US startup Lyten to take over Northvolt's energy storage systems factory in Poland
US startup Lyten will take full control of Northvolt Dwa ESS, Europe's largest energy storage systems plant, aiming to expand its product range. The Gdansk-based facility, previously shuttered after Northvolt's collapse, will restart operations with existing and new orders. The financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter, were not disclosed.
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Economic Times
25 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Top Online ChatGPT Certification Courses to Master in 2025
Synopsis In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, mastering tools like ChatGPT is no longer optional, it's essential. This list of the top online ChatGPT certification courses in 2025 is your comprehensive guide to the best training programs designed to help professionals, students, and entrepreneurs harness the power of generative AI. This curated list features courses that cover a wide spectrum of use cases– from coding and automation to business strategy, content creation, marketing, and productivity enhancement. Team ProductLine In 2025, the integration of generative AI into professional workflows is no longer a futuristic concept, it's a present-day necessity. As one of the most advanced and widely adopted AI tools, ChatGPT has transformed how businesses, developers, content creators, educators, and marketers approach problem-solving, productivity, and innovation. Whether you are aiming to automate tasks, generate content, write code, or enhance customer interactions, mastering ChatGPT can give you a competitive edge across top online ChatGPT certification courses listed here are some of the most impactful and up-to-date training programs available. These courses are designed to help learners of all backgrounds, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals, leverage the power of AI responsibly and effectively. With flexible learning formats, hands-on projects, and expert instruction, these certifications can fast-track your AI fluency and future-proof your skillset. ChatGPT certification courses are becoming increasingly valuable in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. As generative AI becomes central to how businesses operate, communicate, and innovate, understanding how to use tools like ChatGPT is no longer optional, it's essential. A ChatGPT certification course not only teaches you how to interact with AI effectively but also helps you master prompt engineering, automate workflows, streamline coding, enhance productivity, and create compelling content. Whether you're in marketing, software development, education, customer support, or entrepreneurship, knowing how to use ChatGPT can significantly improve your efficiency and output quality. How it helps you: Enhances your resume with a recognized skill set Increases your productivity through AI-driven automation Helps you write, code, research, and solve problems faster Prepares you for future AI-integrated job roles Gives you a competitive edge in the job market Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description: Step into the future of web development with this comprehensive course designed to fuse the power of AI with hands-on Java web development. Whether you are building responsive web applications from scratch or seeking ways to optimize your workflow, this course empowers you to create intelligent, dynamic Java-based web solutions with the assistance of ChatGPT. Start by mastering the essentials of Java EE, Servlets, and JSP, using Eclipse EE and Apache Tomcat for real-world deployment. Learn how to seamlessly integrate MySQL databases using JDBC and manage them with MySQL Workbench. With practical, project-based modules, you'll develop end-to-end applications, from user registration systems to secure login dashboards, while learning how to automate repetitive tasks, fix bugs, and generate code with Details: Cost of course: Rs. 549 (one time) Rs. 549 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: NA NA Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Generate Java web application source code using ChatGPT for faster development. Deploy and manage Java web applications using Apache Tomcat. Use Eclipse EE for structured, efficient coding. Build dynamic, data-driven web apps using Servlets and JSP. Design and connect databases using MySQL, JDBC, and MySQL Workbench. Implement secure user authentication with encrypted login systems. Create interactive and responsive forms with error-handling and validations. Leverage ChatGPT for AI-assisted code generation, debugging, and documentation. Automate routine coding tasks and streamline complex workflows with AI tools. Package applications with WAR files and configure for deployment. Who should enrol Java developers looking to supercharge their applications with AI integration. Web developers aiming to build intelligent, database-driven applications. Software engineers and tech professionals who want to explore AI-assisted coding. Entrepreneurs and product builders seeking rapid prototyping through ChatGPT. Anyone interested in combining Java, web development, and artificial intelligence. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description:Accelerate your programming journey with a complete hands-on course designed to take you from Python beginner to confident coder, using the power of AI. Whether you are stepping into programming for the first time or looking to refine your skills, this course combines traditional Python instruction with the next-generation support of ChatGPT, enabling you to learn faster, debug smarter, and build real-world applications with ease. From writing your first "Hello World" program to developing games and implementing object-oriented principles like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism, every concept is paired with AI-generated prompts and solutions to simplify learning. You'll explore Python fundamentals, control structures, functions, validations, and even dive into building interactive programs and games. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 1,649 (one time) Rs. 1,649 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 6 hours 6 hours Course includes: Lifetime access, Certificate of completion What you'll learn How to use ChatGPT to accelerate Python learning and coding. Write clean, efficient Python code using AI-generated prompts. Understand core Python concepts: variables, data types, type casting, and strings. Master control structures like if-else, for loops, and while loops. Develop real-world applications like guessing and car racing games. Build reusable code using functions and OOP principles. Apply inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, and encapsulation in projects. Write and validate user inputs with custom rules. Use PyCharm IDE and Python installation best practices. Debug, build, and optimize Python code for real-world applications with ChatGPT's assistance. Who should enrol Aspiring developers looking to break into programming with Python. Students and beginners curious about coding and AI-powered learning. Data analysts and automation enthusiasts who want to script efficiently. Professionals aiming to level up in machine learning or web development. Anyone who wants to learn Python faster and smarter with ChatGPT guidance. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description:Unlock the full potential of Java programming with the power of Generative AI in Java Programming with ChatGPT. This hands-on, project-based course is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners who want to master Java while benefiting from AI-powered support through ChatGPT. You'll start by building a solid foundation in core Java concepts such as variables, data types, conditionals, loops, arrays, and functions. As you progress, you'll dive into object-oriented programming (OOP), mastering principles like inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction. The course's unique approach leverages ChatGPT as your AI coding assistant, providing real-time guidance, debugging help, code explanations, and personalized learning support. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 549 (one time) Rs. 549 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 7 hours 7 hours Course includes: Lifetime access, Certificate of completion What you'll learn Fundamentals of Java syntax, loops, data types, and operators. Core OOP concepts: classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Building real-world Java applications (e.g., calculator, ATM simulator) How to use ChatGPT to generate, debug, and explain Java code. Best practices for writing clean, scalable, and efficient Java code. Personalized coding assistance through AI-powered prompts and explanations. Develop problem-solving and logical thinking through coding challenges. Who should enrol Beginners with no prior programming experience looking to start learning Java. Students and recent graduates wanting hands-on skills and project experience. Self-learners and hobby coders seeking AI-powered support for faster learning. Professionals in non-tech fields aiming to transition into software development. Developers familiar with other languages who want to learn Java efficiently using AI. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description:This AI course is your ultimate guide to mastering OpenAI's ChatGPT for real-world applications beyond content creation. This all-in-one program is designed to help beginners, professionals, students, and entrepreneurs learn how to use ChatGPT as a versatile tool for coding, business development, marketing, creative writing, data analysis, and hands-on course walks you through everything from setting up and using ChatGPT to leveraging it for solving coding problems, debugging, writing business emails, building websites, and even generating creative content like screenplays. You'll also explore how ChatGPT can streamline tasks in Excel, help you build sales landing pages, prepare resumes, automate customer service, and brainstorm startup ideas. But that's not all, the course also integrates DALL·E 2, allowing you to generate high-quality graphic art and designs using AI. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 799 (one time) Rs. 799 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: NA NA Course includes: Certification What you'll learn How to create and manage your ChatGPT account. ChatGPT basics: prompts, responses, and optimizing usage. Write and debug code, generate algorithms, and build websites using ChatGPT. Design landing pages and documentation with AI. Use ChatGPT for resume building, interview prep, and academic assistance. Automate business content: emails, documents, and strategy plans. Create SEO content and design online courses using ChatGPT. Generate Excel formulas, use functions like SUM and VLOOKUP via AI. Master visual creativity with DALL·E 2, create 3D designs, edit images, and build graphics. Explore ChatGPT tools, extensions, and integration with platforms like Google Search. Who should enrol Software developers and engineers looking to enhance productivity with AI assistance. Digital marketers and content creators aiming to streamline content generation and SEO tasks. Students and job seekers wanting to leverage AI for resumes, interview prep, and academic support. Entrepreneurs and business owners interested in automating business processes and scaling efficiently. Writers, bloggers, and creative professionals exploring new ways to write stories, scripts, and copy. Graphic designers and visual artists who want to generate AI-powered designs using DALL·E 2. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Metla Sudha Sekhar Course Description:This is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course that introduces learners to the core principles of JavaScript while leveraging the power of ChatGPT for faster, smarter learning. Whether you are a complete beginner or a developer looking to refresh your skills, this course provides a step-by-step guide to mastering JavaScript, the backbone of modern web development. Through a mix of theory and practical application, you'll learn everything from variables, data types, operators, control structures, and functions to more advanced topics like DOM manipulation, ES6 features, form validation, and error handling. What makes this course stand out is its integration of ChatGPT, your AI coding assistant, helping you write, debug, and optimize code efficiently. You'll also explore prompt engineering to understand how generative AI can enhance your development workflow. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 799 (one time) Rs. 799 (one time) Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 6.25 hours 6.25 hours Course includes: Lifetime access, Certificate of completion What you'll learn Core JavaScript concepts: variables, data types, strings, operators, and control structures. DOM manipulation to build interactive, dynamic web pages. Use of ChatGPT for real-time coding support and AI-enhanced learning. Modern JavaScript (ES6) features including arrow functions and classes. Building and using functions effectively in your code. Handling errors using try-catch blocks and validations for secure form submissions. Functional programming principles for writing clean, scalable code. How to apply JavaScript in real-world scenarios like form validation, and login systems, How to use generative AI for prompt engineering in software development. Debugging best practices and browser development tools. Who should enrol Beginners with little or no programming experience. Aspiring web developers looking to build strong JavaScript foundations. Front-end developers aiming to improve their DOM manipulation skills. Professionals seeking to enhance their technical skillset with JavaScript. Creatives or entrepreneurs who want to build or manage websites. Students exploring web development as a career path. Anyone interested in AI-assisted learning and prompt engineering. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Ricardo Calix, Max Goff Course Description:This cutting-edge program from Purdue University Online, Generative AI for Business Transformation, is designed to help professionals lead the future of business using the power of Generative AI (GenAI). This course equips you with practical knowledge and hands-on experience to harness AI across sales, marketing, customer service, product development, software engineering, and course blends expert-led live sessions from Purdue faculty and staff with immersive case studies, real-world projects, and hands-on training in 16+ AI tools including OpenAI, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot. You'll learn how to design and implement AI-driven strategies that boost efficiency, automate workflows, personalize customer engagement, and fuel innovation. Addressing ethical concerns and data governance, this course ensures you're ready to scale AI adoption in real-world business environments. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 1,20,000 Rs. 1,20,000 Course format: Online Online Duration: 12 weeks (5-6 hours per week) 12 weeks (5-6 hours per week) Course includes: Certification What you'll learn How to design AI-powered strategies to drive business innovation and transformation. Use cases of GenAI in sales, marketing, customer service, data analytics, and product R&D. AI workflow automation for boosting operational efficiency. Practical knowledge of tools like ChatGPT, OpenAI, and Microsoft Copilot. AI's economic and ethical implications in modern enterprises. How to integrate, scale, and govern AI solutions across departments. Strategies for personalized marketing and enhanced customer engagement. Leadership techniques for navigating AI-driven change within organizations. Real-world application through hands-on exposure to 16+ advanced AI tools. How to enable AI within Microsoft 365 using Copilot and other productivity tools. Who should enrol Business professionals looking to lead digital transformation using AI. Managers and executives responsible for innovation, strategy, or operations. Entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking a competitive advantage through GenAI. Marketing, sales, and customer experience professionals exploring AI use cases. Product managers and R&D teams ready to enhance workflows with AI. Data analysts and software engineers wanting to align with business-driven AI strategies. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Joe Franklin Course Description:ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool, but only if you know how to use it effectively. This hands-on course is designed to help you master the art of prompting, generate more accurate responses, and use AI responsibly. Whether you are a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll get practical techniques to improve the quality, precision, and reliability of your ChatGPT interactions. Guided by an AI Assistant, you'll receive real-time feedback, scores, and support as you practice prompt writing and response evaluation. You'll learn how ChatGPT interprets your words, how to refine outputs, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as vague prompts or misleading answers. Go beyond basic use, understand how ChatGPT processes language, recognize its limitations, and learn to fact-check AI-generated content. Course Details: Cost of course: Start course for free Start course for free Course format: Online Online Duration: 1 hour 1 hour Course includes: Statement of accomplishment, 0.8 CPE What you'll learn Understand what ChatGPT is and how it stands apart from traditional chatbots and AI applications. Recognize the strengths, limitations, and ethical issues involved in using ChatGPT effectively. Develop prompt-writing skills to generate clear, accurate, and relevant responses. Explore how ChatGPT can streamline tasks and support workflows across various industries. Stay informed about evolving AI features, privacy risks, and content ownership challenges. Enhance your ability to refine AI outputs and prevent common errors in communication. Practice using ChatGPT responsibly, especially when handling private, sensitive, or high-impact topics. Who should enrol Professionals looking to boost productivity with AI. Educators, marketers, content creators, and analysts seeking smarter AI collaboration. Beginners curious about how to get the most out of ChatGPT. Business teams exploring AI use cases across industries. Anyone interested in ethical and effective AI use in everyday tasks. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Jonathan Reichental Course Description:Explore the future of artificial intelligence through the lens of GPT-4, one of the most advanced generative AI models available today. In this beginner-friendly course, award-winning technology leader Dr. Jonathan Reichental breaks down how GPT works, its real-world business applications, and the ethical and practical considerations that come with it. You'll start with an overview of AI's evolution, from foundational concepts to the rise of generative technologies. Learn about OpenAI's mission, the development of GPT, and how natural language processing enables machines to generate human-like text, audio, and even images. You'll dive into examples of GPT-4 in action and understand how prompt engineering plays a key role in maximizing its potential. Course Details: Cost of course: NA NA Course format: Online, self-paced Online, self-paced Duration: 1 hour 1 hour Course includes: Certification What you'll learn Trace the development and timeline of generative AI. Understand the core concepts behind GPT and how it differs from other types of AI. Identify the real-world capabilities of GPT-4 in text, audio, and image generation. Recognize the ethical, social, and technical limitations of AI tools like GPT. Examine prompt engineering and its influence on AI responses. Explore career paths and essential skills in AI and generative technologies. Gain guidance on how organizations can prepare for AI integration. Who should enrol Business professionals seeking to understand and leverage generative AI. Beginners and non-technical learners interested in AI fundamentals Teams exploring the impact of GPT-4 on operations and innovation; Leaders preparing their organizations for AI-driven transformation. Anyone curious about the future of artificial intelligence and its societal impact. Click here to explore the course Course Expert: Jason Potts, Kok-Leong Ong, Emmy Phuong Hoang Course Description:Generative AI is rapidly transforming the way businesses operate, offering new ways to reduce costs, accelerate services, and unlock innovative capabilities. In this four-week course, you'll explore the foundations, applications, and societal implications of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and DALL·E, while developing a critical understanding of their role in the modern business landscape. Beginning with the evolution and anatomy of generative AI models, you'll examine how these tools mimic human-like intelligence through machine learning. As you progress, you'll explore how generative AI is being applied across different industries, reshaping business models, enhancing productivity, and driving course also covers vital topics such as AI ethics, regulatory risks, and strategies for responsible implementation. Through practical activities, including prompt engineering, you'll learn to work effectively with generative AI tools. Course Details: Cost of course: Rs. 15,504 Rs. 15,504 Course format: Online Online Duration: 4 weeks (3 hours a week) 4 weeks (3 hours a week) Course includes: Certificate of Achievement, Unlimited access, Tests What you'll learn Identify the components and structure of generative AI models. Understand how generative AI technologies are reshaping economic and business landscapes. Apply prompt engineering techniques to interact effectively with generative AI tools. Analyze the use of generative AI across key industries and recognize its disruptive potential. Reflect on ethical, legal, and safety considerations in the development and deployment of generative AI. Evaluate barriers to AI adoption and explore institutional and organizational strategies for responsible use. Who should enrol Professionals and business leaders seeking to understand how generative AI can impact their industry. Individuals with a basic understanding of tools like ChatGPT, looking to expand their knowledge. Anyone interested in the practical, ethical, and economic implications of AI. Teams preparing for digital transformation and exploring AI adoption strategies. Learners who want to use AI tools safely, responsibly, and effectively in their personal or professional lives. Click here to explore the course Ans. A ChatGPT certification course is a structured program designed to teach learners how to effectively use OpenAI's ChatGPT tool for various personal, academic, and professional applications. These courses typically cover prompt engineering, automation, content creation, coding assistance, and You'll learn: How to craft effective prompts Use cases in business, coding, education, and content creation How to integrate ChatGPT with tools like Excel, Google Docs, and APIs Ethical considerations and limitations of AI Real-world applications with projects and exercises Ans. Anyone can take a ChatGPT certification course, including: Students Working professionals Developers Marketers Content creators Business owners It's ideal for anyone who wants to use AI to boost productivity or expand their career opportunities. The above content is an initiative by Times Internet content team to explain product features and simplify jargons for its users. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. Times Internet may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Economic Times
27 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Not so much Putin-Trump summit, it's Modi's GST rationalisation promise that is pushing market up: Sunil Subramaniam
Sunil Subramaniam, Market Expert, says the Trump-Putin Peace Summit signals a potential easing of US-Russia relations, benefiting countries like India by reducing the risk of additional sanctions. Even if all agreements aren't met, it won't be seen as a failure of the meeting, as Putin has the authority to make decisions unilaterally. However, a bigger thing for India will be the GST rationalisation that the prime minister announced on August 15. Almost 98% of the items are going to see GST cut and it is likely to be signed before Diwali. ADVERTISEMENT Post the joint press conference with Putin, Donald Trump said that many points were agreed to, but a few remain. What could possibly he be hinting at or referring to when he says that a few remain but many were agreed upon? Sunil Subramaniam: I think that it is basically territory driven. Russia has occupied certain key Ukrainian territories and two big things are which territories Putin is willing to give away and what he wants to retain. Otherwise, he said 8 out of 10 areas have been mostly conclusive. In fact, he has rated the meeting 10 on 10 from that perspective. I am saying this because he was very clear that he was not seeking a solution from this meeting. Even before this meeting he said that yes, the next stage would be for a meeting with Mr Zelenskyy and Russia and the US probably together. From what he wanted to get away with, he has gotten away with that. So, to that extent, the meeting must be described as a success because people were expecting a solution to the war from this, I think that was not even what Mr Trump was expecting. So, these two big things are one thing. China's $11 trillion stock market is a headache for both Xi and Trump But more importantly it indicates an easing of relationship between the US and Russia and that is extremely good news. Let us say that Mr Putin has agreed to certain things and these two are disputable. Now Trump is going to speak to NATO, and get them to agree to Putin's demands. If they do not, Mr Trump can always claim that look I brought a deal to the table, you guys are not accepting, now do what you want. So, this clearly represents that Mr Trump and Putin have agreed on certain things and as an India-based observer and from our country's perspective, Russia and the US getting there is positive for us because additional sanctions could come through if this meeting was a disaster. That is not going to if all things do not go through, it is not a failure of Putin-Trump meeting. It is not Mr Trump's failure. Remember, he is dealing with a leader who has no democracy to go and represent his case to. Mr Putin is the ultimate decision maker. Even if he decides to give up some Russian wins there, nobody is going to object to him. So, he is talking to a person who can conclude a deed, whereas that is not necessarily true in other countries with our democracy. So, to that extent, it is positive from an India perspective that the danger of secondary sanctions is removed there and if things worsen, he may now need to act on China and not put more pressure on India because he has taken the India pressure to the maximum extent already. ADVERTISEMENT With respect to the Indian market, FIIs have been on a selling spree leading to a bit of volatility. Is that going to continue? How do you see the Indian market moving forward in the near term? Are we going to be largely insulated due to domestic investor interest? Sunil Subramaniam: Markets will be relatively calm about this news. They do not need to jump up. We have a big thing in India in terms of GST rationalisation that the prime minister announced on August 15 in his independence day speech. The details are to come out and almost 98% of the items are going to see a reduction in GST and it is likely to be signed before Diwali. The markets should react positively on the consumption stocks and the banking related stocks on Monday. So, the markets will be up. How much of it can be attributed to this easing of Trump-Putin relation and how much to the local factors we have to see. Unlock 500+ Stock Recos on App I expect the markets to be positive and FII also because they will see this growth in the Indian consumption sector may come in and start buying into FMCG and consumer discretionary stocks. So, the Indian market will respond positively. Not all can be attributed to the Trump-Putin meeting but definitely there are enough wins here. ADVERTISEMENT The second point is Pakistan is taking an edge over India in terms of ties with the US and that is what the main problem is. But two things I would like to say here, one is that India is not for sale. We are not willing to give up our Bitcoin just to make up with the president. We are not going to propose his name for a Nobel Prize just because of a deal. We are a nation which is strong on our own. So, there is pride at stake here. We are not going to put all those just to have a good relationship with Mr Trump. Number two is that Mr Trump has not helped that cause by using very damaging language. He called them obnoxious tariff related things. He also called India a dead economy. He is not the most popular person in India right now and India has also taken an iron hand in a velvet glove stance on this. We are not fighting tooth for tooth or throwing insult after insult, but we are staying firm on saying that buying oil from Russia will be based on our economic needs and what our citizens need. So there is going to be a different way that this relationship pans out. So, to that extent, secondary sanctions may ease away. Regarding the 50% tariff on India, I treat the 25% as an economic tariff, the second 25 as a political tariff. ADVERTISEMENT The chances of political tariff may ease up in the coming weeks based on how this goes because I do not think Mr Trump is going to be angry with Putin for anything because Putin has said I am looking to end the war. So, to that extent, whatever he wanted to punish India for as a route to make Putin agree to a meeting and do something that has been achieved. He could ease up on the 25% that if announced in the next couple of weeks, will be a huge positive for Indian markets. That is my take on this situation here. The geopolitics does not affect the Indian market so much. The Indian markets react to the Indian impact due to these talks. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
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Business Standard
27 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Hijacked satellites, orbiting weapons: Space new battlefield in this era
As Russia held its Victory Day parade this year, hackers backing the Kremlin hijacked an orbiting satellite that provides television service to Ukraine. Instead of normal programing, Ukrainian viewers saw parade footage beamed in from Moscow: waves of tanks, soldiers and weaponry. The message was meant to intimidate, and it was also an illustration that 21st century war is waged not just on land, sea and air but also in cyberspace and the reaches of outer space. Disabling a satellite could deal a devastating blow without a single bullet, and it can be done by targeting the satellite's security software or disrupting its ability to send or receive signals from Earth. If you can impede a satellite's ability to communicate, you can cause a significant disruption, said Tom Pace, CEO of NetRise, a cybersecurity firm focused on protecting supply chains. He served in the Marines before working on cyber issues at the Department of Energy. Think about GPS, he said. Imagine if a population lost that, and the confusion it would cause. Satellites are the short-term challenge More than 12,000 operating satellites now orbit the planet, playing a critical role not just in broadcast communications but also in military operations, navigation systems like GPS, intelligence gathering and economic supply chains. They are also key to early launch-detection efforts, which can warn of approaching missiles. That makes them a significant national security vulnerability, and a prime target for anyone looking to undermine an adversary's economy or military readiness or to deliver a psychological blow like the hackers supporting Russia did when they hijacked television signals to Ukraine. Hackers typically look for the weakest link in the software or hardware that supports a satellite or controls its communications with Earth. The actual orbiting device may be secure, but if it's running on outdated software, it can be easily exploited. As Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022, someone targeted Viasat, the US-based satellite company used by Ukraine's government and military. The hack, which Kyiv blamed on Moscow, used malware to infect tens of thousands of modems, creating an outage affecting wide swaths of Europe. National security officials say Russia is developing a nuclear, space-based weapon designed to take out virtually every satellite in low-Earth orbit at once. The weapon would combine a physical attack that would ripple outward, destroying more satellites, while the nuclear component is used to fry their electronics. US officials declassified information about the weapon after Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, issued a public warning about the technology. Turner has pushed for the Department of Defence to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers on the weapon, which, if deployed, would violate an international treaty prohibiting weapons of mass destruction in space. Turner said such a weapon could render low-Earth orbit unusable for satellites for as long as a year. If it were used, the effects would be devastating: potentially leaving the US and its allies vulnerable to economic upheaval and even a nuclear attack. Russia and China also would lose satellites, though they are believed to be less reliant on the same kinds of satellites as the US. Turner compared the weapon, which is not yet ready for deployment, to Sputnik, the Russian satellite that launched the space age in 1957. If this anti-satellite nuclear weapon would be put in space, it would be the end of the space age, Turner said. It should never be permitted to go into outer space. This is the Cuban Missile Crisis in space. Mining the moon and beyond Valuable minerals and other materials found on the moon and in asteroids could lead to future conflicts as nations look to exploit new technologies and energy sources. Acting Nasa Administrator Sean Duffy announced plans this month to send a small nuclear reactor to the moon, saying it's important that the US do so before China or Russia. We're in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon, Duffy said. To have a base on the moon, we need energy and some of the key locations on the moon. ... We want to get there first and claim that for America. The moon is rich in a material known as helium 3, which scientists believe could be used in nuclear fusion to generate huge amounts of energy. While that technology is still decades away, control over the moon in the intervening years could determine which countries emerge as superpowers, according to Joseph Rooke, a London-based cybersecurity expert who has worked in the UK defence industry and is now director of risk insights at the firm Recorded Future. The end of the Cold War temporarily halted a lot of investments in space, but competition is likely to increase as the promise of mining the moon becomes a reality. This isn't sci-fi. It's quickly becoming a reality, Rooke said. If you dominate Earth's energy needs, that's game over. China and Russia have announced plans for their own nuclear plants on the moon in the coming years, while the US is planning missions to the moon and Mars. Artificial intelligence is likely to speed up the competition, as is the demand for the energy that AI requires. Messages left with Russia's Embassy in Washington were not returned. Despite its steps into outer space, China opposes any extraterrestrial arms race, according to Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's Embassy in Washington. He said it is the US that is threatening to militarize the final frontier. It has kept expanding military strength in space, created space military alliances, and attempted to turn space into a war zone, Liu said. China urges the US to stop spreading irresponsible rhetoric, stop expanding military build-up in space, and make due contribution to upholding the lasting peace and security in space. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
