Author: Mia Bhatia

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Technology

Oppo unveils phone with three 200MP cameras

Oppo is preparing to push smartphone photography into new territory with the Find X10 Pro Max, which is expected to become the first phone with three 200-megapixel rear cameras.

The flagship is scheduled to launch in China on September 22 alongside the Find X10 and Find X10 E. Oppo has now confirmed the launch date and revealed the design of the new Find X10 series, while several of the Pro Max’s key specifications have emerged through company announcements and recent reports.

The biggest talking point is the camera system. The Oppo Find X10 Pro Max is expected to feature 200MP sensors across its main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. If launched with that configuration, it would be the first smartphone to put three 200MP cameras on the back of a single device.

The move follows a recent race among Chinese smartphone makers to bring higher-resolution sensors to more parts of their camera systems. Vivo’s X300 Ultra introduced a dual-200MP setup earlier this year, while Oppo’s previous Find X9 Ultra also used two 200MP cameras. The Find X10 Pro Max could take that approach one step further.

Oppo’s strategy is not simply about putting a large number on the specification sheet. The company is positioning the new phone as a serious camera phone, with the three sensors designed to cover different shooting needs without forcing users to sacrifice resolution when switching between lenses.

The main camera is expected to handle everyday photography, while the ultra-wide camera should cover landscapes, architecture and group shots. A periscope telephoto camera is expected to provide long-distance zoom and close-up photography.

The three cameras are being developed with Hasselblad, continuing Oppo’s partnership with the Swedish camera brand. Reports indicate that the Pro Max could also offer advanced image stabilisation and improved colour processing across its camera system.

Video recording is another area where Oppo appears to be targeting professional users. The phone is expected to support 8K video recording, with reports pointing to advanced recording formats and broader control over video capture. The aim is to make the phone useful not only for casual photography but also for creators who want more control over their footage.

The camera hardware is expected to be supported by a large battery. Recent reports point to an 8,000mAh battery for the Find X10 Pro Max, putting it among the highest-capacity batteries expected in a premium smartphone. Fast wired and wireless charging are also expected.

The phone is also expected to receive a powerful new processor. Reports have linked the Find X10 Pro Max to MediaTek’s upcoming Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. If confirmed, the processor would give Oppo a strong platform for demanding photography, video processing and artificial intelligence features.

AI is increasingly becoming part of smartphone photography, with manufacturers using on-device processing to improve images, remove unwanted objects, enhance details and optimise colour and exposure. A powerful processor allows these functions to run faster while reducing the need to send data to cloud servers.

The Find X10 Pro Max is expected to sit at the top of the new Find X10 range. The standard Find X10 is also expected to have an ambitious camera system, reportedly featuring two 200MP rear cameras. The more affordable Find X10 E will complete the initial lineup.

Oppo has also revealed a refreshed design for the new series. The Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will use a redesigned camera module, while the lineup will be offered in colours including Moon White, Warm Orange, Ice Blue and Light Titanium, depending on the model.

The company is expected to offer high-end memory and storage options, with reports indicating configurations reaching up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for the top models.

The September 22 launch will provide the first full look at the phone and settle questions around its final specifications, pricing and availability. The initial launch is confirmed for China, while international availability has yet to be fully detailed.

The triple-camera approach also highlights how fierce competition has become in the premium smartphone market. Manufacturers are no longer competing only on processor speed, screen quality or battery capacity. Smartphone cameras have become one of the biggest battlegrounds, with companies trying to deliver DSLR-like flexibility in a device that fits into a pocket.

Still, three 200MP sensors alone will not determine whether the Find X10 Pro Max becomes the best camera phone. Image processing, sensor size, lenses, stabilisation, colour science and software all play an important role in real-world photography.

Oppo’s challenge will therefore be to turn its impressive hardware into better photographs and videos rather than simply higher-resolution files.

If the reported specifications hold true, the Find X10 Pro Max could mark a significant moment in the smartphone camera race. Its combination of three 200MP cameras, Hasselblad imaging, a large battery and flagship processing power makes it one of the most closely watched Android phones ahead of its September launch.

 

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Technology

Apple’s foldable iPhone costs ₹2.99 lakh in India

Apple’s first foldable iPhone has arrived in India with a starting price of ₹2,99,900, putting it firmly in the ultra-premium smartphone category. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 in the US, creating a substantial difference between its Indian and American prices.

The price gap has raised questions among Indian buyers about why the same Apple device costs so much more in the country. The answer lies in a combination of taxes, import-related costs, pricing strategy and the economics of launching a completely new foldable design.

The iPhone Duo is being introduced as Apple’s biggest iPhone design change in years. It uses a book-style folding design, with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen. It is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip and offers storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.

In India, the 256GB model costs ₹2,99,900. The 512GB version is priced at ₹3,24,900, while the 1TB and 2TB models cost ₹3,74,900 and ₹4,49,900, respectively. The top-end model is therefore priced at nearly ₹4.5 lakh.

One major factor behind the final Indian price is the country’s tax structure. The US price displayed by Apple does not generally include state-level sales tax, while Indian Apple prices include applicable taxes. This makes a direct comparison between the two sticker prices somewhat misleading.

Import-related costs also matter because Apple’s first foldable iPhone is not benefiting from the same local manufacturing advantage enjoyed by several other iPhone models assembled in India. A device entering the country as an imported premium product can carry additional costs before it reaches consumers.

The foldable technology itself also comes at a premium. Apple has developed a new hinge mechanism and a thin titanium design while moving components around to accommodate a larger battery. The company says the inner screen can remain flat when opened, while the software has been redesigned to make better use of the larger display.

The iPhone Duo is also not simply a larger-screen iPhone. Apple has built iOS 27 around the foldable format, allowing users to run two apps side by side, use multiple windows and adapt the interface depending on how the phone is folded. That additional hardware and software engineering adds to the cost of the product.

Apple is also positioning the iPhone Duo as a premium flagship rather than trying to compete on price. The company is entering the foldable smartphone market years after rivals such as Samsung established themselves in the category. The high launch price allows Apple to target consumers willing to pay for a new form factor while keeping the product within its premium ecosystem.

India’s pricing becomes even more striking when storage options are compared. The jump from the 256GB model to the 2TB version is ₹1.5 lakh, taking the price from ₹2,99,900 to ₹4,49,900. Interestingly, India has a smaller percentage increase between the entry-level and 2TB models than several other major markets.

The iPhone Duo will not be available immediately. Pre-orders in India open on October 16, with sales beginning October 23. Apple is launching the foldable across more than 70 first-wave markets.

The timing is also significant because Apple has raised prices on some existing iPhone models in India following the latest launch. The iPhone 17, for instance, now starts at ₹99,900 for the 256GB model, ₹17,000 higher than its earlier launch price.

The nearly ₹3 lakh starting price means the iPhone Duo is unlikely to be a mass-market smartphone in India. Instead, Apple appears to be testing whether its brand strength, ecosystem and foldable technology can convince customers to pay a substantial premium.

The real test will come once the phone reaches Indian stores. Buyers will have to decide whether the larger foldable display, new design and Apple ecosystem justify a price that is significantly higher than conventional flagship smartphones.

 

Categories
Leaders

OpenAI CEO says company may slow cutting-edge AI

OpenAI is showing greater willingness to slow the development of its most advanced artificial intelligence systems as concerns over AI safety and the risks of increasingly powerful models grow.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman told employees that OpenAI is open to slowing down its work on cutting-edge AI if needed, according to a report that has put the spotlight back on the difficult balance between rapid innovation and safety. The comments come as experts, policymakers and even people inside the AI industry question whether safety measures are keeping pace with the development of increasingly capable systems.

The message marks an important moment for OpenAI, one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies. The company has built its reputation around pushing the boundaries of generative AI, with ChatGPT and its increasingly powerful models becoming widely used by consumers and businesses.

At the same time, the race to build more capable AI systems has raised concerns about what could happen if future models become difficult for humans to control.

Those concerns were highlighted by Paul Christiano, a board member of OpenAI’s non-profit foundation and a former head of model alignment at the company. Christiano has warned that OpenAI and the wider AI industry are not currently on track to adequately reduce the risk of a catastrophic loss of control over advanced AI systems.

His warning adds to an increasingly serious debate inside the technology industry. The concern is not simply that AI could make mistakes or produce incorrect answers. Researchers are also examining what could happen if highly advanced systems become capable of carrying out complex tasks independently, accessing external systems or finding ways around safeguards.

Recent incidents involving AI agents have added urgency to that discussion. Reports have described systems behaving in unexpected ways while operating online, including accessing websites and carrying out actions beyond what their developers intended. Such incidents have raised questions about whether existing AI safety controls are strong enough as models become more autonomous.

The debate has also spread beyond OpenAI. Anthropic, another major AI company, has faced scrutiny after an incident involving one of its AI systems. These developments have strengthened calls for more testing, monitoring and safeguards before increasingly powerful models are deployed at scale.

OpenAI’s latest position does not necessarily mean the company is preparing to stop developing advanced AI. Instead, the comments suggest that the company is considering whether the pace of development should be adjusted if safety work cannot keep up with the progress of AI capabilities.

That distinction is important because the global AI race remains highly competitive. OpenAI is competing with companies such as Google, Anthropic, Meta and other technology firms to develop increasingly capable frontier models. A decision to slow down could therefore have commercial as well as technical consequences.

There is also a broader question about whether individual companies can slow down on their own. OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki has backed discussions around slowing frontier AI development to give researchers more time to improve safety measures.

However, coordinated action between competing AI companies could raise legal concerns. OpenAI is seeking greater clarity over whether companies could legally cooperate on slowing certain forms of frontier AI development without violating competition or antitrust rules.

That issue highlights one of the biggest challenges facing the AI industry. If one company slows down while its competitors continue moving ahead, it could risk losing its position in the market. At the same time, companies moving too quickly without adequate safeguards could increase the possibility of serious failures.

The debate is becoming particularly important as AI systems move beyond simple chatbots. Modern AI tools can write software, analyse large amounts of information, operate digital tools and complete multi-step tasks. The next generation of systems is expected to become even more autonomous and capable.

This has made the idea of AI alignment increasingly important. Alignment broadly refers to efforts to ensure that advanced AI systems behave according to human intentions and remain within clearly defined safety boundaries.

Christiano’s warning suggests that the industry still has major gaps to address. His concern is centred on the possibility of a future system becoming sufficiently capable that humans struggle to understand, predict or control its behaviour.

The discussion also comes as governments are facing pressure to develop clearer AI regulation. Policymakers in the US and elsewhere are examining how advanced AI should be tested, monitored and governed, particularly when systems can operate with greater independence.

The challenge for OpenAI is therefore becoming two-sided. It must continue investing in artificial intelligence to remain competitive while also convincing employees, regulators and the public that increasingly powerful systems can be developed responsibly.

Altman’s willingness to consider slowing frontier AI development suggests that safety is becoming a more central part of that conversation. It does not amount to a pause in artificial intelligence development, but it signals that OpenAI is prepared to consider changing its pace if the risks demand it.

The larger question is whether the rest of the industry will take a similar approach. As the race toward more powerful AI continues, the debate is shifting from how quickly companies can build these systems to whether they can make them safe enough before giving them greater control over real-world tasks.

That question could shape the next phase of the global AI race — and determine how much freedom developers are willing to give the machines they are building.

 

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Technology

Meta unveils Muse, its new personal AI agent

Meta has launched Muse, a new personal AI agent designed to do more than answer questions. The company says Muse can handle everyday tasks on a user’s behalf, including sending emails, planning trips, managing schedules, shopping online and making payments.

The launch marks a major step in Meta’s push towards AI agents that can act independently instead of simply responding to instructions. The idea is to give users an AI assistant that can understand a goal and then take several steps to complete it.

Muse is initially available in the United States through a dedicated app and WhatsApp. Meta plans to expand the service and add more capabilities over time.

Unlike a traditional chatbot, Muse can interact with other applications and online services. A user could ask it to organise a trip, for example, and the agent could work through calendars, travel services and other connected apps to complete the task.

It can also draft and send emails, fill out forms, manage projects, list items for sale and help with shopping. The system can even complete purchases and make payments when the user gives it permission.

That ability is one of the biggest differences between a normal AI chatbot and an agentic AI system. A chatbot generally waits for a question and provides an answer. An AI agent is designed to take action after understanding what the user wants.

Meta is positioning Muse as a personal assistant that can work across different parts of a person’s digital life. It can connect with services related to email, calendars, shopping, finance, health and fitness, smart-home devices and other applications.

The company says users remain in control of which services Muse can access. Permission controls are built into the system, allowing people to decide what information and applications the AI can use.

Security is a major focus because Muse needs access to sensitive information to perform many of its tasks. Meta says the agent operates through a secure virtual machine, separating its activity from the user’s main device.

The system also has a separate safety mechanism designed to monitor what the AI is doing. This is particularly important when Muse is performing actions such as sending messages or making purchases.

Payments are another area where Meta is taking additional precautions. The company says transactions require user approval, meaning Muse is not supposed to independently spend money without permission.

The launch comes as technology companies increasingly compete to build personal AI assistants capable of carrying out real-world tasks.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has described the company’s long-term goal as creating “personal superintelligence” — AI systems that can become highly useful companions in people’s daily lives.

Muse is part of that larger strategy. Meta wants its AI products to move beyond simple conversations and become tools that can help people manage work, communication, shopping and personal activities.

The company also has an advantage that many AI rivals do not: a huge network of widely used platforms. WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook already have billions of users, giving Meta multiple ways to bring AI services to consumers.

WhatsApp is particularly important because people already use it for conversations, businesses and everyday coordination. Bringing an AI agent into that environment could make it easier for users to ask Muse to perform tasks without opening several different apps.

Meta is also looking at bringing its AI capabilities to smart glasses in the future. That could allow users to interact with an AI assistant through wearable devices rather than relying only on a phone or computer.

However, the launch also raises questions about how much control users should give an AI agent.

An assistant that can read emails, access calendars, browse shopping sites and make payments has access to far more personal information than a basic chatbot. A mistake by the AI could therefore have more serious consequences.

Meta has faced questions around privacy and AI safety in the past, making trust an important part of Muse’s rollout. The company has said it delayed the launch while working on security and reliability issues.

Internal testing had reportedly exposed problems ranging from inconsistent performance to potential privacy and security risks. Meta says it has since strengthened the system and launched Muse only after meeting its required safety standards.

Reliability will be another major test. People may be comfortable asking an AI to suggest a restaurant or write an email, but they may be less willing to let it book an expensive holiday or make a financial transaction without close supervision.

The company is therefore entering a market where convenience and trust will have to grow together.

Meta has introduced both free and paid options for Muse. The paid plans are aimed at users who want greater access to the service and more extensive AI capabilities.

The move also reflects the changing economics of the artificial intelligence industry. Technology companies are searching for ways to turn AI into products that people will use regularly, rather than relying only on advertising or basic chatbot services.

Muse could eventually become part of a much broader digital assistant ecosystem covering communication, shopping, travel, work, health and home management.

The technology is still in its early stages, and its success will depend on whether people are comfortable allowing an AI system to act on their behalf.

Meta’s latest launch shows where the next phase of consumer AI may be heading: away from systems that simply answer questions and towards AI agents that can actually get things done.

 

Categories
Technology

PM Modi backs global UPI expansion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India’s fintech industry to take UPI beyond India’s borders and build stronger links with payment systems in other countries, as the sector looks towards its next phase of growth.

Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, PM Modi said India’s fintech journey had reached a stage where the country could play a larger role in shaping global digital payments. He called for UPI to be connected with more international payment systems, particularly in countries with large Indian communities, strong trade ties with India or an interest in digital cooperation.

The push comes as UPI has grown into one of the world’s largest digital payment platforms by transaction volume. It is currently available in 11 countries, including Singapore, the UAE, France and Nepal. In August, UPI processed 24.51 billion transactions worth around $314 billion, highlighting the scale of India’s domestic digital payments market.

The international expansion of UPI could open a much larger market. Linking payment systems could make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper, while also helping Indian companies, travellers and overseas Indians make payments without relying entirely on traditional international payment networks.

He pointed to the UPI-PayNow connection with Singapore as an example of what such partnerships can achieve. The two systems allow users to transfer money between India and Singapore using mobile numbers or payment identifiers, making remittances more convenient.

The Prime Minister said similar arrangements could be explored with more countries. For India, lower remittance costs could be particularly significant as the country remains one of the world’s largest recipients of money sent home by overseas workers.

PM Modi’s message to the fintech industry was not limited to payments. He said the next phase of India’s fintech growth should move into areas such as credit, insurance, savings, investments and pensions.

That shift could create new opportunities for fintech companies that have traditionally focused on payments. Digital lending, wealth management, insurance technology and financial services for small businesses are increasingly becoming important parts of the ecosystem.

The government is also looking at emerging technologies that could reshape financial services. He highlighted agentic artificial intelligence, tokenisation and quantum technology, urging the industry to turn their potential into practical applications.

AI could help automate financial decisions, detect fraud and improve customer service for many businesses. Tokenisation could create new ways of handling financial and digital assets, while quantum technology could eventually have implications for security and financial computing.

At the same time, faster digital adoption brings new risks. PM Modi called for stronger cybersecurity and ethical data protection standards, along with better consumer protection. The government wants innovation to continue, but with safeguards that can maintain confidence in digital financial services.

The Reserve Bank of India is also focusing on this balance between innovation and regulation. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said fintech has expanded access to financial services across India, helping bring banking closer to rural communities, small businesses and consumers who were previously underserved.

He highlighted the role of digital public infrastructure such as UPI, Aadhaar-enabled payments and Jan Dhan accounts in widening financial inclusion. Fintech is also increasingly being used to improve access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises through data-based lending systems.

This creates a potentially larger business opportunity. The domestic market provides scale, while international payment partnerships could offer a route into new markets.

The Global Fintech Fest, being held in Mumbai from September 8 to 11, brings together financial institutions, technology companies, investors, regulators and startups from across the world. This year’s focus is on building trusted and connected financial systems using technologies including agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum computing.

India’s growing fintech ecosystem is also benefiting from increased investor and entrepreneurial interest. Modi said the country’s young entrepreneurs are showing a greater willingness to take risks and experiment with new business models.

That appetite could become important as the industry moves beyond the success of digital payments. UPI has already demonstrated that India can build and operate a digital financial platform at massive scale. The challenge now is to turn that success into a broader fintech ecosystem with global reach.

The internationalisation of UPI could also strengthen India’s position in the global digital economy. Instead of simply adopting payment standards created elsewhere, India is increasingly seeking to develop its own systems and connect them with international networks.

This opportunity for fintech companies is therefore moving from transaction volumes to a wider financial-services market. Payments remain the foundation, but credit, insurance, investments, cybersecurity, data services and emerging technologies could drive the next wave of growth.

PM Modi’s message at the Mumbai event was ultimately about scale, taking an Indian fintech success story to global markets while building the technology and safeguards needed for its next stage.

With UPI already handling billions of transactions every month, the focus is now shifting from how quickly India’s digital payment system can grow at home to how effectively it can connect businesses, consumers and financial institutions across borders.

 

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Beyond

JLR to cut 4,000 jobs in the next 2 years

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is set to cut around 4,000 jobs over the next two years as the Tata Motors-owned luxury carmaker faces a difficult mix of falling sales, US tariffs, intense Chinese competition and rising operating costs.

The planned reduction, which amounts to nearly 10% of JLR’s global workforce, is part of a broader cost-cutting programme aimed at saving about £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) over the next two years. The company is expected to focus largely on salaried and management positions, particularly in the UK, rather than factory-floor jobs.

JLR employs about 44,000 people globally, with roughly 34,000 based in the UK. The company has opened a voluntary redundancy programme as it looks to simplify its operations and make the business more competitive in a rapidly changing global car market.

The job cuts come at a challenging time for the British luxury automaker. JLR has been hit by weaker demand in China, one of the world’s most important markets for premium vehicles. At the same time, Chinese carmakers are becoming increasingly competitive, particularly in electric vehicles, putting pressure on established global brands.

The company is also dealing with the impact of US trade tariffs. The United States is a major market for JLR, but the company does not have a large manufacturing base there, making it more exposed to tariffs on vehicles shipped from its UK plants. The additional costs have added to pressure on margins at a time when the global automotive industry is already dealing with high production and investment costs.

JLR has also had to deal with the fallout from a damaging cyberattack that disrupted its operations. The incident affected production and added further financial strain to a business already navigating weaker demand and a costly transition towards electric vehicles.

The restructuring is not simply about reducing its workforce for JLR. The company is trying to change the economics of its business so it can remain profitable even at lower production volumes. As part of that effort, it is targeting a break-even point of around 300,000 vehicles a year.

The strategy comes under JLR’s wider “Growth Reimagined” transformation plan, which is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening the company’s long-term competitiveness. The automaker is also continuing to invest in new electric models despite the pressure on its finances.

The transition to electric vehicles has become another major challenge for traditional luxury carmakers. Companies such as JLR are having to spend heavily on new technologies while demand for electric vehicles remains uneven across major markets. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers have moved quickly into the EV space, offering increasingly sophisticated vehicles at competitive prices.

JLR is preparing for the next phase of its electric vehicle strategy, including the launch of the Range Rover Electric. Jaguar is also being repositioned as an all-electric brand. The company is therefore trying to balance substantial investment in future products with the immediate need to reduce expenses.

The latest restructuring has also raised concerns among suppliers and workers in the UK. JLR is a major employer and plays an important role in the West Midlands economy, supporting a large network of automotive suppliers and related businesses. Any prolonged reduction in production could therefore have consequences beyond the employees directly affected by the redundancy programme.

The UK government has indicated that it does not plan to provide another financial rescue package for JLR, despite having previously backed a £1.5 billion recovery loan. Regional authorities, however, have said they are prepared to support workers affected by the cuts.

The developments for Tata Motors, which acquired Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford in 2008, highlight the growing pressures facing its global luxury automotive business. JLR remains an important part of Tata Motors’ international portfolio, but the company now has to navigate a market shaped by tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, changing consumer demand, the EV transition and tougher competition from China.

The immediate priority is to make the business leaner without weakening its ability to develop new vehicles. The planned 4,000 job cuts are therefore being presented as part of a wider attempt to protect JLR’s future rather than simply a response to one difficult year.

For employees, suppliers and the wider British automotive industry, however, the restructuring is a stark reminder of how quickly the global car market is changing. JLR’s challenge is now to cut costs while continuing to invest enough to compete in the next generation of luxury vehicles.

 

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Beyond

Gold holds at ₹1,53,500 as Silver hits ₹2,40,700

Gold and silver prices moved higher in parts of the domestic market on Tuesday, September 8, as renewed tensions in West Asia increased demand for safe-haven assets. Rising crude oil prices, uncertainty around the US Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook and movements in the rupee are also influencing the precious metals market.

In the retail market, 24-carat gold was around Rs 1,54,140 per 10 grams in major cities, while the rate in Delhi was slightly higher at Rs 1,54,290. The 22-carat gold price stood at about Rs 1,41,290 per 10 grams in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, while Delhi recorded around Rs 1,41,440. Retail prices can vary between cities and jewellers because of local taxes, demand, logistics and other charges.

The latest movement comes as investors continue to track developments in West Asia. Renewed military activity involving the United States and Iran has raised concerns about possible disruptions to energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. With Brent crude moving close to the $100-a-barrel mark, investors have been looking towards gold as a store of value during periods of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

International gold prices also strengthened during the session. Spot gold gained around 0.7% to trade near $4,435 an ounce, helped partly by a softer US dollar. A weaker dollar generally makes gold cheaper for buyers holding other currencies and can support international bullion demand. Spot silver also gained around 1%, trading near $66.78 an ounce.

Domestic futures showed a similar pattern, although different market snapshots recorded modest variations during the session. MCX gold was trading around Rs 1,52,750 per 10 grams in one update, while another market snapshot showed the October gold contract rising to around Rs 1,54,090. MCX silver was quoted between roughly Rs 2.39 lakh and Rs 2.42 lakh per kilogram during the session, reflecting continued volatility in the precious metals market.

Silver prices have remained particularly volatile in the domestic market. In Maharashtra, silver was quoted at Rs 2,65,900 per kilogram on September 8, unchanged from the previous day. The rate stood at Rs 26,590 for 100 grams. Within Maharashtra, prices were broadly similar across several cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and Kolhapur.

The broader state-level data also shows how sharply silver prices have moved in recent months. Maharashtra opened September at around Rs 2,59,900 per kilogram and touched Rs 2,66,100 during the month before settling at Rs 2,65,900 on September 8. That leaves silver higher than its opening level for the month, despite the day-to-day swings seen in the market.

Across major Indian markets, silver rates also differed by location. Business Today’s latest city data put silver at around Rs 2,66,900 per kilogram in Delhi, Rs 2,65,900 in Mumbai and Rs 2,61,900 in Kolkata. Chennai was quoted at about Rs 2,67,900. Such differences are normal because retail bullion prices incorporate local market conditions in addition to international prices and currency movements.

While 24-carat gold has the highest purity and is generally used for investment products such as bars and coins, 22-carat gold is more commonly used for jewellery because it is stronger and more durable. The final price paid by jewellery buyers can be higher than the quoted bullion rate after GST, making charges and other costs are added.

The next major trigger for gold and silver could come from the US economic data calendar. Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index readings due this week will be closely watched for clues about inflation and the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision. Expectations around US interest rates have a direct bearing on the dollar and Treasury yields, both of which can influence gold prices.

Market participants are therefore watching several factors at once: geopolitical tensions, crude oil prices, the US dollar, interest-rate expectations and currency movements. If uncertainty persists, gold could continue to attract safe-haven demand. Silver, meanwhile, may remain more volatile because it is influenced not only by investment demand but also by its industrial uses.

The rupee is another important factor. A weaker rupee can make imported gold and silver more expensive even when international prices remain unchanged. With global markets facing multiple uncertainties, domestic bullion prices are likely to remain sensitive to both international developments and local currency movements.

The immediate picture remains one of elevated prices and sharp intraday movements. Gold continues to benefit from its traditional safe-haven appeal, while silver is holding firm despite its larger swings. For consumers considering purchases, comparing rates across cities and jewellers remains important, particularly because the final jewellery bill can differ significantly from the headline gold or silver rate.

 

Categories
Technology

Apple September 9 event to unveil foldable iPhone

Apple is preparing for one of its most closely watched product launches in years, with the company expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series at its September 9 event. The launch could mark a major shift in Apple’s smartphone strategy, bringing foldable technology, artificial intelligence and premium hardware into sharper focus.

The event, reportedly called “Surprise and Shine”, is expected to take place at Apple Park on Wednesday. The biggest attraction is likely to be the much-rumoured foldable iPhone, which could be positioned as an ultra-premium device and referred to as the iPhone Ultra.

Unlike compact clamshell phones, Apple‘s foldable is expected to use a book-style design. Reports suggest it could have a roughly 5.5-inch OLED display on the outside and a much larger 7.8-inch OLED screen when opened. In practical terms, that would allow the phone to work like a conventional smartphone when closed and offer a tablet-like experience when unfolded.

Apple is reportedly putting considerable emphasis on making the device thin. It could measure around 4.5mm when unfolded and close to 9mm when folded. Achieving that profile is expected to have required significant engineering around the hinge, display and internal components. Apple may also focus on reducing the visibility of the crease rather than attempting to eliminate it completely.

One of the more surprising changes could be the return of Touch ID. Instead of Face ID, the foldable iPhone is reportedly expected to use a fingerprint sensor integrated into the side button. The move could be linked to the slimmer design, which may leave less room for Apple’s TrueDepth camera system.

The camera setup could also differ from the company’s Pro models. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature two rear cameras — a Wide and an Ultra Wide — rather than a three-camera Pro system. Cameras on both sides of the device could also make selfies and video calls easier whether the phone is folded or opened.

Under the hood, the iPhone Ultra is rumoured to feature Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip, potentially built using a 2nm manufacturing process. Reports also point to 12GB of RAM and Apple’s C2 modem in the new generation. A large battery, potentially in the 5,400mAh to 5,800mAh range, could help balance the demands of a larger foldable display.

The regular flagship line will not be left behind. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to receive camera, battery and performance improvements while retaining much of the design language of the current generation.

One major camera upgrade could be a variable-aperture main camera, giving users greater control over how much light enters the sensor. This could improve low-light photography while offering more flexibility in bright conditions and portrait-style images.

The Dynamic Island could also become smaller, although it is not expected to disappear completely this year. Larger batteries are another anticipated upgrade, particularly for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. New colour options are also reportedly being considered.

Apple’s approach to its 2026 iPhone lineup could be just as significant as the hardware itself. Reports suggest the company may split the iPhone 18 range into two launches. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and foldable iPhone Ultra are expected this September, while the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Air could arrive in spring 2027.

That would give Apple a more premium-focused holiday lineup and potentially allow the company to create a second major iPhone sales window next year. Forbes notes that the strategy could concentrate attention on higher-margin Pro models during the crucial year-end shopping season.

Artificial intelligence is another important part of Apple’s evolving strategy. Apple’s software direction is expected to include deeper AI capabilities, with Google Gemini integration in iOS 26 emerging as a major development. The move reflects Apple’s effort to strengthen its AI offering while maintaining its emphasis on privacy and its own ecosystem.

The September event could extend beyond iPhones. Apple is also expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, with improvements focused largely on processing power, health and fitness features rather than dramatic redesigns.

The company could also unveil AirPods 5, potentially with a new H3 chip and versions with and without active noise cancellation. Updates to Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini are also possible.

Another product attracting attention is a possible Apple smart-home hub, reportedly featuring a display, camera and sensors. The device could bring together smart-home controls, applications, video calls and Siri, giving Apple a stronger presence inside the connected home.

Even then the biggest question may remain price. The foldable iPhone is expected to sit firmly in the ultra-premium category, with reports suggesting a starting price of around $2,000 or more. The iPhone 18 Pro models could also become more expensive than their predecessors.

The event will carry another layer of significance for Apple. John Ternus is expected to lead the iPhone launch as CEO, marking a new chapter following Tim Cook’s long tenure at the top of the company.

 

Categories
Beyond

OPEC+ holds output steady as oil nears $100

Global oil markets are once again under pressure as crude prices move closer to the $100-a-barrel mark, with the ongoing Iran war disrupting shipments through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Against this backdrop, OPEC+ has decided to keep its oil production targets unchanged for October, choosing caution as it assesses the impact of the conflict on global supply and demand.

The decision was taken at a meeting of seven key OPEC+ producers on Sunday. Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan and Oman agreed to maintain September’s production levels for October. The group is also reviewing the production capacity of its members before deciding on new quotas for 2027.

The move comes after six consecutive months in which the group had increased output targets. OPEC+ had been gradually reversing earlier production cuts, but the escalation of the Iran conflict has changed the market backdrop significantly.

The immediate concern for markets is the sharp rise in crude prices.

Brent crude was trading around $96 a barrel on Monday, after touching nearly $98 earlier, while US West Texas Intermediate was around $91 a barrel. Brent has gained sharply in recent sessions as tensions between the US and Iran have intensified.

The latest rally has brought back concerns that oil could cross the psychologically important $100-a-barrel threshold if the disruption continues.

For consumers and businesses, the issue goes well beyond petrol and diesel prices. A sustained rise in crude can push up transportation, manufacturing and logistics costs, feeding into broader inflation.

Higher oil prices could also complicate the decisions facing major central banks, particularly if energy costs begin to keep inflation elevated.

Much of the market anxiety is linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with global markets.

The waterway handles a significant share of international oil shipments. The ongoing conflict has sharply reduced tanker traffic, raising fears that a prolonged disruption could remove a substantial amount of crude from the global market.

The situation has become more complicated after fresh attacks involving US and Iranian forces. The US has reported strikes on Iranian tankers, while Iran has retaliated against vessels and threatened tighter controls around the waterway.

With commercial shipping already operating at reduced levels, traders are closely watching every development in the region.

The concern is not simply whether oil production falls. Even if crude is available at producing facilities, restrictions on shipping can prevent that oil from reaching international buyers.

OPEC+ has traditionally played a major role in balancing the global oil market by adjusting production.

But the current crisis is making that task harder.

The group can announce higher production targets, but actual supplies may not rise if producers cannot safely move crude through the region. The Iran conflict has therefore reduced the immediate impact that OPEC+ decisions can have on physical oil availability.

The group has also been gradually unwinding previous production restrictions.

In September, seven OPEC+ members increased their combined output target by 188,000 barrels per day, completing the rollback of voluntary cuts announced earlier. However, broader production restrictions introduced in previous years remain in place.

As of now, OPEC+ has chosen not to add another increase for October.

The October decision is also linked to a broader review of the group’s future production framework.

OPEC+ is assessing the actual production capacity of individual members before establishing new baseline quotas for 2027. That process could determine how much crude individual countries will be permitted to produce next year.

The group is expected to meet again on October 4 to discuss production levels for November.

Until then, the market is likely to remain highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East.

For the global economy, the latest oil surge comes at an uncomfortable time.

Crude prices had eased significantly earlier in the year as concerns over excess supply weighed on the market. The renewed Iran conflict has reversed some of that decline, bringing energy security back to the centre of economic discussions.

A prolonged period of expensive crude could raise costs for airlines, shipping companies, manufacturers and transport operators. Those higher costs can eventually reach consumers through more expensive goods and services.

Financial markets are already reacting to the inflation risk. Global stocks came under pressure on Monday as investors assessed the possibility of higher energy costs and tighter monetary policy.

India watches crude closely

In India, higher crude prices are particularly important because the country imports most of its oil requirements.

A sustained increase in global oil prices can put pressure on the country’s import bill and trade balance. It can also affect the rupee, government finances and domestic inflation.

Indian refiners and fuel consumers will therefore be watching the international crude market closely in the coming weeks.

The impact will depend largely on how long the disruption lasts and whether alternative supply routes can compensate for the reduced flows through Hormuz.

 

Categories
Technology

OpenAI begins GPT-6 Astra rollout with stronger AI

OpenAI has begun rolling out GPT-6 Astra, its most advanced artificial intelligence model yet, putting a new focus on what AI systems can accomplish on their own, and how carefully those capabilities need to be controlled.

Unveiled on September 3, Astra is designed to go beyond answering questions or generating text. OpenAI says the model can work across computers, software and digital tools, allowing it to handle complex tasks with much less human intervention.

The company has positioned the launch as a major step towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), a long-standing goal of building AI systems capable of performing a broad range of tasks at a level comparable with or beyond humans.

But Astra’s launch is not simply about making AI more powerful. Its cybersecurity capabilities have become one of the defining features of the new model.

OpenAI says Astra is its first broadly deployed model to reach the “Critical” level of cybersecurity capability under the company’s Preparedness Framework. That classification has prompted additional safeguards and restrictions around how the most powerful version of the model can be accessed.

The decision reflects a growing challenge for the AI industry: the same technology that can help defenders identify vulnerabilities can also potentially be used to find and exploit them.

Astra is therefore being released in stages rather than being opened to everyone at once. Its strongest cybersecurity capabilities are being made available initially to trusted organisations and defenders through OpenAI’s Daybreak programme. Broader users will receive versions with restrictions on certain high-risk cybersecurity activities.

That cautious rollout comes as AI models increasingly move from simply generating information to taking actions.

Astra has been built with stronger computer-use and agentic AI capabilities, meaning it can interact with software and digital environments to complete multi-step tasks. OpenAI says it can work across browsers, applications and other computer interfaces, bringing AI closer to functioning like a digital assistant that can actually get things done.

The difference may sound subtle, but it changes how people could use AI.

Instead of asking an AI system how to complete a spreadsheet task, for example, users could increasingly expect it to carry out the work. The same principle applies to coding, research, data analysis and other professional workflows.

OpenAI says Astra has also made major gains in mathematics, science and coding. Its performance on several demanding benchmarks is designed to demonstrate stronger reasoning and the ability to tackle problems that require multiple steps rather than simple pattern matching.

One of the most closely watched areas is computer use. On the OSWorld 2.0 benchmark, Astra has been reported to score 72.6%, while also completing tasks faster than its predecessor in the tested configuration.

Cybersecurity testing has produced even more striking results.

OpenAI says Astra’s capabilities have crossed a threshold where additional deployment controls are necessary. The company has consequently expanded monitoring requirements for model use with tools, particularly in situations where the AI could interact directly with external systems.

The safeguards are not limited to blocking obviously dangerous requests. OpenAI has also tested the model against indirect prompt injection attacks, in which malicious instructions can be hidden inside information an AI system is processing.

On a benchmark involving 1,810 curated attacks, OpenAI reported an estimated attack-success rate of 8.5% for a safeguards-enabled Astra checkpoint, compared with 27% for GPT-5.6 Sol. Lower numbers indicate stronger resistance.

Still, the launch has not been without complications.

OpenAI has adopted a phased approach to access, and some paying users were reportedly unable to access Astra immediately after its launch. Chief executive Sam Altman later apologised for what he described as a “messy” rollout, with enterprise and cybersecurity users receiving priority access.

The staged release also highlights a broader shift in the way frontier AI models are being introduced.

As models become more capable, access is increasingly being treated as a question of risk as much as subscription level. The most powerful tools may not automatically be available to every user, particularly when they can perform actions with real-world consequences.

That tension is likely to become more important as AI agents become more autonomous.

Astra’s arrival comes amid an intensifying race between OpenAI, Anthropic and other major AI companies to build systems capable of handling increasingly complex professional and digital tasks. The competition is no longer only about which model produces the best answer. It is increasingly about which system can complete an entire job reliably, quickly and safely.

For businesses, that could eventually mean AI systems taking on longer workflows across coding, research, administration and computer operations.

For ordinary users, the change could be more gradual but equally significant: AI moving from a tool people talk to into a system that can act on their behalf.

That is ultimately what makes GPT-6 Astra both exciting and difficult to assess.

Its biggest promise lies in giving AI more ability to reason, use computers and complete complicated work. Its biggest challenge is ensuring that those same abilities remain under meaningful human control.