Author: sureshzmc07

WASHINGTON: He once joked that the first word children in India utter is AI (mother in some Indian languages). He later wisecracked that AI means artificial intelligence for the world, but for him, it also meant American-Indian spirit. All kidding aside, PM Narendra Modi offered a full-spectrum embrace of the rapidly evolving field, saying it could address many issues in another AI – “Aspirational India” — despite apprehensions in some quarters that it could dampen job creation in a country with a massive unemployment problem.
In a meeting on Sunday in New York with 15 corporate titans, including AI leaders Jensen Huang of nVidia and Sundar Pichai of Alphabet/Google, Modi displayed immense enthusiasm and little hesitation in embracing the evolving technology landscape during what his office called a “deep dive” into the subject. Asserting that India’s policy is to promote AI for All, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use, he invited tech companies to take advantage of India’s growth story for collaboration to co-develop, co-design, and co-produce in India for the world.
The PM’s pitch impressed nVidia honcho Huang, who has powered the company towards the $ 3 trillion club (behind only Apple and Microsoft), and who emerged from the meeting saying “Modi is an incredible student. Every time I meet him, he wants to learn more about technology.” Talking up nVidia’s already significant collaborations in India, Huang pledged more, gushing “AI really democratises computing, and this is India’s moment.” Google’s Sundar Pichai, hot on the heels of nVidia for AI leadership, likewise spoke of taking up Modi’s challenge of doing more in terms of AI to benefit the people of India.
While CEOs of major pharma and biotech companies including Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moderna, and Biogen also attended the meeting, AI and its leap into India hogged the limelight at a time Washington is getting increasingly leery of technology transfer, while at the same time trying to make an India exception. Even as Modi was engaging the CEOs in New York, the US commerce department on Sunday proposed a ban on the sale or import of smart vehicles that use Chinese and Russian technology because of national security concerns. Separately, a Republican-led US Congressional committee has come down heavily on American academia and industry for helping advance China’s technological advances, warning that it may one day influence any prospective war between the two countries.
While US academia and tech companies are rapidly dialing down on collaboration with China and inflow of Chinese students in advanced tech studies in the US is dwindling, India is enjoying an extended honeymoon, although it is hard to say how long this will last. At the Quad summit over the weekend, New Delhi found itself buttonholed into a de facto security alliance against a Beijing-led axis, even as the situation on the border with China appears to be de-escalating.
US trust in tie-ups with India is powered partly by the many Indian-Americans heading US tech companies. At least three attended the meeting with Modi, who only hours earlier joked that AI meant American Indian for him — Google’s Pichai, IBM’s Arvind Krishna, and Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen. At the engagement, Modi also assured the business leaders of India’s “deep commitment” to protection of intellectual property, a constant bugaboo for US administrations.

Recently, there was quite an uproar in Hyderabad, where an ice cream parlour named ‘Arico cafe’ was busted by the police. As per the news reports doing the rounds, the ice cream parlour was selling whiskey-laced ice cream to its customers, which including children as well. This has raised serious concerns over public safety, especially amongst the youth who remained unconvinced and unknowingly being handed out alcohol-laced desserts.
As per several news reports, the police raided the ice cream parlour owned by one Sharath Chandra Reddy based on a tip, where they were informed that 60 ml of whiskey was being mixed in every kilogram of ice cream that was sold at premium rates.The raid on the establishment confiscated 23 cans of whiskey-infused ice cream that weighed 11.5 kilograms. It’s strictly illegal to sell products containing such, especially when alcohol is not mentioned as a component.
There was no explicit warning or indication of alcohol being marketed to the public by the ice cream parlour. The implications are so dire that the authorities must question whether the operation had other, more sinister motives.
What’s surprising is that the ice cream parlour was marketing this ‘whiskey-laced ice cream’ on its social media, and thus it received a rather big audience. Many customers did not know that they were taking alcohol besides ice cream, and giving it to their children without suspicion.
After the raid, the Excise Department of Hyderabad seized the ‘whiskey-infused ice cream’ and arrested two people named Dayakar Reddy and Shobhan. Investigations are ongoing, and officials assured that strong action would be taken against those who indulged in such sales and distribution.
People are so shocked and are asking for even stricter regulations and more vigilance so that it does not happen again in the future. The authorities assure that all those involved with this dangerous racket will be dealt with strictly, and thorough investigations are going on to catch any accomplices too.
The accident brings into question the hidden dangers behind what may seem harmless products and highlights the need for regulation over the exercise of their use to protect consumers and in this case minors.

MBA at MIT Sloan: The MIT Sloan School of Management is globally renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research in management and business sciences. As a leader in fostering innovation and cultivating business leaders, MIT Sloan provides an ideal environment for students looking to pursue advanced degrees in business. With its strong emphasis on analytical skills, leadership, and real-world problem-solving, it has become a top choice for those aspiring to excel in the field of business management.
Popular MBA Courses at MIT Sloan
MIT Sloan offers a diverse range of MBA programs tailored to meet the varying career goals of its students.The flagship Full-Time MBA program provides a rigorous foundation in management principles, while the Executive MBA is designed for professionals looking to enhance their leadership capabilities without stepping away from their careers. Other popular offerings include the Sloan Fellows MBA, a transformational leadership program for mid-career professionals, and the Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program, which blends business and engineering education to produce leaders equipped for complex problem-solving.
Masters in Business Analytics (MBAn)
Among its specialized programs, the Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) stands out for its focus on leveraging data to drive business decisions. This program is specifically designed for individuals aiming to become leaders in the rapidly evolving field of data science and analytics. It provides students with the technical expertise and practical skills needed to analyze and interpret complex data sets, an essential competency in today’s data-driven business environment. The MBAn program includes an intensive curriculum covering machine learning, optimization, and data management, paired with the Analytics Capstone Project. This capstone experience allows students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world business challenges, giving them invaluable practical exposure.
Placement Records for the Class of 2023
The MBAn Class of 2023 at MIT Sloan achieved impressive employment outcomes, despite a challenging economic climate. Of the 64 candidates seeking employment, 95.3% accepted job offers within six months of graduation. A remarkable 98.4% of these candidates secured roles in Data Science functions across 48 companies, indicating the high demand for analytics professionals. The average base salary for the Class of 2023 stood at $133,928, with an additional average signing bonus of $14,134. The top industries for the cohort were Technology (39.3%), Finance (29.5%), and Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech (9.8%). Notably, there was an 8.4% increase in the Technology sector and a 7.7% rise in the Finance sector compared to the previous year. Additionally, the percentage of students accepting job offers in Europe more than doubled, while domestic placements were predominantly concentrated in major metro areas like Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
Year-on-year comparative analysis (2021-2023)
A comparative analysis of the MBAn placement data over the past three years illustrates the program’s consistent success and growing appeal in the job market. The following table provides a detailed comparison of key metrics for the classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023:

In 2021, the MBAn program saw a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation. The average base salary for that year was $127,750, with an average signing bonus of $20,439. The majority of graduates accepted roles in Technology (41.1%) and Consulting (30.4%), with a smaller percentage going into Finance (10.7%) and Pharma/Health/Biotech (5.4%).
The Class of 2022 continued this trend, with all 55 candidates securing employment within six months. The average base salary rose to $132,413, reflecting a 3.7% increase from the previous year, and the average signing bonus saw a significant 28% increase to $26,189. The top industries were Technology (30.9%), Consulting (25.5%), and Finance (21.8%), with notable growth in the Finance and Pharma sectors.
The Class of 2023, while facing a more volatile job market, still managed to achieve a high employment rate of 95.3%. The average base salary further increased to $133,928, although the average signing bonus dropped to $14,134. This year saw a shift in industry preferences, with Technology (39.3%) and Finance (29.5%) taking the lead, followed by Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech (9.8%). The growing presence of MBAn graduates in Europe and key U.S. metropolitan areas highlights the program’s expanding global footprint.

NEW DELHI: What began as a simple extracurricular activity in school evolved into a lifelong passion for D Gukesh and propelled him to become one of the world’s top chess players.
On Sunday, Grandmaster Gukesh led India to its first-ever gold in the ‘Open’ category at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
Gukesh’s childhood coach, V Bhaskar, discovered his talent at Velammal Vidyalaya when Gukesh was just seven years old.Bhaskar noted the young chess player’s early hunger to excel.
“We started when he (Gukesh) was in class 1 at Velammal Vidyalaya. He used to come for extracurricular activities. I saw a spark in him at the age of seven and asked him to come for personal training, and we worked for many years,” said Bhaskar.
Gukesh, who is the third youngest Grandmaster in the history of chess, will compete against China’s Ding Liren for the world title later this year. Bhaskar mentioned that from an early age, Gukesh showed a tendency to experiment with his game.
“He started doing too much, and I was very happy that he became the third youngest Grandmaster in the world. I felt so happy when he won the Candidates in Toronto and earned the right to challenge world champion Ding later this year in Singapore.”
Bhaskar expressed his happiness at India’s gold medal win at the Olympiad, highlighting Gukesh’s significant contribution.
The 18-year-old won nine out of the ten matches he played, with one match ending in a draw.
“It is the first time the Indian (men’s and women’s) teams have won, and his (Gukesh’s) wins against the opponents assured the gold in the ‘Open’ category. I am extremely happy for the whole team, particularly for Gukesh, and my best wishes for him to see him as the youngest world champion.”
Double joy for Ramesh Babu
Ramesh Babu had a double reason to celebrate as his children, R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, both clinched gold at world’s top biennial team chess event.
GM Praggnanandhaa was a key player in the men’s team, while his sister Vaishali contributed significantly to the women’s team’s victory.
“We are very proud (of Praggnanandhaa). My daughter Vaishali’s team also won the gold medal, so we’re happy about that as well,” said Ramesh Babu.
“All the team players have done very well and won gold medals.”
He added that the success of Indian chess players had given a huge boost to the game in the country.
“Nowadays, chess has become very popular after cricket. More and more people are getting interested. Apart from academics, playing chess is becoming a part of their career. Youngsters are taking it up as a career.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs, also known by monikers such as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and simply Diddy, is one of the most influential figures in the music and entertainment industry. Born in 1969 in Harlem, New York, Combs rose to fame in the 1990s as a music producer, rapper, and entrepreneur. Over the years, he built a multi-faceted empire that spans across music, fashion, spirits, television, and more.However, his legacy is now under threat due to shocking allegations of sexual misconduct and racketeering, involving what prosecutors have termed “freak-offs” — sexually charged events that have become central to a federal case against him. The timing of these allegations couldn’t be more significant, as they emerge in the midst of an election season where issues of sexual violence, power abuse, and gender equality are at the forefront of public discourse.
The Rise of Sean “Diddy” Combs
Combs first made his mark in the music industry as the founder of Bad Boy Records, a label that launched the careers of iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, and Mase. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he dominated the music scene, releasing hit songs like “I’ll Be Missing You” and “Bad Boy for Life.” His influence extended beyond music, as he ventured into fashion with his Sean John clothing line, which earned him a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He also entered the spirits business, collaborating with brands like Ciroc Vodka, and even became a media mogul with the launch of his own TV network, REVOLT. By the 2010s, Sean “Diddy” Combs was no longer just a musician; he was a cultural and entrepreneurial juggernaut, worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Allegations: ‘Freak-Offs’ and Criminal Charges
Despite his success, Combs has always been a controversial figure. Allegations of violence, infidelity, and power abuse have followed him throughout his career, but nothing compares to the recent federal indictment that accuses him of orchestrating and participating in coercive, abusive, and criminal sexual activities known as “freak-offs.” These “freak-offs” are described as elaborate, sexually charged gatherings that took place in luxury hotels across the country. According to the government’s portrayal, these events often involved prostitutes, copious amounts of drugs, and excessive use of baby oil, all captured on video by Combs himself.
The indictment, which is 14 pages long, accuses Combs of a range of serious crimes, including sex trafficking, racketeering, arson, bribery, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors argue that Combs ran these events as part of a criminal “enterprise” and used his position of power to coerce participants into performing sexual acts. There were also claims that participants were left so exhausted and drained from the sexual marathons that they required intravenous fluids to recover, while a clean-up crew was always on standby to restore the hotel rooms to their original state.
Perhaps most damningly, the government alleges that Combs used the footage he recorded of these encounters as a means of controlling the participants, threatening to release the videos if anyone spoke out. According to reports, the women involved were pressured into remaining silent through manipulation, threats, and financial compensation.
The Case of Cassie Ventura: A Catalyst for Legal Action
The allegations made by singer Cassie Ventura, a former girlfriend of Combs, have brought significant attention to the case. Ventura filed a civil lawsuit against Combs, alleging years of abuse and forced participation in these “freak-offs.” In her lawsuit, Cassie claimed that Combs directed her to pour “excessive” amounts of oil on herself, instructed her where to touch prostitutes, and filmed the encounters while masturbating. She described these acts as “personal art projects” for Combs, noting how he would adjust candles to achieve the perfect lighting for his videos.
The lawsuit also alleges that Combs inflicted physical violence upon Ventura, including an incident in 2016 at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, where surveillance footage reportedly shows him striking her, throwing a vase, and dragging her down a hallway by her sweatshirt. Prosecutors have stated that this footage is a key piece of evidence, demonstrating the abusive nature of the “freak-offs” and the coercion involved. Although Ventura’s lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed, the revelations have triggered a broader investigation and have encouraged other women to come forward with similar allegations.
Why This Matters in the Election Season
The timing of these allegations is highly significant, as they intersect with ongoing political debates around issues of power, consent, gender equality, and justice. Sexual misconduct and abuse of power have been pressing topics in recent years, as movements like #MeToo have brought attention to the experiences of survivors and the need for systemic change. In this context, the allegations against Combs are more than just a personal scandal; they raise questions about how society deals with powerful individuals who exploit their influence.
This case is particularly relevant to discussions about criminal justice reform, women’s rights, and the pervasive culture of silence that allows such behaviour to persist. Some politicians have already seized on the issue to advocate for stricter laws against sex trafficking and increased support for survivors of sexual violence. Others argue that this case exemplifies the need for greater accountability, regardless of an individual’s status or wealth. The discussion surrounding the allegations against Combs feeds into a larger narrative about how wealth and power can be used to evade justice, a theme that resonates deeply in an election season where issues of inequality and systemic injustice are being hotly debated.
Moreover, as a high-profile African-American entrepreneur and cultural figure, Combs’s case adds another layer of complexity to discussions about race, fame, and the criminal justice system. There is a delicate balance between addressing the severity of the allegations and avoiding the pitfalls of racial stereotyping that often accompany cases involving prominent black men in positions of power. How this case unfolds could have implications for how issues of race, power, and justice are navigated in the public sphere.
Combs’s Defence and Public Reaction
Combs and his legal team have vehemently denied the allegations, describing the “freak-offs” as consensual encounters between adults. Marc Agnifilo, one of Combs’s lawyers, argued in court that these trysts might be shocking to some but did not involve “force, fraud, or coercion,” as required by federal sex trafficking statutes. He claimed to have interviewed six men described by the government as sex workers, who denied any coercion or non-consensual activity. Nevertheless, the volume and consistency of the allegations against Combs have made it difficult for him to escape public scrutiny.
The reaction from the public has been polarising. While some fans and supporters stand by him, others have expressed disappointment and disgust, particularly in light of his status as a cultural icon and advocate for social justice. His business ventures, including music, fashion, and spirits, have been impacted, with some partners reportedly distancing themselves from the scandal.