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OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever proposed the construction of a doomsday bunker to safeguard the company's researchers in the event of a catastrophic "rapture" caused by the release of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This revelation comes from Karen Hao's forthcoming book, _Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI_, which details Sutskever's comments made during a 2023 meeting with key scientists. He suggested, "We're definitely going to build a bunker before we release AGI," a notion he frequently referenced in internal discussions. The concerns over AGI's potential risks are echoed by other industry leaders, including Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, who warns that society is unprepared for AGI's imminent arrival, anticipated within the next decade. AGI aims to replicate human-like intelligence across various tasks, raising significant ethical and safety considerations as its development progresses. 
Published: May 20 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-backed organization, plans to oversee aid distribution in Gaza by the end of May, despite the United Nations rejecting the model as biased. Established in February, the GHF has secured over $100 million in commitments and intends to collaborate with private US security firms to distribute aid from four secure sites in southern Gaza, each serving 300,000 people. However, the UN has criticized the plan for lacking impartiality and for potentially exacerbating humanitarian crises, as it restricts aid access and ties assistance to political objectives. This initiative follows Israel's suspension of aid deliveries amid accusations against Hamas, which have left many in Gaza facing starvation. In response, the UN emphasizes the effectiveness of its existing aid distribution system and urges Israel to facilitate broader humanitarian access without new constraints.
Published: May 20 2025, 9 pmeznews.inBillionaire Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that he would significantly reduce his political spending, asserting that his Tesla electric car company is performing well despite backlash from his support for former President Donald Trump. Speaking via video link from Austin at Bloomberg's Qatar Economic Forum, Musk, the world's richest person, stated, "I don't currently see a reason" to continue funding political campaigns, hinting at a potential shift in his relationship with Trump. Musk confirmed he has also scaled back his role in the U.S. administration, working just one or two days a week on government efficiency. Despite facing protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships linked to his political actions, Musk maintained that the company's performance remains strong, citing a market capitalization of over a trillion dollars. Additionally, he expressed ongoing frustration with OpenAI's shift to profit-driven motives, reiterating his commitment to his lawsuit against the organization.
Published: May 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir has been elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, a rare honour approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Cabinet. This promotion follows a series of military escalations with India, notably linked to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. Munir's controversial speech prior to the attack is believed to have incited the violence, attributed to The Resistance Front, a group connected to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting multiple terrorist camps in Pakistan. Despite facing significant military setbacks, including drone attacks on Pakistani installations, Munir's promotion raises questions about his future as Army Chief, particularly regarding retirement age, as he is now the second person in Pakistan's history to hold the title of Field Marshal.
Published: May 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a shift from traditional office spaces, a 2023 survey by Octra reveals that 62% of UK professionals now prefer working from cafes, libraries, and parks, highlighting a growing trend towards remote and hybrid work. This lifestyle, previously seen as a pandemic necessity, has become integral for many, allowing for enhanced productivity and work-life balance. However, major corporations like Amazon and JPMorgan Chase are pushing for a return to in-office work, citing collaboration and culture as key justifications. In India, where remote work has offered new opportunities, there is concern that a full return could disrupt the socio-economic gains made during the pandemic. Critics argue that flexibility fosters loyalty and productivity, while supporters of return-to-office policies emphasize accountability and teamwork. As the debate intensifies, the future of work remains uncertain, with many advocating for a balanced approach that respects individual needs and business objectives.
Published: May 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant move to combat online exploitation, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Take It Down Act into law during a Rose Garden ceremony, with First Lady Melania Trump as a prominent advocate. The legislation criminalises the non-consensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes, and mandates that social media companies remove such content within 48 hours of a victim's request. The law received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the House with a 409-2 vote and clearing the Senate unanimously. Melania Trump highlighted the dangers posed by malicious online content, especially to young girls, while the President underscored the need to protect vulnerable individuals from harassment. Despite backing from major tech companies like Meta and Google, some critics have raised concerns regarding privacy and free speech implications. The Act represents a crucial step in safeguarding the dignity and safety of children and families in the digital age.
Published: May 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inYoung Liu, CEO of Foxconn, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the elimination of low-end manufacturing jobs, a concern he shared during his keynote address at the Computex conference. Liu highlighted that the integration of robotics and generative AI could replace these roles, urging leaders in developed nations to closely monitor the situation. Foxconn, known for assembling around 70% of iPhones, is actively developing its own AI initiative called "FoxBrain," which aims to integrate AI models for specialized manufacturing applications. This shift towards automation is raising alarm among workers across various sectors, particularly in IT, as companies like Microsoft and CrowdStrike announce layoffs to streamline operations and enhance efficiency with AI. Language-learning platform Duolingo also plans to phase out contractors in favor of AI solutions, reflecting a broader trend of workforce reductions driven by technological advancements.
Published: May 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIsraeli leaders from both the government and opposition condemned left-wing politician Yair Golan on Tuesday after he stated in a radio interview that "a sane country... does not kill babies for a hobby." Golan, chairman of Israel's Democrats party, warned that Israel risks becoming a "pariah state" akin to apartheid-era South Africa if it continues its current actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Golan, a former military general, of inciting violence against Israeli troops and perpetuating anti-Semitic narratives. Opposition leader Yair Lapid defended the military, asserting that Golan's comments were not only incorrect but also harmful to Israel's image. Education Minister Yoav Kisch called for an investigation into Golan for incitement, emphasizing that he is not a Knesset member and lacks immunity. Golan has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu, previously accusing him of prioritizing personal political interests over national concerns.
Published: May 20 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism on Tuesday regarding the potential success of ongoing nuclear talks with the United States, highlighting a diplomatic impasse over Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Khamenei stated, "We don't think it will lead to any outcome," while asserting that denying Iran's right to enrich uranium was "a big mistake." Since April, Iran and the US have engaged in four rounds of Omani-mediated discussions, with the latest meeting on May 11 described as "difficult but useful." Iran currently enriches uranium to 60%, exceeding the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 nuclear deal. US negotiator Steve Witkoff emphasized that any enrichment capability is a "red line" for Washington. Despite the ongoing dialogue, Iranian officials criticized the US for maintaining sanctions and issuing contradictory statements, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting that enrichment will continue regardless of a deal.
Published: May 20 2025, 6 pmeznews.inWendy Ortiz, a 32-year-old undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, is facing a staggering $1.8 million fine from U.S. immigration authorities, a consequence of a policy initiated under former President Donald Trump aimed at penalizing migrants who fail to self-deport. Ortiz, who fled her home country to escape violence, has lived in the U.S. for a decade, earning just $13 an hour at a Pennsylvania meatpacking plant while caring for her autistic son. The fines, which can reach up to $998 per day and are retroactively applied for up to five years, have left many, including immigration lawyers, bewildered by their severity. Critics highlight the policy's aggressive nature and the challenges it poses for low-income families seeking legal status. Ortiz's attorney is currently exploring legal avenues to contest the fine, emphasizing her client's difficult circumstances and lack of criminal history.
Published: May 20 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA new UN report reveals that jobs traditionally held by women face a greater risk from advancements in artificial intelligence, with 9.6% of these roles projected to be transformed compared to just 3.5% of male-dominated positions. The International Labour Organization's findings highlight the increasing automation of administrative and clerical tasks, particularly in high-income countries. While the report suggests that many roles will be radically altered rather than entirely eliminated, it emphasizes the importance of human involvement in various tasks. Sectors such as media, software, and finance are also poised for significant changes as generative AI develops. The report urges governments and organizations to consider how AI can enhance productivity and improve job quality, stressing that the exposure to AI does not equate to the complete automation of occupations.
Published: May 20 2025, 5 pm
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