Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has issued a warning: the future of artificial intelligence (AI) may not be in the cloud, which means that massive, energy-hungry data centres for which tech giants pouring billions of dollars may become irrelevant. He said that the AI power will be in users’ pockets with silicon that powers their devices, capable of running sophisticated LLMs.In an interview, Srinivas argued that the rise of high-performance, on-device AI is the biggest existential threat to the centralised infrastructure which is currently dominating the tech industry.“Well, the the biggest threat to a data centre is if the intelligence can be packed locally on a chip that’s running on the device and then there’s no need to inference all of it on like one centralized data center. It becomes more decentralized and even better if the models that are coming along with the chip are are things that adapt to you,” Srinivas said.“And by the way, you don’t even you may not even need that for adaptation to you. It could just be um data that lives on your computer or your device um that can be retrieved on the fly,” he added.

Perplextiy CEO explaines benefits of moving AI from cloud to machines

Srinivas postulated multiple benefits of moving AI from the cloud to the device. He said that the processing will happen instantly on the device, removing the delay of sending data to a remote server. Having AI on machine will ensure that personal data never leaves the user’s hardware. Thirdly, Srinivas compared local AI to having a “digital brain” that lives with the user, learning and evolving based on their specific habits.“That way you don’t have to repeat it. That’s your intelligence. You own it. It’s your brain. Then that really disrupts the whole data centre industry like it doesn’t make sense to spend all this money 500 billion 5 trillion whatever on building all the centralised data centres across the world that do a lot of the intelligence workloads for people. This is the question. This is whatever it’s a $10 trillion question, hundred trillion dollar question,” he explained.“That’s not yet happened. No one’s actually shipped a model that can be packaged on your computer, a very efficient chip locally and then it’s very intelligent enough that it can complete tasks reliably. That’s not yet happened. When that happens, I think it’s it’ll be very interesting,” the Perplexity CEO concluded.

Zimbabwe Cricket have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking the nation’s return to the global stage after missing the 2024 edition. Led by talismanic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, the squad blends experience and youth as Zimbabwe aim to re-establish themselves in elite T20 cricket.

Zimbabwe have been drawn into Group B alongside heavyweights Australia and Sri Lanka, as well as Ireland and Oman. All group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, with Zimbabwe opening their campaign against Oman on February 9, 2026.

T20 World Cup 2026: Blessing Muzarabani returns to lead Zimbabwe’s pace attack

A major boost for Zimbabwe comes with the return of fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who is set to spearhead the pace attack. Muzarabani missed the recent Pakistan tri-series due to a back injury, raising concerns over his availability for the World Cup.

Having recovered fully, the tall right-arm seamer is expected to play a pivotal role, especially on Sri Lankan surfaces that can offer bounce with the new ball. His presence adds much-needed firepower to a bowling unit that will be tested against some of the strongest batting line-ups in world cricket.

Graeme Cremer’s comeback after seven years

One of the most eye-catching selections is the return of former Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer, who has been recalled after a seven-year absence from international cricket. Cremer’s inclusion significantly strengthens the spin department and brings leadership experience to the squad.

Cremer will partner Wellington Masakadza, giving Zimbabwe a reliable spin combination suited to subcontinental conditions. The selectors appear to have placed strong emphasis on experience and control, particularly for matches in Sri Lanka where spin often plays a decisive role.

Balanced squad blends youth and experience

Zimbabwe’s squad reflects a careful balance between seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Alongside captain Sikandar Raza, the batting unit features Brendan Taylor, whose experience at the international level remains invaluable, as well as dynamic options like Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl.

Also READ: South Africa announces a bold squad for T20 World Cup 2026, drops Tristan Stubbs and recalls Kagiso Rabada

The middle order is bolstered by the likes of Tony Munyonga and Dion Myers, while wicketkeeping duties are expected to be shared by Clive Madande and Tadiwanashe Marumani.

Zimbabwe squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor

Also READ: India’s rising star Vaishnavi Sharma reveals her top 3 favourite male and female cricketers

Teenage opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed an unbeaten 98 before Ottniel Baartman held his nerve in the final over as Paarl Royals edged MI Cape Town by one run in a gripping SA20 derby. Baartman’s late strikes and Sikandar Raza’s three-wicket burst proved decisive.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius ignited his SA20 Season 4 campaign with a superb unbeaten 98, guiding Paarl Royals to a dramatic one-run win over MI Cape Town in a pulsating Western Cape derby at Boland Park on Friday night.With 15 to defend in the final over, Royals seamer Ottniel Baartman found himself under severe pressure after Kagiso Rabada launched the third ball for a six over long-off. The momentum appeared to have shifted, but Baartman struck back immediately, having Rabada caught on the boundary with the very next delivery.

That left MI Cape Town needing six off the final ball. George Linde struck a length delivery sweetly over cover, only for the ball to drop inches short of the rope, triggering wild celebrations among the home supporters.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!After a quiet start to the season, Pretorius rediscovered his touch at his favourite venue. The teenage opener was back to his attacking best, striking 10 fours and two sixes during a commanding 65-ball innings. Although the Royals crowd urged him towards a maiden T20 hundred, Rabada’s final-ball dot denied him the milestone.

Ottniel Baartman of Paarl Royals celebrates getting the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen of MI Cape Town during Match 10 of the SA20 Season 4. (SA20)

MI Cape Town were under pressure from the outset as Pretorius and Asa Tribe dominated the powerplay. The opening pair added exactly 100 in 10.4 overs before captain Rashid Khan (2/31) dismissed Tribe for 51 off 34 balls.The visitors responded strongly with the bat, as Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton (36) put on 77 for the first wicket in 7.5 overs. However, new Royals signing Sikandar Raza (3/27) turned the contest, removing Rickelton and Nicholas Pooran before cleaning up Tom Moores with his first delivery.

MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan hits over the top for six during Match 10 of the Betway SA20 Season 4 between Paarl Royals (PR) and MI Cape Town (MICT). (SA20)

Baartman then delivered the decisive blow, claiming both Van der Dussen (59) and Jason Smith (1) within three balls to derail MI Cape Town’s chase and seal a memorable win for the Royals.Brief Scores Paarl Royals: 181 for 3 in 20 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 98 not out, Asa Tribe 51; Rashid Khan 2/31)MI Cape Town: 180 for 8 in 20 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 59, Ryan Rickelton 36; Ottneil Baartman 4/51, Sikandar Raza 3/27)

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has revealed the single and most important factor behind the company’s trillion-dollar success: “obsessive, compulsive focus on the customer” rather than on competitors. Speaking at the Economic Club of Washington, Bezos stressed on the fact that many of the CEOs and founders claim that they prioritise customers but in reality they spend most of their time in keeping a close watch on their rivals. “It is a huge advantage to any company if you can stay focused on your customer instead of your competitor,” he said.

Customer obsession comes first at Amazon

Amazon’s career page lists 14 leadership principles and ‘customer obsession’ tops the list. The philosophy urges leaders to “start with the customer and work backwards” to earn and keep trust. Bezos feels that it is always important to identify your true customer. “It is a huge advantage to any company if you can stay focused on your customer instead of your competitor. So then you have to identify who is your customer,” said Bezos.At the Washington Post, for example, he said the customer is the reader, not advertisers. “Advertisers want to be where there are readers. So, it’s really not complicated,” he noted.Bezos pointed to Amazon Prime as a prime example of customer‑driven innovation. Launched in 2005 with free and fast shipping, the service was initially criticized as “too good to be true.” Yet its focus on consumer needs proved transformative.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ advice to young people

Jeff Bezos shared an important and surprising piece of advice for young people who are dreaming of entrepreneurial success. Bezos said ‘Go work at McDonald’s.’ As reported by Fortune, in a recent interview, Bezos stressed on the importance of early work experience especially in the fast-paced, customer-facing environment. “I always advise young people: Go work at McDonald’s,” Bezos said. “You learn responsibility. You learn how to show up. You learn how to deal with people. You learn how to hustle.”For those unaware, Bezos started Amazon out of his garage in 1994. He believes that entry-level jobs such as those at McDonald’s tech foundational skills which are important for long term success. He emphasised that such small roles are necessary as they instill skill like discipline, resilience and the ability to handle pressure. These are the traits that many Gen Z entrepreneurs may overlook in their rush to build startups.

Shubman Gill (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad continues to spark debate across cricketing circles. The decision surprised many, particularly given Gill’s recent role as vice-captain in India’s T20I series against South Africa. While some may justify the move on the grounds of team balance and strategy, dropping him at the last minute after entrusting him with a leadership position has raised questions about the selectors’ planning and communication. Gill had been reintegrated into India’s T20I setup earlier this year during the Asia Cup and was once again handed the vice-captaincy. Despite this, he struggled to secure a consistent spot at the top of the order, scoring 291 runs across 15 matches at a strike rate of 137.26, without registering a half-century.

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh criticised the decision, expressing disbelief at Gill’s omission. “Shubman Gill is a vice-captain. What is the reason behind dropping him? Just because he failed in 4-5 innings? Indian cricketers have had so many players who have barely managed to perform in 10 matches out of 100 opportunities,” Yograj told Ravish Bisht on a YouTube show. Singh also highlighted the impact of such decisions on younger players, using Abhishek Sharma as an example. “They still played; you already know the reason why. Young Abhishek Sharma arrived a couple of years ago. If he fails four innings, will you drop him as well?” he questioned, cautioning against inconsistent, knee-jerk reactions by the selection panel. Recounting past instances of backing senior players despite temporary struggles, Yograj referenced Kapil Dev’s treatment under Bishan Singh Bedi during the England tour. “Let me give you an example of the ‘great’ Kapil Dev. When we toured Pakistan with Bishan Singh Bedi as captain, Kapil Dev continued to play matches despite failing with bat and ball. But Bishan Singh Bedi still took him on the subsequent tour of England,” he said, emphasising the importance of trusting a player’s overall value to the team rather than reacting solely to recent form. Gill’s absence has reignited conversations about selection philosophy and the balance between short-term results and long-term team planning.

NEW DELHI: A delay of over four years has pushed up the cost of the country’s first Bullet Train project by around 83% to Rs 1.98 lakh crore. The first leg of the project, between Surat and Bilimora, is scheduled to be inaugurated in Aug 2027, while the entire 508-km corridor is likely to be completed by Dec 2029.Responding to a question on the cost escalation for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor project being implemented by NHRSCL, at a briefing on govt’s Pragati initiative, Railway Board CEO and chairman Satish Kumar said, “While the final sanction for the revised cost is yet to be taken, it’s around Rs 1.98 lakh crore. It’s still under revision… It will be finalised within a month or two.”Initially, the project was sanctioned at a cost of around Rs 1.1 lakh crore. The project has faced time and cost overruns due to different reasons, including delay in land acquisition, statutory clearances and finalisation of the rolling stock (trains).In a statement last week, railways said that overall physical progress in the project stood at 55.6% until Nov 30 and financial progress at 69.6%. Until Nov end, Rs 85,801 crore had been spent on the project. TOI has learnt that PM Narendra Modi, while reviewing work of railway ministry last month, had directed it to expedite completion of the project.Earlier on Friday, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually witnessed from Rail Bhawan the final breakthrough in a 1.5-km-long mountain tunnel, a part of the project, in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. “A big milestone has been achieved today (Friday). This achievement is the breakthrough of the mountain tunnel 5,” he said.In an official release, the ministry said that it is among the longest in Palghar district, being located between the Virar and Boisar bullet train stations. “It is the second tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra, as the first 5-km-long underground tunnel between Thane and BKC was completed in Sept 2025,” it said. The project passing through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli is designed to operate bullet trains at a speed of 320 kmph.The corridor will also be fit for operating the advanced Japanese E10 series Shinkansen trains as it is being designed to allow trains to run at 20 kmph higher speed. Once completed, the corridor will lead to an estimated reduction of nearly 95% in carbon dioxide emissions compared to road transport.

What began as a platform for last-minute grocery runs is rapidly turning into a serious marketplace for beauty. On quick commerce apps, a bottle of anti-ageing serum now reaches consumers faster than many products can promise visible results, marking a clear shift in how beauty and personal care (BPC) products are being bought in India.The category has quietly become one of quick commerce’s biggest growth drivers, generating an estimated $100 million in monthly gross merchandise value, ET reported. The figure is only slightly lower than Nykaa’s average monthly beauty sales, signalling how quickly consumers are embracing instant delivery for products that were once carefully planned purchases rather than impulse buys.Executives say demand has expanded across both mass and premium segments. “The BPC category has been one of the fastest-growing segments this year. We are seeing strong traction across core segments: makeup, skincare, and everyday beauty essentials,” Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel told ET. He also pointed to rising interest in high-end skincare and cosmetics on the platform.Market data backs this momentum. According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, beauty sales on quick commerce platforms surged 160% year-on-year in the last quarter, far outstripping the 20% growth seen on traditional ecommerce platforms over the same period.The growing reach of quick commerce is also drawing attention from global beauty companies. “In India, it’s clearly a game changer for us because whether it’s quick commerce or the traditional ecom platform, it allows us to reach consumers all over the country, which we couldn’t do before,” L’Oreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said during a recent earnings call.For brands, the channel is already contributing a sizeable share of revenue. Quick commerce now accounts for between 7% and 25% of sales for several direct-to-consumer and legacy players. Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth and The Derma Co, has described quick commerce as its fastest-growing sales channel, contributing about 10% of its overall revenue.