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    India’s Diplomatic Decline: Losing Neighbors to China’s Influence in South Asia

    Explore India’s diplomatic decline as neighbors pivot to China’s influence in South Asia and global forums like the G7 sideline Delhi. Can India reclaim its clout in 2025? India’s diplomatic decline is stark. In 2014, Narendra Modi’s swearing-in as Prime Minister, with SAARC leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan, screamed regional dominance. Fast forward to 2025, and India’s grip is slipping. Neighbors are flocking to China’s influence in South Asia, global powers snub India at forums like the G7, and domestic politics fuel anti-India vibes. Can India bounce back, or is this a deeper crisis? South Asia’s Pivot: China’s Influence Grows India’s diplomatic decline is clearest in South Asia. Modi’s 2014 SAARC invite was a flex, uniting leaders from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and beyond. Now, SAARC’s dead, stalled since the 2016 Uri attack spiked India-Pakistan tensions. Pakistan’s $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and India’s 2019 Kashmir move have cemented hostility. Nepal’s 2019 Kalapani border spat and Belt and Road deals with China have cooled ties. Sri Lanka, despite India’s $4 billion aid in 2022, leased Hambantota Port to China for 99 years. Maldives kicked out Indian troops after a pro-China shift in 2023. Bangladesh, post-2024 coup, ousted Sheikh Hasina—now exiled …

    Haryana Travel Vlogger Faces Espionage Allegations: Police Debunk Misinformation in Jyoti Rani Malhotra Case

    Hisar, Haryana, May 22, 2025 — Jyoti Rani Malhotra, a 33-year-old travel vlogger from Hisar, known for her YouTube channel “Travel with Jo” boasting over 377,000 subscribers, was detained by the Indian authorities on May 16, 2025, accused of espionage activities for Pakistan. In a press release issued on May 21, 2025, Hisar Police Superintendent Shashank Kumar Sawan stated that Malhotra faces charges under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly compromising India’s national security. However, the police have clarified that investigations are ongoing, with no evidence yet confirming that Jyoti Malhotra shared sensitive military or strategic data, countering sensationalised media reports. The case came to light after Punjab Police provided intelligence on May 7, 2025, revealing Jyoti’s interactions with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission official expelled from New Delhi on May 13, 2025, for spying. According to the FIR lodged at Hisar’s Civil Lines Police Station, Jyoti Malhotra connected with Danish in 2023 while arranging a visa for travel to Pakistan, which she visited at least twice. During these trips, she allegedly engaged with Pakistani intelligence operatives, including individuals named Shakir and Rana Shahbaz, …

    Countries Team Up in WHO’s Emergency Drill to Prepare for Future Outbreaks

    A Fictional Virus Outbreak Highlights the Power of Collaboration and Trust in Crisis Response Over the past two days, the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together more than 15 countries, along with over 20 regional health agencies and partners, to test a new way of working together during health emergencies. Called Exercise Polaris, this two-day simulation marked the first real-world test of the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC)—a system designed to strengthen national emergency teams, coordinate expert support, and streamline collaboration between countries. The simulation imagined a fictional virus spreading rapidly across the globe. Countries such as Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Uganda, and Ukraine activated their national emergency systems to share updates, align strategies, and launch coordinated responses. Several other countries participated as observers. Meanwhile, major global health partners—including Africa CDC, European CDC, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and established emergency networks—joined forces to support the leading nations. More than 350 health experts from around the world participated in the exercise. They responded to the fictional outbreak as if it were real—testing how effectively they could share information, offer technical guidance, and deliver emergency support. The exercise emphasized the importance of …

    No Boundaries for Nature: The Myanmar Earthquake and Its Ripple Effects on Bangkok Tourism

    A Natural Disaster’s Lasting Echoes Across Borders Nature doesn’t respect borders, and the recent earthquake in Myanmar is a stark reminder of that. On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, sending shock waves across Southeast Asia. Over 1,600 lives have been lost in Myanmar so far, with the death toll still climbing as rescue efforts persist. Hundreds of miles away, in Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed, claiming at least 12 lives and leaving dozens missing. But the damage didn’t stop at physical destruction—it’s now hitting Thailand’s tourism industry hard. An Instant Blow to Bangkok’s Tourism Imagine planning a dream vacation to Bangkok—vibrant markets, stunning temples, and rooftop views—only to cancel it overnight. That’s the reality for many travelers since the quake. Posts on X and early reports suggest foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand could drop by 10-15% in the two weeks following the disaster, as safety concerns ripple through the travel community. Ticket cancellations have surged, and Bangkok, a city that thrives on its 20 million annual visitors, is feeling the pinch. The Tourism Authority of Thailand insists that Bangkok’s airports, public transport like the BTS Skytrain, and major attractions …

    US Slaps 26% Tariff on Indian Exports, Triggering Price Surge and Economic Ripples

    26% US Tariff on Indian Exports Sparks Economic Concerns: What It Means for India and Its People. New Delhi, April 3, 2025 – The United States has rolled out a 26% tariff on Indian goods, effective April 9, 2025, as part of President Donald Trump’s push to address global trade imbalances. This move, announced during Trump’s “Liberation Day” address, has sent ripples through India’s economy, raising fears of reduced exports, a weaker rupee, and rising prices for everyday items. With India exporting around $66 billion worth of goods to the U.S. annually, the tariff could hit hard, affecting everything from jobs to the cost of living. A Blow to India’s Exports and Economy India sends a wide range of products to the U.S., including medicines, textiles, car parts, and gems. Experts estimate this tariff could slash India’s export earnings by $2 billion to $7 billion each year. That’s a significant chunk for an economy already navigating global trade tensions. The impact might slow India’s GDP growth by 0.05% to 0.3%, a modest but noticeable dent. Jobs are at risk too, especially in export-heavy regions like Gujarat, known for its diamond trade, Tamil Nadu, a textile hub, and Maharashtra, a pharmaceutical …

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      Pakistani Scammer Busted on Video Call While Targeting SBI Customers

      Pakistani Scammer Busted on Video Call While Targeting SBI Customers

      It was a Saturday morning at around 9:30 am, and I was getting ready for work when my wife entered the room and told me that she had received a call from someone claiming to be from SBI (State Bank of India). The caller informed her that I had won a prize of 5 lakh rupees and instructed her to submit my documents, like my Aadhaar card and PAN card, through a link they had sent if we wanted to claim the money. My wife told the caller to call back in five minutes so she could discuss it with me. We immediately realized it was a scam. Sure enough, five minutes later, the phone rang again, and this time I answered. From the start, it was clear that this was a scam. The person on the other end introduced himself as Ajay and said he was calling from an SBI branch in Jammu, claiming my wife won a 5 lakh rupee prize . He said the money would be transferred in five minutes—all I…

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    • Unveiling the Realities of Ride-Hailing: Safety on Two Wheels

      Unveiling the Realities of Ride-Hailing Apps: Safety on 2 Wheels

    • Parcel Scam Exposed A Close Call with Fraudsters

      Caught in a Parcel Scam Call: A Close Call with Fraudsters

    Technology

    • Technology
      CERT-In and ISAC Collaborate to Develop Cybersecurity Leaders through National Cyber Security Scholar Program

      CERT-In and ISAC Partner to Train India’s Next Cybersecurity Leaders

      The partnership aims to create a dedicated pool of cybersecurity professionals equipped with technical expertise and leadership skills to defend India’s digital infrastructure. New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster India’s cybersecurity infrastructure, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a statutory body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) have teamed up to issue joint certifications for the sixth cohort of the National Cyber Security Scholar Program (NCSSP). This collaboration aims to create a dedicated pool of cybersecurity professionals equipped to tackle complex digital threats and defend India’s critical digital infrastructure. CERT-In, designated as India’s national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents under the Information Technology Act, 2000, plays a crucial role in the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Operating 24/7, CERT-In provides incident prevention, response services, and security quality management, making it a key player in this initiative. The NCSSP, regarded as one of the world’s leading cybersecurity management programs, is designed to produce credible and ethical cybersecurity leaders who prioritize national security in their professional endeavors. Rajshekhar Pullabhatla, Founder Director of ISAC, praised the program’s growing impact. “The National Cyber Security Scholar Program is becoming a cornerstone of India’s …

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    • Technology
      OpenAI Unveils New ChatGPT Model Significantly Better at Math and Reasoning

      OpenAI Unveils New ChatGPT Model Significantly Better at Math and Reasoning

      Experts caution against overreliance on AI, urging users to fact-check despite improvements in reasoning and math capabilities. Seattle, WA — On September 12, OpenAI introduced a breakthrough in artificial intelligence (AI) with a new version of ChatGPT, called “o1,” which is said to be vastly superior in handling mathematical and scientific problems. Previous iterations of ChatGPT, including those known for their linguistic prowess, often struggled with logic and reasoning tasks. However, this new model, according to OpenAI, has made remarkable strides, scoring an impressive 83% on the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) qualifying exam—a significant improvement from the mere 13% scored by earlier models. The release of this model addresses a key criticism of previous AI models: their inability to effectively reason through problems, particularly in math and logic-heavy contexts. OpenAI’s chief scientist, Jakub Pachocki, explained to The New York Times that the new model operates with what could be described as “thinking through the problem,” a shift in how AI tackles complex questions. Niloofar Mireshghallah, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, spoke with UW News to share insights into why previous models struggled with reasoning tasks and what makes this new iteration different. “There …

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    • Technology
      SoftBank Corp. and Intelsat Announce Historic Collaboration for Global Ubiquitous Network

      SoftBank Corp. and Intelsat Announce Historic Collaboration for Global Ubiquitous Network

      SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) and Intelsat have officially signed a landmark agreement aimed at revolutionizing global connectivity. Their collaboration will lead to the development of a single “Ubiquitous Network,” allowing seamless connections between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communications networks. The partnership marks a major advancement in 5G communications and promises to make universal connectivity a reality, even in the most remote locations on Earth. What is a Ubiquitous Network? A Ubiquitous Network refers to a communication system where users and devices are continuously connected, regardless of their location. This type of network ensures that individuals and systems can access data, services, and communication tools without interruption, utilizing both terrestrial (land-based) and non-terrestrial (satellite-based) networks. The convenience of one device and one account provides universal access across various geographical landscapes, from urban centers to the most remote regions. Key Characteristics of a Ubiquitous Network: Seamless Connectivity: Users remain connected whether they are in urban areas, rural zones, or even maritime regions. Interoperability: Devices can switch between terrestrial and satellite networks without losing connection or needing multiple accounts. Global Coverage: The network spans the globe, providing service in areas that are otherwise difficult to reach with traditional mobile networks. Unified Device and Account: A single device and account …

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    • Technology
      NVIDIA Holoscan for Media: Redefining Live Broadcast with AI-Powered, Software-Defined Solutions

      NVIDIA Holoscan for Media: Redefining Live Broadcast with AI-Powered, Software-Defined Solutions

      As the media industry shifts towards software-defined infrastructure, NVIDIA’s Holoscan for Media emerges as a game-changer, providing an advanced platform designed to streamline live media production. NVIDIA Holoscan for Media, now available in limited capacity, integrates live media and AI capabilities on a unified infrastructure. This enables companies in broadcast, sports, and streaming industries to repurpose their existing hardware to run both live media and AI applications seamlessly. A Unified Platform for Live Media Innovation The Holoscan for Media platform is an all-encompassing solution that brings together applications from a wide range of established and emerging vendors. From AI captioning, live graphics, vision mixing, playout servers, and multiviewers to encoding, decoding, and transcoding, the platform provides a unified foundation for diverse live media applications. Additionally, the platform supports Networked Media Open Specifications (NMOS) controllers, with continuous expansion anticipated in the coming months. One of the platform’s key strengths is its ability to optimize the development process for media applications, simplifying the integration of emerging technologies and reducing R&D expenditures. Holoscan for Media is built on internet protocol (IP) standards such as ST 2110 and is designed to meet the stringent density and compliance requirements of live broadcast environments. The platform …

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    • Technology
      100 Years of IFA: Samsung’s AI Shapes the Future of Connected Living

      100 Years of IFA: Samsung’s AI Shapes the Future of Connected Living

      The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. What began as a radio exhibition in 1924 has since transformed into a hub for groundbreaking technologies, with Samsung Electronics playing a central role in this journey. Over the years, Samsung has consistently unveiled innovations at IFA that have shaped the future of consumer electronics. Samsung first participated in IFA in 1991 with a modest booth showcasing monitors and PCs. By 2003, the company expanded its presence significantly, occupying a 3,600-square-meter booth and later taking over the entire CityCube Berlin in 2014. Today, Samsung’s booth spans 6,000 square meters, solidifying its position as a leading innovator at IFA. At IFA 2024, Samsung will highlight its advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and connected living. The company has seamlessly integrated mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances through its SmartThings platform, which now boasts over 340 partners and 350 million users globally. SmartThings enables a connected ecosystem where users can control their devices with ease, driving the future of AI-powered home automation. The Evolution of Home Appliances The evolution of home appliances has mirrored the technological advancements showcased at IFA over the years. What were …

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    • Technology
      NVIDIA Pushes Boundaries with Blackwell GPU, Delivering Groundbreaking Performance for AI and LLMs

      NVIDIA Pushes Boundaries with Blackwell GPU, Delivering Groundbreaking Performance for AI and LLMs

      NVIDIA platforms lead MLPerf benchmarks, showcasing groundbreaking advances in AI inference performance across data centers and edge AI. NVIDIA has once again demonstrated its dominance in the AI space with the first submission of its Blackwell GPU, which delivers up to 4x more performance on the Llama 2 70B large language model (LLM) compared to its predecessor, the NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPU. This was revealed during the latest MLPerf Inference v4.1 industry benchmarks, where NVIDIA platforms showcased leading performance across all data center tests. As the demand for generative AI continues to grow, data center infrastructure is under increasing pressure. Training LLMs is just one part of the challenge, with real-time service delivery presenting another significant hurdle. NVIDIA’s new Blackwell platform, leveraging a second-generation Transformer Engine and FP4 Tensor Cores, sets new standards for AI performance. This upgrade is particularly impactful for large-scale LLMs, such as the Llama 2 70B, where performance gains are crucial for efficient real-time services. NVIDIA’s H200 Tensor Core GPU also delivered exceptional results in the data center category. It excelled in benchmarks for the Mixtral 8x7B mixture of experts (MoE) LLM, known for its efficiency and versatility in handling diverse AI tasks. The rise …

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