Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, appreciated the move to streamline TDS rates, stating that it could enhance clarity and compliance for Web3 businesses. However, he urged the government to establish a committee to review business regulations and create a more startup-friendly ecosystem. He emphasized the need for clear guidelines to encourage domestic and foreign investments in digital assets.

The Bharat Web3 Association (BWA) acknowledged the government’s continued focus on digital transformation but expressed disappointment over the unchanged VDA taxation framework. “Despite data-backed justifications, the government has not introduced changes to the existing tax structure, which affects industry growth and investor participation,” said BWA Chairman Dilip Chenoy.

Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO at Pi42, noted that while the budget emphasizes technological advancements, the absence of direction for VDAs has left the crypto ecosystem feeling overlooked. He highlighted concerns over India’s high 30% tax on crypto gains and 1% TDS, which continue to push Indian investors and tech talent toward crypto-friendly nations like Singapore and Dubai.

Ashish Singhal, Co-founder of PeepalCo, pointed out both positives and negatives in the budget. He welcomed the government’s decision to mandate reporting of crypto transactions, which he sees as a step toward regulatory clarity. However, he criticized the continued heavy taxation on crypto trades, making trading in India expensive.

Sumit Gupta, Co-founder of CoinDCX, expressed concern over the lack of parity in tax treatment between Indian and international crypto exchanges. He urged the government to enforce the same TDS obligations on offshore exchanges to ensure fair competition for compliant Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) operating in India.

While the budget introduces minor steps toward regulatory clarity, the Web3 and crypto industries continue to seek comprehensive reforms, including lower tax rates and well-defined regulations to foster innovation and investment in India’s growing digital asset ecosystem.

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The feature is initially being rolled out to a select group of businesses, including auto shops and nail salons, with plans to expand its reach in the future. Users can access the tool by opting into Google’s Search Labs and performing simple search queries such as “auto shops near me” or “salons near me.” Once activated, the AI takes over and makes the call to collect the requested information on the user’s behalf.

To ensure transparency, businesses receiving these AI-driven calls have the option to opt out, and a clear message is played at the start of the call, informing the business that an AI system is handling the conversation.

While the feature shows great promise for simplifying the process of gathering quick information, users should be aware that, due to capacity limitations, they might experience a waitlist before the AI call can be placed.

The technology behind ‘Ask for Me’ is powered by the same systems that Google uses for restaurant reservations through its Search and Maps platforms. This seamless integration aims to enhance the overall user experience, making it easier to interact with businesses and obtain accurate, timely information without needing to engage in a phone conversation themselves.

As Google continues to test this feature, the company is looking to expand its availability to other industries, potentially revolutionizing how consumers access business details.

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The government’s portal will host open-source models, including AI frameworks like DeepSeek, on Indian servers. Vaishnaw revealed that the logistics for setting up the servers, including the necessary capacity and infrastructure, have already been finalized. He emphasized that the portal would offer GPUs to users at significantly lower prices, making AI resources more accessible.

“We are going to do this very soon. Already, the team has worked out the details regarding the servers required, how much capacity is needed, and all other necessary information. We will be hosting open-source models on Indian servers very soon,” said Vaishnaw.

This development comes at a time when China’s DeepSeek, a startup that has made waves with its open-source reasoning model R1, challenges the traditional view that building frontier AI models requires vast amounts of GPU resources. DeepSeek trained its model using over 2,000 GPUs, while models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT were trained with around 25,000 GPUs, underlining the disparity in GPU needs between different AI models.

To make this powerful technology accessible, the Indian government has committed to subsidizing the use of GPUs. The government will offer a 40 percent subsidy on common compute facilities, reducing the cost for students to under Rs 100 per hour. Currently, India has approximately 10,000 GPUs ready, out of the planned 18,000, with a focus on high-end GPUs to support AI development.

Vaishnaw also highlighted that the AI mission in India would focus on solving large-scale, population-centric challenges. “Our focus will be on utilizing the power of AI to solve problems in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, logistics, weather forecasting, and even areas like glacier measurement and flood prediction,” he added.

The government’s AI initiative, which is part of the broader vision of “Making AI in India” and “Making AI Work for India,” includes a comprehensive, national-level AI mission with a budget allocation of Rs 10,371.92 crore, approved in March 2024. As part of this mission, the Indian government will provide subsidies on AI compute power for the next four years, ensuring sustainability and further cost reductions over time.

This push for greater AI accessibility aligns with India’s long-term goals of empowering students, researchers, and startups to drive innovation and foster cutting-edge AI applications that can tackle the country’s most pressing challenges.

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What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou, China, is a company founded in July 2023 and has emerged as a formidable player in the AI space. Their flagship product, an AI-powered assistant, was released in the U.S. in early January 2025, and it quickly shot to the top of download charts. The app, which uses the open-source DeepSeek-V3 AI model, promises high-performance AI access for free, a major point of differentiation from existing tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

Unlike its competitors, DeepSeek offers unlimited, no-cost access to its powerful AI technology. This has resonated with users, with reports highlighting its ability to provide “personality” in writing and mimic human thinking through its advanced reasoning abilities. According to company claims, DeepSeek’s performance is on par with the most advanced AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, but it comes at a fraction of the cost.

The Founding of DeepSeek

The driving force behind DeepSeek is Liang Wenfeng, a 40-year-old engineer and entrepreneur from China. Liang, who previously worked with Nvidia A100 chips (now banned for export to China), founded DeepSeek after collecting around 50,000 of Nvidia’s chips and pairing them with more affordable alternatives. This savvy move allowed him to develop an AI system that was powerful but cost-efficient. Liang’s company has grown quickly, leveraging open-source technology to contribute to the global AI landscape.

Recently, Liang was seen attending a high-level meeting with industry leaders and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, underscoring the government’s support for his venture.

Why Is DeepSeek Gaining Traction?

DeepSeek’s breakthrough lies in its ability to offer top-tier AI technology at no cost, a stark contrast to its U.S. competitors. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, for instance, both require paid subscriptions for full access. Google Gemini provides a free version, but with limitations. The cost-effective nature of DeepSeek’s platform makes it an attractive alternative for developers and users alike, fueling its rapid growth.

Furthermore, DeepSeek’s claim to fame isn’t just its free access. The company has made significant strides with its AI’s ability to reason and mimic human thought processes. It also offers an open-source model, inviting developers worldwide to contribute and improve the technology further.

DeepSeek’s low-cost, high-performance AI model is also seen as a challenge to the belief that only massive budgets and cutting-edge chips can drive AI innovation. The company’s ability to produce advanced AI with limited resources is shaking up Silicon Valley’s understanding of the technology.

The Impact on U.S. Tech and the Stock Market

The effects of DeepSeek’s rise have been swift and dramatic. On January 27, 2025, U.S. stock markets saw a significant drop, with the Nasdaq falling over 3% in a global sell-off. Nvidia, a company known for producing the chips that power AI, bore the brunt of the hit. The tech giant saw its market value drop by nearly $600 billion — the largest one-day loss for any company in U.S. history. Nvidia’s stock price plummeted by 17%, marking a sharp decline from its previously dominant position as one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Analysts believe that the surge in interest surrounding DeepSeek’s free AI app may be a key factor in this downturn, as it challenges the expensive business models of companies like Nvidia, which rely heavily on high-cost chips for AI advancement. Despite the blow to Nvidia’s market value, many experts believe that the demand for AI technologies will continue to fuel growth in the sector, and that the market’s reaction may be an overreaction in the long term.

The Future of AI and Geopolitics

DeepSeek’s success comes at a time when the U.S. has imposed restrictions on the export of advanced semiconductor chips to China, aiming to curb the country’s ability to advance in AI development. However, DeepSeek’s ability to use more affordable chips, like Nvidia’s H800, challenges the notion that access to the most powerful semiconductor chips is the key to AI success.

With China making significant strides in AI development through companies like DeepSeek, many are questioning whether the U.S. can maintain its technological edge in the face of low-cost innovation from its geopolitical rivals. DeepSeek’s breakthrough, paired with its open-source model, represents a shift in the landscape that could change the global power dynamics in AI development.

In conclusion, DeepSeek’s rapid rise in the U.S. market is a testament to the changing tides in the AI industry. The company’s cost-effective, open-source approach has disrupted traditional models, posing serious questions for established U.S. tech companies and investors alike. As the geopolitical and economic landscape continues to evolve, the future of AI is likely to become more competitive and unpredictable, with companies like DeepSeek at the forefront of this transformation.

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The new update introduces a variety of enhancements aimed at refining the user experience, featuring improvements and bug fixes across multiple web technologies. These include updates to Authentication, Canvas, CSS, Forms, JavaScript, Loading, Networking, PDF, Rendering, SVG, Text, Web API, and Web Inspector. By addressing existing issues and refining performance, Apple continues its push to make Safari a faster, more efficient browser for users who rely on advanced web functionalities.

Safari Technology Preview 212 is compatible with the latest macOS versions—macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia. Users can easily install the update through the Software Update section found in System Preferences or System Settings, provided they already have the Safari Technology Preview app installed from Apple’s official website.

One of the standout features of Safari Technology Preview is its accessibility. Unlike the full Safari browser, this experimental version does not require a developer account, opening up the program to a broader audience. This approach allows both developers and everyday users who are passionate about web technologies to explore and provide feedback on new features, without interrupting their daily browsing habits.

While designed with developers in mind, Safari Technology Preview lets users run the experimental version alongside their regular Safari browser, ensuring that testing and feedback do not disrupt their standard web usage. Apple’s goal is to fine-tune features before they are incorporated into official Safari releases, and the insights gathered from real-world usage play a crucial role in this process.

For those looking for a deeper dive into the changes introduced in Safari Technology Preview 212, Apple has made the full release notes available on the Safari Technology Preview website. These detailed notes offer a breakdown of the updates and fixes included, providing users with full transparency and an opportunity to track progress.

Safari Technology Preview continues to be an important tool for improving Safari’s web browsing experience, offering a valuable glimpse into the browser’s future while allowing users to contribute to the ongoing refinement of web technologies.

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As the first-ever Track 1.5 Dialogue centered on technology policy and international partnerships, the ‘Technology Dialogue’ aims to foster deeper collaboration on a range of vital topics. The theme for this year’s dialogue is “Exploring New Frontiers in Technology Diplomacy.” Over the two-day event, policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and scholars will convene to discuss India’s role in shaping the future of global technology. Key areas of focus include quantum advancements, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space exploration, and bioeconomy.

This dialogue comes at a time when technology and innovation are playing an increasingly central role in shaping international relations. The event will build on the momentum seen at global leadership-level summits such as the G20, GPAI, and iCET, where the importance of technology has dominated the agendas of major international forums and bilateral engagements.

By bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the world, the Technology Dialogue aims to create synergies that can drive both global progress and socio-technological advancements. It serves as a unique platform to discuss the critical role that technology plays in shaping global economic and social landscapes, while also showcasing India’s thriving tech and science ecosystem.

The inaugural session, set for January 24, will address “India’s International Technology Engagement Framework.” Esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon; Prof. G. W. Diector of IISc Bengaluru; and Prof. G.K. Ananthasuresh, Professor and Dean of the Division of Mechanical Sciences at IISc, will share their insights on India’s technology diplomacy and future global collaborations.

This groundbreaking event is expected to lay the foundation for future technology-driven partnerships, further solidifying India’s position as a key player in the global tech arena.

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The return of the Super Heavy Booster to its launch site marks a key development in the ongoing test flights of SpaceX’s Starship. The mission, which has garnered significant attention from both space enthusiasts and experts alike, demonstrates SpaceX’s commitment to revolutionizing space travel and building reusable rockets for future deep-space missions.

One enthusiastic follower responded to Musk’s post, saying: “That’s amazing Elon! You’re a big inspiration behind @convodotwtf,” while another commented: “It was absolutely a beautiful launch. Thank you for chasing the dreams of your inner 5-year-old and bringing them to life for all of us to enjoy.” A third follower excitedly declared, “Round two ready,” anticipating the next phase of Starship’s development.

A Historic Test Flight in November 2024

This achievement follows a successful test flight of SpaceX’s Starship in November 2024, which was widely anticipated and celebrated. The launch, which took place at SpaceX’s expansive rocket development site in Boca Chica, Texas, marked the sixth test flight of the Starship rocket. The goal of the flight was to test key aspects of the booster’s recovery system, including the return of the booster to the launch site, reigniting a ship Raptor engine while in space, and testing heatshield experiments for the spacecraft’s reentry and descent.

The high-profile event drew attention from a wide range of viewers, including US President-elect Donald Trump, who attended the launch in a show of support for SpaceX’s progress. The flight was considered a crucial step toward the development of SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology, which Musk envisions will play a pivotal role in future interplanetary travel.

Musk’s Vision for Mars Exploration

Elon Musk’s long-term vision for space exploration extends far beyond the bounds of Earth. SpaceX’s ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars, making humanity a multiplanetary species. In a statement shared on X in September 2024, Musk outlined a timeline for Starship’s missions to Mars. He revealed that SpaceX aims to launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars within the next two years, coinciding with the upcoming Earth-Mars transfer window.

These early missions will be uncrewed, primarily focused on testing the reliability of landing on Mars and ensuring the Starship’s systems are up to the challenge of deep space travel. Musk emphasized the importance of landing intact on Mars as a critical step in ensuring the long-term success of future missions.

“If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years,” Musk explained. “Flight rate will grow exponentially from there, with the goal of building a self-sustaining city in about 20 years.”

Musk has long advocated for the need to establish a human presence on other planets, citing the potential to dramatically increase the longevity of human civilization. “Being multiplanetary will vastly increase the probable lifespan of consciousness, as we will no longer have all our eggs, literally and metabolically, on one planet,” he added.

A New Era of Space Travel

SpaceX’s ongoing efforts with the Starship program are rapidly advancing the frontiers of space exploration. With each successful test and milestone, SpaceX comes closer to achieving its goal of interplanetary travel and human colonization of Mars. As the company continues to develop and refine its rockets, the return of the Super Heavy Booster to its launch mount signals that Musk’s vision for the future of space exploration is steadily becoming a reality.

For now, the world watches in anticipation as SpaceX continues its journey to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of space travel, with the ultimate aim of turning humanity into a multiplanetary species.

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A key highlight, according to GSM Arena, is the enhancement of the AI-powered Sketch to Image tool. Originally introduced last year, this innovative feature is receiving a significant upgrade specifically for the Galaxy S25 family. Moreover, this enhancement is expected to be part of the One UI 7 update, potentially benefiting older flagship models as well.

The Sketch to Image feature, which leverages artificial intelligence to transform simple sketches into detailed images, will now integrate seamlessly with Drawing Assist. This enhancement allows users to input more than just sketches. With the addition of Drawing Assist, users can now provide descriptions of what they want the AI to create, either through text or voice commands, alongside their sketches drawn using the S Pen or their finger.

Samsung’s promise is clear: if an image can be imagined, “Galaxy AI can create it.” For instance, users can sketch a house and then describe the various locations they envision for it to appear. This upgrade injects a new layer of creativity and functionality into the AI-driven tool, empowering users to bring their imaginations to life with unprecedented ease and precision.

The integration of Drawing Assist with the Sketch to Image feature underscores Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that the Galaxy S25 series stands out in the competitive smartphone market. As we await the official unveiling, it’s evident that Samsung’s focus on AI advancements continues to shape the future of mobile technology.

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While the broader economic benefits of AI may take years to fully materialize, the ongoing competition among AI developers is already creating a wave of accessible and capable products. As industries increasingly integrate AI, the technology’s potential to enhance productivity and innovation appears limitless.

The race to dominate artificial intelligence (AI) is entering a new phase in 2025, with competition among foundation model developers driving innovation in features and usability rather than just scaling data and computational power. Major AI research labs are reaching comparable performance levels, with industry leaders pushing boundaries to deliver better, user-friendly products tailored to diverse use cases.

Performance benchmarks of leading foundation models have converged in terms of accuracy and task diversity. Open-source models have added to the competitive pressure by offering affordable and flexible alternatives to proprietary systems. These innovations aim to integrate seamlessly into workflows, accelerating adoption across industries such as finance, media, and automotive.

However, the exponential scaling of AI models is hitting diminishing returns. High-quality datasets are becoming scarce, and additional computational resources yield smaller performance gains. As a result, developers are turning to synthetic data, which mimics real-world scenarios to address data shortages. While promising for structured domains like cybersecurity and healthcare, synthetic data has limitations in handling complex, unstructured tasks such as natural language processing.

AI model improvements now hinge on enhancing the inference process, where AI systems process and respond to user prompts. This focus on improving inference processes is expected to drive the next wave of AI advancements, ensuring that autonomous AI agents become even more efficient and capable in the coming years.

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Expected Pricing of the Galaxy S25 Series in India

According to leaked European retail listings, the pricing for the Galaxy S25 series reveals some intriguing details about the costs of the upcoming phones. The entry-level Galaxy S25 is expected to be priced around 964 euros for the 128GB variant, which translates to approximately Rs 85,000 in India. The 256GB and 512GB variants of the Galaxy S25 will likely cost around 1,026 euros (approximately Rs 91,000) and 1,151 euros (around Rs 1,01,000) respectively.

The Galaxy S25+ is anticipated to start at 1,235 euros (roughly Rs 1,09,000) for the 256GB version and reach 1,359 euros (around Rs 1,20,000) for the 512GB model. Meanwhile, the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra could have a much higher price tag, with the base model starting at 1,557 euros (approximately Rs 1,38,000). For the top-tier 1TB variant, the price could soar to 1,930 euros, which equals around Rs 1,70,000.

Storage, RAM, and Color Options Revealed

Along with the price details, some leaks have also hinted at the storage configurations and color choices for the new Galaxy S25 models. The standard Galaxy S25 is likely to be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The Galaxy S25+ will likely skip the 128GB variant, offering only 256GB and 512GB models. For the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra, customers could have the option of up to 1TB of storage.

The color options for these devices also seem to vary by model. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are expected to come in icy blue, mint, navy, and silver hues. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its higher-end positioning, will likely feature premium colors, including titanium black, titanium grey, and titanium silver blue.

Pre-Reservations and What’s Coming Next

Samsung has already begun pre-reservations for the Galaxy S25 series in India, with an initial payment of Rs 1,999. Customers who pre-order can enjoy early access to the new devices and receive benefits worth Rs 5,000. Additionally, pre-orders offer exclusive color options, the ability to customize RAM and storage, and the best trade-in value for old devices.

At the Galaxy Unpacked event, alongside the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is expected to introduce its OneUI 7, which could bring new features and improvements to the user experience.

With all these details coming to light ahead of the official launch, fans are eagerly awaiting the January 22 event to learn more about Samsung’s new flagship smartphones.

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