Google will build a new subsea cable system and a data hub on Christmas Island to improve internet strength across the Indian Ocean. The project will link the island to the Maldives and Oman and add two more data hubs in the region. Local leaders said there is enough power for the new centre, though future demand may push a shift toward renewable energy. The island now relies on diesel power, mainly used by the phosphate mine that employs half the population. Australia is working with Google to ensure energy supply is not affected. The project is expected to boost the island’s economy. (PC: NDTV)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has warned that no company, including Google, would be safe if the AI bubble bursts. Speaking to the BBC, he said the current AI boom is exciting but also shows “irrational” signs, similar to the dot-com era. AI firms have seen huge growth, raising fears of over-investment. Pichai said Google can handle future risks because it controls its own chips, models, and data. He also spoke about rising energy needs, delays in climate goals, and the impact of AI on jobs. Pichai said AI will reshape work but people who adapt will benefit the most. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk envisions Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot revolutionizing global healthcare by providing universal access to elite surgical care through AI-driven precision. Speaking with Baron Capital founder Ron Baron, the 54-year-old entrepreneur argued that factory-built robots could eventually perform advanced surgical procedures with greater accuracy than humans, democratizing medical treatment in ways traditional systems cannot achieve. Musk believes Optimus could deliver "superhuman precision" healthcare, essentially giving every person access to "the best surgeons" worldwide. However, it's crucial to note that no medical version of Optimus currently exists. The vision represents Musk's long-term ambition for Tesla's robotics program, suggesting a future where advanced surgical capabilities become universally accessible through robotic technology rather than limited to elite medical institutions.

Tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity AI are offering free or low-cost AI tools to millions of Indians. OpenAI has launched one year of free access to its “Go” chatbot, while Google and Perplexity have partnered with Jio and Airtel. Experts say this is a business move to attract India’s young online users and gather valuable data to improve AI systems. India’s 900 million internet users make it an ideal testing ground for global tech. However, experts warn of data privacy risks and call for stronger but balanced regulation as AI use grows. (PC: BBC)

Reddit experienced a massive global outage affecting thousands of users unable to access the app and website. DownDetector reports exceeded 20,000 complaints globally, with 60% from app users, 33% website issues, and 8% server connection problems. In India alone, 350 users reported login difficulties, with 49% website complaints, 44% app issues, and 7% server problems. This marks Reddit's second major disruption in two weeks following 4,800 complaints on October 20. The outage coincides with another Amazon Web Services (AWS) failure affecting multiple cloud regions, primarily US-East-1 (69%), US-West-2 (18%), and US-West-1 (13%). Users reported slow loading, errors, and failed connections. Developers confirm AWS-dependent applications face significant resistance.(PC: Al Jazeera)

America is deploying artificial intelligence to combat maritime drug trafficking, conducting 16 airstrikes on drug vessels since September, killing 64 suspected smugglers. Windward's maritime AI models, including "Early Detection" and "Smuggling Risk," identify high-risk vessels from thousands entering US waters. On August 11, AI narrowed 5,488 vessels to just 98 suspicious ones. MQ-9 Reaper drones, equipped with AI-assisted target tracking systems, execute strikes carrying cocaine and fentanyl shipments. The first strike on September 1 targeted a Venezuelan vessel linked to Tren de Aragua criminal organization. US Coast Guard's Force Design 2028 plans expanded AI integration for enhanced surveillance, decision-making, and workforce management, creating robust sensor networks processing real-time maritime data.

Amazon confirmed cutting 14,000 corporate jobs globally, citing the need to organize "more leanly" for AI opportunities. Senior VP Beth Galetti told staff the restructuring would strengthen the company by reallocating resources toward "biggest bets" and customer needs. She called AI "the most transformative technology since the Internet," enabling unprecedented innovation speed. Earlier reports suggested 30,000 layoffs. The cuts affect corporate workers like executives, managers, and sales roles among Amazon's 350,000 corporate employees and 1.5 million total workforce. CEO Andy Jassy warned in June that AI adoption would reduce jobs as machines handle routine tasks. Affected employees receive transition support, severance pay, and internal job placement assistance. UK impact remains unclear. (PC: BBC) 

On October 22, 2025, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology proposed new regulations requiring artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms to clearly label AI-generated content. The draft rules mandate that visual media be marked with a label covering at least 10% of the display area, and audio content should have a marker during the first 10% of playback. Platforms must also obtain user declarations on whether uploaded content is AI-generated and implement technical measures to ensure compliance. The government emphasized the need for metadata traceability and transparency to combat the spread of deepfakes and misinformation, which pose risks to public trust and electoral integrity. The public and industry stakeholders have until November 6 to submit feedback on the proposal. (PC: Reuters)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced a major outage that disrupted over 1,000 companies and millions of users worldwide. Popular apps like Snapchat, Reddit, and games like Fortnite went offline. Banks such as Lloyds and Halifax were also affected. The problem was caused by a DNS error — a system that helps connect users to websites. The issue began in AWS’s main data centre in North Virginia. Experts say the outage shows the risks of relying too much on one cloud provider. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud together handle most of the world’s online services. (PC: BBC)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended allowing adult content in ChatGPT, declaring his company isn't the "elected moral police of the world." He announced verified adult users will access "erotica" in upcoming updates while prioritizing safety over privacy for teenagers. Altman emphasized treating adult users like adults, comparing policies to R-rated movie boundaries. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation criticized the move, warning about mental health harms from synthetic intimacy without credible safeguards. Executive Director Haley McNamara cited documented risks including simulated child abuse themes and sexually violent content. Altman maintained OpenAI won't allow content harming others and will protect users experiencing mental health crises, emphasizing user freedom as central to their mission.