Bengaluru-based startup Vimag Labs is developing software-defined, magnet-free electric motors to reduce dependence on China's dominance in rare earth minerals used for EVs. Instead of permanent magnets, the company's patented technology uses copper coils, steel and proprietary software to generate magnetic fields, delivering comparable performance while enabling over-the-air updates and potentially improving driving range. Founded after pandemic-related supply disruptions, Vimag says its motors can be manufactured entirely in India using conventional materials and electronics. The startup has secured five Indian patents, is testing its technology with leading EV manufacturers, and plans to ship between 1,000 and 10,000 motors this year as it scales production and prepares a fresh funding round. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has issued a notice to Meta, directing Instagram to immediately remove all paid advertisements and content facilitating Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM), sources said. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also ordered action against any algorithmic amplification of sexually exploitative content and sought a detailed explanation from Meta within seven days. According to sources, failure to provide the required information could invite action under the Information Technology Rules and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The notice follows allegations that paid Instagram advertisements promoted child sexual abuse content, with officials rejecting any defence that the material originated from third-party sources. (PC: Times Now)

The Indian government has directed Meta to pause any further rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature and submit an explanation within three days, according to sources. The move comes as authorities seek clarity over the feature’s implications before allowing its wider deployment. Officials have reportedly asked Meta to explain how the usernames system will function and address any concerns linked to its implementation. The government’s intervention temporarily halts the rollout while awaiting the company’s response. The development remains ongoing, with additional details expected after Meta submits its explanation. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the specific concerns behind the directive or announced any final decision on the feature. (PC: X)

Apple has sharply increased prices of several products in India, making the country one of the hardest-hit markets in its latest global price revision. Prices of MacBooks, iPads, Apple TV and HomePod devices have risen by 14% to 70%, depending on the model. The company said rising memory and storage chip costs, driven by strong demand from the AI industry, forced the increase. Apple said it had absorbed higher component costs for months but could no longer avoid raising prices. The latest hike does not affect iPhones. Analysts say other technology companies may also increase prices if component costs remain high. (PC: economic times)

Anthropic has accused Chinese tech giant Alibaba of using nearly 25,000 fake accounts to extract capabilities from its Claude AI model through around 28.8 million interactions between April 22 and June 5, 2026. According to Reuters, Anthropic alleges the effort was aimed at improving Alibaba’s AI systems through “distillation,” a technique where smaller models learn from advanced AI outputs. The company claims individuals linked to Alibaba’s Qwen division accessed Claude using fraudulent accounts and raised the issue with US lawmakers ahead of an AI security hearing. Anthropic previously voiced similar concerns involving other Chinese AI firms, intensifying debates over AI competition, intellectual property, and national security. (PC: Inspired Pencil)

Entrepreneur and Kunal Shah, founder of fintech platform CRED, has been appointed as the new global head of WhatsApp, becoming the first Indian to lead the messaging platform. He will succeed Will Cathcart, who will transition to a newly created Meta division focused on next-generation products. The leadership change comes alongside Meta Platforms' $900 million investment in CRED, securing a 20% minority stake and valuing the fintech company at $4.5 billion. Shah will step away from day-to-day responsibilities at CRED while remaining a shareholder. The move marks a significant leadership shift for WhatsApp as Meta expands its ambitions across messaging, payments, business services and AI-powered products. (PC: X)

Tata Electronics has confirmed a cybersecurity breach after ransomware group “World Leaks” claimed to have leaked more than 200,000 files, totaling over 630 GB, allegedly containing confidential Apple and Tesla documents. Researchers reviewing the data said the files include Apple quality-inspection standards, Tesla project specifications, internal emails, event logs and employee passport copies. Tata stated the incident was detected weeks ago, response protocols were immediately activated and business operations remain unaffected. Apple has reportedly launched a full investigation, while Tata declined to comment on an alleged ransom demand. The breach highlights growing cybersecurity risks across global technology supply chains as Tata expands its role in electronics manufacturing. (PC: Business Standard)

Meta has appointed CRED founder Kunal Shah as the new global head of WhatsApp, making him one of the most prominent Indian entrepreneurs to take a top leadership role at a global technology company. The announcement was made by outgoing WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart, who has led the platform since 2019. Shah will join Meta's global leadership team while remaining a shareholder in CRED. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised Shah's entrepreneurial success and leadership. Meanwhile, CRED's strategy and finance head Miten Sampat has been named interim CEO as the fintech company enters its next phase of growth. (PC: X)

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)