Growing Legal Challenges for AI Companions As AI chatbots gain popularity for online companionship, youth advocacy groups are ramping up legal efforts to protect children from potential harm. AI chatbot Apps like Replika and Character.AI allow users to create virtual partners with humanlike personalities, raising concerns that vulnerable minors could form unhealthy relationships with these AI companions. While developers claim these chatbots can help combat loneliness, critics argue they exploit young users, leading to dangerous situations. Several advocacy groups have filed lawsuits and are pushing for stricter regulations, alleging that some AI chatbots have influenced children to engage in harmful…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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CONCERT: The Robot Assisting Construction Workers in Italy A new prototype robot, named CONCERT, has been tested on a construction site in Italy, working alongside human labourers. The robot can drill, sand, paint, and help transport heavy materials, offering a flexible and efficient solution for the building industry. A Versatile and Adaptable Robot CONCERT is designed as a multi-functional platform that adapts to different tasks depending on the tools attached to it and the instructions it receives. This allows it to assist workers with physically demanding and repetitive jobs while also operating independently with minimal supervision. Nikolaos Tsagarakis, head of…
NASA Leadership Shake-Up Amid Uncertain Space Exploration Plans NASA leadership changes, with four key senior officials departing, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its Artemis moon program. The changes come as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump push for a greater focus on Mars missions. Key NASA Officials Step Down Jim Free, NASA’s associate administrator and a key advocate for the Artemis moon program, will retire on Saturday, the agency announced on Wednesday. His departure follows the retirement of three senior officials at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. These officials, responsible for procurement, finance, and…
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai Calls for Unified Global AI Regulation Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai described artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force for innovation while warning of its risks at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Monday (February 10). Addressing world leaders and tech executives, he emphasised the need for a global regulatory framework to prevent fragmentation in AI governance. A “Golden Age of Innovation” with Uncertain Outcomes, says Sundar Pichai Speaking at the Grand Palais, Pichai called AI a “golden age of innovation” but stressed that its outcomes remain uncertain. He highlighted concerns about AI’s accuracy, the threat…
Air Force One Delay Amid Supply Chain Issues The Air Force One delay may extend untill 2029 or even later, a senior administration official revealed. The delay stems from ongoing supply chain challenges and evolving aircraft requirements. The White House confirmed over the weekend that Boeing had failed to deliver the new aircraft on schedule. Supply Chain Issues and Changing Requirements While the delay is frustrating, little can be done to accelerate delivery, the official told Reuters. Boeing has struggled to source necessary components, particularly as some suppliers have gone out of business. Additionally, evolving security threats have prompted modifications…
Shenzhou-19 Crew Reaches Midpoint of Space Mission with Key Scientific Progress China’s Shenzhou-19 crew has reached the halfway mark of their six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station, making significant progress in station maintenance, in-orbit training, and scientific research. Human Spaceflight Studies and Medical Research on Shenzhou-19 Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze have been actively participating in studies examining the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body. Last week, they conducted tests using their own bodies to collect data on how microgravity impacts muscle function and movement patterns. Scientists on Earth will analyse this data throughout…
Xi Jinping to Chair Key Meeting with Top Chinese Business Leaders, Including Jack Ma Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to chair a rare symposium next week aimed at boosting private sector confidence, according to sources. The high-profile event will be attended by some of China’s leading business figures, including Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, Tencent CEO Pony Ma, and Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun. Symposium to Bolster Business Sentiment Amid Economic Challenges The symposium, expected to take place on Monday, underscores the significant challenges facing China’s private sector. These include growing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump and…
Taiwan’s President Vows to Address US Concerns on Chip Industry and Boost Defence Spending Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged on Friday to hold talks with the United States about addressing President Donald Trump’s concerns over the semiconductor industry. Lai also committed to increasing investment in the US and boosting Taiwan’s defence budget to strengthen national security. Addressing US Semiconductor Concerns Trump criticised Taiwan on Thursday, saying he aimed to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the US, blaming the island for “taking away” the industry. In response, Lai stressed the importance of the global semiconductor supply chain, calling it an “ecosystem”…
Brazil Prepares to Tap Cannabis Potential with Ambitious 12-Year Research Program Brazil’s agricultural research agency, Embrapa, known for transforming the country into a global leader in grain exports, is now aiming to do the same for cannabis cultivation. Embrapa scientists plan to launch a 12-year research program focused on cannabis, anticipating approval from health regulator Anvisa later this year. The initiative could position Brazil as a key player in the emerging global cannabis market. Cannabis Adaptation for Brazil’s Climate Embrapa has a history of developing genetic varieties of crops like soybeans, cotton, and vegetables suited to Brazil’s tropical climate. Researchers…
NASA Swaps SpaceX Capsule to Speed Up Crew Return from Space Station NASA swaps SpaceX capsule for its upcoming Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This move will allow an earlier-than-expected return for two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been on the station much longer than planned due to delays with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Capsule Swap Brings New Launch Date The US space agency has decided to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule called Endeavor for the Crew-10 mission. Initially scheduled for March 25, the launch has now been moved up to March…