Avishkar Hyperloop, a student team from IIT Madras, created a prototype hyperloop pod designed to travel from Chennai to Bangalore in just 25 minutes. They are the sole Indian team to reach the finals of Elon Musk's Space X International Hyperloop Pod Competition. Hyperloop is seen as a transformative fifth mode of transportation, utilizing electric propulsion in low-pressure vacuum tubes. The IIT-Madras prototype aims to reach speeds of 400 to 450 km/h during the finals in Los Angeles. This innovative technology could significantly reduce inter-city travel times, such as the 5-hour Chennai-Bangalore train journey, down to 25 minutes.

ChatGPT now allows paid subscribers on Plus and Enterprise plans to communicate by voice and share images. The voice feature rolling out over the next two weeks lets users have conversations with ChatGPT using speech on iOS and Android devices. To use it, tap the new microphone icon when chatting. The image feature launching across platforms allows sending pictures to ask ChatGPT questions about them. Users can upload images from their camera roll or take new photos. These new capabilities expand ChatGPT's AI skills beyond just text, enabling more natural interactions. However, they are currently limited to paid users, with no timeline for free tier access.

For the first time, the newly launched iPhone 15 model assembled in India will be available on the global sales debut day in India and some other markets. While most iPhone 15s will still come from China, this marks a major shift for Apple. Apple started producing the iPhone 15 at Foxconn's India factory last month, reflecting India's growing manufacturing capabilities. The availability of India-made iPhone 15s on launch day closes the gap between Apple's India and China operations. This underscores India's rising production prowess that Apple's latest generation iPhone will be locally assembled and sold alongside Chinese-made models on day one of iPhone 15 sales expected shortly after Tuesday's unveiling.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched the world's first 100% Ethanol-fueled car in New Delhi, marking a historic step toward self-reliance and reduced oil imports. Stressing the transport sector's 40% pollution contribution, Gadkari urged sustainability efforts. With 20% ethanol blending, India could save 35,000 crore rupees annually in import costs. The government advanced the 20% ethanol blending target from 2030 to 2025. This move not only cuts imports but also aids farmers, aligning with PM Modi's Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision. The flex fuel technology allows engines to use over 20% ethanol, lowering carbon footprint and fuel dependency.