Recent developments in artificial intelligence highlight both its rapid adoption and the growing complexities surrounding its use and governance. India's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed to foster inclusive AI but became notable for an awkward moment between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. During a group photo, the two leaders offered fists instead of holding hands, a gesture widely seen as symbolizing the intense competition between their companies. Altman later expressed confusion about the intended gesture, while Anthropic declined to comment on the incident, which occurred amidst other summit challenges like absent key speakers such as Nvidia's Jensen Huang and logistical issues.
Beyond high-profile summits, AI is making tangible impacts across various sectors. Independent filmmakers are leveraging tools like Google's Gemini and Veo, part of Google's Flow Sessions, to create projects faster and more affordably, enabling stories previously constrained by budget or time. Similarly, Chinese AI is enhancing the Winter Olympics viewing experience with features like 360-degree replays, with companies like Alibaba showcasing their AI-powered cloud systems globally. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) significantly increased its AI use to 124 cases in fiscal year 2025, up from 82 the previous year, to maintain productivity despite staffing reductions, utilizing AI for administrative, research, and clinical support.
However, the expansion of AI also brings significant challenges and concerns. A recent report indicates that 59% of uninterested U.S. adults cite privacy as their main reason for disinterest in device AI, despite substantial investments flowing into AI companies. Furthermore, a gap exists in AI's workplace impact: CEOs report major time savings, but most workers see minimal benefits due to poor implementation and lack of training. This can lead to increased workloads and reduced workplace connection. The Pentagon also faces tensions with Anthropic over the military use of its Claude chatbot, with a potential $200 million contract at stake, as disagreements arise regarding the scope of AI deployment in classified operations.
Addressing these challenges, India plans new cybersecurity laws to combat AI-driven threats, launching an AI & Cyber Threat Research Center in New Delhi through a collaboration between Bharti Airtel and Zscaler. This center will monitor billions of daily transactions to enhance national cyber resilience. Moreover, the rapid growth of AI presents a new civil rights frontier, with concerns that many AI projects, including data center expansions, are funded by public dollars without consent, leading to negative community impacts. Experts emphasize the need for corporations to incorporate stakeholder feedback and align investments with societal values to ensure AI benefits everyone ethically.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei displayed their companies' rivalry by offering fists instead of holding hands at India's AI Impact Summit.
- India plans new cybersecurity laws and launched an AI & Cyber Threat Research Center with Bharti Airtel and Zscaler to combat AI-driven threats.
- The Pentagon and Anthropic are in disagreement over the military's use of Anthropic's Claude chatbot, involving a potential $200 million contract.
- Google's Gemini and Veo tools, part of Flow Sessions, are empowering independent filmmakers to create projects more efficiently and affordably.
- Chinese AI, including Alibaba's cloud systems, is enhancing Winter Olympics broadcasts with features like 360-degree replays and stroboscopic motion analysis.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) increased its AI use to 124 cases in fiscal year 2025, up from 82, to maintain productivity amidst staffing cuts.
- A significant 59% of uninterested U.S. adults cite privacy concerns as their main reason for disinterest in AI on their devices.
- A gap exists in AI's workplace impact, with CEOs reporting major time savings while most workers experience minimal benefits due to poor implementation.
- The rapid growth of AI raises civil rights concerns, particularly regarding public funding of AI projects like data centers without community consent.
- Kean University will host the Abitronix Technology Expo 2026 on March 3rd, showcasing innovations in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Modi's AI Summit: Awkward Photo Op Highlights Tech Rivalries
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, inviting top AI company leaders to commit to inclusive AI. During a group photo, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei notably avoided holding hands, instead offering fists, which went viral. This moment was seen as a symbol of the intense competition between their companies. Altman later stated he was confused about the intended gesture, while Anthropic declined to comment. The summit also faced other challenges like absent speakers and logistical issues.
Altman, Amodei's Awkward Handshake at Modi's AI Summit
During India's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attempted a symbolic gesture of unity by having AI leaders hold hands on stage. However, OpenAI's Sam Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei hesitated, eventually opting for raised fists instead of hand contact. This moment highlighted the rivalry between their companies, OpenAI and Anthropic, which have a history of competition, including recent public debates over advertising strategies. Altman expressed confusion about the gesture, while Amodei's company did not comment.
India AI Summit: Stars Missing, Robo-Dogs, and Awkward Photos
India's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi aimed for global leadership but faced several unusual moments. Key figures like Bill Gates and Nvidia's Jensen Huang were absent, and the event's timing clashed with other global events. A demonstration featuring a robotic dog was revealed to be a Chinese-made Unitree Go1, causing backlash. Most notably, a group photo with Prime Minister Modi became awkward when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei hesitated to hold hands, opting for fists instead. Logistical issues with security and traffic also presented challenges for attendees.
Modi's AI Summit: Awkward Photo Op Highlights Tech Rivalries
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, inviting top AI company leaders to commit to inclusive AI. During a group photo, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei notably avoided holding hands, instead offering fists, which went viral. This moment was seen as a symbol of the intense competition between their companies. Altman later stated he was confused about the intended gesture, while Anthropic declined to comment. The summit also faced other challenges like absent speakers and logistical issues.
AI Empowers Indie Filmmakers But Raises Concerns About Collaboration
Artificial intelligence is giving independent filmmakers new capabilities, allowing them to create projects faster and more affordably. Google's Flow Sessions, for example, provided tools like Gemini and Veo to help filmmakers produce short films. While AI can enable stories that were previously impossible due to budget or time constraints, it also raises concerns about job displacement and the potential for lower-quality content. Filmmakers are debating whether AI is just another tool or a force that could change the nature of creativity and collaboration in the industry.
Chinese AI Enhances Winter Olympics Broadcasts
Chinese artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the viewing experience at the Winter Olympics, offering new perspectives like 360-degree replays and stroboscopic motion analysis. Tech giants like Alibaba are providing AI-powered cloud systems to showcase their capabilities globally. This technology helps viewers better understand athletic performances and allows broadcasters to deliver tailored coverage. The use of AI aims to make sports more engaging for a wider audience, reflecting China's growing influence in advanced technology.
Privacy Concerns Drive User Disinterest in Device AI
A recent report indicates that while most U.S. adults are aware of AI on their devices, a significant portion lacks interest due to privacy concerns. Of those uninterested, 59% cited privacy as their main reason, especially given past allegations of AI misuse. Despite this, AI companies continue to attract substantial investments, and younger demographics show higher interest in AI features, particularly voice control. The report highlights a gap between AI's rapid development and public trust, particularly regarding data security.
AI Implementation Gap: CEOs Save Time, Workers See Little Benefit
A significant gap exists in how artificial intelligence impacts CEOs versus their employees, with CEOs reporting major time savings while most workers experience minimal benefits. This disparity stems from poor implementation and lack of training, leading to longer task completion times and frustration. When workers do save time, they often take on more tasks, increasing workload and reducing workplace connection. Experts warn that prioritizing speed over human connection through AI can harm long-term performance and employee well-being.
Kean University Hosts Abitronix Tech Expo on AI and Security
Kean University is hosting the Abitronix Technology Expo 2026 on March 3rd, a free event for IT leaders. Over 50 companies will showcase innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and customer experience. Attendees can network with experts and learn about cutting-edge solutions for business growth. The expo aims to provide valuable insights for professionals navigating the evolving technology landscape. Registration is required online.
AI's Civil Rights Frontier: Investing Values in Technology
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence presents a new frontier for civil rights, as AI's impact on public health, jobs, and communities becomes significant. The challenge lies not in stopping AI, but in shaping it ethically. Many AI projects, including data center expansions, are funded partly by public dollars and retirement savings, often without consent, leading to negative community impacts like poor air quality and higher utility rates. Experts emphasize the need for corporations to incorporate stakeholder feedback and for investments to align with societal values to ensure AI benefits everyone.
Pentagon and AI Firm Anthropic Clash Over Military AI Use
Tensions are high between the Pentagon and AI company Anthropic, creator of the Claude chatbot, over the military's use of its technology. The Pentagon, with a contract potentially worth $200 million, is reportedly pushing boundaries on how Anthropic's AI can be used, particularly concerning classified operations. A disagreement arose when Anthropic inquired if its AI was used in a raid targeting Nicolas Maduro. While Anthropic states it has not found policy violations, the Pentagon is reviewing its relationship with the company, emphasizing the need for partners to support military objectives.
India Plans New Cyber Laws as Airtel Launches AI Threat Center
India is considering new cybersecurity laws to combat AI-driven threats, announced by Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the launch of the AI & Cyber Threat Research Center in New Delhi. This center, a collaboration between telecom operator Bharti Airtel and cloud security firm Zscaler, will monitor billions of daily transactions to enhance national cyber resilience. The initiative aims to neutralize cyber-attacks, promote modern security frameworks, and strengthen cybersecurity talent. Airtel will provide network infrastructure, while Zscaler will deploy a specialized threat research team.
NIH Boosts AI Use Amid Staff Cuts, Expands Pilot Programs
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) increased its use of artificial intelligence to 124 cases in fiscal year 2025, up from 82 the previous year, as it navigated significant staffing reductions. AI has been crucial in maintaining productivity and services with a smaller workforce, aiding administrative tasks, research, and clinical support. The NIH is leveraging new AI products through government deals and developing specialized language models for specific diseases. While many AI projects remain in pilot phases, the agency is exploring ways to scale useful tools across its 27 institutes and centers.
Sources
- Modi’s AI summit turns awkward as tech leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei dodge contact
- How Modi's AI handholding moment backfired as Sam and Dario refused to play along
- Oddest moments from India’s AI summit: Missing stars, traffic chaos and robo-dog controversy
- Modi’s AI summit turns awkward as tech leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei dodge contact
- AI’s promise to indie filmmakers: faster, cheaper, lonelier
- How Chinese AI put a new spin on Winter Olympics action
- Many Users Don't Want AI On Their Devices For One Simple Reason
- Best at Work Insights: The choice we’re making about artificial intelligence
- Kean University to Host Abitronix Technology Expo, Showcasing Innovations in AI, Security and Customer Experience
- Investing Our Values in the New Age of AI Civil Rights | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
- Tensions between the Pentagon and AI giant Anthropic reach a boiling point
- Govt weighs new cyber framework as Airtel unveils AI Threat Research Centre
- NIH expands AI pilots amid staffing reductions
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