The article forms part of the BRICS Centre’s research track on the antitrust challenges created by digitalisation

The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (www.BRICSCompetition.org), in collaboration with mathematicians, programmers, ecologists and biologists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA, Vienna), has developed a systemic approach to deepen the understanding of how digital ecosystems function. The research group proposes applying mathematical models and biological theories from the natural sciences to describe processes in the digital economy. Their comprehensive approach to analysing and regulating ecosystems is built on analogies between natural and digital ecosystems—both are complex adaptive systems that share structural and functional characteristics. The results have been published in the interdisciplinary journal npj Complexity in the open-access article “An ecological perspective to master the complexities of the digital economy” (Elena Rovenskaya, Alexey Ivanov, Sarah Hathiari, Daria Kotova, Ursula M. Scharler, Gergely Boza) (www.nature.com) and in the Springer Nature Research Communities “Behind the Paper” post “Taming the Digital Giants: Why Regulators Need an Ecological Lens on Platform Power” (Elena Rovenskaya, Alexey Ivanov, Sarah Hathiari, Daria Kotova, Ursula M. Scharler, Gergely Boza) (www.communities.springernature.com).

The scientists formulated this idea as the 5M System (5M Framework), which describes the digital realm in ecological terms and draws analogies between natural and digital phenomena across five levels: Micro (“genes”) — elements of technology, knowledge, and business strategy (including user behaviour data); Meso (“species”) — products; Macro (“ecosystems”) — digital platform ecosystems; Mega (“biomes”) — wider societies hosting platform ecosystems; Meta — interactions among the four previous levels occur here.

For example, optimal foraging theory can explain why Uber avoids sparsely populated areas:  like an animal that leaves a food-poor patch because the energy gained per unit of search time is too low, Uber steers clear of rural zones where ride requests are infrequent, driver utilisation drops, and the “return” on each kilometre driven fails to justify the effort. The flexibility of digital-product boundaries is akin to the blurred definition of biological species, within which finer subspecies are often distinguished: LinkedIn can be viewed either as a Microsoft service or as a set of related products—job marketplace, professional social network, advertising platform, and so on.

Elena Rovenkaya, the IIASA Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) Program Director and Principal Research Scholar:

“Digital ecosystems are an entirely new economic object, fundamentally different from the standard economic agents regulators are used to dealing with. The analogy we propose between natural and digital ecosystems will allow antitrust authorities to look at digital ecosystems from a new angle and obtain intuitive explanations for business strategies that often seem complex. Moreover, applying well-established mathematical and ecological approaches may be more effective than designing new methods from scratch.”

Aleksey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre:

“The published article is expected to be the first in a series of interdisciplinary publications devoted to new antitrust approaches for regulating the digital environment. In the AI sector and adjacent fields, the number of partnerships and investment agreements resembling mergers is growing, yet companies often evade antitrust scrutiny by sidestepping formal filing thresholds. A systemic-analysis response—particularly mathematical modelling and the systems-mapping method that the BRICS Centre is developing with partners—can depict a complex phenomenon in a model of all its cause-and-effect links. This will significantly accelerate research and make antitrust analysis more precise.”

In the future, the researchers also plan to create a digital tool using AI for BRICS antitrust coordination — the “Merger Radar.” This system will detect economic-concentration deals and shape preliminary positions on such transactions.

The article forms part of the BRICS Centre’s research track on the antitrust challenges created by digitalisation. The project was launched in 2018 to provide expert and methodological support to antitrust agencies in the BRICS Working Group for Research on Competition Issues in Digital Markets; in 2019 the Centre first highlighted the threats posed by digital platforms and the need for special oversight; from 2020 the Working Group shifted its focus to ecosystem regulation — today the most advanced debate in antitrust law. At the 7th BRICS Competition Conference (China, 2021) the Centre publicly presented the “eco-antitrust” concept; in 2022, in Brazil, it organised the first BRICS Digital Competition Forum, which has since been held annually. At the latest forum, in autumn 2024, representatives of Brazil’s antitrust authority CADE announced the drafting of a new bill to regulate ecosystems, which is now before the Brazilian parliament. The experts are currently analysing the impact of AI on competition and preparing a new report.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.

SOURCE
BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre

FARRO, Pune’s newest elevated dining destination in the heart of Koregaon Park, has quickly become a favourite for its soulful plates and warm, intimate dinners. Now, FARRO invites guests to experience a new kind of indulgence with its weekend brunch — one that’s slow, generous, and centered around a table that’s meant to be shared.

Curated by Chef Vardaan Marwah, the brunch is served as a laid-out, multi-course feast — an abundant table full of colour, texture, and warmth. Inspired by the spirit of communal dining and the wide, welcoming spreads found across Middle Eastern tables, the menu brings together familiar flavours with thoughtful surprises. It’s a table that encourages second helpings, shared stories, and the comfort of eating together.

Expect mezze plates like creamy jalapeño hummus, smoky muhammara, and herb-flecked ezme to open the meal, followed by slow-cooked mains such as skillet eggs with caramelised onions, shakshuka crowned with house-made burrata, and tender dohra kebabs. The meal ends on a sunlit note, with tahini soufflé and pistachio ice cream that tastes like a cool breeze on a sweltering day.

“Brunch is more than a midday pause — it’s a rhythm, a ritual,” says Chef Vardaan Marwah, Chef Partner, FARRO. “We wanted to create something rooted in the idea of generosity, not just in portion but in spirit. A full table, filled with intention and comfort — familiar dishes with thoughtful touches, served in a way that invites conversation and connection. Something that feels like home, even if you’re here for the first time.”

To sip alongside, FARRO’s bar offers a list of expressive cocktails and sangrias, each with its own unexpected twist — a red wine sangria kissed with coffee and berries, a whisky highball lifted by pandan and passion fruit, or a tequila cocktail rimmed with tajin and truffle salt. For those going alcohol-free, FARRO’s house-made mocktails bring just as much depth and joy.

Whether you’re gathering with friends or easing into a quiet weekend, FARRO’s brunch is an invitation to slow down and savour the pleasure of a table filled with food — served with care, meant to be shared, and remembered long after the last bite.

Join us this weekend for a brunch that’s more than a meal. It’s a generous table. A shared story. A celebration of togetherness.

Where: FARRO- Shop 1/2, 357/1, Lane No. 6, Meera Nagar Garden Society, Meera Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra – 411001

When: Saturday and Sunday Timing: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Price: ₹2,499 per person (inclusive of taxes)

Menu: Multi-course set menu with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options Drinks: Cocktails & sangrias available à la carte

The approach to solid waste management underwent a significant shift with the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014 and the introduction of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which emphasized the goal of zero waste to landfill. SBM-U 2.0 has further strengthened this vision by promoting sustainable waste management practices and introducing the “Lakshya Zero Dumpsite” initiative led by MoHUA. As part of this initiative, several cities across diverse geographies have undertaken the remediation of legacy waste sites.

Rajkot serves as a compelling example of this transformative initiative. The city generates approximately 700 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, all of which was historically disposed of at the Nakrawadi dumping site. Over time, the site accumulated nearly 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. In response, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation undertook a landmark effort to remediate the site, aiming not only to eliminate the waste but also to transform the area into a clean, green urban forest which led to the reclamation of 20 acre land.

As part of the Nakrawadi site remediation, a detailed survey was conducted to assess the legacy waste, followed by processing using advanced machinery, resulting in the segregation of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), semi-compost, and inert materials. The RDF was transported to the waste-to-energy plant in Jamnagar, inert materials were sent to a Secured Landfill Facility (SLF), and over 50,000 tonnes of semi-compost were used for land leveling and soil enrichment. To restore the site into a thriving green space, approximately 2.35 lakh native and fast-growing trees were planted using the Miyawaki technique. A 12 km pipeline was laid to connect the site to the Gauridad Sewage Treatment Plant, enabling the use of secondary treated water for irrigation. To ensure sustainable water management, water-harvesting ponds were created for groundwater recharge, and drip and sprinkler irrigation systems were installed to optimize water use and support the plantation.

The remediation of legacy waste at the Nakrawadi site faced several significant challenges. Managing over 16 lakh tonnes of mixed and compacted waste made segregation and processing difficult, while the site’s heavy contamination required extensive land preparation and soil enrichment. Workers and nearby residents were affected by foul odors and air pollution, posing health risks. Monsoon rains disrupted operations, and the need for a steady supply of treated water for plantation required the laying of a 12 km pipeline.

This project demonstrates a circular economy approach by transforming a degraded dumpsite into a thriving eco-friendly urban space with enhanced biodiversity, promoting sustainability whilst addressing the challenge of legacy waste. The waste was processed into usable materials and valuable resources for the benefit of the 30-acre green transformation initiative.

The project has demonstrated significant financial, social, and environmental impacts across various domains. It promotes resource conservation by recycling legacy waste into useful products, thereby reducing the need for raw materials and curbing resource depletion. Through effective waste minimization strategies such as segregation, recycling, and repurposing, the initiative reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, supporting a circular economy. It also contributes to water conservation by using secondary treated water from the Gauridad STP for irrigation via a 12 km pipeline, lessening the dependency on freshwater resources and enabling sustainable water use in the urban forest. In terms of GHG reduction, the project converts waste into RDF for energy generation and undertakes afforestation efforts, leading to substantial carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

The project also ensures health and safety by improving air quality through afforestation and waste processing, which reduces pollutants and boosted oxygen levels. The creation of green spaces further contributes to the well-being of the community and engages local self-help groups (SHGs) and volunteers, fostering employment opportunities, community participation, and awareness about sustainable practices, thereby enhancing social cohesion. On the economic front, the transformation of waste into energy, compost, and other value-added products generates new income streams, supports eco-tourism, and reduces the local government’s financial burden for waste management. Finally, the initiative also serves as a model for sustainable urban development.

The success of this project offers a potential for replication in other cities and regions that are facing challenges with legacy waste management, land degradation, and environmental restoration.

An Air India plane crashed just after five minutes taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport of Ahmedabad on Thursday, carrying 242 people. The flight was taking passengers to London. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, fell in the Meghani area, a small and crowded residential zone. Thick black smoke rose from the crash site, and videos of the scene quickly spread on social media.

Out of the 242 people on board, 12 were crew members. Reports suggest former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on the flight. Officials have not confirmed this yet. Out of 242, 169 reported to be Indian and 53 are Britishers.

Emergency teams reached the site within minutes. Local people also rushed in to help. Firefighters and rescue teams worked hard to control the blaze and search for survivors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken full updates on the situation. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is on his way to Ahmedabad. The government is expected to hold a press briefing soon.

The reason for the crash is still unclear. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have started an investigation. Air India has not given an official statement yet. This tragedy has shocked the entire country. Families of passengers are waiting for news. Hospitals nearby are on high alert. This is one of the worst air disasters in recent years. More updates are expected as the rescue operation continues. The nation now waits for answers and prays for those on board.

Air India’s Statement

Minutes after the accident, the official X account of Air India posted a tweet writing, “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed. The flight departed from Ahmedabad at 1: 38 PM. It was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Among the passengers 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospital. Air India have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident and will release further information via regular updates on its X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com.”

Additionally, Air India have also requested all the media persons not to call the dedicated passenger hotline number.

People are now asking tough questions about the safety of planes in India. Are airlines doing proper checks, or just flying old planes without care? Are they putting profits above people? Some reports say the Air India flight had a technical issue before takeoff. If that’s true, why did it fly? Who checked the plane? Who gave the green signal? Are the rules being followed or ignored? These are not small concerns. When lives are at stake, safety should come first. Ignoring warnings is not just careless—it’s wrong. Why do we always wait for a disaster to ask these questions? Who will take responsibility for the lives lost?

Forget optimists vs. Luddites. Most people evaluate AI based on its perceived capability and their need for personalization. 

• Researchers found people tend to favor AI when it comes to detecting fraud or sorting large datasets.
• People appear to be more resistant to AI in contexts like therapy, job interviews, or medical diagnoses, where they feel a human is better able to recognize their unique circumstances.

Cambridge, Mass. — Suppose you were shown that an artificial intelligence tool offers accurate predictions about some stocks you own. How would you feel about using it? Now, suppose you are applying for a job at a company where the HR department uses an AI system to screen resumes. Would you be comfortable with that? 

A new study finds that people are neither entirely enthusiastic nor totally averse to AI. Rather than falling into camps of techno-optimists and Luddites, people are discerning about the practical upshot of using AI, case by case. 

“We propose that AI appreciation occurs when AI is perceived as being more capable than humans and personalization is perceived as being unnecessary in a given decision context,” says MIT Professor Jackson Lu, co-author of a newly published paper detailing the study’s results. “AI aversion occurs when either of these conditions is not met, and AI appreciation occurs only when both conditions are satisfied.”

The paper, “AI Aversion or Appreciation? A Capability-Personalization Framework and a Meta-Analytic Review,” appears in Psychological Bulletin. The paper has eight co-authors, including Lu, who is the Career Development Associate Professor of Work and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

New framework adds insight

People’s reactions to AI have long been subject to extensive debate, often producing seemingly disparate findings. An influential 2015 paper on “algorithm aversion” found that people are less forgiving of AI-generated errors than of human errors, whereas a widely noted 2019 paper on “algorithm appreciation” found that people preferred advice from AI, compared to advice from humans. 

To reconcile these mixed findings, Lu and his co-authors conducted a meta-analysis of 163 prior studies that compared people’s preferences for AI versus humans. The researchers tested whether the data supported their proposed “Capability–Personalization Framework” — the idea that in a given context, both the perceived capability of AI and the perceived necessity for personalization shape our preferences for either AI or humans. 

Across the 163 studies, the research team analyzed over 82,000 reactions to 93 distinct “decision contexts” — for instance, whether or not participants would feel comfortable with AI being used in cancer diagnoses. The analysis confirmed that the Capability–Personalization Framework indeed helps account for people’s preferences.

“The meta-analysis supported our theoretical framework,” Lu says. “Both dimensions are important: Individuals evaluate whether or not AI is more capable than people at a given task, and whether the task calls for personalization. People will prefer AI only if they think the AI is more capable than humans and the task is nonpersonal.” 

He adds: “The key idea here is that high perceived capability alone does not guarantee AI appreciation. Personalization matters too.”

For example, people tend to favor AI when it comes to detecting fraud or sorting large datasets — areas where AI’s abilities exceed those of humans in speed and scale, and personalization is not required. But they are more resistant to AI in contexts like therapy, job interviews, or medical diagnoses, where they feel a human is better able to recognize their unique circumstances.

“People have a fundamental desire to see themselves as unique and distinct from other people,” Lu says. “AI is often viewed as impersonal and operating in a rote manner. Even if the AI is trained on a wealth of data, people feel AI can’t grasp their personal situations. They want a human recruiter, a human doctor who can see them as distinct from other people.”

Context also matters: From tangibility to unemployment 

The study also uncovered other factors that influence individuals’ preferences for AI. For instance, AI appreciation is more pronounced for tangible robots than for intangible algorithms.

Economic context also matters. In countries with lower unemployment, AI appreciation is more pronounced.

“It makes intuitive sense,” Lu says. “If you worry about being replaced by AI, you’re less likely to embrace it.”  

Lu is continuing to examine people’s complex and evolving attitudes toward AI. While he does not view the current meta-analysis as the last word on the matter, he hopes the Capability–Personalization Framework offers a valuable lens for understanding how people evaluate AI across different contexts. 

“We’re not claiming perceived capability and personalization are the only two dimensions that matter, but according to our meta-analysis, these two dimensions capture much of what shapes people’s preferences for AI versus humans across a wide range of studies,” Lu concludes.

In addition to Lu, the paper’s co-authors are Xin Qin, Chen Chen, Hansen Zhou, Xiaowei Dong, and Limei Cao of Sun Yat-sen University; Xiang Zhou of Shenzhen University; and Dongyuan Wu of Fudan University. 

The research was supported, in part, by grants to Qin and Wu from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. 

###

Written by Peter Dizikes, MIT News

Paper: “AI Aversion or Appreciation? A Capability-Personalization Framework and a Meta-Analytic Review”

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fbul0000477

In a time when business success is too often defined by rapid scaling and aggressive disruption, Gaurav Saxena offers a radically different approach, one that prioritizes integrity as much as innovation. His leadership style is not shaped by fleeting trends, but by a deeply rooted commitment to sustainable impact and long-term vision.

Gaurav’s blueprint for enterprise is grounded in ethical clarity and strategic mindfulness. Having led transformative growth across industries, he has consistently built organizations that are resilient, people-centric, and culturally conscious. His method is not simply about reaching the top, it’s about building something that lasts, without compromising values along the way.

What sets his leadership apart is an ability to combine entrepreneurial rigor with emotional intelligence. Drawing on a diverse range of influences, from pioneering business figures to contemplative spiritual thought—he brings a rare balance of modern ambition and timeless wisdom to every decision. His focus extends beyond profit margins to include mental well-being, social empowerment, and a culture of inclusion.

Rather than chasing innovation for the sake of novelty, Gaurav invests in solutions that matter—technologies that empower underserved communities, business models that reinforce human connection, and partnerships that are rooted in mutual respect. His belief in relevance over noise, and purpose over hype, allows his enterprises to evolve authentically in an ever-changing world.

As global markets face increasing complexity and social expectations rise, Gaurav Saxena’s approach serves as a timely reminder that business can be bold and benevolent. His model doesn’t just forecast the future—it helps shape it, proving that ethical enterprise is not only possible, but essential for the next generation of leadership.

Marvel just dropped the Ironheart trailer, and fans are already buzzing! The first look at Riri Williams’ solo series promises high-tech action, deep character drama, and major MCU connections. Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, is a teenage genius who first showed up in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She built her own Iron Man-style suit while still in college. Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight with her own Disney+ series. And from the trailer alone, this might be one of the MCU’s most exciting new chapters. 

Trailer Release Details 

The Ironheart trailer officially landed on May 15, 2025, and it instantly made waves. It premiered across Marvel Studios’ YouTube channel, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Within the first 24 hours, the trailer hit over 12 million views across platforms, trending in multiple countries. Fans and creators praised its blend of sleek visuals, emotional depth, and thrilling teases. Memes, fan theories, and breakdowns flooded social media within hours. 

Key Highlights from the Trailer 

Plot Teasers 

The trailer opens with Riri adjusting to life post-Wakanda Forever. We see her back at MIT, but it’s not all calm. A mysterious tech threat looms, and Riri is pulled into a conflict that could affect the entire world. Government agents, rogue inventors, and dangerous new tech all hint at a larger conspiracy. Riri must decide what kind of hero she wants to be—one who builds, or one who fights. 

Riri Williams’ Suit 

Her new armor is a showstopper, sleek, streamlined, and powerful. This is not just a copy of Tony Stark’s design. It is a full evolution. The comics showed Ironheart with a red-and-silver color scheme and AI-powered interface. The trailer version sticks to that spirit but adds modern MCU flair—think nano-tech, pulse blasters, and vibranium upgrades (yes, you read that right). 

Supporting Cast 

Dominique Thorne returns as Riri, bringing brains and heart in every scene. Anthony Ramos appears as The Hood, a villain with dark magic ties. His screen presence is intense, and his character may blend science with sorcery. Other cast members include Alden Ehrenreich as a mysterious MIT rival and Lyric Ross as Riri’s best friend. The trailer teases rich chemistry and complex character arcs. 

Villain Speculations 

While The Hood is clearly a major antagonist, there’s more beneath the surface. A shadowy organization is teased in quick cuts—possibly the Ten Rings or a new tech syndicate. Fans also spotted a Stark Industries logo flickering in a hacked video feed. Could we be seeing a Stark-related villain emerge? Or even a legacy AI gone rogue? 

Easter Eggs & MCU Connections 

Marvel loves its secrets, and the Ironheart trailer is packed with them. 

Tony Stark’s Legacy 

Riri’s suit core glows with a familiar arc reactor hue. She also keeps a photo of Stark on her lab wall, possibly a nod to his mentorship from beyond.  

Wakandan Ties 

Quick shots show Riri in a Wakandan lab. Shuri’s tech influence is clear in the suit design, especially in the energy-based flight stabilizers. Could we see a Shuri cameo? Or maybe a surprise from Okoye? 

Comic Book Nods 

Hardcore fans spotted references to Armor Wars, Young Avengers, and even the villain Techno Golem. There’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of a red AI interface that might be a nod to Riri’s comic book AI, modeled after Tony Stark. 

Release Date & Where to Watch Ironheart  

Ironheart is set to premiere on Disney+ on August 29, 2025. The show will run for six episodes, with each episode clocking in around 45 minutes. Marvel has confirmed a weekly release schedule, keeping fans hooked from late summer into the fall. 

The Ironheart trailer is more than just a teaser; it is a promise. Riri Williams is not just stepping into Iron Man’s shoes. She is building her own legacy, powered by heart, genius, and grit. With sharp visuals, strong character work, and juicy MCU ties, Ironheart might just be the next big hit for Marvel’s streaming universe. Stay tuned, because this one is going to fly. 

Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI) will conduct a mock drill on 7th May 2025. This is the first time since 1971, when India was in war with Pakistan and created Bangladesh. The union directs the states and union territories to ready for a civil defense mock drill tomorrow. The Centre also advised them not to create any havoc among the citizens; this is just for preparedness.

The MHA has commanded 244 districts to conduct the drill, which will include blackout simulations, air raid sirens, evacuation drills, and public training sessions to prepare for war like situations.

List of 244 districts;

The mock drill of 7th May;

• The drill is conducted in the official notified civil defence districts
• The participants are; Civil Defence wardens, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) members, and students from schools and colleges
• Areas may witness a power cut, blackout, or internet shut down
• Loud sirens and restriction of some public areas
• Traffic may also be diverted in some areas

Activities of mock drill;

• Blackout: Areas will switch off the lights to reduce visibility during the wars. This protects the cities from air strikes at night.
• Air raid sirens: Their activation will test the public alert system. This is a warning siren in case of any aerial threat.
• Training sessions: Schools, colleges, offices, and community centres organize awareness sessions. These will help the civilians how to find shelter, use basic first aid, and be positive during emergencies.
• Evacuation Drills: Authorities conduct evacuations from risk prone areas to safer locations. These drills help in identifying the logistical issues and improve response time.
• Camouflage Exercises: Communication towers, power plants, hospitals, military areas, hotels, & important buildings will undergo camouflage operations to test camouflage strategies from aerial or satellite monitoring.

Things to remember in a mock drill;

• Stay relax and follow the instructions given by the authorities
• You always have sufficient water, flashlights, & medicines
• Stay away from rumors on social media and do not share them until there is any verified news from the authorities itself
• Keep calm during blackout and internet shut down
• Only focuses on authentic news not on any spread rumors

What is a mock drill?

The purpose of a mock drill is to test the readiness of government and civilian systems in the event of a conflict, missile attack, or aerial assault. Air raid sirens sound, city lights are switched off, citizens rehearse sheltering techniques, and emergency personnel work in real time as the exercises replicate real-life situations. By raising knowledge and preparedness, these exercises seek to prevent confusion, lessen fear, and save lives.

Movies are one of the most dependable sources of entertainment for the ages. They not only entertain the audience but also narrate the societal issues with stories that inspire the generations. We as viewers generally think that actors are the ones who play an important role to turn a story into a blockbuster. However, it is always the director who gives their all to make a film that is going to be a crowd puller. The entertainment industry sees many legendary directors like Steven Spielberg, Martin Charles Scorsese, Woody Allen, etc. It also witnessed the direction of some of the worst movie directors. In this article we take a closer look at the worst movie directors of all time.

Michael Bay

Michael Bay, who has made a multimillion-dollar career out of his passion for explosives and extravagant action, has directed a number of highly successful but critically acclaimed action films. For example, some viewers believe Transformers to be fresh, while critiques criticize the movie. The same is true of the military action thriller 13 Hours. The movie received an 82% rating from viewers compared to 51% from critics. Similar disparities in audience and critical scores, seen in Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor, and Armageddon. Which fills his name in the list of the worst movie directors of all time.

Niel Breen

Neil was among the worst movie directors of all time. Since he has said that he does not wish to be a member of the “Hollywood insider’s group,” he purposefully produces independent films. All of his independent films were self-financed, written, directed, edited, and starring him. Most people think that Neil Breen’s films are extremely awful and amateurish because of their low production value and subpar acting, screenplay, and editing. Breen most certainly became highly famous because of this impression.

Scott Shaw

Scott Shaw was born in Hollywood, California, the global hub of filmmaking, although he spent the first few years of his childhood in South Los Angeles. After that, he spent his teenage years back in Hollywood. Based on what he refers to as Zen Filmmaking, Shaw has produced a number of feature films, music videos, and documentaries. This type of free-form filmmaking is intended to encourage the director to use impromptu inspiration rather than a planned plot. He is also considered the worst movie director of all time.

Uwe Boll

Uwe Boll, the director of numerous certified Rotten game adaptations, including Far Cry, BloodRayne, Postal, and In the Name of the King, is responsible for a significant portion of the worst video game films. He made the 9 worst movies, some with ratings as low as 1% (Alone in the Dark) and 3% (House of the Dead). Boll, a self-described film genius, came under fire for drastically altering the plot and aesthetic of his original work. The same reaction has been shown to his original works, such as Heart of America, Seed, and Rampage. According to Wired, audiences have even started petitions to prevent him from directing any more.

Steven Brill

Steven Brill began his career as an actor before switching to directing. The summer camp comedy Heavyweights, which he directed for the first time, has an audience score of 77%, compared to 29% for the reviewers. Additionally, Brill is the genius behind some of the worst Adam Sandler films, such as the comedian’s Netflix productions of Sandy Wexler, Hubie Halloween, and The Do Over. Other Brill films that had such a bad reception include the appropriately named Walk of Shame, starring Elizabeth Banks; Drillbit Taylor, a coming-of-age comedy starring Owen Wilson; and a part on the infamous anthology Movie 43.

While filmmaking is a collaborative effort, the director holds the creative reins and with that, the responsibility for a film’s success or failure. The directors listed above may have achieved a certain level of fame, but often for the wrong reasons. Whether due to questionable creative choices, poor storytelling, or an overall lack of cinematic polish, their work has left a lasting impression—just not the kind most filmmakers strive for. As audiences continue to evolve, so do expectations, making it all the more important for directors to rise to the challenge, not fall beneath it.

After the tragic attack of Pahalgam, New Delhi put suspension on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The decision was taken during the Cabinet Committe on Security (CCS) Meeting on Wednesday, chaired by the PM Modi. Diplomatic ties were also downgraded with Pakistan by the Government of India in wake of this cowardly act by militants. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made all these decision public in a press conference. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also calls for an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.

The other major decisions taken at the CCS meeting;

The Integrated Check Post at Attari border closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed the border with valid endorsements may return through the same route before May 1. This indicates that Pakistani nationals holding Indian visas must exit the country by that deadline.

Furthermore, the Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals stand cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India on an SVES visa must leave the country within 48 hours.

The CCS also declared the defence, Navy, and Air advisers in the Pakistani High Commission in India as persona non grata (PNG). They are required to leave India within a week. India will also withdraw its own defence, Navy, and Air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These positions in both High Commissions are now considered annulled. In addition, five support staff members of the Service Advisers will be withdrawn from both missions.

Additionally, the total personnel at both the Indian mission in Islamabad and the Pakistani mission in New Delhi will be reduced from 55 to 30, with these changes to be implemented by May 1, 2025.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The treaty was signed in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank; the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the use of six rivers originating in the Himalayas. Under the treaty, India controls the eastern rivers, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, while Pakistan has rights over the western rivers, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This arrangement has long been regarded as a rare example of successful India-Pakistan cooperation.

How the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty affects Pakistan?

For Pakistan, the treaty is crucial: nearly 80% of its irrigated agriculture depends on water from the western rivers. Any disruption or suspension of this treaty, even temporarily, threatens to destabilize its agricultural output and water security. India’s recent decision to suspend aspects of the IWT in response to the Pahalgam terror attack has therefore escalated diplomatic tensions, signaling that water, a critical lifeline for millions, could become a tool of strategic pressure.

The Pahalgam attack

On Wednesday 22 April 2025, an inhuman terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. The assault resulted in the killing of 26 individuals, including 24 Indian nationals and 2 foreign citizens, and left 17 injured. This incident marks the deadliest attack on Indian citizens since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The attack took place in the Baisaran meadow, a famous tourists spot. According to reports, 4 gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, leading to the tragic loss of lives. The assailants were reportedly armed with automatic rifles.

Eyewitness accounts paint a chilling picture of the terrorists’ intentions and methods during the Pahalgam attack. Survivors reported that the assailants first interrogated the tourists about their names, seeking to identify non-Muslims. In a horrific display of sectarian violence, those who were not identified as Muslim were summarily executed.

The terrorists reportedly went further, forcing some victims to remove their trousers in an apparent attempt to check for religious identity through circumcision. Others were ordered to recite the Kalma, a declaration of Islamic faith, with their lives hanging in the balance. Failure to comply often led to execution on the spot. Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers demanded victims to recite Islamic verses, targeting those who failed to comply.

A militant group named “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian security agencies believe this group is a front for Pakistan-based organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Intelligence sources identified Saifullah Kasuri, also known as Khalid, a senior commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba, as the mastermind behind the massacre. Preliminary investigations also revealed the involvement of two local terrorists, Adil Guree from Anantnag and Aasif Shaikh from Sopore.