Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn clarified the company’s “AI-first” approach after criticism, stressing that artificial intelligence is being used to strengthen, not substitute, human effort. He reiterated that no full-time employees have ever been laid off and none will be, though contractor levels have shifted with business demands. Von Ahn admitted he was surprised by the intensity of public concern but emphasized AI as a tool to boost efficiency and innovation. The strategy has already accelerated progress, enabling Duolingo to introduce nearly double the number of language courses within a year, demonstrating AI’s role in scaling operations responsibly.
India has announced an ambitious plan to set up its own space station, called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, with the goal of making it operational by 2035. This ambitious project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 79th Independence Day celebrations, reflecting the country’s growing aspiration for self-reliance and leadership in space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront of this mission, aiming to install the first module in orbit as early as 2028 and complete the full station by 2035.
Why a Space Station?
A space station will allow India to carry out extended human presence in space—enabling advanced scientific experiments and research. It marks a significant shift from India’s earlier achievements in launching satellites and planetary missions to embarking on longer, sustainable space journeys. This project will place India among a select group of nations—such as the United States, Russia, and China—who have developed their own space stations.
Youth Power and Innovation
One of the most remarkable aspects of this venture is the involvement of young engineers and scientists. According to PM Modi, thousands of Indian youths and more than 300 space startups are actively working to bring this dream to reality. He highlighted this as a sign of India’s rising confidence in its youth and innovative capacity. The project is expected to open up new opportunities for research and collaboration, strengthening India’s position in global space diplomacy and technological innovation.
The Road Ahead
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station is a key part of ISRO’s broader goals, which include the Gaganyaan manned mission planned for 2027, along with upcoming missions to the Moon and Venus. As India moves towards greater independence in space technology, this space station symbolizes national achievement and seeks to motivate future generations while strengthening India’s scientific capabilities in space exploration.
From designing complex algorithms to steering teams at the forefront of AI innovation, Igor Babuschkin has been a quiet but powerful force in the tech world. His career reads like a roadmap for anyone hoping to jump from academia to industry leadership. Initially a particle physics researcher at CERN, Igor took a different turn—trading particle collisions for neural networks, and eventually landing at DeepMind, OpenAI, and later co-founding xAI with Elon Musk in 2023.
The Rise at xAI
Let’s be honest—few believed a brand‑new AI company could go toe-to-toe with giants like OpenAI or Google. But Babuschkin and his team proved the doubters wrong. Under his leadership, xAI built critical infrastructure like the Memphis supercluster, the brain behind Grok—an AI chatbot that sparked as much curiosity as controversy. People inside xAI recall frantic nights of coding, Musk’s relentless pace, and an undercurrent of belief that they were doing the impossible.
Why Igor Walked Away
August 2025 shocked the AI industry—Igor left xAI. In an age where people jump startups for bigger paychecks, his reason was different: purpose over profit. Increasingly unsettled by the ethical dilemmas and safety debates swirling around advanced AI, Babuschkin decided to dedicate himself fully to AI safety. His new venture, Babuschkin Ventures, aims to back researchers and startups working on technologies that expand human understanding—without jeopardizing our future.
Final Thoughts
In my view, Igor’s move is both bold and necessary. Too many chase AI’s speed; too few stop to question its direction. His decision reminds us that technological progress should run in parallel with responsibility.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is co-founding Merge Labs, a new brain-computer interface startup aiming to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Valued at around $850 million and seeking $250 million in funding, Merge Labs focuses on less invasive brain implants enhanced with AI to improve human-machine connections beyond medical uses. The project could be funded by OpenAI’s ventures arm and involves Alex Blania, known for biometric ID innovations. The rivalry between Altman and Musk, former OpenAI co-founders turned competitors, extends from AI into brain-computer technology, marking a dramatic chapter in Silicon Valley’s tech battles.
Intel’s new CEO Lip-Bu Tan is under fire after Donald Trump publicly demanded his immediate resignation over alleged ties to Chinese companies, calling him “highly conflicted.” This comes as Senator Tom Cotton also raised concerns about Tan’s connections and their impact on national security. Even before Trump’s involvement, Tan was already clashing with Intel’s board over the company’s future strategy, including manufacturing and AI investments. The controversy sent Intel’s stock tumbling and signals deepening turmoil at the chip giant, which has struggled to keep pace with rivals and faced leadership upheaval since Pat Gelsinger’s exit.
Legendary astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the famed Apollo 13 mission, died at his Lake Forest, Illinois home on August 7, 2025, at age 97. Known for his extraordinary leadership during the 1970 mission that faced a life-threatening malfunction, Lovell helped safely guide his crew back to Earth, turning crisis into one of NASA’s greatest triumphs. He flew four historic space missions and was the first person to journey to the Moon twice without landing. Portrayed by Tom Hanks in Apollo 13, Lovell leaves behind a legacy of courage, optimism, and inspiration for generations.
Bill Gates might be one of the richest people on the planet, but his connection with his massive home near Lake Washington isn’t about luxury. For him, Xanadu 2.0 is something much more personal.
Built over seven years and spread across 66,000 square feet, this high-tech mansion is worth more than $130 million today. But Gates isn’t thinking of selling it or even downsizing. Despite no longer living there with family, he says the house still holds deep emotional value.
In past interviews, Gates shared that the mansion is filled with memories and moments that shaped his life. It’s not just a house, but a symbol of how far he’s come — both as a tech visionary and as a father. The home has seen family milestones, long brainstorming sessions, and the rise of Microsoft.
Even though Gates is now divorced and his kids are grown up, they still visit the estate often. This makes Xanadu 2.0 a continued meeting point for family, something he clearly treasures.
Interestingly, Gates also refuses to renovate or change much inside. For him, the place is perfect the way it is — a blend of old tech innovations, personal memories, and peaceful surroundings.
While he’s known for living simply and giving most of his wealth away, this mansion is one part of his life he’s not willing to let go. And honestly, it makes sense. Some places are just too full of life to ever feel like real estate.
