What happened when Grok praised Hitler

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s story reads like a script from an underdog-turned-hero film—except it’s real. From secretly applying to the National Defence Academy (NDA) as a teenager inspired by the Kargil War, to soaring as a fighter pilot, and now making history as India’s first astronaut on the International Space Station in over four decades, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Selected for both India’s Gaganyaan mission and Axiom Mission 4, Shukla’s work on the ISS cements India’s growing footprint in space exploration.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a feel-good personal triumph—it’s a milestone for India’s space ambitions. Shukla’s mission symbolizes how far the country has come since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight, while also spotlighting the potential of international collaboration (like the Axiom partnership) in advancing science. For a nation investing heavily in its space program, stories like this inspire future generations and signal India’s seriousness about becoming a key player beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceX just sent up a secretive satellite—no one's saying who it's for or what it's for—on one of its Falcon 9 rockets from Florida. The launch went smoothly, placing the satellite into a high-altitude orbit where it can eventually settle into a fixed position over Earth.

Editor’s Note: Mystery missions like this aren’t uncommon in the space industry—governments and companies often keep details under wraps for security or competitive reasons. But it’s a reminder of how routine SpaceX has made these launches, even when there’s a layer of secrecy involved. For space watchers, it’s another sign of the growing privatization and quiet maneuvering in orbit.

Turns out, Earth’s been in a bit of a hurry lately—our planet is spinning faster than usual, shaving milliseconds off the length of a day. Scientists chalk it up to shifts in Earth’s molten core and atmospheric conditions, though don’t worry, this isn’t a permanent speed boost. Over the long haul, days are actually getting longer (thanks, moon!).

Editor’s Note: It’s a quirky reminder that Earth isn’t some perfectly predictable clock—tiny wobbles in rotation happen, and scientists are still piecing together why. For most of us, it’s a fun fact (no, you won’t notice your lunch break vanishing). But for tech like GPS and satellites, even these micro-changes matter, so tracking them helps keep our systems running smoothly.

Web browsers are getting a major upgrade thanks to AI, with new features like instant video summaries and smart article recommendations. Take Dia from The Browser Company—it’s built an AI chatbot right into the browsing experience, making it smoother and more intuitive. Sure, there are some privacy worries, but the bigger picture is that AI might soon become a premium feature you’d actually pay for.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about faster searches or better ad targeting—AI could fundamentally change how we interact with the web. If browsers start offering AI as a paid service, it could reshape everything from how we consume content to who controls our online experience. Worth keeping an eye on, especially if you’re curious about where the internet’s headed next.

Donald Trump’s push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs isn’t just affecting marginalized groups—it’s also hitting rural, white Americans harder than expected. Many of these communities rely on federal grants and initiatives tied to D.E.I. for things like job training, healthcare access, and small-business support. Without those resources, they’re feeling the pinch, too.