India

Microsoft execs question Nadella's AI compute allocation as Azure rivals fill capacity gap

Microsoft is facing internal tension over how CEO Satya Nadella is distributing the company's AI computing resources amid a $190 billion capital expenditure push. Executives are questioning why external Azure clients such as Adobe appear to receive GPU allocations ahead of Microsoft's own M365 Copilot product. CFO Amy Hood had previously assured investors that first-party applications would be prioritized, with Azure customers receiving remaining capacity. Following outages on GitHub, Microsoft has reportedly begun sourcing additional compute capacity from competitors Amazon and Google. The company's stock has fallen 24% ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings report.

Seawater Chemistry Tests Could Detect Coral Reef Stress Before Visible Damage

Scientists have developed a method that analyzes water chemistry and microbial activity to assess the health of coral reefs. Similar to early disease detection in human medicine, this approach can identify warning signs before any physical stress becomes visible on corals. Ocean currents play a significant role in shaping the chemical and microbial patterns that researchers monitor. The interdisciplinary technique aims to provide an early-warning system for one of the ocean's most vital ecosystems.

Will Smith's $2.5M Custom Double-Decker Motorhome Now Available to Rent in Texas

Will Smith's custom-built 53-foot double-decker motorhome, known as 'The Heat,' is now open for public rental. The luxury RV, valued at $2.5 million, was originally used by Smith on the sets of major films including 'Ali' and 'Suicide Squad.' It has since been relocated to a glamping resort near Austin, Texas. Guests can now book a stay in the celebrity vehicle and experience its high-end amenities at a fraction of its original cost.

Bin Laden's 2001 'Strong Horse' Theory Used to Explain MAGA Shift on Ukraine

A political commentary piece published by NDTV draws on a quote attributed to Osama bin Laden from 2001 to analyze the MAGA movement's changing stance on the Ukraine conflict. The quote centers on the concept that people naturally gravitate toward those they perceive as strong and distance themselves from those seen as weak. This 'strong horse' theory is being applied to explain why some MAGA supporters have shifted away from backing Ukraine. The argument suggests that perceptions of military and political strength are driving ideological realignment on the issue. The analysis highlights how decades-old ideas about power dynamics continue to shape contemporary political behavior.

Air India Crash Final Report Expected in October, Supreme Court Told

The official probe body investigating the Air India crash has informed the Supreme Court that its final report is expected in October. The investigation body clarified that the inquiry is not limited to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials alone. Experts and representatives from countries whose nationals died in the crash are also part of the probe. The clarification was made to address concerns about the independence and scope of the investigation.

Chennai court cuts Ravi Mohan alimony to Rs 3 lakh, rejects Rs 40 lakh plea

A Chennai Family Welfare Court has dismissed a plea seeking Rs 40 lakh in monthly alimony in the ongoing divorce case involving Tamil actor Ravi Mohan. The court instead directed the actor to pay Rs 3 lakh per month until the divorce proceedings are concluded. Additionally, the court granted Ravi Mohan unrestricted visitation rights with his two sons. The ruling resolves key disputes over finances and child access in the prolonged legal battle between Ravi Mohan and his estranged wife Aarti.

Manjot Kalra Denied Bail in Sri Lanka Match-Fixing Probe

Former India U-19 World Cup star Manjot Kalra continues to be held in Sri Lankan custody after a court rejected his bail application. He is under investigation as part of a high-profile corruption case tied to the Lanka Premier League. Multiple Sri Lankan cricketers have filed complaints alleging that they were approached for match-fixing. Authorities reportedly hold recorded evidence related to these alleged approaches. The scandal has also resulted in the Jaffna Kings franchise losing its ownership rights.

'Cosmetic exercise to camouflage illegal occupation': MEA rejects Pak polls in PoK

Chilean teen proposes nuclear-renewable hybrid to slash Antarctic base emissions

A teenage student from Chile has developed a concept for a hybrid energy system designed to power Antarctic research stations. The proposal combines renewable energy sources with a small nuclear microreactor to ensure a stable and continuous power supply. The system targets a significant reduction in diesel fuel dependency, potentially cutting carbon emissions by over 3,000 tons. It addresses the challenge of delivering sustainable energy in the remote and harsh conditions of Antarctica. The student-led initiative underscores growing interest in clean energy solutions for extreme environments.

Days after its opening, massive crater appears on road leading to Rs 16-crore bridge in Dehradun

'Not an in-house probe ': AAIB explains to SC why AI171 crash report is getting delayed

Mehbooba Mufti apologises for 'Banta Hai' remark on pellet gun use in J&K

People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has issued an apology for her controversial 'Banta Hai' remark regarding the use of pellet guns in Jammu and Kashmir. The comment was made during a public gathering at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi last week. Her statement triggered a significant political backlash across Jammu and Kashmir. The remark was widely criticised by political opponents and sparked heated debate in the region.

Australia Housing Market Slumps as Rate Hikes and Tax Changes Curb Demand

Australia's housing market is experiencing a sharp decline following years of sustained growth. Rising interest rates and recent tax changes have pushed property values lower across the country. Falling home sales are dampening consumer spending and slowing construction activity nationwide. Many households are postponing property purchases, anticipating further price drops while managing increased living costs. Analysts suggest this downturn could rank among the most significant corrections in Australian housing history.

Abhishek Banerjee Slams Centre Over Recurring Exam Paper Leak Scandals

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has criticized the central government over repeated paper leak scandals affecting students across India. He alleged that such incidents have become an annual occurrence, undermining the credibility of national examinations. Banerjee also took aim at the Centre for its response to protests led by the BJP. His remarks reflect growing opposition pressure on the government over examination integrity and handling of public dissent.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei Labels China Most Capable AI Threat

Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei has issued a stark warning regarding China's position in the artificial intelligence landscape. He described China as the 'most capable threat' in the AI domain. Amodei's comments reflect growing concerns within the US tech industry about China's advancing AI capabilities. The warning comes as competition between the United States and China in AI development continues to intensify.

Bihar Student Asks Mother About Food While Being Taken Away in Police Van

A video has emerged showing a Bihar student asking his mother if she had eaten, even as he was being transported in a police detention van. The incident occurred amid widespread student protests in Bihar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Authorities detained several students as part of measures to control the demonstrations. The clip has drawn significant attention online, highlighting the emotional toll of the crackdown on protesting students.

Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Kumar Jha resigns; Myntra's Nandita Sinha to take charge

One in three AIIMS faculty posts vacant, government tells Parliament

Retired Delhi Police Officers to Stage Dharna at Jantar Mantar on July 31

A group of retired Delhi Police officers has sought permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 31. The protest is intended to express solidarity with police personnel who were injured during recent student demonstrations near Parliament. The association is demanding that authorities take strict action against individuals responsible for the violence and assaults on officers. Organizers have assured that the gathering will remain peaceful, disciplined, and confined to the designated area. They have also committed to fully complying with police directions and applicable laws.

Wieliczka Salt Mine: Krakow's UNESCO-listed underground world of 245km tunnels

Located beneath the Polish city of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning nine underground levels. The mine features an extensive network of 245 kilometres of tunnels, along with chambers and chapels intricately carved out of salt. Commercial salt extraction at the site came to an end in 1996, but the mine has since transitioned into a major tourist destination. Visitors continue to flock to the site, drawn by its historical significance and the remarkable craftsmanship preserved within its walls.