Stay informed with our weekly roundup of top 10 key happenings in tech, cyber, and geopolitics. Discover the most significant developments, trends and breakthroughs shaping the industry, all in one concise update. The card image tiles are designed for easy recognition of the category to which the news belongs.
KBC online scam: Hamirpur man falls victim to scam, promised of Nexon car, loses Rs 11 lakh
A man in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, lost Rs 11 lakh in an online scam promising a Kaun Banega Crorepati prize. Lured by a fake link, he was tricked into believing hed won a Nexon car or Rs 8.5 lakh. After multiple payments, he realized the fraud. Authorities froze linked accounts, recovering Rs 2 lakh.
Read moreHow Scammers Use Fake CBI, ED Documents to Intimidate Victims with Digital Arrest: See Attached Samples for a Closer Look
A scam in India uses fake arrest warrants from agencies like RBI and CBI to accuse people of money laundering and extort money. These fraudulent documents create fear and urgency. Authorities warn the public to stay vigilant, verify suspicious documents, and avoid sharing personal information to prevent falling victim to these scams.
Read moreBank Manager Arrested for Siphoning Rs 13.5 Crore from NHAI Account Using Clone Cheques
Two IndusInd Bank officials were arrested in Rudrapur for a Rs 13.5 crore fraud involving counterfeit checks from NHAI and CALA accounts. The suspects worked with criminals to withdraw funds using fake checks. Investigations revealed insider involvement, blocked SMS alerts, and use of business accounts. Authorities froze Rs 7.5 crore and continue to track other suspects.
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Ilya Sutskevers AI Startup, Safe Superintelligence, Raises $1 Billion
Ilya Sutskevers AI startup, Safe Superintelligence, has raised $1 billion in funding. The startup aims to develop advanced AI technologies with a focus on safety and ethical considerations. The funding will be used to support research, development, and scaling efforts. This investment reflects growing interest and confidence in AI technologies that prioritize safety and align with ethical standards.
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UK will predict droughts and floods with real-time sensors
The UK is launching a £40 million project to predict droughts and floods using real-time data. Led by NERC and UKCEH, it will establish a nationwide network to monitor extreme weather. Advanced technologies will analyze data to understand where such events may occur, aiding national response and preparation. The initiative is part of a £5.6 billion flood defence investment.
Read moreIntel Partners With Japans AIST to Launch Advanced Chipmaking Facility
Intel and Japans AIST are partnering to establish a chip manufacturing R&D center in Japan, featuring the countrys first extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) equipment for chips of 5 nanometers or smaller. Operated by AIST with Intels expertise, the facility aims to boost Japans chip industry competitiveness. The center, costing hundreds of millions, will open in 3-5 years.
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North Korean Threat Actors Deploy COVERTCATCH Malware via LinkedIn Job Scams
North Korean hackers are exploiting LinkedIn to target developers through fake job recruiting. They send ZIP files with malware disguised as coding challenges, like COVERTCATCH and RustBucket, to compromise macOS systems. These attacks aim to establish persistence and facilitate further breaches. The tactics are part of broader social engineering and supply chain attacks targeting cryptocurrency organizations.
Read moreHacktivists Exploits WinRAR Vulnerability in Attacks Against Russia and Belarus
Head Mare, a hacktivist group targeting Russian and Belarusian organizations, uses modern methods like CVE-2023-38831 in WinRAR to deliver malware. Active since 2023, they deploy ransomware such as LockBit and Babuk and use tools like PhantomDL and PhantomCore. Their tactics include phishing, disguising malware as legitimate apps, and encrypting data to demand ransom.
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India Overtakes China in Economic Growth – A Shift Anticipated and Amplified by Stock Markets with Geopolitical Implications
India has surpassed China in economic growth, signaling a major shift in global economics. While Chinas growth slows due to structural issues, Indias economy shows robust expansion. This divergence reflects broader geopolitical implications, contrasting Chinas authoritarian model with Indias democracy. The rivalry between these two giants will influence global economic policies and geopolitical alignments for years to come.
Read moreA Series of Strategic Maneuvers in the South China Sea: Unfolding Tensions and Alliances
The U.S. Democrats have pledged $500 million to enhance the Philippines military amid escalating South China Sea tensions. This investment highlights U.S. interest in countering Chinas expansionist claims over the regions resources. As U.S. elections approach, the future of this commitment is uncertain, with potential shifts in policy depending on the new administrations stance.
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