Category: Tech

GISEC Global 2025, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, saw India and the UAE strengthen their bilateral cybersecurity engagement. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), in collaboration with CIO Klub, held the second edition of the Indo-UAE Cybersecurity Exchange, which aimed to encourage strategic engagement between the two countries in the digital domain. Participants included top-tier cybersecurity professionals, legislators, and technology executives from India and the UAE.

DSCI brought up a dedicated India Pavilion, which showcased over 15 Indian cybersecurity startups. These firms showcased cutting-edge breakthroughs in areas like threat intelligence, data privacy, application security, Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and new quantum technologies. The pavilion aims to promote collaboration between Indian solution providers and their UAE counterparts, hence improving cross-border cooperation in digital defence.

B.G. Krishnan, Consul at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, emphasised the importance of cybersecurity in today’s global environment. He discussed the effects of emerging threats, rapid digitalisation, and geopolitical upheavals on businesses and key infrastructure.

DSCI Director Atul Kumar emphasised the reciprocal benefits of increased cyber collaboration. He emphasised that as both countries’ digital adoption accelerates, there is an increasing need to collaborate on the development of resilient and secure infrastructures. The three-day GISEC 2025 event ends on May 8.

India aims to considerably improve its space-based defence infrastructure by launching 52 surveillance satellites over the next five years. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), verified the development during the Global Space Exploration Conference-2025. The ambitious program intends to improve real-time monitoring and surveillance capabilities for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Goenka stated that, while the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has historically overseen such initiatives, private-sector involvement will now play an important role. Almost half of the 52 planned satellites will be built by private enterprises, signalling a significant shift towards public-private collaboration in important space endeavours.

These satellites will be used to monitor borders, detect enemy movements, and ensure smooth coordination during military operations. Goenka emphasised the importance of continuing to expand surveillance technologies and stated that the Union Home Ministry and defence forces will make all choices regarding new enhancements.

In parallel, ISRO is passing its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private companies. The SSLV, which can quickly deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit, is ideal for time-sensitive defence applications. The SSLV’s technology transfer is planned to take two weeks and is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and rapid.

The inaugural Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) was held in Abu Dhabi, and it was hosted by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) organised the event in collaboration with the UAE Public Prosecution, which was a regional first in technology governance.

The conference brought together policymakers, legal experts, technology developers, and youth leaders to discuss frameworks for the ethical use of modern technologies. Day one drew over 1,000 people from over 20 countries. Distinguished figures included Qatar’s Attorney General, Egypt’s Attorney General, and Oman’s Deputy Attorney General, as well as foreign judges and thought leaders.

The keynote speakers discussed AI ethics, cross-border data laws, cybersecurity, and post-quantum preparation. Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney General, emphasised the need for ethical innovation for humanity.

Faisal Al Bannai emphasised accountability among tech corporations and the significance of regulatory collaboration. Several talks focused on youth engagement, digital rights, and the legal implications of artificial intelligence.

Chancellor Salem Al Zaabi developed a strategy framework, “Justice 2030,” that outlines AI incorporation into public prosecution.

India has put forward a “zero-for-zero” tariff proposal to the United States, seeking to eliminate import duties on steel, auto parts, and pharmaceutical products up to a certain amount. The idea is part of broader trade negotiations that aim to reach a bilateral deal between the two countries by the fall of 2025.

The concept was apparently suggested by Indian officials during their late-April visit to Washington. The duty-free agreement would only apply to certain import quantities. Any volume above the agreed-upon threshold would still be subject to India’s usual tariff charges. This step is consistent with ongoing efforts to prevent the reintroduction of US reciprocal tariffs after the current 90-day ban expires on July 8, 2025.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent welcomed India’s trade openness, citing its limited use of subsidies and fewer non-tariff barriers. These elements, he claims, make India a strong prospect for completing such a deal.

India is also addressing US concerns over Quality Control Orders, which Washington sees as trade impediments. In response, India expressed willingness to alter these standards and offered reciprocal recognition of regulatory rules in fields such as medical devices and chemicals.

Hong Kong has launched a new drive to encourage additional listings from technology and biotechnology companies. The move is part of the city’s overall plan to strengthen its position as a global financial hub and capitalise on Chinese enterprises’ growing interest in raising funds overseas.

The new framework, known as the “technology enterprises channel,” was announced on Tuesday and is intended to make the listing process more efficient. It will make it easier for specialist IT firms and biotech enterprises to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The strategy is supported by the exchange operator and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, which released a joint statement describing the new procedures.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing will now provide early assistance on listing eligibility and suitability. Additionally, corporations will be able to file confidential IPO filings. This is especially critical for companies whose business models entail sensitive intellectual property or strategies that must be kept confidential before public disclosure.

Importantly, the initiative allows the adoption of a weighted voting rights (WVR) structure, which allows corporations to preserve greater control by issuing shares with extra voting power if they meet certain requirements.

Thailand has taken a significant step towards strengthening its national cybersecurity framework by completing the second phase of its large-scale training program. Over 100,000 people across the country have now been taught critical cybersecurity skills. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society leads this program, known as the “Intensive Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program II,” which is carried out by the National Cybersecurity Agency.

Deputy Prime Minister and DE Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong presided over the programme’s conclusion ceremony, emphasising its significance in building digital trust. The training is part of Thailand’s larger goal of aligning its cyber defensive systems with global standards and promoting a secure digital economy.

Minister Prasert stated that cybersecurity is critical to the country’s development into a digitally evolved society. His ministry’s “The Growth Engine of Thailand” policy emphasises digital infrastructure and workforce development. He emphasised the importance of actively combating cybercrime, such as scams, illegal accounts, and online fraud.

The government intends to improve interagency coordination, accelerate methods for blocking bogus accounts, and establish a Cyber Alert Centre. The adoption of secure government cloud solutions will also be encouraged.

Certificates handed to trainees represent Thailand’s increasing readiness to face global cyber threats with confidence and resilience.

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a vast global nuclear fusion endeavour, has reached a significant milestone by assembling the world’s most powerful magnet. Located in southern France and backed by over 30 countries, including the U.S., China, EU nations, Russia, and Japan, ITER attempts to reproduce the sun’s energy by fusing atomic nuclei at extremely high temperatures. Central to this process is a magnetic system that confines the heated plasma in a regulated region, and the final piece—called the central solenoid—has now been developed and tested in the United States.

Described by ITER Director General Pietro Barabaschi as vital to the reactor’s function, the magnet is considered a vessel that permits the fusion process to proceed. Although initially scheduled for completion in 2021, this component encountered substantial delays. Critics have pointed to long-standing difficulties, but Barabaschi maintained the project is currently moving at an unparalleled pace, with plasma generation anticipated for 2033.

He noted the continuous international cooperation, despite global political pressures. Meanwhile, private fusion businesses continue to seek financing with ambitious timetables. While Barabaschi expressed pessimism about near-term achievements, he stressed the long-term possibilities of fusion energy. The true issue, he added, was in developing a cost-effective and sustainable approach.

In a decisive move to encourage greener transportation and enhance its electric vehicle industry, Thailand’s Cabinet has authorized a significant modification to the excise duty structure for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The modification, announced on Tuesday, will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The newly adopted regulation lowers the excise tax rate to 5% for PHEVs that can travel at least 80 km exclusively on electricity. This represents a shift from the old system, in which many criteria influenced taxation. The electric driving range will now be the sole basis for computing excise duties.

The Cabinet has also removed the long-standing 45-litre fuel tank capacity limit for these vehicles. This adjustment is expected to remove design limits and allow automakers to adhere to international standards more freely. Authorities feel that this change will make Thailand a more feasible and competitive destination for PHEV manufacturing.

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Paopoom Rojanasakul confirmed the modifications, noting that the new regulation proposed by the Excise Department has gained complete government backing. Officials stated that the previous gasoline tank restriction caused manufacturing issues and reduced vehicle popularity in the market.

Tamil Nadu has become the first Indian state to establish a dedicated Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, intending to increase its presence in the national electronics landscape. The plan, launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, aims to supplement the Union government’s incentives and attract ₹30,000 crore in investments. It is estimated to generate more than 60,000 jobs, considerably bolstering the state’s electronics manufacturing sector.

The new policy provides matching payments to eligible component makers through the Centre’s system. It places Tamil Nadu as a key location for innovative electronics investments. Between FY21 and FY25, the state’s electronics exports increased from $1.66 billion to more than $14.6 billion, demonstrating its leadership in this area.

Industries Minister TRB Rajaa emphasised that Tamil Nadu was the first to “put skin in the game” by matching central incentives. The initiative intends to strengthen India’s high-value manufacturing capabilities, as the state accounts for 41.23% of its electronics exports.

The program complements larger initiatives such as the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy (2024). It focuses on cutting-edge components such as HDI boards, camera modules, and lithium-ion cells.

The UAE continues to make significant progress in building the digital future, driven by strategic investments in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge infrastructure. Since launching the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in 2017, the country has prioritised sectors such as healthcare, education, renewable energy, transportation, and the environment, with the goal of being the world’s leading AI investor by 2031.

The UAE has been recognised as a leader in AI and blockchain usage. It has topped the globe in fibre-to-the-home network coverage for nine years in a row, now covering 99.5% of its territory. According to Ookla, in March 2025, it topped mobile internet speeds and ranked second globally in fixed broadband performance.

AI has altered government services, resulting in increased efficiency and satisfaction. According to the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Survey, the UAE ranks first in the region in the Telecommunication Infrastructure Index, while Oxford Insights ranks first in the Government AI Readiness Index.

AI-related employment growth is accelerating, with LinkedIn reporting a 74% yearly increase. Experts from NVIDIA, BCG, and Kearney have all praised the UAE’s transition from AI adoption to full-scale implementation.