Japan Launches Probe into Elon Musk’s Grok AI Over Inappropriate Image Generation Japan has become the latest country to investigate X over concerns surrounding Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence service, Grok. The Japanese government said it would explore every available measure to stop the AI system from generating inappropriate or sexualised images. Government Seeks Immediate Action from X Corp Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda announced on Friday that Japan’s Cabinet Office had formally requested X Corp, which operates Grok, to introduce prompt improvements. However, the company has yet to respond, she said. “We plan to promptly examine all possible options, including…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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BBC Set to Produce Content for YouTube in Landmark Partnership The BBC plans to create original programmes for Google’s YouTube platform for the first time, according to a report by the Financial Times. The move marks a strategic shift for the British public broadcaster as it seeks new sources of revenue amid growing competition from global streaming services. Broadening Reach and Generating New Revenue Under the proposed agreement, the BBC will develop tailored shows for YouTube that will later appear on its own platforms, including iPlayer and BBC Sounds. The deal, which could be announced as early as next week,…
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Lifts Markets; Dollar Holds Firm Near Six-Week High Asian equities advanced on Friday as renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence boosted investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the dollar held close to a six-week peak following stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, which prompted traders to scale back expectations of near-term interest rate cuts. AI Momentum Fuels Regional Gains MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.5%, hovering near its record high from the previous session. The surge followed stellar earnings from Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, which reignited optimism in AI-related stocks. The upbeat mood was further supported by…
Space Emerges as the Next Great Industrial Economy Shortly after Space Week in October, investment giant JP Morgan announced a $10 billion plan to fund industries vital to United States national security. Alongside areas such as nanomaterials, autonomous robotics and solar power, the firm placed special emphasis on spacecraft and launch technologies. The move signals that major financial institutions now view space as an investable frontier rather than a speculative pursuit. Capital Markets Face a New Frontier JP Morgan’s decision marks a turning point. It recognises that space is shifting from a niche scientific domain into a mature commercial sector.…
TSMC Set for Record 27% Profit Surge as AI Demand Fuels Growth Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is expected to report a 27% year-on-year increase in fourth-quarter net profit, driven by surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The strong performance would mark another record for the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to technology giants Nvidia and Apple. Record Earnings Expected amid AI Boom Analysts surveyed by LSEG SmartEstimate forecast TSMC’s net profit for the three months to December 31 at T$475.2 billion (US$15.02 billion). That figure would represent the company’s highest-ever quarterly earnings and its…
Erich von Daeniken, Author of Chariots of the Gods?, Dies at 90 Swiss author Erich von Daeniken, best known for his controversial theory that ancient civilisations were guided by extraterrestrial visitors, has died at the age of 90. Despite fierce criticism from the scientific community, his work captured the imagination of millions and made him one of the world’s most widely read popular writers. A Controversial Bestseller Von Daeniken rose to global fame with his 1968 book Chariots of the Gods?, which sold millions of copies worldwide. The book argued that many of humanity’s greatest achievements, including Inca and Egyptian…
FCC Approves SpaceX Expansion for 7,500 More Starlink Satellites The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s request to deploy another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, marking a major step in the company’s global internet expansion efforts. The decision increases SpaceX’s total authorised Gen2 Starlink satellites to 15,000, supporting its aim to enhance internet connectivity worldwide. Strengthening Connectivity and Capacity According to the FCC, the new approval allows SpaceX to upgrade its satellite technology, operate across five frequency bands, and benefit from relaxed coverage restrictions. These changes will enable improved overlapping service and boost network capacity. The additional satellites will…
MiniMax Doubles in Value on Hong Kong Debut as AI Frenzy Lifts Chinese Startups MiniMax Group, the second of China’s so-called “AI tigers” to go public, saw its shares more than double on debut in Hong Kong on Friday, signalling strong investor appetite for the country’s fast-growing artificial intelligence sector. The Shanghai-based company’s shares closed at HK$345, up 109% from the offer price of HK$165, valuing the firm at roughly $13.7 billion. At one point, the stock peaked at HK$351.8. Strong Start for China’s New AI Players MiniMax raised HK$4.8 billion ($620 million) in its initial public offering, outpacing the…
German Man Accused of Online Child Abuse and Suicide Incitement Faces Trial in Hamburg A 21-year-old man accused of abusing children with mental health problems online and allegedly driving one of them to suicide is set to go on trial in Hamburg on Friday, 9 January. Prosecutors say the suspect committed 204 offences against more than 30 children and adolescents across several countries, coercing them into performing sexual acts and self-harm in front of a camera. Allegations of Severe Online Exploitation The accused, who was under 21 at the time of some of the alleged offences, will be tried in…
NASA to Return ISS Crew Early After Astronaut Suffers Medical Emergency NASA will bring four astronauts back to Earth months ahead of schedule after one crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) developed what the agency described as a “serious medical condition.” The decision marks the first emergency medical evacuation in the orbiting laboratory’s 25-year history, senior officials confirmed on Thursday. Decision Made After Medical Assessment NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told reporters in Washington that the decision followed consultations between mission control and medical teams. He said the affected astronaut, whose identity was not disclosed, required treatment unavailable aboard…