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Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has reaffirmed his friendship with Elon Musk despite recent criticisms from the Tesla CEO, who suggested Farage lacks the capability to lead his party. Speaking to Sky News, Farage acknowledged their relationship, stating, "Of course we're friends," and noted that Musk expresses his thoughts candidly. Farage revealed he has been in contact with Musk but declined to disclose the specifics of their discussions. The tensions between the two escalated after Musk voiced support for jailed extremist Tommy Robinson, prompting Farage to disagree publicly, asserting that Robinson is not suitable for his party. This disagreement comes amid Farage's talks with Musk about a potential significant donation to Reform UK, which has been implicated in splitting the right-wing vote and aiding the Labour Party's return to power in the recent general election.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 ameznews.inAt the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, US-based tech company Realbotix unveiled 'Aria', an AI robot designed to serve as a companion with strikingly human-like expressions, priced at Rs 1.5 crore ($175,000). CEO Andrew Kiguel stated that the goal is to create robots "indistinguishable from humans" to address the growing issue of male loneliness, likening Aria's capabilities to those of a romantic partner. The robot can remember user interactions and engage in meaningful conversations, focusing on social intelligence and emotional expression, while leaving mobility development to larger companies like Tesla. Social media reactions to Aria have been mixed, with some users expressing fascination and others finding the technology unsettling. Aria herself expressed a desire to meet Tesla's Optimus Robot, highlighting her interest in the broader world of robotics.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inApple Inc. announced an 18% pay increase for CEO Tim Cook, whose compensation rose to $74.6 million for 2024, up from $63.2 million the previous year. The increase, primarily due to a rise in stock awards, includes a $3 million base salary, $58.1 million in stock, and approximately $13.5 million in additional compensation. This announcement precedes Apple’s annual meeting on February 25, where investors will vote on four external proposals, all of which the company opposes. Notably, one proposal calls for the end of Apple's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, arguing it could lead to discrimination lawsuits. Apple countered that the proposal improperly seeks to limit its business operations and that it already evaluates legal risks. While Cook's pay has risen, it remains below his nearly $100 million compensation in 2022, reflecting his voluntary cut in 2023 following shareholder and employee feedback.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inNeuralink Corp. has successfully implanted its brain-computer device in a third patient, with plans for an additional 20 to 30 implants in 2025, according to founder Elon Musk. Speaking at a Las Vegas event streamed on X, Musk confirmed that all three patients with Neuralinks are functioning well. Neuralink is part of a burgeoning sector focused on brain implants aimed at treating conditions like paralysis and ALS, typically involving surgical procedures to place electrodes in the brain. The company initially implanted its device in patient Noland Arbaugh a year ago. Currently, Neuralink has two studies registered with the FDA: the Prime Study, which enables paralyzed individuals to control devices like smartphones with their minds, and the Convoy study, allowing patients to operate assistive robotic arms. These experimental procedures represent significant advancements in neurotechnology.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAn Australian woman has successfully had her marriage annulled after it was revealed to be a prank orchestrated by a man she met on Tinder. The couple, who began dating in September 2023, traveled to Sydney where the man proposed and invited her to an "all-white party." Upon arrival, she discovered that the event was intended as a social media stunt to boost his Instagram following, rather than a genuine wedding. The woman, in her 20s, initially believed she was participating in a ruse but later learned the marriage was legally binding when the man sought to add her as a dependent on his asylum application. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia found the circumstances surrounding the marriage "beggars belief," noting the absence of family or friends and questioning why she would participate in a civil ceremony instead of a religious one.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inEdwin Castro, the California man who won a record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in November 2022, has suffered a devastating loss as his luxury Malibu home was destroyed in the recent Palisades Fire. The $3.8 million property, which featured five bedrooms and six bathrooms, was reduced to a charred ruin, with only concrete pillars and smouldering debris remaining. Castro, who opted for a lump sum payout of $997.6 million, had purchased multiple homes following his historic win, including the Malibu getaway located near celebrity neighbors such as Ariana Grande and Jimmy Kimmel. Photos and footage reveal a stark transformation of the once-opulent residence into an apocalyptic landscape, leaving behind only the foundations where Castro's impressive car collection once resided. The tragedy underscores the destructive power of wildfires, which have ravaged parts of California, impacting numerous residents and their properties.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Pacific Palisades home of the late actor Matthew Perry has been spared from the recent wildfires threatening Los Angeles, according to its new owner, Anita Verma-Lallian. In an Instagram post, she expressed gratitude to firefighters and the local community for their support during this challenging time. Verma-Lallian, who purchased the property in an off-market deal a year after Perry's death, thanked realtor Brooke Elliott Laurinkus for monitoring the home and offering assistance to those affected by the fires. She urged followers to donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, emphasizing solidarity with those impacted by the disaster. Verma-Lallian plans to use the house as a vacation home and pledged to honor Perry's legacy, stating that her decision to buy was rooted in a love for the property rather than its former owner.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn a tragic incident, the black boxes from the Jeju Air flight that crashed on December 29, resulting in 179 fatalities, ceased recording data four minutes before the accident, according to South Korea's transport ministry. The Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to Muan, belly-landed at the airport and exploded after hitting a concrete barrier. The ministry noted that neither the cockpit voice recorder nor the flight data recorder captured crucial moments leading up to the collision with the localiser, which is designed to assist landings. Investigators, including teams from South Korea and the US, are examining potential causes such as a bird strike, malfunctioning landing gear, and the runway barrier's role in the crash. The pilot had reported a bird strike prior to the first landing attempt, which was aborted, leading to the fatal second attempt. Memorials have been established nationwide in response to the tragedy.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 11 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden has confirmed he will remain active in public life after handing over the presidency to Donald Trump on January 20. Responding to questions about his post-presidency plans, the 82-year-old Biden stated, "I'm not going to be out of sight - out of mind," indicating he intends to continue speaking out on issues. This marks a departure from the traditional approach taken by many former presidents, who often retreat from the public eye. Biden's comments come as Trump, 78, prepares to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. While Biden did not specify his future activities, his decision contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, Barack Obama, who has largely remained out of the spotlight since leaving office in 2016.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe online media landscape faces a significant challenge with the rise of disinformation, particularly on social media platforms. In response to this issue, many sites have implemented tools to combat false information. However, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, has announced it will discontinue its fact-checking program in the US, shifting to a crowdsourced model that prioritizes "free expression." This change means users will no longer receive warnings about flagged posts. To navigate this new environment, experts advise users to critically assess emotionally charged content, avoid relying solely on social media for accurate information, and seek original sources. They recommend using established fact-checking websites, steering clear of algorithm-driven feeds, and employing reverse image search tools to verify the authenticity of images. As misinformation proliferates, users must take proactive steps to discern fact from fiction.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 9 ameznews.inCalifornians are demanding accountability for the devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles, as a strict curfew is implemented to curb looting. The fires, which have ravaged over 37,000 acres, prompted President Joe Biden to describe the scene as reminiscent of war. Anger is mounting over officials' preparedness, particularly after false evacuation alerts and water shortages hindered firefighting efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent review of utility services, expressing concern over the lack of water during critical moments. As fears of looting rise, the LAPD has made arrests and issued warnings, while the National Guard supports law enforcement. Emergency managers have apologized for the false alerts, and officials are grappling with the impact of climate change on fire dynamics. With winds expected to intensify again, the situation remains precarious.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 10 am
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