Amazon is set to cut 800 to 1,000 jobs in India as part of global layoffs driven by AI adoption. The job cuts will affect teams in finance, HR, and technology, mostly those working with global units. The company said the move aims to reduce bureaucracy and focus on key projects. Globally, Amazon plans to replace or avoid 600,000 jobs in the US by 2027. CEO Andy Jassy said AI will make many roles unnecessary while creating new ones. Amazon continues to invest heavily in AI, spending over $100 billion this year. (PC: AFP)

In Goa, the state government’s decision to transfer 34 junior scale civil servants amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered objections from the local Congress unit. The officers included some deputy collectors, chief officers and electoral registration officers (EROs) — personnel directly involved in the SIR process. Congress claimed such transfers violate Election Commission of India guidelines that prohibit reshuffles of officers linked with electoral duties without prior approval. The state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjay Goel, confirmed the matter will be taken up with the government.     

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi’s Environment Minister, said the trial of cloud seeding was carried out even though atmospheric moisture was only around 10–15 %, well below the typical 50 % needed for effective rainfall. The trial performed by IIT Kanpur involved two aircraft sorties dispersing a total of about 7–8 kg of seeding mix, covering areas including North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar and Khekra. The report noted only a trace drizzle in nearby Noida and Greater Noida and a modest drop in pollution levels at some stations. Sirsa said nine to ten more such trials are planned as efforts ramp up ahead of Delhi’s winter pollution peak. (PC: PTI)

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission. The panel will revise the salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners. Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai will head the commission, with Professor Pulak Ghosh as member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the commission will submit its report within 18 months. The revised pay is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. The 8th Pay Commission follows the 7th Pay Commission implemented in 2016. (PC: HT)

Delhi may see artificial rain soon as the second cloud seeding trial was conducted on Tuesday to tackle rising pollution levels. A flight from Kanpur carried out the trial over areas like Burari, Mayur Vihar, and Khekra. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said eight flares were used to seed the clouds, and rain was expected within a few hours. This marks the third such trial in Delhi’s history, and the first in over five decades. The Delhi government partnered with IIT Kanpur for the ₹3.21 crore project aimed at reducing pollution through artificial rainfall. (PC: HT)

A 27-year-old software engineer from Delhi has gone viral after posting on Reddit about his decision to leave India. In his post titled “Finally decided to leave India,” he said he was moving abroad not for money, but for “basic dignity of life.” He blamed poor infrastructure, bureaucracy, and fear of harassment for breaking his love for the country. Many users supported his decision, saying they shared the same frustration. The post reflects a growing trend of young Indians migrating abroad for better living conditions, with India now leading global migration numbers, according to recent reports. (PC: Mint)

Delhi carried out its first large-scale cloud seeding trial on Tuesday to tackle severe post-Diwali smog. An aircraft from IIT Kanpur released silver iodide and salt-based flares over parts of the city, including Khekra, Burari, and Mayur Vihar, to trigger artificial rain. The operation lasted about 30 minutes and may bring rainfall within a few hours. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the experiment aims to reduce pollution levels and clear toxic air. More trials are planned as part of the city’s winter pollution-control strategy, approved earlier this year by the Delhi Cabinet. (PC: X)

Delhi Police have arrested a woman, her ex-boyfriend, and a friend for murdering 32-year-old civil services aspirant Ram Kesh Meena. His charred body was found in a Timarpur flat on October 6 after a fire. Police said Amrita Chauhan planned the killing after learning that Meena had recorded and kept her private videos on a hard disk. The disk also contained videos of at least 15 other women. Amrita and her accomplices allegedly killed Meena, stole his devices, and set the room on fire to hide the crime. All three have been arrested and charged with murder. (PC: NDTV)

India has moved up to ninth place globally in forest area, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment. The country also ranks third in annual forest growth, with a gain of 1.91 lakh hectares per year. India’s total forest area now stands at 72.7 million hectares, about 2% of the world’s forests. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credited the rise to government initiatives like the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign and community participation. The FAO report shows that Asia is the only region with overall forest growth, led by China and India. (PC: X)

A cloud-seeding trial was carried out over parts of Delhi on Tuesday to help clear the city’s toxic air. The aircraft, which flew from Kanpur, has returned after completing the first test. Officials said rain is not expected before 5 pm as cloud moisture is below 20 percent, making rainfall unlikely. A second attempt may be made if weather permits. The Delhi government and IIT Kanpur have planned five trials between October and November at a cost of ₹3.21 crore. The project aims to reduce pollution levels after Delhi recorded its worst post-Diwali air in five years. (PC: NDTV)