The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that Paytm had made a foreign investment in Singapore and did not file the necessary reporting to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
WhatsApp could soon allow normal users to keep cover photos on their accounts. The inclusion of the cover image feature was spotted on the WhatsApp 2.25.32.2 beta for Android version, via the Google Play Beta programme. The feature is not visible to beta testers. Once rolled out, this feature will let users express their personality through a customisable cover photo. It will be displayed as a prominent banner at the top of the profile.
Adobe has unveiled a major lineup of AI upgrades across Photoshop, Express, and Firefly, including new AI assistants and audio-video generation tools. The update introduces Firefly Image Model 5 with multi-layered editing, custom Firefly training for individuals, and integrations with ElevenLabs and Topaz. These features mark Adobe’s biggest step yet in blending creative control with generative AI.
Anthropic has introduced Claude for Excel, a new integration that lets users analyse and automate spreadsheet tasks directly through a Claude sidebar. The update also adds six finance-focused agentic skills and new data connectors for real-time access to sources like LSEG, Moody’s, and MT Newswires. These are currently available as research previews.
OpenAI has detailed its new safety evaluation system to detect signs of mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, and emotional dependence on ChatGPT. The company says the mechanism, built with input from clinicians and psychologists, helps its AI de-escalate sensitive chats and guide users to professional help. Critics, however, argue this approach risks moral policing and infringes on user autonomy.
Elon Musk has launched Grokipedia, an AI-powered encyclopedia that aims to offer a “truth-focused” alternative to Wikipedia. Currently live as version 0.1, the open-source site hosts around 8,85,000 articles maintained entirely by Grok AI, without human editing. Musk claims it’s already “better than Wikipedia,” although critics note that several entries appear copied or adapted from Wikipedia itself.
Qualcomm on Monday unveiled two artificial intelligence chips for data centers that will be available in 2026. The chipmaker said the new chips support common AI frameworks and tools and played up cost-savings for enterprises. The company also unveiled racks based on the new chips, as Nvidia and AMD move from selling chips to providing larger data center systems.
Amazon is planning to cut as many as 30,000 corporate jobs beginning on Tuesday, as the company pares expenses and compensates for overhiring during the peak demand of the pandemic, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a massive data breach involving tens of millions of leaked Gmail accounts. According to a report, the breach occurred in April of this year and was recently made public, with a record of over 183 million credentials in total. It not only includes email accounts, but also the passwords that are associated with them. The data breach is reportedly part of a larger stealer ecosystem, typically resulting from malware on the victim's machine.
OpenAI is reportedly preparing to introduce targeted ads within ChatGPT. According to The Information, some senior leaders — many of them former Meta employees — see ads as a major revenue opportunity, even suggesting personalisation using the chatbot’s memory data. CEO Sam Altman, once sceptical, now calls ads “somewhat distasteful but not a nonstarter,” signalling a clear softening of his stance.
OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI music generation tool capable of producing instrumental tracks from both text and audio prompts. According to The Information, it may also add music to Sora videos or enhance vocal tracks with instruments. The company is said to be working with Juilliard students on training data, marking its entry into a space led by Suno, Udio, and Beatoven.ai.
Starlink is gearing up to launch its satellite communication services in India. The Elon Musk-owned company is readying its infrastructure in anticipation of the launch, and it plans to establish nine gateway earth stations in major cities such as Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida, across the country, according to a report. So far, Starlink has been permitted to import 100 terminals for testing only fixed satellite services, as part of stringent conditions imposed on it to prevent any misuse.
Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a potential threat linked to a "privacy friendly" browser. Dubbed the Universe Browser, it is said to route its connections through servers in China and quietly installs several programs that covertly run in the background. The cybersecurity firm discovered that it was linked to a network of illegal gaming websites and cybercrime groups that operate in Cambodia
After installing the October update (KB5066835), USB keyboards and mice, and other input devices were not working in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). To fix the bug, Microsoft has announced a new out-of-band (OOB) update with builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901. The emergency update is distributed automatically via Windows Update, but interested users can download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalogue if needed.
Tinder has announced the rollout of Face Check, a new facial verification feature that is claimed to ensure real users and match their profile photos, in the US. As per the company, Face Check leverages a non-reversible, encrypted face map and face vector to help verify photos and prevent duplicate accounts. Coupled with other safety initiatives, it is aimed at reducing impersonation and helping users find other authentic matches on the online dating platform.
APK (Android Package Kit) teardown of the ChatGPT v1.2025.294 reportedly includes code for an upcoming feature that enhances voice conversations by integrating them into the main chat interface. It will reportedly bring new buttons to end the conversation and mute or unmute the microphone.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing its new “@all” mention feature with select beta testers in the Android 2.25.31.9 update, gradually rolling it out to more users. The feature lets users alert all group members at once, saving time and improving coordination. In small groups, everyone can use it, while in groups with over 32 members, only admins can use it to prevent spam. Users can also mute @all notifications to avoid distractions, with controls available in the group info section under notification settings.
YouTube has launched an AI likeness detection tool to help creators identify deepfakes using their image or voice. Available to YouTube Partner Programme members, it requires ID verification and a video selfie for access. The tool flags suspected deepfakes in a dashboard, allowing creators to review or request removals.
JioSaavn has announced a new annual plan for a limited time. Priced at Rs. 399 for one year, it offers features like ad-free music streaming, high-quality playback, and offline downloads on the Jio Platforms-owned music-streaming platform. However, the company said that it will only be available to users who have not subscribed to it for more than 12 months.
Mozilla has fixed multiple high-severity vulnerabilities across Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird, which could allow attackers to execute code or access sensitive data. The flaws, affecting Firefox versions prior to 144, ESR versions prior to 115.29 and 140.4, and Thunderbird versions prior to 140.4 and 144, include use-after-free errors, memory corruption, API misuse, and cross-process data leaks. CERT-In has urged individuals and organisations to update immediately using Mozilla’s patches to prevent data theft, system compromise, and information disclosure.
WhatsApp is reportedly working on the option to let users limit sending messages in new chats without replies. The feature has been spotted on the WhatsApp for Android beta 2.25.31.5 version, which is available via the Google Play Beta programme. It will reportedly be available to both individuals and businesses.
DeepSeek has unveiled DeepSeek-OCR, an open-source AI model that processes text by converting it into images using 2D mapping. This new “Context Optical Compression” approach allows large language models to handle longer documents with fewer tokens and improved accuracy. The method has drawn praise for its potential to simplify and speed up text reasoning.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced a widespread outage on October 20, disrupting several major platforms, including Apple TV, Reddit, and Snapchat. The outage, lasting nearly 12 hours, coincided with Diwali celebrations in India and affected online businesses running festive campaigns. AWS later attributed the issue to a DNS error in its US-East-1 region.
Jio has upgraded its business broadband plans by bundling JioAICloud Enterprise storage, combining internet, cloud, and voice services in one package. The Rs. 801 plan offers up to 100Mbps speeds, 100GB cloud storage, a 39,600GB annual data quota, and a voice line with unlimited calling. The Rs. 1,001 plan provides 200Mbps speeds, 200GB cloud storage, the same data quota, and a voice line. The integration aims to help businesses manage data and collaborate efficiently, targeting small and medium enterprises.
Anthropic has expanded Claude Code to the web, letting paid users access the AI-powered coding tool without installing a CLI. Now available as a research preview, the web version supports GitHub integration and parallel coding tasks in isolated environments. The company has also launched a mobile version through its Claude iOS app.
OpenAI has made Sora 2 easier to access with two major updates. Users can now generate AI videos directly from the Sora website, not just the iOS app, although invites are still required. The company has also extended video length limits—up to 15 seconds for regular users and 25 seconds for Pro subscribers—while adding web-based storyboard editing for finer creative control.
Lava’s Probuds has announced the “Diwali Zero-Risk Muhurat Sale,” starting October 21 at 1:15 PM IST, offering 100 units of the Probuds Aria 911 for Rs. 21 on a first-come, first-served basis. The brand is also introducing India’s first 30-day trial program with a full refund option under its “Money Back Challenge.” Additionally, a Mega Diwali Contest running from October 16 to October 20 offers participants a chance to win Probuds audio devices, with winners to be announced on October 22.
Meta and Arm have entered a multi-year partnership to make AI systems faster and more energy-efficient. The collaboration combines Arm’s low-power chip design expertise with Meta’s AI infrastructure to enhance performance across data centres and devices. Together, they aim to scale efficient AI tools and hardware for over three billion users worldwide.
Anthropic has launched Claude Haiku 4.5, the smallest model in its Claude 4.5 series. Focused on speed and real-time performance, it’s said to be twice as fast as Sonnet 4 while maintaining similar coding capabilities. Available for free, Haiku 4.5 outperforms rival models in several benchmarks and is rated Anthropic’s safest model to date.
Instagram has announced limited-edition Diwali-themed effects for Instagram Stories and its Edits app in India and select other markets. Users can enhance their photos and videos in Stories, as well as videos in the Edits app, and infuse them with the new special effects inspired by Diwali, as per the company. These effects will be available to use until October 29.
Google has introduced a special offer for Diwali that allows users to purchase additional Google Drive storage at highly reduced prices for a limited time. It is valid on the Lite, Basic, Standard, and Premium plans, enabling them to get up to 2TB of cloud storage across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. As per Google, users can also share the storage space offered with Basic, Standard, and Premium plans with others.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), on October 15, released two vulnerability notes to warn Google Chrome and Chromium-based Microsoft Edge users of multiple security flaws. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers, granting them unauthorised access to a user’s desktop. However, people can install the latest available version of these browsers to protect themselves from bad actors.
WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature on its Android beta that notifies users when selected contacts post new status updates. Users can enable alerts directly from a contact’s status via the overflow menu and mute them anytime. Notifications show the contact’s name and a small preview for image or video statuses, allowing quick updates without opening the app. The feature prioritises important contacts and keeps alerts private.
OpenAI is reportedly developing a ChatGPT experience tailored for adults. CEO Sam Altman said the company is easing restrictions for verified adults, allowing the chatbot to adopt personalities and even engage in erotic conversations. Altman clarified that these features will remain opt-in and possible only after strict safeguards for minors, including age estimation and parental controls.
YouTube has announced new features and visual updates to its platform. With the latest update, adding videos to playlists or the Watch Later queue has been made quicker. Additionally, tapping the like button on select content will now trigger small animations. The update brings a new video player with updated controls and new icons. The updates are rolling out across the web, mobile app, and TV platforms starting this week.
Android devices are susceptible to a new type of attack that can covertly steal two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, private messages, location timelines, and other data. Security researchers have devised this new attack, called Pixnapping, which can exploit loopholes and security flaws in Android without requiring any system permissions. As per a report, the malicious application can convert mapped pixel coordinates into alphanumeric characters or geometric shapes by exploiting a side channel.
Google has started rolling out the AI-powered makeup effects on Google Meet for web and mobile. This feature allows users to apply virtual foundation, blush, and lipstick. There are 12 new studio makeup looks, and the preference of the user will be saved for the next meeting. The rollout started on October 8, and it is likely to reach all the supported accounts within 15 days
Google on Monday announced new features for NotebookLM to help users better understand complex topics. The company is bringing Nano Banana to Video Overviews, taking advantage of its generation speed, element-based editing, and consistent character. As per the company, there are six new visual styles in Video Overviews, including Anime, Heritage, and Retro Print. Alongside, Google is also rolling out two new formats to generate a detailed summary with the AI feature.
Anthropic has warned that even a few poisoned samples in a dataset can compromise an AI model. A joint study with the UK AI Security Institute found that as few as 250 malicious documents can implant backdoors in LLMs up to 13B parameters, proving model size offers no protection.
Slack has opened its platform for developers to build AI apps and agentic workflows using its conversational data. Powered by a real-time search API and an MCP-based server, it enables secure, context-aware integrations. Partners like Anthropic, Google, and Notion are already adopting it, with a wider rollout planned for 2026.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature in its Android beta that lets users add their Facebook profile links to their WhatsApp info page. The link can be verified through the Accounts Centre or left unverified, and adding it is optional. Users can control who sees the link via privacy settings, sharing it with everyone, contacts, specific people, or keeping it private. First spotted in an earlier beta, the public rollout signals a wider release soon.
An APK teardown of the Google Messages reportedly suggests that Google is developing a new Insights feature. The feature was said to be spotted on v20251006 beta. It could help users manage shared links from personal and group chats. It could appear at the bottom of every link preview on the Google Messages interface with a Gemini icon.
OpenAI is reportedly developing a new “clinician mode” for ChatGPT, which could enable AI-assisted medical or health-related discussions. Code references also hint at a “model speaks first” voice feature that allows ChatGPT to greet users proactively. While these capabilities sound promising, OpenAI hasn’t confirmed their release yet.
Meta has expanded its Reels translation feature on Instagram and Facebook to include Hindi and Portuguese, in addition to the existing English and Spanish support. The AI-powered tool replicates the creator’s voice and offers a lip-sync option for natural-looking translations. Dubbed Reels carry a “Translated with Meta AI” label, and users can choose to enable or disable translations or view the original video by adjusting the audio and language settings.
YouTube will now let previously terminated creators request a new channel and build back their communities. The video-sharing platform offers a YouTube Partner Program, which allows users to publish their content on their channel and earn money from it. However, there are Community Guidelines that they need to adhere to, and their channel can get terminated if any violations are found. While there is currently no way to bring back a terminated channel, YouTube’s new pilot programme is said to offer a new lease of life to creators.
LinkedIn has updated its Open to Work feature, allowing users to add their notice period and expected salary to profiles. These optional details are visible only to recruiters, helping streamline hiring by matching availability and compensation expectations. Candidates who define roles, update profiles, and enable the feature are more likely to get callbacks, with chances of recruiter messages potentially doubling. Users can control badge visibility, choosing between “Recruiters only” or “All LinkedIn members” to manage privacy.
Liquid Glass UI is Apple’s latest design language introduced in iOS 26 operating system. Apps like WhatsApp are now slowly adopting the new style to align with the design of iOS 26. WhatsApp for iOS 25.28.75 has reportedly brought Liquid Glass compatibility for select users.
Google has expanded its AI-powered “Try It On” feature to include shoes, letting users preview how footwear would look on them before buying. The tool generates realistic images by asking users to upload a full-length photo. The process mirrors Google’s apparel try-on tool, where users select a shoe listing, tap “Try It On,” and view or share the results. The update builds on Google’s earlier AI clothing try-ons, making online shopping more interactive and personalised.
Google may soon allow Android users to share earthquake alerts with others, including iOS contacts, through messaging apps or social media, with notifications expected to carry the hashtag #AndroidEarthquakeAlerts. An APK teardown also hints at a new Tools icon on the Gemini overlay, providing quick access to features like Veo video tools and image generation. While based on unfinished code and not guaranteed in public releases, these teardowns reveal potential upcoming enhancements to Android’s earthquake alerts and user tools.
OpenAI has banned several accounts, potentially linked to China, that attempted to use ChatGPT for mass surveillance, social media monitoring, and profiling. Some accounts also sought assistance in developing tools targeting Uyghurs and other sensitive topics. OpenAI confirmed no such tools were actually built, and accounts from Russia attempting phishing-related uses were also blocked.
Google is bringing Search Live in AI Mode to India, the company announced on Wednesday. It makes India the first country outside the US to receive the feature. Search Live in AI Mode, notably, is a two-way conversational feature which allows users to hold voice conversations with the AI chatbot. Alongside, Google also announced the expansion of AI Mode to seven new Indian languages.
