India

Microsoft AI CMO Andra Mallard exits after six months for family relocation

Microsoft AI's Chief Marketing Officer Andra Mallard is set to leave the company after only six months in the role. She cited personal reasons, with plans to move her family to Europe in August. Her exit comes amid a broader strategic shift within Microsoft's AI division. The company is currently merging its various Copilot applications into one unified platform. Mallard's departure is part of wider organizational changes taking place across the Microsoft AI unit.

Jagan Reddy Urges YSRCP to Prepare for Local Body Elections

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has called on his party, the YSRCP, to gear up for the upcoming local body elections. He directed party members to focus entirely on winning the polls. Jagan also alleged that public dissatisfaction with the current coalition government is on the rise. He framed the local body elections as a key opportunity for the party to regain political ground.

China Evergrande Founder Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fraud

Hui Ka Yan, the founder of China Evergrande Group, has been sentenced to life imprisonment on fraud charges. The company itself has been handed a fine of approximately $2 billion. Evergrande was once the most prominent name in China's real estate sector before its dramatic collapse. The firm defaulted on its debt obligations in 2021 after failing to repay its creditors. The case marks one of the most significant legal outcomes stemming from China's broader real estate crisis.

MM Keeravaani confirms six songs for Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli film Varanasi

Music composer MM Keeravaani has confirmed that he is composing six songs for the upcoming film Varanasi. The composer also revealed that work on the background score is scheduled to begin in September. The film stars Mahesh Babu and is being directed by SS Rajamouli. Varanasi is described as an ambitious period film expected to deliver a large-scale cinematic experience.

Mumbai Auto and Taxi Drivers Face Action for Failing Marathi Language Test

Authorities in Mumbai have begun enforcing a rule requiring auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate practical knowledge of the Marathi language. The policy took effect today, marking the start of formal action against non-compliant drivers. Drivers who fail the Marathi test will not face immediate harsh penalties; instead, they will be given a one-month grace period to learn the language. Those who remain non-compliant after the grace period are expected to face further disciplinary measures.

IIT Delhi alumnus Paulraj built India's sonar in 1971, later pioneered 4G/5G MIMO tech

Indian engineer Arogyaswami Paulraj developed the APSOH sonar system for the Indian Navy in 1971, boosting India's underwater detection capabilities. He later conducted research at Stanford University, where he pioneered MIMO technology. MIMO became a foundational element of modern wireless communication standards, including 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi. Paulraj's career spans decades of impactful work across defense and civilian technology sectors. His journey underscores how fundamental research can lead to discoveries that transform everyday life on a global scale.

Telangana School Principal Found Dead with 27 Stab Wounds at Home

Kallu Roopa Reddy, a school principal in Telangana, was discovered dead at her residence on August 12 with 27 stab wounds. Investigators launched a probe into the brutal killing to identify the perpetrator. A student was eventually identified as the suspect in connection with the murder. The suspect's unusually lavish spending habits following the incident raised suspicions and helped authorities close in on him.

US National Debt Crosses $40 Trillion as Trump Criticizes Federal Reserve

The United States national debt has surpassed the $40 trillion mark, prompting sharp remarks from President Donald Trump. Trump publicly attacked Federal Reserve officials, accusing them of being driven by political motivations rather than sound economic policy. He argued that the country should be paying significantly less in interest or debt obligations. Notably, Trump exempted Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh from his criticism, singling him out separately from the broader rebuke.

1695 Connecticut home restored for $1m now listed at $1.45m

India news Live Updates, 20 August 2026: Express investigation — Noida protesters jailed 53 days on average before courts granted relief in 84% of bail pleas

‘Maut ka samaan’: Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA’s remark on goddess Sita sparks on-stage objection from party colleague

Pulitzer-winning poet W.S. Merwin turned barren Maui land into 19-acre palm forest

Renowned American poet W.S. Merwin began transforming a barren plot of land in Maui, Hawaii, into a thriving 19-acre palm forest during the 1970s. Seeking solitude, Merwin dedicated years of effort to cultivating the land into a rich ecological sanctuary featuring diverse palm species. The project stands as a remarkable example of individual conservation commitment, turning degraded terrain into a biodiverse haven. Today, the Merwin Conservancy continues to protect and preserve this environmental legacy on behalf of the public.

Jailed conman Sukesh threatens Kejriwal, claims evidence of three more AAP scams

Jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar has written a fresh letter to Arvind Kejriwal and Satyender Jain, claiming to possess evidence of corruption across three additional government departments. He warned the Aam Aadmi Party against attempting to influence voters in Punjab. Chandrashekhar also alleged that the party uses proxies to incite the country's youth and said he would expose them. He vowed to keep targeting AAP's leadership until they are held accountable.

'Impose sanctions against RSS': US religious freedom body opposes Bhagwat's visit

Gold Mine Collapse in Central African Republic Kills at Least 100

A gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic has killed at least 100 people, with the death toll expected to rise further. Several individuals remain missing following the disaster, while others are still trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to reach those unaccounted for. The incident highlights the dangers faced by miners in the region's informal gold mining sector.

India players recreate Ganguly's iconic shirt-wave after Lord's T20 win over England

India defeated England by 118 runs in a T20 match at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 19. Following the victory, Indian players removed their shirts and waved them in the air in celebration. The gesture was a tribute to former captain Sourav Ganguly's iconic celebration at the same venue. Ganguly had originally performed the shirt-waving act after India's NatWest Trophy final win over England at Lord's in 2002. The moment resonated widely as a nod to one of Indian cricket's most memorable celebrations.

Kangana Ranaut hits back at Ramdev after his remarks on her youth and past

Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut publicly rebuked yoga guru Baba Ramdev after he made comments questioning her past actions and youth during a media interaction. Ranaut told Ramdev to refrain from speculating about her personal life. The dispute followed Ranaut's controversial remarks about young protesters, which drew Ramdev's criticism. In her response, Ranaut also referenced a Supreme Court case involving Patanjali's misleading advertisements, appearing to question Ramdev's own credibility. The exchange marks a notable public falling-out between two prominent figures broadly aligned with the ruling establishment.

Microsoft Engineer Turned 80+ Rejections into 2 Job Offers Despite Lower CGPA

Software engineer Aditya Jamwal has shared his unconventional career journey that challenges the assumption that academic scores determine professional success. Jamwal, who holds a 6.8 CGPA, secured a Microsoft role with a 32 LPA package, while a 9.2 CGPA peer earned only 6 LPA. He applied to over 80 Microsoft positions, received just four responses, and successfully converted two interviews into job offers. His approach centered on building skills in data structures and algorithms, system design, hands-on projects, and AI. Jamwal's story serves as a practical reminder for engineering students that persistence and skill development can outweigh academic performance in the job market.

6.8 CGPA Graduate Lands Rs 32 Lakh Microsoft Role, Sparking Marks vs Skills Debate

A social media post highlighting the career paths of two engineering graduates has reignited debate about whether academic scores truly determine professional success. Aditya Jamwal, who graduated with a modest 6.8 CGPA, secured a software engineering position at Microsoft with a reported package of Rs 32 lakh. His journey drew widespread attention online as it contrasted sharply with the conventional emphasis on high grades in engineering education. Jamwal's success is being attributed to his practical skills, project work, and problem-solving ability rather than academic performance. The case has prompted broader discussion about what qualities the tech industry values most in hiring candidates.

Trump Showcases White House Renovations Including Granite Driveway and New Helipad

President Trump recently held a briefing to highlight ongoing renovation work at the White House. Key updates included the completion of a white granite driveway and technical details about the slope of a newly constructed helipad. Trump also pointed to improvements made to the building's exterior and surrounding landscaping. He further addressed the construction of a new ballroom, framing it as relevant to national security. The briefing appeared aimed at reassuring the public about the progress of upgrades to the historic residence.