Capital Talk

Diplomats gathered in Switzerland early this month to negotiate the first treaty on lethal autonomous weapons. According to sources, US and Russian delegates pushed to delete draft provisions requiring human review of AI-selected targets, though neither capital has confirmed the proposed changes. Negotiations over keeping humans in the loop remain the core sticking point.

Russia has publicly accused European governments of working to derail negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The accusation, reported by international outlets including France 24, escalates tensions between Moscow and European capitals just as diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement come under renewed scrutiny. European leaders have so far not responded directly to the claim, and no evidence was offered for the assertion.

Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, hosting Geo News talk show Capital Talk, claims to reveal what caused the deadlock in negotiations between the government and opposition party PTI on September 25. The episode is drawing wide attention in Pakistan, where talks between the ruling coalition and Imran Khan's party remain a major political story.

Real Madrid have issued a medical update on Kylian Mbappé after the forward picked up an injury, prompting concern among fans in the Spanish capital. Details on the extent of the problem and how long he could be sidelined are now the main talking point as Madrid assess his availability for upcoming fixtures.

Zcash is rallying while Bitcoin pulls back, with traders interpreting the move as fresh rotation into privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. Market watchers say capital may be shifting from large-cap coins toward privacy assets as investors look for alternatives during Bitcoin's dip. The rally puts Zcash back in the spotlight among privacy coins, though analysts caution such rotations can reverse quickly if Bitcoin resumes its climb.