Internet At 40,000 ft: As in-flight Wi-Fi becomes increasingly common, have you ever wondered how it keeps you connected at 40,000 feet? With no traditional broadband or mobile towers in the sky, airplanes rely on advanced technology. In the past, air travel and internet access were considered mutually exclusive. If you were taking a flight, you’d be logging out of the digital world. However, this issue has been addressed by the Indian government. In March 2020, the central government permitted airlines operating in India to provide in-flight Wi-Fi services to passengers. Notably, there are two primary systems for in-flight connectivity: air-to-ground and satellite. Air-to-Ground System This system works like mobile data on the ground but in reverse. Instead of cell towers projecting signals downward, special towers send signals upward. Antennas beneath the airplane receive these signals and transmit them to an onboard server, which then provides Wi-Fi to passengers. These ground towers are linked to operation centers run by service providers. Satellite-Based Wi-Fi System In this system, antennas on top of the airplane receive signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since both the aircraft and satellites are constantly moving, the antennas adjust to maintain a steady connection. These satellites relay data to ground stations, which connect to service providers. Which Airlines Offer In-Flight Wi-Fi? Many airlines in the UK and US already provide in-flight Wi-Fi. In India, some airlines, including Air India, are rolling out this service. Passengers receive details about availability when they board. How To Connect Wi-Fi In Flight? Connecting is easy—just like regular Wi-Fi. Passengers can tap on the Wi-Fi option on their phones. In some cases, they may need to enter their ticket details to access the service. Is In-Flight Wi-Fi Free? Some airlines offer free Wi-Fi, while others charge a fee. Pricing details are usually available when booking tickets. Future of In-Flight Wi-Fi At higher altitudes, airplanes switch to satellite-based services. Many airlines use a mix of Wi-Fi providers and technologies based on their aircraft and routes. New players like Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are also entering the market. Earlier this year, Starlink partnered with Hawaiian Airlines to offer high-speed internet through its low-Earth orbit satellites, marking a new era in in-flight connectivity.

Deep Research OpenAI: Sam Altman’s OpenAI has added a groundbreaking tool called Deep Research to ChatGPT, allowing users to perform multi-step research on the web for more complex tasks. The new tool showcased on a YouTube livestream on Sunday, shortly after being presented to lawmakers, policymakers, and officials in Washington. It is important to note that the Deep Research is OpenAI’s second AI agent, following the launch of Operator AI for browser-related tasks last month.   OpenAI founder Sam Altman announced the launch on X, saying, stating, “Today we launch deep research, our next agent….this is like a superpower; experts on demand..it can go use the internet, do complex research and reasoning, and give you back a report…it is really good, and can do tasks that would take hours/days and cost hundreds of dollars.”  today we launch deep research, our next agent. this is like a superpower; experts on demand! it can go use the internet, do complex research and reasoning, and give you back a report. it is really good, and can do tasks that would take hours/days and cost hundreds of dollars. — Sam Altman (@sama) February 3, 2025 What Is Deep Research?  The Open AI’s tool Deep Research is powered by OpenAI’s latest o3 reasoning model, optimised for web browsing and data analysis. Deep Research currently only supports text output. The company claims that the latest AI agent searches interprets and analyses vast amounts of text, images and PDFs on the web to produce a comprehensive report. Adding further the OpenAI says it plans to add embedded images, data visualisations and other analytical output in the coming weeks.  How Does ChatGPT’s New AI Agent Work? The company claims that the latest AI agent searches, interprets and analyses vast amounts of text, images and PDFs on the web to produce a comprehensive report that is close to the level of a research analyst. The deep research queries will take between 5 and 30 minutes to return a result, and the chatbot will send users a notification when their research is complete.  ChatGPT’s New AI Agent Price And Who Can Access It Initially, Deep Research will be available to OpenAI’s Pro users, who pay $200 per month. There are plans to extend access to the $20-a-month Plus tier after safety evaluations in the next month. The tool is designed for professionals in fields like engineering, finance, literature, and biology, helping them save time and effort on in-depth research.

Mahakumbh 2025 Prayagraj: BSNL is playing a crucial role in enhancing communication at Maha Kumbh 2025 by providing free SIM cards and ensuring uninterrupted services. The telecom provider has also set up internet leased lines, Wi-Fi hotspots, high-speed fibre internet, webcasting, SD-WAN, bulk SMS, M2M SIMs, and satellite phone services across the Mela area. To assist pilgrims, BSNL has also established a dedicated customer service center for on-site support, complaint resolution, and seamless communication, according to the Ministry of Communications. At the Kumbh Mela, pilgrims from different parts of the country are being provided with free SIM cards from their respective circles. If any pilgrim loses or damages their SIM card, they will not need to return to their home state.  BSNL has arranged to supply SIM cards from all circles across the country to the Mela area. “This service is completely free, ensuring that pilgrims can easily stay in touch with their family and friends. BSNL has set up a camp office at Lal Road Sector-2, from where all communication services are being managed,” according to the Ministry. BSNL SIM Cards From Different State Made Available There has been a significant increase in demand for services like fibre connections, leased line connections, and mobile recharges in the Kumbh area. Keeping in mind the convenience of the public, SIM cards from different states have been made available, benefiting not only the pilgrims but also the security forces stationed there. BTS Towers Activated In Mela Area To ensure uninterrupted communication services during Maha Kumbh 2025, a total of 90 BTS towers have been activated in the Mela area. These include 30 BTS (700 MHz 4G band), 30 BTS (2100 MHz band), and 30 BTS (2G-enabled). “Through this initiative, BSNL is ensuring seamless communication for millions of pilgrims, administrative officers, security forces, and volunteer organisations, helping in the smooth operation of the event,” said the ministry. (With IANS)

New Delhi: With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming an essential tool for a tech powered economy, it is heartening to see the introduction of Centres of Excellence (COE) for Artificial Intelligence in education, industry leaders said on Sunday. Aligning with India’s broader vision to become a global AI hub, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the creation of three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in AI for education with a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore. “To position India as a leader in the global AI race, it is imperative to prioritise investment in STEM talent. We also have the digital infrastructure, and the talent pool required to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem capable of propelling innovation,” said Aparna Iyer, CFO, Wipro Limited To unleash this potential, it is also important to offer financial support and streamline the process of conducting business to bolster the startup community. The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) will provide the impetus to boost this ecosystem, she mentioned. According to Atul Soneja, Chief Operating Officer, Tech Mahindra, the Budget’s forward-looking focus on deep-tech innovations like AI, global capability centres (GCCs), and future-ready talent underscores a strong commitment towards “Viksit Bharat.” “The other initiatives like Deeptech Fund of Funds and 10,000 fellowships for tech research, 5 National CoEs and a CoE for AI in Education, reiterate our commitment to developing an ecosystem for next-gen tech,” he noted. According to the government, these new AI Centres of Excellence will work on advanced research, the development of AI learning tools, and foster collaboration between educational institutions and industries. The goal is to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future. Chocko Valliappa, Founder and CEO of Vee Technologies, said the Finance Minister’s announcement for setting up a Centre for Excellence in AI for the education sector deserves to be raised to create novel technologies for the rapid reskilling of manpower that may find itself out of jobs due to the integration of AI in various workplaces. “In keeping with the FM’s focus on AI and research, I believe that technical higher education institutions in the private sector demonstrating excellence in new technologies, AI, robotics and Data Sciences are granted autonomous or central university status in a fast-track mode nationwide,” he said. This will also help enhance capacity building in novel technologies at a much lower cost to the nation compared to what it will cost to add the 6,500 more engineering seats in the IITs, as announced in the budget speech. According to Anjani Kumar, Partner, Deloitte India, the investment in setting up AI CoE for education is a critical step towards government’s ongoing efforts in leveraging AI for societal development. “This investment comes on the heels of the Rs 990 crore investment announced in October last year in establishing AI CoEs for agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability. The capacity building in these four key areas provides India an opportunity to unlock new possibilities to position itself as a global powerhouse in AI,” Kumar emphasised.

New Delhi: In today’s fast-paced world, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become an essential part of our daily lives. From paying for a cup of coffee to handling bigger transactions like online shopping or even paying rides, UPI is our go-to solution for instant payments. These IDs are usually a mix of letters and numbers, but occasionally, you might spot some special characters thrown in. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that starting February 1, the central system will reject any transactions that include special characters. NPCI, which is backed by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Banks’ Association, oversees retail payment and settlement systems across the country. It operates the UPI, which enables instant payments between individuals or for purchases at merchant locations. The January 9 circular advised all UPI system participants to generate transaction IDs using only alphanumeric characters to meet UPI’s technical standards. While the issue has mostly been addressed, some participants are still not in compliance. NPCI, to ensure full adherence to the specifications decided that UPI transaction IDs will no longer be allowed to contain special characters. Transactions with IDs that include special characters will be rejected by the central system. All parties involved are advised to be aware of this and ensure they follow the guidelines. Notably, UPI payments have grown rapidly in recent years especially after the 2016 demonetisation. Recent data reveals that UPI transactions reached a new high of 16.73 billion in December 2024, marking an 8 per cent increase from November’s 15.48 billion transactions. In terms of value, December saw Rs 23.25 lakh crore, up from Rs 21.55 lakh crore in November. NPCI addressed recent media reports about a new online fraud called the ‘Jumped Deposit’ Scam, stating, “In light of recent media reports concerning a new online fraud called ‘Jumped Deposit’ Scam, we have observed certain inaccuracies and technical discrepancies in these descriptions, that has led to unnecessary panic and confusion among users about the UPI platform.”

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital distractions and daily stress dominate our lives, many seek deeper meaning and inner fulfillment. While yoga is often associated with physical postures, its true essence lies in spiritual wisdom, guiding practitioners toward self-discovery and peace. Unveiling One’s True Self Yoga teaches that we are not just our bodies or minds but eternal spiritual beings. Understanding this brings clarity, purpose, and resilience in facing life’s challenges. As Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, founder of the Science of Identity Foundation, explains: “You are the eternal spiritual soul (atma) who is only temporarily in a material body.” Embracing this perspective transforms our daily experiences, fostering self-awareness and deeper connections. Connecting with the Divine A core principle of yoga is realizing our intrinsic connection with the Supreme Soul, or God. Through bhakti yoga (devotion) and karma yoga (selfless service), we cultivate unconditional love and purpose-driven living. As Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa states: “God loves you unconditionally. My purpose is to help you realize this truth and awaken your natural love for God.” This realization nurtures compassion, humility, and a spirit of service in everyday life. Living Yoga Through Service Karma yoga teaches that selfless action leads to spiritual growth. Whether teaching, caregiving, or serving others, performing duties with sincerity and love transforms mundane tasks into spiritual practice. Research from Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program supports this, showing that purpose-driven work enhances happiness and reduces stress. Embracing Spirituality in Daily Life Contrary to misconceptions, spiritual growth doesn’t require withdrawing from responsibilities. Instead, it’s about integrating selflessness and mindfulness into daily life. As Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa advises: “No matter your occupation, you can apply the principles of karma yoga. What matters is your attitude of selfless service.” By shifting our mindset, we find fulfillment, deepen relationships, and positively impact others. Embarking on a Spiritual Journey Yoga is more than a practice—it’s a path to self-discovery. Through meditation, reflection, and service, one uncovers a reservoir of peace and purpose, enriching their life and the world around them.

Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 today, February 1, at 11:00 AM in the Lok Sabha. This marks her eighth budget presentation and the second under the Narendra Modi-led NDA 3.0 government. The Budget session of Parliament, which began on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu’s address, will be held in two parts. The first session will run until February 13, while the second is scheduled from March 10 to April 4. If you are planning to catch updates and access documents related to Budget 2025, taxpayers can download the Union Budget FY 2025-26 mobile app from the government’s official website, www.indiabudget.gov.in. Notably, the app is available on both the Google Play Store for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS. The Budget 2025 speech will be broadcast across various platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience. Here’s where you can catch the live action: Doordarshan (DD News) is broadcasting the event live on television and online, while Sansad TV, the official parliamentary channel, also providing coverage. Adding further, live streaming will be available on the official YouTube channels of Parliament and the government.  How To Catch Live Updates Of Budget 2025 In Smartphone Step 1: Visit https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/downloadapp.php.  Step 2: For Android users, click on the Android link to download the app (compatible with Android Version 5.0 or above). Step 3: For iPhone users, click on the iOS link to download the app (compatible with iOS Version 10 or above). Step 4: Once installed, open the app to access all updates and documents related to Union Budget FY 2025-26.  How To Watch Budget 2025 Online For Free?  Step 1: Visit YouTube and open the official Sansad TV or Doordarshan channel to start live streaming. Step 2: Go to the government website www.indiabudget.gov.in to access budget documents and a possible live feed. Step 3: Download free news apps like JioTV, Airtel Xstream, or Hotstar to stream government channels live. Step 4: Stay updated with live coverage on TV channels like Doordarshan (DD News) and Sansad TV for real-time updates. 

The safe disposal of copper slag– the process of converting copper sulphide ores into refined copper, through crushing, flotation, smelting and conversion— has been a universal problem among copper manufacturers for centuries. That challenge may not lost much longer. A study released on January 19, 2024, in the “Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China”presents a novel method for the recovery of copper, lead, and zinc from copper smelting slag using a novel sulfurization-reduction approach. Titled “Synergistic recovery of copper, lead and zinc via sulfurization–reduction method from copper smelting slag,” it represents a significant stride in metallurgical waste management, with potential impacts on both industry practices and environmental sustainability. After all, this slag contains valuable metals like copper (0.5%–6%), lead (0.2%–0.6%), and zinc (1%–5.5%), which if not recovered, results in resource waste and environmental hazards from leaked toxic ions. Nearly 20 million tonnes of primary copper is produced worldwide every year, generating 45million tonnes of slag. Thus, every ton of refined copper manufactured generates around 2.2 to 3 tons of slag. Moreover, the copper slag occupied vast tracts of land, which could be used for more productive activities such as farming and other industrial ventures.  While the recent study opens new avenues for the recycling of copper slags, earlier attempts at reducing its adverse environmental impact has shown impressive results. The slag is an effective replacement for sand for cement manufacturers, a great boon for India, which suffers from an increasing scarcity of river sand and natural aggregates for cement manufacturing. Moreover, in states like Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat, where sand mining in rivers is banned, it offers a great alternative material for cement industries. Use of copper slag or ferro slag reduces cement cost as it is either free or priced very cheap. Second, it helps cement manufacturers meet their emission targets because it is highly stable and is non-toxic in nature. “Copper slag have also been used as abrasives –polishing and cleaning– of metallic structures and in the building industry, for manufacturing concrete material with fine particles, as basic construction materials. More recently, it has been used as a filler in glass–epoxy composites, a fine advanced material, which is used in many industries like electrical insulators in induction systems, static electrical insulators in power installations, construction of electric furnaces, induction furnaces and arc furnaces, high-voltage switchgear etc,” argues Aruna Sharma economist, former Secretary in the Ministry of Steel and Electronics and Information Technology. Thus, both recovery of materials from copper slag and recyclability presents an attractive solution for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as promoting the concept of circular economy through effective waste utilisation. Moreover, as a secondary source of valuable metals, copper slag retains its intrinsic value for use in different industries.

New Delhi: India is gearing up for a major advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with plans to develop its own large language model (LLM), similar to popular systems like ChatGPT and DeepSeek. IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the AI model will be ready within the next 10 months. Speaking at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, Vaishnaw said that the foundational work has already been done, and the government is now focused on creating a system tailored to meet the unique needs of Indian users. India’s AI ambitions are supported by a robust infrastructure, having exceeded its initial goal of securing 10,000 GPUs and now boasting 18,600 GPUs in total. This powerful computing capacity will be crucial for training the country’s upcoming AI model. Most of these GPUs are high-performance models like NVIDIA H100, H200, and MI325. To put it in perspective, DeepSeek AI was trained with 2,500 GPUs and ChatGPT used 25,000, while India now has over 15,000 top-tier GPUs, putting it in a strong position in the global AI race. Vaishnaw emphasized that this infrastructure will be pivotal in developing AI models capable of competing with the world’s best. The government has also shared a computing facility that will be accessible to AI startups, developers and researchers. This facility, equipped with 18,000 GPUs aims to provide advanced computing resources, allowing smaller players to participate in AI development without the high costs typically involved. Currently, 10,000 GPUs are up and running with more set to be added soon. Vaishnaw emphasized the facility’s role in making AI development more accessible and inclusive for all. India’s AI model is currently being developed by six major teams, with the first versions expected to be ready in 4 to 10 months, as per India Today. The model is being designed to cater to India’s diverse languages and cultures. Vaishnaw expressed confidence in the project, highlighting that improvements in algorithmic efficiency would allow India to create a world-class AI model in a shorter time. This initiative is a crucial step in India’s goal to become a global leader in AI while reducing dependence on foreign technology. The project also includes the development of AI data centres in Odisha, which will enhance India’s AI capabilities with a strong focus on privacy and open up opportunities for innovation in various industries.

Renowned real estate group Numax has launched a new and state-of-the-art township in Muzaffarnagar, led by Managing Director Sunil Goel. Strategically located near the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, this 100-acre mega project is set to become Western UP’s first integrated township, offering a modern lifestyle to its residents. With an investment of over ₹2000 crore, Numax Group aims to provide ultra-luxury amenities and world-class infrastructure. This township promises seamless connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and top-tier facilities for sports, education, healthcare, and business development. World-Class Amenities for a Superior Lifestyle ✅ Sports Club ✅ Lawn Tennis, Squash, Billiards, Gym ✅ Badminton Court, Basketball Court, Skating Rink ✅ Theater, Jogging Track, Beautiful Gardens ✅ Gaming Zone and Dedicated Play Area for Kids Education & Healthcare Facilities The township will feature a KR Mangalam School, ensuring quality education for children. Additionally, a nursing home and a fully equipped modern hospital will be established to provide residents with top-notch healthcare services. Commercial & Business Hub To foster economic growth, Numax Township is developing a commercial hub that will create new job opportunities and support local businesses, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and professionals. Sunil Goel: Co-Founder of Omaxe Group and a Visionary in Real Estate With over 35 years of experience in the real estate sector, Sunil Goel has transformed Numax into a trusted and prestigious brand. His vision and innovation have positioned this project as one of Western UP’s largest township developments. Project Approvals & Commitment Speaking about this ambitious project, Sunil Goel stated: “I am proud to announce that we have already received MDA License, CLU, and DPR approval. This project will bring a paradigm shift in the lifestyle of people in Western Uttar Pradesh. I am committed to providing world-class amenities that the region has never seen before.” Sunil Goel: A Trailblazer in Real Estate Sunil Goel’s journey in real estate began in 2001 with the launch of Executive Floors in Gurugram. His visionary approach led to the development of an 85-acre township in Greater Noida in 2003 and the successful launch of ‘The Forest’ in Noida in 2004. His expansions into Lucknow and Indore in 2006 and the 700+ acre integrated township in New Chandigarh in 2010 marked new milestones. By 2017, he had successfully delivered 100 million square feet of real estate. That same year, he founded Numax, a brand symbolizing innovation, progress, and transformation in the real estate industry. Prime Location & Excellent Connectivity Located near the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, this township offers superior connectivity to Delhi, Meerut, Haridwar, and other key cities. It is an ideal choice for both residence and investment, ensuring a high return on investment. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Development Numax Muzaffarnagar is designed as an environmentally sustainable township, balancing modern infrastructure with green spaces. Its lush greenery, advanced water management system, and eco-conscious development make it a standout project in the region. Muzaffarnagar’s New Identity More than just a residential project, Numax Muzaffarnagar is set to redefine Western UP’s real estate sector. It offers residents world-class amenities, a safe environment, and a modern yet sustainable lifestyle. If you’re looking for a prime investment opportunity or planning to buy your dream home, Numax Muzaffarnagar is the perfect choice!