Living on borrowed AI won’t end well for India, warn experts

India's reliance on foreign-controlled advanced AI models, like Anthropic's, is under scrutiny after a US government directive suspended access. Experts warn this highlights a significant vulnerability, potentially hindering India's ambition to become an AI power. The incident underscores the need for stronger domestic capabilities and strategic infrastructure to avoid being merely an adopter of technologies controlled elsewhere, emphasizing the geopolitical implications of frontier AI.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/4I187SK

Xbox to raise console prices worldwide from August

Groups representing automakers, retailers, electronics firms and others had ‌warned earlier ⁠this ⁠month that the increasing demand for memory chips could lead to ​dramatic price hikes in U.S. consumer goods and disrupt supply chains.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/KdsHWET

Binance to suspend crypto services in several EU countries

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, said it had applied for authorisation to operate under the EU's crypto assets regulation MiCA in Greece, but told clients that it has now withdrawn that application and would apply in another EU country.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/gUapCkA

Pocket FM winds down microdrama to focus on audio dramas, overseas market

Audio entertainment firm Pocket FM is shutting down its microdrama vertical, Pocket TV, to concentrate on its core audio dramas and international expansion. This strategic shift precedes a potential public listing, as the company prioritizes profitability. While short video dramas are booming in India, Pocket FM is returning to its strengths in audio, where it has established content and monetization.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/wiRG3Qm

AI risks spark 30% surge in India cybersecurity spends as enterprises ramp up defences

Corporate India is witnessing a significant surge in cybersecurity spending, up 30% year-on-year, as businesses race to safeguard data and AI systems. Even traditionally less-invested sectors like manufacturing are digitizing aggressively. This trend, driven by AI's expanding attack surface and increasing regulatory pressure from bodies like CERT-In, is making cybersecurity a crucial, ongoing operational expense for enterprises.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/wMTam7f

Mark Zuckerberg directed Meta to create a prediction markets app: NYT

Meta is reportedly developing a new app, codenamed 'Arena,' designed to function like prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Initially, it will likely use a points system, with the possibility of real-money wagering later. This move taps into the growing popularity of prediction markets, which have seen significant interest during the U.S. presidential election.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/U3fwJQ5

Chevron signs pact with Microsoft for powering its Texas data centre

Chevron and Microsoft have partnered for a 20-year deal to power a Texas data center. The Kilby facility will supply 2.67 gigawatts using GE Vernova and Solar Turbines technology, mitigating grid impact. This collaboration highlights the immense energy needs for AI development, with Chevron leveraging its natural gas resources to meet this growing demand competitively.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/C9zdGu1

Dealmaking stays strong as startup M&A momentum carries into 2026

Indian startups are experiencing a surge in M&A exits, particularly in consumer, fintech, and ecommerce sectors, signalling a robust recovery in dealmaking. Major acquisitions by L'Oréal and Marico have been the latest in this trend, with strategic buyers increasingly seeking to integrate new capabilities.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/y8nQDev

UnitedHealth’s $3 billion AI push has bots calling doctors

The largest US health insurer plans to invest $3 billion in AI over 2026 and 2027. UnitedHealth executives say they’re seeing a 2-to-1 return, as AI automates cumbersome manual processes and makes workers more efficient. Executives say the technology can reduce friction for patients while lowering costs.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/Jj7Hdr9

AI, AI Sir! Indian execs back in the classroom for a fresh chapter

Online education companies such as Coursera, Eruditus, upGrad and Simplilearn are reporting a sharp rise in enrolments over the past year $2 trillion a year over the next five years - with generative AI, agentic AI and AI-led business transformation emerging as the most sought-after areas of learning.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/6UoEkZn

Trump tells Axios he no longer views Anthropic as national security threat

Senior Anthropic technical staff were scheduled to meet with Trump administration ‌officials earlier ⁠this week ⁠to discuss a dispute over foreign access to its most advanced ​AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The company last week disabled access ​for all users to those models after Trump ordered Anthropic to block foreign nationals from accessing them.

from Tech-Economic Times https://ift.tt/onYfQSb