Fan Xinquan, a retired electronics worker in Beijing, recently began raising a “lobster,” hoping the AI agent he trains will organise his specialised knowledge better than chatbots such as DeepSeek. Speaking at a Zhipu event, the 60-year-old said OpenClaw can handle many practical tasks. The tool has gone viral in China, with its local versions nicknamed “lobsters.”
Over the past month, OpenClaw—an AI agent that connects multiple tools and learns with minimal human input—has gained widespread attention. It appeals to retirees seeking extra income as well as companies exploring new business opportunities. Since its launch in November, it has become one of GitHub’s fastest-growing projects. Created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, the open-source system is seen as a major technological shift. Analysts compare its impact on AI agents to what DeepSeek did for open-source language models. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang even called it “the next ChatGPT,” as excitement around it boosted Chinese tech stocks significantly.
The trend has reached everyday life. At a Baidu event, one executive noted that parents in school group chats frequently discuss OpenClaw. His daughter even asked for her own “lobster.” Others, like retiree Bai Yiyun, hope to use it for side businesses, though its profitability remains uncertain. Beyond quick-money ideas, many users expect productivity gains. Some local governments are encouraging adoption with subsidies for small AI-driven businesses. Experts say this aligns with China’s broader push to integrate AI across its economy.
However, concerns are emerging. Rising costs, limited output quality, and security risks have led to criticism. Some users complain about spending money on tokens with little useful return. Meanwhile, regulators and institutions—including government bodies and universities—have begun restricting its use. State media has also urged caution, warning that innovation must remain controlled and secure. Analysts note that while China wants rapid AI development, it also aims to prevent uncontrolled or risky expansion. Security professionals highlight the tension between promotion and regulation. Technical challenges remain as well, especially in integrating the agent across different platforms. In one demonstration, an OpenClaw agent took nearly two minutes to complete a simple coffee order via voice command, showing the complexity behind its operations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
In a significant development in the death case of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, the Gauhati High Court has appointed Sharmila Bhuyan, District Judge of Baksa, to preside over a dedicated fast-track sessions court that will conduct day-to-day trial proceedings. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar for approving the request. Calling it a “significant milestone” in the pursuit of justice, Sarma said the move would help accelerate the judicial process and ensure timely delivery of justice in the high-profile case.
The development follows the Assam Cabinet’s decision in February to seek a fast-track trial, considering the sensitivity of the matter and its potential impact on public trust and governance. The state government had formally urged the Gauhati High Court to establish an exclusive court to handle the case on a daily basis.
Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, 2025. According to reports presented before a coroner’s court, the singer drowned near Lazarus Island after removing his life jacket during a yacht party. He was reportedly heavily intoxicated at the time and declined to wear another life jacket when offered. Witnesses stated that he attempted to swim back to the yacht but later became unresponsive and was found floating face-down in the water. Garg’s family had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the formation of a special court, an expedited trial in Assam, and necessary diplomatic and legal intervention in Singapore following his death.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in Washington on Thursday for crucial talks with US President Donald Trump, aiming to reinforce Japan’s role as a key US partner in Asia amid rising tensions in West Asia due to the Iran conflict, according to Japanese media. Before departing Tokyo for her three-day visit, Takaichi said she intends to strengthen bilateral ties on security and economic matters. Japan, a major US ally, is also expected to propose fresh investments linked to a $550 billion trade agreement signed last year.
She warned that global stability is under threat, particularly due to risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and energy security, noting that prolonged instability would negatively impact Japan, the US, and the global economy. In a message shared before departure, Takaichi emphasized her goal of deepening cooperation across sectors and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.
This marks her first visit to Washington since taking office in October 2025. She previously met Trump in Tokyo soon after becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, following her party’s major electoral victory earlier this year. Reports indicate Trump will host her for talks, followed by a working lunch and dinner at the White House. Her visit comes amid ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and recent comments by Trump suggesting the US does not require assistance from allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
While Japan has not directly addressed US-Israeli actions, it has criticized Iran for attacks causing civilian casualties. As a country heavily reliant on oil imports, Japan is already facing rising energy costs and supply disruptions due to tensions in the region. The government has begun releasing strategic oil reserves and plans subsidies to ease the impact. Japan has traditionally maintained balanced relations in the Middle East and is limited in overseas military action by its post-war constitution.
The visit also takes place amid heightened tensions with China following Takaichi’s remarks that a potential Chinese move against Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival, potentially triggering collective self-defense measures. A recent US intelligence report noted increasing China-Japan tensions since late 2025, with Beijing responding through diplomatic pressure, economic measures, and increased military activity near disputed areas like the Senkaku Islands, raising concerns about possible escalation. Trump has postponed a planned visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, stating the trip is being rescheduled for late April.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated a two-day National Defence Industrial Conclave in Delhi, urging innovators and MSMEs to focus on achieving self-reliance in the defence sector, particularly in drone technology. Highlighting ongoing global conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel, he stressed that drones and counter-drone systems will play a crucial role in future warfare.
He called for the development of a fully indigenous drone manufacturing ecosystem in India, emphasizing that not just the final products but also key components like moulds, software, engines, and batteries should be made domestically. Acknowledging challenges, he noted that many countries depend on imports, especially from China, for critical components, and underlined the importance of self-reliance for India’s defence preparedness and strategic autonomy. Encouraging innovators, he assured government support and urged collective efforts to make India a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing by 2030. He also inaugurated a Defence Industry Exhibition, praising the contributions of MSMEs and startups in strengthening defence self-reliance.
During the event, the 14th edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) was launched with over 100 challenges for the first time, mainly from Defence Public Sector Undertakings. Singh emphasized the role of MSMEs as the backbone of innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and called for greater integration of small industries into large defence projects.
He highlighted the need for adopting advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and AI, and pointed out the vast growth potential in the sector, noting that MSMEs in India have grown significantly in recent years. Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence and ADITI were described as key drivers supporting startups and MSMEs in developing solutions for the armed forces. Senior officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other top defence leaders were also present at the inaugural session.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
People wait in line, pushing their scooters at a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after the government announced a weekly Wednesday holiday for public officials to save fuel, amid worries about supply disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, on March 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates have traditionally been viewed as the backbone of the region’s economy. However, a recent report by global consulting firm Bain & Company indicates that this model is facing significant challenges. Specialized competitors are encroaching on their markets, and many of these corporate giants are finding it hard to stay competitive. The question now is whether Asia’s major conglomerates need to reinvent themselves — and if they can. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss this with Amanda Chin, Partner at Bain & Company.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been earning substantial income by sending paid personalized videos on Cameo. Over five years, he has made at least £374,893 from these recordings, often producing several videos per day. While many use Cameo for lighthearted messages, an investigation of over 4,000 of Farage’s videos revealed concerning content. Some videos included endorsements of neo-Nazi events, repetition of extremist slogans, and references to antisemitic conspiracies. He even made a £155 video for a man reportedly sentenced to 16 months for participating in a far-right riot. Farage also made misogynistic remarks about left-wing politicians, including a comment about US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A spokesperson for Reform UK emphasized that these videos were informal, not political statements, and that Farage opposes extremism and political violence. They also noted that occasional mistakes are inevitable given the volume of videos he records. Investigations correspondent Henry Dyer told Helen Pidd that the videos reveal what Farage is willing to say or do for money — raising questions about the judgment of someone who aspires to be prime minister.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The Prime Minister assures that the UK will not be pulled into a broader Middle East conflict and promises help for households struggling with heating oil costs. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s measures to support people amid the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the war. Additionally, there’s a focus on Brussels, where the government is working on another EU reset to strengthen ties.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Melanie Oliveiro presents Episode 2 of her new Made in SG series titled EverNew versus EverGreen. The show features discussions and sometimes debates between industry veterans and younger or emerging talents. Renowned Singaporean jazz musician and Cultural Medallion recipient Jeremy Monteiro shares insights on the growth and evolution of the local jazz scene and talks about his ongoing work as a pianist, singer songwriter, and composer. He is joined by the younger generation of musicians, including multitalented Chok Kerong and flutist Rit Xu, both of whom have also established themselves in the music scene.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
