Times of India

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has a pointed message for AI giants OpenAI, Anthropic and Google: you can't warn that AI will wipe out jobs, call your own models a weapon, and then demand unlimited money and data centers. In a Wall Street Journal interview, Nadella criticised how a few frontier labs are capturing AI's value, pushed cheaper models and DeepSeek as alternatives, and said the industry must still earn society's "social permission."

State-run oil companies are poised for improved profits as falling crude prices boost fuel marketing margins. While recent excise duty cuts have aided this recovery, rising debt and potential future tax hikes pose risks to long-term earnings. Analysts anticipate stronger performance from the second quarter, with BPCL and IOC seen as top beneficiaries if oil prices remain subdued.

A Parliamentary Standing Committee led by BJP leader and former IPS officer Brij Lal reviewed vacancies across central government departments and assessed the progress of recruitment drives. The panel also examined the functioning of recruitment agencies such as UPSC, SSC, and DoPT, while discussing the Civil Services Examination and CSAT. The committee said recruitment efforts were progressing satisfactorily and stressed continued monitoring of vacancies.

Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan expresses concern over the physical toll on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive batting style. Cullinan fears for the youngster's wrists and joints, citing the increased demands of modern cricket and heavier bats. He draws parallels to Sachin Tendulkar's career-threatening elbow injury, urging attention to Sooryavanshi's long-term health as his workload grows.

India is also seeking guarantees that the US will not impose fresh tariffs after the agreement is signed. Both countries are looking to finalise a pact seen as important for improving bilateral relations that have recently come under strain.

A Haryana resort faces a consumer commission's order to refund Rs 75 and pay Rs 10,000 in compensation. The resort overcharged a customer for Mountain Dew during a party, charging Rs 50 per bottle against a printed price of Rs 35. When the customer raised the issue, resort staff allegedly misbehaved. The commission found this a clear deficiency in service, ordering the refund with interest and compensation for harassment.

India is in advanced discussions with the UAE for a significant defence deal, potentially including the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Akashteer air defence systems. This move signifies deepening strategic ties and India's growing prowess as a defence exporter. The UAE's interest stems from a desire to bolster its military capabilities amidst regional security concerns, marking a potential major win for India's indigenous defence industry.

Rajasthan ATS apprehended a woman in Jaipur for alleged ties with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and other anti-national elements. Investigations revealed her social media accounts and phone contained objectionable content and links to foreign profiles, including those displaying extremist symbols. She reportedly converted to Islam after guidance from a Pakistan-based Mufti and was allegedly being prepared for travel to Pakistan. Booked under UAPA, she is in ATS custody.

Tragedy struck Lucknow as a devastating fire ripped through a commercial complex in Aliganj, claiming at least 15 young lives. The blaze, originating in a coaching centre and gaming zone, spread rapidly, forcing desperate escapes, with some students seen leaping from the building. Authorities are investigating the cause and potential safety lapses, while the Chief Minister and Prime Minister have expressed deep sorrow and ordered swift relief efforts.

Ahead of his world title defence against Javokhir Sindarov, D Gukesh has been advised by Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran to improve his speed, technique and handling of time pressure. Sasikiran warned that Sindarov is highly prepared and fast-paced, but said Gukesh's previous world championship experience could prove crucial in what promises to be a tough contest.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is entering a thrilling group stage finale with 42 nations vying for 29 spots in the Round of 32. Only USA, Mexico, and Germany have secured early qualification, while Haiti, Turkiye, and Tunisia are out. Powerhouses like Argentina, France, England, and Portugal are still fighting for advancement. The week promises intense competition and simultaneous matches as the knockout picture takes shape.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's 'Maa Inti Bangaram' delivered a rare feat over its opening weekend, three consecutive days of growth rather than the usual weekend plateau. After a Rs. 5.35 crore Day 1, the film jumped 43% on Day 2 to Rs. 7.65 crore and a further 32% on Day 3 to Rs. 10.10 crore, taking its three-day domestic net to Rs. 23.10 crore and worldwide gross to Rs 41.79 crore. As the film enters its first Monday, live tracking shows Rs. 0.82 crore collected so far across 1,236 shows, split Rs 0.77 crore in Telugu and Rs. 0.05 crore in Tamil, pushing the cumulative domestic net to Rs. 23.92 crore. With momentum building with each day, B.V. Nandini Reddy's female-led action-family drama looks well positioned for a strong first week.

Taylor Swift, a pop music icon, redefined 'fearless' in her 2008 album 'Fearless'. She believes true bravery isn't the absence of fear, but acting despite it. This philosophy, evident in her lyrics about love, high school, and perseverance, highlights her enduring impact. Swift, now a billionaire, continues to inspire with her candid approach to life's challenges.

West Bengal's new BJP government has unveiled its inaugural budget, prioritizing welfare and employment. Key announcements include a significant Dearness Allowance hike for state employees, the creation of one lakh government jobs, and a substantial Rs 36,000 crore direct cash transfer scheme for women. The budget also proposes infrastructure development and support for various worker categories, aiming to restore fiscal discipline and public trust.

Keir Starmer has resigned as Labour leader, citing a need for change after significant election setbacks and internal party dissent. Concerns over his ability to win the next general election, coupled with senior figures openly challenging his leadership and a perceived failure to deliver on 2024 promises, have led to his departure. Scandals also contributed to the pressure for new leadership.

The Supreme Court has fined the Chhattisgarh government Rs 2 lakh for illegally occupying private land for nearly four decades without compensation. The court upheld the high court's order, awarding landowners enhanced compensation and interest from the date they first filed their eviction suit in 2006. Justices deemed the state's appeal frivolous, aimed at harassing the landowners.

"We have two matches and this is the time to stay positive. Shree Charani and Shafali (Verma) bowled well but the fielders didn't support them. We have to take opportunities at this level. We were not lucky enough with that."