A Mumbai-based defence start-up, Techno Defence Pvt Ltd, has developed an indigenous Joule-Thomson (JT) Cooler designed for missile seekers, marking a major advancement in India’s defence technology capabilities. The development could also create opportunities in the high-value international defence market, although exports of the technology remain subject to strict Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) rules, Business Line reported.

The technology was developed with support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), following an initiative that began several years ago. The project traces its origins to a meeting around 2017–18 between IIT-Bombay alumnus Dr Pravin Salinkar and a director of a DRDO laboratory. Salinkar, who was then 75, took up the challenge of developing a specialised cooling system that had traditionally been available from only a handful of Western countries.

He later joined forces with fellow IIT-Mumbai alumnus Sudarshan Saraf to establish Techno Defence Pvt Ltd. The company brought together a compact group of engineers and technicians, with women making up a significant part of the technical workforce. The project received financial assistance through DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF), allowing the team to work on the design and manufacture of the miniature JT Cooler.

The device performs a crucial function inside missiles equipped with infrared seekers. It rapidly cools infrared detectors and focal plane arrays to extremely low temperatures, reaching roughly –196°C. Such cooling is necessary because infrared sensors operating at normal temperatures generate thermal noise, commonly referred to as dark current.

Excessive background noise can interfere with weak infrared signals emitted or reflected by distant targets. By cooling the sensor, the JT Cooler significantly reduces this noise, allowing the seeker to identify and track targets more accurately. The technology is considered strategically important and falls under MTCR controls. Until now, advanced versions of such systems have largely been associated with countries including the United States, France and Israel. While missile systems based on satellite navigation may not require this type of cooling, infrared-guided missiles depend heavily on it for effective seeker performance.

Techno Defence developed its own manufacturing approach rather than simply replicating existing foreign designs. The company worked with small-scale and cottage industries to develop specialised production methods and equipment needed for the system. Manufacturing the cooler involves highly precise processes, including microscopic assembly work, the use of high-purity materials and production in controlled environments. Each stage requires strict quality checks because even small manufacturing variations can affect the reliability of equipment intended for defence applications.

The project was completed during 2023–24 and subsequently handed over to DRDO for testing. The trials were successful, validating the performance of the indigenous system and strengthening India’s position in a highly specialised area of missile technology. The development has also reportedly generated interest among overseas buyers. However, any export of the technology would require the necessary government approvals because of MTCR-related restrictions.

The achievement is significant for India’s broader push towards defence self-reliance. Developing the JT Cooler domestically could reduce dependence on imported components while giving Indian industry an opportunity to participate in specialised global defence supply chains. Techno Defence operates as a joint venture with Technocraft Industries (India) Limited. Its work has also involved DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat, bringing together private-sector manufacturing expertise and government research capabilities.

The project illustrates how a relatively small engineering team, supported by indigenous suppliers and government-backed funding, was able to develop a sophisticated component for missile systems. It also highlights the potential of India’s private defence sector to address complex technological requirements and eventually compete in specialised international markets. With initiatives such as the Technology Development Fund encouraging collaboration between DRDO and private companies, developments like the JT Cooler could play an increasingly important role in expanding India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and technological independence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

The global tablet market weakened in the second quarter of 2026, with shipments falling 10 per cent year-on-year to around 36 million units, according to research firm Omdia. The decline came as manufacturers faced continued component shortages while consumers became more cautious about spending because of higher device prices.

The drop was particularly notable because the April-June quarter typically benefits from seasonal demand linked to back-to-school purchases. However, tablet shipments failed to grow sequentially, suggesting that both supply constraints and weaker purchasing sentiment are weighing on the market. Omdia expects these challenges to persist through the rest of 2026, with affordable tablets likely to face the greatest pressure as manufacturers struggle to secure components.

Despite the slowdown, the research firm does not believe consumer interest in tablets has disappeared. Tablets continue to be widely used in households, schools and some business environments. Larger-screen devices remain useful for entertainment and everyday computing, while detachable tablets are increasingly being considered as alternatives to conventional laptops for certain tasks.

Omdia believes the current decline is largely the result of market conditions rather than a fundamental change in consumer behaviour. Limited component availability has reduced supplies of lower-cost devices, while rising prices have encouraged some buyers to delay purchases or hold on to existing tablets for longer. The supply situation could also influence the types of tablets manufacturers choose to produce. With components in short supply, vendors are expected to give greater priority to premium and flagship models, which generally provide better margins. This could make entry-level tablets less widely available and potentially push average selling prices higher.

Apple continued to lead the global tablet market during the quarter despite seeing its shipments fall by around 8 per cent year-on-year. The company shipped approximately 13.5 million iPads worldwide, giving it a 38 per cent share of the market. The standard iPad accounted for most of Apple's shipments, while the iPad Air and iPad mini contributed smaller volumes. Samsung remained in second place, shipping close to 6 million tablets during the quarter. Its shipments declined 13 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. Omdia expects Samsung to adjust its product mix as component shortages continue, with greater emphasis likely to be placed on higher-margin models.

Lenovo was the standout performer among the major tablet manufacturers. Its shipments increased 27 per cent year-on-year, making it the only leading vendor to record growth during the quarter. Omdia said the increase was supported by actual consumer demand, while additional shipments to distribution channels ahead of expected price increases and major promotional events also helped boost the company's numbers. Xiaomi ranked fourth among the leading tablet vendors after shipping around 2.8 million units, representing a 7 per cent annual decline. The company continued to benefit from strong demand in China and steady growth in parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Huawei completed the top five, with shipments of approximately 2.7 million units, down 16 per cent from the previous year. Its tablet business remains largely concentrated in China, with limited availability in overseas markets.

The weakness in the wider personal computing market was also visible in the Chromebook segment. Omdia reported declining shipments as budget and education-focused devices faced increasing cost pressures. Memory has become a particularly significant part of the bill of materials for inexpensive Chromebooks, making the segment more vulnerable to supply and pricing challenges. Lenovo remained the largest Chromebook supplier, although its shipments slipped 3 per cent year-on-year to about 1.76 million units. The decline was largely linked to the completion of the first phase of Japan's GIGA 2.0 School Program, where Lenovo had been a major supplier.

Acer followed with 1.18 million units, down 4 per cent from a year earlier. Demand in North America and some market-share gains from HP helped support its performance. HP ranked third, with shipments falling 13 per cent to approximately 1.15 million units amid relatively weaker institutional demand in the education sector. Asus was the strongest performer in the Chromebook market. Its shipments jumped 66 per cent year-on-year to around 749,000 units, lifting its market share from 8 per cent to 16 per cent. Omdia attributed the increase to Asus's involvement in Japan's GIGA 2.0 programme, the US K–12 education replacement cycle and retailers building stock ahead of the back-to-school season.

Dell, meanwhile, recorded a sharp 47 per cent decline in Chromebook shipments, which fell to around 465,000 units. Omdia said weaker education demand has been an important factor behind the Chromebook slowdown. Some vendors are also placing less emphasis on the category because of its comparatively low profitability. The year-on-year comparison has been made more difficult by the unusually strong education-related shipments recorded during the same period in 2025.

Some previously planned education deployments have also been delayed in 2026, further reducing Chromebook volumes. Omdia expects the global tablet market to remain under pressure for the rest of the year. Component shortages, higher prices and delayed purchases are likely to continue affecting shipments, particularly in the budget segment. Manufacturers may increasingly concentrate their limited supplies on premium devices while exploring services, artificial intelligence features and new use cases to create additional sources of growth. The latest figures suggest that the tablet market is not necessarily losing its relevance. Instead, the industry is navigating a difficult period in which supply limitations and rising costs are influencing both what manufacturers produce and when consumers choose to buy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Magnific.

A discarded SpaceX rocket stage is expected to slam into the Moon at high speed in the coming months, creating an impact that scientists say could offer a rare chance to study how fresh craters form on the lunar surface. The rocket stage, which completed its mission after launching two lunar landers in early 2025, has been drifting through deep space for months. Without enough fuel to return to Earth or steer into a stable orbit, the spent booster gradually fell under the combined gravitational influence of the Earth and the Moon, eventually placing it on a collision path.

According to current tracking estimates, the rocket stage is expected to strike the Moon at nearly 5,400 mph (around 8,700 km/h). The impact is projected to occur near the Einstein Crater, located on the Moon's far western edge. Astronomers believe the collision will carve out a new crater measuring roughly 27 metres (90 feet) across, while ejecting a plume of lunar dust and rocks into space. Although the event poses no threat to Earth, it is expected to provide researchers with valuable data on lunar geology and impact dynamics.

Scientists say such events are rarely predictable. Unlike naturally occurring meteorite strikes, the path, speed and approximate location of this rocket impact are already known, allowing observatories and lunar spacecraft to prepare in advance and monitor the event closely. Researchers hope to analyse the fresh crater to better understand the Moon's surface composition, the behaviour of debris after high-speed impacts, and how similar collisions may affect future lunar infrastructure. The findings could prove valuable as multiple countries and private companies continue planning long-term missions and potential human settlements on the Moon.

Several orbiting spacecraft are also expected to image the impact site before and after the collision, enabling scientists to compare surface changes in unprecedented detail. The incident has also renewed attention on the growing issue of space debris beyond Earth's orbit. While many satellites in low-Earth orbit are designed for controlled re-entry after completing their missions, rocket stages used for deep-space missions often remain adrift for years unless specific disposal plans are in place.

Experts say that as lunar exploration accelerates, responsible management of spent spacecraft and rocket hardware will become increasingly important to reduce unnecessary debris around the Moon and other celestial bodies. While the upcoming impact is accidental, scientists view it as a unique research opportunity. Every well-documented collision helps improve understanding of planetary surfaces, strengthens computer models used in space exploration, and supports preparations for future robotic and human missions beyond Earth.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is bringing a major shift in the way the world works, and education systems are now facing growing pressure to adapt. Experts believe that traditional methods of teaching, which have long focused on memorisation and textbook-based learning, are no longer enough to prepare students for a future shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation.

Artificial intelligence has already entered classrooms through smart learning platforms, AI-powered tutoring tools, and automated assessment systems. These technologies are changing how students access information and how teachers deliver lessons. As machines become better at processing data, generating content, and solving routine problems, the focus of education is expected to move towards skills that remain uniquely human, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

For many years, education systems around the world have measured success through examinations that often reward students for remembering information rather than understanding concepts. However, the AI era is challenging this approach. With instant access to information through digital tools, students will need to develop the ability to analyse, question, and apply knowledge rather than simply recall facts. Education experts argue that schools and universities must redesign their curriculums to reflect the demands of the modern world. Artificial intelligence awareness, digital literacy, innovation, ethical decision-making, and practical problem-solving skills are expected to become increasingly important parts of future learning.

AI is also creating opportunities to make education more personalised. Unlike traditional classroom models where all students follow the same pace, AI-based platforms can identify individual learning gaps and provide customised support. A student struggling with a particular subject could receive additional explanations, practice exercises, and feedback based on their specific needs. Despite these advantages, experts caution that AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers. Educators play a crucial role in motivating students, encouraging curiosity, understanding emotional needs, and developing social skills. Instead of replacing teachers, AI is likely to change their role from information providers to mentors who guide students in using technology effectively and responsibly.

The transformation of education will also require significant investment in teacher training. Many educators will need support to understand AI tools and learn how to integrate them into classrooms without compromising creativity and independent thinking. A balanced approach will be necessary to ensure that technology enhances education rather than creating dependence on machines.

Another major challenge is ensuring equal access to AI-powered learning. While students in urban and well-connected areas may benefit from advanced digital resources, many others still face barriers such as limited internet access, lack of devices, and inadequate digital infrastructure. Addressing this gap will be essential to prevent technology from increasing educational inequality. The future of education is expected to be a combination of human intelligence and artificial intelligence. While AI can provide faster access to information and personalised learning experiences, human qualities such as imagination, empathy, leadership, and collaboration will remain essential.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and create new career opportunities, education systems must evolve to prepare students for a world that is changing faster than ever before. The challenge is not simply to introduce new technology into classrooms but to rethink the purpose of education itself. The institutions and countries that successfully adapt their education systems for the AI age will play a key role in shaping the workforce and innovators of the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most popular new tech products, with reports suggesting that more than seven million pairs were sold in 2025. Supporters praise the glasses for making photography and accessibility more convenient, but the technology has also sparked privacy concerns. Critics have dubbed them “pervert glasses,” while some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, have reportedly banned customers from using the devices on their premises.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On the July 24 episode of Open For Business, hosts Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing are joined by Santosh Rao, Head of Research and Partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, to break down today's market trends.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

As AI continues to evolve, cyber risks are becoming a major business challenge rather than just a technical problem. The Five Eyes alliance warns that advanced AI models could transform the cyber threat landscape faster than anticipated. With AI being used for both attacks and defense, the question remains: who is ahead in this new automated cyber battle? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore this with Jayant Dave, Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software Technologies.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.