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Baidu has launched two new AI models, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1, marking its latest push to compete in the global AI race. Ernie 4.5 is a next-generation multimodal AI capable of processing text, images, audio, and videos, while Ernie X1 is Baidu's first deep-thinking AI, optimised for reasoning and logic-based tasks.

Akie Doi, a Japanese tourist visiting Puri, has become a one-woman clean-up force, inspiring locals and tourists alike to prioritize cleanliness on the beach. Her efforts have garnered support from the local community and the district administration, sparking an online debate about social responsibility and environmental awareness.

Maruti Suzuki, India's largest car manufacturer, is set to increase vehicle prices by up to 4% from April 2025 due to rising input and operational costs. The company acknowledges the need to pass on some of these increased expenses to consumers while remaining committed to minimizing the impact on them.

Delhi airport operator DIAL has sued the Indian government for permitting commercial flights from a nearby airbase, claiming it violates regulations and threatens the airport's financial viability. DIAL argues the government's decision breaches aviation rules and has caused financial losses for Delhi airport, which handled 73.6 million passengers last year but incurred a $21 million loss due to increased government fees.

A Moody's report warns that South and Southeast Asian companies in automotive, steel, chemicals, and business services face significant exposure to higher US tariffs, while industries like mining, oil and gas, and agriculture are less vulnerable due to strong domestic operations or diversified supply chains. Indian IT firms are well-positioned to handle cost pressures but remain exposed to shifts in US immigration rules.