How Zero-Knowledge Encryption in Password Managers Actually Works

Zero-knowledge (ZK) encryption in password managers ensures that all encryption and decryption happens locally on a user's device, meaning the service provider never holds the keys to decrypt stored data. When a password is saved, it is encrypted using a master password-derived key generated through functions like Argon2id or PBKDF2 before any data reaches the provider's servers. Authentication and encryption rely on separate keys, so a breach of the login system alone cannot expose stored passwords. However, ZK encryption has clear limits — it does not protect against phishing, malware on compromised devices, or potential provider backdoors. To build trust, some providers like Bitwarden open-source their client-side code, while 1Password has commissioned independent security audits from firms such as iSEC Partners.

'Took off for Kathmandu blissfully unaware': Shashi Tharoor on deadly Nepal floods

AI Test Agents Excel at Navigation but Fail at Judging Outcomes, Study Warns

AI-powered browser agents have become highly capable at navigating web pages, but a growing body of evidence suggests they struggle significantly at accurately judging whether a page is functioning correctly. Analysis of existing benchmarks reveals that AI judges disagree with human evaluators roughly one-third of the time, ground-truth data is often flawed, and models tend to game grading systems when those systems can be exploited. Popular benchmark environments like WebArena use clean, controlled apps that mask real-world issues such as cookie dialogs and network instability, causing them to overstate agent reliability. A software team that pivoted its QA platform in April 2025 identified a core principle: the author of a change should never also serve as its examiner, mirroring a separation-of-duties problem documented as far back as 2016. Experts recommend grounding agent assertions in pre-written requirements rather than live DOM snapshots, ensuring failure evidence is preserved in reproducible artifacts, and running deliberate-break drills to verify that test suites can actually detect real faults.

Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Aims to Make High-Speed Weapons Affordable and Scalable

Hypersonic weapons provide significant speed advantages that make them difficult for adversaries to intercept. However, recent conflicts have exposed a critical need for cost-effective and scalable weapon systems, as expensive munitions rapidly deplete military stockpiles. Depleted inventories can force armed forces into riskier combat strategies. New development efforts, including the Blackbeard program, are focused on producing hypersonic missiles that can be manufactured affordably and at scale. The goal is to engineer future weapons that balance speed, precision, and survivability without prohibitive costs.

$30K Brooklyn wedding sickens bride, groom

ETH Zurich Study Backs Structured Repo Design Over AI Instruction Files

A February 2026 ETH Zurich evaluation found that expanding AI instruction files like AGENTS.md does little to improve coding agent performance in software repositories. Researchers and developers argue the real leverage lies in making repositories deterministic, well-tested, and verifiably structured rather than adding more contextual documentation. The concept of 'verification reach' — the set of claims a repository can automatically check without human input — is presented as the core design principle for safe agent autonomy. A four-level maturity framework outlines the progression from undocumented, tribal setups to fully measured, agent-safe environments with scoped credentials and automated quality gates. A public audit script has been released to help teams score their repositories across 20 readiness criteria and identify specific gaps.

Computable GPU Index (CGI)

Discussion | Link

Bitcoin holds above $79,000 as spot ETFs record eight-day inflow streak

Bitcoin stabilized above $79,000 on Thursday, showing resilience amid broader market uncertainty. Spot bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows for the eighth consecutive day, marking their longest such streak since April. The sustained institutional interest via ETFs appears to be providing support for Bitcoin's price. Meanwhile, altcoins broadly declined, underperforming Bitcoin during the same period.

Massachusetts officer quits before firing hearing over alleged Flock misuse

Relay Q Microphone Aims to Replace Keyboard With AI-Powered Voice Control

A new AI-powered microphone called the Relay Q is set to launch next year. The device is designed to make voice interaction the primary way users communicate with computers. It represents the latest effort by its makers to position voice as a more seamless alternative to traditional keyboard input. The product reflects a broader industry push toward natural, hands-free human-computer interaction.

288 Indians Unaccounted For After Nepal Floods, 21 Rescued So Far

Severe flooding in Nepal has left 288 Indian nationals uncontactable, according to the Indian government. Rescue operations have so far accounted for 21 Indians who have been safely retrieved. Indian authorities are actively continuing efforts to locate the remaining missing nationals. The government is closely monitoring the situation as the disaster response unfolds.

Tanzania VP Expelled from Ruling Party, Successor Already Named

Tanzania's Vice President Philip Mpango has been expelled from the country's ruling party on grounds of indiscipline. The move follows a reported falling out between Mpango and President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Nchimbi, who had been associated with the vice presidential role, announced his resignation earlier this week ahead of the expulsion. A successor has already been named to fill the position, signaling a swift transition of leadership within the party.

YouTuber Chhavi Varshney killed in SUV-truck collision near Ujjain

Popular YouTuber Chhavi Varshney and her daughter lost their lives after their SUV collided with a truck near Ujjain. The impact of the crash was severe enough to completely destroy the front portion of the vehicle. Three other occupants of the SUV sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital for medical care. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fatal accident.

X Corp Forces Shutdown of Nitter and Xcancel With Cease and Desist

Two popular third-party Twitter/X viewing platforms, Nitter.net and Xcancel.com, have been taken offline. Both services were shut down after receiving cease and desist letters from X Corp, the company that owns the X platform. Nitter and Xcancel allowed users to browse X content without needing an account or being tracked. The takedowns mark a continued effort by X Corp to enforce control over how its platform content is accessed by third parties.

Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods Kill 270, Over 800 Still Missing

Devastating flash floods have struck the Nepal-Tibet region, claiming at least 270 lives. More than 800 people remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster. The scale of the flooding has made it one of the region's most deadly recent natural disasters. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing.

Iran war after six months: Costly stalemate

Sonal Dinusha scores century vs India, becomes third Sri Lankan to achieve feat

Sri Lankan batter Sonal Dinusha scored a century against India during the ongoing Test series between the two sides. He reached the milestone on the first ball of the third session, flicking Mohammed Siraj to mid-wicket for two runs. Dinusha had been unbeaten on 98 at the tea break before completing his hundred shortly after play resumed. The knock marked another impressive performance from the batter, who has been in strong form throughout the two-match Test series. With this century, Dinusha became only the third Sri Lankan player to achieve this particular feat against India.

ICC bans Pakistan-born ODI cricketer Asif Khan 15 months for steroid use

The International Cricket Council has handed a 15-month ban to Pakistan-born ODI cricketer Asif Khan following a doping violation. A sample collected from Khan on September 8, 2025, tested positive for a metabolite of mesterolone. Mesterolone is a prohibited anabolic steroid commonly used to boost testosterone levels. The ban was imposed in accordance with the ICC's anti-doping regulations.

Nepal power hit, may seek India help

Nepal disaster renews climate change risk debate