Technology

Dalian (China), June 23 (IANS) Artificial intelligence should move beyond improving productivity and help create space for reflection, creativity and deeper human experiences, experts said on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions -- known as Summer Davos -- being held here.

Speaking to IANS, showcasing the convergence of art, neuroscience and AI, researchers and curators highlighted how emerging brain-sensing technologies are enabling more empathetic and personalised interactions between humans and machines.

Jahnavi Phalkey, Director of Bengaluru Science Gallery, said the installation, developed by artist Emmanuel Golab in collaboration with Science Gallery Melbourne, demonstrates how artificial intelligence can interpret signals from the human brain.

"We are from the Science Gallery International Network, and this is an exhibit from my colleagues at Science Gallery Melbourne," Phalkey said.

"The idea behind this sculpture is that it works on principles of artificial intelligence. Visitors wear a device similar to spectacles on their forehead, which detects EEG activity and electrical signals from the brain. The robot then responds to what is happening inside a person's mind," she added.

She said the project illustrates how AI can create more meaningful and human-centred experiences rather than focusing solely on efficiency and productivity.

According to the experts, understanding brain sensations and neural activity can enable intelligent systems to respond more personally and empathetically to people. Such technologies demonstrate how AI can bridge the gap between human emotions and machines.

Ryan Jefferies, a researcher associated with Science Gallery Melbourne, described the installation titled "Doing Nothing with AI" as an interactive artwork that brings together art and science.

"This is an interactive artwork called 'Doing Nothing with AI' by artist Emmanuel Golab. It uses an EEG headset that picks up electrical activity within the brain and connects it to a large robotic sculpture that moves according to that activity," Jeffreys said.

He explained that the central idea of the artwork is to encourage visitors to pause and slow down their thoughts, allowing them to reflect on their own mental state while interacting with an intelligent machine.

--IANS

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Seoul, June 23 (IANS) South Korean stocks tumbled nearly 10 per cent on Tuesday as foreign investors dumped major semiconductor shares and other market heavyweights amid profit-taking, tracking overnight losses in US technology stocks. The local currency weakened against the US dollar.

After choppy trading, the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) plunged 910.71 points, or 9.99 percent, to close at 8,203.84. The index hit an intra-day high of 9,175.45, reports Yonhap news agency.

The Korea Exchange (KRX), the bourse operator, activated a circuit breaker at around 2:33 p.m. after the KOSPI plummeted more than 8 percent from the previous session's close.

It marked the fourth time this year and the 10th time on record that the KRX has halted trading of all stocks for 20 minutes.

Trade volume was heavy at 483.7 million shares worth 59.9 trillion won (US$38.9 billion) with losers outnumbering winners 856 to 46.

Foreign and institutional investors sold a net 4.13 trillion won and 4.55 trillion won, respectively. Meanwhile, retail investors were net buyers, purchasing 8.58 trillion won alone.

Overnight, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said a "very good foundation" had been established for negotiations toward a final agreement with Iran, while mediators also reported progress in the talks.

Despite the diplomatic developments, U.S. stocks closed mixed, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite falling 1.3 percent amid renewed concerns over major technology companies.

Shares of SpaceX tumbled more than 16 percent after reports that the company is selling bonds as part of a major fundraising effort to support its artificial intelligence initiatives.

"Valuation concerns have grown for major South Korean semiconductor stocks after they repeatedly hit record highs in a short period, prompting heavy selling by foreign investors and increasing market volatility," said Seo Sang-young, an analyst at Mirae Asset Securities.

Seo added the almost 1 percent decline in Nasdaq futures further dampened investor sentiment toward domestic chipmakers.

In Seoul, most large-cap shares ended in negative territory. Chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix tumbled 12.31 percent to 310,000 won and 12.47 percent to 2.55 million won, respectively. Top carmaker Hyundai Motor decreased 12.05 percent to 511,000 won, and leading battery maker LG Energy Solution dipped 6.1 percent to 362,000 won.

The Korean won was quoted at 1,539.1 won per U.S. dollar as of 3:30 p.m., down 2.1 won from the previous session.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Human skeletal remains excavated from the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana recently have been formally handed over by the ASI to the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), for detailed scientific investigation, an official said on Monday.

Professor B.V. Sharma, Director of AnSI, said that the transfer, carried out under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, is expected to significantly advance multidisciplinary research into one of the most important urban centres of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation.

Researchers believe the remains present a rare opportunity to apply modern scientific techniques, including ancient DNA analysis, stable isotope studies, osteological assessments, palaeopathological investigations, and environmental reconstruction, said a statement.

These approaches are expected to provide valuable insights into ancestry, migration patterns, diet, disease prevalence, adaptation strategies, and human-environment interactions during the Harappan period, it said.

Rakhigarhi, spread across approximately 550 hectares in Haryana, is widely recognised as the largest known settlement of the Indus-Saraswati Civilisation.

Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of continuous habitation from the Early Harappan to the Mature Harappan periods, including planned settlements, drainage systems, craft production centres, trade networks, and burial grounds.

During excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Excavation Branch-II, Greater Noida, in the 2025–26 field season, archaeologists uncovered eight burials at Mound No. 7, an area previously identified as a cemetery.

Three complete human skeletons, along with skeletal fragments recovered from other burials, have now been transferred to AnSI’s ancient human skeletal repository and laboratory in Kolkata for detailed examination, said an official statement.

The remaining skeletal materials obtained at these sites are also expected to be transferred in a few days.

Professor Vijay Prakash, a former faculty member of Andhra University, described the transfer of skeletal materials as an important step toward ensuring that biological heritage recovered through archaeological excavations is scientifically analysed and preserved by national institutions for the benefit of future generations.

Professor Udai Pratap Singh of Lucknow University similarly said the transfer marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s palaeoanthropological research tradition. He noted that AnSI’s expertise in human biology and osteology places it in a strong position to reconstruct aspects of population history, health, lifestyle, and cultural adaptation in the Indus Saraswati Civilisation.

Anthropologist Professor Subhash Walimbe, formerly of Deccan College, Pune, emphasised the importance of intensive anthropological examination of the remains to understand how urbanisation influenced human biological and pathological responses, said the statement.

Officials said the collaboration between ASI and AnSI represents a significant effort to integrate archaeology, anthropology, genetics, and environmental sciences in the study of India’s ancient past.

The findings from the Rakhigarhi remains are expected to contribute substantially to understanding the origins, health, mobility, and biological history of one of the world’s earliest urban civilisations, said the statement.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) The video game industry’s layoff crisis continues unabated, with Bungie among the latest major developers to announce cuts and around 3,700 verified job losses recorded globally in the industry in 2026 so far, a report said on Friday.

The report from TradingPlatforms said that the total layoff in gaming studios worldwide certainly exceeds 4,000 when unverified cuts, undisclosed reductions and studio closures are added to verified layoffs.

It cited data showing that layoffs across the wider technology sector had reached at least 1,43,378 in June.

The United States remains the epicentre of video game industry layoffs in 2026, accounting for 2,153 confirmed job cuts or about 58.2 per cent of the global total.

The largest reductions were announced by Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite and Unreal Engine, which cut around 1,000 roles in one of the biggest layoffs ever seen in the video game industry.

Bungie, the studio behind Halo and Destiny, announced plans to lay off roughly 400 people this summer, while a number of other established developers and publishers have announced smaller rounds of redundancies throughout the year.

France was also hard hit, with four French game companies accounting for hundreds of job cuts. Ubisoft announced around 680 layoffs across multiple studios as part of a sweeping restructuring.

Canada has recorded at least 257 video game industry layoffs, with nearly half coming from Eidos-Montréal.

Canada recorded at least 257 gaming layoffs, including 124 at Eidos‑Montréal after the cancellation of a major AAA project. Several of 2026's gaming layoffs have escalated beyond workforce reductions and resulted in studios being shut down altogether.

Cloud & SaaS companies have cut nearly 31,900 jobs in 2026, while E-commerce firms have eliminated almost 21,000 positions and IT services companies more than 16,700. Social media platforms, enterprise software providers, and fintech firms have each shed over 10,000 workers.

—IANS

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New Delhi, June 19 (IANS) Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said the global semiconductor industry is facing a talent shortage of around 10 lakh professionals, presenting a major opportunity for India to emerge as a key supplier of skilled manpower for the sector.

Speaking at the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre in Patna, the minister said the global semiconductor industry is currently valued at around $800 billion and is expected to cross the $1 trillion mark within a year.

"By 2032, around 10 lakh jobs are expected to emerge in the semiconductor sector globally. At the same time, the industry is facing a shortage of nearly 10 lakh skilled professionals," Vaishnaw said.

He further stated that India must capitalise on this opportunity through a two-pronged strategy focused on semiconductor design and manufacturing.

According to the minister, the government is working towards establishing world-class semiconductor design capabilities in the country and ensuring that Indian graduates are among the best-trained talent globally.

"When students graduate with semiconductor design skills, they should be considered among the top talent in the world and should immediately find opportunities in the industry," he said.

Vaishnaw said nearly 75,000 students have already received attractive opportunities through semiconductor design-related programmes and initiatives.

"Our target is to increase this number from 75,000 to 5 lakh students," he added.

In addition, the minister stated that semiconductor manufacturing activities have already commenced in India and training programmes for manufacturing-related skills will be developed as production capacities scale up.

India has been actively promoting semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging under its semiconductor mission, with several projects currently under implementation across the country.

Moreover, during his visit to STPI, Vaishnaw highlighted the government's efforts to expand India's startup ecosystem beyond major metropolitan centres.

He said STPI centres are being strengthened across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the minister interacted with young entrepreneurs, heard their experiences and discussed ways to further enhance government support for startups and technology-led enterprises.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Cumulative energy storage system (ESS) installations in India’s commercial and industrial sector are projected to skyrocket over 30-fold from less than 1 GWh in 2025 to between 23 and 31 GWh by 2032, a statement said on Thursday.

The industry body India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) industry and Customized Energy Solutions (CES) in a report, attributes the rapid increase to rising electricity tariffs, demand for reliable high‑quality power, rapid adoption of renewable energy, cost‑optimisation demands and India’s ambitious decarbonisation goals.

The report will be showcased at 12th India Energy Storage Week 2026, scheduled for July 8–10, 2026, at Yashobhoomi (IICC), here.

India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2026, a global platform for clean energy transition, will unite the entire value chain of e-mobility, battery manufacturing, recycling, stationary storage, and green hydrogen, the statement from IESA said.

The event will host over 200 exhibitors and more than 10,000 industry leaders from over 30 countries enabling high-impact networking, policy advocacy, and technical exchange.

“India’s C&I energy storage market is at a pivotal moment. The sector is transitioning from backup and peak shaving to a strategic asset for energy optimisation, resilience, and decarbonisation. The insights from this report will help stakeholders shift from reactive power management to proactive energy leadership,” said Debmalya Sen, President of IESA.

The report details two growth scenarios: a Business-as-Usual (BAU) path, with ESS reaching 22-23 GWh by 2032, and a Rapid Adoption (RA) scenario, in which market-friendly reforms and technological advances could propel installations to 31 GWh.

Vinayak Walimbe, Managing Director of CES said that C&I consumers can now make smarter, data-driven decisions that drive both cost savings and sustainability, with regulatory clarity, proven business models, and advanced storage technologies.

—IANS

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New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) US-based auto maker Tesla opened its fifth Experience Centre in Hyderabad’s HITEC City on Wednesday, where customers can view the new 2026 Model Y Premium Rear‑Wheel Drive and Model Y L.

Visitors around the area can explore the vehicles through guided walkarounds and immersive product experiences provided by Tesla Advisors, the statement from Tesla said.

The company has begun delivery and after‑sales services in the Bollaram Industrial Area to support owners across Telangana.

"Customers can learn about Tesla's design philosophy, cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, safety features, and performance capabilities in an interactive environment," the statement said about the experience centre.

The company said both models are available to order on Tesla’s official website and that customers who place orders before June 30, 2026, will receive a complimentary Wall Connector.

Tesla also offers home Charging support across all states in India ensuring a smooth ownership experience and redefining convenience in sustainable transportation.

Both models have received top safety ratings from multiple globally renowned safety organisations, including NHTSA and IIHS (United States), Euro NCAP (Europe), ANCAP (Australia and New Zealand), and C-IASI (China).

The newly launched 2026 Model Y Premium Rear‑Wheel Drive offers 2,138 litres of storage, seating for five, power‑folding seats, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds and a Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test (WLTP) range of up to 500 km.

The Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is available in India at Rs 50,89,000 with a down payment of Rs 6 lakh and monthly EMI starting from Rs 39,990, with Deliveries commencing in July 2026.

The Model Y L is All-Wheel Drive SUV engineered as the ultimate family vehicle. It offers a range of up to 681 km (WLTP), 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 5 seconds, and a cargo space of up to 2,539 litres.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) The ongoing three-day event Bharat Innovates 2026 facilitated funding commitments and advanced-stage investments worth approximately $254.5 million while generating strong investor interest in Indian DeepTech startups during the second day of the summit, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Education stated that the second day of the event brought together global investors, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, startups and academic institutions to accelerate innovation, strengthen technology partnerships and advance the commercialisation of DeepTech solutions.

The day began with an innovation showcase featuring technologies developed by Indian startups and premier higher education institutions across sectors including biotechnology, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, mobility, space and artificial intelligence.

In addition, the summit hosted discussions involving global industry, investment and research leaders on subjects ranging from bio-innovation and advanced manufacturing to space, defence supply chains and international investment.

Participants highlighted the importance of patient capital, cross-border collaboration and stronger pathways for commercialising research.

A major highlight of the day was the investor-startup engagement programme, where more than 80 DeepTech startups presented their innovations before panels comprising over 50 global investors from more than 10 countries, according to the ministry.

The startups pitched across six thematic areas -- space and defence, artificial intelligence and semiconductors, healthcare and MedTech, biotechnology and AgriTech, energy and climate technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

According to the ministry, the sessions enabled direct engagement with global venture funds and corporate venture capital firms, with more than 40 startups receiving confirmed investor follow-up commitments.

Moreover, the summit highlighted nearly $30 million worth of investment activity announced during the opening day.

By the end of the second day of the event, Bharat Innovates 2026 had facilitated more than 1,350 business-to-business meetings involving innovators, while over 50 collaboration agreements were concluded.

Bharat Innovates 2026 was launched to connect India's rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem with global capital, industry expertise, research networks and international markets.

The Ministry of Education said the summit has strengthened India's position as a leading global hub for DeepTech innovation by creating new opportunities for collaboration between India, Europe and other international markets.

The third and final day of the summit will focus on technology parks and accelerators, climate technologies, industrial decarbonisation, global scaling strategies and long-term institutional partnerships aimed at sustaining innovation-driven collaborations.

The summit was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the French Republic HE Emmanuel Macron on June 14.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) The government has temporarily suspended its newly launched Cell Broadcast System, a nationwide emergency public warning network, reportedly following a misrouted late‑night alert that prompted concerns over system reliability.

The report from The Hindu said authorities have not disclosed specific reasons for the suspension, but that a technical malfunction may be the reason.

An inadvertently misrouted alert from disaster management units in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contact number triggering the precautionary suspension.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an advisory placing the system on hold on June 12, 2026, and officials have begun a detailed technical review to determine when services can be safely restored.

The alert prompts phones to emit a hooting sound even when they are switched off or kept in silent mode. An alert allegedly issued by the disaster management units in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh caused phones to ring at midnight, the report cited sources.

The suspension is reportedly temporary, and restoration will depend on the outcome of ongoing technical assessments and further directives from the NDMA, the report said, adding that updates are expected once the review is over and system safeguards are strengthened.

The system, developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Telematics under the Department of Telecommunications in coordination with the NDMA and the Ministry of Home Affairs, was launched in May 2026 as a major boost to India’s emergency response framework.

According to the government, the advanced system is designed to deliver critical information related to disasters, emergencies and public safety directly to citizens’ mobile phones in real time.

As part of the rollout, a nationwide test of the system was conducted successfully as mobile users across the country received 'emergency alert messages' accompanied by a beep sound on their devices.

The initiative is seen as a significant step towards ensuring swift and effective dissemination of information during natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergency situations, officials added.

—IANS

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Bengaluru, June 15 (IANS) Indian artificial intelligence startup Sarvam on Monday announced that it has entered the unicorn club after raising $234 million in the first close of its $300 million Series B funding round, taking its post-money valuation to $1.5 billion.

The funding round was led by HCLTech as a strategic investor, with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners and continued backing from existing investors Khosla Ventures and Peak XV Partners.

The latest fundraise marks a major milestone for the Bengaluru-based company, which is positioning itself as India's full-stack sovereign AI platform.

Sarvam said the capital will be used to advance research on its next-generation frontier AI models focused on agentic AI, coding and cybersecurity applications, while also expanding access to large-scale computing infrastructure and accelerating deployments across key sectors.

As part of the round, HCLTech will invest $150 million, making it the lead strategic investor.

The IT services major said the partnership would combine Sarvam's AI research capabilities with HCLTech's enterprise expertise, engineering talent and global customer relationships to build a comprehensive sovereign AI ecosystem for India and international markets.

"Our investment in Sarvam marks a significant step toward building India's trusted and globally competitive AI ecosystem," said C Vijayakumar, CEO and Managing Director of HCLTech.

He added that the collaboration would help create a differentiated full-stack AI platform for enterprises and governments while enabling secure, scalable and responsible AI adoption.

Sarvam Co-founder Pratyush Kumar said the company remains focused on research-led innovation aimed at building AI systems that work at India's scale.

He noted that the company is developing models capable of understanding Indian languages and voices, processing local documents and delivering affordable intelligence for enterprises and governments.

The company has rapidly expanded its AI portfolio in recent months. It has launched multiple foundational models trained entirely in India, including Sarvam 105B, which the company claims matches or outperforms larger reasoning models on several benchmarks, and Sarvam 30B, which is designed to run efficiently on consumer hardware.

Its document intelligence model, Sarvam Vision, is being used to digitise more than 35 million pages of records, ranging from insurance forms to land documents.

--IANS

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