IIT Alumni at U.S. Conference Warn of Potential 'Reverse Brain Drain' as Unfavourable Visa Rules Pressure Tech Diaspora

BRICS Endorses AI in Education, Explores Global University Ranking System at 13th Education Ministers' Meet

BRICS leaders have agreed to share best practices in AI education, explore a joint university ranking system, and strengthen TVET cooperation. India’s initiative on traditional knowledge systems was noted. This impacts India's role in global education diplomacy and could shape future higher education policies.

India's R&D Spend Stagnant at 0.64% GDP, Only 2,500 Postdoc Positions Fuelling Brain Drain

India's gross expenditure on R&D has stagnated at 0.64% of GDP for two decades, with only 2,500 postdoctoral positions nationally. This chronic underfunding—$13 per person vs. China's $250 and the US's $2,100—is driving an estimated 95% of Indian postdocs abroad. The article examines systemic flaws in India's research ecosystem and the transformative potential of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: DAE Meets EDF for EPR Reactors, Targets 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047

India is opening its civil nuclear sector to private players under the SHANTI Act. DAE recently released draft rules for private participation and foreign reactor tech. A key meeting with French state-owned EDF discussed deploying EPR reactors and localising supply chains to meet the ambitious 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.

World Bank Report: Only 4.5% Jobs in Low-Income Countries Exposed to AI vs 14.2% in Rich Nations

A World Bank report reveals that AI poses a smaller threat to jobs in developing economies like India (4.5% exposure) compared to rich nations (14.2%). However, sectors reliant on outsourcing (call centers, back-office) face job losses. The report advises focusing on small language models (SLMs) for agriculture, education, and healthcare to avoid over-dependence on the US or China.

Graham Bill Targets India for Russian Oil, US Fed Hikes by 25 bps, Himalayan Monal Alters Calls: UPSC Daily

The Indian Express UPSC Key for September 19, 2026, covers a wide range of high-yield topics: the Graham Bill authorising 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers (including India), US Federal Reserve rate hike of 25 basis points, a Himalayan monal study showing call frequency change due to human noise, India-China thaw at BRICS, Tata Sons boardroom battle, stubble burning red entry rules, new CBFC guidelines with drug warnings, and India's first mainstream PHEV. Each segment directly aligns with UPSC Prelims/Mains syllabus.

EU Data Regulator Fines Google €403 Million for Location Data Violations Under GDPR

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Google €403 million ($463 million) for unlawful processing of user location data. This is the fourth-largest fine by the Irish watchdog, highlighting the EU's strict enforcement of GDPR and its implications for global tech firms operating in Europe.

China Launches 4 Orbital Rockets in 45 Hours; Targets 28,000 Satellites via Qianfan & SatNet

China launched four rockets in 45 hours from three launch sites, deploying satellites for its Qianfan (15,000 satellites) and SatNet (13,000 satellites) broadband megaconstellations. This highlights the rapid expansion of China's space sector, combining state and private players, and the strategic push for low Earth orbit satellite networks.

ISRO & ESA Extend Cooperation Until 2032; Add Human & Robotic Exploration, Space Weather

ISRO and ESA have extended their cooperation agreement by five years until January 8, 2032, and broadened it to include human and robotic exploration and space weather. This signals deepening international space collaboration and has implications for India's Gaganyaan mission and future lunar/Venus exploration.