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Top News

What to know about a possible rate cut this week

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates at its upcoming meeting, marking a shift from the high rates maintained to combat inflation. The move comes as inflation slows and the job market weakens, with the unemployment rate ticking up. While the size of the rate cut remains uncertain, market analysts are divided between a quarter-point and a half-point reduction. A rate cut could lead to lower costs for borrowers, but any significant relief may take time to materialize, potentially affecting consumer and business spending ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Amazon tells employees to return to office five days a week

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced a shift in the company's return-to-office policy, requiring corporate employees to spend five days a week in the office starting January 2, 2025. This is a change from the previous hybrid model that required three days in the office. Exceptions will be granted only under extenuating circumstances or with approval from senior leaders. Jassy emphasized that the change aims to strengthen Amazon's culture, enhance collaboration, and maintain the speed of decision-making.

Additionally, Amazon plans to simplify its corporate structure by reducing layers of management and increasing the ratio of individual contributors to managers by 15% by Q1 2025. This move is designed to streamline operations, reduce bureaucracy, and empower employees to make faster decisions.

Jassy reiterated the importance of preserving Amazon’s culture and operating with the mindset of a "world’s largest startup," focusing on invention, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. The company will also reinstate assigned desks in some offices, including its U.S. headquarters, while maintaining agile desk arrangements in locations that had them pre-pandemic.

Apple releases iOS 18 for iPhones, but it doesn’t include Apple Intelligence

Apple has released iOS 18, its latest major update for iPhones, introducing several new customization options and redesigns to enhance the user experience. While this update does not include Apple’s highly anticipated AI system, Apple Intelligence, which will be released later in the year, it brings notable changes to the iPhone interface and functionality.

### Key Features of iOS 18:

1. Home Screen Customization: Users can now fully customize the appearance of their home screen, including changing app icon colors and moving icons freely, such as placing apps around the screen border or in a specific layout.

2. Dark Mode for Icons: Users can switch app icons to dark mode or their preferred colors, adding more personalization to the home screen.

3. Updated Control Center: The Control Center has been redesigned with more shortcuts and additional pages for easier access to features.

4. Messages App Updates:

- RCS Messaging: Apple has introduced RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, improving the experience of sending texts with better photo quality, typing indicators, and modern features, especially for messages that appear as "green bubbles."

- Text Formatting: Users can now bold or italicize messages in the Messages app.

- Emoji Reactions: Reactions to messages can now be made using a wider range of emojis.

5. Satellite Text Messaging: iPhones with supported hardware can send text messages via satellite when there’s no Wi-Fi or cellular service available.

6. New Passwords App: iOS 18 includes a dedicated app for managing and generating secure passwords, improving online security for users.

The iOS 18 update is available for iPhones released from 2018 onward and can be downloaded through Settings > General > Software Update.

Sam Altman departs OpenAI’s safety committee

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has stepped down from the company's internal Safety and Security Committee, which will now operate independently under the leadership of Carnegie Mellon professor Zico Kolter. The committee, tasked with overseeing safety reviews of OpenAI's AI models, retains the power to delay releases over safety concerns. This move follows increased scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and criticism that OpenAI prioritizes corporate goals over meaningful AI regulation.

Old Video Of Cop Removing Uniform After Argument With BJP Leader Goes Viral

A video of Madhya Pradesh Assistant Sub-Inspector Vinod Mishra removing his uniform in protest after allegedly being threatened by BJP leader Arjun Gupta has gone viral, stirring political controversy. The incident, which took place in February at Kotwali police station, involved a dispute over a construction project, leading to tensions between the officer and local officials. The Congress party has seized the opportunity to criticize the BJP, accusing them of misusing power and undermining law and order in the state.

Richest Indian cities: Hyd and Vizag find a place!

India's financial hub, Mumbai, leads as the richest city with a GDP of USD 310 billion, followed by Delhi with USD 293 billion, contributing significantly to the country's economy. Kolkata ranks third with a GDP of USD 150 billion, while South Indian cities Bengaluru and Chennai follow with GDPs of USD 110 billion and USD 78.6 billion, respectively. Hyderabad takes the sixth spot with a GDP of USD 75 billion, and Vizag rounds out the top ten with USD 48.5 billion.

3 AP IPS Officers Suspended In Mumbai Actress case

Mumbai-based actress Kadambati Jetwani has become a focal point in Andhra Pradesh’s political scene, alleging abuse and torture by YCP leaders with police support during their time in power. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken serious action, suspending three IPS officers for alleged power abuse and failure to supervise the case. The suspended officers include P. Sitharama Anjaneyulu, Vishal Gunni, and Sri Kanthi Rana Tata, who are now under restricted movement at the Vijayawada DGP office as part of the investigation.

Movie News

Aditi Rao Hydari, Siddharth are now ‘Mrs & Mr Adu-Siddhu’

Actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth have officially announced their marriage, sharing pictures from their traditional South Indian wedding on Instagram. The couple, who got engaged earlier this year, expressed their joy with the caption, "Mrs & Mr Adu-Siddhu," celebrating their union. Aditi and Siddharth reportedly began dating in 2021 during the filming of Maha Samudram, and both have exciting upcoming projects, with Aditi starring in Gandhi Talks and Lioness, while Siddharth will appear in Indian 3 and Miss You.

Devara’s record-breaking spree continues overseas

Devara: Part 1 starring Jr NTR is making waves even before its release, with pre-sales grossing over $1.75 million, setting a record for an Indian film. The movie has already sold over 45,000 tickets in the USA, and with 10 days remaining until its premiere, more milestones are expected. Directed by Siva Koratala, the film features Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan alongside Jr NTR, with music by Anirudh Ravichander, and is produced by Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts.

Triptii Dimri and her star-studded line-up for 2024

Triptii Dimri is making a significant impact in Bollywood with a diverse slate of projects. After impressing in Animal and Bad Newz, she is generating buzz for her upcoming comedy-drama Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, which releases on October 11, 2024. Additionally, she will star in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan, slated for Diwali release, and Dhadak 2 with Siddhant Chaturvedi. Triptii will also collaborate with Shahid Kapoor in a yet-to-be-titled project directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, showcasing her versatility and screen presence.

Theatre Releases

Source: Filmibeat