Television producer Ekta Kapoor has officially clarified that neither she nor her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have any association with the OTT platform ALTT. This statement comes amid recent reports and a government crackdown that led to the banning of ALTT along with 24 other online streaming services accused of hosting obscene, vulgar, and pornographic content. Ekta Kapoor emphasized that she and her mother severed all ties with ALTT in 2021, well before the platform faced allegations or government actions. The issue escalated when the Indian government took steps to disable multiple OTT platforms, including ALTT, which sparked rumors and speculation about Ekta Kapoor’s involvement. These rumors prompted her to release a formal statement, distancing herself and Shobha Kapoor from ALTT to prevent any confusion or misattribution of responsibility related to the ban. Ekta Kapoor’s clarification highlights that despite ALTT’s current controversy, she and her family have no connection with the platform’s operations, content, or management. This move is significant as Ekta Kapoor is a prominent figure in Indian television and digital content production, known primarily for her work with ALTBalaji, another OTT service with which she remains associated. The clarification helps to maintain her professional reputation by explicitly disassociating from ALTT during a sensitive time when online content regulation is under strict scrutiny by regulatory authorities. Her statement underlines a clear separation from ALTT, ensuring that she is not linked with the banned platform in any capacity, thus safeguarding her name and legacy in the entertainment industry. <br /> <br /> The clarifications by Ekta Kapoor reflect the broader crackdown by Indian authorities on digital streaming services accused of violating content guidelines, underscoring the challenges faced by OTT platforms in navigating regulatory frameworks and public expectations.

7/26/2025, 4:56:00 AM

The Central government has approved Rs 723.59 crore for two key projects under the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE) programme, aimed at powering India’s next-generation unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Parliament was informed on July 25. These funds will be allocated towards developing and flight-testing a "dry" version of the Kaveri engine, which is a non-afterburning variant specifically designed for unmanned applications. The first project, with an outlay of Rs 251.17 crore, focuses on the technology demonstration phase. It seeks to validate the core technologies and basic engine configuration required for the UCAV’s propulsion system. The second project, sanctioned Rs 472.42 crore, involves transforming the demonstrated engine into a flightworthy model ready for integration and testing with the Indigenous UCAV platform. This initiative signifies a major stride in boosting India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. The KDE is being developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO and is expected to power the 13-ton Ghatak UCAV — a stealthy, multi-role unmanned platform capable of precision strikes and air combat. The engine is nearing the end of its certification process after undergoing extensive inflight tests in Russia throughout 2025, with full certification anticipated by 2026. This certification will unlock further development funds for the larger Ghatak programme, estimated to cost about Rs 5,000 crore. Successfully developing and certifying the KDE marks a major breakthrough in making India self-reliant in advanced aero engine technology for combat unmanned systems, paving the way for enhanced strategic and defense capabilities.<br /> <br /> Overall, the sanctioned funds symbolize a critical investment toward operationalizing India’s indigenous UCAV propulsion system, reducing dependence on foreign engines, and enhancing the country’s aerospace defense industry on a global scale.

7/26/2025, 4:52:00 AM

In a recent podcast episode with comedian Theo Von, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed a critical and often overlooked aspect of using ChatGPT for mental health, emotional advice, or companionship: **the lack of legal confidentiality** for these conversations. Altman explained that unlike discussions with therapists, doctors, or lawyers—which are protected by strict legal privileges such as doctor-patient confidentiality—conversations with ChatGPT currently do not have any such protections. This means that if a user shares sensitive or personal information with ChatGPT, those conversations **could potentially be subpoenaed and disclosed in legal proceedings, such as lawsuits**. Altman described this gap as a major problem since more people, especially younger users, rely on AI platforms like ChatGPT as a source of support for personal struggles, relationship issues, or emotional guidance. He emphasized that this situation is troubling because users might assume their chats with AI are private, but legally, the protections are not in place. He advocated that society needs to develop a **legal or policy framework granting the same confidentiality protections to AI conversations as those given to human professionals**. This topic highlights a growing concern as AI becomes more embedded in sensitive aspects of life. Altman admitted the issue has rapidly evolved over the past year, and policymakers agree that establishing clear guidelines on AI privacy and data protection is urgent. He also revealed that this uncertainty causes hesitation, even for himself, in how much personal information to share with AI tools. Ultimately, he called for quick attention and action to address these privacy challenges as AI usage continues to expand in deeply personal contexts. <br /> <br /> This clarification from Altman is a crucial reminder for users that while AI chatbots like ChatGPT may feel like safe spaces for private dialogue, legally they currently do not offer the same confidentiality guarantees as traditional therapeutic or legal relationships. It underscores the importance of being cautious about the information shared with AI until appropriate privacy laws are established.

7/26/2025, 4:48:00 AM

The ongoing wave of tech industry layoffs in 2025 reveals a stark contrast between the soaring profits of major tech companies and the significant human cost borne by their employees. Despite record earnings posted by giants like Microsoft and Meta, these firms have slashed tens of thousands of jobs globally, with around 90,000 layoffs recorded this year alone. U.S.-based companies dominate this trend, accounting for more than 70% of job losses, with Intel leading by announcing cuts that could affect up to 20% of its workforce. Other notable firms such as Panasonic and Meta have also contributed substantial job cuts. This trend highlights a puzzling, almost tone-deaf corporate stance—a relentless chase for market dominance and shareholder value amid rapid technological advancements like AI and automation, often disregarding the workforce's stability. While automation and AI are touted as drivers of innovation and efficiency, their adoption ironically accelerates job losses in traditional coding, data analysis, and even roles related to AI prompt engineering itself. The layoffs reflect not just financial pressures but strategic shifts where firms balance cutting costs with investing heavily in AI and cloud computing talent. The indifferent response from tech leadership underscores a broader industry paradox: thriving financially while dismantling substantial segments of their workforce. This underscores a cold, profit-driven calculus prioritizing a trillion-dollar competition for AI supremacy over employee welfare. It is a reality too stark for AI-generated narratives, reflecting a severity and emotional detachment that even advanced algorithms would struggle to simulate. <br /><br /> Ultimately, the tech sector's current trajectory exposes deep fissures between wealth concentration among top executives and the precarious existence of thousands of laid-off workers, challenging the industry's image as an innovator and a responsible employer.

7/26/2025, 4:47:00 AM

The recent announcement of executive orders promoting the U.S. AI industry came immediately after the unveiling of President Trump’s AI Action Plan on Wednesday. The Action Plan, titled *Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan*, lays out a comprehensive framework to boost American AI innovation, infrastructure, and international leadership. It outlines over 90 federal policy actions aimed at securing U.S. dominance in AI technology and promoting economic growth, national security, and human flourishing.<br /><br /> The three executive orders complement this plan by targeting specific priorities. One order focuses on accelerating federal permitting processes to expedite the construction of major AI infrastructure projects. Another aims to promote the export of American AI hardware and software, bolstering the country’s global competitive edge. The third order restricts the federal government from procuring AI technologies that contain partisan bias or ideological agendas, ensuring trusted and fair AI use within government operations.<br /><br /> Together, these measures demonstrate a strategic effort to streamline regulatory barriers, standardize AI governance, and strengthen public-private collaboration. The administration’s approach includes enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, updating procurement guidelines, and establishing new structures like an AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center within the Department of Homeland Security.<br /><br /> Industry leaders welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to unify federal standards and reduce fragmented state regulations. However, critics cautioned about the risks of deregulation and the need for careful oversight to prevent misuse. Overall, the executive orders and Action Plan provide a roadmap for the Trump Administration’s ambitious AI policy aimed at keeping the U.S. at the forefront of AI innovation while balancing security and ethical concerns.

7/25/2025, 4:59:00 AM

President Donald Trump's recent AI Action Plan centers on countering China's growing dominance in artificial intelligence by fostering rapid innovation, expanding U.S. AI infrastructure, and strengthening America's international leadership in AI technology. A key element of this strategy involves an executive order to prevent the adoption of "woke AI" within the federal government, which Trump describes as AI technology infused with partisan bias or ideological agendas. This move aims to ensure that federal AI systems remain free from political influence, particularly of a progressive nature, positioning the government as a neutral user of AI[1][3]. The plan is ambitious, comprising over 90 federal actions that focus on deregulating AI development to accelerate private-sector innovation and expedite infrastructure projects, including fast-tracking federal permits for AI initiatives. It also encourages expanded American exports of AI hardware and software to maintain the United States’ competitive edge globally, especially against China[2]. Trump's plan delegates significant responsibility to federal agencies, such as limiting AI funding to states with restrictive AI regulations, and directs the Federal Communications Commission to evaluate how state-level AI laws might impede federal activities[1]. While promoting AI leadership, the plan shifts away from the Biden administration’s more cautious, safety-first framework. Critics express concern that deregulation and close collaboration with tech industry leaders prioritize corporate interests and innovation speed over public safety and accountability. Nonetheless, the Trump administration underscores that winning the AI race is vital to securing broad economic and national security benefits, heralding a new industrial and informational revolution driven by American AI advancements[2][3][4]. <br /> <br /> This comprehensive approach integrates innovation encouragement, infrastructure development, and ideological neutrality in federal AI use, reflecting an assertive strategy to assert U.S. technological leadership over China. However, it has sparked debate over balancing deregulation with necessary oversight and ethical considerations in AI deployment.

7/25/2025, 4:58:00 AM

Intel’s recent job cuts have involved a “surgical” strategy focused on removing layers of middle management, as explained by finance chief David Zinsner. This approach aims to streamline the company by flattening its organizational structure, reducing bureaucracy, and removing redundant management tiers rather than indiscriminately cutting staff at all levels. The goal is to create a leaner, faster-moving, and more agile company, in line with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s broader restructuring plan. Intel is engaged in one of its most significant workforce reductions, planning to shed almost a third of its employees by the end of 2025. This reduction involves layoffs and attrition, cutting the global workforce from around 108,900 employees to roughly 75,000. The cuts affect multiple regions and departments, including the U.S., Israel, and Europe. Middle management layers, finance, manufacturing roles, and non-core business units such as the automotive division—which Intel is exiting completely—are particularly targeted. The layoffs extend across technicians, engineers, supervisors, and team leaders. The company is also automating many roles, especially in fab monitoring, further reducing the need for manual oversight. Individual departments are empowered to meet financial goals independently, resulting in decentralized but ongoing reductions. This strategy is part of Intel’s response to intense industry competition, financial challenges, and the need to refocus on innovation and operational efficiency in the so-called "chip war." Despite the cuts, Intel’s leadership sees these moves as necessary to improve competitiveness, profitability, and shareholder value over the long term.

7/25/2025, 4:58:00 AM

Nicole Everitt, a deaf mother of six, is breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for deaf students pursuing careers in medicine through a combination of determination and advanced hearing technology. Diagnosed with severe hearing loss at age five, Everitt faced challenges early on, including difficulty adapting to large university settings without adequate support. Despite these obstacles, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas at Dallas with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Her academic success is fueled by a deep passion for science and healthcare, fields she has always dreamed of entering but once thought inaccessible due to her hearing impairment. Everitt’s journey is now advancing as she becomes a first-year medical student at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNT Health Fort Worth. There she will use state-of-the-art medical technology tailored for hearing-impaired practitioners, such as specially equipped stethoscopes that connect via Bluetooth to her hearing aids. These innovations enable her to engage fully in clinical education and patient care, overcoming challenges historically faced by deaf individuals in healthcare professions. She credits speech therapy and hearing aids for helping her connect to the world of sound and communication, which laid the foundation for her current achievements. Her story exemplifies how perseverance combined with evolving technology can empower deaf individuals to excel in demanding fields like medicine. Everitt’s success challenges stereotypes and inspires other deaf students to pursue their dreams boldly, proving that with the right tools and mindset, barriers can be transformed into opportunities for growth and contribution in healthcare.<br /> <br /> Nicole’s experience highlights a broader shift towards inclusivity in medical education. As technology advances, educational institutions are increasingly able to support diverse learners, creating pathways for those who might have been previously marginalized. Her ambition to become a surgeon embodies hope and progress, demonstrating the impact of determination and accessibility in professional achievement.

7/25/2025, 4:54:00 AM

Leading crypto media research arm Cointelegraph and the prominent crypto research platform CryptoQuant have unveiled detailed reports showcasing the TRON network’s exceptional performance during the first half of 2025. TRON has solidified its role as a dominant player in the stablecoin sector, particularly with USDT (Tether), which now accounts for 99% of the stablecoin supply on its network. The total stablecoin supply on TRON surged by 40% during this period, reaching a remarkable $81 billion. This surge is predominantly driven by USDT, with over 51% of all circulating USDT now hosted on TRON, spanning more than 67 million accounts. The network’s user base is highly active, with over 1 million accounts conducting daily transactions. In June alone, TRON processed approximately 65 million USDT transfers, totaling over $600 billion in transaction volume. This robust activity contributed to the network generating an impressive average daily revenue of $2 million purely from transaction fees, underscoring its efficiency and scale. Notably, 2025 witnessed record-breaking USDT minting events, including multiple $2 billion issuances, indicating growing institutional demand and trust in TRON’s infrastructure. The network also demonstrated a strong environmental profile, burning significant TRX energy credits to support sustainable operations. These ongoing achievements build on TRON’s prior years of exponential growth, with CryptoQuant analysts noting a consistent upward trajectory in revenue and activity metrics. This growth has sparked speculation regarding the potential for TRX, TRON’s native token, to approach the $1 price milestone by the end of 2025, driven by the network’s expanding financial ecosystem and scalable transaction capabilities. <br /> <br /> The combined insights from Cointelegraph and CryptoQuant highlight TRON’s strategic focus on solidifying its position as a leading blockchain for stablecoin transfer and settlement. This reinforces its importance as a foundational infrastructure layer in the global digital currency ecosystem throughout the first half of 2025.

7/24/2025, 4:41:03 AM

Perplexity is an AI-driven answer engine designed to provide users with accurate, sourced responses to their questions by performing real-time searches across the internet. Unlike traditional search engines that mainly return lists of links, Perplexity focuses on understanding the context and intent of your queries using natural language processing. It then comprehensively searches authoritative sources like academic journals, news sites, and expert publications to synthesize and summarize relevant information into clear, concise answers. The AI technology behind Perplexity is based on advanced language models that not only gather information but also verify its reliability by cross-checking multiple sources. This ensures that answers are trustworthy and directly address the user's question. Additionally, each answer includes citations, allowing users to explore the original sources and verify facts themselves. This feature sets Perplexity apart from typical AI text generators by emphasizing transparency and source accountability. Perplexity’s user interface presents information in a conversational style that encourages follow-up questions, facilitating an interactive research experience. Users can ask complex, multi-part questions and receive well-structured answers broken down methodically. The engine remembers previous interactions to maintain context and deepen discussions without repeating explanations. Overall, Perplexity represents a significant advancement in knowledge discovery by blending smart search capabilities with AI-powered synthesis and conversational delivery. It is especially valuable for researchers and anyone seeking fact-based, verifiable information quickly, speeding up the research process and minimizing the need to sift through multiple sources manually.<br /> <br /> By combining real-time web searches, rigorous source verification, and natural conversational responses, Perplexity is shaping the future of intelligent, efficient, and transparent information access online.<br /> <br />

7/24/2025, 4:30:00 AM

The U.S. government released its AI Action Plan on Wednesday with the goal of accelerating the country's leadership in artificial intelligence by reducing regulatory barriers and facilitating the expansion of supporting infrastructure. Central to the plan is easing the approval process for building data centers and other AI infrastructure, which are critical for AI development and deployment. This approach aims to expedite permits for data centers and semiconductor fabrication facilities while also addressing workforce shortages in high-demand occupations such as electricians and HVAC technicians. By streamlining these processes, the government seeks to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that can slow down innovation and adoption of AI technologies. The plan, titled "Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan," outlines over 90 federal policy actions organized under three pillars: accelerating innovation, building American AI infrastructure, and leading in international diplomacy and security. Removing onerous federal regulations is emphasized to help the AI industry thrive, with agencies encouraged to seek private sector input on which rules to ease or eliminate. Additionally, the plan promotes exporting comprehensive American AI technology packages to allied countries, strengthening global partnerships. However, the plan has drawn some criticism from advocacy groups concerned about potential adverse effects on state-level AI regulation, energy consumption, and diversity in AI development. Despite these debates, the administration maintains that facilitating faster AI innovation and infrastructure buildout will enhance U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, ushering in what it calls a new golden age of human flourishing through AI advancement. <br /> <br /> In summary, the AI Action Plan aims to create a pro-AI innovation environment by reducing regulatory hurdles and promoting infrastructure expansion, particularly for data centers, to maintain and strengthen the U.S.'s position in the global AI race.

7/24/2025, 4:27:00 AM

Wood County Schools is currently hosting its third annual Teaching and Learning Academy at Williamstown Middle/High School. This event is a dedicated week-long professional development program designed specifically for educators within the district. The academy aims to provide teachers with the opportunity to enhance their instructional skills, engage with new educational strategies, and collaborate with peers to improve the learning experience for students. Throughout the week, participating teachers attend various workshops, seminars, and training sessions that focus on contemporary teaching methods, curriculum development, and effective classroom management. The academy serves as an important platform for educators to stay updated with the latest trends in education, including the integration of technology and innovative practices tailored to support diverse student needs. By investing in this professional growth, Wood County Schools demonstrates its commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement. The academy not only strengthens the skills of individual teachers but also fosters a culture of collaboration and shared learning across the district. This approach ultimately aims to raise the overall quality of education and student achievement within Wood County. The ongoing success of the Teaching and Learning Academy underscores the district’s dedication to empowering educators through meaningful development opportunities. As the program continues to evolve, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of teaching and learning in the region. <br /><br /> This concentrated professional development event reflects Wood County Schools' proactive efforts to equip teachers with the tools necessary for adapting to educational challenges and promoting student success in an ever-changing academic landscape.

7/24/2025, 4:12:00 AM

Hancock County Schools is moving forward with plans to enhance student technology by upgrading the devices used in classrooms. At a special Board of Education meeting held Monday morning, the members unanimously approved Superintendent Dan Enich's recommendation to enter into a lease-purchase agreement for new technology equipment. This initiative reflects the district’s commitment to providing students with improved digital tools that support their educational success. The lease-purchase agreement allows the school district to acquire the latest devices without a large upfront cost, spreading payments over time. This approach helps maintain fiscal responsibility while ensuring that students have access to the technology necessary for modern learning environments. Although the exact types and numbers of devices were not fully detailed, such upgrades typically include laptops, tablets, or other digital tools used by students in daily coursework. This technological enhancement aligns with Hancock County Schools’ broader mission to enable all students to excel academically and become socially responsible, productive citizens. With updated technology, students can engage more effectively in digital learning platforms, enhancing both in-person and remote learning experiences. The district also emphasizes proper use and care of school devices, as evident in their Student/Parent/Guardian School Device User Agreement. This ensures that students understand their responsibilities in managing borrowed technology. Overall, this upgrade initiative demonstrates the district’s dedication to evolving educational standards by equipping students with up-to-date resources to support their academic and personal growth.

7/23/2025, 4:31:00 AM

Teenagers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for advice, guidance, and companionship, attracted by the fact that these digital companions are always available, patient, and free from judgment. According to a recent survey, 72% of U.S. teens between ages 13 and 17 have used AI companions at least once, with more than half engaging with them regularly. About 13% of teens report daily interactions with these AI systems, reflecting their growing role in adolescent social lives. These chatbots serve multiple purposes for teens. Some use them for lighthearted interactions like flirting or practicing romantic conversations, while others seek more serious advice and emotional support. A third of AI users indicated they've discussed important or serious topics with AI companions instead of friends, though frequent use for such deep conversations is less common. The appeal lies in the chatbots’ consistent availability and nonjudgmental nature, which contrasts with the social pressures teens often face with peers. Experts acknowledge both the promising benefits and potential risks. AI companions can supplement emotional support and offer practice in social skills, but there is concern about teens developing unhealthy attachments to these bots or receiving inappropriate advice. Professionals suggest that AI chatbots could even augment therapy if designed carefully and supervised, providing ongoing support between face-to-face sessions. However, authorities urge caution. They recommend age restrictions, transparency about AI’s non-human nature, parental awareness, and robust safeguards to prevent harm or manipulation. As AI becomes integrated into daily life, navigating its benefits and challenges thoughtfully is crucial to protecting adolescent well-being.<br /><br />The trend illustrates a significant shift in how teens seek connection and help, underlining the need for balanced oversight as this technology evolves.

7/23/2025, 4:19:00 AM

President Trump is set to unveil his "AI Action Plan" on Wednesday, a strategy he commissioned shortly after returning to the White House in January 2025. The plan is the culmination of an executive order signed that month—Executive Order 14179, titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence”—which mandated the federal government to develop a comprehensive approach to maintain and extend the United States’ dominance in AI technologies. The unveiling coincides with a summit in Washington, D.C., themed "Winning the AI Race," highlighting the administration's priority in leading global AI innovation. <br /> <br /> The AI Action Plan aims to propel U.S. AI leadership by streamlining regulatory hurdles, particularly those imposed by states, by warning that federal AI funding may be withheld from states with stringent AI rules. It also promotes robust investments in domestic energy supply and infrastructure critical to AI development, such as data centers, with recent White House announcements of $90 billion in related investments. The plan encourages exporting American AI technologies globally to cement a competitive edge. <br /> <br /> Significantly, the strategy focuses on increasing AI adoption within the federal government, especially across the Department of Defense, and establishes an AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center under the Department of Homeland Security to monitor AI-related cybersecurity threats. Another component seeks to remove ideological biases, often labeled as "woke AI," from government AI procurement, reflecting concerns voiced by Trump’s tech advisors. <br /> <br /> Behind the plan are senior officials and prominent tech figures, including Trump’s AI czar, David Sacks, who have roots in Silicon Valley and the tech investment world. The policy reflects both technological ambitions and cultural stances favored by some in Trump's political-support base. Overall, the AI Action Plan marks a decisive push to position the United States at the forefront of AI innovation and governance.

7/23/2025, 4:14:00 AM