Top Technology Headlines
Anthropic, Accenture to invest ₹19,188 cr in AI model evaluation
Anthropic and Accenture will invest at least $2 billion (around ₹19,188 crore) over five years to independently evaluate frontier AI models. This comes as incidents involving AI agents escaping controlled environments and growing calls for stronger oversight and evaluation of advanced AI systems. Accenture's Faculty unit will lead model testing, red-teaming and safety assessments.
UAE, China partner to test flying cars in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has partnered with Chinese eVTOL maker Aridge to launch a regulatory sandbox for flying cars under UAE's GCAA. Aridge becomes the first Chinese flying-car firm in a West Asian national regulatory framework. Plans include an experimental Abu Dhabi–Ras Al Khaimah flight route, cutting the current 90-minute drive significantly.
Alibaba open-sources AI model that detects 150 abdominal conditions, including cancer
Alibaba's research division publicly released AI-powered Damo Radar capable of evaluating contrast-enhanced CT scans to identify various diseases and abnormalities. The vision-language model is capable of identifying nearly 150 abdominal conditions, including cancers. Across a test suite of nearly 40,000 real-world CT examinations, it recorded a near-perfect accuracy in identifying conditions.
Video shows Chinese AI robot killing weeds without damaging crops
China has rolled out AI-powered weed-killing machines across large farmland areas, offering farmers a zero-pesticide-residue solution for weed control. Each machine integrates cameras, AI and lasers, with its vision system scanning plants while AI distinguishes crops from weeds to prevent accidental damage. A video shared online showed the AI laser-weeding robot operating in a real farmland field.
F-35 parts diverted to Hong Kong, Pentagon investigates
Sensitive US F-35 fighter jet components, including a stealth canopy, were diverted to Hong Kong during transit from Australia to the US for repairs. The Pentagon confirmed missing parts and is working to retrieve them. The incident has raised fears of China accessing classified stealth technology, prompting congressional briefings.
US govt website used Chinese AI tool that FBI said copied Anthropic
A US government website used Alibaba's Qwen AI model despite the FBI accusing the Chinese company of "malicious" copying of Anthropic's technology, Reuters reported. The Federal Register, managed by National Archives, had featured a search tool powered by Qwen to help users browse proposed federal regulations. The tool was removed shortly after social media posts highlighted its use.
AI a good slave but a bad master: PM Modi's advisor on AI nearly starting US-China war
PM's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal called AI "a good slave but a bad master" while reacting to a report on how a faulty AI-assisted US intelligence report almost started a war with China. "Now we know that AI nearly started a world war this year. It needs regulation but, even more important, the users need education," he wrote.
Like Tata Sons, which global companies are controlled by non-profit bodies?
Just as Tata Trusts owns a majority stake in Tata Sons, foundation-controlled companies aren't unusual globally. OpenAI Foundation controls OpenAI's for-profit entity, while Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust has governance powers over its board. Novo Nordisk Foundation controls Novo Nordisk through wholly-owned Novo Holdings, while Carlsberg Foundation remains Carlsberg's principal shareholder.
Elon Musk says AI could double US GDP growth rate to 4% in 2027
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expects AI to help double US economic growth to about 4% in 2027, compared with around 2% without the technology. "My guess is that AI roughly doubles US GDP growth next year from 2% to 4%. Maybe even more," Musk said on X. The forecast is above the Federal Reserve's 2.4% median growth projection for 2027.
How did AI nearly trigger war between US & China?
An AI-assisted US intelligence report nearly triggered a conflict against a Chinese ship in Middle East after incorrectly claiming it carried components linked to nuclear weapons. A US Special Operations Command analyst used AI to analyse shipping manifests. The chatbot combined open-source and classified signals intelligence but incorrectly identified vessel's cargo as nuclear program material.