Times of India

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has declared Apple its ultimate rival, shifting focus from AGI to device-centric AI. A 'code red' memo halts moonshot projects to boost ChatGPT's performance, driven by aggressive talent raids from Apple. Meanwhile, Google's Gemini surges, forcing OpenAI to prioritize mass-market appeal and user feedback to regain dominance.

India's middle class is embracing SIPs, with record contributions flowing into mutual funds. However, this financial sophistication masks a growing reliance on debt, as liabilities outpace asset growth. Many families are using credit to fund lifestyles and investments, creating a fragile financial situation despite the SIP boom.

Cottage cheese is emerging as a surprising powerhouse for bone health, offering more than just calcium. This humble dairy product is packed with protein, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients that support bone density and muscle strength across all ages. Its easy digestibility and versatility make it an accessible way to boost nutrition and well-being.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers assures operations are stabilizing after a recent crisis, with refunds issued and flights restored to all 138 destinations. The Civil Aviation Minister holds IndiGo accountable, emphasizing passenger convenience. The DGCA has mandated a 5% cut in IndiGo's winter schedule due to operational inefficiencies, with further reductions possible as the airline works to stabilize.

Pakistan's 2025 Google searches reveal a keen interest in AI like Gemini and Grok, alongside the latest iPhone 17. Cricket fever dominated with Pakistan vs. South Africa leading the pack. Abhishek Sharma topped athlete searches, while local news focused on socio-economic registries and flood situations. Dramas like 'Sher' and 'Judwaa' captured viewers' attention.

Goa nightclub owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have fled to Thailand following a devastating fire that killed 25 people. Authorities issued a Look Out Circular and are coordinating with Interpol for their arrest. Meanwhile, a third individual, Bharat Kohli, has been apprehended in Delhi and handed over to Goa police.

Rajya Sabha session on Vande Mataram's 150 years turned combative as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP's predecessors of working for the British. Home minister Amit Shah rejected claims of political timing, urging members to view the song's significance beyond elections.

Apple's hardware chief Johny Srouji has confirmed he's staying, dispelling departure rumors and offering relief to CEO Tim Cook. This crucial retention comes amid an unprecedented executive exodus, with six key leaders having left recently. Srouji's decision is a significant win for Cook as Apple navigates leadership changes and the AI race.

A 35-year-old engineer was murdered by his 46-year-old live-in partner and her two daughters in Lucknow. The woman confessed to slitting his throat after an argument over his alleged "inappropriate intentions" towards her elder daughter. The deceased had been tutoring the daughters since 2012.

Prime Minister Modi declared India is in a "Reform Express" phase, prioritising citizen well-being and ease of life alongside business. He urged MPs to address ground-level issues, aiming to simplify governance by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and paperwork. The PM also voiced concern over IndiGo's flight disruptions, emphasizing that system improvements shouldn't inconvenience the public.

A devastating fire ripped through a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, claiming at least 20 lives as smoke trapped workers inside. Flames erupted in the afternoon, spreading quickly and causing widespread panic. Firefighters battled the inferno, with dense smoke engulfing the area. Efforts to find survivors continued amidst the tragedy.

Goa orders demolition of Romeo Lane nightclub after a fire killed 25. Investigations suggest deaths were avoidable, with senior IPS officers allegedly intervening to block previous notices and FIRs against the club. Call records of implicated officers may link them to club owners.

A man carrying a licensed handgun was detained at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Puducherry after tight security was implemented following a fatal stampede. The rally, restricted to 5,000 attendees with QR codes, saw large crowds gather outside, with party functionaries clashing with police over entry restrictions.

A woman, reportedly a mistress, narrowly escaped a perilous fall from a 10th-floor balcony in China after her lover's wife arrived unexpectedly. Witnesses watched in horror as she dangled precariously before sliding down drainpipes and windowsills to safety. The incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread online discussion and embarrassment for those involved.

Hardik Pandya strongly condemned paparazzi for intrusive photography of Mahieka Sharma, calling it disrespectful and cheap sensationalism. He urged the media to be more mindful and respect boundaries, emphasising that not everything needs to be captured. Meanwhile, Pandya is nearing a T20I milestone of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets.

A decade-old restaurant venture, Romeo Lane, expanded rapidly across India and Dubai, attracting mall developers and franchisees. However, a devastating fire at a Goa outlet, which killed 25, exposed alleged safety violations and a lack of oversight, sparking public outrage and questions of accountability for the Luthra brothers.

Aditya Dhar's directorial 'Dhurandhar', featuring Ranveer Singh and a stellar cast, has taken the box office by storm, crossing ₹100 crore in its opening weekend. The film witnessed impressive growth, with Sunday collections soaring to ₹43 crore. While Monday saw a natural dip, the movie continues to perform strongly, accumulating ₹129.