Google Releases Three New Gemini A.I. Models
The models include one that is the company’s most powerful and another that is fine-tuned for cybersecurity, as Google competes with rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Flash Floods Kill at Least 23 in Afghanistan
Dozens remained missing after floods swept through a city in Nuristan, an isolated province in the country’s east.
Cameron Hamilton Poised to Lead FEMA Once More
Cameron Hamilton defended the agency last year when President Trump talked about eliminating it. Emergency managers hope for more stability if he’s confirmed as administrator.
Europe Cancels Venice Biennale Funding Over Russia’s Return
The European authorities had warned the organizers of the major art show for months that they would lose funding if Russia took part.
South Korea promises free homegrown AI chatbot this year
Government says its “AI for All” plan will prioritise public AI agents offering services absent on foreign platforms South Korea plans to launch this year a free artificial intelligence chatbot service powered by domestic technology, Seoul said Tuesday, seeking to reduce reliance on foreign platforms. Roughly half of South Korea’s population of 51 million used … Read more
Sri Lanka uses air force drones to tackle spreading dengue outbreak
Worst mosquito-borne surge in nearly a decade kills 53, infects over 76,000 people since January A dengue patient lies on the hospital bed while his son stands next to him at District General Hospital in Negombo, Sri Lanka, July 16, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS Sri Lanka’s public health services and hospitals are battling the worst outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue in nearly … Read more
Oil Buyers Battered by the Iran War Energy Crisis Race to Build Buffers
[As rising fuel costs clobber their economies, the Philippines and other developing countries in Asia are pushing to build strategic petroleum reserves to cushion against future shocks.
China considers tighter export controls on AI models and chips, FT reports
China weighs steps to stop Western acquisition of advanced technology firms, report says An AI sign is seen at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China July 6, 2023. REUTERS Chinese authorities are considering tightening export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. The step reflects Beijing’s push to … Read more
A Family’s Daring Escape From North Korea
Their resolve for freedom hardened during the pandemic, when they lived through a crippling food shortage and were forced to witness frequent public executions.
1,700 H.I.V. Treatment Sites Closed After Trump Aid Cuts, a Study Finds
New research also shows that children and high-risk adult populations have been particularly affected.