Microsoft updates its AI text-to-image tool, Designer, following the creation of AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift. The move aims to prevent further misuse, especially for non-consensual content. Microsoft expresses commitment to investigating such incidents, emphasizing its Code of Conduct against inappropriate content creation. An ongoing inquiry seeks to determine if Designer was used for the explicit Swift images. CEO Satya Nadella deems the situation "alarming," emphasizing the need for swift action. Microsoft continues efforts to strengthen safeguards and responsibly address AI misuse in alignment with their principles.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar states that India doesn't fear China and is confident to compete. In an exclusive interview, he emphasizes India's strong position in the region by various measures. Acknowledging a competitive world, he urges India to compete not only with China but also with Western nations. Jaishankar sees diplomacy as a natural competition for interests and stresses the need for a competitive mindset. Regarding 'China Plus,' he highlights new industries entering India and emphasizes the country's focus on building technology strengths.

Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, suspends attacks against the US after a drone strike in Jordan. The group takes this step "to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government." The US responds, emphasizing that "actions speak louder than words." President Biden decides on a response while Iran warns of retaliation against any attack on its "interests." The militia denies involvement in the attack, where three US soldiers were killed. Talks of potential armed response and security measures at the targeted base, Tower 22, are underway. The situation adds complexity to US-Iran tensions with implications for broader regional dynamics.

India and Bhutan are in early talks to expand and develop Gelephu airport, aiming to make it a hub for economic investments in South Asia. The master plan includes enlarging the airport's size and runway length. The Airports Authority of India is in discussions to assist in the development. Gelephu's growth aligns with Bhutan's plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and a Special Administrative Region (SAR) to reshape the country's economic landscape. The SAR, spanning 1,000 sq. km, seeks Indian investments for infrastructure, with the airport expansion supporting Bhutan's ambitions for regional economic connectivity.

Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik accuses suspended WFI chief Sanjay Singh of organizing fake championships and distributing fake certificates. Appealing to the sports ministry, Malik questions how a suspended member can misuse WFI funds. She expresses concern that fake certificates could harm athletes. The Sports Ministry warns of legal action against Singh, emphasizing that any WFI-organized tournament is considered "unsanctioned." Singh, despite the suspension, claims recognition for WFI and announces events. Malik urges Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to intervene and safeguard players' futures. The ministry dismisses Singh's claims as baseless and mischievous.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren encounters Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. Soren, previously "untraceable," filed an FIR against the ED for raiding his Delhi residence. Amid this, a rift emerges in the ruling Soren family, with JMM lawmaker Sita Soren opposing any move to make Kalpana Soren the CM. Protests erupt in Ranchi supporting Hemant Soren, with supporters stating he is targeted as a tribal leader. The ED's investigation unfolds as the CM's home secretary is removed, and a potential change in leadership is considered.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint session of Parliament during the Budget session, discussing the economy and highlighting 10 years of Modi government achievements. The Lok Sabha adjourned following the address. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present Budget 2024 on February 1. The Congress criticized Murmu's speech, calling it an 'election speech' focused on praising the government. Tensions rise as suspended Opposition MPs participate. The budget is interim, with a full budget scheduled after the April-May general election. Murmu emphasized the reality of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from accepting deposits or top-ups after February 29. This action follows a system audit revealing persistent non-compliance and supervisory concerns. No further banking services, including fund transfers, will be allowed after the specified date. Nodal accounts of associated entities are to be terminated by February 29. Customer withdrawals remain unrestricted. RBI directs settlement of pending transactions by March 15. PPBL faced similar restrictions in March 2022, halting new customer onboarding.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed stone-pelting at Rahul Gandhi's car near Bihar-Bengal border. However, Congress later clarified it as "wrong news." The party stated the car's glass broke due to abrupt brakes caused by a woman in the crowd. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra faced the alleged attack in Malda's Harischandrapur area. Despite tensions between Congress and Trinamool Congress over seat sharing in West Bengal, Congress emphasizes unity. Gandhi inspected the damaged car after reaching a designated halt. Tensions rise amid conflicting narratives on the incident.

A Varanasi court has ruled that Hindu devotees can now worship in the sealed basement of Gyanvapi mosque. The court's directive allows prayers at 'Vyas Ka Tekhana,' a restricted area within the mosque, with the district administration given seven days to make necessary arrangements. Advocates representing the Hindu side celebrated the decision, likening it to a historic 1983 verdict on the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute. However, the Islamic Centre of India expressed disappointment, leaving open the possibility of moving to a higher court. This follows a Supreme Court plea by four women seeking excavation based on an Archaeological Survey of India report.