[10/18 06:00 UTC] Microsoft pulls out of Nscale's Essex data centre deal, a blow to the UK fi…

AI News Flash for October 18, 2026 at 06:00 UTC. Topics: 1. Microsoft pulls out of Nscale's Essex data centre deal, a blow to the UK firm's planned listing https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/10/18/microsoft-axes-ai-deal-setback-uk-data-centre-pioneer/ 2. An AI-assisted dashboard helps detained protesters in New Delhi get home https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/18/ai-tool-helps-stranded-protesters-find-their-way-home-in-the-indian-capital 3. MIT model links 3D crystal structures with language to find new materials https://news.mit.edu/2026/giving-ai-crystal-clear-view-of-materials-world-1018 4. Japan's Neyagawa city launches a 24-hour generative AI phone line for older residents https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nd-20261018de61097 5. South Korea tests a free national AI service ahead of a December launch https://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/3658115