Nvidia’s board of directors has initiated an independent investigation following media reports alleging that company CEO Jensen Huang was drawn into a suspected Chinese intelligence operation involving Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman with whom he reportedly had a personal relationship. The development comes after reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had raised concerns with senior officials in the Trump administration about the relationship and its possible connection to espionage activities.
Nvidia confirmed that a committee comprising independent directors would supervise the inquiry, with assistance from external legal advisers. The company emphasised that protecting US national security and its own technological interests remained a priority. Although the board said it had no reason to believe that sensitive corporate information or national security interests had been compromised, it would examine all available evidence.
Nvidia added that Jensen Huang supported the investigation and had agreed to cooperate fully. The board also expressed confidence in his leadership and management team. According to a report by The New York Times, Rubio was involved in preparing a classified memorandum that was reportedly circulated among senior Trump administration officials during the spring. The document allegedly highlighted Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, whom US intelligence agencies suspected of having connections with China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), the country's principal intelligence organisation.
The concerns reportedly emerged from electronic surveillance conducted by US intelligence agencies targeting Alice Huang. She is a Chinese national and senior executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based company suspected by American authorities of facilitating the illegal transfer of restricted Nvidia processors to China. The reported involvement of the US Secretary of State indicates that concerns about the alleged relationship and potential espionage had reached senior levels of the American government.
Investigative reports have also raised questions about Megaspeed's business activities. Despite having a relatively limited physical presence in Singapore, the company reportedly purchased approximately $2 billion worth of Nvidia products. Megaspeed is involved in developing data centres across Southeast Asia and leasing computing resources to major technology companies, including Chinese internet giant Alibaba. US officials reportedly suspect that the company may have been used as an intermediary to move advanced Nvidia chips into China despite Washington's export restrictions.
Alice Huang was also reportedly connected with influential executives in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries. In 2024, she was photographed with Jensen Huang and other prominent industry figures at a restaurant in Taipei. The reported meeting took place around the time her company began making multibillion-dollar purchases of advanced AI processors.
Nvidia had previously dismissed concerns surrounding Jensen Huang's interactions with customers, including Alice Huang, describing such engagements as normal business practices. The company also maintained that customers such as Megaspeed did not have access to classified commercial information and rejected the allegations as baseless.
Jensen Huang reportedly acknowledged having an extramarital relationship in an internal communication to Nvidia employees. He apologised to his wife and children, accepting responsibility for the personal harm caused by his actions. Huang also expressed regret to Nvidia employees, board members, business partners and shareholders, saying he had failed to meet their expectations. He pledged to work towards restoring their trust.
The controversy has also attracted attention from US lawmakers. On Friday, three Republican chairs of House committees reportedly requested a closed-door meeting with Huang to discuss his alleged connections with the Chinese businesswoman and the suspected intelligence operation, according to Axios. Despite the growing scrutiny, Nvidia has indicated that the developments will not disrupt its business activities. A company spokesperson said Huang remains committed to his responsibilities as chief executive and will continue leading the technology giant.
The independent investigation is expected to be significant for Nvidia, given the strategic importance of its artificial intelligence processors and Washington's efforts to prevent sensitive semiconductor technology from reaching China. The outcome could also influence how US regulators and lawmakers assess corporate relationships, international technology transactions and potential national security risks in the rapidly expanding AI industry.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Sikkim has brought renewed attention to the remarkable story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier whose legacy continues to inspire troops stationed along the India-China border. Known for the belief that he continues to protect soldiers even decades after his death, Harbhajan Singh occupies a unique place in the military folklore of the Himalayan region.
During his visit to the forward areas of Sikkim on November 8, 2026, Singh paid tribute to soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial and visited the memorial dedicated to Harbhajan Singh. The visit highlighted the sacrifices of Indian Army personnel deployed in difficult high-altitude conditions while bringing the spotlight back on a soldier whose story has remained popular among troops for generations.
Harbhajan Singh served with the 23rd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment and was posted in eastern Sikkim. He died in October 1968 at the age of 22 while performing his duties near the Nathu La sector. According to accounts of the incident, he was escorting a convoy of mules when he slipped into a mountain stream and drowned. His body was reportedly recovered several days later after a fellow soldier claimed to have received information about its location in a dream.
The incident gave rise to the belief that Harbhajan Singh continued to watch over his fellow soldiers even after his death. Over the years, several stories have circulated among Army personnel about his alleged presence in the region. Some soldiers have claimed that he appeared in their dreams and warned them about possible dangers, enemy movements and difficult weather conditions. Although these accounts remain part of military folklore and have not been independently established, they have strengthened his reputation as a guardian of the Himalayan frontier.
A memorial dedicated to Harbhajan Singh has since become a recognised landmark in eastern Sikkim. Situated in the high-altitude region near the Nathu La sector, the shrine is visited by soldiers and tourists alike. The traditions associated with the memorial include maintaining his uniform and boots and keeping his quarters in military order as a mark of respect. These practices reflect the deep emotional connection that troops continue to share with the young soldier.
The legend has also become associated with India-China military interactions at Nathu La. According to popular accounts, Chinese soldiers have sometimes left an empty chair during flag meetings as a mark of recognition for Harbhajan Singh. However, this story remains an anecdotal part of the region's military folklore rather than a formally established military practice.
During his Sikkim visit, Rajnath Singh also interacted with Army personnel stationed at Sherathang and praised their commitment to protecting the country's borders. Drawing a connection with Diwali, the Defence Minister compared soldiers to lamps that allow millions of people to celebrate the festival peacefully with their families. He acknowledged the difficult conditions in which troops operate and highlighted the importance of their contribution to national security.
Singh also paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives during the 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes, remembering their role in safeguarding India's territorial integrity. He emphasised that the sacrifices of military personnel must never be forgotten and recognised the contribution of their families, who endure long periods of separation while their loved ones serve in remote border areas.
The story of Baba Harbhajan Singh has remained an important part of military tradition in eastern Sikkim because it represents more than an unusual legend. For soldiers serving in remote Himalayan locations, the harsh climate, difficult terrain and constant demands of border security create a challenging environment. Stories associated with courage, loyalty and sacrifice provide a lasting connection between generations of servicemen. Rajnath Singh's visit has once again brought attention to this extraordinary chapter of Indian Army history. Whether viewed as a story of faith, military folklore or remembrance, the legacy of Baba Harbhajan Singh continues to reflect the respect accorded to soldiers who dedicate their lives to the service of the nation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Delhi experienced its third-worst Diwali pollution episode since 2021, with air quality deteriorating sharply during the celebrations as firecracker emissions added to the capital's existing pollution burden. However, gaps in data from air-quality monitoring stations have raised concerns about whether the available figures accurately reflect the full extent of the pollution spike. An analysis of air-quality data showed that more than half of Delhi's monitoring stations stopped reporting continuous readings around midnight on Diwali night, a period when pollution levels were rising significantly.
At 9 pm, 61% of the 57 monitoring stations reporting data recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 400 or above, falling in the severe category. Between 10 pm and 6 am, around 80% of the stations that continued transmitting readings reported severe air quality. The data disruptions have made it difficult to establish how widespread the pollution surge was across the city, particularly during the hours when firecracker activity was at its peak.
For a historical comparison, data from six monitoring stations with relatively consistent records since 2021 was examined. The average peak hourly PM2.5 sub-index across these locations stood at 655 this year, making it the third-highest Diwali reading during the period. The corresponding figures were 812 in 2021, 483 in 2022, 583 in 2023, 489 in 2024 and 752 in 2025. The six stations included Alipur, Aya Nagar, Bawana, IHBAS-Dilshad Garden, Narela and Punjabi Bagh.
Weather conditions may have played a role in preventing this year's pollution levels from reaching the peaks recorded in 2021 and 2025. Relatively warm temperatures and favourable wind conditions during certain periods helped disperse pollutants, limiting their accumulation near the ground. Weather data from the Palam meteorological station indicated that Diwali night this year was among the warmest since 2021. The comparatively favourable atmospheric conditions may also explain the improvement in Delhi's pollution ranking later in the evening. The overall air-quality situation remained concerning. Delhi's average pollution readings until the morning of November 8 were reportedly the worst for the comparable period since 2021 before improving later in the day.
The monitoring disruptions have also renewed questions about the reliability of Delhi's air-quality surveillance network. Continuous readings from monitoring stations are essential for assessing pollution levels, identifying affected areas and issuing timely health advisories. Repeated interruptions during periods of severe pollution could leave important gaps in the official assessment of residents' exposure to harmful pollutants.
The health implications remain significant, particularly because Diwali coincides with the beginning of Delhi's winter pollution season. High concentrations of PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Children, elderly people and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Apart from firecrackers, vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, waste burning and pollution from neighbouring regions continue to contribute to Delhi's poor air quality.
The latest findings highlight the need for stronger pollution-control measures as well as improvements in the city's monitoring infrastructure. Ensuring uninterrupted data transmission, investigating equipment failures and maintaining transparency in pollution reporting will be important for assessing future pollution episodes. Delhi's latest Diwali pollution figures once again underline the scale of the capital's air-quality challenge. While weather conditions may have prevented an even worse outcome this year, the combination of high pollution levels and missing monitoring data has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the city's efforts to track and tackle its air pollution crisis.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Leonardo is positioning its M-346 integrated training system as a leading contender for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Stage-III Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) requirement. The Italian aerospace company is evaluating the opportunity following the Ministry of Defence's request for information (RFI) for a new generation of advanced jet trainers, as India looks to strengthen its fighter pilot training infrastructure.
The M-346 is a twin-engine, two-seat transonic aircraft developed specifically for advanced military pilot training. It features fully digital flight controls, a quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire system and a modern cockpit equipped with a head-up display (HUD) and multifunction displays (MFDs). These technologies provide pilots with an operating environment designed to replicate many of the characteristics found in contemporary frontline combat aircraft.
Leonardo has expressed confidence in the aircraft's suitability for India's requirements, highlighting its advanced training capabilities and potential opportunities for cooperation with the Indian defence industry. The company believes the M-346 integrated training system can play an important role in preparing the next generation of Indian fighter pilots for increasingly sophisticated combat aircraft.
The aircraft has been designed to bridge the gap between basic flying instruction and operational conversion to frontline fighters. Its training capabilities allow pilots to familiarise themselves with the handling characteristics, avionics and mission systems of modern combat aircraft before progressing to operational platforms. According to Leonardo, the combination of advanced technology, reliability and comprehensive training support makes the M-346 a suitable option for air forces seeking to modernise their pilot training programmes. The platform already operates with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece. Its international service record gives Leonardo an established customer base and an existing training and maintenance ecosystem, potentially strengthening its position in the Indian competition.
A major advantage of the M-346 is its integrated approach to military aviation training. Leonardo combines live flying operations with advanced simulators and synthetic training environments, allowing pilots to experience complex mission scenarios without relying entirely on actual aircraft sorties. The aircraft's embedded tactical training system can simulate sensors, weapons and combat situations in real time, giving trainees opportunities to practise operational decision-making in a controlled environment.
Its live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training architecture brings together real aircraft, simulation systems and computer-generated battlefield scenarios. This approach is intended to reduce pressure on operational fighter fleets while improving the quality and effectiveness of pilot preparation. For the IAF, such capabilities could prove valuable as its frontline aircraft become increasingly sophisticated and training requirements grow more demanding.
The Indian Air Force is seeking additional Stage-III trainer aircraft to complement its existing Hawk 132 fleet and strengthen the final phase of fighter pilot training. The selected platform will be expected to prepare pilots for the transition to modern combat aircraft while offering dependable performance, advanced simulation capabilities and long-term operational support. Leonardo believes the M-346 has been developed specifically to address these requirements, offering a relatively mature and lower-risk solution.
However, the Italian manufacturer is expected to face considerable competition. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to offer its HLFT-42, an indigenous advanced trainer concept derived from the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas family. The proposed aircraft could benefit from India's growing emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing, although its development status and delivery timeline remain important considerations.
South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also evaluating a possible bid involving its T-50 Golden Eagle, an advanced trainer already operated by several air forces. Boeing could enter the competition with its T-7A Red Hawk, which was developed to meet the US Air Force's next-generation training requirements. Russia may also explore an opportunity to promote the Yak-130, an advanced trainer with historical development links to the M-346.
The procurement programme is expected to follow a single-stage, two-bid process, with a formal request for proposal (RFP) anticipated at a later stage. Under the proposed acquisition framework, deliveries are expected to begin within 60 months of the contract being signed. The IAF aims to complete the programme before the end of the decade as part of its wider effort to modernise fighter pilot training.
The Indian requirement represents a significant opportunity to expand its presence in one of the world's largest defence aviation markets. A successful bid could also create possibilities for industrial partnerships and greater cooperation with India's aerospace sector. For India, the decision will involve evaluating not only aircraft performance but also acquisition costs, delivery commitments, maintenance support, technology transfer and domestic manufacturing opportunities.
With several international manufacturers and an Indian public-sector aerospace company potentially competing for the requirement, the Stage-III trainer programme could become an important contest in India's military aviation modernisation plans. The M-346 enters the race with the advantage of an established operational record and an integrated training ecosystem, but the final selection will depend on how effectively each contender meets the Indian Air Force's technical, operational and strategic requirements.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended National Day greetings to Cambodia on Monday, highlighting the strong historical and civilisational ties between the two countries. Jaishankar conveyed his wishes to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, as well as the country's government and people.
His message comes after the successful completion of the 14-day India-Cambodia joint military exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, held from May 4 to 17 in Cambodia. The exercise involved 120 Indian Army personnel and 160 Cambodian soldiers. The training focused on tactical operations, drone deployment, urban warfare, combat first aid and disaster relief, strengthening military coordination and defence cooperation between the two nations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
With midnight launches, blockbuster sales and billions of views on TikTok, romantasy has emerged as one of the publishing industry's biggest commercial success stories.
Yet, despite its enormous popularity, the genre—which blends fantasy with female-focused romantic and erotic themes—continues to face criticism and dismissal from mainstream literary circles.
Guardian Australia's lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, joins Taylah Strano to explore the worldwide rise of romantasy and the controversy surrounding the latest novel by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardain.
The United Nations climate summit is set to begin in Turkey on Monday, with Australia taking charge of negotiations for the first time. Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen faces the challenging task of building consensus among nearly 190 countries on stronger climate action, as global efforts remain off track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target.
In an interview with Guardian Australia's climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, Bowen addressed questions surrounding the Labor government's climate credibility, particularly given Australia's substantial fossil fuel export industry. He also outlined Australia's commitment to representing the concerns and priorities of its Pacific neighbours during COP31.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
We’re revisiting the Guardian’s long-read archives, bringing back standout stories from previous years, accompanied by fresh introductions from their original authors. This week’s pick, originally published in 2023: Just a year earlier, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck was among the country’s most popular public figures. But a tabloid-fuelled backlash changed the political mood, leaving him with the challenge of winning public support all over again.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardain.
As Americans head to the polls, Jonathan Freedland joins Atlantic humour columnist Alexandra Petri to look back at the standout moments of the midterm campaign. Their discussion covers memorable political advertisements, unexpected endorsements, campaign missteps and embarrassing blunders, as voters cast their ballots and the first indications of winners and losers begin to emerge.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
