Elon Musk has made a series of ambitious predictions about the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, human longevity, and economic transformation, stating that rapid technological advancement could reshape society within the coming years.

In a January 2026 Moonshots podcast clip recorded from late 2025, Musk predicted that robotic systems could surpass human surgeons within three years. He further claimed that robots may outnumber human surgeons by 2030 as automation expands across the medical field and other industries.

Musk also projected that artificial intelligence could exceed all human intelligence by the end of the decade. His forecast reflects his broader vision of advanced AI systems becoming increasingly capable and influential in solving complex challenges.

Discussing human aging, Musk described the aging process as a biological program that could potentially be rewritten through future scientific breakthroughs. He suggested that advances in biotechnology may lead to longer human lifespans and major improvements in health and quality of life.

The technology entrepreneur also predicted that a combination of affordable energy and automated labor could create widespread prosperity within three to seven years. According to his vision, advanced robotics and AI-driven systems could significantly change economic structures by increasing productivity and reducing costs.

The predictions have received strong support from many technology enthusiasts who view them as a sign of rapid innovation. However, skeptics have questioned the timelines, feasibility, and whether biological and technological limitations could slow such developments.

Musk’s statements align with his ongoing work through ventures such as Neuralink and xAI, which focus on brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence development. His forecasts continue to fuel global discussions about the potential opportunities and challenges surrounding the future of AI, robotics, and human advancement.

India is poised to mark a defining moment in its space journey as Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Founded in 2018 by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the private space company is scheduled to lift off at 12:05 p.m. IST following a brief delay, signaling a major breakthrough for India's rapidly expanding commercial space sector.

The 24-meter-tall, four-stage Vikram-1 rocket has been designed to carry payloads weighing up to 350 kilograms into a 450-kilometre orbit. The mission will transport multiple technology demonstration payloads, a Diamond Lotus artwork, and a special "Vande Mataram" postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister described the mission as a historic frontier, underscoring its importance for India's growing presence in the global space industry.

The launch represents the outcome of India's 2020 space sector reforms, which opened the industry to private participation. Since those reforms, the number of space startups in the country has expanded from just one to more than 400, reflecting the rapid growth of innovation and private investment in the sector.

The mission also highlights the collaboration between the public and private sectors, with support from the Indian Space Research Organisation playing a significant role in the development of the launch. Despite the challenges associated with maiden orbital launches, where first private orbital missions globally have recorded a success rate of only 42 percent, Skyroot Aerospace is moving forward with confidence as it attempts to establish a new benchmark for India's private space industry.

If successful, the Vikram-1 mission will stand as a landmark achievement for Skyroot Aerospace and India's commercial space ecosystem, demonstrating the country's technological capabilities, strengthening public-private cooperation, and opening a new chapter in India's ambitions as a leading spacefaring nation.

JSW MG Motor India has unveiled its advanced new energy vehicle platform, MG ADAPT (Advance Drive Architecture Platform Technology), marking a major step in the company’s strategy to expand its electrified vehicle portfolio in India. The company has positioned ADAPT as India’s first vehicle platform capable of supporting multiple new energy powertrains, including electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and range extender electric vehicles.

MG Motor India has confirmed that the first two models developed on the ADAPT platform, including one electric vehicle and one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will be launched in India by Financial Year 2026-27.

Unlike conventional vehicle architectures designed around a single powertrain technology, the ADAPT platform has been engineered to accommodate four different propulsion systems. This flexible approach will allow MG to develop electric and hybrid models on a common architecture while offering customers a wider range of electrified mobility options.

The company stated that the platform has been developed to enhance driving range, charging capability, safety, performance and overall driving comfort. The architecture integrates several advanced technologies designed specifically for hybrid vehicles, including a dedicated hybrid petrol engine, a dedicated battery system, India’s first 10-in-1 Intelligent Electric Drive Unit and an Electromagnetic Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

According to MG, these technologies work together to improve fuel efficiency, deliver smoother performance and provide a more refined driving experience. The integration of multiple powertrain technologies on a single platform is expected to support faster development of future new energy vehicles.

The ADAPT platform also introduces an Intelligent Energy Management System that automatically selects the most suitable driving mode based on road conditions and driving requirements. The system offers four operating modes to optimize efficiency and performance.

The Pure Electric Drive mode enables city driving using only electric power. The Series Hybrid Drive mode uses the petrol engine to generate electricity while the electric motor powers the wheels. The Parallel Hybrid Drive mode allows both the engine and electric motor to operate together for improved performance. The Engine Direct Drive mode is designed to enhance efficiency during highway cruising.

The platform automatically switches between these driving modes without requiring any input from the driver, ensuring a seamless driving experience.

MG ADAPT also supports Range Extender Electric Vehicle technology, in which the wheels are powered exclusively by an electric motor while the petrol engine functions only as a battery charger when required. This technology helps increase driving range while maintaining an electric vehicle-like driving experience.

With the introduction of the ADAPT platform, JSW MG Motor India is preparing to strengthen its new energy vehicle lineup in the Indian market. The company has already confirmed plans to launch an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle based on this architecture by Financial Year 2026-27.

The new platform is expected to become a key foundation of MG’s future product strategy as the company continues to expand its range of electrified vehicles and introduce advanced mobility technologies for Indian consumers.

Ghana has announced a major initiative to strengthen youth participation in the digital economy by launching a fully government-funded digital skills training program for 2,000 young people. The Youth Employment Agency signed an agreement with Ghana Digital Centres Limited on July 13 to deliver an eight-month Microsoft-certified training program focused on high-demand technology skills.

Under the agreement, participants will receive professional training in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees will earn globally recognized Microsoft certifications designed to improve their employment prospects in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

The initiative also includes paid internship opportunities for 600 participants, providing practical industry experience alongside technical education. The Ghanaian government will cover the full cost of the training, ensuring that selected candidates can participate without financial burden. Applications for the program are expected to open soon through the Youth Employment Agency.

Youth Employment Agency Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale described the initiative as a kick-start for young people seeking to enter the digital economy. The announcement comes ahead of World Youth Skills Day on July 15, reinforcing the government's focus on equipping young citizens with future-ready digital capabilities.

Despite the launch, some voices on social media have questioned previous commitments and potential overlaps with earlier government programs. Nevertheless, the initiative represents a significant effort to expand digital skills development, provide internationally recognized certifications, and create employment pathways for Ghanaian youth through structured training and industry internships.

Bengaluru-based deep technology startup Vimag Labs has secured its fifth Indian patent for its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor, a breakthrough innovation designed to eliminate the need for rare earth materials in electric vehicle motors while delivering performance comparable to conventional permanent magnet motors.

The patented Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor uses software, copper coils, steel, and power electronics to generate magnetic fields that match the power and efficiency of traditional electric vehicle motors without relying on rare earth magnets. The development is aimed at strengthening India's electric mobility ecosystem by reducing its dependence on imported rare earth materials.

According to the company, prototype versions of the motor have achieved a peak power output of 10 kW and torque ranging between 48 Nm and 58 Nm. Pilot projects are currently underway for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, a passenger vehicle manufacturer, and a Euro

Bengaluru’s Vimag Labs Secures Fifth Patent for Fully Indigenous Magnet-Free Electric Motor

China in Shock!

No Magnets Required in this Motor pic.twitter.com/36DpezTDFD

— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) July 15, 2026

pean company. Vimag Labs is targeting commercial shipments of the technology by the end of this year.

Founded in 2025, Vimag Labs has raised 5 million dollars in funding from Accel and other investors. The company believes its patented technology can play a significant role in safeguarding India's electric vehicle industry from supply chain vulnerabilities linked to rare earth materials.

The innovation comes at a time when China controls approximately 90 percent of the global rare earth supply chain. Previous export restrictions imposed by China triggered sharp price increases, exposing the risks associated with heavy dependence on imported rare earth resources. By developing a rare-earth-free electric vehicle motor, Vimag Labs aims to provide a domestically developed alternative that supports India's long-term electric mobility ambitions while enhancing supply chain resilience.

Renault India has launched the Duster Adventure Edition, a special version of its iconic SUV that pays tribute to the model's enduring legacy in the Indian market. Priced from Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the new edition arrives just days after Nissan introduced the Tekton, drawing renewed attention to the competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The Duster Adventure Edition receives several exclusive visual enhancements that distinguish it from the standard model. Among the key highlights are Adventure decals featuring topographical contour lines and the geographical coordinates of Leh, 34.27 N and 77.60 E, symbolising the challenging terrain that has long been associated with the Duster's image in India. The special edition also includes Adventure embellishers and specially designed Adventure floor mats, reinforcing its distinctive identity.

Renault has complemented the exclusive styling with a comprehensive list of premium features. The SUV is equipped with full LED headlamps, an electric panoramic sunroof, an electrically powered tailgate, connected car technology through the My Renault application, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch openR link multimedia system, and 17-inch Ocean alloy wheels.

The Renault Duster Adventure Edition is available with three engine and transmission combinations. The entry-level Turbo TCe 100 MT is priced at Rs 12.99 lakh, while the Turbo TCe 160 MT is available at Rs 13.99 lakh. The top-spec Turbo TCe 160 DCT is priced at Rs 15.39 lakh.

Powering the entry variant is a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 100 hp and 160 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The higher variants feature a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 163 hp and 280 Nm of torque, offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Duster has established itself as one of India's most recognised SUVs, earning a reputation for its ride quality, handling, and capability across diverse road conditions. Renault stated that the Adventure Edition has been created to reflect these qualities while recognising the role the Duster has played in the journeys of its owners over the years.

The launch ceremony was held in New Delhi on Bastille Day and was attended by H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Stephane Deblaise, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group India. The occasion also underscored Renault's French heritage and highlighted the strong connection between the brand's identity and one of its most celebrated products in the Indian automotive market.

With the introduction of the Duster Adventure Edition, Renault has combined the SUV's established reputation with exclusive styling elements, modern technology, and multiple powertrain options, reaffirming the model's significance in India's mid-size SUV segment while celebrating its long-standing legacy.

Google has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at helping India's developers, startups and enterprises adopt frontier and agentic artificial intelligence, marking a significant step toward accelerating the country's next wave of technology-driven innovation. The announcements were made at Google I/O Connect India 2026, where the company also revealed that, according to third-party evaluations, the Google Play and Android ecosystem generated Rs 5.3 lakh crore (USD 6 billion) in revenue for app publishers and the broader Indian economy in 2025, representing a 28 percent increase compared with 2024.

Addressing the event, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that for millions of Indians, their first experience of the internet came through Google services such as Search, Android, YouTube, Maps, Chrome and Google Pay. He said Google has transformed how students learn, businesses grow, governments deliver services and billions of people access knowledge every day. Calling Google's contribution extraordinary, he urged closer collaboration to make Karnataka one of the world's largest laboratories for Google. He encouraged developers to build boldly, entrepreneurs to dream big, researchers to continue innovating and students to keep learning, while emphasizing that Karnataka has consistently played a leading role in shaping the future of technology and will continue building a future that is innovative, inclusive and trusted.

Google India Country Manager Preeti Lobana said India is adopting artificial intelligence faster than almost anywhere else, with developers already deploying AI across multiple sectors. She said that as the world enters the agentic era, where artificial intelligence moves beyond answering questions to securely executing tasks, Google's priority is to provide the infrastructure and safety mechanisms required for responsible growth. She said the company is delivering flexible on-premise cloud environments for highly regulated sectors, open security protocols for developers and localized tools for healthcare and education to ensure that the next generation of Indian innovation is secure, trusted and built on locally relevant foundations.

Manish Gupta, Senior Director for India and Asia-Pacific at Google DeepMind, said the true measure of artificial intelligence is not the size of its models but the positive transformation it creates. He said India is leading AI adoption across every level of the economy, from local businesses to national healthcare initiatives. By bringing frontier artificial intelligence, on-premise capabilities and a strong commitment to safety, Google aims to accelerate this momentum while enabling learners, educators, developers and innovators to lead India's AI ambitions.

Google also announced two major education initiatives designed to expand access to advanced artificial intelligence learning. Google DeepMind is introducing its AI Research Foundations curriculum, a free 56-hour programme that trains learners to build and fine-tune Large Language Models while conducting advanced AI research. Participants who complete the programme will receive industry-recognized Google Cloud Skill badges and certificates. The curriculum will be available through Google's Skills platform, while partnerships with NASSCOM and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, will help scale the programme across educational institutions throughout India. In addition, AVPN, a network of social investors, will collaborate with local partners to deliver the programme through the Google.org Asia-Pacific AI Opportunity Fund.

Google DeepMind has also launched ATL Saathi, expanding its collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission. The desktop web application provides teachers with a Gemini-powered assistant that supports the delivery of the Atal Tinkering Labs curriculum while helping create practical experiments for students. ATL Saathi will initially be introduced in 100 schools this year, with the long-term objective of reaching the 10,000 schools served by the Atal Tinkering Labs programme.

Expanding access to artificial intelligence across India, Google announced that Gemini Live now supports 25 Indian languages and dialects, including Sanskrit, Bhojpuri and Maithili. To strengthen enterprise adoption, the company is enabling Indian businesses, regulated industries and public sector organizations to operate Gemini on Google Distributed Cloud from data centres located within India, supporting compliance with localization requirements.

To strengthen cybersecurity in the era of agentic artificial intelligence, Google is introducing Sec-Gemini v3, a specialized cybersecurity agent, to trusted government and enterprise testers, including Flipkart. The AI-powered system is capable of analyzing complex security information and assisting organizations in investigating cybersecurity incidents at machine speed.

Google is also open-sourcing CAPSEM, or Capabilities Security for Agents, a secure runtime environment designed to help startups build secure agentic artificial intelligence applications. CAPSEM isolates every AI agent within its own virtual machine, ensuring that even if an agent is compromised or exposed to malicious prompts, the wider system remains protected.

To improve trust, security and interoperability across the emerging agentic artificial intelligence ecosystem, Google is advancing open industry standards. The Device Bound Session Credentials standard prevents stolen session cookies from being misused by cybercriminals, while the Agents-to-Payments framework, operating alongside the open Agent2Agent protocol, enables secure and accountable low-value financial transactions of less than USD 100 conducted by artificial intelligence agents.

Google has further expanded its research partnerships by collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to advance research in agentic artificial intelligence safety. The collaborations will focus on early threat detection and the development of next-generation Guardian Agents designed to reduce institutional security risks.

The company also highlighted findings from third-party research showing that 91 percent of surveyed Google Play developers using Google artificial intelligence tools reported that these technologies directly or indirectly increased their revenue. The research also found that 76 percent of adults expressed interest in using artificial intelligence tools for "vibe coding," allowing them to create applications using natural conversational language.

To strengthen India's application development ecosystem, Google announced that it is bringing the Google Play Academy curriculum to 10,000 developers and application creators through partnerships with the governments of Rajasthan, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. The programme will equip participants with the latest knowledge in agentic artificial intelligence while helping them build, launch and scale successful application and game businesses.

The announcements made at Google I/O Connect India 2026 underline Google's long-term commitment to strengthening India's artificial intelligence ecosystem through education, cybersecurity, enterprise infrastructure, localization support and developer empowerment. By combining advanced AI technologies with strong safety standards, academic partnerships and localized capabilities, the company aims to accelerate responsible innovation while supporting India's growing position as a global leader in artificial intelligence.

The dream of owning a luxury car in India is set to become more affordable as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into effect from July 15. The agreement is expected to bring a major reduction in the prices of several popular British luxury vehicles, with industry experts estimating that some models could become cheaper by 20 to 25 percent. Buyers may save between ₹1 crore and ₹3 crore on select vehicles, depending on the model and pricing structure.

Automobile companies are preparing to announce revised prices following the implementation of the trade agreement. Before the rollout, the government has issued detailed guidelines explaining the procedure for availing benefits under the quota-based reduced customs duty system.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has released a notification outlining the application process for importers seeking benefits under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system introduced under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The process will apply to passenger vehicles and goods vehicles imported from the United Kingdom.

According to the DGFT notification, importers intending to use the reduced customs duty benefit under the India-UK trade agreement must first obtain government approval. Only after receiving approval will they be allowed to import UK-manufactured vehicles within the specified quota at lower customs duty rates.

As per the guidelines, only Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), their authorised dealers, or authorised channel partners will be eligible to apply for the quota. Applicants must submit a pre-purchase agreement issued by the UK-based vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, a Certificate of Origin issued by UK authorities will be mandatory at the time of vehicle import.

After the implementation of the India-UK FTA, customs duty on Completely Built Unit (CBU) luxury cars manufactured in the UK will reduce from 110 percent to 30 percent. However, during the first year, the benefit will be available only for a fixed quota of 20,000 imported vehicles.

The biggest beneficiaries of this agreement are expected to be British luxury automobile brands including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata Motors. The prices of their fully imported vehicles are expected to witness a significant decline. The reduction in prices is likely to accelerate growth in India's high-end luxury car market, with sales potentially doubling in the coming period.

Automobile industry experts have stated that the reduction in customs duty could lead to a 20 to 25 percent decline in ex-showroom prices of luxury imported vehicles. Due to the high price range of these vehicles, customers could benefit from savings ranging between ₹1 crore and ₹3 crore.

Sales of brands such as Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin remain limited in India at present. However, the implementation of the agreement is expected to bring a major change in the pricing of fully imported vehicles. Companies have not yet officially announced their revised prices, but they have indicated that enquiries for luxury vehicles are increasing and the segment is expected to witness strong growth.

Jaguar Land Rover has already reduced prices of its imported Range Rover Sport SV and Range Rover SV models. The company expects the share of imported vehicles in its total Indian sales, currently estimated at around 3 to 4 percent, to increase to 7 to 10 percent in the near future. This indicates that sales of imported Land Rover vehicles could potentially double.

Most automobile manufacturers are yet to announce their new prices, leading many prospective luxury and imported car buyers to wait until July 15. Following the implementation of the agreement, companies are expected to reveal official pricing adjustments, allowing customers to purchase premium vehicles at reduced prices. The agreement is expected to create significant momentum in India's luxury automobile market.

The DGFT notification states that tariff reductions and import quotas for vehicles will depend on engine capacity and fuel type. Vehicles with petrol engines above 3.0 litres and diesel engines above 2.5 litres will attract a 30 percent tariff, with a quota limit of 10,000 units during the first year.

Petrol vehicles with engine capacities between 1.5 litres and 3.0 litres, along with diesel vehicles below 2.5 litres, will attract a 50 percent tariff during the first year, with a quota of 5,000 units. Similarly, vehicles with engine capacities up to 1.5 litres will also receive a 50 percent tariff rate with a first-year quota of 5,000 units.

Therefore, a total of 20,000 imported vehicles will receive the reduced tariff benefit during the first year. The tariff rates and quota limits will be revised in subsequent years under the agreement, shaping the future pricing and availability of imported luxury vehicles in India.

URBN has launched the Atom Link, a compact 5-in-1 magnetic power bank designed to simplify everyday charging for modern consumers. Measuring 75 x 72 x 29 mm and weighing 205g, the pocket-sized device combines portability with performance, reducing the need to carry multiple chargers and cables.

The URBN Atom Link 10,000mAh Power Bank is available in Black and Blue at a price of Rs 2,799. Consumers can purchase the device through leading retailers including Croma, Reliance Digital, VijaySales, Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and UrbnWorld.com.

The Atom Link features a 10,000mAh battery, 20W wired fast charging, 15W magnetic wireless charging, Apple Watch compatibility, and built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. The device can charge compatible smartphones from 0 to 50% within 30 minutes, making it suitable for users who require reliable power support while travelling, commuting, or working remotely.

The power bank also includes a complimentary MagTag Ring, which expands magnetic charging compatibility to a wider range of smartphones. Targeted at Apple users, Atom Link provides charging support for iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and other compatible devices.

Despite its compact design, the Atom Link delivers dependable backup power throughout the day through its 10,000mAh battery capacity. By combining multiple charging solutions into a single device, URBN aims to offer greater convenience and efficiency for consumers using multiple devices within the Apple ecosystem.

Speaking at the launch, Sagar Gwallani, Founder and CEO of URBN, said, "With Atom Link, we wanted to create a 5-in-1 charging solution that combines portability and convenience in one sleek device. By bringing together a 10,000mAh battery, magnetic wireless charging, Apple Watch compatibility, and built-in cables, we are simplifying everyday charging for modern consumers while continuing our journey towards becoming India's No.1 charging solutions brand."

The launch of Atom Link marks URBN's effort to strengthen its position in the charging solutions segment by delivering an all-in-one power accessory that addresses the growing demand for compact, efficient, and versatile charging devices.

Kia India has expanded the Seltos lineup with the introduction of the new GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants in the Indian market, further strengthening the premium appeal of its popular midsize sport utility vehicle. The newly launched variants are priced from Rs 21.56 lakh (ex-showroom) and now occupy the top position in the Seltos range, replacing the earlier GTX (A) and X-Line (A) variants, which were priced at Rs 19.51 lakh (ex-showroom). The entry-level Kia Seltos continues to be available at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

The biggest highlight of the new variants is the introduction of ADAS F+, significantly enhancing the vehicle's safety package. The upgraded system offers a total of 28 advanced driver assistance features, representing a major improvement over the existing safety technologies available on the Seltos. The expanded suite includes junction-crossing collision avoidance, lane-change side collision warning, lane-change oncoming collision warning, evasive steering assist, and highway driving assist, in addition to forward collision warning and lane-keeping assistance.

Apart from the enhanced safety features, both GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants are equipped with a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit that supports voice commands in selected regional languages. They also feature a Digital Key, a windshield-projected head-up display, a Smart Air Purifier with an Air Quality Index display, and front and rear dashboard cameras that can be operated through a mobile application. Additional premium features include rain-sensing wipers, one-touch automatic up and down functionality for all four power windows with integrated safety protection, and Kia Connect 2.0, which offers more than 85 connected vehicle features.

With these latest upgrades, the Kia Seltos continues its competition in the highly competitive midsize sport utility vehicle segment against rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Honda Elevate, and several other models in the category.

The Kia Seltos continues to be offered with three engine options in India. Customers can choose a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115 horsepower, a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering 116 horsepower, or a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 160 horsepower. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual gearbox and continuously variable transmission for the naturally aspirated petrol engine, a six-speed manual gearbox and six-speed automatic transmission for the diesel variant, and a six-speed intelligent manual transmission along with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for the turbo-petrol version.

The launch of the GTX (O) and X-Line (O) variants marks Kia India's latest effort to strengthen the Seltos portfolio by combining advanced safety technologies, premium convenience features, and multiple powertrain options. With the addition of ADAS F+ and an expanded feature list, the Seltos further reinforces its position in one of India's most competitive sport utility vehicle segments.

Skoda Auto India is set to launch the high-performance Kodiaq RS in the first week of July. The Kodiaq RS will serve as the performance-focused version of the standard Kodiaq and will be offered in limited numbers. Even before its official launch, the first batch of the premium sport utility vehicle has already been sold out, reflecting strong customer demand.

The Kodiaq RS receives significant styling updates that distinguish it from the standard model. The exterior features a gloss black front grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, black exterior accents, exclusive alloy wheels, RS badging, and striking red brake callipers. At the rear, the sport utility vehicle is equipped with a full-width reflector and dual exhaust finishers, giving it a more aggressive and distinctive appearance.

Inside the cabin, the Kodiaq RS adopts an all-black interior theme designed to enhance its sporty character. The vehicle comes with sports seats finished in suede and leather upholstery, complemented by red contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, and RS badges on both the steering wheel and the seats.

The feature list has also been expanded over the standard Kodiaq. The Kodiaq RS is equipped with a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and a Canton premium sound system. The sport utility vehicle also includes an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite along with several additional safety features.

Powering the Kodiaq RS is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 265 brake horsepower and 400 Newton metres of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system as standard. Compared to the regular Kodiaq, the RS offers higher performance while retaining the same seven-seat configuration.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is expected to be priced at around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be introduced as a limited-run model aimed at buyers seeking a premium sport utility vehicle with enhanced performance and a richer feature package. With the initial allocation already sold out before the official launch, deliveries for the next batch are expected to take place later.

The launch of the Kodiaq RS marks Skoda Auto India's entry into the premium performance sport utility vehicle segment with a limited-edition offering that combines increased power, advanced technology, distinctive styling, and practical seven-seat usability.

WhatsApp has introduced a new username reservation feature aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing people to connect without immediately sharing their phone numbers. The feature, rolled out recently, enables users to reserve a unique username through the path Settings > Account > Username while following a set of strict eligibility rules.

Under the new system, usernames must contain between three and thirty-five characters and must begin with a letter. The initiative is designed to provide users with greater control over their personal information by reducing the need to disclose phone numbers during new interactions. WhatsApp has also confirmed that the complete replacement of phone numbers with usernames for new contacts is expected to be introduced later this year.

To further strengthen user security, WhatsApp is introducing an optional username key that helps protect users from spam and unsolicited messages sent by strangers. At the same time, the platform has clarified that existing chats will continue to remain linked to users' registered phone numbers, ensuring continuity for current conversations while gradually expanding the new privacy-focused system.

The feature has received positive early reactions from several users, including entrepreneur Kunal Shah, who welcomed the development as an important step toward improving digital privacy. However, some users have also expressed concerns about the possibility of impersonation through similar usernames and the risk of receiving unwanted messages despite the additional security measures.

The launch of username reservations marks a significant step in WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to strengthen privacy and modernize user identity management. By enabling people to connect through unique usernames while introducing additional safeguards against spam, the platform is moving toward a more secure and privacy-focused communication experience without disrupting existing conversations.