Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
In a groundbreaking development, Peter Kyle, the UK's technology secretary, has become the first politician to have his use of ChatGPT exposed through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Records obtained by New Scientist reveal how Kyle has used the AI-powered chatbot for policy advice, particularly concerning the slow adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK business community. This unprecedented disclosure raises questions about the transparency of politicians’ use of AI tools and whether chatbot interactions should be subject to FOI laws.
Kyle, who heads the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is known for his advocacy of AI as a tool for improving government efficiency. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly supported this stance, stating earlier this week that AI should be widely adopted within government operations to ensure more efficient use of time and resources. However, the FOI revelations shed new light on the extent of Kyle’s personal use of AI for advice in his official capacity.
The records that New Scientist obtained after DSIT initially rejected the request show that Kyle asked ChatGPT why UK small and medium businesses (SMBs) have been slow to adopt AI technologies. The chatbot responded with a comprehensive 10-point list of issues hindering adoption, which included a lack of awareness, regulatory concerns, and insufficient government support.
One of the key reasons ChatGPT identified was the difficulty SMBs face in navigating government initiatives intended to promote AI use. It noted, “Limited access to funding or incentives to de-risk AI investment can also deter adoption,” echoing concerns frequently raised by businesses about the complexity and financial risk associated with new technologies. The chatbot also pointed to regulatory and ethical challenges, particularly in relation to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). SMBs, it said, may fear legal repercussions or ethical dilemmas when integrating AI into their operations.
A DSIT spokesperson confirmed that Kyle regularly uses ChatGPT as part of his ministerial work but clarified that it is not a substitute for the detailed policy advice provided by experts within the department. “The government is using AI as a labour-saving tool – supported by clear guidance on how to quickly and safely make use of the technology,” the spokesperson said.
In addition to seeking advice on AI adoption, the records show that Kyle used ChatGPT to canvass ideas for media appearances. He specifically asked the chatbot which podcasts would be most suitable for him to reach a wide audience as the Secretary of State for science, innovation, and technology. ChatGPT suggested The Infinite Monkey Cage and The Naked Scientists, citing their popularity and relevance to science communication.
The chatbot also served as a reference tool for Kyle, who asked it to define technical terms such as antimatter, quantum, and digital inclusion. Experts consulted by New Scientist were impressed by the quality of the chatbot’s responses. Peter Knight from Imperial College London praised the definition of quantum as “surprisingly good,” while Cristian Bonato from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh called it “not bad at all.”
Kyle’s reliance on ChatGPT came to light after he mentioned his use of the chatbot in an interview with PoliticsHome. In the interview, Kyle explained that ChatGPT helps him understand the broader context behind innovations and the people or organisations that developed them. “ChatGPT is fantastically good, and where there are things that you really struggle to understand in depth, ChatGPT can be a very good tutor for it,” he said.
However, the release of Kyle’s ChatGPT history raises significant questions about the use of AI by government officials. Tim Turner, a data protection expert based in Manchester, expressed surprise that the information was provided at all. He believes this may be the first time chatbot interactions have been released under FOI law and suggests it sets a precedent for how such requests might be handled in the future.
Turner warned that politicians should be cautious about using commercial AI tools like ChatGPT, given the potential for public disclosure. “It’s a real can of worms,” he said, adding that to protect themselves, politicians may prefer to use AI tools developed by their own departments, rather than relying on private, third-party systems.
There is still uncertainty about whether ChatGPT interactions should be treated the same way as other communications, such as emails or WhatsApp messages, which have historically been subject to FOI requests. Jon Baines, a data protection expert at law firm Mishcon de Reya, believes that in principle, chatbot records could be subject to FOI laws, as long as they can be extracted from a department’s systems. However, others argue that ChatGPT creates new information based on input, making it fundamentally different from a Google search, for example.
With the boundaries between private and official use of AI still unclear, the case of Peter Kyle’s ChatGPT history may prompt governments worldwide to reconsider how they regulate and manage the use of such tools by public officials.
An amber thunderstorm warning is in place for parts of south-east and eastern England from 04:00 to 11:00 on Saturday
Rainfall could reach up to 100mm in a few hours, risking flash flooding and widespread disruption
Frequent lightning, large hail, and gusty winds are expected, affecting travel and infrastructure
Yellow warnings remain across England and Scotland throughout the weekend
Soil dryness from recent heatwaves increases risk of surface runoff and flooding
Hosepipe bans remain unaffected due to limited groundwater recharge
Met Office issues amber warning ahead of torrential rain and storms
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for thunderstorms on Saturday morning, covering parts of south-east and eastern England. The warning is in effect from 04:00 to 11:00, with accompanying yellow alerts stretching across much of England and Scotland.
The warning highlights the potential for torrential rainfall, with 20–40mm expected in just an hour and isolated areas seeing up to 100mm within a few hours—more than a month’s worth of rain. This is likely to result in flash flooding, transport delays, and other significant disruption.
Where will be worst affected?
The most intense rainfall is forecast to move into central southern England, south-east England, and parts of the Midlands overnight on Friday. The system is expected to push into northern England and Scotland by Saturday.
Rainfall in northern Scotland could become slow-moving by Sunday, increasing the risk of localised flooding. Further downpours and thunderstorms are likely into Sunday and Monday as a low-pressure system establishes itself over the UK.
What other risks are expected?
In addition to heavy rainfall, affected areas may experience:
Frequent lightning
Large hailstones
Gusty winds
These hazards could bring delays or cancellations to road, rail, and air transport, and increase the risk of power outages.
Why dry ground could make flooding worse
The recent spate of summer heatwaves has left soils particularly dry across England and east Wales. According to meteorologists, baked ground struggles to absorb rain, especially when it falls quickly.
This causes water to run off the surface, dramatically increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, even from short bursts of rain.
Will the rain ease the drought or lift hosepipe bans?
Despite the severity of the rainfall, experts say it will not significantly impact current drought conditions. The Environment Agency reports that 2025 has seen the driest start to the year since 1976.
Much of the heavy rain will run off into rivers or out to sea, without effectively replenishing groundwater or reservoir levels. Additionally, water that does soak into the ground may be quickly taken up by plants and trees during this growing season.
As a result, hosepipe bans are expected to remain in place for the rest of the summer, potentially extending into early autumn. Only a sustained period of wet weather, typically seen in the autumn or winter months, would be enough to reverse the current water shortages.
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Diane Abbott has been suspended again by Labour after repeating comments about different forms of racism in a radio interview.
THE LABOUR PARTY has suspended Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving female MP, after she repeated remarks on racism that had previously led to her suspension.
Abbott, a prominent figure in British left-wing politics and the first Black woman elected to parliament, was initially suspended by Labour in 2023 after she said the prejudice faced by Jewish people was similar to, but not the same as, racism.
She later apologised and withdrew the comments. Just weeks before the national election in July 2024, Abbott, 71, was readmitted into the Labour Party following internal criticism over her suspension.
Asked in an interview with BBC Radio on Thursday if she regretted the episode, she said: "No, not at all."
"Clearly, there must be a difference between racism which is about colour and other types of racism because you can see a Traveller or a Jewish person walking down the street, you don't know.
"But if you see a black person walking down the street, you see straight away that they're black. They are different types of racism," Abbott said.
A Labour spokesperson said Abbott had been administratively suspended while an investigation takes place.
Prime minister Keir Starmer has pledged to tackle antisemitism within the party after allegations of discrimination and harassment against Jewish people under former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Starmer has also taken disciplinary action against other Labour MPs during his time as leader, including four lawmakers suspended on Wednesday for organising opposition to the government's welfare reforms.
(With inputs from agencies)
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This is Mittal’s ninth honorary doctorate and his third from a UK institution. (Photo: Getty Images)
SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration by the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, the company said on Thursday.
The University of Bath is ranked among the UK’s top ten universities and is placed within the top 10 per cent globally, the statement added.
“Founder and Chairman, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the University of Bath, United Kingdom (UK),” the company said.
This is Mittal’s ninth honorary doctorate and his third from a UK institution. He was previously awarded the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by the University of Leeds in 2009 and the Doctor of Civil Law (Honoris Causa) by Newcastle University in 2012.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Bath, an institution renowned for its intellectual rigour, spirit of enterprise, and engagement with the world beyond the classroom,” Mittal said.
“We are very proud to honour Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal’s considerable achievements in enterprise, leadership and service to society. Not only has he built a world-leading global enterprise but his humanitarian work has impacted the lives of over 3.7 million children through education and rural development,” said Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Aakash Odedra recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
AAKASH ODEDRA has been appointed a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, the organisation has announced.
Born in Birmingham and based in Leicester, Odedra is known for combining classical and contemporary dance to reflect British Asian experiences.
He recently won Best Male Dancer and Outstanding Male Classical Performance at the National Dance Awards.
Odedra founded his company in 2011 and has performed over 300 full-length shows in 40 countries. His new work Songs of the Bulbul, which blends kathak dance with Sufi poetry, will be staged at Sadler’s Wells East from 17 to 19 July 2025.
His previous productions at Sadler’s Wells include Mehek in 2024, a duet with Aditi Mangaldas, and Samsara in 2022, presented with the Bagri Foundation.
Aakash Odedra said: “To become an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells feels like the golden gates of dance heaven have opened. It is, in the truest sense, an honour, and I am deeply humbled.”
Sir Alistair Spalding said: “As Aakash goes from strength to strength both as a performer and as a choreographic artist it is a pleasure to bring him to the family of Sadler’s Wells Associate Artists.”
Rob Jones said: “He is an incredible artist who over the years has grown and developed and we’re looking forward to following him on this journey.”
Odedra joins a group of Associate Artists including Akram Khan, Crystal Pite, Hofesh Shechter, and others. The appointments were made by Sir Alistair Spalding and Rob Jones.
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Voters go to the polls as local elections are held in England on May 01, 2025 in Hull, England.
THE government said on Thursday (17) it planned to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all UK elections in a major overhaul of the country's democratic system.
The government said the proposed changes were part of an effort to boost public trust in democracy and would align voting rights across Britain, where younger voters already participate in devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.
"They're old enough to go out to work, they're old enough to pay taxes ... and I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on, which way the government should go," prime minister Keir Starmer told ITV News.
The change will require parliamentary approval, but that is unlikely to present an obstacle because the policy was part of Starmer's election campaign last year which gave him a large majority.
Despite that win, Starmer's popularity has fallen sharply in government after a series of missteps set against a difficult economic backdrop. His party sits second in most opinion polls behind Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK Party.
A poll of 500 16 and 17 year-olds conducted by Merlin Strategy for ITV News showed 33 per cent said they would vote Labour, 20 per cent would vote Reform, 18 per cent would vote Green, 12 per cent Liberal Democrats and 10 per cent Conservative.
There are about 1.6 million 16 and 17 year-olds in the UK, according to official data. Just over 48 million people were eligible to vote at the last election, in which turnout fell to its lowest since 2001. The next election is due in 2029.
Research from other countries has shown lowering the voting age had no impact on election outcomes, but that 16-year-olds were more likely to vote than those first eligible at 18.
"Voting at 16 will also help more young people to cast that all-important, habit-forming vote at a point when they can be supported with civic education," said Darren Hughes, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society.
The reforms would also expand acceptable voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards and digital formats of existing IDs, such as driving licences and Veteran Cards.
A more automated system will also be introduced to simplify the process of registering to vote.
To tackle foreign interference, the government plans to tighten rules on political donations, including checks on contributions over £500 from unincorporated associations and closing loopholes used by shell companies.
“By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations,” democracy minister Rushanara Ali said in a statement.