India

Microsoft shifts GitHub Copilot and Office apps to its own AI models, cutting OpenAI reliance

Microsoft is redirecting AI workloads in GitHub Copilot, Excel, and Outlook from OpenAI and Anthropic models to its own in-house MAI model family. CEO Satya Nadella explained the strategy on X, stating that frontier models should only be used for frontier-level problems, while routine tasks should run on cheaper proprietary models. Microsoft claims its Excel-specific model performs on par with GPT-4.5 at ten times the efficiency. Copilot Chat and PowerPoint are among the next products slated for the transition. The move signals a broader push by Microsoft to reduce costs and dependency on third-party AI providers.

Congress Spokesperson Pawan Khera Questioned by Assam Police in Defamation Case

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera appeared before the Assam Police Crime Branch for questioning in connection with a defamation case. Khera stated he would fully cooperate with the investigation. The questioning took place at the Crime Branch office in Assam. The defamation case was filed against Khera over statements he had allegedly made. This marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against the senior Congress leader.

US National, Khalistani Extremist Among 5 Arrested for Illegal Entry from Nepal

Five individuals were arrested in a joint operation by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Uttar Pradesh Police for illegally entering India from Nepal. Among those detained were a US national and a Khalistani extremist, raising serious security concerns. Three Indian nationals were also apprehended, identified as Suresh Kumar Pathak and Dilip Upadhyay, both residents of Rupaidiha town, along with a vehicle driver named Rahul Kumar. The arrests were made at the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the charges or the identities of the foreign nationals involved.

Adani Group Calls Reports of Airline Launch Baseless and Factually Wrong

Adani Enterprises has firmly denied media reports suggesting the conglomerate plans to launch an airline. The company described the circulating reports as factually incorrect and without any basis. The denial came in response to news coverage that had speculated about Adani's potential entry into the aviation sector. No further details were provided by the group regarding the source or timing of the reports.

Mumbai Consumer Court Orders Flipkart to Refund Rs 1.11 Lakh for Wrong Delivery

A Mumbai consumer court has directed Flipkart and its seller to refund Rs 1.11 lakh to a customer who ordered an iPhone but received beard oil instead. The case highlights a significant delivery discrepancy on the e-commerce platform. The court held both Flipkart and the third-party seller accountable for the erroneous shipment. The total compensation awarded to the affected customer amounts to over Rs 1.8 lakh, inclusive of additional charges.

Alphabet Posts Record Quarterly Profit on 24% Revenue Surge Driven by AI

Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported a historic quarterly profit, marking a significant financial milestone for the tech giant. The company's second-quarter revenue grew by 24%, reflecting strong performance across its business units. Google Cloud was a standout performer, recording an impressive 82% growth during the period. CEO Sundar Pichai credited the company's full-stack approach to artificial intelligence as a key driver behind these results. The figures underscore the measurable returns Alphabet is seeing from its sustained investments in AI infrastructure and services.

NEET Aspirant Gang-Raped in UP's Chitrakoot; One Detained, Two Absconding

A 20-year-old NEET aspirant was allegedly gang-raped by three men in the Devangana Valley forest area of Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The attackers, who posed as forest officials, restrained her minor boyfriend by tying him up before committing the assault. After freeing himself, the boyfriend walked until he found mobile network coverage and contacted the police. Authorities have detained one of the three accused, while a search is underway for the remaining two suspects.

Mumbai Woman Stands Alone Before Police Van for 40 Minutes to Free Detained Protesters

A young Mumbai woman named Rhiya Ahir stood in front of a police van carrying detained protesters for approximately 40 minutes, blocking its movement. She demanded the release of those detained during demonstrations linked to CJP protests. Ahir publicly questioned the authorities' approach to handling the protests and police conduct. She expressed that the system has let down ordinary citizens in multiple ways. Her act of defiance has come to symbolize the growing resolve among younger generations to speak out against perceived injustice.

INDIA Bloc to Protest Again in Parliament Over NEET Leak; CJP Demands Pradhan's Resignation

The INDIA Bloc MPs are set to continue their protest inside Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session 2026 over the NEET paper leak controversy. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced on Friday that its demonstration at Jantar Mantar will persist until Education Minister Pradhan resigns. The CJP's protest is linked to demands for accountability over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, which had drawn public attention alongside the parliamentary uproar. The developments reflect mounting pressure on the government from multiple fronts over the NEET leak issue.

What Happens to Your Security Deposit If You Exit a Rental Early

Tenancy lock-in periods are designed to offer financial and residential stability to both landlords and tenants. However, circumstances sometimes force tenants to vacate a property before their lease term officially ends. In such situations, landlords may be entitled to claim compensation for the financial losses caused by early departure. Tenants are advised to carefully read their rental agreements and, where possible, negotiate early termination terms with their landlord. A clear understanding of the legal clauses in the contract is key to determining whether a security deposit will be refunded.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Meeting with Union Ministers

Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day-long hunger strike by sipping soup, remarking that 'hunger tastes better.' Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, were present at the occasion. Wangchuk's family members and doctors were also seen by his side during the moment. The fast was undertaken to press demands related to Ladakh's political and constitutional status. A video lasting nearly seven minutes captured the scene of Wangchuk ending his prolonged protest.

Watch: Suspect yelling 'Allahu Akbar' stabs two in New York, arrested

Delhi Sees Below-Normal Daytime Temperatures, Light Rain Expected Next Week

Delhi recorded a below-normal daytime temperature of 34.5°C, according to the latest weather update. The national capital is experiencing cloudy skies along with light drizzle conditions. Forecasters expect light rain to arrive in the Delhi-NCR region in the coming week. The weather pattern suggests continued overcast conditions in the near term.

Need a regulatory framework for virtual digital assets, says House finance panel

After aide reshuffle, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav gets new private secretary

Sonia Gandhi slams Modi govt for crackdown on NEET protest students

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized the Modi government over its handling of student protests related to the alleged NEET paper leak. She said students were demanding accountability and education reform, describing their cause as straightforward and legitimate. Gandhi accused the government of responding to protesters with what she called cowardice and cruelty, rather than addressing their concerns. She alleged that the administration treated the demonstrating students as enemies of the nation rather than as the country's future. Her remarks come amid widespread controversy over the NEET examination paper leak and calls for reform in India's education system.

Carney Says Canada Will Not Pre-emptively Respond to Trump's 50% Tariff Threat

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods. The proposed tariffs would cover products including honey, dairy, liquor, cement, certain wood products, and hockey sticks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by stating that Canada does not need to react in advance to the threat. Carney's measured stance signals Ottawa's intent to assess the situation before taking any retaliatory action.

US Agencies Warn of Iranian Hackers Targeting Water and Energy Infrastructure

The FBI, NSA, and CISA have jointly issued an alert warning about Iranian state-linked hackers actively targeting critical US infrastructure. The attackers are compromising industrial control systems at water and energy facilities across the country. Programmable logic controllers are among the specific targets, with breaches causing operational disruptions and financial damage. Federal authorities are urging operators to audit their systems and disconnect them from the public internet. Enforcing strict multi-factor authentication has also been recommended as an immediate security measure.

Indian Migrant Worker Found Dead in Jerusalem; Israeli Man Arrested

An Indian migrant worker was found dead at a flat in Jerusalem, Israel. Israeli authorities have launched a murder investigation into the incident. A 31-year-old Israeli man from the southern city of Eilat has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killing. Investigators have indicated that the case has a criminal background.

CJP continues nationwide strike after Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike