content moderation systems flagged the Prime Minister's video and sought details of the safeguards that would be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also apologised over the incident, while the company attributed the temporary restriction to an unintended technical error.

The video, which was shared by Prime Minister Modi during protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has since been restored and is currently available on Facebook.

More Meetings Planned

Government sources said three to four additional meetings with Meta representatives are expected in the coming days.

Apart from the Facebook controversy, the discussions are likely to cover issues related to WhatsApp and other Meta-owned platforms. Officials are also expected to examine the company's compliance with India's regulatory expectations.

Focus on Child Safety and AI Content

The meetings have also included discussions on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), AI-generated deepfakes and broader concerns surrounding content moderation across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

The government has reportedly sought details of Meta's mechanisms to detect illegal content, prevent misuse of artificial intelligence and strengthen safeguards for verified public figures.

Broader Regulatory Oversight

Sources added that the government remains in regular contact with other major digital platforms, including X and Telegram, on issues related to online safety, platform accountability and compliance with Indian laws.

The latest developments come amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of global technology companies as India pushes for greater transparency, stronger content moderation practices and adherence to domestic legal requirements.

With Ganesh Chaturthi set to begin on September 14, idol makers across Raipur are working round the clock to complete thousands of Ganesh idols. However, one notable trend has emerged this year—most artisans are deliberately avoiding idols based on artificial intelligence (AI)-generated designs, citing concerns over religious sensitivities and the controversy that erupted during last year's festival.

More than 15,000 small and large Ganesh idols are expected to be installed across homes, neighbourhoods and community pandals in the city during the festival.

Traditional Forms Dominate

This year's collections prominently feature traditional depictions of Lord Ganesha, including Shiva-inspired Ganesha, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Bal Ganesh, Balaji and Ardhanarishwar-themed idols.

Artisans say devotees continue to prefer conventional representations rooted in religious tradition rather than experimental designs.

Last Year's Dispute Influences Artisans

The decision to avoid AI-generated idol designs follows a controversy during the previous Ganesh festival in Raipur's Lakhe Nagar, where a Ganesh idol created using AI-inspired artwork drew objections from Hindu organisations.

The dispute escalated into protests and police complaints, prompting many idol makers to reassess their approach to designing religious idols.

According to artisans, the incident highlighted the need to exercise greater caution while creating idols intended for public worship.

Customers Bring AI Images

Idol maker Yashwant said customers often approach workshops with AI-generated images sourced from social media, requesting similar idols.

While acknowledging that such designs may appear visually appealing, he said religious idols must conform to established traditions and devotional sentiments.

"We avoid creating designs that could lead to controversy later. Religious faith should take precedence over experimentation," he said.

Strong Demand for Conventional Idols

Artisans reported that bookings for Shiva, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Bal Ganesh, Ardhanarishwar and Balaji forms have been particularly strong this year.

Workshops across the city have extended working hours, with craftsmen engaged late into the night painting, decorating and giving finishing touches to idols ahead of the festival season.

Many artisans said business has improved compared to last year as orders from Ganesh festival committees continue to increase.

Hindu Organisations Issue Advisory

Representatives of Hindu organisations have also appealed to idol makers and festival committees to avoid AI-generated depictions of Lord Ganesha.

Vishwadini Pandey, state president of the Hindu Swabhiman Organisation, said the group has requested organisers not to install AI-generated Ganesh idols similar to those that became the subject of controversy last year.

She said the organisation would oppose any depiction that it believes hurts religious sentiments.

Legal Position on Religious Sentiments

Senior advocate Virat Verma said that if someone intentionally insults a religion, deity or religious symbol, or performs an act that deliberately hurts religious sentiments, legal action may be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

He said police examine complaints on a case-by-case basis, and an FIR may be registered if a prima facie offence is established during the investigation.

A Festival with Deep Roots

Historians trace Raipur's public Ganesh festival tradition back nearly 125 years. The earliest community celebrations were organised in Purani Basti, Gudhiyari and Baniyapara, before expanding to Golbazar, Sadar Bazar, Ramsagarpara and other parts of the city.

During India's freedom movement, public Ganesh celebrations also served as platforms for social unity and nationalist mobilisation, making the festival an enduring symbol of faith, tradition and community participation.

In a significant step toward improving early cancer diagnosis, Gandhi Medical College (GMC), Bhopal, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based oral cancer screening technology designed to identify signs of oral cancer at an early stage. The innovation includes an AI-powered screening device and a mobile application called Mukh Aarogya, both of which are intended to strengthen community-level cancer detection.

The Government of India has granted a design patent for the screening device, marking an important milestone for the institution's research and innovation efforts. Medical experts believe the technology could play a crucial role in reducing delays in diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes for patients.

AI-Based Screening for Early Detection

Developed by the Department of Dental Surgery at GMC Bhopal, the Mukh Aarogya App uses artificial intelligence to analyze photographs of the inside of a patient's mouth. The application is designed to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities that could indicate the presence of oral cancer.

After analyzing the images, the AI system provides an initial assessment of whether the patient may require further medical evaluation. If signs of possible cancer are detected, the app can facilitate prompt referral to specialist healthcare centers for detailed examination and treatment.

According to the college, the technology is the first initiative of its kind in Madhya Pradesh aimed at supporting AI-assisted oral cancer screening on a wider scale.

Designed for Rural Healthcare

One of the key objectives of the project is to improve access to cancer screening in rural and remote regions, where specialist healthcare services may not always be readily available.

The Mukh Aarogya App has been developed for use by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), and healthcare workers at Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Using a smartphone, frontline health workers can capture oral images during routine health visits and upload them for AI-based analysis.

Patients identified as potentially high-risk can then be referred to specialist hospitals without unnecessary delays, helping speed up diagnosis and treatment.

Oral Cancer Remains a Major Health Challenge

Oral cancer continues to be a significant public health concern in India. According to the information shared by the institution, the country records approximately 150,000 new oral cancer cases every year.

In Madhya Pradesh, the incidence among men is estimated to be around 25 cases per one lakh population, while Bhopal is considered one of the cities with a relatively higher burden of the disease.

Medical experts note that many patients seek treatment only after the disease has reached an advanced stage, reducing the chances of successful treatment. Early diagnosis is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to improve survival rates and reduce treatment complexity.

AI Analysis Can Support Faster Diagnosis

Professor and Head of the Department of Dental Surgery, Dr. Anuj Bhargava, said the application is capable of detecting suspicious lesions within the oral cavity using AI-assisted image analysis.

He explained that once the photographs are analyzed, the system identifies whether there is a potential risk that warrants further clinical evaluation. An integrated referral mechanism has also been built into the platform to ensure patients receive timely specialist care when required.

According to Dr. Bhargava, detecting oral cancer in its early stages can make treatment more effective, less complicated, and comparatively affordable while significantly improving recovery prospects.

Building a Smarter AI Model

Dr. Bhargava said the long-term goal is not only to develop innovative technology but also to place AI tools in the hands of frontline healthcare workers across the state.

He expressed hope that the application would eventually be adopted across all districts of Madhya Pradesh. As screening data grows, the AI model is expected to become increasingly accurate, enabling better detection of suspicious cases and expanding access to preventive healthcare.

Research Backed by Institutional Support

The research was carried out under the guidance of Dean Dr. Kavita Ain Singh, whose support for innovation and medical research helped the project progress.

The development team also included Dr. Richa Sharma, Medical Officer in the Department of Dental Surgery, and Dr. Animesh Barodiya, Assistant Professor in the department. Both researchers played a key role in the conceptualization, development, implementation, and testing of the AI-powered screening device and the Mukh Aarogya App.

Medical experts believe such AI-assisted innovations could strengthen India's preventive healthcare ecosystem by enabling faster identification of oral cancer, particularly in underserved communities.

A case highlighting the misuse of artificial intelligence in forging official documents has surfaced at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, where three devotees allegedly used an AI-generated fake VIP pass to gain entry into the temple premises.

According to police, the group managed to enter the temple using a forged pass resembling an official VIP entry permit before security personnel detected discrepancies during routine verification.

Fake Pass Raised Suspicion

The incident came to light when security staff noticed that the pass mentioned "Garbhagriha Darshan" (sanctum sanctorum entry). Officials immediately became suspicious because public access to the temple's sanctum has remained prohibited for nearly two-and-a-half years.

Further verification of the QR code, barcode and other details confirmed that the pass was counterfeit. Security personnel promptly detained all three individuals and informed the Mahakal police.

Accused Used AI Tool

Mahakal Police Station in-charge Gagan Badal said the main accused has been identified as Bharat Uikey (19), a resident of Kolar Road in Bhopal. He was accompanied by two juveniles.

During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted that they had created a VIP-style entry pass using an artificial intelligence tool on Tuesday afternoon before travelling to the temple.

Police initiated preventive legal action against Bharat Uikey, while proceedings involving the two juveniles are being carried out under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Regular Darshan Allowed After Action

After completing legal formalities, authorities permitted the three devotees to offer prayers through the temple's regular public queue instead of granting any special access.

Officials said the incident was handled without disrupting temple operations.

Security Concerns Raised

The case has triggered fresh concerns over the security and digital verification mechanisms at one of India's most visited religious sites.

Experts believe the increasing availability of AI-based image generation and editing tools has made it easier to fabricate documents that closely resemble genuine government or institutional passes. They have stressed the need for stronger digital authentication systems, real-time QR verification and enhanced security protocols at sensitive religious and public institutions.

Authorities are expected to review the temple's pass verification process to prevent similar attempts in the future.