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OpenAI appoints Aaron Ronnie Chatterji as first chief economist, an Indian-American
OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron Chatterji as its first Chief Economist, who is an Indian-American. He aims to ensure that the economic advantages of AI are widespread and that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth. Here is everything you need to know.
In Short
He aims to ensure that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth
OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its first chief economist
He is an Indian-American, who will be looking at how AI can reshape industries
OpenAI has appointed Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, a business and public policy professor from Duke University, as its first-ever Chief Economist. This move comes as the company aims to explore the economic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on global markets, job creation, and growth across industries. Chatterji brings vast experience from both academia and government, having served under the Obama and Biden administrations.
Chatterji’s role will involve leading research into how AI is reshaping the economy, particularly focusing on its impact on employment and long-term productivity. With his experience, he is expected to guide both businesses and policymakers in navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by AI technology.
Prior to joining OpenAI, Chatterji played a key role in the Biden administration as the CHIPS coordinator, managing the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act. His background includes serving as Chief Economist for the US Department of Commerce and contributing to economic strategy on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers. Given his strong expertise in innovation and economic development, his appointment is seen as critical to OpenAI’s ambitions.
OpenAI’s hiring of Chatterji comes at a time when the company is ramping up efforts to understand how AI can drive sustainable growth across multiple sectors. As AI continues to evolve, concerns about its effect on jobs and industry shifts are growing. A study co-authored by OpenAI suggested that up to 80 per cent of U.S. workers might see AI affect at least 10 per cent of their job tasks, and a significant portion could face more disruptive impacts. Chatterji’s work will be essential in addressing these issues and helping businesses adapt.
In addition to Chatterji, OpenAI has made other prominent appointments recently, including Chris Lehane, a former White House lawyer, as Vice President of Global Affairs, and Paul Nakasone, a retired four-star US Army general, to boost its leadership team.
source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)
India launches fourth nuclear-missile submarine as a leap in maritime defence, says report
The launch of India’s fourth SSBN, S4*, at Visakhapatnam boosts its nuclear deterrence.
India launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) this week at the Ship Building Center (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, Hindustan Times reported.
The country’s second SSBN, INS Arighaat, was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 29, 2024, while the third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, is set to be commissioned next year. Additionally, on October 9, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved plans for the Indian Navy to construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines, aimed at bolstering deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a message to the neighbouring countries who share maritime boundaries with India that maritime security is a collective effort and inviting “outside forces” to the doorstep would dent efforts for unity, PTI reported.
“Maintaining peace in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region should be top priority. Cooperation of India’s friendly nations is essential in this effort, as even if one country is left out, the nation’s security wheel breaks,” Singh said.
Hindustan Times reported that the newly launched S4* SSBN features nearly 75% indigenous content and is armed exclusively with K-4 nuclear ballistic missiles, which have a range of 3,500 km and can be launched through vertical systems. In contrast, the first submarine of its class, INS Arihant, carries K-15 nuclear missiles with a range of 750 km.
The report further noted that the newer submarines are upgrades, exclusively equipped with K-4 missiles. These SSBNs have unlimited range and endurance, limited only by food supplies, crew fatigue, and maintenance needs. Both INS Arihant and INS Arighaat are currently on deep-sea patrols, and a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine is expected to join the fleet on lease in 2028.
India’s first leased nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra, was designated as S1, leading to the naming of subsequent submarines: INS Arihant as S2, INS Arighaat as S3, and INS Aridhaman as S4. The newly launched submarine is designated S4*, with its formal name yet to be announced. Future classes of Indian SSBNs are expected to have a displacement of 6,000 tons, double that of the Arihant class, and will carry nuclear missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers and beyond, reported Hindustan Times.
source/content: livemint.com (headline edited)
Work on 10 more nuclear reactors underway in country, parliamentary panel told
According to sources, the new nuclear reactors coming up in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana are of 700 MW capacity and will start operating in the next few years.
At least 10 nuclear reactors are being installed in the country while two reactors in Gujarat’s Kakrapar have started generating power commercially, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology was informed on Monday.
According to sources, the new nuclear reactors coming up in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana are of 700 MW capacity and will start operating in the next few years.
The details of the new nuclear reactors were provided to the members of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change during a meeting here.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who is a member of the committee as well as its former chairman, said members of the panel were informed during the meeting that the Kakrapar-3 and Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactors in Gujarat have been fully synchronised with the grid and are generating power commercially.
This is a major accomplishment since these are indigenously designed 700-megawatt reactors that were approved in 2007. Construction had begun in 2010. More such reactors are being installed at different locations,” he said in a post on X.
“Another example of how much continuity there is in our development – which is never acknowledged by ‘El Supremo’,” Ramesh said, stressing that it was during the Congress regime when the two nuclear reactors in Kakrapar were approved.
In another post on X, Ramesh said the standing committee was also informed that Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has turned around significantly and it has resulted in its becoming eligible for ‘Mini Ratna’ status which will raise its market value.
“This is good news,” he said.
“A public sector company set up in 1974 first stood condemned, and now it gets applauded. This shows how cavalierly public sector companies have been treated since 2014,” the Congress leader said.
He said CEL was at the cutting edge of solar energy systems in the 1980s and early 1990s. In 2017, the government of India decided to sell off CEL.
“CEL was then sold off to some company called Nandal Finance and Leasing. Serious questions were then raised about the bona fides of this company.
“Finally, in response to the controversy that had been generated in Parliament as well, the Union Government terminated the sale in September 2022,” Ramesh added.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)
India surpasses China to become largest two-wheeler market globally
India has surpassed China to become the largest two-wheeler market in the world, driven by rising demand in rural areas, supported by favourable monsoon conditions and government initiatives for rural development, a report showed on Friday.
Globally, two-wheeler sales grew 4 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research.
Although India, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa saw growth, China and Southeast Asia (SEA) experienced a decline.
Senior analyst Soumen Mandal said that India’s two-wheeler market saw a remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in the first half this year.
“This strong performance allowed India to surpass China and become the world’s largest two-wheeler market,” he mentioned.
Two-wheelers saw strong double-digit growth (year-on-year) in the second quarter of this fiscal in India.
In China, two-wheelers under 125cc remain popular, but consumers are increasingly opting for e-bicycles over motorcycles and scooters for daily commuting. This shift has led to a temporary slowdown in the Chinese two-wheeler market, particularly in the electric segment.
In South East Asia, major markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia saw a decline in two-wheeler sales due to geopolitical trade tensions, stricter lending criteria, and cautious consumer spending amid economic uncertainty.
The top-10 global two-wheeler manufacturers captured over 75 per cent of sales during H1 2024.
Honda maintained its leading position in the global two-wheeler market, followed by Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, TVS Motor and Yadea.
TVS Motor was the fastest-growing brand (up 25 per cent YoY) among the top-10 brands while Yadea declined the most (down 29 per cent YoY), slipping to fifth position.
Neil Shah, Vice President of Research, said that electrification is on the rise, and by 2030, we expect four out of 10 two-wheelers sold to be electric.
“This shift is also accelerating the adoption of embedded cellular connectivity in the two-wheeler segment. As the automotive industry advances toward C-V2X technology, the two-wheeler segment will follow suit,” he noted.
source/content: business.ians.in (headline edited)
GLOBAL: Indian Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan Elected As Publications Director Of World Medical Association
Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, a distinguished figure in the field of medical science has been recognised for his outstanding contributions in health care.
The World Medical Association (WMA) has elected Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan as the new Publications Director of the WMA Junior Doctors’ Network. The appointment took place during the recent WMA General Assembly in Helsinki, Finland.
Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, a distinguished figure in the field of medical science and public health, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions and leadership in health care. With a robust background in Community and Family medicine, Dr. Karthikeyan will oversee the publication activities of JDN aimed at shaping the future of medical science globally.
The World Medical Association, now encompassing 114 member countries, is dedicated to the highest standards of medical education, science, and ethics, ensuring quality health care for all people worldwide. Dr Karthikeyan’s election as Publications Director underscores his formidable reputation as a leader capable of steering the international medical community towards these lofty goals.
In addition to his new role at WMA, Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan is already serving as the National Convenor for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the Indian Medical Association. This election signifies India’s rising prominence as a global leader in healthcare.
The World Medical Association (WMA) is an international organization representing physicians. It was founded on 17 September 1947, when physicians from 27 different countries met at the First General Assembly of the WMA in Paris. The organization was created to ensure the independence of physicians, and to work for the highest possible standards of ethical behaviour and care by physicians, at all times. This was particularly important to physicians after the Second World War, and therefore the WMA has always been an independent confederation of free professional associations.
source/content: ndtv.com (headline edited)
INTERNATIONAL: SAUDI ARABAI: Over 20 mn Indians contributing to our society: Saudi Arabia minister
Al-Ghamdi’s statement comes after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media launched the ‘global harmony’ initiative in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Media Khalid bin Abdulqader Al-Ghamdi has lauded the contribution of Indians residing in the country.
Al-Ghamdi’s statement comes after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media launched the ‘global harmony’ initiative in Riyadh as part of the “Quality of Life” Program to attain its Vision 2030 objectives.The Riyadh season started on October 13.
The events and activities in the Riyadh season represent the cultures of 11 countries including – India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt over 45 days. The activities include concerts, cultural, entertainment and family events, traditional foods, and various handicraft exhibitions.
There are 2.6 million Indians currently living in Saudi Arabia. Highlighting the contribution of Indians in the Saudi Society, the deputy minister said the relationship with India is important.
“The relationship between our countries is witnessing improvement, witnessing so many new arenas of cooperation including economics, cultural or all the aspects and these will be aligned to vision 2030 or its counterpart long-term projects in India. There are 2.6 million Indians in Saudi Arabia which shows how much they are contributing in our society,” he said.
The Saudi deputy minister also highlighted the previous visits made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2016 and 2019 and said, “It is one manifestation of how strong the relationship between both the countries is. It is leadership and political aspects for all the relevance of the relationship between the two countries and are all together moving toward future based on our vision 2030 and long term vision of India relationship.”
The Ministry of Media, in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority, has organised events in the city that feature cultural, artistic, and folkloric activities and shows.
“This is an initiative by Ministry of Media. It is one of the initiative of the Vision 2030 and program on quality of life of Saudi Arabia. It aims to show how residents are living in harmony in the society of Saudi Arabia,” Al-Ghamdi added.
source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited)
NATIONAL: LADY JUSTICE: Supreme Court Introduces New ‘Lady Justice’ Statue: A Symbol of Equality And Constitutional Values In Modern India
The Supreme Court of India has unveiled a new Lady Justice statue, symbolizing a modern approach to justice by removing her blindfold and replacing the sword with the Constitution, reflecting a commitment to equality and constitutional values.
On October 16, 2024, the Supreme Court of India unveiled a new statue of Lady Justice, featuring open eyes and holding the Indian Constitution instead of a sword. This transformation, commissioned by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, symbolizes a shift away from colonial legacies and emphasizes that justice in India is based on constitutional values rather than punitive authority. The statue stands in the judges’ library and reflects a commitment to equality and fairness in the legal system.
A Modern Symbol of Justice
The newly unveiled Lady Justice statue at the Supreme Court now has her eyes wide open, signifying that the law is not blind. The traditional sword has been replaced with a copy of the Indian Constitution, reinforcing the message that justice should be administered according to constitutional principles. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated, “The law is not blind; it sees everyone equally,” highlighting the importance of equality before the law. The statue retains the scales of justice in her right hand, symbolizing impartiality in judicial decisions. This change aims to promote a more inclusive understanding of justice in contemporary India.
Contextual Background
The unveiling aligns with ongoing reforms in India’s legal system, including efforts to replace colonial-era laws like the Indian Penal Code with more modern frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The removal of the blindfold from Lady Justice marks a significant departure from traditional representations, which often emphasized impartiality through blindness. Instead, this new portrayal seeks to reflect an evolving identity for the Indian judiciary that embraces its constitutional roots while shedding colonial symbols.
Questions and Answers
1. What changes were made to the Lady Justice statue?
The statue’s blindfold has been removed, and it now holds a copy of the Constitution instead of a sword. This symbolizes a shift towards constitutional values rather than punitive authority while retaining the scales of justice for balance.
2. Why was this redesign commissioned?
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud believes it is essential to move beyond colonial symbols that have historically represented justice. By removing the blindfold, he emphasizes that “the law is not blind” and sees everyone equally, reflecting modern Indian values.
3. Where is the new statue located?
The redesigned Lady Justice statue stands prominently in the judges’ library at the Supreme Court of India, symbolizing its importance within the judicial system.
4. When was this change officially unveiled?
The new statue was unveiled on October 16, 2024, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing India’s legal identity.
5. How does this change fit into broader legal reforms in India?
This redesign is part of a larger movement to replace colonial-era laws with contemporary legal frameworks, such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It signifies a commitment to uphold justice based on constitutional principles rather than outdated practices.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The redesign of Lady Justice is a powerful statement about India’s commitment to a fair and equitable legal system. By moving away from colonial symbols and embracing constitutional ideals, we foster a more empathetic approach to justice that resonates with all citizens. This transformation invites us to consider how such symbolic changes can enhance public trust in our judiciary. What are your thoughts on this new representation of justice? We encourage our readers to engage in this vital conversation for positive social change.
source/content: thelogicalindian.com (headline edited)
INTERNATIONAL / NATIONAL: DEFENCE: India, US sign Rs 32,000-crore deal for 31 Predator drones
The development comes less than a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held talks about the acquisition of the Predator drones on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware.
In Short
- Total cost of the deal could rise to Rs 34,500 crore
- Deal includes MRO facility establishment in India
- 15 drones for Navy, rest for Air Force and Army
India has signed a deal with the US for the procurement of 31 Predator MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAV manufactured by General Atomics. The development comes less than a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held talks about the acquisition of the drones on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware.
The two countries signed a deal worth Rs 32,000 crore for the acquisition of 31 predator drones, along with the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
This deal will enhance the surveillance capabilities of the Indian armed forces. According to reports, the total value of the deal could rise to Rs 34,500 crore.
The project was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) last week under which the Indian Navy will receive 15 Sea Guardians, while the Indian Army and Air Force will each acquire eight Sky Guardians.
Along with the UAVs, the deal encompasses advanced weaponry, such as 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 16 M36E9 Hellfire training missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B laser-guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and eight GBU-39B/B LSDB guided test vehicles with live fuses.
India has been discussing the deal with the US for many years, but the final hurdles were cleared a few weeks ago at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting as it had to be cleared before October 31 as the validity of the American proposal was till that time only.
India would be basing the drones at four possible locations, including INS Rajali near Chennai, Porbandar in Gujarat, Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE MQ-9B DRONES?
The US had approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B drones to the Indian military at an estimated cost of $3.99 billion in February.
The key characteristic of the MQ-9B Predator is its whisper-quiet operation. The drone stands out from the rest because of its stealth feature. The drone can fly as close to 250 metres from the ground without the target even having an inkling it is there unless spotted.
With a maximum speed of 442 km/h, the drone can soar at an altitude of around 50,000 feet, higher than that of a commercial airplane.
The drone’s capacity to be sent on extended missions in any kind of weather is another noteworthy feature. The drone has the option to be fitted with air-to-ground missiles in addition to air-to-air missiles.
The MQ-9B drone can fly 2,000 miles without refueling and carry up to 1,700 kg of cargo, which includes four missiles and about 450 kg of bombs. The drone’s manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, claims that it can fly nonstop or hover over targets for up to 35 hours.
source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)
NATIONAL: India successfully built best digital economy, finance architecture in world: Nobel winner Spence
Noting that India is a major economy with the highest potential growth rate right now, Nobel laureate economist A Michael Spence said the country has successfully developed by far the best digital economy and finance architecture in the world.
Spence, who was awarded the Nobel prize in Economic Sciences in 2001, shared his views during an interaction with students and faculty at the Bennett University in Greater Noida on Monday.
“The major economy with the highest potential growth rate right now is India. India has successfully developed by far the best digital economy and finance architecture in the world. It is open, competitive and delivers services of an inclusive kind to a vast array of territory,” the Nobel laureate said, according to a statement issued by the varsity.
Spence also pointed out that the world is experiencing a “kind of regime change in the global economy”.
Tracing the evolution of the global economy after World War II, Spence said that the 70-year-old global system is “breaking down” due to pandemics, geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, etc.
Emphasising that the global system — built on economic criteria like global supply chain centred around efficiency and comparative advantage considerations — is undergoing a rapid transition, he pointed out that “in a shock-prone world, it doesn’t make sense to have single sourcing”.
With the centre of gravity shifting steadily towards the East, there is a fundamental change in the global economy whereby supply chains are getting diversified and global governance is becoming more complicated than ever before, he added.
Despite the challenging time, he said what gives optimism is the affirmative answer to the question: whether we have counter-measures to enhance human welfare? He also outlined the enormous progress in science and technology which can contribute to enhancing human welfare, including generative AI, revolutions in biomedical life sciences and massive energy transitions.
He cited the example of competitive pricing of solar energy and quoted the cost of DNA sequencing having reduced from USD 10 million dollar earlier to USD 250 now. However, he added there is downside to this technological growth, and emphasised on its availability to both big and small businesses alike.
“We now have incredibly powerful scientific and technological tools that, if we use correctly, can be used to essentially deliver wellbeing and opportunity to a wide range of people,” said Spence, who was recognized for his analysis of markets with asymmetric information. PTI KIS TIR TIR
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
source/content: theprint.in (headline edited)