India Successfully Launches Navigation Satellite, Strengthening Space Capabilities

Sam Altman, the CEO of Microsoft-backed OpenAI, is reportedly planning a visit to New Delhi on February 5, according to Reuters, citing three sources. This marks his first visit since 2023, when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the prospects of artificial intelligence in India's technology sector. The specifics of Altman's itinerary remain unconfirmed and may vary. The anticipated visit comes as OpenAI faces intensified competition from Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, whose AI Assistant recently surpassed ChatGPT to become the leading free app in the U.S. Apple App Store. Additionally, OpenAI is navigating legal challenges in India, where a lawsuit was filed last year accusing the company of copyright infringements related to news articles. While OpenAI has stated that it utilizes publicly available data under fair use principles, it has yet to issue comments on the ongoing legal matters or Altman's upcoming trip. India has emerged as OpenAI's second-largest market after the U.S., underlining the significance of this visit.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to pilot the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled to launch no earlier than spring 2025 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission marks a significant milestone, as Shukla will become the second Indian to fly into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic journey in 1984, officials announced on Thursday. Shukla, currently serving in the Indian Air Force, has undergone extensive training for the private mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He was selected for Ax-4 by the Indian Space Research Organisation, which is also preparing him for India's Gaganyaan Mission. In a statement, Shukla expressed his excitement about experiencing microgravity and hinted at performing yoga aboard the ISS, similar to Sharma. Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, will command the mission, emphasizing the importance of teamwork among the diverse crew. Axiom's previous missions have successfully paved the way for private astronauts at the ISS since the inaugural Ax-1 flight in April 2022.

An alarming incident occurred in Chennai on January 25, where a group of women was harassed and chased by men in two vehicles, one displaying a flag associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The event unfolded in the Kanathur area as the women were returning home to Muttukadu. Video footage shows the women screaming for help as the attackers blocked their path and hurled abuses while making obscene remarks. Fearing for their safety, the women managed to escape, driving almost four kilometers back to their homes, pursued by the men who continued to issue threats. Following the incident, the Chennai police have registered a case against the suspects for mischief, criminal intimidation, and wrongful restraint. An investigation is underway to identify the individuals involved. The incident has triggered significant political fallout, with BJP leader SG Suryah criticizing the state government’s handling of law and order. “Is this the beauty of your regime's law and order maintenance?” he questioned on social media, highlighting growing concerns over women's safety in the region.