In the latest episode of Mint Techcetra, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das run down all the biggest news from this week. We begin with the Samsung Galaxy S25, which is Samsung's second generation of its AI smartphone. Then, we move on to the technology being used in the Mahakumbh Mela, one of India’s biggest religious events, happening for the first time in 144 years. Finally, we discuss Donald J. Trump’s second tenure as the United States president and how his actions will impact the world of technology.

India’s Path to AI Leadership

India’s tech landscape, while evolving, requires substantial investment and public-private partnerships to achieve true AI independence. Drawing parallels with ISRO’s cost-effective innovations, India can leverage its rich linguistic diversity to develop localized AI models, reducing dependency on English-centric tools. In consumer tech, devices like the Samsung S25 exemplify India’s growing appetite for cutting-edge innovations, yet its current VC ecosystem and infrastructure need bolstering to support large-scale foundational AI projects. By fostering innovation through strategic funding and leveraging its unique data diversity, India can position itself as a formidable global AI player.

Technological Advancements in Events Like Kumbh Mela

The integration of advanced technology has significantly enhanced the management of large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela. Tools such as drones, 5G connectivity, chatbots, and online platforms have made navigation, safety, and crowd management seamless for millions of attendees. Initiatives like the IT Ministry’s Bhashini chatbot, offering support in 11 local languages, and Google Maps’ tailored services are key examples. These technologies provide a safer, more convenient experience, transforming what was once a daunting logistical challenge into a more manageable and enjoyable event.

$500B Stargate Plan to Help the US Trump China

The US has reaffirmed its technological dominance with policies like Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI initiative aimed at creating domestic data centers and AI innovations, starkly contrasting India’s $1.2 billion mission over five years. Meanwhile, China continues to innovate aggressively with tools like DeepSeek R1, challenging US-led AI models. Despite geopolitical tensions and restrictive US policies, India ranks fourth globally in AI readiness. However, its reliance on foreign foundational models emphasizes the need for domestic innovation to remain competitive and self-reliant in this rapidly evolving sector.