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PM Modi Reaffirms India-Russia Partnership, Highlights Defense and Make in India Collaboration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s longstanding strategic partnership with Russia, emphasizing the depth of bilateral ties in defense, manufacturing, and technology. Speaking at a recent event, Modi highlighted that India continues to value Russia as a reliable partner, while simultaneously advancing domestic initiatives under the Make in India programme.

The Prime Minister underscored that collaboration with Russia has historically strengthened India’s defense capabilities, ranging from joint exercises to co-development of military hardware. These efforts have not only enhanced national security but also facilitated technology transfer, boosting India’s indigenous manufacturing ecosystem. By leveraging Russian expertise alongside domestic innovation, India aims to modernize its defense sector while creating employment and enhancing local production capacities.

Modi also highlighted the alignment of this partnership with broader industrial goals. Collaboration in sectors like aerospace, heavy machinery, and precision engineering supports India’s ambition to reduce import dependence and scale up domestic manufacturing under the Make in India framework. Strategic partnerships like these allow India to integrate global expertise while nurturing homegrown talent and technology.

In addition to defense and manufacturing, the Prime Minister pointed out ongoing cooperation in research, energy, and infrastructure projects. These initiatives aim to build long-term resilience and strengthen India’s role as a key player in global supply chains. Modi stressed that such partnerships are mutually beneficial, fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and strategic stability.

The reaffirmation of ties with Russia comes amidst a complex global geopolitical landscape. India continues to maintain a balanced foreign policy approach, engaging with multiple nations while safeguarding its national interests. Modi emphasized that enduring partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, and strategic collaboration remain central to India’s foreign policy ethos.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s remarks highlight India’s commitment to sustaining robust relations with Russia, advancing defense modernization, and promoting Make in India objectives. By combining international collaboration with domestic capability-building, India is charting a path toward strategic autonomy, industrial growth, and long-term economic and security resilience.

Skill India Programme Strengthens with Launch of Dedicated Data and Strategy Unit

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has established a dedicated Data and Strategy Unit (DSU) to enhance the effectiveness of the Skill India programme. This move is aimed at leveraging data-driven insights to identify training gaps, optimize resources, and ensure that skilling initiatives align with industry demands across the country.

The DSU will closely monitor ongoing programmes under Skill India, tracking progress and evaluating outcomes to provide actionable recommendations. By analyzing real-time data on skill acquisition, employment trends, and sectoral demands, the unit aims to make skilling interventions more targeted and impactful. This approach will help bridge the gap between workforce capabilities and the evolving needs of industries, particularly in sectors like IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging technologies.

A key objective of the DSU is to support evidence-based policy-making. Through advanced analytics, the unit will assess which training modules are most effective, highlight regional disparities, and recommend strategies for curriculum enhancement. This ensures that learners receive training that is both relevant and aligned with current and future job markets.

The establishment of the DSU also underscores the government’s commitment to digital transformation in skill development. Integrating AI and analytics tools, the unit will streamline reporting mechanisms, improve transparency, and enable real-time monitoring of programme performance. Stakeholders, including training partners, employers, and policymakers, can leverage these insights to make informed decisions and optimize skilling efforts nationwide.

Furthermore, the DSU is expected to foster collaborations between the public and private sectors, identifying skill shortages and facilitating industry-led training programmes. By aligning training initiatives with employer requirements, the unit will enhance employability and support India’s broader economic growth objectives.

In summary, the creation of the Data and Strategy Unit marks a significant step in modernizing the Skill India programme. Through data-driven insights, targeted interventions, and enhanced monitoring, the initiative aims to equip India’s workforce with relevant skills, strengthen employability, and contribute to a robust, future-ready economy.

India Deepens Engagement with SICA Nations, Promotes Trade and Digital Payments

India is strengthening its economic and diplomatic ties with the Central American SICA (Central American Integration System) countries, focusing on trade, investment, and digital payment collaboration. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the growing importance of these partnerships in enhancing intra-regional economic integration and promoting sustainable development.

During recent discussions, Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to fostering robust trade relations with SICA member nations. By facilitating easier market access and encouraging mutual investments, India aims to create a framework for long-term economic cooperation. This includes exploring opportunities in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

A key aspect of India’s engagement is the promotion of digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). By enabling seamless, secure, and real-time transactions, India hopes to modernize financial interactions and boost cross-border commerce in Central America. UPI integration is expected to simplify trade settlements, reduce transaction costs, and foster greater financial inclusion across the region.

India’s outreach also includes knowledge-sharing initiatives, capacity-building programs, and technology collaborations. These efforts aim to strengthen institutional capabilities, encourage innovation, and provide technical support for digital financial systems. The emphasis on digital solutions reflects India’s strategy to leverage its expertise in fintech to create scalable models for global adoption.

The SICA engagement aligns with India’s broader diplomatic approach to building South-South cooperation and enhancing economic partnerships with emerging markets. By prioritizing trade, investment, and digital innovation, India is positioning itself as a reliable partner for regional growth and stability.

Officials expect these initiatives to pave the way for stronger bilateral and multilateral relationships, creating new avenues for business collaboration and technological exchange. By combining economic strategy with digital innovation, India is fostering inclusive growth and reinforcing its role as a partner in sustainable development across Central America.

OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Pulse to Deliver Personalized Updates for Pro Users

OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Pulse, a new feature designed exclusively for Pro users that delivers personalized daily updates based on individual chat histories, memory, and connected applications. The service aims to enhance user experience by providing timely, relevant information tailored to each user’s interactions and preferences.

ChatGPT Pulse leverages OpenAI’s advanced AI capabilities to analyze prior conversations and app integrations, enabling it to curate updates that matter most to users. From summarizing important messages to highlighting trends or reminders, the feature promises to make daily interactions more productive and insightful. Users can also receive alerts for topics of interest, recent developments, or task updates, effectively creating a personalized digital assistant experience.

The launch of ChatGPT Pulse reflects OpenAI’s ongoing strategy to expand the utility of its AI platform beyond conventional chat functionalities. By combining memory and real-time analysis, the service provides a more context-aware and proactive approach, ensuring that users do not miss important information. For professionals, this can translate into better workflow management, quicker decision-making, and more efficient tracking of ongoing projects.

OpenAI has also emphasized privacy and user control, allowing Pro users to customize the type and frequency of notifications received through ChatGPT Pulse. Users can connect the service with various applications, enabling seamless integration into their daily routines without compromising data security.

Industry analysts suggest that ChatGPT Pulse could redefine expectations for AI-assisted productivity tools, bridging the gap between AI capabilities and user-specific needs. The personalized alerts feature is particularly relevant for professionals who rely on AI for monitoring trends, managing communications, and staying updated on relevant information.

With ChatGPT Pulse, OpenAI is reinforcing its commitment to providing AI tools that are both practical and adaptive. By delivering intelligent, personalized updates, the platform empowers users to make more informed decisions while staying connected to relevant information in real time. This new feature marks a significant step forward in making AI a truly personalized companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Intel Explores Investment from Apple as Part of Strategic Business Overhaul

Intel Corporation has reportedly approached Apple Inc. for a potential investment as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its business operations and financial footing. This move comes after Intel received recent strategic investments from industry giants Nvidia and SoftBank, signaling a focused effort to attract high-profile partners and accelerate its turnaround plans.

The discussions with Apple are believed to center on potential funding or collaboration opportunities that could help Intel advance its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, research initiatives, and product development. Apple, known for its close ties with chip manufacturers and interest in in-house chip innovation, could provide both capital and strategic guidance to support Intel’s objectives.

Intel has faced increasing competition in the semiconductor industry, particularly from firms producing advanced chips for AI, high-performance computing, and consumer electronics. The company’s outreach to Apple demonstrates a proactive approach to strengthening its market position and leveraging partnerships to remain competitive. Previous collaborations and investments from Nvidia and SoftBank have already provided Intel with access to technological resources, capital, and market expertise, allowing the company to navigate industry challenges more effectively.

Analysts suggest that Apple’s potential involvement could also open doors for Intel to work more closely on specialized chip designs or co-development projects, further integrating its technology into the consumer and enterprise markets. By securing investment from a company with deep technology expertise and a history of innovation, Intel aims to regain momentum in a rapidly evolving industry.

While discussions are reportedly in preliminary stages and no formal agreement has been confirmed, the move highlights Intel’s strategic intent to diversify its investment sources, strengthen partnerships, and position itself for long-term growth. This approach underscores the importance of collaborative investments in shaping the future of the semiconductor sector and reflects the dynamic interplay between leading technology firms seeking to maintain competitive advantages.

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Schneider Electric Partners with ISRO to Strengthen India’s Space Operations

Schneider Electric has announced a strategic collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide advanced automation technology at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The partnership is designed to support the seamless functioning of launch vehicles and satellite operations, strengthening India’s capabilities in space exploration and mission execution.

This collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between Schneider Electric and ISRO, which has spanned over a decade. Schneider Electric’s automation solutions have been integral to critical missions, including satellite launches and the Chandrayaan-3 lunar expedition. By deploying sophisticated control and monitoring systems, Schneider Electric enables more precise, reliable, and efficient operations at one of India’s most important space facilities.

Deepak Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of Schneider Electric India, highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that India’s space program reflects innovation, resilience, and global leadership. He noted that Schneider Electric is proud to contribute technology solutions that ensure operational safety, enhance performance, and support mission-critical objectives.

The integration of advanced automation technologies into SDSC operations will allow for real-time monitoring, improved energy management, and seamless coordination of complex launch sequences. This collaboration demonstrates how industry expertise can complement national space programs, helping India maintain its competitive edge in global space exploration.

In addition to technical benefits, the partnership reinforces Schneider Electric’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence in high-stakes environments. By supporting ISRO’s ambitious projects, the company is contributing to the country’s broader technological and scientific goals, enabling more efficient satellite deployments, better resource management, and safer launch operations.

As India continues to expand its presence in space, collaborations like this illustrate the importance of combining advanced industrial technology with national expertise. Schneider Electric’s involvement underscores the growing role of automation and intelligent systems in shaping the future of India’s space missions, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.

Meta Explores Google’s Gemini AI to Boost Ad Targeting Capabilities

Meta Platforms is reportedly engaging in early discussions with Google Cloud to explore the use of Google’s Gemini and open-source Gemma AI models to enhance its advertising capabilities. The potential collaboration aims to fine-tune these advanced AI systems using Meta’s proprietary advertising data, with the goal of improving ad targeting precision, relevance, and overall campaign performance. While Meta has heavily invested in its own AI initiatives, the company appears to be looking externally to complement its in-house efforts and strengthen its advertising technology.

This move highlights Meta’s recognition of Google’s AI expertise, even as both companies remain direct competitors in the digital advertising space. Meta’s open-source Llama models, which were once positioned as alternatives to OpenAI’s GPT series, have faced certain technical challenges and mixed reception from developers. By potentially leveraging Google’s AI models, Meta could overcome these hurdles and accelerate its ability to deliver more effective and personalized advertising solutions.

Industry observers note that AI is increasingly central to digital marketing strategies, and companies like Meta are seeking ways to gain an edge by using sophisticated machine learning algorithms for targeting and personalization. The proposed partnership, if formalized, would mark a notable instance of collaboration between two major players in the advertising technology ecosystem. It could also influence how AI-driven solutions are deployed to optimize ad spend, boost engagement, and deliver measurable business outcomes across diverse markets.

While discussions remain preliminary and no agreement has been confirmed, the potential partnership reflects broader trends in the industry. Companies are actively seeking innovative ways to harness AI capabilities, even if it means working with competitors, to drive efficiency and effectiveness in their advertising efforts. Meta’s exploration of Google’s Gemini AI underscores the growing importance of cross-company collaboration in shaping the future of digital advertising and advanced AI applications in marketing.

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Lenovo and Nutanix Strengthen India Partnership for AI-Ready Infrastructure

Lenovo and Nutanix have announced a significant deepening of their collaboration in India, focusing on delivering AI-ready enterprise cloud solutions tailored to the country’s growing digital infrastructure needs. This partnership was unveiled at Nutanix’s annual .NEXT on Tour event in Mumbai, highlighting the companies’ shared commitment to supporting India’s ambition to become a high-tech manufacturing hub.

As part of its “Make in India for India” strategy, Lenovo has commenced manufacturing advanced servers at its Pondicherry facility, equipped with Neptune® Liquid Cooling technology. These servers are integrated with Nutanix software, providing sustainable, high-performance infrastructure for next-generation AI workloads, cloud-native applications, and edge computing. The liquid cooling technology enhances server processing speeds and reduces power consumption, addressing the increasing demands of AI-driven applications.

To further strengthen India’s AI ecosystem, Lenovo and Nutanix are offering the Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) on Lenovo’s Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HX). This solution enables enterprises to seamlessly manage containerized workloads, ensuring persistent storage, disaster recovery, and data protection. Industries such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), IT, and manufacturing can leverage this infrastructure to adopt AI with agility and confidence.

The companies are also promoting joint solutions like Lenovo’s ThinkAgile HX Series, which supports Nutanix’s Enterprise AI (NAI) solution and the GPT-in-a-Box platform. These innovations facilitate enterprises in running AI inference, training, and fine-tuning workloads efficiently, simplifying enterprise cloud deployments, and optimizing performance for AI-driven business operations.

This strategic collaboration aligns with India’s push to become a tech manufacturing and AI hub, embodying the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives and encouraging local production. By providing locally manufactured, AI-optimized infrastructure, Lenovo and Nutanix are empowering Indian enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation and innovation.

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Anand Piramal Named Chairman of Piramal Finance Following Merger

Anand Piramal has been appointed as the Chairman of Piramal Finance, succeeding his father, Ajay Piramal, after the merger of Piramal Enterprises and Piramal Finance. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the organization as it aims to strengthen its financial services operations and expand its market presence. Jairam Sridharan has been named Managing Director and CEO, while new independent and non-executive directors are expected to be appointed following shareholder approval.

The appointment of Anand Piramal underscores the company’s intent to maintain strong governance while ensuring continuity in strategic vision. With a focus on sustainable growth, Piramal Finance is looking to leverage the combined capabilities of the merged entity to enhance lending, investment, and financial advisory services. Anand Piramal, with his experience in business strategy and family-led enterprises, is expected to steer the company toward innovative financial solutions and operational excellence.

Industry experts highlight that the leadership change comes at a critical time when the Indian financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digitalization, regulatory shifts, and evolving customer expectations. Under Anand Piramal’s guidance, Piramal Finance is anticipated to focus on expanding its product offerings, strengthening risk management frameworks, and deepening engagement with retail and corporate clients.

The merger and leadership transition also signal a commitment to professionalizing the board and management team. By bringing in independent and non-executive directors, the company aims to enhance governance standards, ensure transparency, and foster investor confidence. This balanced approach between family leadership and professional oversight is seen as a positive step toward long-term sustainability.

As Anand Piramal assumes the chairman role, the financial community will be watching closely to see how Piramal Finance leverages its combined strengths, pursues growth opportunities, and continues to innovate in India’s dynamic financial landscape. The leadership change reflects a blend of tradition and modern corporate governance aimed at building a resilient, forward-looking institution.

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Google Launches AI-Powered Search Live in India

Google has rolled out its AI-powered Search Live feature in India, making the country the first outside the United States to access this innovative, mobile-first tool. Search Live allows users to interact with Google Search using voice and video, offering a conversational and interactive experience that goes beyond traditional text-based queries. The launch reflects Google’s push to enhance user engagement and leverage AI to make information more accessible.

The new feature integrates advanced generative AI technologies, enabling the search engine to understand and respond to natural language queries in real time. Users can ask questions verbally or through live video prompts, receiving dynamic, context-aware results. This conversational approach aims to simplify information retrieval, allowing users to quickly find answers, explore topics, and engage with content in a more intuitive manner.

Google’s focus on India for this rollout highlights the country’s growing importance as a hub for mobile and AI-driven technologies. With a large, digitally active population and diverse linguistic landscape, India provides an ideal environment for testing and scaling AI-based search tools. The company expects that Search Live will enhance accessibility, particularly for users who prefer interactive or voice-based search experiences over traditional typing.

Industry analysts note that AI-powered search tools are poised to transform the way people access information online, moving from static results pages to personalized, real-time interactions. By incorporating voice and video capabilities, Google is aligning with global trends in conversational AI and creating opportunities for more immersive user experiences.

The launch of Search Live in India also signals Google’s commitment to expanding AI solutions to international markets, leveraging insights from user interactions to refine its models and improve search accuracy. As the tool becomes widely adopted, it is expected to set new standards for mobile search, bridging the gap between human inquiry and AI-driven responses.

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