Times of India

Microsoft is launching a new venture, Microsoft Frontier Company, backed by a $2.5 billion investment and 6,000 experts. This initiative aims to help businesses achieve tangible results from their AI investments by co-designing, deploying, and continuously improving AI systems. The move addresses customer concerns about rising AI costs and the need for measurable returns, positioning Microsoft to amplify customer intelligence and drive business outcomes.

Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious international career is reportedly nearing its end, with his sister suggesting the 2026 World Cup will be his "last dance" for Portugal. The football icon recently became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match, a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia. Despite facing criticism, Ronaldo's resilience and continued record-breaking performances underscore his enduring legacy.

In a thrilling World Cup showdown, Portugal triumphed over Croatia with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of a last-minute header by Goncalo Ramos. Croatia initially led with a goal from Ivan Perišić, but Cristiano Ronaldo leveled the match from the penalty spot, making history as the tournament's oldest scorer. A contentious offside call thwarted Croatia's hopes for a late equalizer, marking a bittersweet end to Luka Modrić's remarkable international journey.

A man, identified as Lobga Rangzen, set himself ablaze outside the UN headquarters in Manhattan, carrying a Tibetan flag in a suspected protest. Witnesses reported seeing him engulfed in flames before being quickly attended to by emergency services. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Leaflets found at the scene bore slogans like "China Out of Tibet," reflecting a long-standing independence movement.

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name in World Cup history, becoming the oldest goalscorer in knockout stages at 41 years and 147 days with a penalty against Croatia. This remarkable feat also places him second overall on the all-time World Cup scoring list. His appearance also marked him as the oldest outfield player to start a knockout match, underscoring his enduring legacy.

Ben Stokes, the recently retired England all-rounder, leaves behind a truly unique Test record: he's the only player to have batted in all 11 positions and dismissed batsmen from every spot in the order. This remarkable feat underscores his immense versatility throughout a distinguished 15-year career, marked by match-winning performances and iconic victories. Stokes' adaptability across batting and bowling cemented his status as one of England's greatest modern cricketers.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, will skip his father's funeral due to Israeli threats, according to a representative. This follows a stark warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the US, citing Israeli remarks about Mojtaba Khamenei being "marked for death." Diplomatic talks in Doha reported positive progress on a Middle East MoU, with further discussions planned post-funeral. Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on February 28.

Congress has urged Prime Minister Modi to order a Supreme Court-monitored probe into alleged irregularities surrounding Ram Temple donations, terming it a "chanda chori mega scandal." Citing the UP government's SIT probe as an "eyewash," the party claims top officials are complicit. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal echoed these sentiments, alleging powerful individuals involved in land deals and temple construction are being shielded while minor figures are arrested.

Samit Dravid's batting technique in the Maharaja Trophy drew immediate comparisons to his legendary father, Rahul Dravid, with fans noting the striking similarities. While his batting impressed, Samit is carving his own path as a pace-bowling all-rounder, having excelled in age-group cricket. Meanwhile, younger brother Anvay Dravid is also making strides as a wicketkeeper-batter, recently selected for India's U-19 squad.

In a historic moment, Spain witnessed young talents Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí become the first teenage pair to start a World Cup knockout match since the legendary Pelé and Altafini in 1958. Yamal shone brightly, earning the Man of the Match title despite struggling with a hamstring concern, while Cubarsí delivered an impeccable defensive performance.

Educators are questioning why classrooms are bearing the brunt of election duty, with entire teaching staffs at two Delhi government schools deployed for Booth Level Officer tasks. This leaves guest teachers to manage hundreds of students, raising concerns about inevitable academic loss, especially for board exam candidates. While acknowledging election importance, teachers advocate for equitable distribution of duties across schools to prevent educational disruption.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit marked a significant advancement in India-Japan relations, with both nations forging new agreements in AI, energy, and defense. A roadmap for economic security was adopted to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors. Discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral trade through a review of the existing CEPA, underscoring a partnership built on deep mutual trust.

Pop sensation Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have reportedly exchanged vows in a private ceremony, according to a New York Post report. Sources suggest the couple, both 36, are now legally married, with a grand celebration for over a thousand guests planned at Madison Square Garden later this week. This intimate union precedes a larger event, hinting at a significant milestone for the high-profile pair.

Spain's impressive 3-0 win over Austria, highlighted by Mikel Oyarzabal's two goals and Pedro Porro's header, has secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16. The match exemplified Spain's renowned possession game and attacking prowess, further extending their unbeaten run to 35 matches. While Austria battled valiantly, they were consistently outplayed, facing a challenge with Spain's robust defense as they prepare for the upcoming knockout phase.

Bank of Baroda has settled a major legal dispute, agreeing to pay $600 million to administrators of the collapsed NMC Health group. This out-of-court agreement concludes years of litigation concerning cross-border insolvency and alleged fraud following NMC's 2020 downfall. The payment will be distributed to creditors, with the bank's shares seeing a reaction to the news.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed public concerns regarding ethanol-blended fuel, dismissing social media narratives as "make-believe." He clarified that any mileage reduction in E20-fuelled vehicles is minor, with potential benefits like improved acceleration. The ministry has released a detailed note to counter misinformation and reassure vehicle owners about the safety and established practice of ethanol blending, citing historical support from figures like Henry Ford.

The government has significantly reformed the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, easing compliance for drugmakers. Overcharging liability is now narrowed, focusing only on stock sold above ceiling prices by retailers or distributors, not entire batches. New drug launches will also see simplified pricing approvals, reducing procedural delays and streamlining market entry for similar products.

The Supreme Court has nullified orders from NCLT and NCLAT due to their reliance on fabricated AI-generated case laws. Justices cautioned against unchecked AI use, emphasizing human control in justice delivery. The court stressed a zero-tolerance approach for unverified AI precedents, declaring any decision based on such material invalid. A committee will now explore this issue, highlighting the risks of delegating critical thinking to AI.

Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart reaffirmed commitment to an early Quad summit, stressing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and opposing restrictive measures. The joint statement unequivocally condemned cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, specifically mentioning groups like Jaish and Lashkar, and supported India's IEA membership. Both nations also voiced opposition to unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas.