Author: News Desk

United Kingdom: Doctors and public health experts have warned that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to pose negative health impacts and may even threaten humanity, calling for a halt to the development of artificial general intelligence until it is regulated. In an article published in the journal BMJ Global Health, health professionals from the UK, US, Australia, Costa Rica, and Malaysia stated that AI could harm the health of millions via the social determinants of health through the control and manipulation of people, the use of lethal autonomous weapons, and the mental health effects of mass unemployment should AI-based…

Switzerland: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists in the stunning Alpine and Arctic regions have unearthed a remarkable solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. A team of dedicated researchers has identified a collection of exceptional microbes capable of breaking down plastics even at low temperatures. This remarkable breakthrough could potentially transform the landscape of recycling efforts worldwide, providing a valuable tool in combating plastic waste. Numerous microorganisms with plastic-digesting abilities have been discovered, but their effectiveness is typically limited to temperatures surpassing 30°C (86°F). Consequently, the incorporation of these microorganisms in industrial applications becomes financially impractical due to the substantial…

Canada: Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada “will not be intimidated” by China after the Chinese government said it was expelling a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move linked to allegations Beijing sought to intimidate a Canadian legislator and his family. Mr. Trudeau told reporters that his government made the decision to expel Mr. Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat based in Toronto, from the country after “careful consideration.” Hours later, Beijing announced it would expel Ms. Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, the Canadian consul in Shanghai, in a “reciprocal countermeasure.” “We understand there is retaliation, but we will not…

Afghanistan: A United Nations (UN) report has stated that Afghan women working for the world body have faced detainment, harassment, and movement restrictions since being banned from their jobs by the Taliban. In April 2023, the Taliban informed the UN that Afghan women employed with the UN mission were no longer allowed to report for work. The UN report noted that the Taliban authorities continue to suppress dissenting voices, especially those speaking up on issues related to women’s and girls’ rights. “This is the most recent in a series of discriminatory and unlawful measures implemented by the de facto authorities…

United States: Apple co-founder Mr. Steve Wozniak has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by “bad actors” could lead to an increase in scams and misinformation. Mr. Wozniak, who co-founded Apple with the late Mr. Steve Jobs and invented the company’s the first computer, also called for regulation in the sector and for AI content to be clearly labelled. Mr. Wozniak argued that responsibility for programmes generated by AI lies with those who publish them, saying “a human really has to take the responsibility for what is generated by AI.”The co-founder urged regulators to hold big tech…

China: China has expelled Canada’s consul in Shanghai in retaliation for Ottawa sending home a Chinese diplomat accused of trying to intimidate a Canadian MP. Canada has previously declared Chinese diplomat Mr. Zhao Wei “persona non grata” and ordered her to leave the country. In response, China ordered the removal of Ms. Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, Canada’s diplomat in its Shanghai Consulate. “China strongly condemns and resolutely opposes Canada’s decision, and has made solemn representations and protests to the Canadian side,” the Chinese foreign ministry stated. “China reserves the right to further react,” Beijing further noted in a statement. Both diplomats…

United States: US President Mr. Joe Biden has expressed his desire to ensure that Hollywood’s striking movie and television writers receive a “fair deal” regarding their ongoing contract negotiations. Mr. Biden’s statement came on 8th May 2023 as the entertainment industry grapples with ongoing labor disputes. “I sincerely hope the writers’ strike in Hollywood gets resolved and writers are given the fair deal they deserve as soon as possible,” the President stated during a film screening at the White House in honour of the Asian-American community. For the first time since the strike began last week, President Mr. Joe Biden,…

China: LinkedIn, the popular social media platform geared towards professional networking, has recently revealed its decision to reduce its workforce by over 700 positions and discontinue its job search app in China. The move comes as the company seeks to restructure and refocus its operations amid shifting market conditions. LinkedIn’s CEO, Mr. Ryan Roslansky, announced in a letter to employees on 8th May 2023 that the company will be eliminating 716 jobs and discontinuing its job-search application in China. The decision was made in response to declining revenue growth and evolving customer preferences. “In an evolving market, we must continuously…

Myanmar: Singapore and Indonesia have condemned an attack on regional diplomats on a humanitarian aid mission in crisis-hit Myanmar’s northeastern Shan State. Singapore stated that two staff members from its embassy in Yangon were part of the convoy that came under fire and had returned safely to the city. “Singapore condemns this attack. It is critical to safeguard the safety of humanitarian and diplomatic personnel to ensure that they can continue their operations and provide necessary aid to those in need,” the city-state’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement. According to reports, the attack took place as the…

Iran: Iran has executed two men convicted of blasphemy after they were found guilty of “burning the Quran” and “insulting the Prophet of Islam”, according to the country’s judiciary. Mr. Yousef Mehrad and Mr. Sadrollah Fazeli-Zare were accused of running dozens of social media accounts that were “dedicated to atheism and desecration of the sanctities”, the statement cited. Mr. Mehrad’s lawyer argued that his client was innocent and that his sentence was unjust. The executions were condemned by rights groups, with Iran Human Rights describing them as “a cruel act by a medieval regime”. The men were arrested in 2020…