Google's co-founder, Sergey Brin, recently gifted Alphabet shares worth nearly $700 million, according to a regulatory filing. The recipient remains undisclosed, sparking speculation about potential donations to charity, financial trusts, or investment vehicles. This follows Brin's previous philanthropic gestures, including a $600 million share donation in 2023 and over $100 million in donations earlier this year.
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Since April, India has faced an intense five-phase cyber assault by Pakistan-based hacker groups like APT36 and Team Insane PK, targeting finance, telecom, energy, and public services. Attacks ranged from website defacements to ransomware and data breaches. Experts warn of foreign-backed threats involving groups from China and North Korea, stressing the need for stronger cyber preparedness and public vigilance.
Israel has recovered the official Syrian archive of spy Eli Cohen, executed in 1965, in a covert Mossad operation. The archive, containing 2,500 documents, photos, and personal items, was presented to Cohen's widow. Recovered materials include handwritten letters, forged passports, and the original death sentence, offering insights into Cohen's intelligence work and final days.
Microsoft recently laid off approximately 6,000 employees, impacting various levels and teams. Gabriela de Queiroz, Director of AI for Startups, was among those affected, expressing sadness but maintaining a positive outlook. The layoffs coincide with Microsoft's aggressive push into AI, even as software engineers and AI leadership roles were impacted by the cuts.
Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of a special train on the Katra-Qazigund section. This section includes the Chenab Bridge. The train carried soldiers and completed a round trip with full security. This trial is significant due to the ongoing Indo-Pak conflict. The new rail line will improve connectivity to Kashmir.
In a remarkable feat of community effort, the Noon river in Bundelkhand's Jalaun district is being revived after years of desiccation. Local residents restored 14 km of the drainage basin, creating a funnel for water to flow back into the 81-km river. Prime Minister Modi lauded the initiative as 'sabka prayas,' highlighting the collective will of villagers
Chaos erupted at B N College in Patna when crude bombs exploded during a Certified Internal Auditor examination, severely injuring a student. The blasts, stemming from a prior dispute between student groups, triggered protests against alleged administrative apathy. Police are investigating, reviewing CCTV footage, and a forensic team is collecting samples.
Donald Trump's renewed interest in mediating between India and Pakistan coincides with a recent deal between Pakistan's Crypto Council and World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency venture with Trump family ties. This partnership, involving figures like Zachary Witkoff, raises questions about potential connections between the crypto deal and Trump's shift in stance on the Indo-Pak conflict.
A red carpet laid out for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's visit to Bengaluru's flood-hit areas was swiftly removed following public outcry. The zonal commissioner emphasized that the focus should be on relief efforts, not ceremonial welcomes. Amidst heavy rainfall warnings and work-from-home advisories, some areas like RR Nagar, with improved infrastructure, reported minimal flooding.
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma after the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The court noted that the CJI had already forwarded the in-house inquiry report and the judge's response to the President and Prime Minister. The petitioners were directed to seek redressal from appropriate authorities before approaching the court again.
BYJU'S founder, Byju Raveendran, regrets securing a $1.2 billion term loan in 2021, citing it as a key factor in the company's current financial struggles despite having other equity options. While acknowledging missteps in rapid global expansion and a missed opportunity with WhiteHat Jr., Raveendran considers the acquisition of Aakash Educational Services a success.