Google has announced a new initiative at the fourth iteration of their ‘Google For India’ event which promises to significantly improve the digital presence of vernacular newspapers and magazines. Known as the ‘Navalekha Project’, this ambitious endeavor aims to dramatically speed up and simplify the digitization process for these print publications, making online expansion more attainable than ever before.
The Navalekha Project: A Gateway to Digitalization
One of the key features of the Navalekha Project is its integration with Google Go, an application specifically developed for Google Search within India. Launching after only a year in existence, Google Go will be capable of reading webpages and highlighting text in real time, demonstrating impressive functionality in over 28 languages, such as English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is central to this functionality, with AI enabling the detection and reading of crucial webpage information. This advanced technology doesn’t just decipher what to read but also what to omit. Furthermore, even 2G connections can support this feature, and it doesn’t consume much data.
Another significant announcement during the event concerned the rebranding of Google’s Tez payment app, now known as Google Pay. This platform will offer better integration with both online and offline retailers and provide access to instant loans via the Bhim UPI.
Vostok 2018: Russia’s Largest War Games since the Soviet Era
In September, Russia will host its most substantial war exercise since the fall of the Soviet Union, involving over 300,000 troops. The Vostok-2018 exercise will span across Far East Russia and Siberia, with China and Mongolia also expected to participate.
Lakhwar Multipurpose Project: A Solution to Water Scarcity for Six States
The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has signed an MoU with the Chief Ministers of six Upper Yamuna Basin states for the construction of the Lakhwar Multipurpose project in the region. It is anticipated that upon completion, this project will solve water shortages in these states by improving the dry season water flow in the River Yamuna.
Hastsal Minar Restoration Project
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is reportedly preparing a detailed project report for the restoration of Hastsal Minar, a heritage structure located in village Hastsal in New Delhi. Often referred to as the ‘Mini Qutub Minar’, this monument bears a striking resemblance to its namesake and holds significant cultural value.
The Budhamal Festival: A Celebration of Harvest in Assam
Every five years, the state of Assam witnesses the Budhamal Festival, a celebration of the harvest. This inclusive event sees participation from diverse communities who gather to pray for societal wellbeing and a successful harvest.
African Swine Fever Outbreak: A Global Concern
The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has recently issued a warning about an outbreak of African Swine Fever spreading from China to Southeast Asia or the Korean Peninsula. With no known vaccine or cure, the only way to prevent the disease from spreading involves culling the infected livestock. It’s important to clarify that the African Swine Fever poses no direct threat to humans.
