Latest news with #Humanity
Gizmodo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Gizmodo
How to Watch Elon Musk Unveil SpaceX's Mars Colonization Roadmap
All eyes are on SpaceX as it gears up to launch Starship's ninth test flight. Prior to the launch, CEO Elon Musk will discuss the company's plans for colonizing Mars. The talk will be livestreamed on SpaceX's X page and on today starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. Colonizing Mars is SpaceX's guiding mission and the ultimate purpose for Starship. In an emailed statement, the company said Musk will discuss 'the development work ahead for Starship and how SpaceX will use the world's most powerful and capable rocket to build a human presence on the red planet over the next decade,' adding that the next opportunity to launch a mission to Mars opens in late 2026. Today's Starship test flight—currently scheduled to launch from Starbase, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET—marks a critical moment for this heavy-lift rocket. Its last two test flights ended in explosive failures, putting the Starship program months behind schedule. If SpaceX hopes to launch an Earth-to-Mars mission before the end of 2026, it's important that today's launch be successful. For years, Musk has said humanity needs to become multiplanetary to ensure the species' long-term survivability. He argues that Mars can serve as an insurance policy for Earth as our home planet faces existential risks like artificial superintelligence, nuclear war, and engineered pandemics. 'Becoming multiplanetary is critical to ensuring the long-term survival of humanity and all life as we know it,' Musk wrote in an X post last September. In 2016, he said it could take 40 to 100 years to establish a self-sustaining colony on Mars. But according to The New York Times, he told SpaceX employees last year that he expects one million people to be living there within 20 years. President Donald Trump has likewise expressed an interest in Mars‚ likely due to Musk's influence. 'We are going to conquer the vast frontiers of science, and we are going to lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond,' Trump said in a speech to Congress in March, according to Spaceflight Now. He added, however, that going to Mars is not his top priority. During today's talk, many will be watching to see if Musk addresses the numerous technical challenges he will face on the road to Mars, namely the in-orbit refueling of Starship. To make it to Mars, the rocket must first replenish the enormous amount of fuel it will have burned during its ascent. This will require 'tanker' Starships to deliver liquid oxygen and methane propellants to a depot in orbit, according to SpaceNews. A Mars-bound Starship could then use this depot to fuel up before traveling beyond Earth's orbit. But this architecture is a long way away from being operational. SpaceX originally said it would demonstrate in-orbit refueling in March 2025, when two Starships will dock in orbit with one transferring propellants to the other. But Starship launch delays have pushed the timing of that mission back indefinitely. NASA will be closely watching today's launch as the agency plans to use Starship to ferry astronauts to the Moon on the Artemis 3 mission, which is currently scheduled for mid-2027. This mission was delayed from late 2026 partly due to setbacks with SpaceX's Starship program, Spaceflight Now reports. The agency sees returning to the Moon as a critical stepping stone toward future Mars missions, but SpaceX—and Musk—clearly see things differently. Targeting a 2026 launch window for an uncrewed mission to the Red Planet would flout the timeline of NASA's Moon to Mars program, which aims to put astronauts on Mars by the 2030s or 2040s. SpaceX's Mars ambitions should come into focus during today's talk. As of now, it's not clear how Starship could possibly be ready in time for a late-2026 launch window, or how progress toward this goal might conflict with the objectives outlined in the company's NASA contracts.
Coin Geek
20-05-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
Google's Gemini 2.5 ranks first in coding charts, AI IQ tests
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Google's (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Gemini 2.5 has come out on top across a range of artificial intelligence (AI) testing benchmarks, outperforming the rest of its peers. According to the rankings, the AI chatbot sits on top of the leaderboard on WebDev Arena, an AI ranking site for coding. A quick scan of WebDev Arena reveals that Gemini 2.5 ranks ahead of Claude and ChatGPT 4 in standardized coding tests for large language models (LLMs). Apart from setting the pace in coding functionalities, Gemini 2.5 also clinched first place in creative writing and style control. When placed in standardized IQ tests, Gemini 2.5 outclassed its peers to achieve an IQ of 124 on the Mensa Norway test. However, the model scored 115 in offline mode, ranking in joint second place with OpenAI's ChatGPT. Gemini 2.5 scored 86.7% and 84% on the AIME 2025 math test and the GPQA science assessment, respectively. Despite scoring only 18.8% on Humanity's Last Exam, Gemini came first, outperforming Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI's o3. Gemini 2.5's successes across the board are propped by its context window, allowing up to 1 million tokens. Its closest competitors, Claude and ChatGPT's flagship models, are only designed to handle 128K tokens, with Gemini 2.5 ranking above the field. Google has unveiled plans to expand the context window to 2 million tokens. 'Gemini 2.5 models are thinking models, capable of reasoning through their thoughts before responding, resulting in enhanced performance and improved accuracy,' said Google in a statement during its commercial release. A pro version pushes the frontiers for Gemini 2.5, with costs starting at $2.50 and $15.00 for input and output costs. Google's Gemini 2.5 is significantly cheaper than its peers, offering advanced enterprise functionalities, including blockchain-based smart contract audits. Real-world AI use cases heat up Apart from the academic discourse around AI models, real-world applications are rising. AI chatbots are changing the landscape in the workplace, offering automation and advanced personalization perks for consumers. Governments are also turning to AI to improve the scope of public services for citizens, but concerns over misuse remain. The UN has warned of the potential risks stemming from AI abuse, including censorship and the proliferation of fake news, while authorities are cracking down on misuse in financial markets. Microsoft-funded Space and Time goes live with an array of major builders Space and Time, a new blockchain project, has launched its mainnet to offer advanced data infrastructure using zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. According to the press statement, the project will bring ZK-proven data infrastructure to digital asset service providers. Designed by MakeInfinite Labs, the project offers service providers with decentralized and verifiable databases. Space and Time allow developers to access large datasets off-chain and verify their accuracy on-chain using smart contracts. The Microsoft-backed Space and Time leans on major distributed ledgers to index data while providing a safe platform for developers to query gleaned data via its proprietary Proof of SQL. Space and Time's Proof of SQL mechanism verifies that an SQL query on a dataset is accurate despite off-chain computations. Each query result is wrapped as a ZK proof and submitted to a distributed ledger for smart contracts to verify their proof. 'Prior to Space and Time, onchain applications had no way to query basic user data from a database of blockchain activity without introducing security risks and tampering,' said Space and Time co-founder Scott Dykstra. The use cases in digital asset verticals are broad, with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications racking the most utility. Service providers and developers can confirm asset prices without exposing price feeds. Furthermore, DeFi protocols can update interest rates using ZK proof-based data infrastructures while leaning on the offering for Proof-of-Reserves. Video game developers can provide on-chain rewards based on in-game activities, while decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can use the offering for automated treasury activities. The project is off to a good start with Dykstra confirming that major technology giants are building with Space and Time's expansive solutions. Google BigQuery and Azure are leaning on Space and Time as the project braces for an avalanche of users in the coming weeks. Blockchain use cases outside DeFi continue to surge Outside of DeFi, blockchain records myriad utilities across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and supply chain. To stifle the trend of AI misinformation, researchers are turning to blockchain to fight bias and deepfakes, with one report tagging the technology as the missing link for trust. Blockchain is also being used in public services, with governments rolling out Web3-based solutions around subsidies and digital IDs. An integration of blockchain with IoT is tipped to solve a slew of climate change issues, with previous use cases in agriculture yielding benefits. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI . Watch | Alex Ball on the future of tech: AI development and entrepreneurship title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Yomiuri Shimbun
05-05-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Police Failed to Interview Ex-Boyfriend Despite Reports of Stalking; Arrested on Suspicion of Abandoning Body in Bag in Kawasaki
The Yomiuri Shimbun People offer flowers at the crime scene in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki, on Sunday. YOKOHAMA — A man arrested for abandoning the body of a 20-year-old woman had not been interviewed by prefectural police prior to the incident, even though the victim had reported the man to the police for stalking. The victim was identified as Asahi Okazaki, 20, a part-time worker from Kawasaki. Her body was found in a bag at home of Hideyuki Shirai, 27, her former boyfriend, in the same city. The Kanagawa prefectural police arrested him on Saturday. According to the police announcement, Shirai was suspected of abandoning Okazaki's body at his home near Kawasaki-Daishi Station sometime between Dec. 20 and April 30. He once admitted to the charge but later stopped talking about the incident. When Shirai arrived at Haneda Airport upon returning from the United States, the police asked him to accompany them before arresting him. According to the prefectural police, Okazaki had been consulting the police station about Shirai's stalking behavior since June last year. The police had verbally warned Shirai. In November, the police confirmed that the couple had reconciled and closed the case. However, after the relationship ended again, Okazaki reported the matter to the police station nine times between Dec. 9-20, saying: 'He was snooping around my house,' and 'Please go on patrol.' Some of her reports suggested a high level of urgency, but the police station did not question Shirai. A prefectural police official said: 'We urged Okazaki to come to the police station for fact-finding, but she refused. We judged that she did not want police intervention.' Akiko Kobayakawa, a board member of Tokyo-based nonprofit group Humanity that supports stalking victims, said the police could have taken more proactive steps, such as visiting the victim's home. 'It is a fundamental issue that goes beyond evaluating a sense of urgency if the police did not recognize the repeated complaints in December as a stalking case despite having responded up until November,' she said. A complaint made by the victim on Dec. 10, said, '[Shirai] would not return my bicycle.' The police accepted a report of bicycle theft on Dec. 16. On Jan. 24, the bicycle was found near Shirai's house, and the police checked security cameras in the area but did not speak with Shirai. Day of her disappearance Okazaki went missing from her grandmother's home — where she took shelter — on the morning of Dec. 20. Her grandmother called the police on Dec. 22, saying: 'My granddaughter hasn't come home. The glass in the window was broken, and it might have been broken by her former boyfriend to take her away.' The police reportedly explained to the grandmother that there were more glass fragments outside than inside, suggesting the glass might have been broken from inside. They took photos but did not collect fingerprints. The police accepted a report from the grandmother and collected fingerprints on Jan. 7. 'Underestimating case' After Okazaki went missing, the police station interviewed Shirai seven times. According to investigative sources, Shirai initially stated that he did not know anything, but said in March, 'I went near her workplace at around 6 a.m. on Dec. 20, but couldn't meet her.' The investigation made no progress, and it was revealed in April that Shirai had flown to the United States. From December to late April, the investigation was primarily handled by the prefectural police's community safety general affairs division, which deals with crime prevention and missing persons. The police's first criminal investigation division was notified of the case on April 30, when a bag containing a body was found in a residential home. 'It is no wonder that the police were criticized for underestimating the danger,' a senior police official said.
Korea Herald
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
NCT's Ten to unveil songs from 1st Japan EP in advance
Ten of NCT will release all songs from his upcoming first solo EP in Japan, said label SM Entertainment on Wednesday. He is set to put out EP 'Humanity' on May 28 in Japan but will upload all six tracks from the mini album online in advance to the album release. The album will be led by 'Silence,' a dreamy yet dark drum and bass number expressing solitude. Meanwhile, the musician is slated to go live in Japan next month. Starting on May 1, he will host solo shows in Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo and Nagoya before returning to Tokyo for the final stage. It is part of his ongoing solo tour 'Time Warp' which will take him to Shanghai, China this weekend.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI is projected to contribute over $135bln to the Saudi GDP by 2030: Dr. Khulood Almani is the Founder & CEO of HKB Tech
Dr. Khulood Almani, the Founder & CEO of HKB Tech, is a distinguished AI thought leader and former university professor at King Saud University. As the UN Ambassador for Women Empowerment, Peace, and Humanity, she advocates for economic inclusivity. Beyond her role at HKB Tech—a technology arm of the esteemed Bin Dayel Group—Dr. Almani has a robust leadership presence, serving as the Senator of the G20–World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) for Saudi Arabia and as the Country Chair of the G100–Women Economic Forum. She co-founded Forward Angel Investment to support digital entrepreneurs globally. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation, Dr. Almani established HKB Tech to drive advancements in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Her vision extends to nurturing the next generation of digital leaders, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of technological collaboration and sustainability. The Role of Startups and SMEs in AI Innovation AI stands as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading hub for technology and innovation. The government has pledged $100 billion to develop a robust AI ecosystem that comprises investments in AI startups, data centers, and strategic partnerships. Projections indicate that AI could contribute over $135 billion to the Saudi GDP by 2030, emphasizing the significance of AI startups and SMEs in this transformation. At HKB Tech, the establishment of the Saudi AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) exemplifies the commitment to driving innovation within this ecosystem. The CoE serves as a research and development hub for patented AI technologies, with aspirations to contribute meaningfully to the global AI landscape. Strategic partnerships with industry leaders, such as Google, AWS, and NVIDIA, enhance access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise critical for high-impact AI projects. Participation in NVIDIA's AI Inception Program is a testament to HKB Tech's role in shaping the future of AI. As part of this program, the company is well-positioned to leverage NVIDIA's computational capabilities, paralleling the trajectory of successful entities like OpenAI. Dr. Almani emphasizes the importance of localizing technology and talent to foster sustainable entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. HKB Tech is actively contributing to this goal by developing sustainable, in-house patented products in AI, IoT, BioTech, and ClimateTech, aimed at addressing pressing market needs while adhering to sustainability principles. Challenges and Strategic Steps for Sustainable AI Development The path to AI leadership is not devoid of challenges. Dr. Almani outlines essential frameworks to promote AI-driven sustainable entrepreneurship: an AI sustainability framework, an AI regulatory framework, and an ethical AI framework inspired by cultural values. As sustainability becomes increasingly pivotal to governmental strategies aligned with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, leveraging technology responsibly is critical. The ultimate aspiration is to fulfill the national economy's resource needs without jeopardizing future generations. To navigate this intersection of deep tech, sustainability, and diplomacy, it is crucial to adopt eco-friendly practices and develop solutions that address environmental challenges efficiently. Nevertheless, advancements in AI introduce questions of ethics, data privacy, and security. The necessity for robust regulatory enforcement emerges to ensure responsible AI practices. Enhanced transparency and explainability will foster trust, especially in sensitive fields like healthcare and finance. Current fragmented AI regulations must evolve towards a cohesive, centralized framework that can adapt to rapid technological advancements. Blended governance models that integrate best practices can offer region-specific approaches while preserving ethical integrity through explainable AI (XAI). Technological and Cultural Readiness Investments in scalable AI infrastructure, characterized by energy-efficient data centers and hybrid quantum-classical computing models, are imperative for technological readiness. Initiatives involving prominent companies like Google, IBM, and local partnerships like Aramco–Pasqal represent significant strides in this direction. Overcoming resistance to AI adoption is crucial, particularly given concerns regarding job displacement. The World Economic Forum anticipates substantial net job creation from AI advancements, highlighting the need for effective upskilling programs and global collaboration in AI education. Cultural readiness is equally important; transparent communication and inclusive educational initiatives can ease public apprehension and promote widespread acceptance of AI technologies. To position the Middle East as a global AI leader,developing regional AI regulatory framework that embody ethical,cultural,and societal values is essential. These framework should support AI education, and collaborative efforts that bridge the talent gap. Implementing regulatory sandboxes will allow safe experimentation, fostering innovation while ensuring responsible AI development. By addressing these elements, Saudi Arabia can lead the charge in sustainable AI transformation, ultimately contributing to a resilient and prosperous future.
