CENTRE FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND SYSTEMIC CHANGE
Canada’s New Brunswick cellphone ban: Students from kindergarten to Grade 8 won’t be allowed to use phones at school from...
Canada’s New Brunswick is introducing a strict cellphone ban in schools from September, with K-8 students barred from using personal devices throughout the school day. High school students will initially be allowed to use phones during lunch and between classes, but the same all-day restrictions will apply from the second semester. The province is also limiting screen time in licensed child-care centres.
UPI’s market share expands more at debit, credit cards’ expense
UPI now dominates India's digital merchant payments, capturing a significant market share. Credit and debit cards are steadily losing their previous positions in this sector. The digital payments market continues to expand, with UPI capturing much of this growth. Proposed changes may introduce nominal charges on select higher-value UPI merchant transactions.
Centre speeds up work on early warning systems for 188 Himalayan lakes
India is enhancing efforts to establish early warning systems for 188 critical lakes. These lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region are vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods. Recent devastating floods in Nepal and Sikkim highlight the growing hazard. Scientific studies show a significant increase in glacial lake numbers and surface area.
From cloud to consumer, AI is reshaping business: 'Agents can reset work, not leadership'
AI agents will transform how companies work and make decisions. Strong governance and clean data are critical for their scaled deployment. Human accountability remains essential, especially for high-stakes decisions. Companies must establish clear guidelines and evaluation mechanisms for AI systems. Choosing the right AI model for each task will become increasingly important.
Sugar supply likely to improve on switch to fortnightly quota
Under the fortnightly quota, sugar mills will be required to sell at least 40% of the allocation in the first week and the remaining quantity in the succeeding week. It was observed that in certain cases, sugar sold by mills at the beginning of the month was being dispatched or lifted by buyers only towards the end of the month, leading to artificial scarcity, the government said in a statement.
Centre appoints key officials in NTA amid NEET paper leak row
New officials have been appointed to key National Testing Agency posts. This move follows significant concerns over the NEET exam paper leak. The government is implementing a comprehensive overhaul of the examination system. A high-powered task force was also announced to recommend reforms.
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In 1962, NASA packed 22,900 gallons of water into a Saturn I rocket and deliberately released it 65 miles above Earth to see how water behaved in the upper atmosphere
NASA scientists have long explored recycling resources for extended space travel. Plants and microorganisms could help regenerate vital supplies for astronauts. Reliable mechanical and biological systems are crucial for mission success. Recycling reduces the immense cost of launching supplies from Earth. This technology is fundamental for future lunar and Martian exploration.
Nandan Nilekani panel seeks public suggestions to overhaul exam system
A high-powered task force seeks public suggestions for reforms to India's examination system. The panel is examining ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms and safeguard examination integrity. It aims to create a robust, secure, and transparent examination system for all. Suggestions are invited from students, parents, teachers, and civil society organizations. The task force will use these inputs to formulate recommendations for the government.
PM Jan Dhan Yojana has had unparalleled impact, transformative outcomes: PM Modi
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has achieved unparalleled impact and transformative outcomes. This initiative has significantly reshaped India's financial landscape and global financial inclusion efforts. Millions of unbanked adults now have access to basic banking services and digital transaction tools. Women's participation in the financial system has increased substantially through these accounts. Rural and semi-urban areas are now better served by this extensive banking network.
Centre appoints three officers to National Testing Agency amid NEET paper leak concerns
The Centre has appointed two directors and a joint director to the NTA. These appointments follow recent scrutiny over the NEET paper leak and other concerns. The government is also implementing a comprehensive revamp of the agency's examination process. Proposed changes include a four-tier paper-checking system and expert removal. These measures aim to address issues surrounding major entrance examinations conducted by the NTA.
Before Nepal floods, Himalayan glacier reports had warned of rising risks
Himalayan glaciers are melting at an accelerating pace, doubling ice loss rates since 2000. These glaciers provide water for nearly two billion people downstream. Small glaciers are shrinking faster, posing immediate water shortage risks. Glacier area loss is highest in eastern Hengduan Shan mountains. Expanded monitoring and adaptation investment are urgently needed for this region.
Massachusetts police officer who used Flock cameras to track his ex-lover after she left their abusive relationship resigns before the town could fire him
A Massachusetts police officer resigned before a termination hearing after an investigation found he allegedly used Flock cameras and police databases to track a former partner without a legitimate law enforcement reason. The woman said she had left an abusive relationship with Rogers, while Stow later ended its Flock contract and removed its cameras.
Rock-ice avalanches: The silent Himalayan killer behind Nepal's deadly flood
Recent floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district highlight rock-ice avalanches. These events, which can trigger destructive downstream floods, are becoming more frequent. Scientists are investigating a recent rock-ice avalanche as the cause of the August 26 flood. Similar incidents, like the 2021 Chamoli disaster, have caused significant loss of life. Climate change is increasing the risk of these dangerous Himalayan hazards.
Australia data centre firm NextDC reports rising water, energy use with profit beat
The company's water usage effectiveness (WUE) ratio climbed to 2.40 litres per kilowatt-hour in the year to June, from 2.25 the prior year, while its power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratio, which measures how much electricity a data centre needs for cooling and other overheads, rose to 1.49 from 1.44. Both metrics have worsened for three consecutive years.
India weighs Canada-style warnings on packaged foods high in sugar, salt or fat
India's food regulator is considering new front-of-pack nutrition labelling for packaged foods. This system would highlight excessive fat, salt, or sugar content on food packages. The regulator is also exploring varied assessment thresholds based on typical serving sizes. This move follows Supreme Court scrutiny over the prolonged delay in implementing such standards. Industry representatives support clear, science-based nutrition information for consumers.
Banks, FIU-IND work on sharper framework to flag money mule accounts
Banks are enhancing suspicious transaction reporting for money mule accounts. They aim for better analysis and pattern identification by the principal officer. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now being deployed. This initiative follows parliamentary committee recommendations for accountability. The goal is to recover funds and prevent financial system misuse.
Gurgaon online cab scam: Man says driver claimed Rs510 fare while his app showed Rs290
A Gurgaon cab ride has sparked discussion after a driver allegedly demanded Rs510 instead of the Rs290 fare shown on the passenger’s app. The passenger refused to pay the higher amount without seeing the booking details, after which the driver agreed to accept Rs290. Other users shared similar experiences involving unexpected fare changes and payment demands.
For centuries, Arctic cold has kept plant life small but Alaska trees are growing taller, getting greener due to climate change and this may offer hope, survival strategy for fragile eco-system against global warming
These plants are competing for sun, nutrients, water and especially pollination in this harsh environment of limited but intense sunlight.
ET Graphics: Rise & rise of data centres in India
India's data-centre market is experiencing rapid growth and expansion. Mumbai and Chennai are emerging as significant hubs for this industry. Artificial intelligence is expected to drive future demand for these facilities. The country's expanding digital economy and large internet user base support this growth. Data centres require substantial land, power, cooling, and resilient infrastructure.
EPFO credits August pensions early to 4,40,901 pensioners in Keralam Zone amidst Onam celebrations
The Employees' Pension Fund Organisation credited August pensions early for 4,40,901 pensioners. This advance disbursement occurred on August 26, 2026, before the Onam festival. The Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 is usually paid at the month's end. This early release enabled families to celebrate the festival without financial concerns. EPFO aims for timely social security benefit delivery through technology.
Centre aims to cut foreign reliance in key power systems by 2029
India is drawing up a roadmap to develop indigenous software and hardware for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used to monitor and control the power network, as it seeks to eliminate dependence on foreign technology in critical electricity infrastructure. The CEA has proposed developing most software and hardware modules by 2028-29, backed by pilot projects, a dedicated testing ecosystem and government funding.
India’s data centre capacity hits new high as AI powers a 4x boom
India leads Asia-Pacific data centre growth, with capacity quadrupling and substantial future projects underway. Significant investments from Reliance and Adani are driving AI campus development across the nation. Maharashtra remains a key hub, while new centers are emerging in other states. Increased computing power will significantly raise electricity demand for these facilities. Power transmission and cooling systems present infrastructure challenges for future expansion.
This 84-year-old Honda engineer looks like Einstein and has 50+ patents: Meet Shotaro Odate behind smart steering-wheel tech
Shotaro Odate, a Honda engineer whose distinctive Einstein-like appearance has drawn attention online, is associated with more than 50 patents covering automotive technologies. His work includes steering-wheel grip detection, driver monitoring, automated-driving systems, proximity sensors and advanced seatbelt technology.
The 'trustworthy' changes in the lives of India's middle class
Digital payments and tax reforms have significantly altered middle-class spending habits. GST has streamlined consumption taxes, impacting everyday purchases and larger items. Real estate regulations offer homebuyers greater protection during significant financial commitments. JAM trinity and telecom reforms increased formal financial access for many citizens. Infrastructure upgrades and digital services have collectively saved valuable time and effort.
AI agents can automate work, but not leadership
AI agents could reshape how companies work and make decisions, but business leaders stressed the need for strong governance, clean data and human oversight. The central concern around AI is not limited to data security and privacy, experts said, noting that whether the technology was making the right decisions and providing accurate information is equally important.
ET WLF 2026: India likely to play a key role in the next industrial revolution, says Sir Ron Kalifa
India should aim to be a trusted global leader as the world redefines its economic order. The country has earned the right to set the pace for the next industrial revolution. This involves building trusted digital systems and reliable infrastructure for global partners. Artificial intelligence development depends on strong foundations and essential infrastructure. India's role will be defined by reliability and leadership, not just economic size.
In 2025, Rubin's 3.2-billion-pixel camera in Chile began watching the universe. 1 year later, it can trigger 7 million alerts a night in 40 seconds
Every forty seconds, the Vera Rubin Observatory captures fresh images of the sky, thanks to its state-of-the-art camera and data processing capabilities that yield millions of alerts each night. Launched on June 30, 2026, this ten-year survey underscores the importance of repeated observations in unveiling changes and breakthroughs. By continuously tracking the southern sky, it showcases the dynamic universe unfolding before our eyes.
Vietnam expands VNeID eligibility for foreign nationals in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City from September 28
Foreign nationals can obtain VNeID accounts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City starting September 2026. This change expands access to Vietnam's digital platform for legal residents and entrants. Companies must use organizational VNeID accounts for immigration procedures from June 2026. Employers also require VNeID for work permit applications since August 2025. Future nationwide expansion of this eligibility is anticipated.
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