The Centre told the Delhi High Court that Telegram is increasingly being used for illegal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, child exploitation and financial fraud. Defending its temporary suspension of Telegram services ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the government described the platform as a “new dark web” that helps criminals evade detection through its privacy features. Authorities said Telegram channels have been used to spread extremist content, share pirated material and circulate leaked personal data. The government also highlighted concerns over alleged misuse of Telegram in the NEET paper leak controversy and ongoing cybercrime operations. (PC: News18)

Meta has begun introducing paid features and subscription-based services across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, marking a shift from its traditionally free-to-use model. The move is driven by rising costs linked to artificial intelligence development, content moderation, and large-scale infrastructure expansion. While core services remain free, users may now pay for premium tools, enhanced privacy options, and advanced business features. The company says the changes aim to diversify revenue beyond advertising and support long-term platform sustainability. The rollout has sparked debate over digital accessibility, with users concerned about potential limits on free social media experiences. (PC: NDTV)

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has alleged that Reliance was involved in disrupting access to Telegram services for some users outside India during the platform’s temporary restriction in the country. Durov made the claim while criticising India's decision to block Telegram over concerns related to the NEET-UG exam leak controversy.   He argued that the ban affected more than 150 million Indian users and failed to stop the spread of leaked content, which simply moved to other platforms. Indian authorities have defended the temporary restriction as a necessary step to prevent exam-related fraud. Reliance has not publicly responded to the allegation. (PC: The Hindu)

Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Central government's temporary ban imposed ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-test. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before Justice Tejas Karia.   The Centre blocked Telegram until June 22 following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which said the platform was being used by cheating networks to spread alleged leaked papers, scams and misinformation related to the June 21 examination. The government invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act for the restriction.   Telegram argued that the ban unfairly affects millions of legitimate users and sought urgent relief. The court’s decision could have significant implications for digital platforms and exam security measures in India. (PC: India Today)

The Indian government has temporarily restricted Telegram across the country until June 22 ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-test, scheduled for June 21. The National Testing Agency (NTA) said several Telegram channels were spreading fake paper leak claims, edited screenshots, and fraudulent offers to sell question papers. Authorities also directed the platform to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30, alleging that it was used to create false evidence of paper leaks after exams. NTA stressed that the exam remains secure and urged students to ignore rumours and rely only on official updates. (PC: India Today)

Apple's software chief Craig Federighi has criticised the AI industry's rush to develop new technologies without giving enough attention to users. Speaking at WWDC 2026, he said some companies are pursuing AI without clearly considering the people it is meant to serve. Apple used the event to highlight its focus on privacy and responsible AI development. The company said users should not have to worry about where their AI data goes or how it is stored.   Apple also announced the expansion of its Private Cloud Compute system, which it says protects user data while supporting more advanced AI features. (PC: Screenshot: Apple)

A company reportedly received a staggering $500 million monthly bill for using Anthropic’s Claude AI after failing to impose usage limits on employee licences, according to an Axios report. AI tools typically charge based on token consumption, meaning higher usage results in significantly higher costs. The unnamed firm allegedly allowed unrestricted employee access, leading to massive token overuse and an estimated Rs 4,770 crore expense within a single month. The report highlights growing concerns among businesses over the rising operational costs of large-scale AI adoption. Microsoft has reportedly reduced Claude-related usage and plans to shift toward internal AI tools, while Uber previously exhausted its annual AI budget within months, reflecting broader industry concerns about AI sustainability. (PC: India Today)

Meta employees are reportedly facing rising anxiety ahead of another major round of layoffs expected next week, with nearly 10 per cent of the workforce around 8,000 employees globally, potentially affected. Internal reports suggest fears are intensifying as artificial intelligence becomes central to Meta’s long-term strategy, leaving many workers concerned they may eventually be replaced by AI systems they are helping develop. According to reports citing an internal memo from Chief People Officer Janelle Gale, layoffs could begin around May 20 as part of an “efficiency-focused restructuring” tied to heavy AI investments. Employees reportedly describe morale inside the Menlo Park-based company as emotionally draining, uncertain and increasingly difficult, with many delaying personal and financial decisions amid growing job insecurity. (PC: Times Now)

Researchers have reportedly used artificial intelligence to analyse the 2,000-year-old Indian performance text Natya Shastra, uncovering 108 mathematically precise movement patterns linked to Bharatanatyam. According to the viral findings, the AI study identified deep connections between geometry, symmetry, rhythm and movement logic embedded within the ancient dance system. The discovery is being celebrated online as a striking fusion of traditional Indian knowledge and modern technology, with many describing it as evidence of the scientific sophistication present in classical Indian art forms centuries ago. The findings have renewed public interest in the mathematical and structural foundations of Bharatanatyam and the enduring relevance of India’s ancient cultural and intellectual traditions.

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has become India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising $60 million in a major funding round led by Sherpalo Ventures and Singapore’s GIC. The investment pushed the company’s valuation to $1.1 billion, highlighting growing global confidence in India’s private space sector. Existing investors, including BlackRock and Greenko Group, also participated in the round. Founded by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot is preparing to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The fresh capital will support rocket launches, manufacturing expansion, and future space technology development.