A software update to CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor has triggered a worldwide IT outage, affecting millions of Windows users. The update has caused the Blue Screen of Death error, leading to system crashes and restarts. Microsoft has confirmed the issue, stating it's related to the CrowdStrike update. The outage has impacted various industries, including airlines, banks, and government offices. The issue is currently under investigation, and a fix is being developed. This outage highlights the potential consequences of software updates on critical systems.

A major service outage has hit Microsoft Windows worldwide, leaving users stuck with Blue Screen of Death errors and restart loops. The issue has been reported globally, with many taking to social media to share their experiences. The outage has also affected other companies, including low-cost airline Frontier, which was forced to cancel some US flights. In a statement, Frontier attributed the disruption to the Microsoft outage, apologizing for the inconvenience. The extent of the outage and its cause are yet to be confirmed by Microsoft.

Koo, an Indian social media app, is shutting down due to failed negotiations for a sale or merger. Founder Aprameya Radhakrishna announced the closure on LinkedIn, citing high technology costs and unsuccessful partnership talks with larger companies. Koo aimed to bridge the language gap in social media, catering to non-English speakers. Despite its mission to democratize expression and connect people in local languages, the app failed to secure a deal. This marks the end of Koo's journey, which was once seen as a rival to Twitter and backed by Tiger Global.

The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence-based technologies for crowd management. The event is expected to be unprecedented in scale, and the government aims to set a benchmark for security, cleanliness, and convenience. Professional agencies will be engaged to organize the event and promote it globally, showcasing "brand UP and brand India." The CM stressed the importance of ensuring safety, convenience, and cleanliness at the event, which will be an opportunity for pilgrims and tourists worldwide to be a part of history.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a high-resolution image of Ram Setu, a natural limestone bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite captured the breathtaking photo of the 48km-long structure, which is revered in Hindu mythology as a bridge built by Lord Ram to reach his wife Sita. The image shows Ram Setu stretching from India's Rameshwaram island to Sri Lanka's Mannar island, separating the Palk Strait from the Gulf of Manna. This geological wonder is a significant part of India's cultural heritage and a popular tourist destination.

Sussex businessman Steve Endacott, backed by Neural Voice, is making waves in the UK election by fielding an AI candidate named 'AI Steve' in Brighton Pavilion. Endacott, who will also run alongside 'AI Steve,' aims to blend AI technology with politics, allowing voters direct engagement through AI Steve's platform. The AI, equipped with a database of Endacott's policies, responds to queries and solicits voter input on issues like Brexit. This experimental candidacy has sparked intense debate on the role of AI in governance and voter interaction.

India has risen to sixth position among the top nine deeptech ecosystems globally, with 3,600 startups in the sector, according to a Nasscom report. Last year, these startups received $850 million in funding, with 480 new startups established, twice the number launched in 2022. Of these, 100 are innovative deeptech firms with intellectual property or innovative solutions. AI-focused startups dominate, with 74% of new startups concentrated in this area, up from 62% in the previous eight years. Emerging deeptech startups are making a mark in healthtech, sustainability, AI, and space-tech, solidifying India's position in the global deeptech landscape.

Elon Musk predicts a future where Neuralink's brain chip technology supersedes smartphones. Following successful implantation in Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed for eight years, Musk tweeted about Neuralink users leading tech advancement. Arbaugh, the first recipient, demonstrated early success in controlling devices with his mind post-surgery. Neuralink seeks a second participant for trials, offering similar capabilities. Musk's vision, shared via social media, highlights the company's ambition to revolutionize how humans interact with technology. As Neuralink progresses, its potential to reshape communication and accessibility for individuals with disabilities garners attention, marking a pivotal step towards integrating technology with the human brain.

Google has launched its AI assistant Gemini's mobile app in India, supporting 10 languages including English, Hindi, and eight other regional languages. Users can interact with the app through text, voice, or image uploads. Gemini Advanced users can access the advanced model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, in nine languages. New features include data analysis capabilities, file uploads, and the ability to chat with Gemini in Google Messages in English. The app will be available on iOS devices over the next few weeks. This launch marks a significant expansion of Google's AI capabilities in India, offering users a more personalized and intuitive experience.

India's AI development is hindered by poor data quality and monopolization by big tech. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is urged to prioritize open data initiatives and improve regulations. Despite progress in digital public infrastructure and projects like UPI and the Open Government Data Platform, challenges remain. Quality, standardization, and accessibility of data are key issues. Creating a National Data Management Office and amending the Digital Personal Data Protection Act are recommended. Collaboration among states, industry, and academia is essential for a robust AI ecosystem that protects personal data and fosters innovation.