New research found artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT can achieve higher average grades than students on university assignments across subjects including computer science and psychology. The study from NYU Abu Dhabi found ChatGPT matched or exceeded student efforts when answering assessment questions. Despite 70% of educators considering it plagiarism, 74% of students would use ChatGPT for assignments. Since its November release, ChatGPT has drawn attention for its human-like conversational abilities. The study indicates its prose generation also outperforms students, raising concerns about AI's impact on education.

Former President US Donald Trump skipped the first Republican presidential debate on Thursday, where his potential 2024 rivals clashed over issues like abortion and Ukraine. Trump, who holds a commanding lead in GOP polls, instead gave a rambling interview claiming he did not want to face harassment at the debate. Later on Thursday, Trump is set to turn himself into Georgia authorities on charges of electoral fraud related to his false claims of victory over Joe Biden in 2020. The debate saw political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, grab attention by claiming he is the only candidate not "bought and paid for." Trump's interview garnered over 120 million views, underscoring his continued sway among Republicans. In summary, Trump's absence cast a shadow over the Republican debate as rivals struggle to close the gap ahead of his looming Georgia arrest.

R Madhavan's directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect was named Best Feature Film at the 69th National Film Awards on Thursday, to the actor-director’s delight. “This was a labor of love and tribute to Nambi Narayanan’s remarkable life. I’m extremely grateful to the jury and cast and crew,” he said. SS Rajamouli’s RRR scooped 6 awards including for Special Effects, Action Direction and Male Playback Singer. Alia Bhatt’s acclaimed performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi also earned multiple awards. Ayyappanum Koshiyum won Best Feature Film and Anita, Best Hindi Film. The ceremony to present the awards will take place later. 

An indigenously developed ASTRA beyond visual range air-to-air missile was successfully test-fired on Wednesday from a Light Combat Aircraft Tejas off Goa's coast. The test was part of an IAF review of the LCA program ahead of upgraded version deliveries next year. The missile, with a 100 km range, was launched from 20,000 feet altitude. Defence officials stated all test objectives were achieved in a textbook launch. The ASTRA missile has been developed locally as part of India's push for self-reliance in defence. The successful trial signals India's advances in developing homegrown missile

PM Modi said India has moved from "red tape to red carpet", enabling unfettered FDI inflows over the last 9 years at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial meeting on Thursday. He urged G20 countries to build an inclusive, resilient global value chain. PM stated initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat have spurred manufacturing and brought policy stability. He affirmed his commitment to make India the 3rd biggest global economy soon. PM added that reforms, performance, and transformation under NDA rule have made India the 5th largest economy and a hub of openness and opportunities.

Two youths from Haryana, Pankaj (19) from Karnal and Milandeep Singh (23) from Kaithal, have died in tragic incidents in the US and Australia respectively. Pankaj accidentally shot himself while checking his pistol at a store in the US where he worked. He had gone there last year illegally through agents. In Australia, Milandeep, who had gone there 5 years ago on a study visa, died under mysterious circumstances. Pankaj's family has urged the government to help bring his body back soon. Both deaths have left the families in shock and seeking answers from authorities on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incidents.

India's rover Pragyaan has taken its first steps on the lunar surface, making history as the nation became the first to land near the Moon's south pole. Pragyaan deployed from the Vikram lander on Thursday, a day after the successful touchdown on the Moon. As the rover roves across the Moon, it will imprint India's logo on the surface with each step. Equipped with scientific instruments, Pragyaan will now explore the terrain, gathering crucial data and images to send back to Earth for analysis. This accomplishment puts India in an elite club with the US, Soviet Union, and China as only the fourth nation to successfully soft-land on the Moon. With Vikram and Pragyaan, India has now left its mark on the Moon.

After finishing engagements at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Athens on 25 August for an official visit at the invitation of the Greek PM. Modi will be the first Indian PM in 40 years to visit Greece, with the last visit being in 1983. In Athens, Modi will lay a wreath at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' and interact with the Indian diaspora. Modi's historic visit after four decades highlights the importance India places on strengthening its bilateral relations with Greece.

August 24, 2023 marks 52 years since India's historic Test series triumph in England under captain Ajit Wadekar. After drawing the first two matches, India won the third Test at the Oval to clinch their maiden series win in England, having defeated West Indies earlier in 1971. Batting first, England scored 355. India replied with 284, led by fifties from Dilip Sardesai and Farokh Engineer. Leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar then spun a web, taking 6/38 as England collapsed for 101 in the second innings. Chasing 173, crucial scores from Wadekar, Sardesai, Gundappa Viswanath, and Engineer sealed India's first-ever Test win in England.

Mumbai man Mangesh Ghogre has earned a rare 'Einstein Visa' to the United States thanks to his extraordinary skill at solving crossword puzzles. Mangesh, an investment banker, is one of the elite few to receive the EB-1 'genius' visa for those with exceptional talents. The visa is nicknamed after Albert Einstein. To qualify, individuals must demonstrate great distinction in fields like science, business or arts. Ghogre's uncanny crossword expertise was deemed sufficient to join the ranks of Einstein visa recipients. He can now reside and work in the US due to his puzzling prowess. The EB-1 is an immigration pathway for individuals with skills that can substantially benefit the United States. Mangesh Ghogre's case highlights crossword mastery in the rarefied realm of Einstein visa qualifications.