Dutch regulators have approved the use of Tesla’s self-driving software, with mandatory human supervision, on both highways and city streets—marking the company’s first such clearance in Europe. Tesla hopes this decision will encourage similar approvals across the European Union. The widespread adoption of Full Self-Driving (FSD) is key to Tesla’s long-term growth strategy. A significant portion of its $1 trillion valuation is tied to CEO Elon Musk’s belief that AI-powered autonomous driving and robotaxi services will become major sources of revenue.
The Netherlands approved the system, known as Full Self-Driving Supervised, after more than 18 months of testing and evaluation by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW. The software can control steering, braking, and acceleration. RDW stated that when used correctly, the system can enhance road safety and confirmed it will seek approval for use across the EU.
Tesla is also relying on its self-driving technology to help revive vehicle sales in Europe, which have slowed due to an aging electric vehicle lineup and controversies surrounding Musk’s political views. However, the company saw a rise in European sales in February after more than a year of decline. Analysts expect the approval to boost interest among consumers eager to try the technology. Tesla’s stock rose slightly in after-hours trading, although it has declined significantly this year compared to the broader U.S. market. The company announced it will begin rolling out the feature in the Netherlands soon and aims to expand it to other European countries.
The software is already available in the U.S. as a subscription service, though it faces legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny following accidents and alleged traffic violations. RDW emphasized that European safety standards are stricter than those in the U.S., meaning the EU version of FSD differs from the American one.
Tesla, which is the leading electric car brand in the Netherlands, has around 100,000 eligible vehicles, including Model 3 and Model Y. Unlike many competitors that rely on multiple sensors, Tesla primarily uses cameras and AI for its self-driving system. Other automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and BMW have introduced limited hands-free driving features, mostly restricted to highways and lower speeds, particularly in Germany. Tesla’s system stands out for its broader usability.
RDW will now submit the system for EU-wide approval to the European Commission. Member states will vote, and a majority decision is required for full regional authorization. Even if it fails to secure majority support, individual countries may still choose to approve it independently. Tesla has indicated it expects a potential EU-wide decision as early as this summer.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam took part in a public campaign meeting on Saturday at Arunachalapuram in Tenkasi district, within the Vasudevanallur Assembly constituency, where she appealed to voters for support. She was warmly received by a large gathering and thanked the public, stating that the DMK government has been steadily delivering on its promises.
She highlighted that the ₹1000 financial aid under the women’s rights scheme is currently benefiting millions of women and assured that it would be increased to ₹2000 if the party returns to power. She also promised to raise the old-age pension from ₹1200 to ₹2000. Additionally, she announced a new proposal to provide homemakers with ₹8000 worth of coupons to purchase essential household goods.
Focusing on education, she said financial assistance under the “Pudhumai Penn” and “Tamil Pudhalvan” schemes would be raised to ₹1500, and laptops would be distributed to 3.5 million students in the coming years. She added that unemployed youth would receive ₹1500 per month during their training period. She further stated that the breakfast scheme for school students, currently available up to Class 5, would be extended to Class 8.
At the same time, she criticized the Government of India, alleging insufficient funding for the 100-day employment scheme, and affirmed that the DMK would continue to advocate for its protection. Kanimozhi also urged voters to support local candidate Raja and cast their votes for the “Rising Sun” symbol. The meeting saw participation from numerous DMK leaders, alliance members, and members of the public. Voting in Tamil Nadu is scheduled to take place in a single phase on April 23, with counting set for May 4.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The United States is taking a cautious and tightly controlled approach to any potential discussions about supplying the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter to India, according to a report by Karan Bhatta of Aviationa2z. Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has stated that there are currently no direct commercial talks or private negotiations with New Delhi regarding the jet. The company emphasized that any engagement related to the F-35 must occur strictly through government-to-government channels under the US Foreign Military Sales framework, which governs sensitive defense exports with strict oversight.
According to Lockheed Martin, only the governments of the United States and India can formally engage on the matter. The Indian government would need to initiate any official request or procurement process, as the company does not independently negotiate deals for the F-35 program. Unlike conventional defense equipment, the F-35 cannot be sold through standard commercial methods.
All aspects of potential exports, including approvals, pricing, and negotiation terms, are controlled by the US government. As a result, Lockheed Martin cannot proceed without explicit authorization from Washington. When asked whether India’s Ministry of Defence had requested a briefing, the company declined to comment and directed inquiries to the respective governments, reinforcing that no active discussions are underway at the corporate level.
This position confirms that there are no ongoing private negotiations between Lockheed Martin and Indian defense authorities. The Foreign Military Sales system ensures strict control over advanced platforms like the F-35, requiring sovereign-level approval at every stage. India continues to prioritize domestic defense development and modernization of its current fleet. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program remains central to its long-term strategy. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to upgrade existing 4.5-generation aircraft to maintain operational readiness. Indian officials have also previously stated in parliament that no formal talks with the US on acquiring the F-35 have taken place.
This approach aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, focusing on strengthening indigenous capabilities rather than immediately acquiring advanced foreign systems. Lockheed Martin’s statements highlight the highly regulated nature of the F-35 program worldwide. Unlike many other military aircraft, it is not marketed directly to foreign buyers. Instead, the US government oversees all engagements to ensure strict political and security control, while the company’s role is limited to production and execution after official agreements are reached.
Although there are currently no active discussions, the possibility of future engagement has not been entirely ruled out. Lockheed Martin indicated that talks could occur if India chooses to pursue the aircraft through official channels. Interest in the jet remains evident, as seen by its display at Aero India 2025, signaling continued global attention toward India’s defense market and opportunities for advanced technological collaboration. Any future consideration of the F-35 by India would depend on strategic priorities and broader geopolitical factors rather than immediate operational needs.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
The Special Task Force (STF) of Haryana on Friday secured the deportation of gangster Sahil Chauhan, also known as Sahil Rana, a notorious criminal with inter-state links who had been operating from Thailand, police said. This marks the fifth deportation carried out by STF Haryana in 2026, following the return of Ankit Shokeen, Aman Bhainswal, Sombir Motta, and Shilu Dahar.
According to STF Haryana chief Satish Balan, Sahil Rana had been absconding since 2024 and has a long criminal history. He joined the Bhupi gang at a young age and was involved in multiple serious crimes, including attempted murder and murder. He was previously convicted in a court-related firing case and served 10 years in prison. After being granted bail in 2024, he fled to Bangalore and remained on the run.
Police said Rana has been active in crime since 2016, with 16 cases registered against him. A resident of Shahzadpur in Ambala, he joined the Bhupi gang while in Class 12. After his release on bail, he escaped to Bangalore, obtained fake passport documents, and fled to Dhaka. From there, he moved across several Southeast Asian countries, including Bali in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and even Angola.
Officials added that Rana later attempted to travel to Portugal but failed. While returning, he was intercepted at a Thailand airport based on a Red Corner Notice (RCN) and subsequently deported to New Delhi. The STF chief stated that the investigation is ongoing, and more details will be shared once it is complete.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Two men in Bijnor were arrested for allegedly being in contact with a Pakistan-linked handler based in Saudi Arabia, who was reportedly expanding his network in India through social media. Police said the accused were linked to Aqib, a Meerut native currently in West Asia, who had earlier come under scrutiny for a viral video allegedly showing weapons. During interrogation, the suspects claimed Aqib used Instagram to spread radical content and influence youth. Authorities said the men had been in touch with him and his associates for several years, and one of them was planning to flee to Nepal. The case has now been handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad, and action has been taken against officials involved in the earlier investigation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Coverage was dominated by claims that rogue LLMs were responsible, but they had no role in the targeting. The reality is far more unsettling: this atrocity did not emerge from artificial intelligence, but from a long chain of human decisions, policies, and actions taken over many years that ultimately led to this tragic outcome.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In 1998, tobacco companies in the United States were made responsible for the damage caused by the products they produced and sold through the Tobacco Settlement. Today, a similar question arises for Big Tech: it is not only about the content on their platforms but also whether these platforms were intentionally created to keep users addicted. Daniel Martin explores this issue with Rajesh Sreenivasan, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at Rajah and Tann Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
