Author: ZAC

Gist Russia highlights BRICS’ expanding influence BRICS partners urge Putin to pursue peace in Ukraine Putin outlines terms for potential ceasefire BRICS nations represent 35% of the global economy Summit takes place alongside IMF and World Bank meetings KAZAN, Russia, Oct 22 (Reuters) – Russia aims to use the BRICS summit as a platform to demonstrate the rising influence of non-Western nations. However, Moscow’s key partners—China, India, Brazil, and nations from the Arab world—are urging President Vladimir Putin to seek a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The BRICS bloc, which represents 45% of the global population and 35% of…

Image: Reuters M.E. Oct 22 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on Tuesday, marking the first leg of a broader Middle East tour aimed at reviving ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and discussing the future of the enclave following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. However, with the U.S. election on the horizon, any significant breakthroughs appear unlikely. This visit will be Blinken’s eleventh trip to the region since Palestinian Hamas militants launched their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, sparking the ongoing Gaza conflict. The visit comes as Israel intensifies its military operations…

German doctors are raising alarms over the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, warning that the world may be reverting to a pre-penicillin era, according to a report by Bild on Monday. Medical experts have expressed concern over the rise in antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which jeopardizes the medical advances made since the discovery of penicillin in the late 1920s. This breakthrough extended human life expectancy by as much as 30 years by effectively treating bacterial infections, but that progress is now at risk. “We are witnessing the erosion of modern medicine’s achievements, potentially reverting to a time before penicillin,” said Mathias Pletz,…

An official reception for King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Parliament House in Canberra was interrupted by an impassioned outburst from independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous Australian lawmaker. After the British monarch concluded his speech on Monday, Thorpe approached and confronted him, accusing the Crown of historical injustices. “You committed genocide against our people. Give us back our land, our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land,” she shouted. Dressed in a traditional Indigenous fur cloak, Thorpe demanded a treaty between Australia and its First Nations peoples. Australia remains one of the few Commonwealth…

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has vowed to challenge the French government’s decision to prevent Israeli companies from participating in an upcoming naval trade show in Paris. Organizers of the Euronaval exhibition, set for November 4-7, announced last week that Paris authorities had informed them Israeli delegations would not be permitted to have stands or display equipment at the event. Seven Israeli arms manufacturers were originally scheduled to attend. Tensions between France and Israel have escalated in recent months, with French President Emmanuel Macron increasingly critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have now extended to Lebanon. In a…

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Kyiv, where they discussed key issues related to Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression. In a post on X, Zelenskyy highlighted their talks on defense priorities, arms production and deliveries, winter preparations, and expanding the use of long-range weapons against Russia. He also expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden, both parties in Congress, and the American people for their continued support since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy thanked Austin specifically for the recent $400 million (€370 million) US defense aid package, which includes weapons…

Microsoft to Launch Autonomous AI Agents Next Month Microsoft will enable its customers to create autonomous artificial intelligence agents starting next month, as part of its strategy to capitalize on the growing interest in AI technology amidst increasing scrutiny of its substantial investments in the field. The company is promoting these autonomous agents—programs that require minimal human intervention, unlike traditional chatbots—as “apps for an AI-driven world.” These agents are designed to manage client inquiries, identify sales leads, and oversee inventory tasks. Other major tech firms, such as Salesforce, have also highlighted the potential of such tools, which some analysts believe…

The Gemini app team, led by Sissie Hsiao, will now join Google DeepMind under Demis Hassabis. Pichai stated that this integration will enhance feedback loops, streamline the deployment of new models, and improve post-training efficiency. Additionally, the Assistant teams focused on devices and home experiences will be merged into the Platforms & Devices division, consolidating Google’s AI smart home initiatives. Prabhakar Raghavan, a 12-year veteran at Google, will transition to the role of Chief Technologist, recognized for his leadership in various divisions, including Research and Workspace. Nick Fox will succeed him as Senior Vice President of the Knowledge & Information…

Blockchain: The Future of Decentralized AI Systems Blockchain has the potential to serve as a robust foundation for decentralized AI systems, promoting transparency and fairness while ensuring universal access to both technology and its rewards. It can democratize access to essential AI resources like computing power and data, especially as the demand for these resources grows with increasingly powerful AI models. By utilizing blockchain, AI resources can be distributed across open networks, creating a more equitable environment for smaller players and fostering collaboration. This ensures that data contributors are fairly compensated for their efforts. Challenges to Overcome While the concept…

New York (AP) — As confetti rained down and Sinatra’s “New York, New York” echoed through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated their first WNBA title, ending a 27-year pursuit. The franchise, known for its struggles across multiple venues, finally claimed victory with a 67-62 overtime win over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5. Star player Breanna Stewart expressed her joy, acknowledging the tough competition and thanking fans. “Bringing this championship to New York is incredible,” she said. “The celebration is going to be wild.