India

OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind unite on AI safety protocols

Major AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, have joined forces to strengthen safety measures amid rising concerns over economic and national security. Anthropic's CEO has advocated for a more cautious and deliberate pace in advancing AI models. OpenAI is also working alongside lawmakers to help develop governance frameworks for the industry. The collaboration aims to facilitate the sharing of insights and best practices among leading AI firms. These efforts reflect a broader industry push toward more responsible and coordinated AI development.

Nepal’s Finance Minister likely to visit New Delhi this week

Trump slams justices he nominated after mail-voting setback: ‘Not who I interviewed’

Gurgaon Gym Owner Arrested for Ramming Car Into Woman Biker, Faces Murder Attempt Charge

A gym owner identified as Kalyan Bainsla was arrested for deliberately driving his car into a woman motorcyclist in Gurgaon. Police tracked him down in Rajasthan following a two-day manhunt after the hit-and-run incident. The accused allegedly made indecent remarks toward the victim before carrying out the attack. Authorities have registered charges of attempt to murder and stalking against him. The victim stated she was targeted because of her gender and narrowly escaped death.

Himanta Sarma: BJP Win in Nagaon Could Signal Sweep of All 126 Seats in 2031

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that a BJP victory in the Nagaon constituency would be a strong indicator of the party's potential to win all 126 assembly seats in the 2031 state elections. Sarma made the remarks while highlighting the significance of the Nagaon seat as a political bellwether for the BJP in Assam. The statement underscores the party's ambitions to consolidate its dominance across the entire state legislature. Nagaon is being treated by BJP leadership as a key test of the party's electoral strength and public support ahead of future polls.

Two Tribal Women Killed in Manipur Farm Shooting Amid Fresh Violence

Two tribal women were shot dead while working on a farm in Manipur, adding to the ongoing cycle of ethnic violence in the conflict-hit state. The incident occurred in a rural farming area, targeting civilians engaged in agricultural work. Beyond the killings, several farmhouses in and around the area were reportedly set on fire. The arson has raised serious concerns about the destruction of civilian property and the livelihoods of farming communities. The violence underscores the continued threat to ordinary residents in Manipur amid the prolonged unrest.

Family wants 1,500-acre Penn’s Cave property to become state park, not development

Korean firm rewards staff with Gucci bags for two months of regular exercise

A South Korean company has introduced a wellness initiative that gifts employees luxury fashion items for maintaining consistent exercise habits over two months. The program is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles among its workforce. The story came to light after an Indian woman shared details of the perk, sparking wider discussion online. The initiative has prompted conversations in India about workplace culture and the role of health-focused employee benefits. It reflects a growing global trend of companies investing in employee well-being beyond traditional perks.

38 kg Marijuana Found in School Bags in Bihar, Five Detained Including Minors

Bihar police seized 38 kilograms of marijuana that had been concealed inside school bags during a search operation. A total of five individuals were detained in connection with the smuggling attempt. Among those held, three were minors, raising serious concerns about the involvement of children in drug trafficking. The contraband was recovered from all five suspects collectively. Authorities are investigating how the minors came to be involved in transporting the prohibited substance.

China Home Prices Fall Again in August Despite Government Support Measures

China's new home prices declined for another month in August, extending a prolonged slump in the property sector. While major cities showed some signs of stabilization, smaller cities continued to experience price drops. The government has introduced measures aimed at restoring buyer confidence and improving funding for developers. However, property sales and construction activity remain subdued, weighing on the broader economy. Despite recent policy interventions, no sustained market recovery has emerged so far.

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Backs Personal Choice on Diet Amid Durga Puja Debate

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in Durga Puja prayers and partook in traditional bhog amid an ongoing debate over dietary practices within Hinduism. He stated that food choices rooted in personal faith should remain an individual matter. While affirming his own practice of sattvik eating on certain days, he also acknowledged accepting fish and goat meat as temple prasad. His stance reflects a broader, multicultural perspective on religious dietary customs in the state.

'Real' Sena case in SC: Shinde camp backs EC’s ‘organisational majority’ test

MDR Fee on UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000: What Merchants and Users Should Know

The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is a fee charged to merchants when they accept payments via credit or debit cards for goods and services. This fee is now being discussed in the context of UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Importantly, person-to-person UPI transfers will remain free and will not attract any MDR charges. The change, if implemented, would primarily affect merchants accepting larger UPI payments rather than everyday consumers sending money to friends or family.

Stockbridge Removes 22-Year-Old Mayor Jayden Williams After Misconduct Hearing

Jayden Williams, who made history as Stockbridge's youngest mayor at age 22, was removed from office by the city council just ten months into his tenure. A misconduct hearing revealed serious concerns about his handling of city resources and property. Williams faced allegations of financial impropriety but argued in his defense that he had not received adequate training for the role. The council determined the findings warranted his removal from the mayoral position. Stockbridge will now hold a special election to fill the leadership vacancy.

Punjab Congress Leaders Channi and Warring Reunite at Protest March After 3-Month Rift

Senior Punjab Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi and Raja Warring appeared together on stage for the first time in three months, signaling a thaw in their strained relationship. The reunion took place during a protest march to the residence of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The march was held in response to the suicide of Gulzar Singh, a man who had reportedly raised concerns about drug menace in the region. Singh was allegedly facing harassment as a consequence of speaking out on the drug issue. The public handshake between Channi and Warring was seen as a visible display of unity within the Punjab Congress party.

IndiGo Agartala-Delhi Flight Diverted to Lucknow After Cargo Smoke Warning

An IndiGo flight operating from Agartala to Delhi was diverted to Lucknow after a smoke warning was triggered in the cargo area. All 103 passengers and six crew members on board landed safely without any injuries. Airport emergency services were put on standby as a precautionary response to the alert. Post-landing inspections revealed no actual smoke on the aircraft. The incident comes just days after a similar cargo smoke warning prompted an Air India Express flight to divert, with that aircraft also cleared upon inspection.

Indian chess team's hotel mix-up in Samarkand resolved after AICF intervention

India's chess team encountered an accommodation problem upon arriving in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad. The issue stemmed from a miscommunication by the local organizing committee. All India Chess Federation president Nitin Narang intervened by contacting FIDE to address the situation. The matter was successfully resolved, with players now housed in individual rooms and coaches sharing rooms.

Odisha rejects Staines killing convict Dara Singh’s plea for premature release

Ties with China guided by 3 mutuals — respect, interest, sensitivity: India

India opt to field against Afghanistan in 2nd T20I, lead series 1-0

India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field against Afghanistan in the second T20I of the three-match series. The match is being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. India head into the game with confidence after winning the first T20I by seven wickets. The hosts currently hold a 1-0 lead in the series.