Times of India

Meta has parted ways with several employees from the acquired startup Virtue AI after only four months. Co-founders Bo Li, Dawn Song, and Sanmi Koyejo were among those let go due to workplace differences. This decision reflects ongoing challenges in enhancing AI safety and security within the company. The hiring aimed to strengthen Meta's capabilities as concerns about advanced AI systems grow.

Many parks in Noida and Ghaziabad are facing alarming issues related to insufficient lighting and inadequate security measures. Residents are increasingly hesitant to enjoy these public spaces after sundown, as broken streetlights diminish safety and invite undesirable activities. Despite notifying the relevant authorities regarding these pressing concerns, timely improvements are desperately needed to restore community trust and ensure public safety in these areas.

Bankers expect the Reserve Bank of India to raise the repo rate by 25 basis points soon. This marks the end of the rate-cutting phase that began in February 2025. Economists predict inflation will exceed the RBI’s forecasts, necessitating tightening. Experts anticipate resilient growth will provide the RBI room to act despite external pressures. The focus will remain on managing liquidity and aligning rates with policy measures.

Bangladesh is optimistic that India will expedite the extradition process for former PM Sheikh Hasina. Indian high commissioner Dinesh Trivedi stated that legal processes are currently in motion. State Minister Shama Obaed Islam emphasized the importance of political will from both nations. Meanwhile, outgoing Bangladeshi high commissioner Riaz Hamidullah met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to discuss mutual interests.

India is expected to achieve close to 8% economic growth, aided by recent reforms and increased investment. The resilience of the economy is attributed to strategies implemented over the past decade and strong domestic demand. Former RBI governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the significance of the financial sector and external management in supporting growth. Further opportunities are anticipated in the coming years, particularly in AI and infrastructure financing.

An Omani co-pilot attacked the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. Following the assault, he attempted to crash the aircraft into the Saudi desert. Investigators are looking into whether the co-pilot cut the engines' fuel supply during this crisis. Emergency codes were transmitted to air traffic control indicating both a general emergency and a suspected hijacking.

Avengers: Endgame has reclaimed its position as the highest-grossing film following a re-release. The film surpassed Avatar's total box office earnings by a narrow margin after its Encore re-release. Despite a drop to seventh place domestically, additional earnings helped Endgame regain the crown. Marvel Studios expressed gratitude to fans for their support through social media messages. The success of Endgame coincides with anticipation for the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.

Travis Kelce-backed Six Flags is making a major sustainability move as Magic Mountain’s new solar parking project powers two parks. The 12.37 MW installation covers 4,315 spaces and is expected to generate 20.8 million kWh annually. The project also includes an 8 MWh battery and 109 EV charging stations. Kelce joined Six Flags as a 2026 brand ambassador, adding star power to the company’s latest green initiative.

Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman expressed concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission in India. He highlighted the issue of illegal removal of voters from electoral lists, especially in West Bengal. Nariman noted that 90 lakh voters were disenfranchised, with many not having access to justice. He emphasized the need for reform in the appointment process of election commissioners to ensure fairness.

The United States has withdrawn all bombers from RAF Fairford following an investigation into a suspected terror plot. The withdrawal occurred shortly after several people were arrested in connection with the alleged attack plans. British authorities indicated potential Iranian involvement, while Tehran firmly denied these claims and summoned the British ambassador. Additionally, the US maintains military presence in the Middle East with several ships heading to the region.

In Ukraine's Sumy region, six Russian drones attacked the Kusum Group's pharmaceutical plant, killing one engineer and injuring others. The main structure of the facility was largely destroyed during the targeted strike, which occurs amid a pattern of similar attacks. The company estimates damage from this incident could exceed $50 million, impacting operations significantly.

S Jaishankar stated that India aims to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India has recently proposed ideas addressing issues like grain and energy exports to both nations. Jaishankar emphasized America's changing global position and the implications of China's rise on international relations. India is also facing domestic repercussions due to the ongoing conflict, including commercial shipping disruptions.

Farmer organisations represented by Samyukta Kisan Morcha rejected the government's announced minimum support prices for Rabi crops. They described the small increase for wheat as an insult rather than acceptable compensation. SKM called for a revision of MSPs and urged states to offer bonuses to farmers. Additionally, they highlighted the impact of rising diesel and input costs on farming.

The Supreme Court has indicated consequences for parents of a man who abducted his daughter to the US. This decision came during a case regarding child custody between NRI couples. The father has been ordered to return to India with the child within four weeks. If he fails to comply, his parents will face legal consequences. The court emphasizes the importance of the child's connection with her mother.

GST Council plans to unveil substantial reforms aimed at improving business processes and facilitating growth. The proposed changes involve streamlined registration, easier refunds, and a more efficient input tax credit system. Decriminalisation measures are also proposed to alleviate issues for businesses with minor offenses. A focus is on reducing discretionary practices and using technology to minimize litigation. These reforms seek to enhance operational efficiency for both small and large enterprises.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan condemned the extensive deletion of voter names from electoral rolls due to the special intensive revision process. He emphasized that such actions undermine the core principles of the Indian Constitution and disenfranchise millions of citizens. Bhuyan highlighted that the right to vote is essential for free and fair elections in India. He urged that no citizen should be denied the right to vote without due process.

Two 17-year-old teenagers were sentenced to 10 years for an arson attack at Indian Aroma. The incident occurred on August 22, 2025, when they threatened diners with weapons. Their actions led to severe burns for multiple victims, including a couple who suffered life-threatening injuries. The court emphasized the planning and intent behind the attack, which resulted in serious harm. The motive for this violent act remains unknown.

Shahid Imran, a 36-year-old Pakistani undertrial prisoner, was found unconscious in his jail cell early Sunday. He was a resident of Sargooda district in Punjab, Pakistan. Authorities rushed him to GMCH where doctors declared him brought dead. The incident occurred at the high-security central jail in Jammu. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is likely to follow.

Aasima Jan works diligently in north Kashmir, focusing on menstrual health awareness to help girls stay in school. She began her efforts after witnessing the stigma around menstruation affecting attendance rates among female students. Monthly sessions in villages educate families about menstrual hygiene and encourage open discussion about the topic. Aasima also distributes sanitary pads, highlighting their importance for health and hygiene.