Pakistani techie shares journey to Anthropic

Amid growing fears about AI becoming more embedded in daily life and being blamed for mass layoffs in the tech industry, Aiza Usman, an Applied AI Engineer at Anthropic, offers a different perspective.

Top AI researcher Noam Shazeer has left Google to join OpenAI, exciting CEO Sam Altman. This is his second exit from Google in a few years, possibly due to the company's neglect of his chatbot project. Altman and Shazeer have been eager to collaborate for a decade, making this a significant move.

Sri Lanka, plagued by economic troubles, has a resilient tourism industry with affordable and culturally enriching experiences due to its weakened currency. While flight and hotel prices are comparable to Goa, Sri Lanka offers more affordable luxury options and lower food and entertainment costs, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, Goa may be preferred for water sports and beach parties.

After a 10-year wait, the NSE IPO has been filed with key details and highlighted risks, including a potential decrease in trading volumes, regulatory scrutiny, IT infrastructure failures, and market share erosion due to interoperability. The exchange operates in a heavily scrutinised sector, making any regulatory violations costly.

Amazon India's 10th Prime Day event will offer over 500 new product launches and exclusive deals for 72 hours from July 4 to July 6. Prime members can enjoy discounts on credit card transactions and annual membership, along with a personalized AI-powered video experience to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Prime in India.

Indian opposition leaders have slammed PM Narendra Modi's foreign policy, citing the recently released "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" between the US and Iran. The MoU promises to end military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiate a final deal on sanctions and Iran's nuclear program within 60 days.

Hindustan Unilever's stock is in the spotlight as the brokerage Nuvama reiterates its 'Buy' rating and maintains a target price of Rs 3,090, anticipating a 40% upside potential. The company's growth has improved steadily, driven by premium product launches, digital expansion, and D2C brands.

Air India Express will begin daily flights from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi using a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, making them one of the first airlines to offer international services from the airport. This will enhance their current domestic operations and contribute to the growth of Mumbai's aviation industry. The airport will also start international passenger and cargo operations on July 15.

Tata Motors' share price rose as JLR revealed its growth plan at an investor meet. Nuvama and Nomura are confident about JLR's long-term strategy, with Nuvama predicting a 30% increase in Tata Motors. JLR plans to launch 5 new vehicles, expand in North America, and cut costs for better profitability. Nomura remains cautious about the short-term due to lower-than-expected sales.

The Indian government has introduced the PMRC Scheme to bring in Indian-origin individuals from across the globe to improve the country's higher education and research institutions. This initiative aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision and aims to boost India's research capabilities and support national development projects. Applications are open from June 1 to July 15, 2026.

The long-awaited Vedanta demerger is complete, with four new stocks now trading. Experts see potential in Vedanta Aluminium due to global demand and cost efficiencies. The demerger has improved the group's finances by separating businesses and aligning debt. However, concerns about Vedanta Resources' debt may affect investor sentiment. Future metal prices will also play a role.

Air India introduces "Basic" fare category for budget-conscious travelers on select domestic routes. This option in Economy Class excludes complimentary meals but offers 15 kg checked baggage allowance, 7 kg cabin baggage allowance, and free tea or coffee. Meals can be pre-booked for a fee, with customer response being monitored by the airline.

Hyundai Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to discuss a potential Rs 38,000 crore shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi. The project could create 15,000 jobs and bring economic growth to the area.

The US and Iran have reached an agreement to end military operations and negotiate a final deal within 60 days. The MoU includes provisions for the US to lift its naval blockade and sanctions on Iran, while Iran will allow safe passage for commercial vessels and discuss the Strait of Hormuz. The US will also contribute to a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, despite previous denials.

Delhi HC denies interim relief to Telegram against Centre's order to block services in India before NEET-UG re-exam. Govt cites evidence of misuse and has been engaging with Telegram since May. Court issues notice to govt, lists matter for further hearing on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have discussed a trade deal that would reduce tariffs on Indian products and grant duty-free access to US goods. This deal would pave the way for a more comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. Other topics discussed include the safety of Indian sailors and the situation in West Asia.

RBI has removed interest-rate caps on certain NRE and FCNR(B) deposits, enabling banks to offer higher rates on new deposits with maturities of three years or more. This will remain in effect until September 30 and is intended to attract foreign currency inflows and maintain external-sector stability. Smaller banks are expected to offer competitive rates to compete for NRI deposits.

India's university rankings have seen a significant improvement, with 52 universities making it to the QS World University Rankings. This progress is not just limited to the IITs, but also includes a wider range of public and private universities. The report emphasizes India's potential as a top knowledge hub, driven by research, innovation, and talent.

India and the UK have resolved issues surrounding Britain's steel safeguard measures, paving the way for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to take effect on July 15. The deal aims to boost trade between the two countries and offers benefits such as duty-free exports, exemption from social security payments for Indian professionals, and reduced tariffs on various products.

"The NSE has filed its DRHP with SEBI, making a significant move towards its long-awaited IPO. With an estimated size of Rs 30,000 crore, it is expected to be the largest in India's capital market history. The price band is yet to be determined but is expected to be at a significant discount. This IPO will join the ranks of other major IPOs in India."

Force Motors and Mercedes-Benz's partnership reached a significant milestone as the 200,000th engine was rolled out from their Pune facility. The engine, a 6-cylinder M256, was installed in a Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. This partnership, which began in 1997, includes the production of engines and axles for all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs made in India.

Brembo and Ningbo SAFE Brakes Systems have joined forces to create a new joint venture, BRSF Active Safety Solutions, to manufacture ABS for Indian motorcycles. With Brembo holding a majority stake, the JV will be located in Pune and will offer advanced braking solutions under the BYBRE brand.

India and the EU are set to sign their FTA and accelerate negotiations on an investment agreement by the end of this year. The IMEEC, a trade route connecting India to the EU, was also discussed. The investment protection and Geographical Indications Agreements aim to secure investments and preserve cultural heritage. However, geopolitical challenges remain a hurdle for the project.

The southwest monsoon has been slow this year, with cumulative rainfall at just 37.9% below the benchmark LPA. All regions except the northwest have seen a serious deficiency, leading to a decline in early sowing of kharif crops. However, the IMD predicts a revival of the monsoon in the next few days, with heavy rainfall expected in some parts of the country.

Reliance Jio Platforms, India's largest telecom operator, plans to file for a $4 billion IPO with SEBI before their annual general meeting on June 19. This would make it the largest IPO in India's history and potentially rank Jio among the world's top companies. Chairman Mukesh Ambani will provide updates on the listing plans and future of their digital businesses at the meeting.

Advit Jewels Limited is launching an IPO from June 23 to June 25, 2026, with a price band of Rs 130 to Rs 138 per equity share. The IPO is for 1,19,68,000 shares and investors can bid for a minimum of 100 shares. The funds raised will be used for working capital, loan repayment, and general corporate purposes.

The NSE has finally filed its DRHP with SEBI for a long-awaited public listing. The IPO will include 14.89 crore equity shares through an OFS, with major institutional shareholders selling shares and a portion reserved for employees and retail investors. A syndicate of 20 investment banks will handle the issue.

India's National Stock Exchange (NSE) has filed its awaited Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the SEBI, announcing its initial public offering (IPO) consisting entirely of an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 14.89 crore equity shares. The OFS represents a dilution of 6.02% of total shares and includes participation from 19 corporate entities and 4 individual shareholders.

The Indian wind industry is calling for government aid to increase exports and localize components. They propose an export-linked incentive, production-linked incentive, and Wind R&D Mission. Despite potential for growth, barriers such as high costs and limited finance exist. Diversifying sourcing and investing in R&D are also suggested to expand into new markets.

The NSE has filed for an IPO, with existing shareholders selling 148.9 million shares through an OFS. This will allow investors to compare NSE and BSE, the two largest stock exchanges in India, on key metrics. NSE is larger and more profitable, while BSE has seen strong growth in derivatives. Consult a financial advisor before investing.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI after years of delay. The IPO, which will be closely watched by investors, will consist of 14.89 crore equity shares through an Offer for Sale (OFS) by existing shareholders. NSE's dominant position in India's capital markets makes this a highly anticipated event.

In 2025, India experienced a record-breaking monsoon season with heavy rainfall, but in 2026, IMD predicts weaker rainfall due to El Nino. Despite an early onset, below-normal rainfall is expected. Regional distribution was uneven, with Northwest India receiving the most and East and Northeast India receiving the least.

India's growing solar fleet is causing coal plants to reach their operational limits, resulting in 2.1 TWh of renewable electricity being curtailed in FY26. To prevent this, the country needs 10 GWh of battery energy storage to charge during midday solar hours and overcome regulatory barriers. Emergency curtailment of solar and wind generation has also increased, making immediate action necessary.

West Bengal, the top rice-producing state, will now join the heavily subsidized PMFBY due to concerns about below-normal monsoon rains. Despite initially refusing to participate, the state government will launch the scheme on June 20, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support. The agriculture ministry has also announced that Bihar will join in the next rabi season.

Citroen has launched the eC3X EV with a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) purchase plan, starting at Rs 10.25 lakh. Customers can opt for a lower upfront cost of Rs 6.29 lakh and pay a battery rental fee of Rs 2.26 per km. The car has a refreshed exterior, more features, and a 29.2kWh battery with a range of 325km.

Fifty-five runners from 18 countries descended over a kilometre into a Swedish zinc mine to complete the world's deepest marathon — setting two Guinness World Records. Among them was Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Misra, who became the first Indian to enter the Guinness record books in these categories.

The Centre's 'Naya Safar' scheme aims to replace polluting commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR, but concerns arise over lack of localisation norms allowing cheaper imports from China. Manufacturers fear it may harm Make in India program and domestic manufacturing progress. Experts suggest keeping localisation requirements and coordinating with other schemes for maximum impact.

Two new SEZ projects with investments of Rs 50 crore and Rs 230 crore have been proposed by Essar Power SEZ and Arham SEZ (I) Pvt. Ltd. in Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ), Gujarat. Exports from Gujarat SEZs have grown by 67%, contributing 21% to India's total SEZ exports.

Tata Motors is set to release an upgraded version of their popular Nexon compact SUV, aiming to boost their market share and profitability. The new Nexon boasts design and engineering enhancements and offers various powertrain choices, showcasing Tata's dedication to eco-friendly vehicles. This launch is crucial for Tata as it has regained the top spot in its segment.

Tata Trusts has committed a grant to IIM Bangalore for the growth of its undergraduate campus. This will benefit infrastructure, faculty training, and research at the School of Undergraduate Studies. The campus will provide two four-year courses in Economics and Data Science, with the first batch of 80 students commencing in August.

Indore's metro project has received a major boost with the approval of a budget of ₹5,388.58 crore by the Madhya Pradesh minister. The total cost of the project has now increased to ₹19,427.29 crore due to changes in the design and alignment. The 31-km Indore Metro ring line, which is expected to make travel easier and faster for commuters, will have 28 stations and cover key areas of the city.

"Speculation of a long-awaited India-UK free trade agreement has been sparked by a recorded conversation between PM Modi and UK's Starmer at the G7 Summit. After months of delays and disagreements, their discussion and subsequent meeting have raised hopes of a breakthrough, with Modi saying "We did it" and Starmer responding "We got it over the line."

Rolex has opened the world's highest boutique atop Mount Titlis, offering gourmet meals and stunning views at over 3000 metres above sea level. The boutique, named after the Alp peak, was once a telecommunications tower and now features a restaurant and an exclusive watch boutique. Designed by the Swiss, it pays tribute to the brand's legacy of exploration and adventure.

Roberto Lopes, a former white-collar worker in Ireland, became a key player for Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after receiving a LinkedIn message from the coach. His recruitment story challenges traditional hiring methods, and despite almost ignoring the message, Lopes made his international debut in 2019. Recently, Cape Verde surprised the world with a draw against Spain.

US President Donald Trump briefly held Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wrist while stepping onto a platform for a G7 Summit photo opportunity in France. The viral moment comes ahead of their first in-person meeting in 16 months and amid efforts to rebuild India-US ties. PM Modi also addressed the summit, calling for secure maritime routes and emphasising the need for dialogue.

SWR has announced special express train services between SSS Hubballi and Chikkamagaluru to ease overcrowding on regular routes. The train will run on June 20 and 21, 2026, with stops at key stations. It aims to improve connectivity and provide more seats for passengers. The train will have 10 coaches and is expected to make travel between North Karnataka and Chikkamagaluru more comfortable.

After facing numerous obstacles and delays, India's biggest stock exchange, the NSE, is set to make its long-awaited debut in the stock market. The exchange will submit its DRHP to SEBI soon, a crucial step towards its IPO. With its unique ownership, diverse shareholders, and strong retail investor interest, the NSE's IPO is highly anticipated in the Indian capital markets.

India's defence production has reached a record high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, a 15.6% increase from the previous year and a 110% rise since FY 2020-21. This growth is attributed to higher indigenous manufacturing, private sector participation, and defence exports under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Sollos, co-founded by Barron Trump, has faced criticism for its expensive drink despite using organic ingredients. Their first product, Pineapple + Coconut, has natural caffeine and 50 calories per can. While some denounce the brand's ties to the Trumps, others, like Kodak Black, support it. Despite the controversy, Sollos is dedicated to perfecting their one flavour and growing their business.

The Indian government's ban on Telegram has caused controversy over its impact on the recent NEET paper leak. Users are struggling to access paid study materials and groups, while Telegram's founder criticizes the move for punishing innocent users. The ban aims to prevent cheating in the re-exam, but has inconvenienced legitimate users and sparked debate on social media.

Western Railway has launched two special trains to ease travel during high demand, connecting Valsad and Dadar in Maharashtra to Subedarganj in Uttar Pradesh. These services will run on a special fare and fixed schedule, providing improved connectivity and handling the extra passenger rush. The trains will connect major cities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh.