Alibaba’s newly launched Qwen AI application has recorded exceptional early momentum, surpassing 10 million downloads within the first seven days of its public beta release. The rapid acceleration places it ahead of the early adoption trajectories of several high-profile AI platforms and highlights how competitive strategies in the global artificial intelligence sector are shifting. Unlike subscription-driven models popular among Western AI developers, Alibaba’s free-access approach embed

A sulphur dioxide–laden ash plume originating from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has drifted across parts of north India, raising concerns about potential effects on regional air quality and aviation movement. According to meteorological observers tracking the plume from the Afar Rift region, the cloud has moved over Delhi-NCR, Haryana and portions of Uttar Pradesh, carried eastward by upper-level wind patterns. While the ash concentration remains low at the surface, satellite readings i

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Elon Musk has suggested that traditional employment may become largely optional within the next decade or two, predicting a dramatic shift in how societies function as artificial intelligence and robotics expand across industries. Speaking at an investment forum in Washington, DC, he said the future of work could resemble a hobby rather than an economic necessity, comparing it to the decision to grow vegetables for personal satisfaction even when they can be purchased easily at a store. Musk

Canada has taken a major step toward modernising its citizenship laws, offering long-awaited relief to thousands of Indian-origin families living abroad. The newly approved Bill C-3, which amends the Citizenship Act, has received royal assent and is expected to help people who were previously excluded from passing on Canadian citizenship to their foreign-born children. The legislation marks a major shift toward inclusivity and fairness, especially for families who live or work outside the cou

A 38-year-old woman doctor from Hyderabad died by suicide inside her flat after experiencing emotional distress over the rejection of her US visa application. The tragic incident came to light on Saturday morning when her domestic help alerted the family after repeated knocks at the door went unanswered. The family broke into the flat only to find her lifeless. A suicide note recovered from the scene reportedly mentioned that she had been battling deep disappointment and depression ever since

United States Air Force Major Taylor “Fema” Hiester shared a deeply emotional response to the Dubai Airshow 2025’s decision to proceed with flying displays despite the tragic crash of an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet that killed Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The commander of the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team said he was stunned to find the airshow atmosphere unchanged just hours after the fatal accident, leading him and a few other teams to withdraw their final performances as a mar

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that she will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in January, bringing an abrupt end to her third term. The decision follows a heated public fallout with President Donald Trump, who recently withdrew his endorsement of the Georgia lawmaker after months of rising tensions. Greene, long known as a vocal Trump ally and one of the most prominent figures associated with the MAGA movement, confirmed her departure late Friday, m

The Supreme Court is preparing for a closed-door conference on Friday to consider whether it will take up a major dispute over President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, declares that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not entitled to American citizenship. Federal courts across the country have uniformly blocked the order, preventing it from taking effect in any

A Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday during its scheduled performance at the Dubai Air Show, prompting an immediate investigation into the cause of the aviation accident. The incident occurred while the indigenous light combat aircraft was taking part in an aerobatic display at one of the world’s most prominent aerospace events, drawing attention from global defence and aviation observers. The air show, known for showcasing advanced fighter jets and emerging ae

Indian-origin venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani has asserted that she played a role in shaping former President Donald Trump’s recent shift in tone on the H-1B visa program, a move that has triggered debate among his political supporters. The program, which enables United States companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has long been a focal point in policy discussions involving the technology sector. Motwani said she spoke directly with both Trump and Vice President JD Vance about th

Illinois residents can now use digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards on their iPhones, marking a significant technological shift in how individuals verify their identity at airports, bars, restaurants, and select venues across the state. The program officially began Tuesday morning following the implementation of a new state law that authorizes digital IDs and enables their integration into mobile devices. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has urged caution as global enthusiasm for artificial intelligence continues to fuel record valuations and intense competition across the technology sector. In an interview, Pichai described the present moment as remarkable for innovation, yet marked by clear signs that investor expectations may be stretching beyond what the industry can sustain. His comments arrive at a time when comparisons to previous periods of market exuberance, particularly the late

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made headlines as she attended the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The event was marked by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, and several union ministers including Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and G Kishan Reddy. Before taking the microphone, Aishwarya touched the feet of PM Modi, who was seated on the stage, a gesture that sparked widespread conversations both at the venue and on

India has begun rolling out its next generation of e-passports equipped with advanced digital and physical security layers designed to strengthen identity verification and eliminate fraud. The upgraded system is part of Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which introduces new standards in passport security, digital integration, and citizen services. All new passports issued henceforth will be e-passports, while existing non-electronic passports will continue to remain valid until their expiry, with

President Donald Trump has introduced a new fast-track visa system called the “FIFA Pass” for international fans attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Announced at the Oval Office alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the scheme offers ticket holders a prioritized visa appointment to ensure smoother travel ahead of the massive tournament. The US expects between five and ten million visitors, making streamlined entry a major focus for the administration. Despite

Iran has officially ended its one-way visa-free entry for Indian citizens, a policy shift that will take effect from November 22. The new rule requires Indians to hold a valid visa not only for visiting Iran but also for transiting through its airports. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi issued a fresh advisory urging Indian travellers to exercise caution, citing a surge in incidents where Indians were deceived with fraudulent job offers and onward travel promises and then kidnappe

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move forward with selling F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in defence cooperation just as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for his first Washington visit in more than seven years. Trump described Saudi Arabia as a strong ally and confirmed that the kingdom’s request for the world-class stealth aircraft will be fulfilled. The crown prince is expected to arrive with clear priorities, includi