Times of India

Google capped Meta's use of Gemini AI models around March 2026 after Meta sought more computing capacity than Google could provide. The restriction disrupted Meta's internal AI projects and forced employees to ration AI tokens. It came weeks before Meta AI chief Alexandr Wang announced a Muse Spark update aimed at cutting the company's dependence on rival models for coding and agentic tasks.

On Day 25, England rediscovered its stiff upperlip to beat Mexico with a performance that could have been a Kipling poem. The mighty Viking Erling Haaland slayed Brazil’s Samba boys. And FIFA’s decision to rescind Balogun’s red-card has raised political heckles. Read this and more in today’s Offside.

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has unveiled his "VIJAY" mantra, emphasizing Vigilance, Innovation, Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First. This strategic direction aligns with the army's Decade of Transformation and Prime Minister Modi's "JAI" directive for integrated defence forces. The initiative aims to bolster capabilities through modernization and doctrinal shifts, preparing the army for future challenges in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.

China is pioneering a distinct AI approach, prioritizing systems for real-time urban, industrial, and logistical coordination over Western chatbot and AGI focus. This strategy emphasizes prediction, management, and continuous adaptation within complex environments. By viewing AI as essential infrastructure, China aims to create intelligent systems that govern movement and respond dynamically to change, reflecting a broader, process-oriented understanding of intelligence.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized the Modi government, citing India's declining passport rankings and increased passport fees. He questioned the government's claims of enhanced global respect, pointing to a drop in rankings and stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Kharge alleged that citizens are paying more for subpar services, impacting India's international standing.

California's proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires is facing a massive opposition campaign funded by tech titans like Sergey Brin, who has donated $82 million. Wealthy individuals are reportedly moving assets out of state, while supporters argue the tax will fund vital public services and reduce inequality. This high-stakes battle, with millions being spent on both sides, will be decided by voters this November.

UEFA has slammed FIFA's decision to allow US forward Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a red card, calling it "incomprehensible" and a "red line" crossed. Balogun's one-game ban was surprisingly suspended by FIFA, a move that has drawn outrage from Belgium and criticism from UEFA for undermining the "integrity" of the competition.

A paraglider suffered injuries after an emergency landing on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near Manali on Sunday. Strong winds diverted the pilot from his intended landing site, leading to a crash. He was taken to Kullu hospital and is reported to be stable. This incident follows a similar event last month where a tandem paraglider also faced strong winds but landed safely.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Missing Link tunnel, forcing the closure of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and old highway on Monday. This disruption, barely nine weeks after its inauguration, also impacted rail traffic, leading to train cancellations and diversions. The incident follows earlier concerns about the new stretch's road quality, highlighting ongoing challenges with the ambitious infrastructure project.

Renowned investor Michael Burry has initiated a short position against Micron Technology, citing 'historically extreme' stock valuations driven by AI hype and investor FOMO, not fundamentals. Despite a recent $250 million donation to a children's savings scheme, Burry warns of significant downside due to the memory chipmaker's cyclical nature and poor profitability metrics. This move aligns with his broader bearish outlook on AI semiconductor stocks.

Helping friends constantly, from airport pick-ups to providing emotional support, may be a cover for deep-rooted insecurities. Psychologists note this 'caretaker' behavior often arises from an association of worth with usefulness, acting as a defense to shield oneself from vulnerability. This dynamic can create superficial relationships where the helpers feel unappreciated and overly exhausted, ultimately leading to isolation despite their admirable generosity.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call for middle powers to unite, calling it a "fantasy." Dimon pointed to Europe's economic struggles as an example of cooperation's limitations, citing high taxes and regulation. He emphasized that attractive business environments are crucial for growth, contrasting Europe's declining competitiveness with the U.S. market. Dimon also reassured investors about America's investment appeal, noting China's evolving global approach.

Plan your bank visits carefully as several branches will be closed on specific dates this July due to regional holidays. West Bengal and Mizoram observe closures today, July 6. Further state-specific holidays are scheduled across Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura. Remember, Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays also mean branch closures. Digital banking services remain unaffected.

A historic scoring milestone has been reached at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé all netting seven goals each. Haaland's late brace secured Norway's stunning upset over Brazil, propelling them to the quarterfinals. This unprecedented feat has intensified the Golden Boot race, showcasing a captivating battle between football's modern greats.

Mumbai experienced a devastating deluge, with record-breaking rainfall causing a building collapse in Mankhurd that claimed six lives, including five children. Unusually strong winds uprooted trees, leading to further fatalities. Flight operations were disrupted as the city recorded its wettest July day in over 50 years, with more heavy rain anticipated and a holiday declared for educational institutions.

A powerful explosion rocked Hans Nagar, Rewari, injuring at least five people at the residence of a retired Army Subedar. The blast was so intense that locals described it feeling like an earthquake. Four of the injured have been moved to a higher medical facility in Rohtak for advanced treatment. Police and forensic teams are investigating the cause of the severe incident, with significant damage reported inside the house.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, accused the former Delhi chief minister of allowing political frustration to turn into arrogance. In a post on X, Gupta first introduced Nabin while highlighting his political journey and credentials. She then launched a direct attack on Kejriwal, saying: "Everyone knows you're feeling desperate and disheartened. But it seems your ego is still riding high in the seventh heaven!" she said.

Donald Trump reignited his public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a meme suggesting she needs a restraining order, just before their expected meeting at the Nato summit. This follows Trump's claims that Meloni sought photos and that Italy denied US runway access, allegations she strongly refuted as "completely made up." The exchange marks a significant downturn in their previously allied relationship.