Two, including hostel director, arrested under POCSO Act

Google is paying top AI employees, particularly from DeepMind, to stay idle through noncompete and "garden leave" agreements, aiming to prevent them from joining competitors. While Google defends this move as a strategy to safeguard innovation, critics argue it hampers career growth and is exploitative. The company's approach of keeping AI experts in a "golden cage" has ignited significant controversy amid the intensifying AI competition. Full Article

Punjab Kings' Priyansh Arya's fearless century against Chennai Super Kings, scoring 103 off 42 balls with nine sixes and seven fours, led his team to a crucial 18-run win. Head coach Ricky Ponting praised Arya's character and attitude, highlighting his bounce-back from a previous duck and his crucial role in the team's victory, as Punjab Kings moved up to No. 4 on the table in the IPL. Full Article

The Ajnara Homes Society in Greater Noida is facing a health crisis, with over 200 residents falling sick, possibly due to contaminated water from the groundwater supply. Authorities suspect the overhead tank, last cleaned in September, as the source of the issue, prompting the setup of a medical camp and ongoing water testing. Residents are experiencing stomach pain, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance of water tanks in residential societies. Full Article

India has approved a Rs 64,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets to operate from the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. The agreement includes weapons, simulators, crew training, and logistics support, with delivery expected within 37 to 65 months. Additionally, a Rs 33,500 crore deal for three Scorpene submarines with design modifications is being finalized, with the first submarine expected to roll out in six years. Full Article

Kashmiri politicians are criticizing Omar Abdullah for his interactions with Union ministers, especially after the Waqf Amendment Act. Mehbooba Mufti condemned Abdullah's welcome to Kiren Rijiju, viewing it as undermining Indian Muslims, while Sajad Lone stated Abdullah should have avoided Rijiju as a protest. Abdullah also welcomed Amit Shah, further intensifying tensions among regional parties in the Valley. Full Article

The RBI MPC unanimously decided to cut the key policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% and change the stance from neutral to accommodative, citing risks to India's GDP growth and a benign inflation outlook. Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the impact of global economic uncertainties, such as the recent trade tariffs, on India's growth trajectory, emphasizing the need for a growth-supportive monetary policy. The MPC aims to achieve non-inflationary growth through clear, consistent,...