India is taking a significant leap in the global artificial intelligence (AI) arena with the launch of Atomesus AI, its first large-scale, indigenous AI platform. Developed by a team of young engineers with research backgrounds at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Atomesus AI is headquartered in Noida and aims to rival global giants like OpenAI and Google. The platform offers intelligent writing, coding, research, automation, and creative tools, all with a distinctly Indian perspective. Its motto, ‘Nation First. Intelligence for All,’ underscores its vision of national self-reliance and technological independence. Atomesus AI operates on its own model family—Atomesus 1, 1.5, and 1.5 Pro—built using transformer-based neural networks, the same architecture that powers leading large language models worldwide. Unlike many competitors, it runs entirely on Indian servers hosted in AWS India regions, ensuring full compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act. This focus on data sovereignty is a key differentiator, particularly for businesses and government agencies cautious about foreign dependencies. The platform’s origins trace back to ISRO projects, where its founders developed expertise in high-performance computing and resource-efficient algorithms. This foundation enables Atomesus AI to deliver speed and affordability, utilizing techniques like model compression and batch processing to maintain low costs without compromising performance. Language is another area where Atomesus AI excels, supporting Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and other Indic languages, making it culturally and linguistically relevant for millions of users. From students seeking homework assistance to enterprises drafting proposals, Atomesus AI positions itself as a comprehensive solution for diverse needs. Beyond its technical capabilities, the launch of Atomesus AI reflects India’s broader ambition to transition from a consumer of global technology to a creator. It aligns with national initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, signaling a future where India could emerge as a significant player in AI innovation. As global debates around AI ethics, privacy, and control intensify, Atomesus AI offers an alternative rooted in transparency and local governance. For India, this is more than a product launch—it’s a statement of intent: to lead, not follow, in shaping the next era of intelligent technology.
标签： North America
北美洲
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US Senator Jim Justice agrees to pay over $5m in long-overdue taxes
Senator Jim Justice, a prominent Republican figure and former governor of West Virginia, has agreed to settle a staggering $5 million in overdue taxes, just hours after being sued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging that Justice and his wife failed to fulfill their tax obligations dating back to 2009. Justice, who transitioned from leading West Virginia to serving as a first-term senator in 2025, has a background rooted in his family’s extensive coal empire, which once controlled numerous mines across multiple states. In October, Justice dismissed the tax assessment against him as “politically motivated,” drawing parallels to the challenges faced by former President Donald Trump. The IRS revealed that the couple owed $5.16 million in back taxes and interest, which they have now agreed to repay in full, though a specific timeline remains undisclosed. Despite Forbes estimating Justice’s net worth at $1.9 billion in 2021, it plummeted to “less than zero” by 2025. The senator and his family are also grappling with additional financial pressures, including $1.4 million in liens related to unpaid sales taxes at their historic resort, The Greenbrier, and its sporting club. Furthermore, the IRS has filed over $8 million in liens against the couple for other unpaid personal taxes. The settlement marks a significant development in Justice’s ongoing financial and political challenges.
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Georgia prosecutor drops 2020 election interference case against Trump
In a significant legal development, a Georgia prosecutor has dismissed the 2020 election-interference case against former President Donald Trump. Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, filed a motion to dismiss the case, which had accused Trump and others of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state in favor of Joe Biden. This case was the last remaining criminal legal action against Trump related to the 2020 election. Initially brought by district attorney Fani Willis, the case faced turmoil when Willis was removed by the state’s supreme court due to a personal scandal involving a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor assigned to the case, which created an ‘appearance of impropriety.’ Skandalakis, who appointed himself to the case after Willis’ disqualification and other state prosecutors declined to take it, stated in his motion to a Fulton County judge that he was discontinuing the case ‘to serve the interests of justice and promote judicial finality.’ Trump’s attorney welcomed the dismissal, calling it an end to ‘lawfare.’ This breaking news story is still developing, and further details are expected shortly.
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Fallout from ‘illegal orders’ video escalates battle with Democrats over US patriotism
A recent video released by six Democratic lawmakers has ignited a fierce partisan debate in the United States, centering on the definition of treason and patriotism in an increasingly polarized political climate. The 90-second video, featuring lawmakers with military or national security backgrounds, criticized former President Donald Trump and urged military personnel to refuse ‘unlawful orders.’ While the specific orders were not detailed, they are believed to reference the deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities and Navy raids in the Caribbean. The lawmakers emphasized that threats to the U.S. Constitution come not only from abroad but also from within the country. Trump swiftly condemned the video, labeling it ‘seditious behavior’ punishable by death and calling for the arrest of the lawmakers. His comments were echoed on Truth Social, with some posts advocating for their execution. The Pentagon has since launched an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, one of the six, for potential violations of military law. Legal experts, however, argue that recalling Kelly to active duty for prosecution is unprecedented and unlikely to succeed. The FBI is also probing the lawmakers for alleged ‘wrongdoing.’ This controversy underscores a broader ideological clash between Republicans and Democrats over patriotism. Trump has long championed American exceptionalism and military displays, while Democrats have sought to redefine patriotism as a commitment to constitutional ideals. Recent protests and Democratic campaigns have emphasized flag-waving pride, signaling a strategic shift to reclaim patriotism as a Democratic value. Despite the investigations and Trump’s attacks, the lawmakers remain defiant, framing their actions as a patriotic defense of the Constitution.
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Canada’s seven-time Olympic winner banned for two years over rule violation
Canadian swimming sensation Penny Oleksiak, the nation’s most decorated Olympian, has been handed a two-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. The International Testing Agency (ITA) revealed on Tuesday that Oleksiak committed three ‘whereabout failures’ within a 12-month period. Athletes are mandated to provide daily location details and a specific one-hour window for out-of-competition drug testing. Oleksiak, a seven-time Olympic medalist, rose to fame during the 2016 Rio Games, becoming Canada’s youngest Olympic champion at just 16 years old. The 25-year-old swimmer, born in Toronto, will be eligible to return to competition in July 2027. Suzanne Paulins, CEO of Swimming Canada, acknowledged Oleksiak’s explanation that the violations were unintentional and emphasized her commitment to clean sport. ‘Anti-doping regulations are crucial for maintaining fairness in competition,’ Paulins stated. ‘We will miss Penny on the national team and look forward to her return.’ Oleksiak was notified of the case in July and voluntarily withdrew from the world aquatics championships, accepting a provisional suspension. She maintains that the violations did not involve any banned substances and reiterated her status as a clean athlete. Despite the suspension, Oleksiak could potentially compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Chicago suspect who set woman on fire a ‘career criminal’, White House says
A shocking incident aboard a Chicago public train has reignited debates over crime policies and mental health systems in the United States. Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, allegedly doused 26-year-old Bethany MaGee with gasoline and set her on fire on November 17. MaGee survived the attack but is now in critical condition with severe burns. Reed, who has 72 prior arrests and a history of mental illness, pleaded guilty in court, potentially facing a life sentence for charges including committing a terrorist attack. The White House has criticized Democratic leadership in Illinois and Chicago, attributing the incident to their ‘soft’ crime policies, particularly the elimination of cash bail. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has previously advocated for redirecting police funds to other public services, called the attack a ‘tragic incident’ and a failure of both the criminal justice and mental health systems. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the intersection of crime, mental health, and political policy.
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NYC ‘diva’ food influencer arrested for skipping out on restaurant bills
A 35-year-old woman, Pei Chung, has been arrested in New York City for allegedly dining at multiple high-end restaurants and refusing to pay for her meals. Known as the ‘dine-and-dash diva,’ Chung has been banned from at least seven restaurants since late October, according to police records. Her modus operandi involves arriving at restaurants dressed in expensive attire, equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting gear, and then allegedly leaving without settling her bills. As of Tuesday, Chung is being held on $4,500 bail at Rikers Island jail, with a court appearance scheduled for this week. She faces multiple charges of misdemeanor theft of services. Restaurant staff have documented her unusual behavior on social media and in local news stories. For instance, at Peter Luger Steak House, she reportedly offered items from her handbag, including a pair of scissors, as payment and later posted a glowing review of the meal online. Other restaurateurs have accused her of offering to review their food or post photos on her social media account as payment, while some claim she simply walked out without paying. Chung, who has 26,000 followers on Instagram, did not respond to a message from the BBC. Her case has sparked discussions about the role of influencers in fine dining and restaurant policies regarding their presence. Tom Rowse, founder of Hole In The Wall, one of the affected restaurants, noted that Chung’s actions brought more exposure than coordinated influencer campaigns, even after they took back their food.
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Kuliang forum highlights China-US ties
The 2025 Kuliang Forum, held in New York, brought together descendants of American families who once lived in Kuliang, Fujian province, to celebrate and strengthen the enduring bonds between China and the United States. Organized by People’s Daily Digital Communication, the event, themed ‘Echoes of History — Peaceful Development through Mutual Success for Better Lives,’ highlighted the historical and cultural connections that continue to inspire bilateral relations. The forum traced the legacy of Kuliang, a summer retreat for Americans in the early 20th century, and expanded its narrative to include the Flying Tigers, cultural exchanges, and modern-day collaborations. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng emphasized the importance of shared friendship, stating, ‘The bonds that have transcended time and space continue to inspire us till this day.’ He praised the ‘Friends of Kuliang,’ a group of descendants who have revisited their ancestral ties to the region, as a testament to the enduring spirit of cross-cultural understanding. Yu Shaoliang, President of People’s Daily, underscored the forum’s mission to promote China-US friendship and constructive interaction, particularly among younger generations. Personal stories, such as those of Gordon Trimble and Priscilla Brewster Gill, illustrated the deep emotional and familial connections to Kuliang. Trimble, a ‘Kuliang Friend’ and educator, highlighted the role of Kuliang in fostering global citizenship, while Gill shared her lifelong affection for the place she calls home. The forum concluded with a call for continued cooperation and mutual respect, emphasizing that the shared history of Kuliang serves as a foundation for future collaboration between the two nations.
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China as a model: Sachs says Africa can achieve 8-10% growth
Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has proposed that African nations could significantly boost their economic growth rates to between 8 and 10 percent annually over the next four decades. This ambitious target, which would double the current growth pace, hinges on the adoption of strategies that have been instrumental in China’s remarkable economic ascent. Sachs emphasized that by emulating China’s development blueprint, African countries could unlock unprecedented economic potential and drive sustainable progress. The insights were shared during a recent discussion, highlighting the transformative impact of strategic economic policies and international cooperation. Sachs’ vision underscores the importance of leveraging proven models to foster long-term growth and development in Africa.
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Trump defends Witkoff after leak appears to show envoy coaching Russia
US President Donald Trump has publicly supported his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, describing his actions as ‘standard’ in the realm of diplomatic negotiations. This defense comes in the wake of a leaked audio recording that purportedly captures Witkoff advising a Russian official on strategies to appeal to Trump. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Witkoff was merely performing the duties expected of a dealmaker, aiming to ‘sell’ a peace plan to both Russia and Ukraine. The leaked conversation, which Bloomberg shared as a transcript, reportedly occurred on October 14 and involved Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the recording, Witkoff is said to have suggested ways to facilitate a call between Trump and Putin, including congratulating Trump on his achievements and expressing respect for his peacemaking efforts. The leaked audio has sparked controversy, particularly as it follows the release of a 28-point draft peace plan that many critics argue favors Russian interests. Despite the backlash, diplomatic talks have continued, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing readiness to meet Trump to address unresolved issues. Meanwhile, Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, as per a preliminary agreement. The leak has also drawn ire from Russian officials, with Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev accusing the media of spreading ‘fake narratives’ to undermine relations. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether the revised peace plan can bridge the gap between the conflicting parties and bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.