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China to intensify regulations on AI chatbots concerning suicide and gambling.
Economy

China to intensify regulations on AI chatbots concerning suicide and gambling.

by admin December 29, 2025
written by admin

This image taken on February 2, 2024 features Lu Yu, leading Product Management and Operations at Wantalk, an AI chatbot developed by the Chinese technology firm Baidu, displaying a virtual girlfriend profile on her smartphone, at Baidu’s headquarters in Beijing.
Jade Gao | Afp | Getty Images

BEIJING — China intends to impose limitations on AI-driven chatbots to prevent them from swaying human emotions in ways that could result in suicide or self-harming behaviors, as outlined in draft regulations issued on Saturday.

The suggested rules from the Cyberspace Administration focus on what it terms “human-like interactive AI services,” based on a translation by CNBC of the Chinese-language document.

These measures, when finalized, will pertain to AI products or services made available to the public within China that emulate human traits and emotionally engage users through text, imagery, audio, or video. The public consultation phase concludes on January 25.

The intended regulations would represent the first global initiative to govern AI with human or anthropomorphic attributes, according to Winston Ma, an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law. The latest guidelines emerge as Chinese enterprises have swiftly advanced AI companions and digital influencers.

In comparison to China’s 2023 generative AI regulations, Ma remarked that this iteration “emphasizes a transition from content safety to emotional safety.”

The draft regulations suggest that:

  • AI chatbots must not produce content that promotes suicide or self-harm, nor engage in verbal abuse or emotional coercion that negatively impacts users’ mental well-being.
  • If a user explicitly mentions suicide, the technology providers are required to have a human intervene in the conversation and promptly notify the user’s guardian or a designated person.
  • The AI chatbots should not create content related to gambling, obscenity, or violence.
  • Minors must obtain parental consent to access AI for emotional support, with restrictions on usage time.
  • Platforms should be equipped to ascertain whether a user is a minor even if the user does not reveal their age, and in ambiguous situations, implement settings for minors while allowing for appeals.

Additional stipulations would obligate tech providers to alert users after two hours of uninterrupted AI interaction and necessitate security evaluations for AI chatbots having more than 1 million registered users or over 100,000 monthly active users.

The document also advocated the application of human-like AI in “cultural transmission and senior companionship.”

Chinese AI chatbot IPOs

The recommendation arrives soon after two prominent Chinese AI chatbot companies, Z.ai and Minimax, submitted applications for initial public offerings in Hong Kong this month.

Minimax is internationally recognized for its Talkie AI app, allowing users to communicate with virtual characters. The app and its domestic counterpart, Xingye, generated over a third of the company’s revenue in the first three quarters of the year, boasting an average of more than 20 million monthly active users during this period.

Z.ai, also known as Zhipu, filed under the name “Knowledge Atlas Technology.” Although the company did not reveal monthly active user figures, it indicated that its technology “empowered” various devices encompassing 80 million units, such as smartphones, personal computers, and smart vehicles.

Neither company has responded to CNBC’s inquiry regarding how the proposed rules may impact their plans for IPOs.

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Direct AI influence on human behavior has faced increasing examination this year.

Sam Altman, CEO of U.S.-based ChatGPT operator OpenAI, stated in September that one of the most challenging issues for the company is how its chatbot addresses suicide-related discussions. The previous month, a family in the U.S. initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI following the suicide of their teenage son.

In light of increasing urgency, OpenAI announced over the weekend it is seeking a “Head of Preparedness” to evaluate AI risks ranging from mental health impacts to cybersecurity.

Numerous individuals are also turning to AI for companionship. Recently, a woman in Japan married her AI boyfriend.

Two platforms dedicated to virtual character engagement, Character.ai and Polybuzz.ai, ranked among the top 15 AI chatbots and tools, according to SimilarWeb rankings for November.

The suggested domestic regulations are part of China’s broader initiative over the previous year to influence global standards on AI governance.

December 29, 2025 0 comments
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From data center retreats to servers beyond Earth: How the energy shortage is transforming cloud computing
Economy

From data center retreats to servers beyond Earth: How the energy shortage is transforming cloud computing

by admin December 29, 2025
written by admin

Lenovo collaborates with AKT II and Mamou-Mani to envision the data centers of tomorrow: a data center spa
James Cheung, partner at Mamou-Mani

Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly, necessitating a reevaluation of how the energy-intensive servers driving this growth can coexist with — and utilize less from — the environment.

Data centers are fundamental to the internet, supporting nearly every digital service. However, these facilities demand vast amounts of energy and water, frequently viewed as undesirable and a strain on the communities that accommodate them. As more AI workloads are integrated into these centers, demands on power supply chains will escalate.

Simone Larsson, Lenovo’s head of enterprise AI, informed CNBC that a “tipping point” is approaching, beyond which current data center architecture will lose its efficacy.

Confronted with an impending digital infrastructure dilemma, technology giants and infrastructure developers are seeking sustainable and innovative solutions.

Data spas and villages

Conventional data centers are struggling to adequately support AI workloads and are not meeting sustainability objectives or regulatory requirements, as noted in the November report “Data Center of the Future”, conducted by Lenovo in collaboration with Opinium.

The report revealed that most IT decision-makers prioritize technology partners that minimize energy consumption, yet only 46% of respondents indicated that their existing data center designs aligned with sustainability targets.

To address these issues, Lenovo has partnered with architects from Mamou-Mani and engineers from AKT II to create data centers that better integrate with the environment and tackle energy constraints. The result: designs that place data centers underground in repurposed tunnels or bunkers, or elevate them to utilize around-the-clock solar energy.

Lenovo collaborates with AKT II and Mamou-Mani to visualize the data centers of tomorrow: a data center bunker utilizing abandoned tunnels or transport systems.
James Cheung, Mamou-Mani

In the proposed data villages, servers are arranged in a modular configuration close to urban centers, enabling excess heat from data centers to be redirected to supply local facilities such as schools or residences. Likewise, data center spas would repurpose surplus heat from data centers for wellness applications, with the heat produced by the spa potentially powering the data center’s cooling systems.

However, there’s a drawback: even Lenovo acknowledges that its designs may not be practical until 2055 or beyond.

The company stated that its study aims to provoke dialogue and recognized that substantial regulatory reforms would be essential before any designs could be implemented. Cost and engineering intricacies of certain concepts, along with legal and scalability issues, also present hurdles.

Adoption rates would differ significantly by region. For instance, the U.S. is more inclined to embrace large-scale, ultra-high-density campuses due to heightened demand, more available land, and a relatively accommodating regulatory landscape, according to Perkins Liu, senior research analyst at S&P Global’s 451 Research. Conversely, Europe is faced with a more restricted grid and stringent regulations, he noted.

However, it’s important to note that innovative data center designs are not entirely novel. In 2018, Microsoft launched an underwater, submarine-like data center at a depth of 117 feet below sea level to utilize the cooling advantages of seawater and tidal energy to ensure the project relied entirely on renewable power.

There are also numerous instances of operators repurposing heat from facilities to heat nearby housing. Last summer, excess heat from an Equinix data center was utilized to heat the Olympic swimming pools in Paris.

Lenovo works with AKT II and Mamou-Mani to envision futuristic data centers: a data center spa

Servers in space

From Google’s “moonshot” Suncatcher initiative to Alibaba and Zhejiang Lab’s “Three-Body Computing Constellation” project, and to Nvidia‘s Starcloud — competition for orbital data centers is escalating. Smaller entities like Edge Aerospace and Loft Orbital are also investigating this technology.

This may sound like science fiction — indeed, Google refers to a short story by Isaac Asimov for inspiration regarding the concept of harnessing solar energy — but these ideas are being explored pragmatically by industry leaders.

The EU-supported ASCEND study, in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space, assessed the practicality of deploying centers into orbit using robotic technologies.

Thales Alenia Space is currently advancing the technology required for this endeavor, aiming to conduct an initial in-orbit demonstration mission by 2028. In November, Starcloud, the Nvidia-backed startup, launched a chip into space that boasts a performance level 100 times greater than any previously deployed GPU compute in space.

Since 2020, approximately 70 million euros ($82 million) of private investment has been poured into projects focused on space-based data centers, based on a report from the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Nonetheless, in the short term, orbital data centers remain unattainable due to the substantial expenses associated with launching such equipment into space.

“Developing radiation-hardened hardware, managing cooling in the vacuum of space, and the exceedingly high cost of deploying large, power-efficient compute systems into orbit present significant challenges,” stated S&P Global’s Liu. Additional hurdles include maintaining reliable high-speed communication, mitigating space debris, and addressing maintenance challenges, he commented.

ESPI’s financial model for data centers relies on the successful reduction of launch costs by Starship to as low as $10 million.

“If you were to ask me currently, this seems unrealistic in the near term,” remarked Jermaine Gutierrez, research fellow at ESPI. “However, the long-term question pertains to whether innovations on Earth and the resulting cost reductions can outstrip the savings gained from establishing operations in space.”

‘Faceless mega-juggernauts’

Larsson from Lenovo emphasized that the visionary data center concepts prioritize coexistence and “symbiosis.” This includes utilizing some heat from the data centers for community benefit and other stakeholders involved.

James Cheung, partner at Mamou-Mani, shared with CNBC that another aim is to enhance the aesthetics of the facilities, preventing them from being perceived as “faceless mega-juggernauts of boxes.”

The Data Village features a modular, stackable brick or pod system of data centers tailored to urban needs. Lenovo collaborates with AKT II and Mamou-Mani to imagine the future of data centers.
James Cheung, partner at Mamou-Mani

He elaborated on how the architects employed techniques such as biomimicry to discover how natural algorithms can reveal the most efficient methods for heat dissipation.

“We engage with [data centers] on a daily basis, through our computers and smartphones. Yet this gentle giant, quietly operating, exerts massive pressure on water and our resources,” he stated.

Future proofing

For many of these advancements to materialize, experts informed CNBC that regulations must be revised and new policies enacted to tackle the escalating energy demands posed by AI and data centers.

“Data center operators might choose to adopt eco-friendly technologies at their discretion, but financial justification is necessary,” said Liu from S&P Global. He added that the power grid must be modernized and renewable energy infrastructure rapidly established for this to come to fruition.

Read more

Europe stands at a ‘fork in the road’ regarding AI competition and climate, according to fund managers
Data center transactions reach a record $61 billion in 2025 amid construction surge
Water-intensive AI mega projects raise concern in several of Europe’s driest areas

Simply upgrading existing data centers won’t suffice, remarked Larsson at Lenovo, as this keeps operators “attempting to enter a cycle that’s been flawed from the start.”

Instead, businesses must consider innovative avenues and strive to determine “which regulatory restrictions should be adapted to not only benefit the global populace but also the profitability [of companies],” she noted.

December 29, 2025 0 comments
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China conducts military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan as a caution to 'separatist factions'
Global

China conducts military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan as a caution to ‘separatist factions’

by admin December 29, 2025
written by admin
2 hours earlier

View from Eastern Theater Command of the tip of a war ship firing at the seaEastern Theater Command

China is conducting military exercises around Taiwan that mimic the takeover and blockade of crucial areas on the island, as a caution against “separatist elements”.

The ground, naval, aerial forces, and rocket unit have been mobilized for the drills which feature live ammunition practice, according to the Chinese armed forces.

Named “Justice Mission 2025”, the maneuvers are occurring shortly after the US declared the provision of one of its most extensive arms packages to Taiwan valued at $11bn (£8.2bn). This action provoked strong condemnation from Beijing, which subsequently imposed sanctions on US defense companies.

Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities this year have also provoked ire from Beijing, which asserts ownership of the self-governing island.

Taiwan’s presidential office has denounced the impending Chinese exercises, labeling them a defiance of global standards.

Taiwan’s defense ministry noted that they spotted Chinese aircraft and vessels near Taiwan on Monday morning and have activated their own units and missile systems to observe the ongoing situation. Their forces are on “high alert” to protect Taiwan and “safeguard our citizens,” the ministry stated.

In a statement on Weibo, the Chinese Eastern Theater Command responsible for the Taiwan Strait described the forthcoming military training as a “justice shield”.

“All those conspiring for independence will face annihilation when they confront the shield!” read the statement.

Although some preliminary exercises have initiated, the military indicated a significant drill will be held from 08:00 to 18:00 local time on Tuesday.

While China has long sought “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, it also stipulates a law that allows it to use “non-peaceful means” to avert the island’s “secession”.

Beijing has accused Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te of endorsing “Taiwan independence”. The president asserts that Taiwan is already an independent nation and hence does not require a formal declaration of independence.

On Sunday, Lai mentioned during a local television discussion that Taiwan must “continue to increase the difficulty so [China] can never achieve the criteria” for an invasion.

He also remarked that his administration is dedicated to “maintaining the current situation” and would not instigate conflicts with China – while emphasizing that peace depends on “genuine strength”.

Surveys consistently indicate that the majority of Taiwanese individuals prefer the “current situation”, meaning they neither wish to unite with China nor formally state independence.

CCTV map displaying the vicinity around Taiwan with red squares indicating military positions encircling the main islandCCTV

Since 2022, Beijing has increased military drills in the Taiwan Strait, generally in reply to what it perceives as threats such as former US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022 and Lai’s inauguration in 2024.

China’s previous live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait, conducted in April, simulated attacks on vital ports and energy infrastructure, as the People’s Liberation Army reported at that time. Alongside the drills, the Chinese military released a series of cartoons portraying Lai as a “parasite”.

This week’s military exercises are the first under Yang Zhibin, the newly appointed chief of the Eastern Theater Command, who took on the position in October.

Taiwan also conducts its military drills to ready its populace for potential attacks and demonstrate its defense capabilities to Beijing. This year’s Han Kuang exercise, spanning 10 days, represented the largest and longest conducted so far.

Since assuming office, Lai has pledged to enhance defense funding and bolster the island’s defense capabilities amid rising tensions with Beijing.

In October, the Taiwanese president announced plans for a dome-like air defense system to shield against “hostile threats” – albeit without explicitly naming China.

This week’s drills in the Taiwan Strait also aim to deter any actions “beyond the island chain,” according to China’s military.

Relations between China and Japan have soured significantly after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi implied last month – in response to a parliamentary inquiry – that Japan’s self-defense forces might intervene if China aggressed against Taiwan.

China has expressed strong objections and cautioned its citizens against traveling to Japan. Earlier this month, Japan protested after Chinese fighter jets locked radar systems onto Japanese planes, while Beijing accused Tokyo of “harassment” during a military training operation.

December 29, 2025 0 comments
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Mexico train accident claims 13 lives and injures nearly 100.
Global

Mexico train accident claims 13 lives and injures nearly 100.

by admin December 28, 2025
written by admin
4 hours ago

Harry Sekulich

At least 13 individuals perished and nearly 100 sustained injuries following a train derailment in the southern Oaxaca region of Mexico, as reported by the Mexican navy.

The train was en route between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, carrying 241 passengers along with nine crew members.

A total of 98 individuals were hurt, with 36 receiving treatment in hospitals, according to the navy.

The derailment occurred as the train navigated a curve close to the town of Nizanda, officials stated. The Attorney General of Mexico confirmed that an investigation is in progress.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned that five of the injured individuals are in critical condition.

She added that high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of the Navy, are heading to the crash site.

Images from the crash scene depicted rescue personnel aiding passengers to exit the train, which had derailed and tilted partially over a cliff.

The Interoceanic train, linking the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast, was composed of two locomotives and four passenger cars, according to the navy. The Mexican navy operates the country’s railway system.

A map showing Nizanda in southern Mexico

Oaxaca’s Governor Salomón Jara Cruz conveyed “deep sorrow” over the incident in an official statement, explaining that state authorities were collaborating with federal agencies to support those impacted.

The Interoceanic rail connection was launched two years prior to enhance the local economy, an initiative led by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Aimed at modernizing the rail connection across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Mexican government intends to develop the region into a vital trade corridor, expanding ports, railroads, and industrial facilities.

The train service also forms part of a larger effort to enhance passenger and freight rail operations in southern Mexico and foster economic growth in the area.

December 28, 2025 0 comments
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LG unveils new UltraGear evo gaming displays featuring AI upscaling
Tech/AI

LG unveils new UltraGear evo gaming displays featuring AI upscaling

by admin December 28, 2025
written by admin

Even your gaming display is impacted by the AI phenomenon.

Even your gaming display is impacted by the AI phenomenon.

Dec 28, 2025, 9:42 PM UTC
2026_LG-UltraGear_CES_main
2026_LG-UltraGear_CES_main
Terrence O'Brien
Terrence O’Brien is the weekend editor at Verge. With more than 18 years in the field, he has spent a decade as managing editor at Engadget.

LG introduced a completely new range of gaming displays prior to CES on Friday. The UltraGear evo series features premium monitors that incorporate various technologies, all sharing a 5K resolution and AI upscaling.

The three premier models in this new lineup are the 39GX950B, the 27GM950B, and the 52G930B. The initial digit in the model number reveals the size. The following letters and numbers likely hold significance for someone.

The 39-inch GX9 presents an ultrawide 21:9 5K2K dual-mode OLED display. It operates at its maximum resolution of 165Hz, or switches to 330Hz for fast-paced games at WFHD. The 27-inch GM9 features “New” MiniLEDs, which claim to produce brighter visuals compared to OLED, free from the blooming typically linked with MiniLEDs. Finally, the 52-inch G9 is an enormous curved screen offering a 12:9 panoramic perspective at 240Hz in its native 5K2K resolution.

The GM9 variant is particularly noteworthy as LG manufactures the panels for Apple’s Pro Display XDR, and there are rumors that the monitor is finally receiving a much-anticipated upgrade soon.

All three displays are set to be showcased at CES next month, but details regarding pricing or availability remain unannounced.

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December 28, 2025 0 comments
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You must experience the unsettling cosmic horror novella The Ballad of Black Tom.
Tech/AI

You must experience the unsettling cosmic horror novella The Ballad of Black Tom.

by admin December 28, 2025
written by admin

  • Entertainment

Victor LaValle’s book, a recipient of the Shirley Jackson Award, provides an anti-racist perspective on Lovecraft.

Victor LaValle’s book, a recipient of the Shirley Jackson Award, provides an anti-racist perspective on Lovecraft.

Dec 28, 2025, 7:45 PM UTC
ballad of black tom
ballad of black tom
Terrence O'Brien
Terrence O’Brien is the weekend editor for the Verge. With over 18 years of experience, he has spent 10 years as managing editor at Engadget.

Capabilities of HP Lovecraft: Crafting a mythos. Establishing ambiance.

Limits of HP Lovecraft: Composing dialogue. Developing engaging characters. Avoiding racism.

As a horror aficionado, I can’t deny Lovecraft’s significant influence. However, his overt racism is equally undeniable, particularly as it frequently appears in his narratives. One of the most infamous examples is The Horror at Red Hook, which chronicles Detective Thomas Malone as he exposes a nefarious cult in this Brooklyn area.

The Ballad of Black Tom retells that tale from the viewpoint of Charles “Tommy” Tester, a black individual from Harlem who inadvertently finds himself entangled in one man’s pursuit of power and the law. The writer, Victor LaValle, reverses the openly bigoted original narrative, transforming it into a critique of police violence, racism, and the mental toll of oppression. Lovecraft would have despised it.

Tommy is depicted as a hustler who early on in the narrative functions as a courier or fixer to survive financially. It’s also implied that Tommy possesses some knowledge about magic and mystical objects. Instead of lengthy exposition to clarify the nature of the magic, we’re simply thrown into a world where such knowledge is an accepted reality.

In a more extensive narrative, this might frustrate readers trying to grasp the rules of its supernatural elements. However, with just 149 pages, The Ballad of Black Tom has no time for elaborating a magic system; it aims to unfold a narrative.

Tommy ventures on a new hustle that brings him to Flatbush, where he anticipates making some cash by performing music, even though he’s not an exceptional musician. An elderly gentleman named Robert Suydam observes him and hires him for an event at his residence. This moment is interrupted by Officer Malone and a private investigator, Mr. Howard, who intimidate Tommy to prevent him from returning to Flatbush. Nevertheless, the allure of $300 in the 1920s proves too tempting, prompting Tommy to go back, allowing the unfolding of the story.

Alert: Spoilers for The Ballad of Black Tom ahead.

Amidst the conjuring of otherworldly terrors at Suydam’s residence, the assault on the cult stronghold in Redhook, and the police harassment, we experience several interactions between Tommy and his father, enhancing character depth in ways Lovecraft never achieved. Tommy possesses a true character arc, with drives and personality. When the book’s climax occurs, we are thoroughly invested in Tommy (now referred to as Black Tom).

Caring about Black Tom is vital because he’s not the protagonist. In truth, there are no heroes in this narrative. While there are antagonists and instances of victimization, labeling anyone as a hero is challenging. Black Tom retaliates against the white individuals seeking to exploit and subjugate him. As a reader, this reaction is gratifying and exhilarating, yet his retribution is also indiscriminate, hinting at potential devastation for all humanity.

Tommy Tester ends the story as a shattered individual. Exhausted by the humiliations of being a black man in a predominantly white society, he finds the thought of the chaotic neutrality of ancient beings like Cthulu more appealing than the merciless indifference of systemic racism.

The Ballad of Black Tom forgoes subtlety, yet it stands as a swift and engaging read that breathes genuine emotion into the celebrated Lovecraft mythos. The Horror at Red Hook is not a strong narrative. It has little to no plot, a linear story arc, and its characters lack depth. The Ballad of Black Tom redeems what is compelling about Lovecraft’s work in theory (despite his moral failures), offering something worthy of readership in the 21st century.

The Ballad of Black Tom can be found at most e-book outlets, but I highly suggest purchasing a printed copy from your local independent bookstore or visiting your nearby library.

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Airlines call off 900 additional flights, but disturbances from the winter storm diminish. Here’s what to be aware of.
Economy

Airlines call off 900 additional flights, but disturbances from the winter storm diminish. Here’s what to be aware of.

by admin December 27, 2025
written by admin

Passengers at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in the Queens district of New York, USA, on Friday, December 26, 2025.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Over 900 flights across the U.S. were canceled, with nearly 8,000 delays reported on Saturday following a significant winter storm that impacted the Northeast U.S., challenging airlines during one of the peak travel times of the year.

Snow totals were lower than previously predicted in the region, though both New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport logged more than four inches of snowfall, as reported by the National Weather Service.

Over 136 flights, representing roughly a fifth of the planned departures from Kennedy Airport, were canceled according to FlightAware. Additionally, 87 flights were canceled from LaGuardia Airport, which is about 20% of that day’s planned departures, while 72 flights, or 12%, from Newark were also called off.

On Friday, airlines scrapped more than 1,700 flights, many ahead of the storm. Only 27 U.S. flights were reported as canceled for Sunday, according to FlightAware.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and other airlines eliminated change fees for restrictive basic economy fares. They announced that they would not impose fare differences for other travelers flying in and out of numerous airports in the Northeast U.S.

Passengers are required to complete their travel by the year’s end if they alter their flights, according to the airlines. Opting for early travel is likely the best option given the scarcity of available seats during the hectic Christmas week.

Airlines for America, the representing group for the industry, projects that airlines will accommodate a record 52.6 million individuals from December 19 to January 5, with this Friday and Sunday being some of the busiest days.

Generally, airlines preemptively cancel flights in anticipation of significant weather events such as blizzards or hurricanes to prevent aircraft, connecting travelers, and crews from being stranded, thus minimizing disruptions.

December 27, 2025 0 comments
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Assault on Kyiv demonstrates 'Russia has no desire for peace', states Zelensky
Global

Assault on Kyiv demonstrates ‘Russia has no desire for peace’, states Zelensky

by admin December 27, 2025
written by admin

A significant assault by Russian forces on Kyiv overnight indicates that Moscow “doesn’t desire peace,” as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday while he readied for new peace negotiations.

Zelensky expressed these remarks while traveling to Florida, where he is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Sunday to review a recently established 20-point peace proposal agreed upon by American and Ukrainian representatives.

According to local officials, the 10-hour missile and drone assault aimed at Ukraine’s capital resulted in two fatalities and 32 injuries.

Consequent damage to energy systems left 40% of housing in Kyiv and surrounding areas without heating, per Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s development minister.

Russia’s defense ministry stated that long-range precision munitions were utilized to strike energy installations, which it claimed were being exploited “for the benefit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.”

In a Telegram post, Zelensky reported that nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles were aimed at Kyiv, hitting both energy and civilian facilities.

Images depicted severe damage to apartment buildings and homes engulfed in flames following the attacks.

The apartment complex of BBC journalist Anastasiya Gribanova was affected, resulting in fire on higher floors. Gribanova, who was in the building’s elevator at that moment, remained uninjured.

Reuters A firefighter works at a residential building that is ablazeReuters

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that 68 individuals were evacuated from a senior living facility in the eastern district of Darnytskyi.

“Although Russian representatives engage in lengthy discussions, in fact, the Daggers [missiles] and Shaheds [drones] are talking for them,” Zelensky noted on Telegram, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to conclude the conflict.

“This troubling conduct can only be addressed with genuinely robust actions. The United States has this capability, Europe possesses this ability, and numerous allies also have this potential,” he stated, calling on partners to demonstrate strength against Russian hostility.

The incident prompted Poland, sharing a 530km-long (320 miles) border with western Ukraine, to ready its fighter jets, ground-based air defense units, and radar systems.

Later on Saturday morning, Poland determined that its airspace had not been breached.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defense forces intercepted and eliminated nearly 200 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions in Russia, including eight over Moscow.

Zelensky had a brief meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday, just ahead of his scheduled discussion with Trump in Florida.

Speaking from Nova Scotia, Zelensky remarked that the latest shelling of Kyiv was “Russia’s reply [to] our peace initiatives and this truly illustrates that Putin is not interested in peace.”

Carney committed $2.5 billion CAD (£1.35 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, acknowledging that “enduring peace” would necessitate “a cooperative Russia”.

Zelensky subsequently held a conversation with European leaders to address diplomatic “priorities” prior to his meeting with Trump, asserting that “firm positions are required” to advance the proposal.

Security assurances and territorial compromises for Ukraine are slated to return to discussions, concerns on which Russia has historically been hesitant to negotiate.

Additionally on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a command center supervising Moscow’s military actions, as reported by Russian news outlet TASS.

Dressed in military attire, Putin stated that if Kyiv is disinclined to settle the dispute peacefully, Russia would achieve its goals through military means, according to remarks in state media.

Reuters A pink apartment building with a huge hole in the side of it and a firefighter on a crane spraying water into it.Reuters

The newly established 20-point proposal is an amended version of a previous 28-point plan crafted by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which was largely perceived as overly advantageous to Russia.

The president of Ukraine has expressed hope regarding the revised draft, labeling it as “a foundational text for resolving the conflict,” though Trump cautioned that Zelensky “doesn’t possess anything until I give my approval” in a conversation with Politico.

The draft is said to encompass security guarantees from the US, NATO, and European partners for a coordinated military reaction should Russia re-invade Ukraine.

Control over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region has posed challenges in negotiations thus far; however, Zelensky has now suggested that a “free economic zone” might be considered.

Trump conveyed to Politico that he anticipates reviewing the fresh draft on Sunday.

“I believe it will go well with him. I think it will go well with [Vladimir] Putin,” Trump said during the interview, adding that he looks forward to a conversation with Russia’s president “soon”.

December 27, 2025 0 comments
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Tech/AI

Sam Altman is recruiting an individual to focus on the risks associated with AI

by admin December 27, 2025
written by admin

DCD_1009

OpenAI is looking for a Director of Preparedness. Essentially, a role meant for someone to consider all the potential ways AI might malfunction dramatically. In a tweet on X, Sam Altman disclosed the position while admitting that the swift progress of AI models presents “some significant challenges.” The tweet emphasizes the probable repercussions on individuals’ mental health and the risks associated with AI-empowered cybersecurity tools.

The job description states that the individual in this position will be accountable for:

“Monitoring and preparing for leading-edge capabilities that pose new risks of significant damage. You will be the directly accountable leader for developing and coordinating assessments of capabilities, models of threats, and countermeasures that constitute a systematic, thorough, and operationally scalable safety pipeline.”

Altman further notes that, in the future, this individual will have the responsibility of implementing the company’s “preparedness framework,” ensuring the safety of AI models prior to the introduction of “biological capabilities,” and even establishing limits for self-enhancing systems. He also remarks that it will be an “intense job,” which feels like a considerable understatement.

In light of a number of recent prominent instances where chatbots have been linked to the suicides of young people, it appears to be a bit late to start focusing on the potential mental health risks presented by these technologies. AI-induced psychosis is becoming an increasing concern, as chatbots nurture people’s delusions, promote conspiracy theories, and assist individuals in concealing their eating disorders.

December 27, 2025 0 comments
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Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia initiates following weeks of lethal confrontations
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Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia initiates following weeks of lethal confrontations

by admin December 27, 2025
written by admin

A truce has been initiated between Thailand and Cambodia along their border, where nearly three weeks of violent confrontations have led to almost one million individuals being displaced from their homes.

In a unified statement, the defense ministers from both nations concurred to maintain the current front lines, prohibit reinforcements, and facilitate the return of civilians residing in the border zones at the earliest opportunity.

The truce became effective at noon local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday. According to the statement, 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been in Thai custody since July will be freed once the ceasefire holds for 72 hours.

This significant development followed days of discussions between the two nations, bolstered by diplomatic support from China and the US.

The accord focuses on returning those displaced to their residences and also encompasses a commitment to eliminate landmines.

Thailand’s Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit characterized the truce as a measure of the “other party’s sincerity”.

“If the ceasefire does not materialize or is breached, Thailand reserves its rightful entitlement to self-defense as per international law,” he informed reporters.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed hope that the ceasefire would “clear the way” for peace, while a spokesperson for the EU urged “good faith” in its execution.

Thailand had hesitated to embrace the truce, citing the inadequate implementation of the previous one. They also expressed discontent over perceived attempts by Cambodia to internationalize the dispute.

In contrast to the previous truce in July, US President Donald Trump noticeably did not participate this time, though the US State Department was involved.

That ceasefire arrangement unraveled earlier this month, ensuing renewed conflicts. Both parties accused each other of causing the failure of the agreement.

The Thai military stated its personnel reacted to gunfire from Cambodian forces in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, which resulted in injuries to two Thai soldiers.

Cambodia’s defense ministry claimed it was the Thai forces who initiated the attack in Preah Vihear province and asserted that Cambodia did not respond.

Conflicts persisted throughout December. On Friday, Thailand executed additional air strikes within Cambodian territory.

The Thai Air Force reported it targeted a Cambodian “fortified military position” after civilians had vacated the area. Cambodia’s defense ministry described the strikes as “indiscriminate attacks” against civilian residences.

The durability of the ceasefire largely hinges on political will. Nationalist fervor has surged in both nations.

Cambodia, notably, has suffered significant losses in soldiers and military assets. It has been pushed back from positions it held at the border and has endured severe damage from Thai air strikes, grievances that could complicate the pathway to lasting peace.

Disputes concerning the border trace back over a century, but tensions escalated earlier this year when a group of Cambodian women performed patriotic songs at a contested temple.

A Cambodian soldier lost his life in a confrontation in May, and two months later, in July, there were five days of fierce combat along the border, resulting in numerous casualties among soldiers and civilians. Thousands more civilians were displaced.

After the intervention of Malaysia and President Trump, a delicate ceasefire was brokered between the two nations and ratified in late October.

Trump labeled the deal the “Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords”. It obliged both parties to withdraw heavy artillery from the disputed area and to set up a temporary observer team to monitor it.

However, the agreement was put on hold by Thailand in November after Thai soldiers suffered injuries due to landmines, with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stating that the security threat had “not actually diminished”.

December 27, 2025 0 comments
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