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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem, is working on privacy enhancements for digital payments. Under the proposed changes, UPI apps and banks may soon be required to mask users’ phone numbers during transactions. According to reports, NPCI has already directed UPI apps and partner banks to begin preparations for hiding users’ mobile numbers. The move is aimed at ensuring that digital payment platforms comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which focuses on the collection, storage and sharing of personal information. As per a Moneycontrol report, the government is…

With persistent rainfall and flooding affecting several parts of Assam, vehicle owners are being advised to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles from water-related damage and avoid disruptions during the monsoon season. Insurance provider Tata AIG General Insurance on Tuesday urged motorists to avoid waterlogged roads, check weather and traffic conditions before travelling, maintain tyres and brakes, and ensure essential vehicle systems are in good working condition to minimise the risk of accidents and breakdowns. The company said comprehensive motor insurance policies can provide financial protection against flood-related damages, while add-on covers such as Engine Secure, Zero Depreciation, Consumables…

Over 1,100 employees and executives from top artificial intelligence laboratories—including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta—have signed an open letter asking the U.S. government to help build international tools to manage the speed of frontier AI development. Titled "Pacing the Frontier," the petition urges Washington to spearhead an international effort to establish governance and technical mechanisms capable of deliberately slowing progress if automated AI research accelerates beyond human control. The signatories warning focuses heavily on recursive self-improvement, wherein autonomous AI systems design, code, and refine their successors without human oversight, potentially creating risks that outpace existing security safeguards and safety protocols.…

Air India Express has announced a waiver of cargo charges for the transportation of relief materials to Assam, aiming to support humanitarian efforts in flood-affected areas of the state. The initiative is intended to facilitate faster movement of essential supplies by registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recognised relief agencies engaged in assisting communities impacted by the ongoing floods. According to the airline, the waiver applies to cargo carried on its flights to Guwahati from Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Eligible consignments include food and dry rations, drinking water, medicines, hygiene and sanitation kits, clothing, blankets, tarpaulins and other humanitarian supplies, subject…

A first-of-its-kind investigation by animal protection organisationSentient World has documented widespread animal welfare, public health and environmental concerns across more than 100 dairy units in six Indian states, highlighting recurring deficiencies in dairy management and regulatory oversight. Conducted between February 10 and April 15, 2026, the investigation covered dairy operations in Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, ranging from small household farms to large unregulated dairy clusters. The report found that many dairy units were located within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns over environmental contamination and public health. Investigators documented overcrowding, prolonged…

Smart home appliance maker Dreame Technology has expanded its premium product portfolio in India with the launch of the D30 Ultra Robot Vacuum, featuring automated cleaning functions, advanced navigation technology and a starting price of ₹52,999. The device will be available on Amazon immediately, while sales through Dreame India's official website, Croma and select retail stores will begin from August 1. The D30 Ultra comes equipped with 25,000Pa Vormax™ suction, MopExtend™ technology for improved edge cleaning, and a fully automated maintenance station featuring AceCleanDryBoard™ washboard auto-cleaning. The company said the robot vacuum can provide up to 75 days of hands-free…