Generative AI’s most prominent skeptic doubles down
Vancouver, Canada -- Two and a half years since ChatGPT rocked the world, scientist and writer Gary Marcus still remains...
Interview
Saudi Arabia issues warning against fraudulent Hajj 2024 operators
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is warning potential Hajj pilgrims to be cautious of fake Hajj companies that may...
Economy
Tree-hugging AI to the rescue of Brazilian Amazon
The Manaus project has just completed its pilot phase with ten prototype boxes fixed to trees in a densely forested...
- The boxes sport sensors and software trained "to recognize the sounds of chainsaws and tractors, or anything that could cause deforestation," an official said
- The sensors look like small internet modems but are in fact wireless and can relay data up to one kilometer (0.6 miles) via satellite to others in a network
Geostrategy
Iraq asks Sweden to extradite accused in Quran burning incident
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - Baghdad has asked Sweden to extradite Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, who stoked international outrage by desecrating the Quran,...
- The Swedish government has condemned the desecrations of the Quran but upheld the country's laws regarding freedom of speech and assembly.
- The accused in the Quran burning incident said that Iraq was seeking his extradition to try him according to Islamic law.
Geostrategy
Sheikha Fatima launches national plan for empowerment of Emirati women
ABU DHABI, UAE – Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU) Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak launched the National Strategy for...
- This strategy comes in line with Sheikha Fatima’s vision to achieve fair and comprehensive women's participation in all fields.
- The plan provides a general framework and guidance for decision makers in federal, local government institutions, private sector and civil society.
Geostrategy
All eyes on tech firms as strict EU digital rules come into effect
The landmark Digital Services Act (DSA) compels tech companies to better police content to protect European users against disinformation and...
- The first phase of the regulation affects 19 "very large" digital platforms including social media networks, websites and online retailers with at least 45m monthly active users.
- They are: Alibaba AliExpress, Amazon Store, Apple AppStore, Booking.com, Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram, Google's Maps, Play, and Shopping, LinkedIn, Pinterest.
Geostrategy
UAE plays an active role in shaping better future for societies, says minister
NEW DELHI, INDIA – The UAE is committed to playing an active role in global efforts to shape a better...
- The UAE is also committed to enhancing human resources’ contribution to sustainable development.
- The minister applauded all G20 members for “their dedication and commitment to the objectives and vision of the forum.”
Geostrategy
Macron adjourns Germany visit over riots in France
President Emmanuel Macron informed Berlin he was postponing a state visit to deal with the urban rioting that has rocked...
- Shops were ransacked and town halls attacked in various locations nationwide, despite 45,000 members of the police dealing with the situation.
- The protests over the death of teenager Nahel M., who was of Algerian origin, have again exposed the severe racial tensions in modern France.
Geostrategy
French president announces measures to quell riots
French President Emmanuel Macron announced measures including more police and urged parents to keep minors off the streets as he...
- French President Macron attempted to strike a balance between political pressure for a harsh response and fears of triggering a still stronger backlash.
- "Additional means" would be mobilized by government to tackle the rioting, Macron said, without specifying how many more officers might be involved.
Royal fever sweeps Jordan ahead of crown prince Hussein’s wedding
On the big day for the Hashemite kingdom, a key Western ally, the royal red motorcade, reserved for special occasions,...
- The eldest son of King Abdullah II will marry Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif at the grand royal wedding with regional monarchs, US First Lady Jill Biden is also among the guests
- Photos of Saif's henna bridal party took the internet by storm last week as she donned a white gown with an Arabic poetry verse embroidered: "When I see you, life becomes sweet"
Geostrategy
Uzbekistan, IsDB ink pacts worth US$396.7m for infrastructure, education
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President and Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser and Uzbekistan Minister of Investments,...
- Under the agreement, IsDB will provide US$260 million in financing for the Integrated Rural Development Project.
- The project will empower local communities, improve their access to quality and resilient infrastructure.
Business
Red Cross to cut 1,500 jobs over funding crunch
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The Red Cross announced Tuesday that it would cut 1,500 jobs over the next 12 months in a...
- The Red Cross said an expected drop in humanitarian assistance budgets over the next two years was forcing it to make significant cuts.
- The Geneva-based organization said its governing board on March 30 had approved US$474 million in global cost reduction through early 2024.
Generative AI’s most prominent skeptic doubles down
Vancouver, Canada -- Two and a half years since ChatGPT rocked the world, scientist and writer Gary Marcus still remains...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
Morocco law reform offers hope for women’s rights
Rabat, Morocco - Two decades after a landmark but limited revision of Morocco's family law marked a breakthrough for women, activists...
Geostrategy
Artists utilize technology against AI copycats
NEW YORK, US - Artists under siege by artificial intelligence (AI) that studies their work, then replicates their styles, have teamed...
Science
7,000 digital marriage contracts delivered in Abu Dhabi since Oct
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has introduced a new service that allows marriage contracts to be...
Arts & Culture
Most Read
‘Too hot outside’: Saudis take to walking, jogging in malls
Roughly one in five Saudi adults is obese, according to an in-depth study published by the World Bank last year...
- Roughly one in five Saudi adults is obese, according to an in-depth study published by the World Bank last year that described the issue as "alarming"
- To help bring that percentage down, the Saudi Sports for All Federation now organizes races such as the Riyadh Marathon, which this year drew thousands of runners
Economy
Tree-hugging AI to the rescue of Brazilian Amazon
The Manaus project has just completed its pilot phase with ten prototype boxes fixed to trees in a densely forested...
- The boxes sport sensors and software trained "to recognize the sounds of chainsaws and tractors, or anything that could cause deforestation," an official said
- The sensors look like small internet modems but are in fact wireless and can relay data up to one kilometer (0.6 miles) via satellite to others in a network
Geostrategy
Iraq asks Sweden to extradite accused in Quran burning incident
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - Baghdad has asked Sweden to extradite Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, who stoked international outrage by desecrating the Quran,...
- The Swedish government has condemned the desecrations of the Quran but upheld the country's laws regarding freedom of speech and assembly.
- The accused in the Quran burning incident said that Iraq was seeking his extradition to try him according to Islamic law.