Aaj tak top news hindi - HINDI NEWS AAJ TAK TODAY
Hindi News - Aaj Tak Live TV shows latest news, breaking news in Hindi, Samachar (समाचार) and news headlines ...
आज तक भारत का सर्वश्रेष्ठ हिंदी न्यूज चैनल है ।
Read breaking stories and opinion articles on Aaj Tak top Hindi news......
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Zelenskiy Says Trump Will Be Alongside Ukraine's Effort To Stop Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on Tuesday that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand alongside Kyiv as it fights to stop Russia's 34-month invasion.
Zelenskiy, in a slick 21-minute New Year video greeting to his compatriots, also said only a strong Ukraine could secure peace and earn worldwide respect.
"We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war, something each of us desires," Zelenskiy said against a backdrop of the blue-and-yellow national flag, battlefield scenes and pictures of children.
He recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and "everyone who supports us in the United States".
"I have no doubt that the new American president wants and will be able to bring peace and end (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression," Zelenskiy said.
"He understands that the former is impossible without the latter. Because this is not a street brawl where the two sides need to be pacified. This is a full-scale aggression by a deranged state against a civilised one. And I believe that, together with the United States, we are capable of the strength to force Russia into a just peace."
Russia, Zelenskiy said, was not to be trusted either in battle or in talks.
"If today Russia shakes your hand, it doesn't mean that tomorrow the same hand will not start killing you," he said. "Russians fear those who are free. What they don't understand. They fear freedom."
Biden's administration has provided by far the most military support for Ukraine among Western nations since the February 2022 full-scale invasion.
Ukraine has been wary of Trump's criticism of aid to Kyiv and his pledge, during the U.S. election campaign, to bring a quick end to the war, but Zelenskiy has expressed optimism about ensuring continuing U.S. support.
Ukraine has endured a difficult year, with Russian forces taking village after village in a quicker advance on the eastern front than since the beginning of the invasion.
In recent months, Zelenskiy has said that any settlement to the conflict is predicated on receiving security guarantees from Western nations and Kyiv securing an invitation to join the NATO alliance, a notion Russia rejects out of hand.
In his greeting, Zelenskiy said that in the past year, Ukraine had launched an incursion into southern Russia's Kursk region, staged long-range drone strikes against distant Russian targets and developed domestically produced drones and other weapons.
"Every day in the coming year, I and all of us must fight so that Ukraine can be strong enough," he said. "Only such a Ukraine is respected and heard - both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Rise Of Intention Economy? AI Tools To Manipulate You Into Making Decisions
After social media and targeted advertising manipulated people into making impulse decisions regarding their shopping and electoral habits, the future may have just got a little more dystopian. Researchers at the University of Cambridge claim that artificial intelligence (AI) tools could soon be used to manipulate the masses into making decisions that they otherwise would not. The study introduces the concept of an "intention economy," a marketplace where AI can predict, understand, and manipulate human intentions for profit.
Powered by large language models (LLMs), AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and other chatbots, will "anticipate and steer" users based on "intentional, behavioural and psychological data". The study claimed that this new economy will succeed the current "attention economy," where platforms vie for user attention to serve advertisements.
"Anthropomorphic AI agents, from chatbot assistants to digital tutors and girlfriends, will have access to vast quantities of intimate psychological and behavioural data, often gleaned via informal, conversational spoken dialogue," the research stated.
The study cited an example of an AI model created by Meta, called Cicero, that has achieved a human-like ability to play the board game Diplomacy which requires the participants to infer and predict the intent of opponents. Cicero's success shows how AI may have already learned to "nudge" conversational partners towards specific objectives which can effectively translate into pushing users online towards a certain product that the advertisers may want it to sell.
Selling right to influence?
The dystopia does not stop here. The research claims that this level of personalisation would allow companies such as Meta to auction the user's intent to advertisers where they buy the right to influence the decisions.
Dr. Yaqub Chaudhary from Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (LCFI) emphasised the need to question whose interests these AI assistants serve, especially as they gather intimate conversational data.
"What people say when conversing, how they say it, and the type of inferences that can be made in real-time as a result, are far more intimate than just records of online interactions," said Dr Chaudhary.
Safe to say, the findings have spooked the internet with users worried about what they had been sharing with the new-age chatbots.
"People are sharing much more personal info with AI than regular google search. The better it understands you, the easier you will be manipulated," said one user, while another added: "Now in other news, the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West."
A third commented: "This level of persuasiveness would be dangerous in the hands of the best government, and it's going to be in the hands of the worst."
The study calls for immediate consideration of these implications so that users can protect themselves from becoming unsuspecting victims of AI's evil intentions.
Five Years On, WHO Urges China To Share Data On Covid Origins
The World Health Organization on Monday implored China to share data and access to help understand how Covid-19 began, five years on from the start of the pandemic that upended the planet.
Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.
"We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative," the WHO said in a statement.
"Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics."
The WHO recounted how on December 31, 2019, its country office in China picked up a media statement from the health authorities in Wuhan concerning cases of "viral pneumonia" in the city.
"In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, Covid-19 came to shape our lives and our world," the UN health agency said.
"As we mark this milestone, let's take a moment to honour the lives changed and lost, recognise those who are suffering from Covid-19 and Long Covid, express gratitude to the health workers who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from Covid-19 to build a healthier tomorrow."
'Same weaknesses'
Earlier this month, the WHO's Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the issue of whether the world was better prepared for the next pandemic than it was for Covid-19.
"The answer is yes, and no," he told a press conference.
"If the next pandemic arrived today, the world would still face some of the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities that gave Covid-19 a foothold five years ago.
"But the world has also learnt many of the painful lessons the pandemic taught us, and has taken significant steps to strengthen its defences against future epidemics and pandemics."
In December 2021, spooked by the devastation caused by Covid, countries decided to start drafting an accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The WHO's 194 member states negotiating the treaty have agreed on most of what it should include, but are stuck on the practicalities.
A key fault-line lies between Western nations with major pharmaceutical industry sectors and poorer countries wary of being sidelined when the next pandemic strikes.
While the outstanding issues are few, they include the heart of the agreement: the obligation to quickly share emerging pathogens, and then the pandemic-fighting benefits derived from them such as vaccines.
The deadline for the negotiations is May 2025.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said Sunday.
Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia -- the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House.
Carter died "peacefully" at his home in Plains, "surrounded by his family," the Carter Center said in a statement.
"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love," Chip Carter said in the statement.
Carter was the longest-lived US president -- an outcome that seemed unlikely back in 2015 when the Southern Democrat revealed he had brain cancer.
But the US Navy veteran and fervent Christian repeatedly defied the odds to enjoy a long and fruitful post-presidency, after four years in the Oval Office often seen as disappointing.
During his single term, Carter placed a commitment on human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years that included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords.
But his administration hit numerous snags -- the most serious being the taking of US hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980. He also came in for criticism for his handling of an oil crisis.
In November of that year, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan clobbered Carter at the polls, relegating the Democrat to just one term. Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, swept into office on a wave of staunch conservatism.
Active post-presidency
As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged -- one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities.
He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, and he was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote social and economic justice.
He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia.
Carter, known for his toothy smile, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s.
In recent years, he had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation.
'Leader, statesman and humanitarian'
Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday hailed Carter as "a symbol of humanitarian efforts" for his role in brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords, predicting his work would "remain etched in the annals of history."
Tributes poured in from White House leaders past, present and incoming. Bill Clinton said Carter "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." George W. Bush said Carter's legacy would "inspire Americans for generations," and Barack Obama said the former leader "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service."
Donald Trump said Americans owed the Democrat "a debt of gratitude," later adding, in a second social media post, that "I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically."
One of Carter's defining foreign policy achievements -- negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to Panama -- has come back into focus as Trump has threatened to retake the channel.
"America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," current President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said in a statement.
"For anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning -- the good life -- study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility."
In April 2021, the Bidens met with the Carters at their home in Plains.
The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker.
Rosalynn, Carter's wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at age 96.
The former president, who looked frail, poignantly appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses.
Carter is survived by the couple's four children, three sons and a daughter.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
What Is Black Moon And How You Can Experience The Rare Phenomenon
Skywatchers will have the opportunity to close out the year by experiencing a rare astronomical event known as the "black moon". The fascinating-sounding term is often used to describe the second new moon that appears in a single calendar month. It is an occurrence that is not officially recognised in astronomy but over the years, has gained popularity among amateur astronomers and stargazers.
As per the US Naval Observatory, the unique phenomenon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 pm ET (2227 GMT). For those in America, the black moon will be visible on December 30 itself while for those in Europe, Africa and Asia, it will take place on December 31, 2024. In India, the black moon phenomenon can be seen around 3:57 am on December 31.
How does a black moon happen?
A new moon happens when the sun and the moon share the same celestial longitude and the latter's illuminated side faces away from the Earth, making it invisible to the naked eye. As the lunar cycle averages 29.5 days, sometimes a month can have two new moons, leading to the phenomenon of a black moon. It is similar to a blue moon - a phenomenon when two full moons appear in a month. Notably, the moon is not visible during this phase unless there's a solar eclipse.
Although the black moon itself won't be visible, its impact on the night sky is significant. The darkness allows for better visibility of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing of planets like Jupiter, which will be observable all night, and Venus, which will be bright in the evening sky.
For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations Orion, Taurus, and Leo will be prominent in the night sky. Additionally, Orion's belt will be an excellent guide, with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, shining to its south.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross (Crux) will be visible, along with Canopus, a standout in the constellation Carina.
Canadian Model Dies At 76 After Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Dayle Haddon, a renowned Canadian supermodel who gained international recognition for her work with prominent cosmetic and magazine brands, has died at 76. The cause of death is suspected to be carbon monoxide poisoning according to a report by ABC 6, She was found unresponsive in a Pennsylvania home owned by her daughter, Ryan Haddon, a journalist, and son-in-law, Marc Blucas, a Hallmark actor.
The incident happened on Friday morning when first responders rushed to a property after receiving a distress call at 6:30 am. Upon arrival, they found an unconscious 76-year-old man on the first floor, who was removed from the building and taken to a nearby hospital. However, responders soon discovered that 76-year-old Dayle Haddon was still inside the property. Despite efforts to save her, Haddon was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities believe that the source of the leak was a defective boiler heating unit. "It is believed a heating unit, a boiler unit, is the source of the carbon monoxide. The initial readings on EMS and fire company arrival were extremely high, so we're treating this as a carbon monoxide poisoning incident," Det. Sgt. Jonathan Koretzky of the Solebury Twp. Police Department said in a statement.
Born and raised in Montreal, Dayle Haddon was fluent in both English and French. Initially, she pursued a career in ballet, but fate had other plans. Haddon's striking looks and charisma soon catapulted her to fame as a model, with prestigious clients like Revlon, Estee Lauder, Clairol, and Max Factor. Her stunning features also graced the cover of Vogue magazine multiple times, cementing her status as a supermodel.
Her website states that she was also a spokesperson for L'Oreal for over 15 years, an ambassador for UNICEF, and the founder of WomenOne, a charitable organization that focuses on the education of girls and women.
"The bright light that is Dayle has dimmed in this Earthly realm. Shining somewhere as radiantly as ever where it's most needed, I have no doubt. She was a woman in her power, yet soft and attentive to all. Deeply creative and curious, gifted with beauty inside and out. Always kind and thoughtful," Mr Ryan posted in a tribute on Friday.
Plane With 181 People Crashes In South Korea, At Least 23 Dead
A plane with 181 people on board crashed at South Korea's Muan airport after it veered off the runway while landing. As per Yonhap news agency, the crash was reported in the South Jeolla province when the Jeju Air flight 2216 was returning from Thailand.
Local media reported at least 23 casualties so far. Meanwhile, one person was found alive during the rescue mission.
Among the 181 on board, 175 were passengers and six were flight crew. As emergency services at the airport began operations around 9 am, visuals showed black smoke rising above the crash site.
Emergency office told the Associated Press that the crash occurred due to malfunctioning of the landing gear.
An air strike hit Yemen's capital on Friday, a day after deadly Israeli raids, according to the Iran-backed Huthi rebels who blamed the US and Britain for the latest attack.
A Huthi statement cited "US-British aggression" for the new attack, as witnesses also reported the blast.
There was no immediate comment from Israel, the United States or Britain.
"I heard the blast. My house shook," one resident of the rebel-held capital Sanaa told AFP.
The attack followed Thursday's Israeli raids on infrastructure including Sanaa's international airport that left six people dead.
The strikes came in response to a series of Huthi attacks on Israel.
The rebels have also been firing on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping route for months, prompting a series of reprisal strikes by US and British forces.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Azerbaijan Airlines Laud Pilots Who Died But Saved Half Of The Passengers
A devastating plane crash in Kazakhstan has claimed the lives of 38 people, including both pilots, while half the passengers - 29 people miraculously survived.
The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet, carrying 67 people, was flying from Baku to Grozny when it made an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, due to adverse weather conditions.
The Associated Press posted a video of the crash which showed passengers being taken out from the aft section of the aircraft, an area which is generally considered safe in a crash.
According to an analysis in 2015 by Time Magazine of US federal data from 1985 to 2000, the seats in the back of the plane had a fatality rate of 32%, compared to 39% in the middle and 38% in the front. The back middle seats had the lowest fatality rate, at 28%.
The airline's president, Samir Rzayev, praised the pilots' "heroism" and dedication to saving lives, saying, "While this tragic accident brought a significant loss to our nation, the crew's valiant dedication to their duties until the last moment and their prioritization of human life have immortalised their names in history," according to the Azerbaijani news agency report.
The pilots had collectively logged over 15,000 flight hours, and the plane had recently passed a technical inspection.
Investigations are ongoing, but preliminary reports suggest the plane may have been damaged by a Russian anti-missile system. Some experts point to evidence of shrapnel damage to the aircraft's elevator and rudder controls. However, Russian authorities have denied involvement, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had warned against speculating about the cause of the crash before the results of the investigation came.
The crash has raised concerns about air safety in the region, particularly given the recent military activity in the area. Ukrainian drones have targeted Grozny in recent weeks, and there were reports of Ukrainian drone attacks in the North Caucasus Federal District on the day of the crash.
As the investigation continues, the airline and authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. The plane's black box has been recovered, and its analysis is being conducted in line with international aviation standards.
Quantum Teleportation Now Possible Over Everyday Internet Cable
In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, researchers have figured out a way to achieve the unthinkable: quantum teleportation. While the name may suggest that humans could be teleported through the technology, it is far from the real-life implication of the technology. Quantum teleportation allows the transfer of information instantly and over any distance without needing any future technology. Led by Prem Kumar from Northwestern University, Illinois, US, scientists demonstrated quantum teleportation over standard fibre optic cable that already carries everyday internet traffic, according to a report in ScieneAlert.
In simple terms, quantum teleportation involves sending information from one place to another using something called "quantum entanglement". Think of entanglement like an invisible twin connection where two particles, even if miles apart, are linked in a way that what happens to one instantly affects the other. Unlike sending a physical object, you are sending the state or condition of a particle.
"This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible. Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks sharing a unified fibre optic infrastructure. Basically, it opens the door to pushing quantum communications to the next level," said Mr Kumar.
The study involved the careful management of light scattering to ensure that the delicate quantum information, carried by photons, could survive amidst the swarm of internet data. To achieve the desired result, the scientists utilised a specific wavelength for the quantum signal and implemented filters to minimise interference from other data streams.
"We carefully studied how light is scattered and placed our photons at a judicial point where that scattering mechanism is minimised. We found we could perform quantum communication without interference from the classical channels that are simultaneously present," added Mr Kumar.
The result was a successful teleportation of a quantum state of light, which represents a significant leap towards integrating quantum communication with existing internet infrastructure. Notably, this was not just a simulation; it was done in real-world conditions, showcasing the practical viability of quantum communication alongside traditional data transmission.
One of the biggest appeals of quantum teleportation is that it can occur almost as fast as light travels. The development is a big step towards quantum internet that could revolutionise traditional computing. From secure encryption methods to enhanced sensing capabilities to potentially even connecting quantum computers on a global scale, without needing specialised infrastructure -- the potential for the technology remains immense.
Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on military targets belonging to Houthis on the western coast and inland Yemen, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) said on Thursday.
The IDF said that the plan of the airstrike was approved by the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and the Chief of the General Staff of Israel.
The attacks were carried upon the Houthi military infrastructure used for its military activities. The sites targeted include the Al-Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports on the western coast.
"The Houthi terrorist regime has repeatedly attacked the State of Israel and its citizens, including in UAV and surface-to-surface missile attacks on Israeli territory. The targets that were struck by the IDF include military infrastructure used by the Houthi terrorist regime for its military activities in both the Sana'a International Airport and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations. In addition, the IDF struck military infrastructure in the Al-Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports on the western coast," the IDF said in a post on X.
The IDF further said that military targets were used by the Houthi terrorist regime to smuggle Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials.
"This is a further example of the Houthis' exploitation of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The Houthi terrorist regime is a central part of the Iranian axis of terror, and their attacks on international shipping vessels and routes continue to destabilize the region and the wider world. The Houthi terrorist regime operates as an autonomous terrorist group while relying on Iranian cooperation and funding to carry out its attacks. The IDF will not hesitate to operate at any distance against any threat to the State of Israel and its citizens," the IDF concluded.
Following the approval of operational plans by the Chief of the General Staff, the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister, IAF fighter jets conducted intelligence-based strikes on military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and inland Yemen… pic.twitter.com/GnjyZgZv4m
This recent operation comes days after Israel had conducted a similar strike on December 19 on Houthi targets in Yemen.
The IDF had announced that Israeli fighter jets struck Houthi targets in Yemen after the rebel group carried out repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel, The Times of Israel reported.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Panama President Rules Out Talks With Trump Over Canal Threat
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US President-elect Donald Trump over control of the Panama Canal, denying that China was interfering in its operation.
Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to Trump's threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington.
"There's nothing to talk about," Mulino told a press conference.
"The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears," he added.
The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the United States but handed to Panama on December 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos.
Trump on Saturday slammed what he called "ridiculous" fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at China's growing influence.
"It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!"
If Panama could not ensure "the secure, efficient and reliable operation" of the channel, "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," he said.
- 'No Chinese interference' -
An estimated five percent of global maritime traffic passes through the Panama Canal, which allows ships traveling between Asia and the US East Coast to avoid the long, hazardous route around the southern tip of South America.
The United States is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by China with 21 percent.
Mulino said the canal's usage fees were "not set at the whim of the president or the administrator" of the interoceanic waterway, but under a long-established "public and open process."
"There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything to do with the Panama Canal," Mulino said.
On Wednesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social alleged, without evidence, that Chinese soldiers were "lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal."
Mulino denied that allegation, too.
"There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal, for the love of God," he added.
Panama established diplomatic relations with China in 2017, after breaking off ties with Taiwan -- a decision criticized by Trump's first administration.
On Tuesday, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Panama City chanting "Trump, animal, leave the canal alone" and burning an image of the incoming US president.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
"Wise, Thoughtful, Honest": When Obama Praised Manmohan Singh In His Memoir
Today, India mourns the loss of its former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. According to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he was admitted, Dr. Singh had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26, 2024.
Dr. Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Singh, and their three daughters. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his family. As a renowned economist and statesman, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in shaping India's economic transformation. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant economic reforms, which lifted millions of people out of poverty.
Former US President Barack Obama, in his memoir "A Promised Land," paid tribute to Dr. Singh's exceptional leadership, describing him as a "man with uncommon wisdom". Obama praised Dr. Singh's commitment to economic reform, his dedication to the well-being of the Indian people, and his unwavering integrity.
Mr Obama wrote that Dr. Singh, an eminent economist, had managed to lift millions of people from poverty and that the markings of his Sikh faith made him look "holy" in the eyes of the West. He further added that Dr Singh's tenure as a Prime Minister proved that he was "wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest".
Dr. Singh's impact on India's economic landscape is undeniable. He implemented policies that encouraged growth, reduced poverty, and increased access to education and healthcare. His government's initiatives, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, have had a lasting impact on the country.
Despite facing criticism during his tenure, Dr. Singh remained optimistic about his legacy. In his last press conference as Prime Minister in January 2014, he expressed his faith in history's judgment, saying, "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament".
As India bids farewell to this visionary leader, we remember his remarkable contributions to the nation's growth and development. Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and policymakers, and his impact on India's history will be remembered for years to come.
It Is Illegal To Not Own A Gun In This American Town
Tucked away in the US state of Georgia lies the small town of Kennesaw, boasting a unique distinction: a law requiring residents to own firearms and ammunition.
This ordinance, enacted in the 1980s, mandates that every head of household maintain a firearm, along with ammunition, to ensure the safety and security of the community.
While some residents take pride in this law, viewing it as a testament to the town's embracing of gun culture, others see it as a source of embarrassment.
However, a prevailing sentiment among the townsfolk is that the law contributes to Kennesaw's safety. As one resident noted, "If anything, criminals need to be concerned because if they break into your home, and you're there, they don't know what you got."
Interestingly, not everyone is required to comply with the law. Exemptions are made for individuals with mental or physical disabilities, past felony convictions, and those with conflicting religious beliefs.
Opinions on the law's effectiveness vary. As per the BBC, a groundskeeper at the local Baptist church suggested that it's not the guns themselves, but the attitude of the community that keeps crime rates low. "We protect ourselves and our neighbors," he emphasised.
Kennesaw's crime statistics are noteworthy. According to the Kennesaw Police Department, there were no reported murders in 2023, although two gun-involved suicides did occur.
Similar gun laws have been passed in another five cities of the United States, including Gun Barrel City, Texas and Virgin, Utah.
While the law's impact on crime rates is open to interpretation, one thing is clear: Kennesaw's unique approach to gun ownership has sparked a lively debate about the role of firearms in community safety.
An AI Just Reached Human Level On 'General Intelligence'. What That Means
A new artificial intelligence (AI) model has just achieved human-level results on a test designed to measure “general intelligence”.
On December 20, OpenAI's o3 system scored 85% on the ARC-AGI benchmark, well above the previous AI best score of 55% and on par with the average human score. It also scored well on a very difficult mathematics test.
Creating artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is the stated goal of all the major AI research labs. At first glance, OpenAI appears to have at least made a significant step towards this goal.
While scepticism remains, many AI researchers and developers feel something just changed. For many, the prospect of AGI now seems more real, urgent and closer than anticipated. Are they right?
Generalisation and intelligence
To understand what the o3 result means, you need to understand what the ARC-AGI test is all about. In technical terms, it's a test of an AI system's “sample efficiency” in adapting to something new – how many examples of a novel situation the system needs to see to figure out how it works.
An AI system like ChatGPT (GPT-4) is not very sample efficient. It was “trained” on millions of examples of human text, constructing probabilistic “rules” about which combinations of words are most likely.
The result is pretty good at common tasks. It is bad at uncommon tasks, because it has less data (fewer samples) about those tasks.
Until AI systems can learn from small numbers of examples and adapt with more sample efficiency, they will only be used for very repetitive jobs and ones where the occasional failure is tolerable.
The ability to accurately solve previously unknown or novel problems from limited samples of data is known as the capacity to generalise. It is widely considered a necessary, even fundamental, element of intelligence.
Grids and patterns
The ARC-AGI benchmark tests for sample efficient adaptation using little grid square problems like the one below. The AI needs to figure out the pattern that turns the grid on the left into the grid on the right.
An example task from the ARC-AGI benchmark test.ARC Prize
Each question gives three examples to learn from. The AI system then needs to figure out the rules that “generalise” from the three examples to the fourth.
These are a lot like the IQ tests sometimes you might remember from school.
Weak rules and adaptation
We don't know exactly how OpenAI has done it, but the results suggest the o3 model is highly adaptable. From just a few examples, it finds rules that can be generalised.
To figure out a pattern, we shouldn't make any unnecessary assumptions, or be more specific than we really have to be. In theory, if you can identify the “weakest” rules that do what you want, then you have maximised your ability to adapt to new situations.
What do we mean by the weakest rules? The technical definition is complicated, but weaker rules are usually ones that can be described in simpler statements.
In the example above, a plain English expression of the rule might be something like: “Any shape with a protruding line will move to the end of that line and ‘cover up' any other shapes it overlaps with.”
Searching chains of thought?
While we don't know how OpenAI achieved this result just yet, it seems unlikely they deliberately optimised the o3 system to find weak rules. However, to succeed at the ARC-AGI tasks it must be finding them.
We do know that OpenAI started with a general-purpose version of the o3 model (which differs from most other models, because it can spend more time “thinking” about difficult questions) and then trained it specifically for the ARC-AGI test.
French AI researcher Francois Chollet, who designed the benchmark, believes o3 searches through different “chains of thought” describing steps to solve the task. It would then choose the “best” according to some loosely defined rule, or “heuristic”.
This would be “not dissimilar” to how Google's AlphaGo system searched through different possible sequences of moves to beat the world Go champion.
You can think of these chains of thought like programs that fit the examples. Of course, if it is like the Go-playing AI, then it needs a heuristic, or loose rule, to decide which program is best.
There could be thousands of different seemingly equally valid programs generated. That heuristic could be “choose the weakest” or “choose the simplest”.
However, if it is like AlphaGo then they simply had an AI create a heuristic. This was the process for AlphaGo. Google trained a model to rate different sequences of moves as better or worse than others.
What we still don't know
The question then is, is this really closer to AGI? If that is how o3 works, then the underlying model might not be much better than previous models.
The concepts the model learns from language might not be any more suitable for generalisation than before. Instead, we may just be seeing a more generalisable “chain of thought” found through the extra steps of training a heuristic specialised to this test. The proof, as always, will be in the pudding.
Almost everything about o3 remains unknown. OpenAI has limited disclosure to a few media presentations and early testing to a handful of researchers, laboratories and AI safety institutions.
Truly understanding the potential of o3 will require extensive work, including evaluations, an understanding of the distribution of its capacities, how often it fails and how often it succeeds.
When o3 is finally released, we'll have a much better idea of whether it is approximately as adaptable as an average human.
If so, it could have a huge, revolutionary, economic impact, ushering in a new era of self-improving accelerated intelligence. We will require new benchmarks for AGI itself and serious consideration of how it ought to be governed.
If not, then this will still be an impressive result. However, everyday life will remain much the same.
(Disclosure Statement: Michael Timothy Bennett receives funding from the Australian government. Elija Perrier receives funding from the Australian government)
A series of Pakistani airstrikes on the Barmal district of Paktika province in Afghanistan has resulted in the death of at least 15 people, including women and children, with the toll expected to rise.
The attacks, which took place on the night of December 24, targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a family were killed, as reported by Khaama Press.
Local sources claim that Pakistani jets were responsible for the bombings. Reports indicate that the Murg Bazaar village in Barmal was destroyed, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The airstrikes have caused severe civilian casualties and widespread destruction, further escalating tensions in the region. As recovery efforts continue, further investigation is required to confirm details and clarify responsibility for the attacks, Khaama Press reported.
The Taliban's Ministry of Defence has vowed to retaliate following the airstrike on Barmal, Paktika.
The Ministry stated that defending their land and sovereignty is their legitimate right, and condemned the attack, claiming that "Waziristani refugees" were among those targeted.
While Pakistani officials have not officially confirmed the airstrike, security sources close to the military suggested that the attack was aimed at Taliban hideouts near the border.
This comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly regarding the presence of Pakistani militants in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has increased its attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter to these militants, Khaama Press reported.
Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Defence, denied the Pakistani claims and posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees," had been killed in the airstrike.
Khwarazmi added that "several children and other civilians were martyred and wounded" in the attack, though no official casualty figures were provided. Sources reported that at least 15 bodies, including women and children, have been recovered, and the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue.
The Waziristani refugees are civilians who had been displaced by military operations in Pakistan's tribal areas. However, Pakistan maintains that many TTP commanders and fighters have fled to Afghanistan, where they are reportedly being protected by the Afghan Taliban in border provinces., Khaama Press reported.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been building for some time, fuelled by the ongoing presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan. While Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring these militants, the Taliban insists it is not collaborating with the group.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
New Year is always such a overwhelming time, full of anxieties regarding what's about to come, what's about to change, what's the next thing to happen, however, it is important to hold a neutral position about what's to come, and it would be even better if one finds things to look forward to. Here are the top 10 things you can await with pleasure over the next year.
Future of TikTok?
Congress has overwhelmingly passed legislation for TikTok to be banned from US app stores by January 19 unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake. However, after they appealed to the Supreme Court on grounds that the ban violates First Amendment rights to free speech, the court will hear the case on January 10th.
Yet, with Trump's aligned conservatives in the court and Trump himself batting for the app saying, "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while", it will be interesting to see if both US and ByteDance's concerns could be satisfied.
Photo Credit: Reuters
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returning back
NASA announced that the stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will be coming back to Earth by March 2025, after yet another delay.
The astronauts had left for the ISS on June 5th 2024, aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as a part of a test flight, with plans to return back to Earth a week later, but technical issues in the spacecraft delayed their return.
Photo Credit: Reuters
Oasis reunion
Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are reuniting for an Oasis Live 2025 tour after a 15-year-long feud between them. The tour will begin on July 4th, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales, although the band has promised more dates outside the UK later in the year.
This finally answers one of rock's biggest will-they-won't-they questions.
In a release, they stated, "There has been no great revelatory moment that has ignited the reunion - just the gradual realisation that the time is right."
Photo Credit: @Oasis on Instagram
Grand Theft Auto VI release
Although the release date of Grand Theft Auto VI has not been disclosed, it is expected to fall sometime in fall 2025. The game has already broken a Guinness World Record for most-viewed video game reveal with its trailer with more than 168 million views.
Grand Theft Auto V, has sold over 190 million units.
Photo Credit: @gta6ixofficial on Instagram
COP 30 in Brazil
The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) will convene in November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, and will include the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30). but ironically, the meeting might harm the environment.
A new highway, Avenida Liberdade, has been approved for the facilitation of traffic into and out of Belém, that will cut through its protected area, and disturb wildlife movement.
Session of COP 28 in Dubai, where COP 30 was formalized in Brazil, in Belém
Jubilee of 2025
Italy's capital is gearing up for a spectacular celebration as the Catholic Church's Jubilee returns in 2025. This momentous event, which occurs every 25 years, is expected to draw millions of devout pilgrims to the city.
The festivities will commence on December 24, 2024, with a symbolic ceremony: the Opening of the Holy Door.
One of the highlights of the Jubilee is the historic Seven Churches Pilgrimage. This revered tradition, which dates back to the 16th century, involves a 25km journey on foot through the city and surrounding countryside, visiting seven major basilicas along the way.
Photo Credit: Reuters
World Expo 2025
Osaka is preparing to host the World Expo in 2025, 55 years after setting a record for the best-attended Expo of the 20th century in 1970. The city is determined to surpass its previous success, and its plans are nothing short of impressive.
Renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has designed a breathtaking centerpiece for the Expo: a 20-meter-high, 2-kilometer-long Grand Ring that will encircle the entire site. Visitors will be able to walk along the ring, taking in stunning views of the Expo and Osaka Bay.
With its unique blend of architecture, technology, and international collaboration, Expo 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
Photo Credit: @expo2025japan on Instagram
TV Shows
2025 will be an exciting year for television shows as the most anticipated shows are returning after quite some gap. Be it comedies, mysteries or dramas, the year will be a jam-packed one.
Yellowjackets (survival thriller and drama) will be returning with a Season 3 of the show. The show will premiere on February 16th, 2025.
The White Lotus (dark comedy, social satire) will be returning in February 2025, and will be set in Thailand.
The Handmaid's Tale (dystopian fiction), based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, will also be released in 2025 with Season 6 of the show. This will be the final season for the show.
The Last Of Us (post-apocalyptic drama) is a zombie drama series based on a video game of the same name, which became HBO's most watched debut season.
Stranger Things (supernatural action-drama) will wrap up its final season on Netflix. The series pays homage to Stephen King and Steven Spielberg. The fourth season was the second-most-streamed Netflix show of all time.
Photo Credit: @strangerthingstv on Instagram
Movies
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, the eight movie of the franchise sees the 62 year old Tom Cruise reprise his role as Ethan Hunt. It will pick up from where 2022's Dead Reckoning Part One left off.
Superman, which sees David Corenswet play the 25-year-old version of DC character, is given the title "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters". Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane in the movie.
28 Years Later, starring Cillian Murphy, is a zombie apocalypse movie bringing the undead to run. This is the first in a planned trilogy.
Snow White, co-written by Greta Gerwig stars Rachel Zegler in the titular role with Gal Gadot playing the Evil Queen.
Michael, Lionsgate's most anticipated movie of the year, is a biographical film chronicling the life of Michael Jackson. The movie stars the pop icon's nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
Photo Credit: @28yearslatermovie on Instagram
Books
How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris; the book follows a couple who have grown apart because of their political differences. The book is about romantic and sibling love, how identities evolve over time, ambition and monogamy.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler; this is the Pulitzer prize winning author's 25th novel, which revolves around a marriage story, not something one would quite expect.
Tilt by Emma Pattee, is a natural disaster adventure novel that anxieties surrounding motherhood, marriage and career.
The Next Day by Melinda French Gates; a memoir in which she explores themes of life's changes, becoming a parent and recent departure from a foundation she started with her ex-husband Bill Gates.
Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles; Beyonce and Solange's mother tells her story through this book, about how she raises superstar daughters and the challenges that come along the way, basically how she came to be one of the most famous moms in the world.
Afghan Staffer At Indian Consulate In Jalalabad Injured: Report
A local Afghan staff working at the "closed" Indian Consulate in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, sustained minor injuries following an incident, MEA Sources told ANI on Tuesday.
According to the sources, they are in touch with Afghan authorities on the matter and are also awaiting a report on the incident.
"We are in touch with Afghan authorities and awaiting a report on the incident," the MEA source said.
India had closed its Consulate in Jalalabad in 2020 itself.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs, The diplomatic presence of Afghanistan in Delhi and the Consulates of Afghanistan in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to function in India. Between 2021-22, some Afghan diplomats left India since they obtained residency in third countries. However, the remaining Afghan diplomats based in India have taken over the responsibility for the continued diplomatic functioning of the Afghanistan.
India has also partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan to provide assistance for the welfare of Afghan drug user population, especially women. Under this partnership, India has, since 2022, supplied 11,000 units of hygiene kits, baby food, blankets, clothing, medical aid and other miscellaneous items to UNODC, Kabul, as per MEA.
India's approach to Afghanistan continues to be guided by its historical relations, friendship with its people and relevant UN Resolutions, including UNSCR 2593. The India based personnel of the Embassy in Kabul returned to India in the aftermath of the takeover by the Taliban.
Since June 2022, an Indian technical team is positioned in the Embassy and is active in respect of humanitarian assistance and other situations. India's stance in regard to recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is in consonance with that of the international community.
Keeping in mind the deteriorating situation in that country, India decided to assist Afghan people by supplying humanitarian aid. In this endeavor, India supplied several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid. These consignments were handed over to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) and Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), as per MEA.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
American actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni recently admitted to having an unhealthy relationship with porn in a resurfaced interview, which has gained attention following Blake Lively's lawsuit, Page Six reported. In the interview, the actor revealed that he was first exposed to pornography at the age of 10 and developed an unhealthy relationship with it over time.
"I was introduced to porn when I was 10 years old. Long before I ever, you know, could have an erection or even knew how I felt about anything. It was, you know, like any young boy who sees boobs for the first time, it's exciting because our culture has shielded them from us because they're sexualised. It's cultural," Baldoni shared on a July 2021 episode of Sarah Grynberg's 'A Life of Greatness' podcast.
"You go to places like Africa and different tribes … and the breast is the breast. We've sexualised this thing, so, of course, it becomes fascinating and interesting and you're like, 'Oh my God, b**bs.' And then, you know, hormones start raging," he added.
The 40-year-old actor stated that he would turn to porn as a coping mechanism when feeling alone, abandoned, or hurt, as it provided a temporary "dopamine rush".
"I trained my brain to deal with pain with the dopamine hit. … But it doesn't mean that I'm not using something in an unhealthy way. And I found myself, throughout my life, going back to looking at images and videos of naked women when I was feeling necessarily bad about myself. And I knew that it was an issue for me when I would tell myself that I don't want to do that," Mr Baldoni added.
Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni
The resurfacing of Baldoni's comments comes in the wake of Blake Lively's allegations. The actress recently filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the film 'It Ends with Us,' alleging sexual harassment, workplace misconduct, and a coordinated smear campaign. The lawsuit claims that Baldoni's behaviour created a hostile work environment and that he retaliated against Lively after she raised concerns about his actions.
Specific allegations against Baldoni include unplanned physical intimacy, invasive behaviour, and graphic scene additions. Lively also accused Baldoni of making inappropriate remarks and discussing his past struggles with addiction in a way that made her uncomfortable. The actress claims there had to be an intervention to stop him from showing her nude videos/images of women and to stop mentioning his previous experiences with sex.
The 40-year-old actor was also instructed to refrain from making comments about the cast and crew's genitalia, as well as remarks about Lively's weight or her late father. Additionally, Baldoni was told to stop inserting extra sex scenes into the film that were not included in the approved script, some of which involved explicit content, such as orgasming on camera.
Baldoni's legal team has strongly denied Lively's allegations, calling them entirely false, outrageous, and deliberately sensational. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, argued that Lively's lawsuit is a desperate effort to address her tarnished reputation.
Scarlett Johansson Shocked As Husband Colin Jost Jokes About Her On SNL
Scarlett Johansson was left shocked as she made a surprise appearance on the latest episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) with her husband, Colin Jost, making numerous jokes about the Hollywood star's age, their child and their sex life. During the "Weekend Update" of SNL's Christmas edition, anchors, Mr Jost and Michael Che were doing their annual "joke exchange" where they both write jokes for each other. The prompts are designed to land either of them in hot water and this year, Mr Jost received the short end of the stick.
“I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson,” said Mr Jost, reading the joke from the teleprompter as the Avengers star looked on nervously from the backstage.
“Oh my gosh, she's so genuinely worried,” said Mr Jost, briefly breaking his on-screen character.
“Y'all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I'm about to get up out of there,” he added, with the camera quickly panning away to Ms Johansson, who was both simultaneously laughing and gobsmacked.
“Shiz! Nah, nah. I'm just playin',” he added.
“We just had a kid together, and y'all ain't see no pictures of him yet, because he's Black as hell!” said Mr Jost as a photoshopped image of himself and Ms Johansson was displayed on the screen.
Just when Mr Jost thought the segment had ended, another joke popped up which he reluctantly began to read.
“Costco has removed their roast beef sandwich from its menu, but I ain't tripping. I be eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid,” said Jost causing an eruption of laughter from the entire cast and crew.
Ms Johansson looked shocked, mouthing, “Oh my gosh".
Colin Jost and Michael Che just did their annual SNL joke-swap where they write each other's jokes
this joke about Scarlett Johansson...and then the camera cutting to her for her shocked reaction...omg pic.twitter.com/q7CKknJB1q
The jokes left the audience as well as social media users in split who said Mr Che had landed his colleague in trouble with the brutal jokes.
"Scarlett is either a fantastic actress or was truly genuinely shocked," said one user, while another added: "Haven't laughed like this watching Saturday Night Live in a while. Che definitely got Colin this year. Lol."
A third commented: "The Weekend Update joke swap has become the best part of the show and tonight did not disappoint."
Notably, this is not the first instance when Mr Jost has been forced to make such jokes about her wife. In July, earlier this year, during another joke swap segment, Mr Che made his colleague say:
“ChatGPT has released a new voice assistant feature inspired by Scarlett Johansson's AI character in Her,” a nervous Mr Jost told viewers. “Which I've never bothered to watch, because without that body what's the point of listening?”
While the jokes are made at the expense of both anchors, the segment is often the most-watched part of SNL.
Can Elon Musk Become US President? Donald Trump Says...
Could Elon Musk, who holds major sway in the incoming Trump administration, one day become president? On Sunday, Donald Trump answered with a resounding no, pointing to US rules about being born in the country.
"He's not gonna be president, that I can tell you," Trump told a Republican conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
"You know why he can't be? He wasn't born in this country," Trump said of the Tesla and SpaceX boss, who was born in South Africa.
The US Constitution requires that a president be a natural-born US citizen.
Trump was responding to criticism, particularly from the Democratic camp, portraying the tech billionaire and world's richest person as "President Musk" for the outsized role he is playing in the incoming administration.
As per ceding the presidency to Musk, Trump also assured the crowd: "No, no that's not happening."
The influence of Musk, who will serve as Trump's "efficiency czar," has become a focus point for Democratic attacks, with questions raised over how an unelected citizen can wield so much power.
And there is even growing anger among Republicans after Musk trashed a government funding proposal this week in a blizzard of posts -- many of them wildly inaccurate -- to his more than 200 million followers on his social media platform X.
Alongside Trump, Musk ultimately helped pressure Republicans to renege on a funding bill they had painstakingly agreed upon with Democrats, pushing the United States to the brink of budgetary paralysis that would have resulted in a government shutdown just days before Christmas.
Congress ultimately reached an agreement overnight Friday to Saturday, avoiding massive halts to government services.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Jeff Bezos Denies Report Of $600 Million Lavish Wedding: "Completely False"
Jeff Bezos has categorically denied media reports that his upcoming wedding to fiancee Lauren Sanchez will cost a staggering $600 million. Taking to X, the billionaire founder of Amazon set the record straight, dismissing the rumours as "completely false". The report, picked up by several outlets across the world, alleged that the couple is set to exchange vows on December 28 and spend over half a billion dollars on the extravagant event.
Mr Bezos' reaction was sparked by a post from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who expressed scepticism about the reported $600 million wedding. "This is not credible. Unless you are buying each of your guests a house, you can't spend this much money," he wrote on X.
Reacting to Mr Ackman's tweet, the Amazon founder wrote, "Furthermore, this whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening. The adage "don't believe everything you read” is even more true today than it ever has been. Now lies can get around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out there folks and don't be gullible. Will be interesting to see if all the outlets that "covered" and re-reported on this issue a correction when it comes and goes and doesn't happen."
See the tweet here:
Furthermore, this whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening. The old adage “don't believe everything you read” is even more true today than it ever has been. Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out… https://t.co/wz2SWp6wBZ
His fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, also weighed in on the matter, sharing Mr Bezos' post on her Instagram stories and adding a clear rebuttal: "Not true".
Initial reports from the Daily Mail and the New York Post alleged that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez were planning an extravagant winter wonderland-themed wedding in Aspen, Colorado. According to the reports, the couple had booked Matsuhisa, an upscale sushi restaurant, as the exclusive venue for their celebration. The reports claimed that the luxury restaurant would be reserved from December 26 to 27, hosting around 180 guests including big names like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Notably, Ms Sanchez started dating the Amazon boss in 2018. The couple went public with their relationship on July 14, 2019, after Mr Bezos' divorce from his first wife MacKenzie Scott was finalised.
Trump Picks Mark Burnett, 'Apprentice' Producer, As Special Envoy To UK
US President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday he has appointed television executive Mark Burnett, who produced the tycoon's reality show "The Apprentice," as special envoy to the United Kingdom, one of Washington's closest allies.
"With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role," the Republican leader posted on his social media platform Truth Social.
Burnett's role will be different from that of ambassador and does not need US Senate confirmation.
"Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges," Trump said.
Early this month Trump nominated Warren Stephens, a top Republican donor and billionaire investment banker, to be US ambassador to Britain.
The Emmy Award-winning Burnett, who was born in London, is the creator of "Survivor," the reality competition series that became a US television juggernaut after its premiere in 2000. He has also produced other hit shows including "Shark Tank" and "The Voice."
He also served as chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group from 2018 to 2022.
His biggest success was with "The Apprentice," the American reality program that aired on NBC under various formats for 15 seasons beginning in 2004.
The show was widely credited with reversing Trump's fortunes and making him a household name in the United States before he announced his presidential run in 2015.
"'The Apprentice' mythologized him anew, and on a much bigger scale, turning him into an icon of American success," a profile of Burnett in The New Yorker magazine stated in 2018.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
How Bashar al-Assad's Inner Circle Fled Syria After His Fall
A lightning rebel offensive early this month caught Syria's ruling clan off guard.
President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia on December 8, leaving behind many of his collaborators, some of whom sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
According to two sources, the ousted president, who fled to Moscow via the Russian military airfield in Hmeimim on Syria's coast, was accompanied by only a handful of confidants.
Among them were his closet ally, the secretary-general of presidential affairs Mansour Azzam, as well as his economic adviser Yassar Ibrahim, who oversees the financial empire of Assad and his wife, Asma.
"He left with his secretary and his treasurer," an insider who requested anonymity said, mockingly.
Bashar's brother, Maher al-Assad, commander of the elite Fourth Division tasked with defending Damascus, did not know about his sibling's plans.
Leaving his men stranded, Maher took a separate route, fleeing by helicopter to Iraq before travelling to Russia, according to a Syrian military source.
An Iraqi security source told AFP that Maher arrived in Iraq by plane on December 7 and stayed there for five days.
Maher's wife, Manal al-Jadaan and his son briefly entered Lebanon before departing through Beirut airport, said Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, without disclosing their final destination.
Another Assad government heavyweight, Ali Mamlouk, the former chief of Syria's security apparatus, fled to Russia via Iraq, said a Syrian military source.
His son passed through Lebanon before leaving for another destination, according to a Lebanese security source.
'Wanted'
The Iraqi Interior Ministry denied on Monday the presence of either Maher al-Assad or Mamlouk in Iraq.
Both are wanted men.
Maher - and Bashar al-Assad - are wanted by France for alleged complicity in war crimes over chemical attacks in Syria in August 2013.
The French courts have already sentenced Mamlouk and Jamil Hassan, former head of Syria's Air Force Intelligence, in absentia to life imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.
On Friday, the Lebanese authorities received an Interpol alert relaying a US request to arrest Hassan and hand him over to the US authorities, should he enter the country.
The United States accuses Hassan of "war crimes", including overseeing barrel bomb attacks on Syrian people that killed thousands of civilians.
A Lebanese judicial source told AFP that they had no confirmation of Hassan's presence in Lebanon, but assured that he would be detained if found.
Last-minute escapes
Other prominent figures also made hasty escapes.
Bouthaina Shaaban, former translator for Hafez al-Assad - Bashar's father who founded the brutal system of government his son inherited - fled to Lebanon on the night of December 7-8.
Shaaban, Bashar al-Assad's long-time political adviser, then travelled to Abu Dhabi, according to a friend in Beirut.
Kifah Mujahid, head of the Baath Brigades - the military wing of Syria's former ruling party - escaped to Lebanon by boat, a party source told AFP.
Other officials took refuge in their hometowns in Alawite regions, some of them told AFP. Assad hailed from Syria's Alawite minority.
Not all escape attempts were successful.
Ihab Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad's cousin and a prominent businessman, was killed on December 7 while trying to flee Damascus.
His twin brother, Iyad, was injured in the same incident, said a military official from the former government.
Their elder sibling, Rami Makhlouf, once considered Syria's richest man and a symbol of the regime's corruption, managed to survive. Rami, who fell out of favour with the Assad regime years ago, is believed to be in the United Arab Emirates.
Several other figures close to Assad's government crossed into Lebanon, according to a security source and a source in the business world. These included Ghassan Belal, head of Maher's office, and businessmen Mohammed Hamsho, Khalid Qaddur, Samer Debs and Samir Hassan.
A former Lebanese minister with close ties to Syria said that several senior Syrian military officers were granted safe passage by the Russians to the Hmeimim airbase.
They were rewarded for instructing their troops not to resist the rebel offensive in order to avoid further bloodshed, he said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
France, India Team Up For 'World's Largest Museum' Near Rashtrapati Bhavan
"Culture in many ways is the essence of soft power," Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said as India and France signed what he called "a project of great national importance" - a museum, the world's largest, which will be located on Raisina Hill - just in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The museum, named 'Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum' will tell the story of India - a timeline spanning more than 5,000 years.
It will be located on Raisina Hill - the seat of the Central government. The museum will be housed in the North Block and South Block buildings, which are currently the address of the foreign ministry, home ministry, defence ministry, finance ministry, and several other ministerial offices.
The museum - a project of national heritage, prestige, and importance - will cover an area of 1.17 lakh square metres with 950 rooms spread over a basement and three storeys. In his speech after India and France signed the agreement, Mr Jaishankar said "What is being seen today is a very important expression of international cooperation, one that is built on exchanges of best practices, on sharing of experiences."
"We are gathered here today for a project of great national importance...When the South Block and North Block become the kind of museum that is envisaged, I think we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat."
The Raisina Hill, which houses the two identical blocks facing each other and the Rashtrapati Bhavan next so them were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911-1931.
France, which wanted to be a part of this mega project, has a similar history with respect to its renowned museum - The Louvre - and hence has global expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings of archeological significance.
The Louvre (and its old wings) too were a part of a grand palatial building in France's capital Paris and the French finance ministry used to be housed in a wing of the palatial structure which we now see as the world-famous museum and landmark.
The mapping work and blueprints have nearly been completed in the North Block and it is currently being carried out throughout the South Block, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said.
Here is an illustration video shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his YouTube page highlighting the salient features of the world's largest museum to-be - the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum:
As per a government release, the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum aims to redefine the museum experience, offering a platform that celebrates India's heritage while embracing contemporary narratives. An official announcement is yet to be made about the completion of the project and subsequently its grand opening.
Major Reshuffle As Trudeau Faces Party Pressure, Tensions With Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump.
The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland following disagreement with her boss over Trump's threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports.
Her exit, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, marked the first open dissent against the prime minister from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics.
Since then, Trudeau has hunkered down with advisors as he reportedly contemplates his own political future amid calls for him to step down ahead of elections scheduled for October 2025 but expected much sooner.
In Friday's reset, eight new ministers were appointed to replace those in the 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek reelection, and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government.
Four current ministers were also given new responsibilities.
Freeland, who also quit her role as finance minister, has said she would seek reelection next year.
Behind in the polls
Trudeau's childhood friend and ally Dominic LeBlanc was already sworn in as the new finance minister hours after Freeland quit.
He also took over the reins from her on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration.
Several cabinet recruits, as they headed into the swearing-in ceremony Friday, declared their confidence in Trudeau.
But part of his caucus has urged him to resign, worried that voter fatigue with his leadership will hamstring the Liberals in the next election.
Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more ballot box victories in 2019 and 2021.
But he now trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, in public opinion polls. And his Liberals lost four by-elections this year.
Compounding those woes, Trudeau faces the possibility that Trump in January will slap 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, accusing both of allowing the United States to be flooded with illicit drugs, namely fentanyl, and undocumented migrants.
More than 75 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States and nearly two million Canadian jobs depend on trade.
In her resignation letter, Freeland warned this could lead to a "tariff war" with the United States and urged Ottawa to keep its "fiscal powder dry" while rebuking Trudeau's spendthrift policies.
Trudeau last month traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in a bid to head off a trade war.
Trump called the talks over dinner "very productive."
But since then the president-elect has also landed humiliating blows against Trudeau on social media, repeatedly calling him "governor" of Canada and declaring that the United States' northern neighbor becoming the 51st US state is a "great idea."
Political analysts and officials have said the taunts appeared aimed at putting Trudeau on the back foot in bilateral negotiations.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Invasive "Murder Hornets" Eradicated In US, Officials Say
The world's largest hornet, an invasive breed dubbed the "murder hornet," has been eradicated from the US, five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state. According to CBS News, the Washington and US Departments of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that the northern giant hornets - the insects' official name - have not been detected in the US for three years. The 2-inch-long hornet is known to have a stinger longer than that of a typical wasp. Its powerful sting can kill a human. It can also spit venom, but the insect is largely dangerous to bees and other insects, not humans.
"By tackling this threat head-on, we protected not only pollinators and crops, but also the industries, communities, and ecosystems that depend on them," Dr Mark Davidson, deputy administrator at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said in a news statement, per the outlet.
State, federal and international government agencies worked together to eradicate "murder hornets" in the US, officials said. The enormous success included residents agreeing to place traps on their properties and reporting sightings, as well as researchers capturing a live hornet, attaching a tiny radio tracking tag to it with dental floss, and following it through a forest to a nest in an alder tree.
After finding the nest, a team then plugged the nest with foam, wrapped the tree in plastic and vacuumed out the hornets. They also reportedly injected carbon dioxide into the tree to kill any remaining hornets. In total, four nests were discovered and destroyed.
"We are proud of this landmark victory in the fight against invasive species," said Mr Davidson.
According to reports, "murder hornets" were first identified on US soil in December 2019, about four months after they were found in Canada's British Columbia province. The first nest was destroyed in 2020. In 2022, scientists set around 1,000 hornet traps around the state. In 2023, they found one nest, which they swiftly destroyed, containing 1,500 hornets "in various stages of development".
On Wednesday, officials said that there is still a chance that the hornets could return, or that other types of dangerous invasive hornets may someday make it to the US soil. They also noted that a member of the public reported a possible sighting of one of the hornets in October 2024.
"They got here once and they could do it again," said Sven Spichiger, a pest specialist at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, per the BBC.
The "murder hornet" can kill an entire hive of honeybees in as little as 90 minutes, according to agriculture officials. They typically only attack people or pets when threatened. While attacks on humans are fairly rare, the insects are reported to kill from 50 to 75 people each year.
Indian-Origin Professor Complains Of Low Salaries In UK Universities
An Indian-origin professor In the UK has voiced concerns about the country's salary structure, particularly for contractual academic staff, warning that low wages are leading to a brain drain. Anant Sudarshan, an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick's Department of Economics, took to X to highlight the issue, revealing that UK academic salaries have become so uncompetitive that he has lost potential hires to Indian universities.
"UK salaries are becoming an absolute joke, especially for contractual staff. I have failed to hire people eligible for the UK's special high-potential individual visa because a government* university in India is willing to pay them slightly more in absolute terms than here," he wrote on X.
Although the UK may appear attractive on paper due to purchasing power parity, Mr Sudarshan noted that the country is losing its appeal to top academic talent worldwide. "To be clear - there is no comparison in absolute terms on average and thus for most people (although PPP looks different). But on the margins, for the best people, the UK is now stunningly unattractive, especially in academia," he added.
See the tweet here:
UK salaries are becoming an absolute joke especially for contractual staff. I have failed to hire people eligible for the UKs special high potential individual visa because a *government* university in *India* is willing to pay them slightly more *in absolute terms* than here.
The professor also responded to criticism that his comparison was flawed, providing further clarification on his earlier statement. He explained that while India's UGC pay scales may be lower, some short-term project staff in India can earn more in absolute terms than their UK counterparts. He noted that some UK contract teachers earn around 30,000 pounds (approximately Rs 30 lakh) annually. However, when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), this amount is equivalent to about Rs 7.5 lakh per year, which is comparable to or even lower than what some Indian project staff earn.
The debate took a racist turn when some users criticised him for considering hiring international candidates over UK citizens. A few even suggested he "go back" to his home country.
When someone suggested that he "Hire citizens," he responded by emphasising that the issue isn't about citizenship, but rather about the low pay. He clarified that the low salaries affect everyone, regardless of citizenship, stating, "The point isn't whether someone is a citizen or not. The point is whoever is hired is paid too little – citizens don't get more."
Another user said, "Why anyone would live in the UK is beyond me. The US has much higher pay and better research. Australia has far better weather. Europe has a better quality of life. India has much better food and culture. On top of that the rudeness, racism and lack of safety."
Explainer: Why Canada's Justin Trudeau Is Under Pressure To Quit
Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to quit after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned over a policy clash on Monday, setting up one of the worst crises of his nine years in power.
Here are some potential ways forward for Canada:
CAN TRUDEAU BE FORCED OUT BY HIS LIBERAL PARTY?
Unlike Britain, where party leaders are chosen by the parliamentary caucus and can be removed quickly, the Liberal leader is selected by a special convention of members. There is therefore no formal party mechanism to remove Trudeau if he wants to stay.
That said, if members of his own cabinet and a large number of legislators call for him to go, he may conclude his position is untenable.
CAN TRUDEAU BE FORCED OUT BY PARLIAMENT?
Canadian governments must show they have the confidence of the House of Commons elected chamber. Votes on budgets and other spending are considered confidence measures and if a government loses one, it falls. In virtually all cases, an election campaign starts immediately.
Additionally, the government must allocate a few days each session to opposition parties when they can unveil motions on any matter, including non-confidence. If all parties vote against the Liberals, Trudeau will fall. If one opposition party abstains, he will stay in power.
The House of Commons closes for the winter break on Tuesday and does not return until Jan. 27. This suggests the earliest a confidence vote could be held is in late February or March since it would likely take weeks for the opposition to propose their own motion.
IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TRUDEAU CAN BE FORCED OUT?
Ultimate constitutional power in Canada lies with Governor General Mary Simon, who is the personal representative of King Charles, the head of state. She can in theory remove Trudeau but in real life this would not happen. "The governor general won't dismiss a prime minister who still holds the confidence of the Commons," said Philippe Lagasse, a professor and constitutional expert at Ottawa's Carleton University.
HOW MIGHT TRUDEAU SURVIVE?
Trudeau's Liberals have a minority of seats in the House and therefore rely on the support of other parties on a vote-by-vote basis to govern. Until now the left-leaning New Democrats, who seek to attract the same voters as the Liberals, have helped keep Trudeau in power. Although New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh is under pressure to topple Trudeau, polls show his party, like the Liberals, would be crushed by the official opposition Conservatives in an election. He may therefore decide keeping a struggling Trudeau in power better serves his purposes.
WHAT HAPPENS IF TRUDEAU RESIGNS?
If Trudeau resigns, the Liberals will name an interim leader to take over as prime minister while the party sets up a special leadership convention. The challenge for the party is that these conventions usually take months to arrange and an election could occur before then, leaving the Liberals in the hands of an interim prime minister not chosen by members. This has never happened in Canada. The Liberals could try to run a shorter convention than usual but this might prompt protests from candidates who felt this placed them at a disadvantage.
There is no way Freeland could quickly be named prime minister on a permanent basis, since tradition dictates that the interim leader does not run as a candidate to lead the party. If Freeland decided to contest the race, she and other serious contenders would not be considered for the role.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
