News related to
across

A pact between SkyGrid and High Lander has been signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 to construct a framework for advanced air-mobility operations in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on integrating crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles. The memorandum of understanding calls for development of airspace management ecosystems, digital operations for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and cargo drones, vertiport planning and cybersecurity protocols. SkyGrid, headquartered in Austin, Texas, acts as a third-party service provider for advanced air mobility operations, while High Lander offers unmanned traffic-management and drone-fleet-management solutions. The deal is part of the UAE’s ambition to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for next-generation aviation services.

Under the agreement the firms will jointly assess “Advanced Air Mobility Supporting Operational Environments” to develop technology road-maps and regulatory frameworks that facilitate scalable AAM operations. The collaboration targets areas including airspace integration, enabling vertiport infrastructure, securing digital operations and ensuring safe coexistence of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. SkyGrid chief executive Jia Xu said the alliance “represents a significant milestone in shaping the digital foundation of Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE and across the Middle East”. High Lander’s chief executive Alon Abelson commented that the environment in the UAE, supported by major aerospace players, constitutes “the perfect environment to demonstrate how automation, data-driven management and cross-industry collaboration can transform the future of air mobility”.

Analysis of this partnership places it amid a broader global push for uncrewed traffic-management systems and urban or regional air-mobility networks. Industry research shows that UTM ecosystems are considered vital for the safe scaling of commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations. A 2024 readiness index issued by the Global UTM Association named both companies among participants in task forces shaping digital airspace adoption worldwide. That makes this UAE-based partnership a concrete step from theoretical planning to operational readiness.

The UAE’s Economic Vision 2030 describes diversification into technology, aerospace and transport as key pillars. The SkyGrid–High Lander partnership explicitly links with these goals, signalling industry-scale intentions rather than pilot programmes alone. By creating a unified operational blueprint, regulators and operators in the Gulf region may be asked to adapt their air-space classification, licensing and infrastructure regimes. Implementation will still depend on national aviation regulator approvals, air-traffic-management integrations, and standards alignment with international frameworks.

Despite the ambition, challenges remain. Data-sharing protocols across crewed and uncrewed systems must meet stringent safety and cybersecurity standards. Vertiport infrastructure—dedicated landing and take-off sites for eVTOL vehicles—is still nascent globally and will require investment and spatial planning, especially in congested urban zones. Moreover, global certification regimes for eVTOLs and unmanned systems are evolving; regulatory uncertainty may slow deployment. Analysts caution that while the Gulf region offers less airspace congestion than some metropolitan centres, integration of new aircraft types must still ensure separation from traditional air-traffic flows.

A new cyber-innovation centre has been unveiled to tackle evolving digital threats with advanced technology. The Vyuha Labs – Cyber Innovation Hub, launched through a partnership between International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad and the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, will bring together academia, industry and law-enforcement to co-develop deep-tech tools aimed at strengthening cyber-security infrastructure. The facility spans more than 3,000 sq ft and is equipped with specialist infrastructure to prototype solutions for crime analytics, fraud detection and forensic processing.

The core mission of the hub is to convert early-stage research into deployable products that serve policing and digital safety needs. IIIT-H Director Prof Sandeep Shukla noted that simply publishing academic papers is not sufficient; the institution aims to hand over viable technologies to start-ups or third-party companies for implementation and scaling. TGCSB Director Shikha Goel emphasised that innovation-led solutions are the only effective route to stay ahead of threat actors, citing a decline in cyber-crime incidents within Telangana even as national levels have surged.

One of the flagship initiatives within the hub is an automatic processing system for distress-call data gathered via the 1930 helpline. Leveraging IIIT-H’s language-technology centre, the system converts voice calls into written transcripts, applies machine-learning algorithms to detect patterns and flags hotspots of criminal activity—shifting the approach from reactive logging to proactive intelligence generation. Another major effort focuses on financial-fraud analytics: mining citizen-complaint and transaction data to track investment-scam and cryptocurrency-fraud trends and to evaluate policing interventions for effectiveness. A third component addresses computer-vision based forensic tracking through camera-feed analysis and automated suspect-movement detection, part of a longer-term plan to enhance digital-evidence workflows.

The strategic positioning of Vyuha Labs reflects a broader shift in how cyber-crime is being addressed. Rather than centralised national agencies alone, regional hubs are emerging that bring together local police forces, technical research institutes and private-sector partners for agile innovation and deployment. TGCSB’s claim of an 11 per cent fall in cyber-crime within Telangana, even as 37 per cent growth was recorded nationally, is cited as evidence of the model’s early promise. The facility is housed within IIIT-H’s Cyber Manthan wing, signalling a formal institutional route from research through incubation to real-world solution delivery.

Start-ups and industry play a crucial role in this ecosystem. According to project chief executive Rajul Negi, the lab aims to hand off matured research to start-ups or established companies, thereby ensuring proper deployment, maintenance and scalability across multiple jurisdictions at lower cost than traditional agencies. For example, the language-tech solution being built for call-transcription is expected to be transferred to a young company that can manage ongoing updates, user-interface enhancements and multi-state rollout. Prof Shukla stated that the academic institution intends to remain focused on core research while leveraging partner entities for full product development.

Observers point to several challenges the initiative must overcome. Translating academic proof-of-concepts into field-ready tools often encounters issues of interoperability with existing police systems, budget constraints for rollout and the need for ongoing technical support and upgrades. The policing ecosystem may also need training and culture change to absorb deep-tech workflows rather than legacy manual processes. Moreover, while the state hub model can address local threats, coordination with national agencies and cross-border crime networks remains a complex demand.

India’s workforce is entering a critical phase as artificial intelligence reshapes job markets and industry demands, with upskilling emerging as a non-negotiable necessity for both individuals and organisations. According to a recent assessment of the Asia-Pacific region, India needs to scale up its skilling efforts rapidly to avoid falling behind in the global AI marathon. A report by Asian Development Bank and Google. org warns that without accessible AI-skilling initiatives, large segments of the workforce risk being left out of the transition.

The country already boasts one of the youngest and fastest-growing workforces in the world, offering a potential advantage in the AI era. Yet the report highlights a mismatch: numerous workers in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, manufacturing and logistics perform roles with high automation risk — for example data-entry, scheduling and support functions — and these roles are disproportionately held by women and informal workers. With AI-driven automation advancing quickly, these groups could be among the hardest hit unless targeted training interventions are introduced.

Data published by NASSCOM indicates that India’s existing AI talent pool, estimated at around 600,000 today, must expand to more than 1.2 million by 2027 to fill expected demand—implying a shortfall of more than a million skilled professionals. This gap emerges despite the country producing hundreds of thousands of engineering graduates each year. Industry trackers indicate that more than half the workforce in technology services is already undergoing training in AI, machine learning and related domains, yet skills still lag employer expectations.

Business research from Microsoft found that across Indian organisations two-thirds of employees and four-fifths of leaders are now familiar with AI agents. Within the next 12-18 months more than half of these companies will place upskilling at the top of their agenda, and more than half expect AI training to become a core team responsibility within five years. These trends confirm that industry demand is ahead of the skill supply curve.

Beyond technical expertise, new job roles are emerging. Organisations are recruiting for “AI Workflow Designers”, “Software Operators” and multi-agent system builders. The most vulnerable workers are those in roles focused on infrastructure management, manual testing, and basic coding — positions that technology is already beginning to automate. This points to an imperative for current employees to acquire cross-functional, human-centric skills such as critical thinking, adaptability and collaboration with AI.

Educational institutions and vocational training providers are responding. For example, an initiative at Andhra University in partnership with NASSCOM integrates advanced skill modules into non-engineering streams and appoints department-wise coordinators to ensure student readiness. The move reflects recognition that skilling must extend beyond traditional tech fields to arts and sciences, and must address digital literacy gaps.

Nonetheless, major structural obstacles remain. A digital divide persists: only about one in five young adults in some South Asian regions has reliable internet access at home, limiting participation in online skilling programmes. Language barriers and low digital literacy further hamper effective engagement. Informal-sector workers, who often lack formal training and social protections, face a double risk of displacement without clear pathways into higher-value work.

The informal economy accounts for a large share of India’s employment, and workers in this segment are often overlooked in skill-development policies. Analysts warn that unless training programmes are redesigned for accessibility — offering tailored formats for women re-entering the workforce, rural populations and digitally disadvantaged groups — AI adoption may deepen existing inequalities.

Ukraine’s drone-manufacturer SkyFall unveiled its latest unmanned aerial system, the P1-SUN interceptor, on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow. The P1-SUN marks the company’s first public display outside Ukraine and is designed specifically to neutralise enemy drones such as the Iranian-designed Shahed, a frequent threat in the conflict with Russia. A company representative said production runs into the thousands of units per month.

SkyFall has built a reputation with systems such as the Shrike FPV strike drone and the Vampire rotary-wing model, both widely used by Ukraine’s armed forces. The P1-SUN uses a modular architecture and a 3D-printed airframe, enabling rapid manufacturing and deployment. According to the representative, the ‘plug-and-play’ design allows for quick reconfiguration to meet evolving threats.

The broader context of this launch lies in Ukraine’s intensified efforts to counter drone swarms and asymmetric aerial threats. Ukrainian defence-sector officials estimate that Russian forces have been deploying Shahed-type loitering munitions in high numbers across multiple fronts. Earlier assessments placed the cost of Ukrainian-built interceptor drones at as low as US $300 to US $500 per unit, compared with US $35,000 for some adversary systems. SkyFall’s move thus signals a shift from purely offensive drone designs to dedicated counter-drone capabilities.

At the airshow, SkyFall’s exhibit drew attention from international defence-industry attendees. One senior visitor commented that modular interceptors like the P1-SUN could fill a gap between point-defence systems and networked air-defence layers. Ukraine’s defence-industry consortium has been actively seeking partnerships with foreign firms, and meetings held on the sidelines of the show reportedly included discussions with major aerospace and defence contractors.

While SkyFall did not disclose customers or specific contracts at the event, analysts believe that the demo aims to position Ukraine as a supplier of cost-effective UAV and counter-UAV systems. The company’s advertising emphasises “combat-proven” status in the Ukrainian conflict, enhancing its export appeal. Kiev-based industry sources note that local firms are now transitioning from ad-hoc war-time manufacturing to serial production with export-orientation in mind.

However, challenges remain. Experts caution that scaling production of complex interceptor drones demands robust supply chains, quality assurance and integration into broader air-defence networks. SkyFall’s claim of thousands-per-month output will likely be tested by logistical realities such as 3D-printing capacity, component sourcing in a war-economy and export-licensing hurdles. Additionally, while cost-effective interceptors are attractive, they must be supported by detection and command-and-control systems—which are more costly and slower to deploy.

On the defensive front, Ukraine is not relying solely on lightweight interceptors. Systems such as the Rheinmetall Skyranger 35, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system mounted on a Leopard 1 tank chassis, are being delivered to bolster protection across multiple fronts. The combination of high-end systems and low-cost interceptors indicates a layered approach is under development.

By T N Ashok When Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17 by a special tribunal in Dhaka, the shock rippled across the region. Yet the most curious reactions came not from Bangladesh—but from India. India’s government, normally swift to comment on developments in a neighbouring country, […]

The article Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Acted As A Test Balloon For PM Modi On Death Sentence To Sheikh Hasina appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The cryptocurrency futures market experienced a significant wave of forced liquidations, amounting to $1.03 billion over the past 24 hours. A considerable portion of the liquidations occurred in long positions, totaling $725 million, while $305 million worth of short positions were also closed.

The dramatic liquidations were triggered by volatile market movements, which saw sharp price fluctuations across multiple digital assets. These price swings were exacerbated by shifts in market sentiment, which contributed to the rapid unwinding of leveraged positions. The forced liquidations come amid a broader backdrop of market uncertainty, as traders adjust their positions in response to global economic factors and the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector.

A notable driver of the sell-off was the high level of leverage employed by market participants. Crypto futures markets, particularly those offering derivatives with high leverage, often see sharp price corrections as a result of large liquidation events. When asset prices move against traders’ positions, forced liquidations can amplify the price movements, resulting in cascading effects that further destabilize the market.

This liquidations event reflects the high-risk nature of trading in the cryptocurrency space, especially with the volatile price action witnessed in major tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Market analysts note that a significant portion of these liquidations occurred as Bitcoin’s price struggled to maintain momentum, dipping below key support levels. Other altcoins, including Ethereum and Solana, also saw substantial price corrections, which intensified the market’s turmoil.

While the forced liquidations have had a short-term destabilising effect, many market observers suggest that they may serve to recalibrate market positions, potentially clearing out overleveraged traders. However, the long-term implications for the market remain unclear. Crypto futures markets are known for their volatility, which can often result in sudden price movements, leaving traders vulnerable to unexpected liquidations during sharp corrections.

The level of forced liquidations seen in this event underscores the risks associated with high-leverage trading, particularly in a market as volatile as cryptocurrencies. As more traders flock to these markets, seeking greater profits from leveraged positions, such liquidations will likely become a recurring feature in the digital asset landscape.

Despite these liquidations, some analysts argue that the broader trend in the crypto market remains positive, with institutional adoption and growing interest from mainstream investors continuing to support long-term bullish prospects. They point to the increasing recognition of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class, with traditional financial institutions exploring ways to integrate blockchain technology and crypto assets into their services.

On the other hand, the market faces significant regulatory challenges, particularly in key jurisdictions such as the United States and Europe. Governmental authorities have expressed concerns over the potential for market manipulation, fraud, and the lack of investor protection in the largely unregulated crypto space. These regulatory uncertainties add another layer of complexity to the market, as traders weigh the risks of entering a space with evolving rules and regulations.

At the same time, some proponents of cryptocurrency markets argue that forced liquidations and market volatility are simply part of the growing pains of a maturing market. They note that as liquidity improves and market participants become more sophisticated, the frequency and intensity of these liquidation events may diminish over time.

Global stock markets continue to experience significant losses, with sharp declines across major indices in Asia and other regions. The ongoing sell-off in equities has been driven by a combination of factors, including rising fears surrounding the stability of the global economy and concerns over the sustainability of the recent surge in artificial intelligence investments. These developments have raised alarm among investors, who are now bracing for the potential consequences of an AI bubble burst. As shares in major companies tumble, analysts are warning that the broader market could face deeper turmoil if the situation continues to deteriorate.

The volatility began when shares in leading technology firms, particularly in the AI sector, showed signs of weakness. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, which have heavily invested in AI technologies, saw substantial declines in their stock prices. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, joined the growing chorus of voices warning that no company, regardless of its size or industry, would be immune if the AI-driven bubble were to burst. His remarks have further heightened concerns about the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI technologies in various sectors, from finance to healthcare and manufacturing.

The sell-off has not been limited to just tech stocks. Broader market indices have also suffered, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index recording steep losses. Investors are particularly focused on the outlook for interest rates, as central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, have indicated that they will continue their tightening policies to combat inflation. This uncertainty regarding monetary policy has contributed to the risk-off sentiment, leading many investors to retreat from stocks and other risk assets.

Compounding the situation, the price of bitcoin, a barometer for risk appetite, has fallen to a seven-month low, reflecting the broader pullback from riskier assets. The digital currency, which had seen impressive gains earlier in the year, has now become a symbol of the broader unease in global financial markets. Its drop has triggered additional concerns, with some market participants fearing that the crypto market’s downturn could further exacerbate the sell-off in traditional equities.

The economic uncertainty has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing trade disputes between major economies, rising energy prices, and concerns over global supply chains. These factors have combined to create a perfect storm for investors, who are now facing mounting pressure to reassess their portfolios and risk exposures.

Corporate earnings reports are also under scrutiny, with many firms expected to report weaker-than-expected results due to higher input costs and slowing demand. Companies that had previously benefited from the pandemic-driven digital transformation, such as e-commerce giants and cloud computing providers, are now seeing their growth rates slow down. This slowdown is further contributing to the negative sentiment surrounding the stock market.

As the stock market sell-off continues, experts are advising caution and suggesting that investors should prepare for continued volatility in the months ahead. Some are calling for a reassessment of the risk associated with high-growth sectors, particularly those heavily reliant on AI technologies, while others recommend diversification to protect against potential downturns.