Elon Musk reveals Neuralink’s third human implant as Brain-Computer Interfaces expand horizons

Neuralink continues its push in the brain-computer interface space with a third implant, while competitors and researchers accelerate advancements globally.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Neuralink, has disclosed that his brain-computer interface (BCI) company has implanted devices in three human subjects, with all showing promising results. Speaking at an event in Las Vegas streamed on his platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk highlighted Neuralink’s progress and ambitions to implant the devices in 20-30 more people in 2025.

“We’ve got three humans with Neuralinks, and all are working well,” Musk stated, adding that the devices have been upgraded with more electrodes, higher bandwidth, and longer battery life since the first implant.

Musk shared updates on two previous Neuralink recipients. The second patient, who has a spinal cord injury, is using the implant to play video games and learn computer-aided design software for creating 3D objects. The first recipient, also paralysed, has used the implant for gaming and playing chess.

However, details about the third implant recipient remain undisclosed.

While Neuralink garners significant attention, over 45 clinical trials involving BCIs are currently underway worldwide, focusing on applications ranging from aiding communication in ALS patients to treating brain disorders. Rajesh Rao, co-director of the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington, acknowledged Neuralink’s innovation in robotic-assisted surgery and flexible electrode threads. However, he noted that other companies, such as Synchron, Blackrock Neurotech, and Onward Medical, are advancing BCI technology through less invasive or more versatile methods.

BCIs are hailed as transformative for individuals with paralysis and neurological disorders. Marco Baptista, chief scientific officer of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, described the technology as “very exciting” but emphasised the need for more clinical data to determine the best approach. “This is clearly high-risk, high-reward. We don’t know how safe or feasible it will be,” Baptista said.

Neuralink received regulatory clearance in 2023 to begin human trials. Dr. Rita Redberg, a cardiologist and expert on medical device regulations, highlighted the rigorous oversight required for high-risk devices like BCIs. “The FDA ensures safety at every step, from recruiting patients to testing devices,” Redberg explained, noting the involvement of institutional review boards to evaluate risks and benefits for trial participants.

Despite Neuralink’s innovations, competitors have achieved significant milestones. Synchron’s BCI, for instance, uses minimally invasive techniques, while Blackrock Neurotech combines neural recording with stimulation.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/elon-musk-reveals-neuralinks-third-human-implant-as-brain-computer-interfaces-expand-horizons-460812-2025-01-15

Income Tax Budget 2025: Will FM Sitharaman scrap old regime as new one gains popularity? Experts weigh in

Income Tax Budget 2025: No official plans exist to abolish the old tax regime, but discussions continue. While the new tax structure offers lower rates, many taxpayers prefer the old system's deductions.

Will the old tax regime be scrapped? No official announcements indicate that the government will abolish the old tax regime. However, discussions about its future have been ongoing. The new tax regime was introduced in the 2020 Union Budget, offering lower tax rates but without the exemptions and deductions available under the old one.

Many taxpayers still like the old tax system because of its deductions and exemptions, such as those under Sections 80C, 80D, and others, even though the new tax regime has become more popular since it is more straightforward.

Section 80C of the Income Tax Act provides deductions up to ₹1.5 lakh on investments in life insurance premiums, the principal repayment of home loans, and other savings instruments like the Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Section 80D allows deductions for premiums paid on medical insurance policies for self, family, and parents, helping taxpayers reduce their taxable income.

Will Modi Govt do away with old income tax regime?

“Looking at the biased attitude of the government towards the new tax regime, the increasing number of people opting for it and the fact that the limits of various deductions available under the old regime have not been enhanced after the introduction of new tax regime, do not get shocked if the finance minister altogether scraps the old tax regime,” Mumbai-based tax and investment expert Balwant Jain said.

He noted that since the government wants you to report your actual income, which is the basis of the new tax regime, it will likely happen sooner rather than later.

However, the outright abolition of the old tax regime demands a holistic approach to how it will affect the existing investment and retirement planning patterns. “The government has to rein in simplicity and instrumentality because tax-saving instruments must work for the middle class.

Suppose the 2025 Budget were to effect a phase-out of the old regime. In that case, it should also, most critically, ensure that motivation to undertake significant financial planning is preserved through the provision of incorporating certain key deductions into the new format,” said Siddharth Maurya, Founder & Managing Director of Vibhavangal Anukulakara Private Limited.

The simpler structure of the new regime, comprising lower rates as well as minimal deductions, coincides with the government’s view of having a straightforward tax regime. On the other hand, the old regime is still of importance to the significant taxpayers who have invested in tax-saving instruments, said Gaurav Singh Parmar, Associate Director, Fincorpit Consulting.

Even though the government has not made any formal declaration regarding ending the previous tax system, continuing conversations indicate that it is not impossible, particularly given the current system's increasing popularity. According to experts, if the government decides to phase out the previous tax system, it must ensure that essential deductions are included in the new structure to keep people motivated to plan their finances, especially middle-class people.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/income-tax-budget-2025-will-fm-sitharaman-scrap-old-tax-regime-as-new-one-gains-popularity-taxpayers-experts-weigh-in-11736924156316.html

Amazon races to transplant Alexa’s ‘brain’ with generative AI

Amazon is gearing up to relaunch its Alexa voice-powered digital assistant as an artificial intelligence “agent” that can complete practical tasks, as the tech group races to resolve the challenges that have dogged the system’s AI overhaul. The $2.4tn company has for the past two years sought to redesign Alexa, its conversational system embedded within 500mn consumer devices worldwide, so the software’s “brain” is transplanted with generative AI. 

Source: https://www.ft.com/content/de4c86b8-c744-4051-9255-d34259223160

Biden admin’s cap on GPU exports may hit India's AI ambitions

The outgoing US administration’s proposed rule to curb the import of graphics processing units (GPUs) by certain countries may hit India's ambitions. GPUs power heavy artificial intelligence (AI) models and applications.


Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/biden-admins-cap-on-gpu-exports-may-hit-indias-ai-ambitions/articleshow/117245296.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst