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.

OpenAI plans to let adult users access erotica on ChatGPT. CEO Sam Altman said the change will treat adults like adults. Age verification will be required. He added that earlier restrictions were needed to protect mental health, but now the company has new tools to reduce risks. The update is expected in December. The move comes after a US teen’s parents sued OpenAI over his suicide, raising safety concerns. Critics warn it may expose children to adult content. OpenAI says it will fully roll out age-gating to keep minors safe while offering more content to verified adults. (PC: BBC)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised India's homegrown navigation app Mappls after personally testing it during a car journey. Developed by MapmyIndia in partnership with ISRO under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Mappls offers a privacy-focused alternative to Google Maps and Apple Maps. The minister highlighted its 3D junction views for overpasses and underpasses, voice-guided navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Key features include doorstep navigation, driving alerts for speed limits and accident zones, CCTV spot indicators, and a trip cost calculator for toll charges. Available in nine Indian languages including Hindi, Kannada, and Punjabi, the free app supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Instagram and Facebook Reels will now support AI-powered translations in Hindi and Portuguese. The feature allows creators to automatically dub their Reels into multiple languages using Meta AI. Every translated video will be clearly marked with “Translated with Meta AI.” Zuckerberg said this update will help creators reach global audiences and “break language barriers.” The tool, which already supports English and Spanish, mimics the creator’s voice and tone for a natural sound. Users can also enable lip-syncing for smoother playback or choose to watch the original version of Reels.

Social media platform X said it will appeal against a Karnataka High Court order that forces it to follow government takedown notices. The company called the order “deeply concerning” and warned it could let millions of police officers issue arbitrary removal requests, threatening free expression. The court dismissed X’s petitions against the Centre’s blocking orders, saying regulation of social media is “the need of the hour.” It also ruled that Article 19 rights apply only to Indian citizens, not foreign firms. The bench stressed that platforms must follow Indian laws and cannot seek protection under US jurisprudence. (PC: India Today)

Accenture is implementing major workforce restructuring in 2025 as part of a $1 billion business optimization program, driven by AI transformation demands. The consulting giant reported $69.7 billion in annual revenues, marking 7% growth attributed to increased client interest in AI deployment. The company's strategy involves staff reductions coupled with upskilling initiatives to align employee capabilities with emerging market needs. Leadership emphasizes these changes are essential for maintaining competitive advantage in an AI-driven marketplace. The restructuring reflects broader industry trends where traditional consulting firms must adapt their human capital strategies to remain relevant as artificial intelligence reshapes client service delivery models and operational requirements.

Tesla delivered its first car in India today at its new ‘Tesla Experience Centre’ in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik received the Model Y, becoming the first customer in the country. He said the car is a symbol of the state’s green goals and announced he would gift it to his grandson to promote awareness of electric mobility. Sarnaik highlighted Maharashtra’s EV plans, including toll exemptions and 5,000 e-buses already in service. The Model Y starts at ₹59.89 lakh and offers up to 622km range. Tesla also opened a showroom in Delhi last month. (PC: India Today)