Category Archives: technology

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. According to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol, the decision comes following a lukewarm response from potential bidders.

### Initial Launch and Auction Blocks

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks for bidding. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are spread across a vast region from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east.

### Multiple Deadline Extensions and Postponement

Initially, the bidding deadline was set for February 27, but it was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. An official confirmed to Moneycontrol that the government decided to postpone the auction to encourage broader participation. A new date for the event is yet to be announced.

### Importance of Mineral Deposits

The blocks on offer are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies—industries that are crucial for India’s strategic growth and technological advancement.

### Environmental Concerns and Local Opposition

Despite the strategic significance, the auction has met with resistance from political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities, who have raised concerns about the environmental risks linked to undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges

Experts highlight that technology poses a significant challenge for India’s deep-sea mineral exploration. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted at the India Mining Summit on September 18, “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on China

China dominates the production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements utilized in electronics, EV batteries, and defense sectors. This dominance has global implications, especially following Beijing’s export restrictions on certain essential minerals.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission earlier this year in January. The initiative aims to boost domestic exploration, enhance processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce reliance on imports and improve supply chain resilience.

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India’s postponement of the deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological hurdles and environmental concerns to the need for wider stakeholder participation. The government’s strategic focus remains on harnessing critical mineral resources essential for the country’s future, while balancing ecological and socio-economic factors.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s maiden auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, which are rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. The decision follows a lukewarm response from potential bidders, according to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol.

### Initial Auction and Response

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks, which included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. As this was India’s first attempt at such an auction, some companies submitted numerous queries, highlighting the novelty and complexity of deep-sea mineral exploration.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

Originally, the bidding deadline was set for February 27. However, the deadline was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. A government official confirmed that the postponement aims to attract wider participation in the auction. Currently, a new date for the event has yet to be finalized.

### Strategic Importance of the Mineral Deposits

The auctioned mineral blocks cover a vast area stretching from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east. These blocks are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. Such resources are essential components for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Environmental and Local Concerns

Despite the strategic importance, political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have voiced concerns regarding the environmental risks of undersea mineral exploration. These apprehensions have added complexity to the auction process.

### Technological Challenges

Experts have highlighted technology as the biggest hurdle in India’s deep-sea mineral exploration efforts. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted during the India Mining Summit on September 18 that the entire global supply chain, including technology, is highly concentrated, with countries worldwide racing to develop new technologies to access these resources.

### Addressing China’s Dominance

China remains the world’s largest producer of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense systems. Beijing’s export restrictions on certain critical minerals have raised global concerns over supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January. This strategic initiative aims to boost exploration activities, enhance domestic processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain.

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India’s deep-sea mineral auction marks an important step towards securing essential resources for future technologies. However, challenges related to bidder participation, technology, and environmental concerns must be addressed to move forward successfully.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

artificial intelligence, child safety, family, privacy, technology

OpenAI adds parental controls to ChatGPT: How they work

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**OpenAI Adds Parental Controls to ChatGPT: How They Work**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 04:42 PM*

OpenAI has introduced new parental controls for its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, designed to give parents more oversight and control over their children’s usage. The latest update enables parents to link their accounts with their teens’ and implement various restrictions such as quiet hours and content filters.

### Enhanced Parental Controls
With this update, parents can connect their accounts to their teen’s ChatGPT profile, allowing them to manage settings like quiet hours, disable voice mode and image generation, and restrict memory usage and model training. Notably, these controls can only be adjusted by parents—not by teens themselves—ensuring the settings remain enforced as needed.

### Stronger Protections for Teens
Teen accounts linked to parents automatically receive enhanced safeguards aimed at reducing exposure to graphic content, viral challenges, romantic or violent roleplay, and extreme beauty ideals. While parents have the option to disable these protections, teens cannot opt out independently.

### Self-Harm Detection and Alerts
OpenAI has incorporated a self-harm notification system that alerts parents if ChatGPT detects signs suggesting their teen may be considering self-harm. In critical situations where there is an imminent threat, emergency services or law enforcement may be involved to ensure the teen’s safety.

### Additional Resources and Future Plans
To support families, OpenAI has launched a dedicated parent resource page offering information on how ChatGPT works, setup guides for parental controls, and ideas for encouraging positive use in schoolwork, creativity, and family activities. This page will be expanded over time with expert advice and tips for facilitating healthy conversations.

Looking ahead, OpenAI is developing an age prediction system that will automatically apply teen-appropriate settings for users under 18, further enhancing safety and customization.

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These new parental control features mark an important step in ensuring a safer and more manageable ChatGPT experience for young users while giving parents peace of mind.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/openai-rolls-out-parental-controls-for-chatgpt/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

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**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed due to a lackluster response from potential bidders, government officials informed Moneycontrol.

### Background of the Auction

Launched in November last year, the auction featured 13 mineral blocks. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are located from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east and are abundant in valuable minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel — all crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

The original bidding deadline was set for February 27 but was extended multiple times — first to April 2, then May 1, and later August 22. However, as confirmed by an official, the auction did not take place on August 22 as initially planned.

Officials cited the need for broader participation in the auction process as the main reason behind the indefinite postponement. They also mentioned that some companies submitted several inquiries due to the novelty of this auction format. Currently, no new date has been finalized for the auction.

### Environmental and Political Concerns

Despite the strategic importance of these mineral resources, there has been opposition from certain quarters. Political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have raised concerns about the potential environmental risks associated with undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration

Experts acknowledge that technology remains the biggest hurdle for India’s deep-sea mineral mining ambitions. At the India Mining Summit held on September 18, Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the challenge: “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Chain Dynamics

China dominates global production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense. Its export restrictions have heightened concerns worldwide about supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January to enhance domestic exploration, improve processing capabilities, and promote recycling of these key minerals to reduce dependency on imports.

—

India’s postponement of its first deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological and environmental challenges to geopolitical considerations—in securing critical resources essential for the country’s green and defense initiatives. The government continues to work towards creating a conducive environment for wider participation and successful execution of this strategic auction in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

art, entertainment, film, japanese cinema, technology

Hirokazu Kore-eda Starts Shooting ‘Sheep In The Box’ With Gaga, Goodfellas Handling Sales

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Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda has commenced production on his latest feature film, *Sheep In The Box*, starring Ayase Haruka and Daigo. Ayase previously appeared in Kore-eda’s acclaimed film *Our Little Sister*, while Daigo, one of Japan’s leading comedians, takes on his first-ever leading role in a feature film with this project.

Following their collaboration on Kore-eda’s last feature, *Monster*, which premiered in the Cannes competition, *Sheep In The Box* will be sold internationally by Japan’s Gaga and France-based Goodfellas. Gaga is handling the Asian territories and, in collaboration with Goodfellas, the North American sales. Goodfellas manages distribution across Europe, the Middle East, CIS, Oceania, Latin America, and Africa.

Written and directed by Kore-eda, *Sheep In The Box* is set in the near future and follows a couple who takes in a state-of-the-art humanoid robot as their son. Kore-eda shares, “This project began with the idea of bringing the dead back to life using the latest technology. A few years ago, similar concepts were already featured on Japanese television programs and attracted considerable attention. I was interested in exploring the conflicting perspectives on how technological advancement clashes with human inner values.”

He continues, “In the spring of last year, I came across an article about the popularity of resurrection businesses in China; and in the fall, I met someone actually engaged in that field. It made me realize that such developments could occur in Japan as well. With technology evolving at a pace far beyond what I had imagined, I felt that this reality might arrive sooner than expected.”

*Sheep In The Box* is being produced by Gaga alongside Fuji Television Network, Toho, and AOI Pro. Toho will also handle distribution in Japan. The film’s title draws inspiration from the world-famous French children’s novel, *The Little Prince*.

Filming began earlier this month and is currently underway. The film is expected to be released in Japan in 2026.
https://deadline.com/2025/09/hirokazu-kore-eda-sheep-in-the-box-gaga-goodfellas-1236563645/

business, china, economy, investing, technology

Is Alibaba Stock a Safe Buy Now?

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Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) has been a focal point for investors looking to capitalize on China’s burgeoning e-commerce market. However, recent years have seen a roller-coaster ride for the stock, driven by regulatory crackdowns and economic uncertainties in China. The question for investors now is whether Alibaba represents a safe investment opportunity or if caution is still warranted.

Alibaba’s financial performance has shown resilience despite external pressures. The company reported strong revenue growth driven by its core commerce segment and cloud computing services. These sectors remain Alibaba’s backbone, contributing significantly to its financial health. Moreover, Alibaba’s international commerce and digital media segments are gaining traction, promising further diversification.

Regulatory challenges remain a significant concern. The Chinese government’s increased scrutiny over technology companies has led to hefty fines and operational adjustments for Alibaba. These regulatory measures are part of China’s broader goal to control the tech sector’s influence and ensure data security. However, Alibaba’s proactive compliance and cooperation with authorities may mitigate long-term impacts and restore investor confidence.

The global economic landscape also impacts Alibaba’s prospects. China’s economic slowdown and trade tensions with the United States have introduced volatility in the market. As a result, Alibaba’s international expansion efforts become critical. By strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia and Europe, Alibaba aims to reduce reliance on the domestic market and tap into new growth avenues.

Investor sentiment is gradually recovering as Alibaba demonstrates adaptability and strategic foresight. The company’s innovation in cloud technology and artificial intelligence positions it well for future growth. Moreover, Alibaba’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility aligns with global trends, potentially attracting ESG-conscious investors.

In conclusion, while challenges persist, Alibaba’s comprehensive strategy and financial robustness make it a compelling option for investors with a high-risk tolerance. Those considering Alibaba should weigh the potential for significant returns against the backdrop of regulatory and economic uncertainties.

*Footnotes:*
*Featured Image: DepositPhotos @ Iurii*
https://pressreach.com/investing-news/is-alibaba-stock-a-safe-buy-now/

agriculture, business, environment, society, technology

24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Pioneers Goat Grazing Business

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In Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, goats eagerly graze at a farm established by Yota Maeda, the head of Tokyo-based startup Mujou. Maeda, who launched a funeral services business while still at university, opened the goat farm in 2024. His latest venture offers goat grazing services as an alternative to conventional weeding methods.

Unlike machines, the goats consume the grass directly, eliminating the need for herbicides or the burning of clippings. “Their bleating is not particularly disruptive, and the animals don’t produce a strong odor,” Maeda said.

Contracts have already been signed with both businesses and individuals. One notable client is a large clinical testing facility capable of processing hundreds of thousands of samples daily, thanks to advanced automation and AI systems. The company introduced goats into its courtyard on a trial basis, allowing them to handle grass management.

“They work tirelessly from morning onward,” said Sakuya Odashima from H.U. Group Holdings’ HR and General Affairs Services Division. Employees also report feeling refreshed by the presence of the goats, with some noting how their greetings at the end of the day boost morale.

Behind Maeda’s project is a strong awareness of broader national issues, particularly the spread of abandoned farmland. By deploying goats, unused land can be restored, which may also help deter wild animal intrusions.

“In an era of population decline, we can’t maintain everything perfectly, but by leaving animals to graze, the land doesn’t lose its potential. We’re preserving it in a usable state,” Maeda explained.

Goat droppings naturally decompose, and Maeda is considering ways to repurpose them as fire starters, aiming to expand the scope of the business further.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147049.php

artificial intelligence, company, consumer electronics, products, technology

Amazon’s hardware event on September 30: What to expect

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**Amazon’s Hardware Event on September 30: What to Expect**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

Amazon has officially announced its fall hardware event, scheduled for September 30. The tech giant is expected to unveil a variety of new products, including updated Echo speakers, a color version of the Kindle Scribe, and revamped TVs. This event marks one of the first major product showcases under Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 after leading Microsoft’s Surface division.

### New Echo Speakers Likely

The invitation for Amazon’s event prominently features the familiar blue Echo ring, hinting at new Echo hardware announcements. The standard Echo speaker hasn’t been updated since 2020, so a refresh is well overdue. Additionally, there are rumors about an upgrade to the Echo Studio, which was last refreshed in 2023.

If you’re planning to purchase an Echo speaker, it might be worth waiting a week to see what Amazon has in store.

### Kindle Updates: Color Kindle Scribe and Smaller Kindle

One of the teaser images for the event strongly hints at a color Kindle logo, accompanied by a cryptic mention of the “stroke of a pen.” This has sparked speculation about a color version of the Kindle Scribe — Amazon’s E Ink tablet that supports stylus input.

There are also rumors about a smaller Kindle model, possibly called the Kindle Petit Color, which is expected to deliver improved color performance compared to last year’s Colorsoft Kindle.

### Tech Advancements: Vega OS and Alexa Plus

The event invitation also features what appears to be a TV, fueling speculation about new Fire TV hardware. However, the bigger highlight might be the anticipated unveiling of Vega OS — a new operating system Amazon has been developing as a potential replacement for the Android-based Fire TV platform.

If these rumors hold true, this event will offer the public its first real glimpse of Vega OS running on TVs.

Additionally, Amazon may share updates on Alexa Plus, its next-generation AI assistant designed to compete with Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

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Stay tuned for Amazon’s hardware event on September 30 for all the latest announcements and product launches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/everything-we-know-about-amazon-s-upcoming-hardware-event/story

academia, artificial intelligence, business, education, technology

Most B-school faculty in India lack AI expertise: Survey

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**Most B-school Faculty in India Lack AI Expertise: Survey**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

A recent survey conducted by MBAUniverse.com has revealed that while Indian business schools are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the majority of faculty members still lack the necessary expertise to effectively utilize these tools.

The study surveyed 235 educators from prestigious institutions such as IIMs, IITs, ISB, XLRI, and SPJIMR. It found that only 7% of these educators consider themselves expert users of AI tools.

### Growing Acceptance of AI in Academia

Despite the low level of expertise, the survey highlighted a positive shift in attitudes towards AI. About 51% of faculty members expressed confidence in the positive impact of AI adoption on business school students. More than half anticipate an increased role for AI in teaching, curriculum design, and research over the next year. This shows a growing acceptance and readiness for deeper integration of AI into academic processes.

### Application Areas: Transformative Potential of AI in Management Education

According to the survey, faculty are primarily using AI for research and teaching purposes. However, AI’s role in curriculum development is also steadily increasing. Administrative tasks and student assessment are emerging areas for AI application, indicating opportunities for structured support and capacity-building programs.

This highlights AI’s potential to transform multiple aspects of management education beyond just classroom teaching.

### Faculty Perceptions and Tool Preferences

The survey also explored faculty perceptions regarding AI’s impact on student learning, skill development, and classroom engagement. It assessed the tools, training, and policy guidance educators consider most important for responsible AI adoption.

Notably, ChatGPT emerged as the most relevant AI tool for teaching-related activities among faculty members.

### Challenges and Concerns in AI Adoption

While many faculty members viewed AI’s impact on student learning positively, 21% felt it was too early to determine its effects. Meanwhile, 18% perceived an unfavorable impact, and nearly 10% reported no significant changes.

The main challenges cited in using generative AI for research included ethical concerns, followed by issues related to inaccuracies, unreliable outputs, and a lack of regulatory policies.

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The survey underscores the urgent need for capacity building and policy frameworks to equip business school faculty with the skills and guidelines necessary to harness AI’s full potential responsibly and effectively.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/ai-adoption-among-indian-b-school-faculty-what-we-know/story

business, finance, market, real estate, technology

WeWork India to launch ₹3,000cr IPO on October 3

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**WeWork India to Launch ₹3,000 Crore IPO on October 3**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 28, 2025, 03:12 PM*

WeWork India, a leading player in the co-working space, is all set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on October 3, 2025. The IPO is estimated to be worth around ₹3,000 crore. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), bidding for anchor investors will open on October 1 for one day, and the IPO will close on October 7.

### Share Details and Offer for Sale (OFS)

The upcoming IPO from WeWork India is structured as an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 4.63 crore equity shares. The shares will be sold by Embassy Buildcon LLP, a promoter group firm, and Ariel Way Tenant Ltd, a subsidiary of WeWork Global. Since this is an OFS, WeWork India itself will not receive any proceeds from the listing.

### About WeWork India

Established in 2017, WeWork India operates under an exclusive license of the global ‘WeWork’ brand. The company is promoted by the Bengaluru-based real estate giant Embassy Group, which currently holds about 76.21% stake in WeWork India. WeWork Global owns the remaining 23.45%.

WeWork India operates across major Tier-1 cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, among others.

### Business Scale and Operations

WeWork India manages an extensive portfolio of over 77 lakh sq ft of commercial space, with 70 lakh sq ft currently operational. The company offers a desk capacity of more than 1.03 lakh and employs over 500 people nationwide.

In January 2024, WeWork India raised ₹500 crore through a rights issue aimed primarily at reducing debt and supporting its growth plans.

### Market Entry and IPO Goals

The company’s plan to list its equity shares on the stock exchanges in early October is intended to enhance its market visibility, provide liquidity to existing shareholders, and establish a public market for its shares in India.

With the IPO opening on October 3 and closing on October 7, WeWork India is expected to make its stock market debut by October 10.

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Stay tuned for more updates on WeWork India’s IPO and its journey in the listed space.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/everything-we-know-about-wework-india-s-ipo/story