OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere, major US AI companies, engage in confidential discussions with Chinese AI experts in Geneva. The meetings, supported by the White House and governments, focus on shared concerns about AI's impact on misinformation and social cohesion. Talks, facilitated by Shaikh Group, explore AI safety risks and aim to establish international standards. Notable Sino-US collaboration amid AI competition. Future discussions planned to align AI systems with legal codes and societal norms. Chinese firms like ByteDance, Tencent, Baidu, and Google DeepMind not involved. Calls for global cooperation on AI challenges and regulations intensify.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts that normal relations between India and China are impossible unless a solution is found for the border dispute. Addressing the impact on various fronts like trade and economy, Jaishankar emphasizes the need for a firm resolution. During a townhall meeting, he discusses India's bid for a UNSC seat, highlighting growing global support. Jaishankar also explains the importance of maintaining ties with different nations, drawing parallels to common life, where friendly relations are upheld even between those with differences. He underlines the necessity for diplomacy in managing independent interests.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, after an INDIA bloc meeting, stated the opposition alliance doesn't require a prime ministerial face. Pawar emphasized seeking votes in the name of the alliance, citing the 1977 example when Morarji Desai became PM under the Janata Party umbrella. On the selection of Mallikarjun Kharge as INDIA bloc Chairman, Pawar mentioned Nitish Kumar's refusal as the convener. He dismissed reports of discord within the alliance and assured seat-sharing discussions soon. Pawar also commented on the Ram Mandir inauguration, linking it to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, stating Congress's absence is due to the temple's incomplete status.

Research reveals 100+ deepfake video ads impersonating Rishi Sunak on Facebook in the past month, potentially reaching 400,000 viewers. Costing £12,929 and originating from 23 countries, the fakes breach Facebook policies. One ad fabricates a scandal involving Elon Musk and a fake government decision, leading to a scam investment. Former Downing Street official Marcus Beard warns of heightened AI-generated falsehoods impacting elections, citing lax ad moderation. Meta, owner of Facebook, faces criticism. Government emphasizes readiness to combat threats with the Online Safety Act, as regulators push for electoral system updates before the expected November general election.

Lai Ching-te, leader of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, labeled a separatist by China, emerged victorious in the presidential elections. The DPP, advocating Taiwan's distinct identity, rejects Beijing's claims. Lai's opponents, including Kuomintang's Hou Yu-ih, conceded defeat. China framed the election as a choice between war and peace. Kuomintang warned against Lai, foreseeing unrest, while Lai emphasized commitment to peace and defense. Taiwan accused China of election interference, with Lai calling it the "most serious." The election reflects Taiwan's dedication to democracy amidst regional tensions.

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intending to conduct the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Aiyar warned that the absence of four shankaracharyas, disapproving attendance, would prove costly for the PM. Speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Aiyar emphasized the distinction between 'Hinduism' and 'Hindutva,' stating Modi's attempt faced strong disapproval from Hindu religious leaders. This comes after Uttarakhand's Jyotir Mutt head announced the shankaracharyas' non-attendance, citing a violation of shastras. Congress leaders have declined the Ram Temple ceremony invitation, accusing BJP of politicizing it.

Maldives President Muizzu, after a China visit, asserts no country has the right to "bully" the island nation amidst a diplomatic spat with India. The dispute stems from derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians on PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. President Muizzu, emphasizing the nation's stature, states, "We may be small, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us." Following India's concerns, three ministers were suspended, and Maldivian envoy summoned. The remarks led to canceled vacations, with EaseMyTrip suspending Maldives bookings. President Muizzu, in China, urges intensified tourism efforts while maintaining previous "India Out" campaign stance.

Six individuals, including two employees of a cash management firm, were apprehended after attempting to steal an ATM cash van carrying ₹2.13 crore in Gujarat's Kutch district. The incident unfolded in Gandhidham town when assailants, seizing a moment when the van was left unattended, drove off with it. Quick police response, aided by a vigilant motorist, led to the van's abandonment on the outskirts of the town. The arrested suspects, identified through CCTV footage, planned the heist, involving employees in the van's temporary abandonment. Investigations revealed a scheme orchestrated by former custodians now working in the collection division. [Representative Image]          

India has lodged a strong protest against the UK over the visit of British envoy Jane Marriott to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The external affairs ministry deems the visit as an "unacceptable" infringement of India's territorial integrity. Marriott visited Mirpur in PoK on January 10, conducting meetings with various stakeholders. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra raised a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India. India has historically objected to foreign diplomats visiting PoK, urging respect for its sovereignty. Marriott's visit follows similar protests over US diplomats visiting the region.

Citigroup plans to slash 20,000 jobs by 2026 after a significant fourth-quarter loss of $1.8bn. CEO Jane Fraser sees 2024 as a turning point, but CFO Mark Mason admits job cuts are tough on morale. Citi's total staff, currently 239,000, will reduce to around 180,000 due to restructuring and the upcoming listing of Banamex. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase, America's third-largest bank, posts its best-ever annual profit of $49.6bn, despite a 15% drop in Q4 profits. Chairman Jamie Dimon sees a resilient US economy but notes potential downside risks. JPMorgan shares rise 0.6% on Friday.