India

Palantir beats revenue forecasts as CEO criticizes rivals over US military support

Palantir reported strong revenue growth in its latest financial results, surpassing analyst expectations. The company secured several high-value contracts, with both US commercial and government sectors contributing significantly to its performance. Executives noted that customers are increasingly prioritizing AI sovereignty over competing models. CEO Alex Karp publicly criticized Silicon Valley peers for what he described as insufficient support for the US military. Karp also stressed the risks associated with AI development and called for stronger regulatory oversight of the technology.

VC David Friedberg Backs NYC Subsidized Grocery Stores Despite Long-Term Cost Fears

Venture capitalist David Friedberg has pushed back against predictions of failure for New York City's government-backed subsidized grocery stores. He believes the stores will initially succeed by attracting large customer numbers through significant discounts. However, Friedberg also cautioned that the initiative could create long-term economic strain and increase the burden on taxpayers. Industry leaders have questioned whether the model can remain viable against private grocery competitors. Critics further warn that the plan could distort the market and put pressure on smaller food businesses.

Iranians Sell Hair and Used Goods as Economic Pressure Mounts

Iranians are increasingly turning to online classified platforms to make ends meet amid severe economic hardship. Listings for second-hand items such as used clothing, work shoes, perfume bottles, and even natural hair have surged on these platforms. Some families are also renting out personal assets like laptops to generate income. The trend reflects the deepening financial strain on ordinary households as tensions between Iran and the United States continue. Economists and observers see the rise in such listings as a sign of a population struggling to cope with a survival-level economy.

Jeff Bezos credits risky childhood play for building resourcefulness in kids

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos supports allowing children to engage in risky play, arguing it develops critical problem-solving skills. He has revealed that his own upbringing on a ranch, where he handled tools from a young age, shaped his resourceful mindset. Bezos permitted his children to use knives as early as age four as part of this philosophy. Child development experts back this approach, noting it can foster greater confidence and resilience. In contrast, overparenting has been linked to negative effects on children's long-term mental well-being.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan Crosses Rs 300 Cr Worldwide, Nears Rs 180 Cr India Net

Tamil action film Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, has completed two weeks in theatres with strong box office performance. The film has crossed Rs 300 crore in worldwide gross collections and is approaching Rs 180 crore in India net earnings. On its thirteenth day, the film collected an estimated Rs 0.34 crore net in India, reflecting a natural slowdown in weekday footfalls. Despite the dip, steady audience turnout has helped the film maintain its overall momentum. Jana Nayagan now ranks among the highest-grossing Tamil releases of the year.

Engineering grads lack basic skills, a criminal waste: Congress, BRS trade barbs over Telangana CM’s remarks

12 injured as Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hits turbulence

Mumbai Police Payroll Fraud: Rs 6.41 Crore Linked to 10 Ghost Employees

A financial fraud worth Rs 6.41 crore has been uncovered within the Mumbai Police Department's payroll system. The irregularity came to light during the migration of employee data to a new system. Investigators found that salaries were being drawn against approximately 10 ghost employees who did not actually exist. The discovery has raised serious concerns about oversight and accountability within the department's payroll management.

ITR Filed? Here Is When You Can Expect Your Income Tax Refund

The income tax return filing deadline has now passed for most salaried individuals in India. Taxpayers who completed their filing and completed e-verification of their returns are now in the refund awaiting phase. The e-verification step is a mandatory requirement before the refund process can be initiated by the tax department. With filings wrapped up, the focus has now shifted to when refunds will be credited to taxpayers' bank accounts.

Two Firefighters Dead, Three Hurt Battling Major Factory Fire in Greater Noida

A massive fire broke out at the ILGIM company located in the Ecotech-3 industrial area of Greater Noida. Two firefighters lost their lives and three others sustained injuries while battling the blaze. Authorities dispatched six fire brigade vehicles to the site upon receiving information about the incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed.

Drought and Heat Drive Europe's Major Rivers to Record Low Levels

Ongoing heatwaves and drought conditions across Europe have caused water levels in major rivers to drop to record lows. The crisis is affecting electricity generation, with nuclear and hydropower plants forced to reduce their output. Shipping activity on key waterways such as the Rhine and Danube has significantly slowed, hampering cargo transport. Businesses across the continent are reporting lower earnings as a direct consequence of the disruptions. The situation underscores the growing economic toll of prolonged extreme weather events in the region.

India's DPDP Act: Startups Scramble to Meet 2027 Data Protection Deadline

India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act mandates strict compliance requirements for startups, including robust consent management and data governance frameworks. A majority of companies are currently underprepared to meet the law's technical and operational demands. Key challenges include implementing data deletion mechanisms and reporting breaches within prescribed timelines. Experts argue that adopting proactive data governance can serve as a competitive business advantage rather than just a regulatory burden. Startups have until May 2027 to fully integrate privacy practices into their operations.

Flyers injured as Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight encounters turbulence

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative shuts $125M tuition-free school to pivot toward AI

The Primary School, a tuition-free institution serving low-income families, has permanently closed, affecting approximately 540 students who relied on it. The school was backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic organization co-founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg. CZI has decided to redirect its funding and resources toward biotechnology and artificial intelligence. As part of the transition, the organization has committed substantial financial support to help impacted students and local community organizations.

Kejriwal's March to PM Modi's Residence Halted Over E20 Petrol Concerns

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal attempted to march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to personally deliver petitions regarding E20 petrol. The march was stopped by authorities before it could reach its destination. Kejriwal had previously written a letter to PM Modi last month requesting an appointment to discuss concerns about E20 petrol, but received no response. He stated that the decision to march was taken due to the lack of reply from the Prime Minister's office. Kejriwal asserted that he and his supporters were not terrorists, pushing back against the manner in which the march was halted.

MNS sends toy Innovas to BMC chief to protest SUV fleet replacement plan

A BMC proposal to replace its existing Scorpio SUVs with Toyota Innova vehicles has sparked a political controversy in Mumbai. In a symbolic act of protest, MNS leaders delivered toy Innova models to the BMC Commissioner to register their opposition. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the timing and use of public funds for the fleet upgrade. The ruling BJP, however, has defended the decision, calling it a collective one. Some voices continue to push for retaining the Scorpios to maintain uniformity across the civic body's vehicle fleet.

AAP protest: Kejriwal, Sisodia stage sit-in after march to PM Modi's residence stopped

Netanyahu Rejects Trump Gaza Plan, Demands Full Hamas Disarmament First

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged a rift with U.S. President Donald Trump over the proposed Gaza reconstruction plan. Netanyahu distanced Israel from the draft, making clear it does not reflect the Israeli government's position. He stated that any reconstruction efforts in Gaza cannot begin until Hamas is completely disarmed. The Board of Peace also declared that Israeli forces will hold their current positions and will not withdraw beyond the Yellow Line until all weapons in Gaza are dismantled.

OpenAI Disputes Apple's Trade Secrets Lawsuit, Releases Redacted iMessages as Evidence

OpenAI has publicly pushed back against Apple's trade secrets lawsuit, publishing a letter titled 'Apple is getting this wrong.' The response came hours after Apple filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI and two former Apple employees, Tang Tan and Chang Liu. OpenAI released redacted iMessages that it claims show Apple staff themselves requesting files from Liu, characterizing the access as residual rather than unauthorized. The company also accused Apple's legal team of making an error in a February email. OpenAI maintains that Apple's framing of the situation is fundamentally incorrect.

Veteran Congress Leader and Former Bihar Governor DY Patil Passes Away

DY Patil, a senior Congress leader and distinguished public figure, passed away in Maharashtra. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri, one of India's prominent civilian honours. Patil had a distinguished gubernatorial career, having served as Governor of both Tripura and Bihar. He also held additional charge of West Bengal during his tenure as a constitutional head.