India

Rapido fined Rs 10 lakh for misleading tipping prompts, dark patterns

Congress protests Dalit labourer's suicide in Punjab, Sachin Pilot detained

The Congress party escalated its opposition against the Punjab government on Tuesday over the suicide of Gulzar Singh, a Dalit labourer from Sangrur. Party workers and leaders staged a protest march toward the residence of state Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot was detained by authorities during the demonstration. The protest reflects growing political pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government over the incident. Congress has been demanding accountability from the state administration regarding the circumstances surrounding Singh's death.

Bill Gates Warns Humanity Is Not Ready for the Pace of AI Development

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has voiced concern that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence poses risks humanity is currently unprepared to handle. Gates suggested that a slowdown in AI development would be beneficial for society. His remarks align with a broader consensus emerging among prominent figures in the technology and AI industry. Several leading tech voices have recently converged on the view that more caution is needed before pushing AI capabilities further. The warning is notable given Gates' long-standing reputation as a strong advocate for technological innovation.

McConaughey kept son off social media until 15 to protect his identity

Actor Matthew McConaughey chose to delay his son Levi's access to social media until the age of fifteen. He believes children should develop a strong sense of self before engaging with online platforms. His ten-year-old daughter is also being raised without a phone for the same reason. Instead of screen time, McConaughey encourages his children to pursue reading and songwriting as healthier alternatives. His approach reflects a broader concern about the impact of early social media exposure on child development.

India faces crude oil pressure as Russia discounts fade and global supply tightens

India, which imports nearly 90% of its crude oil, is confronting a potential rise in its energy import bill amid shifting global supply dynamics. Discounts on Russian crude oil, which India had been heavily relying on since Western sanctions pushed Moscow to offer cheaper prices, appear to be narrowing. Simultaneously, competition from China for discounted Russian barrels and disruptions to Saudi Arabian pipeline supply are adding further strain to global crude availability. Rising crude prices driven by these combined pressures could significantly increase India's oil import expenditure. The situation raises concerns about how India's economy will absorb another major hike in its crude oil costs within a short period.

How Birds Stay Perched on Trees While Sleeping, Explained by Science

Birds have developed unique physical adaptations over time that allow them to sleep securely on tree branches without falling. A specialized tendon-and-leg mechanism automatically locks their feet in a gripping position whenever their legs bend. This passive grip requires no conscious effort, keeping the bird stable even on slightly swaying branches. Some species also rely on their foot shape and natural balance to maintain their perch. In colder conditions, certain birds conserve body heat by resting on a single leg while sleeping.

Punjab Farmer Protest Reshapes Political Fortunes Ahead of State Elections

A renewed farmer protest in Punjab is creating significant political turbulence for both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in the state and the BJP-led central government. Rural discontent is mounting against AAP, which has struggled to meet its agricultural promises since coming to power in 2022. The BJP, already unpopular among Punjab's farming community over the contentious farm laws episode, faces further erosion of support in the region. Congress, now in opposition in Punjab, appears strategically placed to capitalise on this anti-incumbency sentiment from both ruling parties. The unfolding agrarian unrest could meaningfully redraw the political landscape in the state ahead of future elections.

Palantir CEO Karp Warns Against Slowing AI Development Amid China Rivalry

Palantir CEO Alex Karp has voiced strong opposition to any pause in artificial intelligence development by American companies. He argues that slowing down would hand a critical strategic advantage to China in the global AI race. Karp highlighted AI's growing role in defense and national security as a key reason to maintain momentum. His stance aligns with that of other prominent AI leaders and former President Donald Trump, who also reject calls for a slowdown. Karp noted that concerns about China's technological ambitions are increasingly shaping a broader consensus within the United States.

‘Don't turn outer space into warzone’: China slams US deployment of weapons in space

Delhi Woman Receives Rs 200-Crore Extortion Call Invoking Gangster Goldy Brar

A woman in Delhi received an extortion call demanding Rs 200 crore, with the caller allegedly invoking the name of wanted gangster Goldy Brar. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities noted that the woman is currently involved in a family dispute that arose following the death of her father-in-law. Investigators are examining whether the extortion call is connected to this ongoing family conflict. The circumstances surrounding the alleged threat are being probed in that context.

Ashwin raises concern over Sanju Samson's uncertain place in Indian cricket team

Veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly expressed concern about Sanju Samson's inconsistent international career. Despite demonstrating considerable talent in major tournaments, Samson has struggled to cement a regular spot in the Indian squad. Ashwin highlighted that Samson's journey since 2014 has been both difficult and mentally draining. He also pointed to the weight of constant comparisons and public scrutiny that Samson faces, calling attention to the psychological toll of repeated selection uncertainty.

Russia backs Trump's energy truce plan with Ukraine, seeks sanctions relief

JD(U) adopts wait-and-watch approach on Uniform Civil Code

Janata Dal (United) has said it will study the Uniform Civil Code legislation carefully before taking an official stance. The party plans to consult its coalition partners in Bihar as part of its decision-making process. Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister indicated that the party would not oppose the code without a valid reason. However, senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak had earlier voiced opposition to implementing the UCC in Bihar. The party's cautious approach signals an internal difference of opinion on the contentious legislation.

Two DMK Leaders Face Charges Over Defamatory Remarks Against Actor Vijay

Saidapet police have registered a case against DMK leader Raja following a complaint by TVK functionary Karthik. Raja allegedly made derogatory remarks against Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar during a protest. The protest was held in response to the Chief Minister's speech in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The complaint was filed on behalf of actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, TVK.

China's New Exit Ban Rules Let Beijing Block Citizens Over Tech Violations

China's updated exit and entry regulations came into force on September 15, granting authorities the legal power to prevent citizens from leaving the country for breaches related to export controls or technology security. Travel bans under the new rules can last anywhere from six months to three years. The policy is widely seen as linked to Meta's blocked $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, after which CEO Xiao Hong and other senior executives were reportedly barred from travelling abroad. The new measures place tech industry workers and affluent families under the strictest level of scrutiny. Analysts view the rules as part of Beijing's broader effort to tighten control over sensitive technology and capital outflows.

Jennifer Lopez’s $28m Bel-Air estate sold for about $34m, below asking

The engineers India trains, the infrastructure it still can't build

India Dismisses Pakistan's Reward on Masood Azhar as a Hollow Stunt

India has sharply rejected Pakistan's announcement of raising a reward on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, calling it a deceptive gimmick. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that such tactics from Pakistan are not new and have been seen before. New Delhi's response reflects deep skepticism toward Islamabad's sincerity in acting against designated terrorists on its soil. India has long accused Pakistan of sheltering Masood Azhar, who is listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

India-UAE Joint Venture to Expand Kochi Ship Repair Facility

India and the UAE have entered into a joint venture aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The partnership focuses on expanding the International Ship Repair Facility located in Kochi, Kerala. The initiative seeks to establish Kochi as a leading global hub for ship repair and maintenance. The venture aligns with India's national shipbuilding and maritime reform programs. Ultimately, the project is designed to elevate India's standing among the world's top shipbuilding nations.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei Accuses Tech Leaders of Downplaying AI Risks

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has sharply criticized prominent tech executives for understating the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. He argues that misleading corporate messaging has distorted public understanding of the risks tied to machine learning. Amodei's remarks appear directed at figures like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Nvidia's Jensen Huang, who have publicly offered more optimistic views on AI safety. Former researcher Jacob Coxon has echoed similar concerns, warning that self-improving superintelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity.