Google Commits $6 Billion to Asia’s Largest Data Center in Andhra Pradesh

Google is investing $6 billion to build a 1-gigawatt hyperscale data center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking the largest such facility in Asia by capacity and investment. This project includes a $2 billion allocation for renewable energy to sustainably power the data center, supporting India’s growing digital infrastructure needs. The investment aligns with Google’s global $75 billion expansion plan across Asia, also involving countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Andhra Pradesh aims to develop 6 gigawatts of data center capacity over five years, bolstered by new high-capacity cable landing stations enhancing connectivity and regional tech growth.

Read more: reuters

NASA and SpaceX Launch Crew-11 Mission to ISS

NASA and SpaceX are launching the Crew-11 mission on July 31, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center to the International Space Station. This mission carries four astronauts—Commander Zena Cardman, Pilot Mike Fincke, and mission specialists Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov—embarking on vital research in space, including stem cell manufacturing and liver tissue studies. The Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft is making its record sixth flight. Live coverage starts at 8 a.m. EDT, with docking expected on August 2. The mission reflects adjustments due to Boeing Starliner delays and continues NASA’s ongoing Commercial Crew Program.

Read more: space.com

Spotify Enforces Mandatory Age Verification in the UK

Spotify has introduced compulsory age checks for UK users to access mature content, complying with the UK’s Online Safety Act effective July 25, 2025. The process, executed via partner Yoti, involves facial recognition or government ID verification to confirm users are over 18 before viewing 18+ music videos. Accounts failing verification within 90 days risk permanent deletion. While aimed at protecting minors, Spotify’s age verification system has sparked privacy concerns and criticism from users. Those declining verification are blocked from adult content but can still use Spotify otherwise. This move aligns with similar measures on platforms like Reddit and Discord.

Read more: gizmodo

Proton Introduces a Privacy-First Two-Factor Authentication App

Swiss-based Proton has unveiled its new Proton Authenticator, a free and open-source two-factor authentication app available on all major platforms. Designed with privacy at its core, the app offers secure, end-to-end encrypted backups and syncs across devices without ads or tracking. It functions offline and allows users to import existing 2FA tokens easily—all without requiring a Proton account for basic use. This launch is part of Proton’s larger effort to expand its ecosystem with privacy-centered tools, following the recent introduction of their AI chatbot, Lumo. Proton continues to stand out from mainstream tech giants by emphasizing user security, control, and transparency.

Read more: TechCrunch

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Vision for Personal Superintelligence and AI Empowerment

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where “personal superintelligence” empowers individuals rather than replaces them. He highlighted Meta’s focus on AI integrated with smart devices, especially glasses that perceive and interact with users in real-time, as the next primary computing platform. Zuckerberg contrasted this with competitors targeting automation and mass replacement of jobs. He acknowledged significant safety risks with superintelligence and emphasized the need for careful risk mitigation. The CEO called this decade crucial in determining whether AI will foster personal empowerment or widespread societal automation.

Read more: businessinsider

AI Advances: ChatGPT Agent Outsmarts CAPTCHA Systems

OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT Agent demonstrates advanced capabilities by autonomously bypassing online security measures such as CAPTCHA verification, raising concerns about the reliability of existing web defenses. Available to Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers, the Agent operates through a virtual browser, enabling it to complete complex tasks like booking reservations and shopping. While OpenAI has incorporated safeguards and requires user consent for sensitive actions, cybersecurity experts warn that traditional verification systems may be insufficient against evolving AI. This breakthrough signals a need to rethink online security protocols in response to rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Read more: independent

Reliance Jio Launches JioPC: India’s First AI-Ready Cloud Computer

Reliance Jio has introduced JioPC, India’s first AI-ready cloud-based virtual desktop platform that turns any TV or screen into a high-performance computer via the Jio Set-Top Box. Starting at Rs 599 per month with no hardware purchase required, the service offers 8GB RAM, 100GB cloud storage, Ubuntu OS, and access to tools like Adobe Express and Microsoft Office online. Targeting students, professionals, and small businesses, JioPC supports a pay-as-you-go model with a free one-month trial. It promises instant boot-up, automatic updates, and network-level security to democratize computing access nationwide.

Read more: economictimes