Briefed: business and world news in 45-second briefs

• Apple Expands Siri AI To French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish Leadership and Companies

  Apple’s 27.2 software updates add Siri AI support for five more languages, expanding its beta availability beyond English.

• Google launches brain-mapping AI quest for students aged 11 to 14 Leadership and Companies

  Google and Stanford launched an interactive neuroscience quest teaching students AI literacy, data skills, and responsible technology use.

• Google Funds World Bank Network Connecting One Million Farmers Leadership and Companies

  Google.org is investing $2.5 million to expand an AI-enabled agricultural services network across emerging markets.

• Delhi-NCR Transport Fair Offers Truck Replacement Incentives On October 28 Economy

  The government will host a Delhi-NCR transport fair showcasing vehicle scrappage, financing and replacement incentives on October 28, 2026.

• Apple’s new iPad mini adds OLED, A20 Pro and water resistance Leadership and Companies

  Apple unveiled a thinner iPad mini with an OLED display, A20 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and IP67 water and dust resistance.

• India Opens Certification Path for E85 and E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles Economy

  India has updated vehicle certification rules to cover flex-fuel vehicles capable of using E85 and E100 fuels.

• Investigators find Russia committed war crimes by targeting civilians World

  Human rights investigators said Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by attacking civilians and vital energy infrastructure.

• New Jaipur–Jamshedpur–Kolkata train strengthens rail links across five states Economy

  India launched a new express service linking Jaipur with Tatanagar and Santragachi, improving connectivity across five states.

• Google Students Showcase Gemini’s Study, Research and Productivity Tools Leadership and Companies

  Fifteen Google Student Ambassadors describe using Gemini to study, research, create, organise coursework and manage academic tasks.

• OpenAI Engineers Cut Incident Investigations From Hours to Minutes Tech

  OpenAI engineers use Codex Ultrafast to investigate incidents in minutes instead of hours.

• Google Maps 3.7 Million Solar Devices Across Rural Africa Leadership and Companies

  Google and Ignite Energy Access are using satellite data and AI to expand off-grid solar delivery across sub-Saharan Africa.

• CRISTAL Satellite Moves Into Testing For Ice Monitoring Mission Science & Space

  Europe’s CRISTAL ice-monitoring satellite has completed solar-array integration and entered qualification testing ahead of launch.

• Guwahati Fair Puts 75 Traditional Artisans Directly Before Buyers Economy

  An eight-day Guwahati fair is showcasing products from 75 artisans, including 31 women, through October 28.

• Modi Highlights Varanasi Air Show, Roadshow and Arvind Garment Facility Economy

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared highlights from his Varanasi visit, including an air show, roadshow and garment manufacturing facility.

• RBI Opens Odisha Data Centre, Cybersecurity Institute To Secure Banking Economy

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the RBI’s data centre and cyber security training institute in Bhubaneswar.

• RBI Opens Bhubaneswar Data Centre, Cybersecurity Institute for Safer Banking Economy

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated RBI’s new Bhubaneswar data centre and cybersecurity training institute to strengthen financial-system security.

• CCPA fines walkie-talkie sellers ₹58 lakh over missing licence disclosures Economy

  India’s consumer regulator fined 12 companies for walkie-talkie listings that omitted operating frequencies, licence requirements and approvals.

• Renewables Ministry Reaches 60-70% Campaign Targets Across Offices and Institutions Economy

  The ministry and affiliated organisations have completed 60-70% of targets under Special Campaign 6.

• Goyal Uses Rotterdam Port Visit to Deepen India-Netherlands Trade Ties Economy

  Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held trade and investment discussions in the Netherlands, focusing on ports, logistics and economic cooperation.

• NITI Aayog Member Urges Stronger City Governments for India’s Urban Growth Economy

  Rajiv Gauba called for empowered municipal governments, better urban financing and planning reforms to manage India’s expanding cities.

• Urban Conference Puts City Finance, Planning And Services At Center Economy

  India’s National Urban Conference 2026 concluded with recommendations to strengthen city governance, planning, infrastructure and service delivery.

• Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Andhra Pradesh October 26-27 Economy

  Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will visit Andhra Pradesh on October 26 and 27, 2026, for official and religious engagements.

• RBI opens Bhubaneswar data centre and cybersecurity training institute Economy

  The Prime Minister inaugurated RBI facilities designed to strengthen digital financial infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities in India.

• India’s Agencies Freeze 1,424 Bank Accounts in Operation Trident Economy

  A coordinated anti-drug operation across three northeastern states arrested 18 people and disrupted an international trafficking network.

• NIFTEM-K brings 22 teams together for India’s first AI food-tech hackathon Economy

  NIFTEM-K hosted India’s first AI and food-tech hackathon, focused on practical solutions for alternative protein and sustainable food systems.

• BRICS Forum Puts India-Russia Trade Barriers on Parliamentary Agenda Economy

  India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26-27, with trade, security and parliamentary cooperation on the agenda.

• Guwahati Fair Gives 75 Artisans Direct Access To Buyers Economy

  Guwahati’s eight-day Shilp Samagam fair is connecting 75 artisans with customers and showcasing traditional Indian crafts and handlooms.

• Bihar’s Gaya manufacturing city draws ₹4,200 crore in investment proposals Economy

  Bihar launched its Gaya manufacturing city entity after signing 12 investment agreements covering proposed projects and jobs.

• RBI Locks In Basel Leverage Rules For Commercial Banks From April 2027 Economy

  RBI has finalised commercial-bank capital directions implementing the Basel Leverage Ratio 2017 Standard from April 1, 2027.

• RBI Shifts More FEMA Compounding Applications To Regional Offices Economy

  The RBI has delegated compounding powers for overseas investment, borrowing, lending and guarantee contraventions to select regional offices.