Google's Project Astra, unveiled at I/O 2024, aims to revolutionize user interaction with a universal AI assistant. CEO Sundar Pichai showcased a prototype, highlighting its multimodal capabilities on smartphones and smart glasses. The AI processes text, voice, and visual input, offering a personalized experience akin to Tony Stark's futuristic interface.
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Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the North Eastern Council, emphasized PM Modi's vision for the Northeast's development. He highlighted the significant infrastructure improvements, a 71% drop in violence, and the signing of peace treaties leading to over 10,000 armed youths joining mainstream society.
Maharashtra's new government has allocated ministerial portfolios. The Shiv Sena retained most of its previous portfolios. The BJP secured key departments like revenue and water resources. The NCP gained control of food and civil supplies, medical education, and other areas. Several ministers of state were also appointed with multiple responsibilities.
The home ministry stated it does not maintain data on fatalities and injuries from the stampede at Maha Kumbh mela, as such incidents fall under state jurisdiction. The ministry shared that religious event management and disaster response are state responsibilities, and no central data is available.
In a new confrontation, Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi walked out of the state assembly, protesting the absence of the national anthem at the session's start. This is the third instance of such protest by the governor. The House passed a resolution to record only the printed text of Ravi's address, leading to state-wide DMK protests.
Harry Brook has been banned from the IPL for two seasons after pulling out of the 2025 edition. The BCCI enforces a two-year ban for overseas players who withdraw after being picked at the auction. Brook opted out to focus on his England career and recharge after a busy period, apologizing to Delhi Capitals and their fans.
Opposition parties initiated a motion to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as Rajya Sabha chairman, citing bias and unfair conduct. They accused him of favoring the ruling party and denying the opposition opportunities to respond. Although the initial notice may not meet procedural deadlines, the opposition plans to resubmit it in the next session.
On the eve of the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill practiced early at the ICC Academy. They later joined the rest of the team, including stars like Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, at the Dubai International Stadium for their scheduled session under the scorching sun.
Tencent, a major Chinese social media and gaming firm, was labeled as a 'Chinese military company' by the Pentagon, marking a new escalation in US-China tensions. Other firms, including CATL and COSCO, were also added. Tencent denies the claims, stating it is not a military supplier and aims to address the misunderstanding with the Pentagon.
Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde's aide Valmik Karad, already in SIT custody for extortion charges, has been named an accused in the Sarapanch Santosh Deshmukh abduction-murder case. The MCOCA court has extended his custody till January 22 for further investigation. The prosecution presented call records linking Karad to the crime. Karad's lawyer insists on the lack of legal grounds and substantial evidence against him.
Indermit Gill, World Bank chief economist, emphasizes India's potential to elevate its growth from 6% to 8% by enhancing efficiency and economic freedom, focusing on quality education, staying open to FDI and trade, and improving women's workforce participation. India's favourable demographics and balanced economy support these prospects.