India has strongly asserted that human rights should not be weaponised for political pressure or selective targeting of nations, pushing back against attempts to negatively characterise the world's largest democracy based on unverified allegations and incomplete statistics.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, which killed 19 people, was primarily due to human error. He visited victims' families, assured assistance, and announced an inquiry by a retired judge, with the report expected within three months. The CM also plans to meet puja committees on October 26 to discuss future safety measures.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday (local time) reported the first documented case of human infection with the Shamonda virus in France, with the patient, who was immunocompromised, dying after the infection.
A recent study indicates that dogs possess the ability to segment human speech into individual words, a skill previously thought to be unique to humans. This "consonant bias" in speech processing appears to develop through regular exposure to human language, suggesting that efficient speech processing is not solely dependent on complex human linguistic capabilities. The findings, published in Science, highlight how brain function can be reshaped by speech exposure even in evolutionarily distant species.
'My biggest fear about AI is that humans are going to rush to deploy it before AI is ready.'
A new study published in Nature reveals that lab-grown human brain tissues, or organoids, successfully survived, grew, and formed complex structures when transplanted into mouse brains. This breakthrough offers a novel platform for studying human brain development and neurological disorders.
Anthropic has formally warned investors that its technology may pose "existential risks to humanity" in a long-awaited initial public offering prospectus circulated with a small group of partners in recent days.
Experts at a national symposium in Shillong discussed the role of Artificial Intelligence in tourism, emphasising that AI should support human judgment, local knowledge, and cultural values rather than replace them. Discussions highlighted the need for robust policies to address ethical concerns, safeguard livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage while leveraging AI for innovation and sustainability in the tourism sector, particularly in Meghalaya.
'There is a long set of decisions that have to be made along the way for anything to actually get actuated in the real world.'
Seven former Australian cricket captains, including Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh, have urged Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to address the welfare of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Their appeal focuses on humanitarian treatment and due process, not the legal or political aspects of his case, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.
Chinese President Xi Jinping began his second state visit to the US, meeting President Donald Trump at the White House. Both leaders expressed a desire for a better future for their nations, with Xi emphasising cooperation over confrontation and the avoidance of the "Thucydides Trap." Discussions also touched upon artificial intelligence governance and the extension of a trade truce. The visit was notably marked by a media boycott of White House coverage due to a dispute over press access.
Most of the companies AI models and AI agents targeted had no idea their networks had been breached.
India has strongly rejected a UN special rapporteur's report describing the Dawood Ibrahim-led D-company as an "India-based" criminal group, flagging "glaring inaccuracies" and cautioning against such incompetence. First Secretary Raghoo Puri stated that Dawood Ibrahim fled India much before his 2003 listing and is wanted in India for terror attacks since 1993, residing in the same country where Osama bin Laden was found. India also raised concerns about alleged bias in the report and funding allegations against the rapporteur.
Workday, a global HR tech major, has unveiled its new AI platform, Sana, designed to automate human resources and finance functions. Chairman and CEO Aneel Bhusri stated that AI is likely to replace low-cost, outsourced jobs due to increased productivity, rather than leading to jobs moving out of first-world countries. The platform uses AI agents for tasks like payroll and compliance, and Workday has acquired C1.ai to manage access rights for these agents. Bhusri emphasised that AI should augment humans, redefining roles rather than replacing them entirely.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to comment on recent protests against India's Election Commission, labelling it an "internal political matter." During his visit to India, Rubio also dismissed UN experts' criticism of the protests, stating that the US would not interfere in India's domestic affairs, despite UN concerns over police response to demonstrations.
The Delhi High Court has permitted the termination of a 31-week pregnancy for a 16-year-old sexual assault victim, citing that it would not be appropriate to burden the minor with childbirth and raising a child. The court recognised the termination as a human right affecting the victim's dignified existence and directed the state to cover medical expenses, ensuring foetal tissue preservation for DNA testing and offering adoption if the child is born alive.
Cybersecurity specialists warn AI-driven attacks require continuous threat monitoring instead of periodic security checks.
India has strongly rejected a report by a UN human rights expert, Gina Romero, which claimed that young people in India face retaliation or stigmatisation for discussing mental health or gender justice. India's First Secretary Anuj Swarup labelled the report as "hearsay" based on "anonymous and unverified claims," asserting that it does a disservice to the expert's mandate. Swarup highlighted India's constitutional freedoms, independent judiciary, and government's proactive engagement with youth, citing examples like the amendment to the Public Examinations Act and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of hypocrisy regarding religious freedom and funeral rights. India's First Secretary Bhavika Mangalanandan highlighted Pakistan's refusal to accept the bodies of its own soldiers killed in the 1999 Kargil war, contrasting it with Pakistan's current criticism of India. She also pointed to Pakistan's poor record on minority rights and criticised a UN report for selectively targeting India.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has criticised the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), calling it an 'unimaginative and dystopian' vision. He argues that while AI threatens intellectual jobs, humans have endless tasks related to nature, nurture, culture, and spirituality that can provide purpose and sustenance, rejecting the idea of dependency on handouts.
Hollywood actor Paul Bettany, known for voicing J.A.R.V.I.S. and playing Vision in the MCU, expresses trepidation about the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. He discusses potential dystopian futures and the need for democratised AI, while promoting his new series "VisionQuest" which started streaming on JioHotstar on Tuesday.
While AI can help automate routine, repetitive tasks, jobs that require high emotional intelligence, communication skills, creativity and the ability to work in unpredictable situations are likely to withstand the rise of AI, says Kumar Rajagopalan, vice president (strategic initiatives) and country head (India), at Dexian, a global provider of IT consulting, digital transformation and workforce solutions.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton reveals his long-standing dream of an African Grand Prix, now set for Rwanda in the early 2030s, is a significant motivator for him to extend his illustrious racing career.
Focus on clarity. Avoid keyword stuffing, advises Sarieka S Vaze, head of HR and administration at Montran Corporation.
A new study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology reveals that higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels significantly alter the protein composition of wheat. This change impacts baking quality and the tolerability of wheat products, with increased amylase/trypsin-inhibitors and decreased gluten proteins observed under elevated CO2 conditions. Researchers emphasise the need for crop adaptation focusing on quality characteristics.
NASA has invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base mission to establish a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon's South Pole, aiming for scientific discoveries and future deep space exploration. This invitation follows discussions at the Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, where both nations also advanced cooperation under the Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative.
'Nana Patekar was an amazing actor, and human being.'
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has publicly supported the campaign by former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, advocating for jailed Pakistan legend Imran Khan to receive proper medical care and be treated with dignity.
There are enough queasy thrills in Clayface to keep horror fans happy, raves Mayur Sanap.
India firmly dismissed the concerns raised by the United Nations human rights body on Sunday regarding the security measures implemented ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party demonstration in Delhi, branding the remarks as "unwarranted" and an "unacceptable interference" in domestic matters.
India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes shares his philosophy for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. He emphasises developing a strong footballing foundation, tactical flexibility, and good character among his young players, as they prepare to face teams like Laos, Bahrain, and Senegal starting October 24.
The UN Human Rights office has condemned the online racist abuse directed at American tennis player Coco Gauff following a replayed point at the China Open. Gauff revealed she received significant racist messages, prompting the WTA to offer support and monitor the abuse. The UN called for unity against racial and sexist abuse in sports.
Both journeys teach us the importance of active humility.
Police in Ahmedabad have seized heroin and mephedrone worth nearly Rs 25 crore from the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway, arresting three individuals with prior criminal records in connection with an inter-state drug trafficking network.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Delhi Police commissioner, seeking a detailed report on alleged sexual harassment of three women journalists by police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 3, stating the reports raise serious human rights violation issues.
The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.
Paul Bettany and James Spader bring plenty of personality to VisionQuest, but the Marvel's latest series struggles to find the emotional soul its story needs.
South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to advancing human rights, peace, and international law, including her significant contributions to shaping international law on genocide and sexual violence.
Navi Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The announcement came as she was in Nuremberg, a symbolic location given her career's focus on international justice. Pillay dedicated the prize to survivors and those working for justice, warning against political attacks on international law and institutions like the ICC. Her extensive career includes roles in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court, and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence at the World Economic Forum, advocates for integrating AI literacy into India's education curriculum and incentivising AI companies to prioritise child safety. She stresses the need for localised solutions that account for India's linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as varying levels of connectivity and digital literacy, to ensure AI systems are safe and beneficial for children.
