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Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder
Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centres with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP. Australian startup Diraq is conducting the first field test worldwide putting a small quantum computer based on a silicon chip in a commercial data centre in Sydney. Diraq's computer installed in Equinix's Sydney data centre has eight quantum bits, or qubits, on a silicon chip.
Nvidia scandal: The AI arms race puts human spies back into the game
The Nvidia controversy involving CEO Jensen Huang and a woman suspected by US intelligence of having links to Beijing has renewed concerns over corporate espionage in the AI industry. Recent cases involving OpenAI and Google have also highlighted risks from insiders and traditional spying methods.
Nvidia's Jensen Huang, the scandal-hit AI visionary in a leather jacket
Chips made by US chip titan Nvidia push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, but its leader Jensen Huang is in the spotlight over an affair with an alleged Chinese spy. That is an area of concern to US officials who believe he has been involved with the alleged spy, Alice Huang, who is linked to a Singapore-based data center company, according to the New York Times.
US dollar holds onto payrolls gains, NZ dollar rises after election
Dollar index steadies at 102.20 after jumping about 0.7% Friday * Fed hike bets rekindled after receding amid AI stock selloff * NZ ballot too close to call, leader will not be known for weeks TOKYO
AI Can Measure How ESG Really Impacts the Bottom Line
Advances in large language models are making rigorous sustainability analysis dramatically faster and cheaper, allowing investors and other stakeholders to connect companies’ disclosed environmental and social risks directly to financialperformance in a matter of hours rather than weeks. Applying a simple methodology to ExxonMobil, the authors used AI to map sustainability-related issues to specific financial statement line items and estimate their impact on earnings and value, demonstrating both the promise and the limitations of AI-assisted analysis. As these capabilities become widely accessible, the competitive advantage long held by ESG ratings agencies, standard setters, and sustainable fund managers may erode, shifting attention from proprietary scores toward transparent assumptions and financial consequences. Human judgment remains essential to validate AI-generated outputs, but the broader trend is clear: sustainability analysis is becoming more democratized, financially grounded, and adaptable, with significant implications for how investors, regulators, and other institutions assess corporate performance and value creation.
In 2023, North Carolina sank 1,700 tons of concrete pipes and manholes at AR-305; the material added fish habitat off the coast of Beaufort
In July 2023, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries implemented an innovative project by submerging recycled concrete pipes and manholes as artificial reefs about 28 miles off Beaufort. This initiative has successfully lured both fish and divers, showcasing the potential of reclaimed materials to enhance marine habitats. However, while artificial reefs show promise, they are not a complete fix for diminishing fish habitats.
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Diwali Patakha from China: The world's fireworks capital is reinventing its centuries-old industry
Liuyang in China's Hunan province is a significant hub for global fireworks production. The county supplies around 60% of the domestic fireworks market and 70% of exports. This industry has evolved to incorporate advanced technology, like digital ignition and AI. Although safety measures have improved since past catastrophic incidents, risks still exist.

Dollar jumps after strong US payrolls report
The US dollar index jumped significantly following the Labor Department's report indicating an increase of 165,000 jobs last month, which far exceeded economists' forecasts. As a result, the probability of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve climbed to nearly 80% for next month. Moreover, Federal Reserve officials voiced concerns about ongoing inflation, leading to declines for other currencies such as the euro and sterling against the dollar.

ET Wealth Expo 2026 | From HNIs to family offices, why 2026 is teaching investors the importance of de-risking: Dheeraj Gaur
Speaking on the sidelines of ET Wealth Expo 2026 in Mumbai, Gaur said the experience of 2026 has reinforced the importance of de-risking portfolios, particularly for high-net-worth investors and family offices that have built significant investable wealth over the years.

Dhanteras (November 06, 2026) - Today: What to Buy and Avoid to Seek Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari Blessings and Prosperity
Dhanteras 2026 is being celebrated today, November 6. Check what to buy and avoid on Dhanteras, including gold, silver, utensils, brooms and other auspicious items. Know the significance of traditional shopping customs, items considered inauspicious, important Lakshmi-Kuber Puja timings and practical tips to welcome wealth, good health and prosperity during Diwali.

US midterms upended Congress but Trump still commands foreign policy
Following the Republican Party's recent electoral losses, President Trump's domestic influence appears to have diminished significantly. Despite these setbacks, Trump retains considerable freedom to implement his foreign policy agenda. Democrats are poised to seek increased oversight of Trump's actions, especially concerning Iran and Israel. Challenges may arise as Trump continues to navigate these international affairs amid growing scrutiny.

How businesses are using generative AI to create content at scale
The integration of generative AI into creative workflows is revolutionizing content production and innovation. Many Indian creators are witnessing enhanced business success and operational efficiency through these tools. Nonetheless, human intervention is vital to uphold brand consistency and quality in the final results. At the ET AI Awards 2027, outstanding organizations leveraging generative AI in their creative practices will be celebrated.
Google will cut off search access for students at schools that reject AI
The Mountain View, California, company has been facing pushback from educators, child development experts and parents over the use of its technology in schools, with the backlash heating up since it announced in August that it had turned on its Gemini chatbot for many K-12 students who use Google Classroom.

Soket Labs, ZenteiQ launch indigenous foundation models under IndiaAI Mission
Soket Labs and ZenteiQ introduced new artificial intelligence foundation models under the IndiaAI Mission initiative. These models include EKA-1, Dhir 2B, and Dhir 5B, which were unveiled during a launch event. The event featured key government officials, including MeitY Secretary S Krishnan. This launch is part of the government's efforts to enhance India's indigenous AI capabilities. Such initiatives aim to support the growth of foundational AI technologies within the country.

AI on the clock as fintechs demand payoff for spends
September-quarter earnings calls of Paytm, Pine Labs, Groww, PB Fintech, Kissht and Mobikwik reveal a shift across payments, stockbroking, lending and insurance. AI is moving beyond chatbots and experiments into decisions affecting the cost of acquiring, serving and retaining customers.

The changing C-suite: How finance and HR leaders are driving business transformation
CFOs and CHROs are moving beyond traditional responsibilities to become strategic business partners. The discussion explores how finance and HR leaders are navigating uncertainty, driving technology adoption, building organisational resilience and aligning financial and people strategies with sustainable growth.

Dhanteras 2026 Shopping Guide by Zodiac Sign: What Each Rashi Should Buy for Prosperity
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6. Gold and silver are popular purchases on this auspicious day, but traditional astrology also offers zodiac-wise shopping suggestions. From copper and silver items to brass utensils, books and practical household essentials, here is what each Rashi can consider buying on Dhanteras for a symbolic start to prosperity, along with budget-friendly alternatives.

Frontline Workers Know How to Solve Your Organization’s Biggest Problems
Frontline employees often know exactly what’s preventing organizations from performing at their best, yet traditional engagement surveys rarely uncover those insights or translate them into action. Companies can close that gap by adopting a disciplined six-step process that combines structured interviews, targeted surveys, collaborative problem solving, and rapid experimentation. When leaders and frontline employees cocreate solutions—and measure their impact—they improve trust, strengthen engagement, and design work that delivers better outcomes for employees, customers, and the business

AI search gains 3-fold influence over traditional search in shopping decisions: McKinsey
McKinsey's survey, conducted in June 2026, covered around 21,000 consumers across 11 markets. It found that 56 per cent of consumers had used standalone AI chat or search tools for shopping in the previous three months, compared with 27 per cent who had used AI shopping assistants operated by retailers.

Odoo 20 strengthens business operations with deeper India-specific compliance features
Odoo 20 has launched several updates designed specifically for Indian businesses. These updates focus on enhancing GST compliance, payroll processing, and accounting workflows to meet local demands. The integration of AI facilitates improved data handling and analysis in everyday operations, ultimately boosting productivity.

Not Just AI: How soft skills are becoming key to getting hired
As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces, the significance of soft skills is on the rise. Key skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential for job seekers. Universities must adapt by creating experiential learning experiences that foster these abilities. Students can enhance their employability through group projects and internships, ensuring a well-rounded skill set that combines technical acumen with interpersonal strengths.

Research: How AI Agents Broaden the Scope of Knowledge Work
AI agents don’t just speed up knowledge work; they change its nature. In a field study of Perplexity’s conversational assistant and autonomous agent, researchers found that not only did the agent perform more autonomous work, cut task time, lowered cost, and left users more satisfied, but it also expanded the scope of work people attempted—crossing occupational boundaries, tackling more complex, multi-step projects, and generating tasks that rarely appeared with a standard assistant. As workers shift from operators to supervisors, leaders must redesign roles, workflows, and oversight to harness agents’ potential while governing their expanded autonomy.

India’s Arrakis problem: The price of what low-skilled workers know
Indian workers contribute valuable data for training AI systems, which is transforming how tasks are automated. As technology advances, low-cost labour is becoming a significant resource for AI development globally. Companies are increasingly relying on Indian workers for video data that demonstrates various physical tasks. This trend poses challenges regarding data ownership and the economic benefits for India.

Dhanteras Shopping List 2026: Gold, Silver or a Simple Broom? Choose the Right Auspicious Purchase for Your Home
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6. Gold and silver are popular purchases, but traditional Dhanteras shopping also includes utensils and brooms. Wondering which item is considered auspicious, and whether you need to spend big? Here is a practical shopping list explaining what each purchase represents, what you can choose according to your budget and which traditional beliefs are worth knowing.

Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.

Agentic AI can cut banks' transaction monitoring workload by up to 50%, improve compliance quality: McKinsey
Banks could reduce the human effort required for transaction monitoring investigations by 30-50% by deploying agentic artificial intelligence (AI), while improving the quality and consistency of compliance reports, according to a report by McKinsey.

Arunachal Pradesh faces protests over 11,000-MW Siang dam, 1,605-MW Subansiri project
Protests erupted in Arunachal Pradesh over proposed hydropower projects, causing violent clashes and significant unrest. People oppose the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, voicing concerns over environmental damage. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the need for careful assessment of the projects before proceeding. The proposed developments are linked to fears of water security due to China's dam projects upstream.

The hidden cybersecurity risks behind the connected factory
Connected machinery and digital production systems have made manufacturing more efficient, but they have also exposed factories to new cyber risks. For manufacturers, resilience now depends on protecting industrial systems while ensuring production can recover quickly when an incident occurs.

'Tech debt coming due': AI-found flaw signals chaos ahead
The vulnerability to potential hackers was found by using a powerful model from OpenAI in one of the most high-profile demonstration of AI's cyber capabilities.
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