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Dubai Police intends to launch a series of AI drones above the city’s streets

Dubai Police intends to launch a series of AI drones above the city’s streets, capable of detecting both major crimes in progress and minor infractions such as drivers not wearing seatbelts.

The fully functional AI drone, according to Defence and Security Middle East, “can take flight autonomously or manually at the press of a button, providing an eye in the sky with a 360-degree birdseye view.” “The drone employs in-house developed technologies such as 360 degrees situational awareness, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), make model colour (MMC), face recognition (FR), LIDAR Speed enforcement, automated traffic infringements including real-time detection of fastened seatbelts and mobile phone usage while driving,” according to the publication.

by Team SNFYI

Facebook is testing a new feature that invites some users—mainly in the US and Canada—to let Meta AI access parts of their phone’s camera roll. This opt-in “cloud processing” option uploads recent photos and videos to Meta’s servers so the AI can offer personalized suggestions, such as creating collages, highlight reels, or themed memories like birthdays and graduations. It can also generate AI-based edits or restyles of those images. Meta says this is optional and assures users that the uploaded media won’t be used for advertising. However, to enable this, people must agree to let Meta analyze faces, objects, and metadata like time and location. Currently, the company claims these photos won’t be used to train its AI models—but they haven’t completely ruled that out for the future. Typically, only the last 30 days of photos get uploaded, though special or older images might stay on Meta’s servers longer for specific features. Users have the option to disable the feature anytime, which prompts Meta to delete the stored media after 30 days. Privacy experts are concerned that this expands Meta’s reach into private, unpublished images and could eventually feed future AI training. Unlike Google Photos, which explicitly states that user photos won’t train its AI, Meta hasn’t made that commitment yet. For now, this is still a test run for a limited group of people, but it highlights the tension between AI-powered personalization and the need to protect personal data.

by Team SNFYI

Garuda Aerospace, India’s most valuable drone startup, has successfully raised ₹100 crores  in its Series B funding round from Venture Catalysts (VCAT), at a valuation of $250 million. This strategic infusion of capital marks a major milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s mission to bolster indigenous drone manufacturing and innovation. The fresh funds will significantly enhance the company’s capabilities in producing drone systems. The funds will also be allocated in scaling up its current production facility and fast-tracking the completion of a cutting-edge R&D and testing center dedicated to advanced defense drone design. This development not only strengthens Garuda Aerospace’s position in the Indian aerospace ecosystem but also aligns with the nation’s broader vision of achieving self-reliance in high-tech defense manufacturing.  Currently holding a robust portfolio of over 20+ patents, Garuda Aerospace has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and technological excellence in the fast-evolving drone sector. A dedicated portion of the newly secured funds will support the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in drone innovation and utilizing the funds towards producing a new design facility as well. This initiative underscores Garuda Aerospace’s strategic role in enhancing India’s defense and security capabilities through the development of cutting-edge, domestically engineered drone systems. Garuda Aerospace will continue to contribute meaningfully to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “This Series B funding is a defining milestone in Garuda Aerospace’s growth journey. It not only strengthens our capacity to scale manufacturing and innovation but also positions us to accelerate the development of next-generation drones technology. As we prepare for global growth expansion journey, this investment reinforces our commitment to building world-class, indigenous drone technologies that contribute to India’s economic progress, self-reliance in defense, and technological leadership on the global stage.” Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder and Managing Director of VCAT, said, “We are immensely proud to lead this landmark Series B funding for Garuda Aerospace. This investment is closely aligned with our strategy of supporting homegrown champions that have the potential to transform India’s technological landscape and create significant socio-economic impact. The role Garuda is playing in strengthening India’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem, while also creating a global footprint, is something that truly excites us. We firmly believe that in the years to come, Garuda Aerospace will emerge as a global leader in drone technology, making India the drone hub of the world by 2030.” Garuda Aerospace’s successful Series B funding of ₹100 crores signifies strong investor confidence in the company’s vision, technological prowess, and growth potential within the burgeoning Indian drone market. The Indian drone market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by increasing applications across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance, and defense. With the government’s strong emphasis on promoting drone adoption and indigenous manufacturing through initiatives like the Drone Rules 2021 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the market presents a substantial opportunity. Garuda Aerospace has established a robust business model encompassing drone manufacturing, drone-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings, and pilot training. The …

by Team SNFYI

Ludhiana-based Astberg Ventilation Pvt Ltd is leading the charge against indoor air pollution, an often overlooked health hazard. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans Mr. Tervinder Pal Singh and Mr. Tejvinder Pal Singh, Astberg is transforming the Indian market with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) technology. The urgency is apparent: indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, a concerning statistic given that people spend about 90% of their time indoors. As modern buildings become increasingly airtight for energy efficiency, the need for advanced ventilation has never been more critical. “We’re not just selling products; we’re providing a breath of fresh air to India’s future,” says Mr. Tervinder Pal Singh. “Our MVHR technology is a game-changer in how we approach indoor air quality, offering a solution that’s both highly effective and energy-efficient.” Astberg’s MVHR systems excel in managing crucial air quality parameters such as PM2.5, CO2, and VOC levels without compromising energy efficiency. The company’s impact is already visible across high-profile projects, from the Canada Embassy to corporate giants like Godrej and Sertel Electronics. “Our vision extends beyond mere ventilation,” Mr. Tejvinder Pal Singh explains. “We’re laying the foundation for healthier, more productive indoor environments across India.” The founders’ commitment stems from their extensive HVAC industry experience. They recognised the gap in the Indian market for advanced ventilation solutions tailored to modern building requirements. Astberg calls on HVAC professionals, architects, and builders to integrate these advanced ventilation solutions into their projects. The emphasis is clear: indoor air quality must be a fundamental consideration in building design and operation. “We’re not just building a company; we’re catalysing a movement towards healthier indoor living,” Mr. Tervinder Pal Singh asserts. “Our goal is to make advanced ventilation as standard in Indian buildings as air conditioning is today.” With Astberg leading the HVAC industry, a healthier and more productive future for millions of professionals is within reach. The company’s vision of clean, fresh indoor air will become an integral part of India’s architectural landscape, promising a breath of fresh air for generations to come. Source Link