emerging technologies

India and Japan on Wednesday strengthened their cooperation in emerging technologies and health research, with both countries exchanging agreements in the fields of quantum science and medical devices during a high-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi.

The Indian Army showcased advanced technologies in Rajasthan. These innovations aim to boost situational awareness and decision-making in desert warfare. Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain reviewed the Golden Katar Division's operational readiness. The Army is integrating modern systems for surveillance and communication. This focus on technology enhances combat capability and preparedness for future conflicts.

Andhra Pradesh is exploring a strategic collaboration with Israel to enhance water resource management and promote innovation. Discussions focused on technology transfer, student engagement, and a proposed water resource museum. Israel expressed keen interest in facilitating technical collaboration and knowledge exchange in advanced water management systems.

Vishwanova 2026, the flagship innovation expo of MIT-WPU Pune, attracted over 700 teams and 3,000 students from 120 institutions across 10+ states. From this pool, 240 teams presented prototypes and 60 were recognized for excellence. The event awarded top prizes and cash rewards while emphasizing project-based learning. Industry leaders from Accenture and Seagate highlighted AI integration and ethical innovation. Organized under MIT-WPU leadership, the expo showcased student-driven solutions and strong industry-academia collaboration and lasting impact.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that future wars will hinge on innovative thinking and synergy, not just weaponry. He urged commanders to prioritize artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and secure communications, stressing the need to anticipate enemy surprises and stay ahead. Singh highlighted hybrid threats and multi-domain operations, commending the forces' jointness and technological adoption.

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has opened applications for PRAYAS 4.0, a one-month residential programme in AI, robotics and IoT scheduled for July 2026. The course includes hands-on training, daily faculty-led sessions and certification, and is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds without prior technical experience.

India and Vietnam have agreed to elevate their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious trade target of $25 billion by 2030. The pact includes expanded cooperation in defense, technology, and digital services, alongside efforts to boost agricultural trade and supply chain resilience.

Stresses Need For Boosting Surveillance, Communications Resources

The US government is reportedly exploring new measures to compel AI firms like Google and Anthropic to cooperate on government use of their tools. Proposals include a vetting system for advanced AI models and restrictions on companies refusing government demands, potentially impacting national security applications and raising industry concerns about development speed.

Southern Command's Lt Gen Sandeep Jain assessed operational preparedness and logistics in the desert sector, focusing on multi-domain operations and advanced technology integration. He reviewed combat readiness, surveillance, and drone warfare capabilities, emphasizing the importance of resilient logistics for sustained operations in harsh conditions.

Southern Command leader Lt Gen Sandeep Jain conducted a thorough review of the operational capabilities and modernization efforts of the Konark Corps. The spotlight was on harnessing innovative technologies for superior surveillance and communication, in addition to necessary equipment enhancements and new operational strategies.

Once a celebrated Harvard nanoscience professor, Charles Lieber, convicted in the US for false statements tied to Chinese payments, now leads state-backed brain-computer interface research in Shenzhen. His move to i-BRAIN, a key institute, highlights China's focus on this medically promising yet strategically sensitive field, drawing global attention to his new role.

Cites Israel’s ‘Op Grim Beepers’ Pager Blasts