Digital arrest scam impacting India; Google making more inroads in AI; India set up space fund and Huawei challenging Android with Harmony OS
- PM Modi raises caution over digital arrest scam, Indians reportedly lost 120 crores in the same
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) provided data on cybercrime that Indian citizens lost Rs 120.3 crore through digital arrest scams, Rs 1,420.48 crore to trading scams, Rs 222.58 crore in investment scams, and Rs 13.23 crore in romance scams. The Indian Prime minister raised the issue in his recent ‘Mann ki baat’ episode. Digital arrest sees fraudsters claiming to be officers of an investigative government agency or law enforcement like CBI, Narcotics, RBI, TRAI, customs and tax officials. They approach the intended target using audio or video calls to first intimidate people and then extort money from them while confining them in one location — most usually the victim's own home — under the false pretense of an 'arrest'.
- Report suggest that Google to develop AI that takes over computers
Google is developing artificial intelligence technology that takes over a web browser to complete tasks such as research and shopping, The Information reported on Saturday. Google is set to demonstrate the product code-named Project Jarvis as soon as December with the release of its next flagship Gemini large language model, the report added, citing people with direct knowledge of the product. This product is designed to take over routine tasks for users, like searching for information, booking flights, or buying products online. This type of AI, known as a “computer-using agent,” is part of a bigger trend. Other companies, like Microsoft, Apple, and OpenAI, are also working on similar tools. The development is significant as it may add to already existing Google hegemony and control over the digital space which has come under scrutiny in recent times
- The Indian government launched 1000 Cr startup funds for space technology
Indian government approved the establishment of a Rs.1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund dedicated to supporting India’s space sector. This pioneering initiative, developed under the aegis of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), aims to propel the growth of space startups, strengthen India’s space economy, and position the country as a global leader in space technology. The establishment of this fund is to promote innovation, economic growth, and self-reliance in high-tech industries. The Rs. 1,000 crore VC Fund is structured to align with India’s strategic vision for the space sector and supports the goals set forth in the 2020 space reforms. The fund is designed to address the unique needs of private companies operating in the high-risk, high-reward field of space technology.
- HarmonyOS Next: China's Huawei Unveils New OS, Marking Official Break From Android
In a key development, China's Huawei has taken a key step toward breaking itself from the Google digital ecosystem. They have launched their own mobile OS. Huawei has officially started the public beta testing of the HarmonyOS Next for its devices powered by Kirin and Kunpeng chips in China. The operating system is said to bring new home and lock screen customisation options, faster animations and app launch speeds, and AI-powered features. The key to success will be the mobile apps to run on the platform. In this regard, Huawei claimed that at the time of its announcement, over 15,000 HarmonyOS native applications and meta-services were also launched. This is a very credible number, however, very miniscule in comparison to millions of apps present on the playstore. The development is interesting as the US has already put several sanctions on Huawei and see them as a threat of national security. On the other hand, digital entrepreneurs are watching the development closely as if the OS succeeds it may emerge as an alternative to Google ecosystem.