Times of India

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis calls the current AI race the most intense in tech history. He notes Google is now faster at shipping AI products like Gemini. DeepMind is central to Google's AI strategy, working daily with CEO Sundar Pichai. Their goal is to achieve artificial general intelligence first, fast, and safely.

Pakistan's boycott of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match is projected to cause a massive financial loss of USD 250 million. This decision risks significant revenue for all stakeholders, including the ICC and India's broadcaster, JioStar, which faces estimated advertising losses of Rs 200-250 crore.

Donna Kelce shared a heartfelt reaction to Taylor Swift and Kylie Kelce becoming part of the Kelce family. In response to a fan, she wrote on Facebook how she feels lucky that her sons choose and bring in women who are the best in society.

Meta's Reality Labs division is shifting focus from VR to wearables, despite continued development of future VR headsets. The company confirmed a significant reduction in VR investment this year, while increasing spending on wearables like smart glasses. This strategic pivot follows substantial losses in Reality Labs, with a projected peak in 2026 before expected declines.

India and Russia are continuously upgrading the BrahMos cruise missile, with a strong focus now on developing hypersonic technologies. This ongoing enhancement aims to improve performance and introduce next-generation variants, including smaller missiles and hypersonic platforms. The collaboration underscores a commitment to advanced missile development for future warfare.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hit out at CEC Gyanesh Kumar and called him 'arrogant' and 'liar' post meeting. The remarks came amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Banerjee and her party Trinamool Congress have called the exercise as biased, discriminatory and politically motivated.

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf backed the government’s decision to boycott the India match at the T20 World Cup, calling it an “eye-for-an-eye” move against political interference. The ICC expressed concern, warning that selective participation violates tournament principles and could hurt Pakistan cricket. Sources say Pakistan may face strict action, including possible exclusion.

Pakistan faces a deepening security crisis in Balochistan as the Baloch Liberation Army escalates its campaign through "Operation Herof. This surge impacts Pakistan's economy, foreign relations, and investor confidence. The region's strategic importance, particularly for China's Belt and Road Initiative and mineral resources, is now under strain.

Amazon has axed 16,000 corporate jobs, its second-largest layoff in months. Leadership is urging remaining staff to leverage technology for efficiency and support one another. This move aligns with CEO Andy Jassy's vision of AI driving future workforce changes and streamlining operations, while the company continues to invest in strategic areas.

Released on January 23, 'Border 2' met fan expectations with a strong opening of ₹30 crore. The film saw significant growth over the Republic Day holiday, collecting ₹59 crore on its first Monday. After a robust first week totaling ₹224.25 crore, 'Border 2' continued its box office run, ultimately reaching ₹275.86 crore.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrived in Delhi for a meeting with the Election Commission amid political tension. She protested a heavy police presence outside Banga Bhavan, comparing the treatment to that of Union home minister Amit Shah's visits to West Bengal. Banerjee vowed to fight against alleged atrocities and harassment of people from Bengal.

President Donald Trump has threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah for defamation after Noah joked during the Grammy Awards that Trump visited Epstein Island with Bill Clinton. Trump vehemently denied the accusation on Truth Social, calling Noah a "talentless dope" and vowing to send his lawyers after him.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticized the politicization of cricket, calling Pakistan's boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India "disgraceful." He urged urgent dialogue to resolve the escalating row, emphasizing that sport should unite people. Tharoor also commented on the Mustafizur Rahman situation, deeming Bangladesh's reaction an overreaction.

The Supreme Court has granted regular bail to three individuals accused in the Pune Porsche crash case. The incident, which occurred on May 19, 2024, involved a 17-year-old allegedly driving a Porsche Taycan and fatally striking two 24-year-old tech professionals.

Noida police apprehended two IT engineers for allegedly harassing a woman with obscene gestures from their car. The incident, which occurred late at night, saw the accused persistently follow the victim's vehicle and engage in indecent behavior.

Former British ambassador Peter Mandelson has quit the Labour Party following renewed scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US documents allege Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 to Mandelson in the early 2000s. Mandelson, who has no recollection of these transfers, stated he doesn't want to cause further embarrassment to the party while he investigates the claims.

Pakistan has confirmed participation in the T20 World Cup but will forfeit their match against India on February 15. Sunil Gavaskar believes this decision might not be final, citing Pakistan's history of players reversing retirement calls due to public pressure. India is expected to proceed with the fixture as scheduled.