Oracle has publicly responded to market concerns linking its strategic deal with OpenAI to rumours it might lay off up to 30,000 employees. The company denied that the stalled $100 billion Nvidia-OpenAI investment affects its financial commitment or operations, affirming confidence in OpenAI’s funding and execution capabilities. Despite this, Oracle’s stock slid, and analysts from TD Cowen pointed to the potential mass layoffs as a risk tied to funding its AI and data-centre buildout strategy. The controversy has also sparked questions about the viability of the complex financing model at play. (PC: X)

The Washington Post announced sweeping layoffs affecting about one-third of its workforce, marking one of the most severe newsroom cuts in its history. The restructuring, described by leadership as a painful but necessary response to financial losses and changing reader habits, eliminated over 300 jobs, shut down the sports section, reduced foreign bureaus and closed the Books division. Senior international affairs columnist Ishaan Tharoor, son of Indian politician Shashi Tharoor, confirmed his layoff on social media, expressing heartbreak for colleagues. Many affected journalists shared emotional farewells online, calling the cuts a “dark day” for journalism. 

Russia’s Kremlin responded to recent India–US trade deal reports by saying New Delhi remains sovereign in choosing oil suppliers, dismissing claims that India agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil as part of the deal. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized India has always diversified its energy sources and noted nothing new in that approach. Moscow also stated it has not received official communication from India about halting Russian crude imports and reaffirmed the energy trade’s benefits for both countries. Experts say fully replacing Russian oil with U.S. crude isn’t simple due to differences in quality and blending costs. 

A U.S. federal judge sentenced Ryan Wesley Routh—convicted of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024—to life in prison without parole, plus a seven-year consecutive term for weapons charges. Prosecutors showed Routh spent weeks plotting the attack, hiding with a rifle near Trump International Golf Club and aiming at security before a Secret Service agent spotted him. He was found guilty on multiple federal counts, including attempted assassination and firearm offenses. Judge Aileen Cannon described his actions as “deliberate and evil,” noting Routh’s lack of remorse and extensive criminal history. (PC: The Hindu)

Newly released U.S. Justice Department files reveal a 2010 email from Eva Andersson-Dubin, former girlfriend and long-time associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, inviting him to her home when her daughter Celina was 15, saying, “Come and visit next week, Celina will have 5 friends over.” Epstein had already served jail time for soliciting a minor and was a registered sex offender at the time. The correspondence has drawn renewed scrutiny over his access to minors post-conviction. The Dubins, a wealthy couple, had defended Epstein in 2009 and maintained a social connection despite his criminal record. (PC: Reuters)

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that India would not be pressured by President Donald Trump or his aides, according to a Bloomberg report. The message was conveyed during a Washington meeting months before the India-US trade agreement was announced. Officials familiar with the talks said Doval wanted to move past tensions and restart trade negotiations. He also indicated India was ready to “wait out” Trump’s term if needed. The report said Doval asked the US side to reduce public criticism so ties could return to normal. The trade deal was later announced with lower US tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: HT)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has denied allegations linked to newly released Epstein-related emails and said he regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein. In an interview with Nine News, Gates said the emails cited in the files were never sent and contained false claims about his health and conduct. “The email is false. I don’t know what his thinking was there,” Gates said. He added, “I regret every minute I spent with him.” Gates said his meetings with Epstein were limited to dinners and stated, “I never went to the island. I never met any women.” He said more details will show the allegations have no factual basis. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington and discussed cooperation on critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence, trade and technology. The talks came a day after the two countries confirmed a new trade agreement that lowers US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 to 18 per cent. Jaishankar said on X that both sides agreed to hold early meetings of key mechanisms to move shared priorities forward. A US statement said both leaders welcomed the trade deal and stressed joint work on energy security and economic growth. They also reaffirmed cooperation through the Quad and focus on the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli shelling and airstrikes killed 23 Palestinians in Gaza, including seven children, according to local health officials. The strikes hit areas including Khan Younis and Gaza City. A medic who went to help victims was killed in a second strike at the same site, officials said. The Israeli military said it acted after militants fired at its troops near the armistice line and called it a ceasefire violation. It also said one strike targeted a senior Hamas commander. Hamas said the attacks harmed truce efforts and called for “immediate international pressure.” The violence came days after Rafah crossing with Egypt reopened. (PC: HT)

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that India would not be “bullied” in trade talks, according to a Bloomberg report citing unnamed officials. The message was delivered during a meeting in Washington in September 2025. Doval said India wanted tensions reduced and negotiations restarted. He also conveyed that New Delhi was ready to wait out President Donald Trump’s term if needed, the report said. At that time, India faced high US tariffs and sharp public criticism. The US State Department declined to share details of private talks. India’s foreign ministry did not comment on the report. (PC: NDTV)