Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Genesis AI, backed by Khosla and funded by a $105 million seed round, has unveiled GENE 26.5, its first foundational model for robotics. The startup also showed a hands focused demo where robotic limbs complete complex tasks, signaling Genesis is moving beyond software into a full stack approach for real world manipulation.
Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and other dating apps, says it’s slowing hiring for the rest of the year. The reason is straightforward: the firm’s increased use of AI tools is raising costs, and leaders believe the tools “cost a lot of money.” The move signals how quickly AI spending is reshaping corporate budgets.
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Zee Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against the Reliance-Disney joint venture, alleging it continued using Zee’s copyrighted music without permission after existing licensing agreements expired. Zee is seeking $3 million in damages, underscoring intensifying disputes over content and intellectual property rights across India’s fast-evolving media market.
Meesho reported a 47% jump in Q4 revenue, driven by heavy reliance on AI systems. CEO Vidit Aatrey said more than 70% of the company’s code is now written using artificial intelligence, while over three fourths of orders come via its AI recommendation engine. The upbeat growth was tempered by wider operating losses tied to an aggressive expansion push.
Displaced Kashmiri Pandits held a street protest in Srinagar against Jammu and Kashmir’s plan to fold their relief ration system into the National Food Security Act. Organisers argued the overhaul threatens their welfare and recognition, and they demanded specific mention of their community in the census, saying it is “about our existence.”
Ted Turner’s death ends a media empire built on ambition, risk, and reinvention. Years after he disclosed a Lewy body dementia diagnosis in 2018, Turner continued to influence the worlds of CNN, philanthropy, and business. His passing spotlights not only his wealth, but the bold choices that reshaped how global news is made and consumed.
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Ethos, the expert network, has raised $22.75 million from a16z as it pushes faster onboarding using voice. The company says its system is onboarding 35,000 experts per week, aiming to expand the pool of specialists available for customers. The funding underscores investor interest in scaling human expertise through automation.
An employee says his workplace celebrated unity and shared struggle, framing colleagues as “family” during meetings. But in a performance review, he was lauded for exceeding targets and taking on extra duties, yet his request for a small raise was rejected citing “financial limitations,” pushing him to say he feels like he’s “divorcing” from the employer.
One 97 Communications, the company behind Paytm, reported a net profit of Rs 184 crore in the fourth quarter, reversing last year’s loss of Rs 540 crore. The results mark a sharp swing in profitability, signalling an operational turnaround as investors watch whether the gains can be sustained beyond the quarter.
A fossil of an extinct giant echidna was quietly stored in a museum drawer for more than a century before researchers re-examined it and extracted new evolutionary clues. The study points to greater diversity among ancient monotremes and expands the known range of these animals across Australia, highlighting how priceless museum collections can still transform science.
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Freshworks reported strong Q1 results, but the company also signaled new job cuts as it accelerates investment in AI. The ETtech Top 5 also highlights earnings updates from PB Fintech and Meesho, adding more momentum and volatility to India’s tech and commerce landscape. Investors will be watching how AI spending reshapes teams and growth plans.
A new theory suggests Easter Island’s giant Moai statues were transported upright using a rocking motion, essentially “walking” across the island. Researchers base the idea on detailed statue analysis, experimental models, and Rapa Nui oral history, arguing the method relied on balance and coordination rather than brute-force hauling. If correct, it reshapes how we think the islanders achieved large-scale construction.
Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro laid out a growth strategy after the company posted results that beat estimates. He pledged continued focus on creative excellence, pushed for strengthening the streaming business, and pointed to live sports as a major opportunity. The plan also includes sustained investment in theme parks and cruise lines to drive longer-term expansion.
In 1967, graduate student Jocelyn Bell Burnell rechecked radio telescope recordings and noticed a bizarre, perfectly repeating pulse that returned every 1.3 seconds. Teammates initially brushed it off as “scruff,” but its consistency didn’t match anything known. The signal became the first evidence of neutron stars, unveiling pulsars and rewriting astronomy’s map of the sky.
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Aurora has secured a deal with McLane to operate driverless truck routes in Texas, marking another step for autonomous freight. The company says it will broaden the service to new routes linking McLane distribution centers across the U.S. Sun Belt by the end of 2026, aiming to scale autonomous logistics beyond pilots and limited corridors.
Researchers say the colossal arthropod Arthropleura—dating to the Carboniferous and early Permian—can now be definitively tied to millipedes thanks to newly discovered head anatomy. The giant likely grew to car-length scales, reshaping how scientists picture ancient land ecosystems and the early evolution of terrestrial life.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will cost pilgrims Rs 2.09 lakh this year, up 20 percent from earlier rates. Officials attribute the increase to currency fluctuations and revised travel expenses. The pilgrimage through Lipulekh Pass begins July 4, with ten batches of 50 pilgrims each set to take part in the journey.
India recorded a 6 percent decline in crimes in 2024, with over 58 lakh cases reported compared to about 62 lakh in 2023. The crime rate per lakh population also fell. NCRB data shows a sharp drop in offences categorised as “Hurt”, a marginal reduction in murder cases, and dips in crimes against women as well as Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
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A volunteer in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park has discovered a hadrosaur fossil unusually preserved, with major portions of fossilized skin still attached. Unlike most finds that reveal mostly bones, this specimen may offer rare clues about dinosaur texture, coverings, and soft tissue preservation. Researchers expect it could improve understanding of juvenile development and body shape.
Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium will not host the IPL 2026 final or playoff matches after the BCCI reassigned the games to Ahmedabad. The Karnataka State Cricket Association said it is disappointed, noting the venue had been readied following renovations. While IPL matches have been moved, international fixtures are still expected to take place in Bengaluru later this year.
DRDO has inaugurated a new Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear field training centre in Delhi, designed to strengthen India’s readiness for emergencies involving hazardous CBRN materials. The facility uses advanced technology to train personnel from multiple government agencies, aiming to improve coordination and crisis response capabilities and bolster national security.
India’s power distribution sector is set for a Rs 11.2 trillion overhaul by 2035, with smart metering moving from hardware upgrades to measurable outcomes. The Central Electricity Authority says digital infrastructure, automation, and AI/ML will power intelligence-driven operations, boosting reliability, improving billing efficiency, and reducing losses, as India targets over 10 crore smart meters by FY27.
Delhi is grappling with a fast-rising dengue outbreak as April’s erratic rains leave behind stagnant water that fuels mosquito breeding. Reports say more than half of the year’s dengue cases have already been recorded since April began, prompting civic agencies to step up anti-larval and control measures. Authorities are also monitoring malaria and chikungunya alongside dengue.
Home First Finance posted a 43% jump in Q4 profit to Rs 150 crore, powered by strong expansion and 25% AUM growth. Operating profit and income rose as well, while asset quality stayed stable. The company also increased its dividend payout significantly, signaling improving earnings momentum.
Meesho’s board has approved an investment of up to Rs 100 crore into its payments subsidiary, Meesho Payments Private Limited (MPPL). The capital will flow via share subscriptions, including a rights issue, to strengthen MPPL’s operations and growth. Meesho says the move will also improve MPPL’s ability to meet regulatory requirements and expand its payment services.
BRICS member states agreed to work toward improving youth employability to bring down NEET rates, with the consensus shaped at the 2nd BRICS Employment Working Group meeting in Kerala under India’s presidency. Delegations from multiple countries, alongside partners including the ILO, UN agencies and social security bodies, discussed coordinated steps aimed at helping young people transition into jobs.
A government survey on unincorporated sector enterprises shows unregistered businesses expanded by about 8% in 2025, adding 74.52 lakh jobs. The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) tracks enterprises in manufacturing, trade, and services (excluding construction) and collects data on operations and economic characteristics to support policymaking.
Uttarakhand is preparing a comprehensive masterplan to transform Badrinath Dham into a spiritual smart hill town. The plan targets a smoother, better organized pilgrim experience by adding modern amenities while protecting local culture and the surrounding environment. Reconstruction work is already underway to enhance the site’s grand character and overall infrastructure.
The Supreme Court has revived Alpha Corp’s plan to take over three stalled projects of Earth Infrastructures, bringing relief to more than 3,000 homebuyers. Alpha Corp will invest Rs 750 crore to complete the projects and, crucially, buyers will not be asked to pay any extra cost, according to the decision.
A woman in Goa, identified as Sushmitha Gowrav, shared an Instagram account of a parasailing ordeal after a video went viral. She says the ride turned terrifying when the rope tightened around her neck, leaving her in panic midair. The footage has sparked concern online and raised questions about safety practices for adventure operators in the region.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the National Conference of dragging Quran into a partisan Rajya Sabha cross-voting dispute to hide governance failures. PDP leaders rejected NC’s claim that legislators should swear on the Quran to prove they did not back BJP in last year’s elections, calling the allegations a diversion. The standoff intensifies political rhetoric ahead of further parliamentary scrutiny.
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly seeking a valuation of up to $50 billion in its first funding drive while aiming to raise $3 to $4 billion. The plan signals how aggressively it wants to scale as competition from other AI players intensifies. Sources say China’s national AI fund and Tencent are in talks to invest.
The Supreme Court has set aside a High Court order granting default bail to two accused in the 2024 Haldwani arson and rioting case. Finding the bail decision incorrect, the SC directed the accused to surrender to the trial court within two weeks. The court also noted that the investigation was completed quickly despite the crime’s scale.
Georgia is rolling out 2026 rebate checks of up to $500 to eligible taxpayers following a state budget surplus. Payments began in May 2026 and run through the month. To qualify, residents generally need to have filed recent tax returns. Supporters say it returns extra money to people, while critics warn the amount may not keep pace with rising costs.
Mumbai police tightened security at the Taj Mahal Palace and Trident Hotel after threatening calls warned of an imminent terrorist attack. Police detained a suspect from Sion and are interrogating him to uncover the motive and check for any links to organized groups. Authorities say the calls targeted both high-profile locations simultaneously, triggering rapid, coordinated action.
McKinsey & Company has renewed its Mumbai office lease in Bandra Kurla Complex, locking in prime space with a high rental rate. The agreement begins October 1, 2026 and runs for ten years, highlighting continued demand from global firms for premium commercial locations. The renewal is reported among the costliest office leases in India.
An American tenant in Bengaluru says her landlord demanded a 33 percent rent hike and warned of eviction, fueling debate over the city’s housing costs. She compares it with the regulated, smaller increases she’s seen in the US. The dispute also highlights concerns over security deposits allegedly exceeding legal limits, with such tactics becoming increasingly normalized.
A fire broke out at Mumbai’s underground T2 Airport Metro Station in Andheri East on Wednesday evening. Smoke was detected, prompting emergency teams to reach the site quickly. Authorities said all passengers were evacuated from the station and that nobody was hurt. The incident briefly disrupted operations as responders worked to control the blaze.
The government has extended its order withholding Television Rating Points for TV news channels by four more weeks. Officials say the move is meant to curb sensational, speculative programming and prevent panic among the public amid the West Asia conflict. The decision reflects a renewed push to limit fear-driven coverage while TRP reporting remains suspended.
AIADMK has dismissed reports of a post-poll alliance, saying it will not support TVK-led efforts to form a government in Tamil Nadu under any circumstances. The move comes despite TVK’s strong first outing, winning 108 seats, just short of the majority by 10. The party’s leadership issued the clarification, shutting down speculation.
Retail investors sold equities worth Rs 13,000 crore, but Zerodha clients kept buying aggressively, pointing to a growing divergence within retail participation. The broader picture shows direct retail ownership declining even as mutual fund holdings hit record highs, suggesting investors are increasingly shifting toward professionally managed funds amid rising domestic institutional influence in India’s equity markets.
Women’s economic footprint in India is expanding, with more female entrepreneurs taking the lead in businesses, particularly in manufacturing. These ventures are not only growing companies but also creating jobs for women. Overall, women’s workforce participation in non-agricultural work has increased, especially through own-account enterprises.
Microsoft is reportedly weighing changes to its 2030 renewable energy goal as AI-driven data center expansion boosts electricity demand. Bloomberg says the company may delay or abandon parts of its climate commitments because securing the power needed for new infrastructure is proving difficult. Discussions are ongoing, highlighting how the AI boom is reshaping corporate energy plans.
Telangana has sought Union government approval for the ₹38,595 crore Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase II, with a 122.9 km expansion proposed through a joint venture. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to expedite clearances, citing Hyderabad’s rapid growth and the need for stronger urban transport infrastructure.
Shree Cement’s Q4 profit fell 8% even as revenue and volumes rose, pointing to margin pressure from higher costs. Elevated fuel expenses and geopolitical risks weighed on results, while monsoon uncertainty and tensions in West Asia cloud near-term demand for the sector. Investors are now watching whether cost relief or demand improvement can offset the pressure.
Fresh doorbell footage in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance shows a masked prowler roaming the neighborhood and stealing plants from a porch. Police say the individual’s clothing closely matches that of Guthrie’s suspected kidnapper, intensifying fears among residents. Investigators are now weighing whether the prowler and the suspected abductor are connected as they search for the 84-year-old.
Congress MLAs in Kerala will gather in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday as senior party leaders collect feedback to decide the next chief minister, with the aim of concluding by Sunday. The process is complicated by coalition dynamics, as the Indian Union Muslim League weighs portfolio demands and may press for the Deputy Chief Minister role.
US private-sector job growth accelerated in April and beat expectations, according to payroll firm ADP. The gain was driven by sustained strength in health care and a rebound across other areas, including trade, transportation, and utilities. ADP said these factors collectively fueled the month’s faster hiring pace, signaling improving labor momentum.
PFRDA has introduced NPS Sanchay, a simplified NPS option designed for India’s informal sector employees, who make up nearly 90% of the workforce without formal pension coverage. The scheme reduces complexity in investing and asset allocation, and is open to Indian citizens aged 18 to 85, with rules largely aligned to existing NPS structures.
Bajaj Auto has approved a Rs 5,633 crore share buyback through the tender route at Rs 12,000 per share, alongside a Rs 150 dividend. The announcement comes with strong Q4 numbers, where profit rose 34% and revenue grew 32%, supported by higher volumes, stronger exports, and improved margins.
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