France is trying to rebrand itself during a summit with African heads of states in Kenya.
Rebranding Francafrique
India must build its own AI models: Sarvam AI
NEW DELHI: India cannot afford to remain a passive consumer in the AI era and must urgently build its own frontier-scale artificial intelligence models if it wants to shape global technology rules, according to Pratyush Kumar, co-founder of Sarvam AI.Speaking at the CII Business Summit, Kumar said Sarvam is now preparing to train its first trillion-parameter AI model within next nine months, marking what could become a major milestone for the country’s indigenous AI ambitions.“We can rent it for now until we don’t have it, but you have to build it. You have to own the destiny around that,” Kumar said, arguing that India must move beyond debates around whether it should build its own AI models and instead focus on creating long-term strategic capability.Kumar said AI would become the defining intelligence layer across industries, governance, science and manufacturing, making ownership of foundational models critical for economic value creation. He warned that India risks repeating mistakes made during earlier technological revolutions.“What we saw with steam engine, steel making and the internet, in all these eras, we became users and frankly lost out on key value creation,” he said. “This is now the start of a new era, which is going to play out quarter by quarter.” The Sarvam AI co-founder revealed that the company has already demonstrated a proof of concept showing India can build large-scale AI systems end-to-end, using domestic capabilities across data, algorithms, research and infrastructure. He also stressed that India would need significantly larger investments in AI infrastructure and research talent to compete globally. “The intelligence layer will accrue the value,” he said. “It requires infrastructure, but it requires R&D talent to build these models.” Warning against policy drift, Kumar said India still lacks a clear national AI direction.
Portrait looted by Nazis found in home of Dutch SS leader's descendants
The painting is believed to have been plundered by high-ranking Nazi Hermann Goering during World War Two.
Sensex tumbles 1,313 pts as West Asia tensions reignite
MUMBAI: Fresh tensions between the US and Iran affected global investor sentiment on Monday, pushing up crude oil prices, weakening the rupee to a level below the 95-to-the-dollar mark, and leading to a sell-off on Dalal Street. As a result, sensex lost over 1,000 points in early trade, recovered some ground by mid-session, but fresh selling forced it to close 1,313 points (1.7%) down at 76,015 points.Foreign funds, which had already taken out over Rs 2 lakh crore from the Indian stock market on a net basis till May 8 this year, led Monday’s sell-off, BSE data showed. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) net sold stocks worth another Rs 8,438 crore during the day. In contrast, domestic funds were net buyers at Rs 5,940 crore.According to Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments, markets slid sharply as renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf region, following President Donad Trump’s rejection of Iran’s peace proposal, weighed on investor sentiment. “The cautious mood deepened after the PM’s appeal to conserve energy and avoid non-essential foreign travel, prompting investors to reassess the economic impact of higher crude prices, (rupee) weakness, and pressure on the current account deficit.”
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Nair said that at present, India’s strong fiscal position and healthy forex reserves are helping the govt to absorb the impact of elevated crude prices. However, prolonged geopolitical tensions could increase macroeconomic stress. Meanwhile, rising bond yields and persistent foreign fund outflow are likely to keep markets range-bound in the near term.The day’s session left investors poorer by a little over Rs 6 lakh crore with BSE’s market capitalisation now at Rs 467.3 lakh crore, official data showed.Among the sensex stocks, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank and Bharti Airtel contributed the most to the day’s fall in sensex.Going forward, a combination of global and domestic factors which investors would keep a watch on include crude oil prices, weakness of the rupee, FPI trading trend, and the upcoming meeting between presidents of the US and China, market analysts said.
Trump says ceasefire is on ‘life support’ after rejecting Iran’s proposal | US-Israel war on Iran
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal, which he dismissed as “garbage”. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said Iran’s response failed to include nuclear concessions.
Published On 11 May 2026
Amid forex concerns, jewellers’ body asks govt to mobilise idle gold instead of curbing demand
Jewellery industry body All India Jewellers & Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) on Monday urged the government to focus on domestic gold mobilisation and recycling instead of discouraging gold purchases, warning that any sharp fall in demand could hurt livelihoods linked to the sector, PTI reported.The federation’s comments came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to postpone gold purchases as part of broader measures aimed at reducing pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves amid global supply disruptions triggered by the West Asia conflict.In a letter to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, AIJGF national president Pankaj Arora said protecting foreign exchange reserves was important, but reducing consumer demand for gold without creating structural alternatives could adversely impact the jewellery ecosystem.“While the intention of protecting India’s foreign exchange reserves is understandable, the solution should not be demand destruction. The solution should be domestic gold mobilisation, recycling and productive circulation of India’s idle gold stocks,” Arora said, PTI quoted.The federation said the jewellery sector supports nearly 35 million livelihoods across manufacturing, retail and artisan networks, and warned that weaker consumer sentiment could reduce footfalls and manufacturing orders.“This is not merely a gold trade issue. This is a livelihood issue,” it said.The AIJGF noted that gold in India is widely viewed as household savings and financial security rather than discretionary luxury spending.“For millions of Indian families, jewellery is not speculation, it is savings in wearable form,” Arora wrote.The federation proposed setting up a dedicated bullion bank within the GIFT-IFSC or India International Bullion Exchange framework to mobilise idle domestic gold and reduce import dependence.It also suggested allowing gold ETFs to lend part of their physical holdings through a regulated bullion banking mechanism and called for a revamp of the Gold Monetisation Scheme launched in 2015, arguing that the existing framework had failed to achieve scale.Other recommendations included dematerialised bullion deposit certificates, GST-neutral gold transfers within the system and a national dashboard to track gold mobilisation and import substitution.India remains one of the world’s largest gold consumers and also holds one of the largest privately owned gold reserves globally.The federation estimated that an effective domestic bullion mobilisation framework could eventually reduce annual gold imports by 200-300 tonnes.“Suppressing jewellery demand can hurt employment, but mobilising domestic gold can save foreign exchange without destroying livelihoods,” the AIJGF said while urging the government to hold inter-ministerial consultations on the issue.
Dozens of Nigerian fishermen feared dead after Chad air strikes on Boko Haram
A fishermen’s leader tells the BBC that 40 people are feared dead – either in the strikes or drowning as they tried to flee.
India-US trade deal talks to continue as New Delhi expects American team visit, says official
India expects a US delegation to visit the country for the next round of bilateral trade talks, though dates for the meetings are yet to be finalised, an official told news agency PTI on Monday.The development comes after Indian officials travelled to Washington DC in April for in-person discussions with their US counterparts to advance negotiations on an interim trade agreement and the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).“Now we expect the US team to visit India next for trade talks. No dates have been decided,” the official said, PTI quoted.Following the April meetings, both sides agreed to remain engaged and maintain momentum in negotiations.Officials from India and the US discussed issues including market access, non-tariff barriers, technical barriers to trade, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, digital trade and economic security alignment.India and the US had issued a joint statement on February 7 outlining a framework for an interim trade agreement focused on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.The framework also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to negotiating a wider bilateral trade agreement.Trade between the two countries remained robust during 2025-26.India’s exports to the US rose marginally by 0.92 per cent to $87.3 billion during the fiscal year, while imports from the US increased 15.95 per cent to $52.9 billion.India’s trade surplus with the US narrowed to $34.4 billion in 2025-26 from $40.89 billion in the previous fiscal year.
Beyond Reheating: 5 Microwaves That Can Actually Make 3-Course Meals (Without the Guesswork)
For decades, the microwave has been the least-used appliance in the kitchen – used to reheat coffee or defrost forgotten bags of peas. But in 2026, a new generation of “smart” devices is flipping the script. We’re not just talking about better heating; We’re talking precision engineering that can handle everything from delicately baked salmon to decadent lava cakes at the push of a button.
If you’ve ever stared at the stovetop after a long day and wished dinner could just “get done,” this list is for you. These 5 standout microwaves have over 100 auto-cook recipes, effectively acting as a built-in sous-chef that eliminates the guesswork over time and temperature.
Whether you’re living in a compact apartment or simply looking to minimize your weekend “active” cooking time, these models prove that a three-course feast is only a few moments away. Now it’s time to move beyond the “reheat” button and find out what your kitchen is really capable of.
Best Microwave Oven with Auto-Cook Recipes
This LG Charcoal Convection model is a powerhouse for those who want to cook “real” food with a microwave. The most striking feature is the charcoal lighting heater, which mimics traditional outdoor grilling to keep your tandoori chicken crispy on the outside as well as juicy on the inside.
With a scan-to-cook Wi-Fi feature, it removes the guesswork for busy professionals – simply scan your food and let the 301-recipe brain handle the rest.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praised the microwave oven for its good heating performance, kitchen-friendly size, and easy-to-use features after understanding the manual. Customers also appreciated the Wi-Fi cooking support through the LG ThinQ app, which offers hundreds of recipe options.
Why buy this microwave?
If you want an all-in-one kitchen assistant that replaces your grill, air fryer, and oven and offers “Heart Healthy” presets for guilt-free, delicious family meals, buy this.
The IFB 34L Built-in Microwave is a high-end centerpiece designed for those who treat their kitchen as a professional studio. Since it is a built-in model, it completely frees up your counter space, providing a sleek, integrated look that is perfect for modern modular homes. With its massive 34L capacity and 360° convection, this isn’t just a microwave – it’s a full-scale oven capable of handling large family roasts or multi-tier baking with consistent, even heat.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
While most buyers liked the product, some buyers expressed disappointment over the long-term durability and after-sales service of the microwave.
Why buy this microwave?
Choose this model if you’re designing a modular kitchen and need a high-capacity, durable “workhorse” that blends seamlessly into your decor while providing professional-grade baking and roasting power.
This LG convection model is a dream for those who love authentic Indian taste but want to give up the greasiness. Its “Roti Basket” feature, a patent-pending technology, is a lifesaver for making soft, home-style rotis without the tandoor.
If you’re someone who values tradition but has a busy schedule, the ability to make fresh ghee without any fuss in just 12 minutes is a game-changer for your weekly meal preparation.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praised the microwave oven for its smooth heating performance, user-friendly controls, and wide range of cooking options. Customers also praised its stylish design and value for money, with one reviewer highlighting its successful preparation of dishes such as tandoori chicken.
Why buy this microwave?
If you want an affordable, highly-rated appliance that makes use of Indian recipes like roti, ghee and curd, while also giving you the freedom to host weekend barbecues with ease.
This IFB Solo model is the best choice for those who need a reliable, “no-nonsense” kitchen companion for daily tasks. It excels in efficiency – perfect for the busy student or working professional who wants hot food in seconds without the complexity of an oven.
The extraordinary “Mug Recipe” feature is a clever, real-world touch, allowing you to make a quick chocolate cake or delicious snack in the same cup with zero cleanup.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciated the microwave oven for its compact design, ease of use, and suitability for small families and senior citizens. Customers also liked its premium looks, value for money and efficient performance for everyday cooking needs.
Why buy this microwave?
If you want an economical, energy-efficient workhorse for reheating and quick “one-pot” meals that won’t clutter your counters or your electric bill, buy this.
This LG model is the “heavyweight champion” of the kitchen, perfect for large families or those who love to host. Its exceptional charcoal lighting heater and air fry capabilities mean you can skip the standalone air fryer and still enjoy crispy fries or smoky, tandoori-style kebabs.
With scan-to-cook Wi-Fi feature and a massive 431-recipe library, it’s essentially a professional chef that lives on your countertop, handling complex multi-course meals with zero effort.
Why buy this microwave?
If you have a big family and want a single, smart appliance that can do everything from air-frying healthy snacks to roasting a whole chicken with authentic charcoal-grilled taste, buy this.
Can it really be brown and crisp food, or will my food come out soggy?
The short answer is yes, but only if you choose a convection or grill microwave. Standard microwaves use only radio waves, which heat water molecules but cannot form a “crust.”
To get oven-quality 3-course meals, look for models with inverter technology or a built-in heating element. These machines can roast, cook, and grill just like a traditional oven. Many modern units also include a “crisp plate” that heats the bottom of your food while the grill browns the top, ensuring that your main meal is juicy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside.
Does it have “sensor cooking” to prevent overcooking?
True “no guess” cooking relies on internal humidity sensors. Unlike a basic timer that simply counts down, these sensors “breathe” the air inside the microwave to detect the moment your food releases steam.
Once the sensor detects that specific moisture level, the microwave automatically counts down the remaining time or turns off. This is a game-changer for 3-course meals, it means your salmon won’t turn to rubber and your chocolate lava cake will stay gooey in the middle, regardless of portion size.
How many “auto-cook” slots are actually customizable?
While the 100+ presets cover almost every staple from steamed vegetables to risotto, the best models offer multi-stage cooking and memory slots.
Multi-stage cooking allows the microwave to shift gears automatically, for example, it can defrost your meat at 30% power, switch to 100% power to cook it, and finish with the grill for a final sear, all from a single “Start” press. Look for machines that allow you to save at least 3 to 5 of your own custom “sequences”. It allows you to turn your grandma’s secret recipe into a one-touch button, ensuring perfect 3-course results every time you host.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Microwave
1. Cooking Techniques: Decide between solo, grill, or convection models. Convection is essential if you want to cook or roast food instead of reheating leftovers.
2. Internal Capacity: Check liter capacity and turntable size. Make sure it’s large enough to fit your favorite dinner plate or family-sized casserole baking dish.
3. Power and Wattage: Higher wattage, typically 900 to 1100 watts, cooks food faster and more evenly. Avoid low-powered units if you plan on doing heavy cooking frequently.
4. Smart Sensor Features: Look for humidity sensors that automatically adjust time and power. This “no guesswork” technology prevents overcooking and keeps your proteins juicy and tender.
5. Dimensions and Fit: Carefully measure your countertop or cabinet space. Make sure there is enough space for proper ventilation to prevent the appliance from overheating during use.
Top 3 Features of the Best Microwave Oven
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Iran denies proposal sent to US contains ‘excessive demands’ | US-Israel war on Iran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei says Tehran’s response to the latest US proposal to end the war was “not excessive.” He says it’s the US that continues to make “unreasonable demands” during negotiations over ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Published On 11 May 2026
