Google took its next leap in artificial intelligence Wednesday with the launch of project Gemini, an AI model trained to behave in human-like ways that's likely to intensify the debate about the technology’s potential promise and perils.

The rollout will unfold in phases, with less sophisticated versions of Gemini called “Nano” and “Pro” being immediately incorporated into Google’s AI-powered chatbot Bard and its Pixel 8 Pro smartphone.

With Gemini providing a helping hand, Google promises Bard will become more intuitive and better at tasks that involve planning. On the Pixel 8 Pro, Gemini will be able to quickly summarize recordings made on the device and provide automatic replies on messaging services, starting with WhatsApp, according to Google.

Not just Ayurveda but multiple clinical studies have shown the health benefits of jamun as an excellent source of antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C. Now, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER Bhopal) have completed the first-ever genome sequencing of the jamun tree (Syzygium cumini), popular in India for its medicinal properties, fruit and ornamental value.

This is the first time the plant has been examined and decoded so closely. Dr Vineet K Sharma, professor, department of biological sciences told The Indian Express that this research aimed to gain new functional and evolutionary insights from the jamun genome, which could be responsible for the wide range of pharmacological properties of this species “conferred by the bioactive compounds that act as nutraceutical agents in modern medicine”.

IBM unveils IBM Quantum System Two, its first modular quantum computer, located in Yorktown Heights, New York. This scalable solution operates in a near-perfect vacuum at a temperature colder than deep space. It has begun operations with three IBM Heron processors and supporting control electronics. IBM plans to launch new chips in the next 5 years for upgrades. The company also introduced Heron, a quantum chip with a record-low error rate, five times lower than its previous processor.

There is a lot happening in the chip industry as companies race to one-up competition in the next generation of tech advancements. While there is a lot of focus on AI chips, IBM has unveiled the first quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits.

NASA operatives are currently seeking signs of ancient life and collecting rock samples on Mars via the Perseverance Rover. And one of the leading team members is Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy — the first Indian citizen to operate the rover. The scientist had travelled to the US 13 years ago for higher studies and faced numerous challenges as she carved out a space for herself.

“I came to the United States a little over 13 years ago with almost nothing but a dream to work at NASA and lead breakthrough science and robotic operations on Earth and Mars. Everyone I met told me that this was impossible as a foreign national on a visa, and that I should either have a plan B or change my field completely," she recalled in a recent Instagram post.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 67th death anniversary which is observed as "Mahaparinirvan Diwas".

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other parliamentarians also paid tribute to the architect of the Constitution at his statue in the Parliament premises.

Earlier, taking to his social media account on 'X', PM wrote, "Pujya Baba Saheb, along with being the architect of the Indian Constitution, was an immortal champion of social harmony, who dedicated his life for the welfare of the exploited and the deprived. My respectful obeisances to him today on his Mahaparinirvana day.

India will become the third largest economy by 2030, and the country's GDP is likely to grow from 6.4% in 2023 to 7% in 2026, a report released by S&P Global said on Tuesday. India is currently the fifth largest economy in the world behind the US, China, Germany and Japan.

"We see India reaching 7 percent in 2026-27 fiscal...India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030, and we expect it will be the fastest-growing major economy in the next three years," S&P said.

Young Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi on December 6 rose to the top spot in the ICC T20I bowling chart on the back of his recent player of the series-winning performance against Australia.

The 23-year-old was India's go-to bowler in the just-concluded series against Australia, taking nine wickets from five games.

Bishnoi, who is on 699 rating points, has jumped five places to displace Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan (692) from the top slot.

Japan has unveiled the world's largest operational experimental nuclear fusion reactor. This colossal machine, dubbed JT-60SA, is housed in a hangar north of Tokyo in Naka, and represents a pivotal moment in the quest for clean and limitless power.

Unlike traditional nuclear fission used in power plants, which splits atomic nuclei, fusion mimics the sun's energy production by merging two nuclei, potentially offering a safer and more abundant energy source.

The JT-60SA, a six-story-high tokamak, is designed to contain and control plasma heated to a staggering 200 million degrees Celsius. The objective is to explore the viability of fusion as a secure, expansive, and carbon-neutral net energy source, where the energy produced surpasses is more than the input required for its production.

Captain Geetika Koul has become the first woman medical officer in the Indian Army to be deployed at Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, the Fire and Fury Corps said on Tuesday.

This achievement follows her successful completion of rigorous induction training at the esteemed Siachen Battle School, which includes high-altitude acclimatization, survival techniques, and specialized medical procedures.

The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army announced this milestone on social media, highlighting the significance of Captain Koul’s deployment in promoting gender inclusion within the military.

Eighty-one-year-old Indian-origin writer Meira Chand was among the three Singaporeans conferred the Cultural Medallion, the city-state's most prestigious arts accolade, in recognition of their artistic excellence and contribution to enriching the country's arts and culture scene.

Meira Chand, fellow novelist Suchen Christine Lim and Malay dance veteran Osman Abdul Hamid received the award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held at the Istana on Tuesday, The Straits Times newspaper reported.

The award comes with an SGD 80,000 (approximately ₹ 49 lakh) grant for each recipient to support their artistic pursuits.