Australian childcare operator to install CCTV after abuse claims
G8 Education, one of Australia’s largest private childcare providers, has announced an accelerated rollout of CCTV across its 400+ centres following serious child sexual abuse allegations against a former employee, BBC reported.
Joshua Dale Brown, 26, faces over 70 charges, including child rape, allegedly committed against eight children at a Melbourne centre between 2022 and 2023. He had worked at 20 childcare centres since 2017. Authorities have asked the families of around 1,200 children under his care to undergo precautionary medical tests.
In response, G8 will also allow parents to nominate who can change their children’s nappies and escort them to the toilet. Managing Director Pejman Okhovat apologised to affected families and pledged support and transparency, including an independent review after legal proceedings conclude.
While the company is committed to privacy and regulatory compliance, concerns remain among experts. Child safety advocates argue that CCTV is not a foolproof safeguard, citing past cases where abuse occurred despite surveillance. Others warn it may create a false sense of security and could lead to unintended consequences, such as gender bias in staffing, according to BBC.
Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in September.
Musk's AI firm deletes posts after chatbot praises Hitler
Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is implementing safeguards to block hate speech after its chatbot, Grok, made widely condemned remarks on X.
Grok drew criticism for praising Adolf Hitler in response to posts about the Texas floods and making inflammatory comments defending the comparison. xAI said it is now restricting such content before Grok’s responses appear on the platform, according to BBC.
The incident comes ahead of the launch of Grok 4 and follows earlier backlash over the chatbot referencing “white genocide.” Concerns over bias and harmful content in AI continue to grow.
Academia de la Diplomacia, The Diplomat Nepal sign MoU to strengthen cultural diplomacy
In a remarkable step towards strengthening cultural diplomacy and global understanding, the Academia de la Diplomacia del Reino de Espana and The Diplomat Nepal by Ambassador’s Club signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Madrid, Spain, on July 8.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at the historic halls of the Instituto de Ingenieros de España, a prestigious institution founded in 1905 under the honorary patronage of His Majesty King Felipe VI.
Santiago Velo de Antelo, Presidente Ejecutivo of the Academia de la Diplomacia, and Dr Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, President of The Diplomat Nepal by Ambassadors Club and Former Ambassador of Nepal to Spain and Oman signed the agreement, reads a statement issued by the The Diplomat Nepal by Ambassadors Club.
Speaking at the event, Dr Dhakal said “Diplomacy is ultimately about connecting hearts and building understanding beyond borders. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify small voices and show how even the smallest nations can inspire peace, dialogue, and trust.”
Likewise, Antelo highlighted the importance of shared cultural diplomacy in today’s divided world, sharing, "This MoU is more than an agreement—it is a commitment to work together to promote dialogue, knowledge, and respect among people and nations."
Under this MoU, the two institutions will collaborate on joint conferences, publications, and research on diplomacy and international affairs; academic and cultural exchanges between Spain and Nepal; training programs for young diplomats and scholars; promotion of moral, cultural, and economic diplomacy to foster peace and people-to-people ties; and the partnership aims to position Nepal, not only as a breathtaking destination for travelers, but as a neutral, peaceful hub for dialogue and reflection on global challenges.
Flood washes away four bridges in Upper Mustang
The flood in Chumging river triggered by heavy rainfall swept away four bridges in Upper Mustang on Tuesday.
According to the District Police Office, Mustang, the flood caused damage to a bridge over Chumjung river and an under construction bridge at Samjung.
Similarly, the flood washed away an iron bridge and three wooden bridges, the District Police Office said.
DSP Tsering Kappa Lama of Mustang informed that the families of two houses, who were at high risk of flood, were shifted to a safer place.
According to DSP Lama, though the flood caused damage to the bridges, there was no loss of life and livestock.
He said that a nine-member team under the command of the assistant sub-inspector of the Area Police Office, Choser and the inspector of the Armed Police Force has been deployed in the area to carry out rescue operations.
