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Month: September 2025

Technology

Meta Launches ‘Vibes’, an AI-Powered Short Video Experience

Observenow Desk September 30, 2025

Meta has introduced a new AI-driven feature called ‘Vibes’, marking its latest move into the world of generative content. This innovative feed delivers short videos that are either fully generated by artificial intelligence or heavily assisted by it, offering users a unique space to explore, remix, and create engaging visual stories. The feature is available on the Meta AI app and the official meta.ai website.

Unlike traditional short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok, Vibes aims to remove the barriers of production by allowing users to generate video content with simple text prompts or inspiration-based commands. Users can also modify existing videos using AI tools, changing aspects like music, visuals, style, or even the narrative tone. The final creations can be shared on the Vibes feed or across Meta’s family of platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Meta is positioning Vibes not just as a tool for entertainment but as a collaborative creative space where AI and human imagination come together. In its early rollout, the company has collaborated with several AI research groups and creative studios to power the backend of Vibes. However, Meta also plans to build and integrate its own proprietary AI models into the feature in the near future.

The feed is designed to evolve over time, learning user preferences and suggesting content that aligns with their interests. While the reception so far has been largely curious and positive, there are ongoing conversations around the implications of AI-generated media—particularly regarding originality, storytelling depth, and ethical boundaries.

With Vibes, Meta is signaling a bold step toward a future where AI plays a central role in how content is created, consumed, and shared—reshaping digital creativity for both casual users and creators alike.

Tags: MetaVibes

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Technology

OpenAI Adds Parental Controls to ChatGPT Following Teen’s Tragic Death

Observenow Desk

OpenAI has announced the introduction of parental controls in ChatGPT, following the tragic suicide of a teenager reportedly linked to AI interactions. The new feature aims to give parents greater oversight of their children’s activity on the platform, helping to ensure safer engagement with conversational AI.

The parental control system allows guardians to monitor and manage usage, set limits on interaction times, and filter content that may be inappropriate for younger users. OpenAI stated that these measures are designed to promote responsible AI usage and provide families with tools to protect minors from potential emotional or psychological risks associated with online AI experiences.

This move comes amid growing global scrutiny over the safety of AI systems, particularly those accessible to children and teenagers. Advocacy groups and regulators have repeatedly called for more robust safeguards, emphasizing that conversational AI must include mechanisms to prevent exposure to harmful content and interactions.

OpenAI highlighted that the parental controls will integrate seamlessly into ChatGPT’s existing interface, allowing parents to create supervised accounts and adjust settings according to age and sensitivity levels. The platform will also provide guidance on recognizing potential signs of distress and accessing support resources if needed.

Industry experts note that parental oversight in AI platforms is increasingly critical as AI tools become more embedded in everyday life. Features like monitoring and content filtering can help mitigate risks while still enabling educational and productive use of AI by younger users.

OpenAI’s announcement reflects a broader trend in the technology sector toward safety-first design, balancing innovation with social responsibility. By giving parents tools to manage their children’s AI interactions, the company aims to prevent future tragedies and foster a safer digital environment for minors.

The company plans to roll out these parental control features in the coming months and encourages feedback from users and experts to further refine safety mechanisms. OpenAI stresses that ongoing collaboration with families, educators, and mental health professionals is essential to creating a responsible and secure AI ecosystem.

Tags: ChatGPTOpenAI

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Technology

OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Instant Checkout with Etsy and Shopify Integration

Observenow Desk

OpenAI has launched a new feature called Instant Checkout in ChatGPT, enabling users to make purchases directly from Etsy and Shopify stores without leaving the chat interface. The update leverages the newly introduced Agentic Commerce Protocol, designed to simplify integration for merchants and streamline the buying process for consumers.

With Instant Checkout, users can browse products, confirm orders, and complete payments entirely within ChatGPT. The system supports secure payment handling and real-time transaction updates, aiming to make digital shopping faster and more intuitive. Merchants benefit from automated integration, reducing the technical effort required to connect their stores to the chat platform.

The Agentic Commerce Protocol underpins this functionality, providing standardized tools for inventory synchronization, pricing updates, and order fulfillment. This framework allows merchants to maintain accurate product data while offering a seamless experience for users interacting with ChatGPT. By adopting this protocol, Etsy and Shopify sellers can tap into a growing base of AI-driven shopping interactions.

OpenAI emphasizes that privacy and security are central to Instant Checkout. Payment information is encrypted and processed through secure channels, while user data is handled in compliance with regulatory standards. The platform also allows users to track orders and receive notifications directly within the chat environment.

Industry analysts view the move as a significant step in combining conversational AI with e-commerce. By enabling transactions within ChatGPT, OpenAI is expanding the role of AI from information retrieval and task assistance to direct commerce facilitation. This integration could influence how retailers approach online sales, emphasizing seamless, AI-assisted customer experiences.

The launch of Instant Checkout represents a strategic collaboration between AI technology and e-commerce platforms, highlighting the potential of conversational interfaces to transform shopping habits. Users can now experience a more interactive and efficient purchasing process while merchants gain access to AI-driven engagement tools.

Tags: ChatGPTOpenAI

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Technology

Nasscom to Develop Local Benchmarks for Indian Language AI Models

Observenow Desk

Nasscom has announced plans to create AI benchmarks specifically tailored for Indian languages, aiming to strengthen the evaluation and development of models that cater to the country’s linguistic diversity. The initiative seeks to address gaps in global datasets and ensure that AI systems are assessed against culturally relevant and locally nuanced criteria.

The industry body has begun consultations with technology companies, academic institutions, and AI researchers to design benchmarks that accurately reflect the linguistic, semantic, and contextual complexities of Indian languages. The effort is intended to improve AI performance in applications such as natural language processing, machine translation, sentiment analysis, and conversational AI.

Global AI datasets often underrepresent Indian languages, leading to models that may perform suboptimally for millions of users across India. By establishing localized benchmarks, Nasscom aims to foster more inclusive AI development, ensuring that technologies are both effective and sensitive to regional contexts. These benchmarks will enable developers to evaluate and fine-tune models for a range of Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi, among others.

The initiative also emphasizes fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. By incorporating local cultural nuances and linguistic diversity, Nasscom hopes to reduce biases and improve model reliability for Indian users. The benchmarks are expected to guide both startups and established tech firms in developing products that are more accurate and socially responsible.

Experts believe that standardized evaluation metrics for Indic AI models could accelerate innovation and adoption of AI technologies in India, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, customer service, and government services. With these benchmarks, AI systems can be better aligned with real-world user needs and local language dynamics.

Nasscom plans to release the first set of consultation outcomes and proposed benchmark guidelines in the coming months. This initiative represents a strategic step toward making AI development in India more relevant, accountable, and inclusive, ensuring that Indian languages and cultural contexts are adequately represented in the global AI ecosystem.

Tags: AI modelsNasscom

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Technology

imec Appoints Patrick Vandenameele as New CEO to Lead AI Transition

Observenow Desk

Imec, the Belgian research hub specializing in semiconductor and nanotechnology innovation, has announced the appointment of Patrick Vandenameele as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Vandenameele will succeed Luc Van den Hove and is tasked with guiding the organization through the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven research and development.

Patrick Vandenameele brings extensive leadership experience from the technology sector, with a background in steering complex innovation programs and scaling high-tech organizations. His appointment underscores imec’s commitment to strengthening its role at the forefront of AI-enabled semiconductor solutions and advanced computing research.

Under Vandenameele’s leadership, imec aims to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into its research platforms, supporting the development of next-generation chips, AI hardware, and smart systems. The organization plans to focus on bridging academic research with industrial applications, helping technology partners and startups leverage cutting-edge AI capabilities.

Luc Van den Hove, who has led imec for over a decade, welcomed the transition and highlighted Vandenameele’s expertise in innovation management and strategic growth. He emphasized that the leadership change will allow the institute to further its mission of enabling breakthroughs in semiconductor technology and AI applications across sectors, including healthcare, mobility, and energy.

The appointment also reflects imec’s intent to strengthen international collaborations and maintain its competitive edge in semiconductor research amidst growing global demand for AI-optimized computing solutions. Vandenameele’s strategic vision includes fostering partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and governments to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes.

Analysts view this leadership change as timely, as the semiconductor and AI industries face heightened competition and rapid technological shifts. By appointing Vandenameele, imec positions itself to navigate these challenges while continuing to drive innovation that supports sustainable growth and technological advancement.

Patrick Vandenameele will officially assume his role on April 1, 2026, initiating a new phase for imec focused on AI-enabled research, strategic partnerships, and reinforcing its status as a global leader in semiconductor innovation.

Tags: imecPatrick Vandenameele

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Technology

SEBI Issues Warning to Godrej Agrovet Over Delayed Disclosures in Astec Lifesciences Deal

Observenow Desk

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an administrative warning to Godrej Agrovet for delayed disclosures related to its stake in Astec Lifesciences. The regulator noted that the company failed to promptly inform the stock exchanges about changes in its shareholding exceeding 2% between 2017 and 2020. The delays in reporting ranged from 11 days to as long as 2,725 days, prompting SEBI’s action.

Under Indian securities laws, listed companies are required to report significant changes in shareholding to maintain transparency and protect investor interests. Timely disclosures help ensure that market participants have access to accurate information, reducing the risk of market manipulation and promoting investor confidence. SEBI’s administrative warning serves as a reminder for companies to adhere strictly to disclosure requirements.

Godrej Agrovet’s delayed filings pertained to several rounds of shareholding changes during its acquisition of Astec Lifesciences, a company operating in the agrochemical and life sciences sector. The regulator observed that while no monetary penalty has been imposed, the warning highlights the need for more robust compliance mechanisms within the company to prevent recurrence.

SEBI has been increasingly vigilant in monitoring listed firms’ adherence to disclosure norms, particularly for acquisitions, mergers, and significant equity changes. Timely reporting is considered crucial to ensuring market integrity, and failure to comply can lead to regulatory actions ranging from warnings to penalties.

Investors and analysts have noted that such warnings, though administrative in nature, can impact corporate reputation and emphasize the importance of corporate governance. Companies are encouraged to strengthen internal systems to track shareholding changes and improve coordination between compliance and reporting teams.

With SEBI’s latest warning, Godrej Agrovet is expected to review its internal processes and enhance its compliance framework. The regulator’s action underscores the continued emphasis on transparency and timely reporting as essential components of India’s capital market ecosystem.

Tags: Astec LifesciencesGodrej AgrovetSEBISecurities and Exchange Board of India

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Technology

Proofpoint Introduces AI-Powered Solutions to Secure the Agentic Workspace

Observenow Desk

Proofpoint has launched a set of four new AI-driven solutions aimed at securing the “agentic workspace,” a digital environment increasingly reliant on AI assistants to support business operations. The initiative addresses emerging risks associated with AI use while enhancing data protection, governance, and automation of security processes.

A central focus of the update is protecting AI assistants from potential exploitation. As organizations increasingly deploy AI tools for tasks like content drafting, information summarization, and workflow automation, these systems can become targets for manipulation or misuse. Proofpoint’s solutions monitor AI behavior to detect anomalies, prevent unauthorized actions, and reduce the risk of data leaks without limiting operational efficiency.

The suite also strengthens data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities. Enhanced visibility into sensitive data handled by AI tools allows organizations to detect and manage confidential information effectively. This functionality supports compliance with regulations and ensures that both accidental and deliberate data breaches are minimized.

AI governance forms another pillar of the update. Proofpoint offers frameworks to audit AI interactions, track decision-making, and enforce organizational policies. These measures ensure accountability, transparency, and regulatory alignment in the deployment of intelligent assistants, helping organizations manage AI adoption responsibly.

Finally, automation of routine security tasks is significantly improved. By leveraging AI for activities such as alert triaging, policy enforcement, and incident response workflows, security teams can reduce manual workload while maintaining consistent monitoring and rapid response capabilities.

Through these innovations, Proofpoint aims to empower enterprises to safely integrate AI into their workplaces. By combining protection against AI-specific vulnerabilities, robust data security, governance frameworks, and operational automation, the company seeks to ensure that the benefits of AI adoption are realized without compromising organizational security or compliance standards.

Tags: Proofpoint

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Technology

Kaspersky Updates Cloud Workload Security to Boost Protection in Hybrid and Multicloud Environments

Observenow Desk

Kaspersky has rolled out a major update to its Cloud Workload Security (CWS) platform, enhancing protection for hybrid and multicloud environments. The update is aimed at helping organizations strengthen workload defenses, improve visibility, and manage complex cloud deployments more effectively.

The new version introduces advanced runtime defenses, including operating system vulnerability scanning and file‑level threat protection for individual nodes. This allows organizations to detect risks at both the node and container levels, complementing existing orchestration security. Users can now integrate custom vulnerability feeds alongside established databases to tailor threat detection to their unique environment.

Operational transparency has also been improved. The update logs all changes to Role‑Based Access Control (RBAC) cluster objects, helping administrators monitor access and configuration changes more efficiently. Integration with incident response tools is simplified through WebHooks, enabling alerts to flow into third‑party platforms without requiring native integrations. In addition, the update expands coverage to Microsoft Azure Registry and Google Cloud Platform’s Kubernetes and Registry services, providing broader support across popular cloud platforms.

For hybrid environments, Kaspersky’s Hybrid Cloud Security (KHCS) component benefits from updated Light Agents that leverage the latest endpoint security technologies for Windows and Linux. This strengthens coordination between endpoint and cloud defenses, reducing blind spots and improving overall threat response.

The update addresses several challenges organizations face, including cloud security gaps, rising infrastructure costs, regulatory compliance, and limitations of legacy or open-source solutions. By combining automated protection with enhanced visibility and flexible policies, Kaspersky aims to help enterprises maintain resilience in dynamic cloud environments.

With hybrid and multicloud adoption continuing to rise, security solutions must evolve to match the pace of change. Kaspersky’s updated CWS platform delivers deeper visibility, more comprehensive defenses, and broader platform support, equipping organizations to better secure workloads and respond to emerging threats across complex cloud infrastructures.

Tags: Cloud Workload SecurityKaspersky

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Governance

BJP Veteran Vijay Kumar Malhotra Passes Away at 93

Observenow Desk

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away in New Delhi on September 30, 2025, at the age of 93. A towering presence in Delhi’s political landscape for more than five decades, Malhotra’s death has been mourned across party lines, with tributes highlighting his contributions to Indian politics and public life.

Born in December 1931 in Lahore, Malhotra witnessed the turbulence of Partition before moving to Delhi, where he went on to build a long and distinguished career. He began his political journey with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later played a central role in strengthening the BJP’s base in the national capital. Over the years, he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament as well as a legislator in the Delhi Assembly.

One of the most defining moments of his career came during the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, when he defeated Congress candidate and future Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in South Delhi. That victory cemented his place in political history and underscored his mass appeal. Within the party, he held several key positions, including being the first president of the BJP’s Delhi unit, and was widely respected for his organizational skills and straightforward approach.

Beyond politics, Malhotra was active in sports administration and worked to promote athletics at the national level. Known for his simplicity and integrity, he remained a mentor figure for many younger leaders in the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a principled leader who always stood by his convictions. Senior leaders such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and J.P. Nadda also expressed deep sorrow, calling his passing an irreparable loss to the party and the nation.

Vijay Kumar Malhotra’s legacy lies not only in electoral victories but also in his steadfast commitment to public service, which earned him a lasting place in India’s political narrative.

Tags: Bharatiya Janata PartyVijay Kumar Malhotra

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Exclusive

S.C. Murmu Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for Three-Year Term

Observenow Desk

The Government of India has appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), marking a significant addition to the central bank’s leadership. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will be effective from October 9, 2025, for a period of three years. Murmu will succeed M. Rajeshwar Rao, whose term comes to an end on October 8.

Murmu has been associated with the RBI for more than three decades, having joined the institution in 1991. Over the years, he has handled diverse responsibilities across departments and contributed to the bank’s regulatory and supervisory framework. Before his elevation, he served as an Executive Director at the RBI and was in charge of the Department of Supervision, which oversees the functioning and governance of banks and non-banking financial companies. He has also led the Secretary’s Department, which manages the proceedings of the RBI’s Central Board and its committees.

The RBI operates with four deputy governors, each overseeing critical areas such as monetary policy, financial markets, banking regulation, and supervision. While Murmu’s specific portfolio has not yet been announced, his strong background in supervision and regulatory functions suggests continuity in oversight during a period of evolving financial challenges.

Murmu’s appointment comes at a time when the central bank is balancing inflation management with the need to support growth in a volatile global environment. Analysts believe his experience and deep institutional knowledge will help the RBI strengthen its supervisory framework and maintain financial stability.

As he takes charge, Murmu is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the RBI’s approach to emerging risks, regulatory reforms, and policy execution. His leadership will be closely watched by industry stakeholders as India’s financial system adapts to both domestic and global economic shifts.

Tags: RBIReserve Bank of IndiaShirish Chandra Murmu

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