In a 45-minute chat at PM Modi's home, the PM and Bill Gates talked about using technology for good. PM Modi declared, "I won't let a digital divide happen in India." He discussed drones helping farmers and digital health services, saying, "My goal is to vaccinate all girl children." They also talked about using AI and data privacy. PM Modi emphasized reusing things and changing how we measure development. They discussed the Statue of Unity, with PM Modi gifting Gates pearls, terracotta horses, a shawl, saffron, and tea.

In a candid conversation at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, PM Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates explored India's progress in digital innovation. Gates lauded Indians for their swift adoption of technology, citing the widespread use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as an example. PM Modi showcased initiatives like the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme, empowering women in tech, alongside advancements in UPI. Reflecting on the 2023 G20 Summit, PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to inclusive digital progress, with AI at its core. Gates expressed enthusiasm for India's achievements, pledging support for extending them globally.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, billionaire Bill Gates praised India's technological prowess, stating, "Indians are not only adapting to technology but also leading the way." Gates emphasized India's commitment to inclusive technology, affirming, "One of the themes that India brings to the table is that technology should be for everyone." The full interaction, set for release on Friday, promises deeper insights. Gates, optimistic about India's AI leadership, noted the country's unique growth trajectory, where services play a pivotal role alongside manufacturing. His remarks came during a virtual address at the Times Now Summit 2024.

YouTube took down over 2.2 million videos in India between October and December 2023, marking the highest removal rate globally. The United States and Singapore followed with 788,354 and 1,243,871 takedowns, respectively. Globally, YouTube removed 9 million videos during the same period, mainly flagged by machines. Videos were removed for various violations, including harmful content and misinformation. The platform emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe community and enforcing strict guidelines against pornography, violence, harassment, and hate speech. The removals highlight efforts to combat inappropriate content and ensure user safety on the platform.

Analysts caution of increasing cyber-attacks linked to Chinese intelligence agencies, following UK and US sanctions over mass hacking of UK data. Western governments accuse China-backed hacking group APT 31 of targeting politicians and journalists. New Zealand also raises concerns about Chinese involvement in past attacks. Analysts note escalation in cyber threats, suggesting China seeks to test foreign responses and cause instability. Despite denial, China's cyber activities raise tensions with Western nations, prompting calls for robust defense measures.

The prestigious Game Developers Conference in San Francisco welcomed India's first-ever pavilion, signifying a deepening Indo-US relationship. Hosted by the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum, the inauguration also marked the debut of the 'India Gaming Market Report', projecting a growth from USD 3.1 billion in 2023 to USD 6 billion in 2028. Mukesh Aghi, President of USISPF, hailed the milestone, emphasizing the burgeoning online gaming sector and its potential for bilateral collaboration. India's Consul General in San Francisco, K Srikar Reddy, highlighted India's digital economy's promise and the role of storytelling in driving gaming sector growth.

Users worldwide faced login issues and app crashes on Meta's popular platforms, Instagram and Facebook, along with difficulties on Messenger. The outage, reported by Downdetector.com, peaked around 8:00 PM IST, affecting over 1000 Messenger users and 800 Instagram users. Expressing frustrations on micro-blogging platform X, individuals highlighted the recurring nature of such outages, following a recent massive outage a few weeks ago. Reports indicated that a significant percentage of users encountered problems accessing both platforms, prompting concerns about the stability and reliability of Meta's services.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a physical appearance before a court in the national capital regarding the Enforcement Directorate summonses case. The Rouse Avenue Court later granted him bail. This marks Kejriwal's first in-person appearance in connection with the case, following a previous virtual appearance. The Enforcement Directorate has filed two complaints against Kejriwal for allegedly disobeying their summons related to the Delhi excise policy case. The development comes amidst heightened political scrutiny as India gears up for the upcoming general elections.

Cyber fraud hubs are spreading beyond Jamtara to towns across North India. Kolkata Police found new hotspots in places like Bharatpur and Mathura. Lack of cyber awareness and proximity to cities contribute to the rise. Authorities stress the need for awareness campaigns and cyber education. Perpetrators, mostly under 35, are often repeat offenders, posing a challenge. Efforts include setting up awareness displays and partnering with schools and banks. The goal is to promote cyber literacy and curb cybercrimes effectively.

India's Ministry of Electronics & IT considers increasing funding for the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) scheme, currently set at ₹76,000 crore, to bolster semiconductor manufacturing. Secretary S Krishnan mentions the need for additional funding if the ISM exhausts its funds. The government aims to establish 2-3 semiconductor fabrication units over the next 2-3 years, with recent Cabinet approvals for additional units, including Tata Group's collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. These initiatives aim to create a robust semiconductor ecosystem, challenging China and Taiwan's dominance, while generating significant employment opportunities.