OpenAI has disclosed new data indicating that a small but significant percentage of ChatGPT users exhibit signs of mental health crises, including mania, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts. According to the company, approximately 0.07% of weekly active users display such symptoms, with its AI chatbot designed to recognize and respond to these sensitive interactions. While OpenAI emphasizes that these cases are ‘extremely rare,’ critics argue that even this fraction could represent hundreds of thousands of individuals, given ChatGPT’s recent milestone of 800 million weekly active users, as reported by CEO Sam Altman.
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Charlie Kirk murder suspect can wear civilian clothes in court, judge says
In a significant development in the case surrounding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Judge Tony Graf has issued rulings on the attire and restraints for the accused, Tyler Robinson. During a virtual court hearing on Monday, Judge Graf determined that Robinson, 22, will be permitted to wear civilian clothing during pre-trial proceedings to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid influencing potential jurors. However, Robinson will remain in restraints during hearings, though images or footage of him in restraints will be prohibited. The judge emphasized the need to balance courtroom safety with the defendant’s rights, stating that the restraints must be the ‘least restrictive’ option. Robinson, who faces seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm, was arrested on September 12, more than a day after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Judge Graf acknowledged the high-profile nature of the case and the emotional intensity surrounding it, stressing that safety remains the court’s top priority. Robinson’s next in-person court appearance is scheduled for January 16. Utah County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case.
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NCEMA announces field exercise for emergency preparedness in Ras Al Khaimah
The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) in the United Arab Emirates has unveiled plans for a comprehensive field exercise in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled for October 28. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with strategic partners from the emergency and crisis management sector, aims to bolster the nation’s preparedness for natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies. Such exercises are a cornerstone of NCEMA’s strategy to enhance the UAE’s resilience and operational efficiency in crisis scenarios. The authority emphasized that these drills not only safeguard national assets but also reinforce the UAE’s global standing as a leader in risk management and sustainable development. This proactive approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining robust emergency response mechanisms, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and infrastructure.
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Buybacks take backseat as AI drives record US capex spending
In a significant shift in corporate priorities, U.S. companies are increasingly diverting capital from traditional shareholder payouts like dividends and buybacks to fund artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. This trend reflects a growing recognition among investors that long-term growth, driven by AI, is more critical than immediate profits. Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for U.S. share buyback growth down to 9% from 12%, anticipating that AI-driven investments will dominate corporate spending well into 2026.
Capital expenditure plans by S&P 500 companies have surged to a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, the highest since Trivariate Research began tracking the data in 1999. The top nine companies alone account for nearly 30% of this spending. Despite record shareholder returns of $1.65 trillion in the 12 months ending June 2025, including $653.86 billion in dividends and $997.82 billion in buybacks, investors are prioritizing companies with robust AI strategies.
Tech giants like Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Oracle have seen double-digit stock price gains this year, outpacing broader market performance. In contrast, Apple, despite leading in capital returns, has lagged due to concerns over its AI innovation efforts. The AI investment wave is not limited to Silicon Valley, with sectors such as banking, healthcare, and consumer staples also embracing the technology. JPMorgan Chase, for instance, is investing $2 billion annually in AI development, while companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are integrating AI into defense systems.
While analysts remain cautious about labeling the current AI boom a bubble, many warn that the trend could face challenges as companies increasingly rely on debt and complex deal-making. Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, predicts that by the second half of 2026, investors may begin questioning whether the promise of AI is fully priced into the market.
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Amazon says India’s e-commerce exports top $20 billion, despite US tariffs
Amazon announced on Monday that Indian sellers on its platform have collectively surpassed $20 billion in e-commerce exports, including nearly $7 billion in 2025 alone. This milestone comes despite the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on certain Indian goods, which doubled to 50% in August. The tariffs, a response to India’s oil purchases from Russia, have posed short-term challenges for thousands of Indian artisans and small businesses. However, Amazon remains optimistic about long-term growth, setting an ambitious target of $80 billion in exports by 2030. The company’s Global Selling program, launched in 2015, has enabled over 200,000 Indian sellers across 200 cities to reach customers in 18 global markets, including the U.S., Britain, Germany, and Canada. Smaller cities like Panipat, Bhadohi, Karur, and Erode have emerged as significant contributors, with exports from these regions growing rapidly. Categories such as health, beauty, home, apparel, and toys have seen annual growth exceeding 35%. Amazon’s head of Global Selling India, Srinidhi Kalvapudi, emphasized the structural nature of this growth, stating that e-commerce exports are still in their early stages. India’s 2023 trade policy and simplified e-commerce export rules by the Reserve Bank of India have further supported this expansion, positioning Indian brands for global success.
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Neena Gupta, Sanjay Mishra starrer ‘Vadh 2’ to release in theatres on February 6
The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed film ‘Vadh,’ titled ‘Vadh 2,’ is set to hit theaters on February 6, 2026. The announcement was made by veteran actress Neena Gupta via her Instagram handle, where she shared a motion poster of the film. The original film, ‘Vadh,’ directed by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg’s Luv Films, was released in 2022 and garnered significant attention for its gripping narrative and powerful performances. ‘Vadh 2’ serves as a spiritual sequel, continuing the legacy of its predecessor. Neena Gupta, who plays a pivotal role in the film, expressed her excitement, stating, ‘It’s rare to find stories with such a unique voice. Jaspal has an eye for truth and tension that makes him a standout storyteller. I am so proud to be part of this journey once again.’ Sanjay Mishra, another key cast member, also shared his enthusiasm, describing ‘Vadh’ as more than just a film but a cinematic experience that resonated deeply with audiences. The sequel promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar narrative, exploring themes of morality and justice. The release date announcement follows the completion of filming, with both actors expressing their gratitude and anticipation for the audience’s reaction.
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‘We achieved our goal’: Ford stands firm on Reagan anti-tariff ad
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reaffirmed his stance on a controversial anti-tariff advertisement aired in the United States, which featured former President Ronald Reagan and drew sharp criticism from President Donald Trump. Ford declared that the ad, which has reportedly garnered one billion views, successfully sparked a global conversation about tariffs. The advertisement, funded by the Ontario government, included excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 radio address, emphasizing that tariffs ‘hurt every American.’
President Trump responded by suspending trade talks with Canada and announcing an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods, though specifics on its implementation remain unclear. Trump dismissed the ad as ‘fraudulent’ and accused Canada of attempting to influence an upcoming US Supreme Court case regarding the legality of his tariffs on multiple countries, including Canada, Mexico, and China.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is currently attending the ASEAN summit in Asia alongside Trump, revealed that the two nations were nearing a trade agreement before the ad disrupted negotiations. Carney refrained from directly criticizing Ford but emphasized that trade negotiations fall under federal jurisdiction.
Ford, however, remained defiant, stating that the ad was ‘the most successful in the history of North America’ and that he would not back down in the face of Trump’s attacks. The premier also disclosed that Carney and his chief of staff had reviewed the ad prior to its release. Support for Ford has emerged from various Canadian politicians, including Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and British Columbia Premier David Eby, who plans to launch his own anti-tariff campaign targeting US lumber tariffs.
The escalating tensions highlight the fragile state of US-Canada trade relations, with the US already imposing a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, though most are exempt under existing agreements. Specific sectors, such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles, face even higher tariffs. As the dispute unfolds, the international community watches closely, with the ad serving as a focal point in the broader debate over trade policies and their global implications.
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PTCL Group showcases Pakistan’s digital progress and social impact at GITEX Global 2025
The PTCL Group, comprising PTCL and Ufone 4G, took center stage at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, showcasing Pakistan’s strides in digital transformation, industrial innovation, and social inclusion. The event, one of the world’s largest technology gatherings, attracted over 6,000 exhibitors and 250,000 visitors from 180 countries. PTCL Group’s participation, housed within the e& pavilion, emphasized initiatives that merge technology with social development, particularly in digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
During the five-day event, PTCL Group forged several strategic partnerships to bolster Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. A notable collaboration with the GSMA under its Open Gateway initiative aims to streamline access between digital services and mobile networks, fostering innovation and enhancing digital security for developers and enterprises in Pakistan. Additionally, a partnership with Cequens introduced Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) in Pakistan, enabling businesses to manage customer engagement across SMS, voice, and WhatsApp through a unified interface. Another agreement with Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor in Pakistan, will roll out a Device as a Service model, offering enterprises access to Apple products via subscription-based plans, reducing upfront costs.
PTCL Group also signed a deal with Smart MEP to bring Vodafone’s IoT Core Platform to Pakistan, providing advanced industrial IoT solutions to sectors like energy, manufacturing, and utilities. This technology will enable companies to leverage real-time data for improved operational efficiency and automation.
Beyond commercial ventures, PTCL Group highlighted its social impact initiatives, including Ba-Ikhtiar, a women’s empowerment program in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. Initially piloted in Haripur, the initiative now supports over 2,000 women in 23 flood-affected districts through digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and access to financial tools. The Group also showcased its collaboration with ConnectHear, a social enterprise assisting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Their joint innovation, Suno, is an AI-powered early warning system that translates disaster alerts into sign language videos, disseminated through Ufone 4G’s WhatsApp chatbot, ensuring emergency communications are accessible to all.
PTCL Group’s efforts were internationally recognized at the Dragons of Asia Awards, where it won the Gold Dragon Award for Digital Campaigns for its project addressing water scarcity in Thar. The initiative involves installing solar-powered water pumps and filtration units in drought-hit villages, providing clean drinking water to over 15,000 residents, with plans to expand coverage to 200,000 people in Thar and South Punjab.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, met with PTCL Group President & Group CEO Hatem Bamatraf and e& International CEO Khalifa Shamsi during the event. Discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and fostering collaboration with international technology leaders.
PTCL Group’s engagements at GITEX underscored Pakistan’s growing role in the global technology arena, demonstrating how collaboration, innovation, and inclusion are shaping the nation’s digital future. The challenge ahead lies in sustaining this momentum and ensuring the benefits of technology reach every segment of society.
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Tom Hanks pens sweet birthday wish for Rita Wilson
Renowned actor Tom Hanks recently took to Instagram to honor his wife, Rita Wilson, on her 69th birthday. The ‘Forrest Gump’ star shared a charming photograph of Wilson beaming after a refreshing swim in the ocean, accompanied by a touching message. In his caption, Hanks wrote, ‘This beautiful woman celebrates her birthday today. She is beloved by her husband. Happy Birthday, @ritawilson!’ The couple, who have been married since 1988, share two sons, Chester ‘Chet’ Hanks, 35, and Truman Theodore Hanks, 29. Hanks also has two children, Colin Hanks, 47, and Elizabeth Hanks, 43, from his previous marriage to the late Samantha Lewes. Tom and Rita first crossed paths in 1981 on the set of the television show ‘Bosom Buddies,’ evolving from friends to life partners. Over the years, they have consistently expressed their deep affection for each other. For instance, on Hanks’ 67th birthday in 2023, Wilson posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, referring to him as her ‘lover, best friend, and family.’ Earlier this year, the couple celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary, with Hanks sharing a nostalgic vacation photo and captioning it, ’37 years married. Today! Love you, Mrs.’ On the professional front, Hanks is set to reprise his iconic role as Woody in ‘Toy Story 5,’ slated for release in 2026.
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Mason Thames talks ‘The Black Phone 2’, Ethan Hawke, and why he loves getting scared
Mason Thames, the 18-year-old Hollywood actor, has quickly made a name for himself in the industry, particularly through his breakout role in Scott Derrickson’s 2021 horror hit, *The Black Phone*. Now, Thames is set to reprise his role as Finney in the highly anticipated sequel, *The Black Phone 2*. In a recent interview, Thames shared insights into the emotional and psychological depth of the sequel, his experience reuniting with director Scott Derrickson and co-star Ethan Hawke, and his passion for the horror genre. Thames revealed that the sequel delves deeper into Finney’s trauma and emotional scars, offering a more complex and evolved version of the character. He expressed his excitement about revisiting Finney and his sister Gwen, as well as the challenge of portraying a character dealing with PTSD and unresolved anger. Thames also praised Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the terrifying Grabber, describing it as both inspiring and chilling. The actor emphasized the heart and humanity that underpin the horror of *The Black Phone 2*, a quality he believes will resonate with audiences. Thames hopes that fans of the original film will find the sequel even more compelling and emotionally impactful.