India News Roundup| Ambani unveils suite of AI tools 'Jio Brain', cyclone in Arabian Sea & more

Mukesh Ambani announces suite of AI tools 'Jio Brain' and AI-ready data centres, IMD predicts cyclone formation in Arabian Sea near Gujarat on August 30, Centre approves transgender identity certificate as valid documentation for PAN, and more. Find out what's happening in the country with this India News Roundup.

In a significant announcement at the Reliance AGM, Chairman Mukesh Ambani introduced 'Jio Brain,' a comprehensive AI platform being developed by Reliance Jio. The platform will encompass the entire AI lifecycle, aiming to revolutionise various sectors through cutting-edge technology.

To support this initiative, Reliance plans to establish gigawatt-scale AI-ready data centres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, powered by the company's green energy resources. Additionally, Ambani revealed plans to create multiple AI inference facilities across the country to meet growing demand.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the formation of a cyclone over the north Arabian Sea, off the coast of Gujarat, on Friday, August 30.

While the cyclone is unlikely to impact Indian coasts directly, it marks a rare occurrence, being only the second cyclone to develop in the Arabian Sea during August since 1964. If the cyclone intensifies, it will be named Asna, following the naming system by Pakistan.

The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that a 'certificate of identity' issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, by the district magistrate, will now be accepted as valid documentation for applying for a PAN card.

This decision comes in response to a plea seeking the inclusion of a third gender option on PAN cards, aligning with the Aadhaar system.

The online portal for passport applications will undergo technical maintenance and will be unavailable from 8:00 PM IST on Thursday, August 29, 2024, until 6:00 AM IST on Monday, September 2, 2024. During this period, the system will be inaccessible to citizens and various authorities.

Appointments already scheduled for August 30 will be rescheduled, and applicants will be notified accordingly.

In preparation for the upcoming three-phase assembly elections in the Jammu and Kashmir, starting September 18, over 300 additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed.

This includes personnel from the CRPF, BSF, Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), all of whom will ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the elections in the region.