India

Apple Pay Goes Live in India with Axis Bank Credit Card Support

Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, marking the service's entry into the country's digital payments market. Currently, the feature is available exclusively for Axis Bank credit card holders. Users can activate Apple Pay through either the Axis Bank app or the Wallet app on their Apple devices. The service supports secure payments across in-store, in-app, and online channels. A number of merchants have already enabled Apple Pay acceptance, with further adoption expected to grow.

Iran Mocks UN Inaction With Viral Meme as FM Urges Condemnation of US Threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly criticized the United Nations for its perceived indifference toward alleged violations of the UN Charter by the United States and Israel. Araghchi called on the UN to explicitly condemn what he described as illegal threats made by Washington against Iran. To amplify the message, Iran's official channels shared a meme referencing popular culture to mock the world body's inaction. The move reflects Tehran's growing frustration with the UN's response to escalating tensions involving the US and Israel. Iran's use of viral imagery signals an effort to draw broader international attention to its diplomatic grievances.

OpenAI Plans to Turn ChatGPT into an AI App Marketplace Amid Safety Concerns

OpenAI is working to transform ChatGPT into a platform where third-party companies can offer their software directly within the chatbot. Adobe is among the companies expected to integrate their tools into the ChatGPT ecosystem. The platform currently serves 1.2 billion weekly users, making it a significant distribution channel for AI-powered applications. The move draws comparisons to Apple's App Store model, positioning ChatGPT as a central hub for AI services. The expansion comes as broader concerns about AI safety continue to grow across the industry.

Secret list of 100+ alleged predators circulates as warning network in Silicon Valley

A private document naming over 100 individuals accused of sexual misconduct is being shared informally among women in Silicon Valley's tech industry. The list functions as an unofficial safety network, helping women identify and avoid alleged predators within professional circles. Several women have come forward with accounts of sexual assault, citing fears of career damage as a key reason for not filing formal complaints. Critics have raised questions about the verifiability of the allegations given the absence of any formal accountability process. The circulation of such lists highlights ongoing concerns about how sexual misconduct is handled within the tech sector.

Neeru Dhanda Wins India's First Individual Trap Shooting Gold at Asian Games

Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda claimed the country's first-ever individual trap shooting gold medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Her mother, Sudesh Devi, learned of the historic win near a local ration shop, as the family had no television at home. The achievement comes after Neeru battled health issues in the lead-up to the competition, underscoring her determination. Despite long-standing financial hardships, her family stood firmly behind her sporting ambitions throughout her journey. The victory is being seen as a milestone that is shifting attitudes toward women in sports within their community.

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Becomes Morocco's First Female Prime Minister

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri has been appointed as Morocco's first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister. She is a prominent political figure with a long career in public service. El Mansouri previously made history as the first female mayor of Marrakesh, a position she first won in 2009. She lost the mayoral seat six years later but successfully reclaimed it in 2021. Her appointment as Prime Minister marks a significant milestone for women in Moroccan politics.

‘Almost like a constitution’: Trump, top US tech CEOs sign AI safety pact

India Plans Domestic Polysilicon Push to Reduce Reliance on Chinese Solar Imports

India is working to build manufacturing capacity across its entire solar value chain to reduce dependence on China. The government is targeting 80 GW of domestic ingot and wafer production capacity as part of this initiative. The push reflects a strategic effort to strengthen energy self-sufficiency in the solar sector. By developing local manufacturing, India aims to secure its clean energy supply chain against external dependencies.

Mumbai Woman Kept Father's Preserved Body at Daycare for 4 Years After His Death

A Mumbai woman preserved her father's body for approximately four years following his death in 2022. She reportedly kept the body at a daycare facility rather than proceeding with a funeral or cremation. Authorities discovered the situation, bringing the case to public attention. The woman's deep emotional attachment to her father is believed to have motivated her unusual decision to delay his last rites.

Spiritual Leader Kalki Bhagavan Passes Away at 77

Kalki Bhagavan, a prominent Indian spiritual guru, has died at the age of 77. He was widely known for his spiritual teachings and meditation programmes that drew a large following both in India and internationally. Bhagavan also popularised the concept of Oneness Blessing, known as Deeksha, which became a key part of his spiritual movement. His teachings helped him build a significant global presence over the years.

Protesters in Robot Costumes Rally Outside OpenAI DevDay in San Francisco

OpenAI's DevDay developer conference in San Francisco was met with a notable protest outside the venue. Demonstrators, some dressed in robot costumes, rallied against the company's reported collaboration with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protesters also raised concerns about AI's environmental impact and the technology's ties to military applications. The demonstrations reflected broader public unease over the growing influence of the AI industry and its societal consequences.

India women's compound archery team wins Asian Games gold, equals world record

India's women's compound archery team claimed gold at the Asian Games by defeating China 238-234 in a closely contested final. The winning team comprised Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Prithika Pradeep, who had earlier narrowly beaten South Korea in the semifinals. The victory also equalled a world record, adding to the significance of the win. India successfully defended its title from the previous edition of the Games. The gold medal formed part of a strong overall campaign, bringing India's total archery medal tally at the tournament to nine.

SIT Arrests Main Accused in Begusarai Hotel Rape Case After Escape Attempt

Bihar's Special Investigation Team has arrested Rohit Kumar Sahni, the prime suspect in a rape case reported in Begusarai. The accused sustained injuries while attempting to flee during the arrest. The case was registered following a complaint by the survivor, who underwent a medical examination shortly after the incident occurred at a hotel. Investigators have since secured the hotel room and deployed a Forensic Science Laboratory team to gather evidence.

Trump Rules Out US-China AI Governance Cooperation After Xi's Visit

US President Donald Trump has firmly rejected the possibility of collaborating with China on artificial intelligence governance. Trump expressed concern that such cooperation could give China significant technological advantages over the United States. His remarks came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit, during which Xi emphasized the importance of keeping humans in control of AI development. The two leaders' contrasting positions highlight deepening tensions between the world's two largest economies over the future of AI regulation and oversight.

Indian Markets Set to Open Higher as Asian Stocks Gain; Brent Crude Near $103

Indian equity markets are expected to open on a positive note, tracking gains across Asian markets. Brent crude oil prices hovered near $103 per barrel amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions in the key oil shipping route have offset any relief that could have come from Saudi Arabia's supply recovery. The combination of geopolitical risk in the Middle East and recovering regional sentiment is shaping early market sentiment in India.

Two Indians Charged in US for Smuggling and Selling Counterfeit Ozempic from China

Two Indian nationals have been charged in the United States for allegedly selling counterfeit versions of the popular diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic. The fake medication was reportedly smuggled into the US from China as part of an organized scheme. The US Food and Drug Administration had seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning about the products. However, the illegal operation continued even after the FDA's intervention and warning. Authorities have now moved to formally charge the individuals involved in distributing the fraudulent medication.

EC removes added declaration from Form 6 online in states where SIR is over

FCRA bill improvement on existing law, says government

Delhi-NCR Fuel Stations to Deny Petrol Without Valid PUC From Oct 1

Delhi-NCR will enforce a strict 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy starting October 1 to curb vehicular pollution. The drive will be implemented in mission mode across all 500 fuel stations in Delhi. These stations are equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify non-compliant vehicles. Fuel pumps that fail to follow the rule will face action from authorities.

Supreme Court allows forensic audit in Fortis case