Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has urged US lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to regulate artificial intelligence, warning that unchecked AI could cause “a billion deaths”. In an NBC News interview, Gates said self-regulation was insufficient and called for mandatory safeguards and monitoring of AI development. He argued that AI combined with people acting with harmful intent could become an exceptionally powerful weapon, while saying regulation would add industry overhead without dramatically slowing progress. Gates also rejected the idea that a “kill switch” alone would provide adequate protection, saying monitoring and records of AI activity were necessary. His comments echo concerns raised by technology leaders and US lawmakers over catastrophic AI misuse. (PC: Reuters)

Clashes erupted at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) on Sunday after students objected to an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP). Police registered three FIRs: one suo motu against students, and two based on complaints by the institute’s dean and ABGP. Students alleged that ABGP members assaulted them and used slurs including “anti-national”, “urban Naxals” and “terrorists”. ABGP alleged that students disrupted its programme, tore banners and damaged images. Students and faculty members were injured, according to reports. Police deployed personnel outside the campus and are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved and determine how the violence unfolded. Campus remained tense as students protested. (PC: The Indian Express)

Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal told the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to directly demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation instead of targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking at the Pratidin Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, Kejriwal said Kumar acted at “the behest of the boss” and added that the movement should seek Modi’s resignation. His remarks followed CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s call for nationwide protests on October 2 if Kumar did not resign. Dipke later said Mumbai Police denied permission for the planned protest and warned of a Jail Bharo Andolan. CJP members continue demanding Kumar’s resignation, while alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and questioning the Election Commission’s decisions.

Two videos from Nepal show mountainsides collapsing within seconds amid floods and landslides that have killed at least 24 people and left 14 missing. Near Lete in Mustang District, a section of a mountain slid into the Kali Gandaki River, briefly blocking the water before the river reopened a path. Residents and Char Dham pilgrims recording the scene could be heard screaming as debris rushed downhill. Another video shows a hillside sinking into a valley, carrying away a stone-and-wood shelter and trees. Villagers shouted “Ghar gai sakyo”, meaning “the home is already gone”. Heavy rain has caused widespread damage across several districts, while landslides have disrupted highways and hampered rescue operations.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor faced a brief pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar during his visit on Monday. Acting Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Emaan Singh Mann and party workers reportedly raised “Khalistan Zindabad” and “God Bless America” slogans before security personnel managed the gathering. Gor, leading a 28-member American delegation, was welcomed by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. The discussions covered issues concerning the Sikh community, including human equality and matters involving Sikhs in the United States. The visit was Gor’s second to the Golden Temple. Amritsar Police had also arrested two people over alleged pro-Khalistan graffiti.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the country remains prepared for confrontation as tensions with the United States deepen over the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement marking Iran’s Sacred Defense Week, Khamenei highlighted widespread armed readiness and called for unity in safeguarding the strategic waterway. His remarks came after Washington rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the Strait within seven days and resume negotiations, with the plan requiring conditions including an end to the US blockade and a ceasefire. Iran has maintained that it is ready to reopen the waterway if Washington eases military pressure. The standoff has intensified as Tehran signals military preparedness while diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries. (PC: X)

India is gaining greater influence even as the international order becomes fragmented, according to an analysis published by Firstpost. The article argues that New Delhi’s strategic autonomy, economy and expanding partnerships give it greater relevance in global affairs, while wars, protectionism and rivalry between major powers make the environment less predictable. India’s energy dependence, amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, highlights its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. Its semiconductor ambitions and role in the Quad and BRICS also reflect the intersection of economic and strategic competition. The piece says India is pressing for UN reform, including Security Council expansion, but argues that representation alone cannot resolve weaknesses threatening the international system. (PC: X)

At least 24 people have died and 14 remain missing after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides across several districts in Nepal. A video recorded near Lete in Mustang district shows a large section of a mountainside collapsing into the Kali Gandaki River in about six seconds. The falling debris briefly blocked the river before the water found a new path. Landslides have also damaged settlements and blocked highways, making rescue operations difficult. Security forces have moved thousands of people to safer areas. Separately, an avalanche at the base camp of Himlung Himal killed two people, while 10 remain missing.

India’s Vithya Ramraj broke PT Usha’s 42-year-old national record in the women’s 400m hurdles, winning bronze at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on Monday. The 28-year-old clocked a personal best of 54.75 seconds, improving Usha’s 55.42-second mark set at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by 0.67 seconds. Ramraj also became the first Indian woman to finish the event in under 55 seconds. This was her second medal at the Games, following silver in the mixed 4x400m relay. Mariam Kareem of the UAE won gold, while Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems took silver. (PC: India Today)

An elderly couple from Raiganj in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district has donated their home, worth over Rs 1 crore, to support medical services for local residents. Biswanath Sinha, 69, and his wife Ratna Sengupta, 62, handed over the property documents to the People’s Relief Committee, an NGO, on Sunday. The couple, who have no children, said CPM veteran Biman Basu inspired their decision to dedicate their property to public service. They plan to move into rented accommodation. The NGO intends to use the house in Subhasganj, near Raiganj, to provide medical services to people in the area. (PC: X)