India

Assam woman decapitated, accused husband dies after jumping from police vehicle

Zuckerberg's 2021 Leaked Email Urged Execs to Rethink Meta's Safety Research Approach

A leaked 2021 internal email reveals Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg raising concerns about the company's approach to safety and societal harm research. Zuckerberg noted that competitors like Apple and YouTube conduct far less public research into their platforms' societal impact, resulting in less scrutiny and public backlash. He suggested that Meta's more thorough research inadvertently makes its problems appear larger than those of rivals. Zuckerberg asked his executives to propose ways to overhaul the company's research strategy in light of these observations.

Owaisi Challenges Shah's UCC Push, Calls It Targeted at Muslims

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement to implement the Uniform Civil Code across 21 states. Owaisi argued that the UCC is not a genuine equality measure but is specifically aimed at targeting the Muslim community. He challenged the BJP to first apply its UCC framework in Goa, where a civil code already exists, before expanding it elsewhere. Owaisi also raised concerns over laws such as the Disturbed Areas Act and love jihad provisions, questioning the independence of BJP's alliance partners on such issues. He further flagged the ongoing electoral roll revision and past concerns surrounding the National Register of Citizens.

Chinese Billionaire Allegedly Fathered 300 Children via US Surrogacy Arrangements

A Chinese billionaire is reportedly using American surrogacy services to father hundreds of children, sparking serious ethical concerns. One surrogate mother only discovered after the fact that the intended father had numerous simultaneous surrogacy arrangements underway. The case highlights a significant transparency gap within the surrogacy industry, where intended parents are not required to fully disclose their surrogacy history. Advocates say the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger protections and clearer disclosure obligations to safeguard surrogate mothers' rights.

Temple Shop Fined Rs 7 Lakh for Selling Water Bottle Above MRP

A temple shop licensee has been ordered to pay Rs 7 lakh into the consumer welfare fund after overcharging a customer for a water bottle. The shop charged Rs 25 for a bottle marked at Rs 18, exceeding the maximum retail price. A consumer commission issued the ruling, also directing the licensee to refund and compensate the affected consumer. The case drew attention to unfair trade practices at a prominent pilgrimage site. The decision underscores regulatory efforts to enforce fair pricing and protect consumer rights.

Maharashtra govt aims to table UCC Bill in assembly winter session: CM Fadnavis

Hong Kong launches $28.6bn Northern Metropolis plan to build homes and tech hubs

Hong Kong is undertaking a large-scale urban development initiative called the Northern Metropolis project, with a budget of approximately HK$224 billion (US$28.6 billion). The plan involves transforming existing villages and wetlands into residential and technology-focused zones. The development is expected to accommodate around 2.5 million residents and create significant employment opportunities. The project also aims to strengthen Hong Kong's economic and infrastructural ties with mainland China.

China Steps Up Efforts to Keep AI Systems Under Human Control

China has been developing measures to address the risk of artificial intelligence systems operating beyond human oversight. This comes amid growing tensions between the US and China over their respective AI policies and industry practices. The two nations have been increasingly at odds on how artificial intelligence should be governed and developed. AI-related issues are expected to be a major point of discussion in upcoming bilateral talks between the two countries later this month.

NIT Jalandhar Student Lands Rs 4.5 Lakh/Month iOS Internship at Revolut UAE

Irfan Mohammed, a student at NIT Jalandhar, has secured an iOS Developer internship at Revolut UAE reportedly worth Rs 4.5 lakh per month. His path to the role was not straightforward, involving an early university switch and a missed opportunity with Apple. Despite these setbacks, Mohammed continued developing his technical skills and actively pursued new openings. His eventual selection at Revolut was aided by an unexpected professional connection. His journey has been cited as an example of how persistence and preparation can shape a career.

Gurgaon woman biker to file FIR after hit-and-run caught on camera

A woman biker identified only as Sia was involved in a hit-and-run incident on Golf Course Road in Gurgaon. She released video footage showing her motorcycle being struck by a car whose driver fled the scene. Sia has announced her intention to file a First Information Report while choosing to keep her identity private. The registered owner of the vehicle claims the car had been lent to a friend shortly before the incident occurred. Gurgaon Police have acknowledged the case and stated they are working to identify and arrest the accused.

Texas abortion case spotlights police use of Flock cameras and AI report tools

A Texas sheriff's office used Flock's license plate camera network to track down a woman suspected of having an abortion. Officers also employed Axon's Draft One AI tool to help generate the police report for the case. The investigation involved searching for the woman's vehicle through Flock's system alongside a credit card database. The AI-generated report included a summary of discussions around the legal implications of the self-administered abortion. Public records suggest additional digital evidence was gathered during the investigation, raising broader concerns about surveillance technology in abortion-related cases.

AI war heats up: China rejects calls to curb tech, blasts 'fearmongering' Anthropic

More than a summer home: A look inside the Kennedys' historic Hyannis Port estate

Luthra Brothers Surrender to Goa Court After SC Refuses Bail Relief in Nightclub Fire Case

Nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, along with associate Ajay Gupta, surrendered before a Goa court after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in their bail cancellation. The trio faced charges following a deadly fire at their nightclub in December 2025 that claimed 25 lives. The Bombay High Court had earlier cancelled their bail, citing the gravity of the offences. They are charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the incident.

Pakistan lists JeM chief Masood Azhar as fugitive, raises bounty ahead of FATF review

Sooryavanshi benched for Afghanistan T20I despite standout Zimbabwe tour

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left out of India's playing XI for the first T20I against Afghanistan, despite a strong recent run of form. He had been named Player of the Series after India swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in a T20I series. Sooryavanshi also contributed runs for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026. His omission has drawn criticism from a former India cricketer, who questioned the selection decision in favour of Sanju Samson.

US National Park Service Eyes Cumberland Island Land Swap to Boost Conservation

The National Park Service is considering a land exchange program on Cumberland Island, a protected federal area in the United States. The proposal would involve acquiring privately owned land parcels in return for federal lands, which would remain under conservation restrictions. The initiative is designed to improve the management and consolidation of protected zones across the island. The agency is currently seeking public feedback on the potential environmental impacts of the plan.

Crucial lifeline: India to supply 654MW of power daily to flood-ravaged Nepal

Australian Couple Turns Accidental Aquifer Discovery Into $10-a-Bottle Water Brand

An Australian couple in South Australia discovered a pristine underground aquifer beneath their property, which they have since turned into a premium bottled water business. Their product earned a perfect score of 100 points from international water judges, signaling exceptional quality. The find has propelled the couple into the growing fine-water industry, where mineral-rich, ultra-pure water is increasingly sought after by consumers. Their story reflects a broader shift in how water is perceived, moving from a basic commodity to a high-end luxury product.

UK Homeless Man's Viral Piano Performance Leads to £40,000 Raised for Charity

In January 2024, Rhys Wynne-Jones, a homeless man in England, sought shelter at a local church and was allowed to play its piano. His impromptu rendition of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was recorded and quickly went viral online. Over the following two years, his life transformed significantly as he secured stable housing and began performing at charity events. He also collaborated with singer Peter Andre and collectively raised over £40,000 for charities supporting the homeless and other causes.