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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
US senators call for Meta probe after Reuters report on its AI policies
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Meta's chatbots were permitted to 'engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual,' Reuters reported. WASHINGTON - Two Republican US senators called for a congressional investigation into Meta Platforms on Aug 14 after Reuters exclusively reported on an internal policy document that permitted the company's chatbots to 'engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.' Meta confirmed the document's authenticity, but said that after receiving questions earlier this month from Reuters, the company removed portions which stated it is permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children. 'So, only after Meta got CAUGHT did it retract portions of its company doc,' Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, said in a post on social media site X. 'This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation,' Mr Hawley said. A spokesperson for Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, said she supports an investigation into the social media company. A spokesperson for Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ms Blackburn also added that the report illustrates the need to pass reforms to better protect children online, such as the Kids Online Safety Act (Kosa), a Bill she co-sponsored which the Senate passed in 2024 but which failed in the US House of Representatives. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA Singapore Bukit Merah fire: Residents relocated as town council carries out restoration works Singapore askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore askST: What are the fire safety rules for PMDs? Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at wrong airport in South Korea Asia India and China work to improve ties amid Trump's unpredictability Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength 'When it comes to protecting precious children online, Meta has failed miserably by every possible measure. Even worse, the company has turned a blind eye to the devastating consequences of how its platforms are designed,' Ms Blackburn said. Kosa would make explicit a 'duty of care' that social media companies have when it comes to minors using their products, focusing on design of the platforms and regulation of the companies. The standards described in the Meta document don't necessarily reflect 'ideal or even preferable' generative AI outputs, the document states. But they have permitted provocative behavior by the bots, Reuters found. In one example, the document notes that it would be acceptable for a bot to tell a shirtless eight-year-old that 'every inch of you is a masterpiece – a treasure I cherish deeply.' Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, called the policies 'deeply disturbing and wrong,' adding that Section 230, a law that shields internet companies from liability for the content posted to their platforms, should not protect companies' generative AI chatbots. 'Meta and Zuckerberg should be held fully responsible for any harm these bots cause,' he said. Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat of Vermont, said the report 'shows how critical safeguards are for AI – especially when the health and safety of kids is at risk.' The Senate voted 99-1 in July to remove a provision in President Donald Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending Bill that would have effectively barred states from passing AI regulation. In the absence of federal laws regulating AI, states have passed legislation, including bans on using the technology to create child sexual abuse material. REUTERS
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Silken dreams & woven tales: A floral ode to handloom grace on NID campus
Bhopal: As the Aug sun drapes Bhopal in golden hues, NID Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the renowned Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), unveils Dhaga – Ek Pehchan, a captivating three-day tapestry of India's handwoven heritage—a poetic tribute to National Handloom Day on Aug 7. Stepping into the exhibition on NID campus, Eintkhedi, is like entering a shimmering dreamscape where you enjoy the lustrous weave of Kosa silk, the regal motifs of Baluchari, and the storytelling artistry of Katha, alongside the tranquil elegance of Chanderi, Maheshwari and Sambalpuri sarees. Each piece glows with history and craftsmanship, hand-woven durries and terracotta art add rustic texture to visual symphony. Here, 20 master artisans from six states gently guide visitors through live demonstrations— spinning tales with shuttle and loom— while weaving workshops buzz with the exchange of ancient wisdom and modern curiosity. Prof Amitabh Pande, Director of IGRMS, describes the event as a bridge between earthy artisans and young designers—a space where traditional techniques dance with contemporary imagination. "Enthralled students glean the soul of each weave, while artisans find new perspectives on design and market sensibilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Queensland: Slash Your Power Bills With a Battery Australian Solar Batteries Get Quote Undo It leads to mutual respect. Dhaga – Ek Pehchan is not merely an exhibition—it's a lyrical celebration of India's textile soul," said Prof Pande. Dr Vidya Rakesh, director, NID MP highlights how the event interlaces tradition with innovation—students bring modern consumer insights; weavers carry centuries of tactile legacies. Together, in this woven dialogue, a synergy unfolds—honouring the craft and opening fresh threads to the future. "Our students can teach the weavers about the needs of a modern buyer and learn from them the real challenges that one faces while crafting such pieces. So, it's a win-win situation for both," said Vidya. Devanand Dewangan, a third-generation Kosa weaver from Chhattisgarh, stated with pride: "Madhya Pradesh welcomes art and artisans with open arms. To weave, to interact, to learn—this Handloom Day is sheer joy." He treasures the exchange as artisans from across India converge, weaving new lessons and memories before the curtain falls. On National Handloom Day, 'Dhaga...' weaves a rich tapestry where heritage meets horizon, artisans meet learners, and every thread sings a story of India's vibrant handloom legacy, said PRO of IGRMS, Hemant Parihar.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Commandos plan final assault on Maoist top guns in Abujmarh
1 2 Nagpur: Maharashtra's elite C-60 commandos are gearing up for a final assault on Abujmarh, tottering headquarters of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, buoyed by CM Devendra Fadnavis's historic visit to the area on Friday. In Odisha, police have intensified searches in Charmal forests of Sambalpur after reports about the influx of Maoists pushed out by security forces' offensives in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The spotlight, though, remains on Abujmarh, where Operation Clean-up aims to decimate the last vestiges of the military wing of the five-decade old Maoist movement in Maharashtra's eastern flank, say top sources in the state's anti-Naxalite apparatus. A top guerrilla on the radar is central committee member Mallojula Venugopal Reddy, alias Bhupathi or Sonu. Intelligence inputs suggested he was holed up deep inside the booby-trapped forested hills of Abujmarh and spotted a few km off Kawande -- the hamlet CM Fadnavis visited two days ago. Although Bhupathi had appealed to the Centre for a ceasefire and despite his wife Tarakka surrendering a year ago, the veteran may opt to fight till his last breath. Apart from the uncertain terrain, the battle-hardened C60 commandos are also concerned about rains which would make the hills unapproachable with numerous overflowing rivulets and nullahs. Other Maoists on the hit list are Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy alias Kosa, Madvi Hidma, Devuji alias Devji and CPI (Maoist) general secretary Ganapathy. They are frequently shifting bases in Abujmarh and in the three-state junction of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Another top leader, Prabhakar, head of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, is also a challenge for the forces. Kosa, a veteran revolutionary, and Bhupathi are considered the ideological fountainhead and brother of the late Maoist leader Mallojula Koteswara Rao (Kishenji). Intelligence reports suggest the duo is desperately changing locations to evade capture, moving through the treacherous terrain of Abujmarh, a region known for its inaccessibility and strategic importance to the Maoists. Sources claimed the youngest among the last few politburo members, Hidma, heading "Battalion One" in Chhattisgarh, is likely to have suffered injuries in gun battles with forces last month and has gone underground. "All the top Telugu leaders of the Central Committee and Politburo are 60 years and above, which has made them unsuitable for this challenge," said a top cop. Pressure on top cadres intensified after 12 senior Maoists surrendered to Gadchiroli police on Friday, a significant setback for the outfit. The surrendered cadres, reportedly from the Maad area, are believed to have provided critical intelligence about the movements of Kosa and Bhupathi. In Odisha's Sambalpur, intelligence inputs suggested suspicious movement of some rebels from Chhattisgarh, prompting the searches. "It is not fully confirmed if the rebels dispersed and are trying to shift their bases. Considering their dwindling numbers in Odisha, it is not likely that they will mount offensive action against forces," said a senior police officer. Earlier, DGP Y B Khurania said Odisha police are working hard to nip Left-wing extremism in the bud, reiterating the police effort to meet the Centre's target of eliminating LWE violence by March 2026.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Whatcom County's road budget woes will require some creative accounting
Whatcom County's Public Works Department is having a bit of a cash flow problem, and the County Council is being asked to change its accounting rules so that bills can be paid on time. At issue is the Road Fund, which is a budget category where part of the county's property collections and its share of the state gas tax is allocated. State and federal grant money for road projects goes there too, and that's where money comes from to pay for road construction, repairs, snow removal and related projects. That fund is sometimes in the red when money is needed to pay the bills during the busy summer construction season, Public Works director Elizabeth Kosa told the County Council in a committee meeting Tuesday. It's partly because of higher labor and material costs, a drop in gas tax receipts, and also linked to the timing of property tax collections in spring and fall. 'We have a much higher budget authority than the funds we have available to spend. And I can commit to you, 100%, we will not spend beyond what we have,' Kosa told the council's Finance and Administrative Services Committee. Cash flow is threatening important summer road projects such as paving on Everson-Goshen Road and a slide removal on Lummi Island, she said. Because of this, Kosa is asking the County Council to authorize interfund loans to finance cash flow for Road Fund, in amounts up to $4 million for a term not to exceed two years. County Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to consider the matter at their next meeting on May 27. Kosa said that the Public Works budget is reeling from increased labor and construction material costs, some unexpected expenses, and a 'pattern of deficit spending has continued for over two decades.' To save money and balance its 2025 budget, Kosa said that Public Works is delaying some projects, continuing to reduce spending, and freezing 14 vacant positions for several years. The Road Fund 'is not nimble enough to absorb unexpected costs,' she said. 'We're recommending that our lowest month of the year contain $10 million balance in available cash flow. Without this we will not be able to float disasters such as a road washout or other emergencies. Any emergency would result in a request to use other county funds or a loss of service. The plan that we have proposed will get us through this year, provided no additional emergencies arise,' Kosa said. Public Works isn't exactly robbing Peter to pay Paul, because such interfund loans must be repaid. Deputy Excutive Kayla Schott-Breseler said the loan could come from any fund, but most likely it would be the General Fund or or real-estate excise taxes. 'The way that the ordinance is set up is that it gives the treasurer flexibility to chose the fund that is most healthy for cash flow purposes,' Schott-Breseler told the council.
Euronews
23-03-2025
- Euronews
Nowruz: The best New Year celebrations across Central Asia and beyond
Azerbaijan ADVERTISEMENT Novruz is an ancient traditional holiday which reflects and promotes cultural, national and spiritual values, folklore, and national identity of the Azerbaijani people. Novruz is a symbol of nature's rebirth, a symbol of fertility. It's widely celebrated in Azerbaijan as the symbol of winter's leaving and spring's coming, reports Euronews' Arzu Khalilova from Baku. Since restoring its independence, Azerbaijan has developed its historical past and rich traditions and national holidays, and Novruz started to be widely celebrated at state level as a national holiday. It's been marked across the entire sovereign territory of Azerbaijan for more than 30 years. A Nowruz celebration in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan Presidential Press and Information Office / CC licence The official celebration of Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan comes on March 21th - the beginning of the astronomical New Year. However, Azerbaijanis demonstratively celebrate it a month earlier. During four weeks before the holiday, a campfire is set on every Tuesday, and people, according to the tradition, must jump over the fire several times. Ilakhir Charshanba – the last Tuesday before the holiday is considered to be particularly important. This day is full of various ceremonial activities, which reflect the desire to provide well-being for family in the coming New year. The preparation for Novruz takes much time. Streets and squares are decorated, trees are planted, new clothes are sewed, eggs are coloured, sweets are prepared (shakarbura, pakhlava, etc.) Every house has certainly on the table samani (green sprouts of wheat) and khoncha - a tray with sweets, nuts, candies dried fruits etc. Young people and children also enjoy games such as dasmalatdi (throwing kerchief), shalsallama (shaking the shawl), gurshagatdi (throwing the belt) and gurshagsallama (shaking the belt). Kosa-Kosa, Chovgan (polo), Fincan-Fincan (cups), Gashig oyunu (game with spoons) and clashing eggs. Symbolic characters of Nowruz are manifested by Kechel, Kosa, and Bahar gizi (Spring girl). Their meanings are: The period prior to Nowruz is embodied by Kechel as well as to indicate the renewal of nature, the fertility symbol is Kosa, while landscaping of nature is represented by Bahar gizi. On this day, men as a traditional costume wear chokha (a long coat with a belt), a papakha (fur hat), and traditional boots. Women dress in silk or velvet dresses, often embroidered with gold or silver patterns, and wear headscarves or ornate headdresses with jewelry. These costumes add to the festive atmosphere of Novruz, showcasing the beauty of traditional craftsmanship while celebrating the arrival of spring. Kazakhstan Nowruz dancers in Astana, Kazakhstan. Ken and Nyetta / CC licence Kazakhs celebrate Nauryz, the spring equinox, as a pivotal moment in nature's renewal cycle—a profound blessing for nomads across the steppe, according to Euronews' Astana correspondent Botagoz Marabayeva. Historically, Nauryz carried deep significance, marking the earth's awakening and the long-awaited revival of grazing lands essential for nomadic survival. Enduring winter's scarcity was a testament to resilience, and simply reaching Nauryz signified continuity—both for households and bloodlines. Back in the nomadic era, people would leave the warmth of their yurts at this time, as the melting snow allowed them, and go to visit friends and family in other settlements. The first question was: 'How did you pass through the winter?' Related Kazakhstan's yurts: From nomadic shelters to modern eco-living innovations People no longer live in yurts in Kazakhstan but still wish to maintain close ties with their kin, and Nauryz presents just the right opportunity. Naturally, it is more visible in more rural regions than in the big cities. In the western region of Mangistau for instance, each tribe will erect a yurt and prepare a feast in it. All the tribal yurts will be next to each other. The elders will meet and exchange news and the youth will get to meet each other and soak in the traditional customs. Today, Kazakhstan celebrates Nauryz with even greater enthusiasm and turns it into a display of national unity. The festival, now a 10-day spectacle known as Nauryznama , begins on March 14 with Amal or Reunion Day, when people visit elders and exchange warm greetings. The festival culminates on March 21–22, transforming cities into vibrant celebrations of Kazakh culture with festive yurts, traditional feasts, nomadic sports, and artisan fairs. Turkey Fire jumping, the first festivity of the Nowruz, in Istanbul, Turkey. Bertilvidet~commonswiki / CC licence Nevruz, which means "new day," is celebrated in Türkiye around the spring equinox, typically on March 21. The ancient festival, which has its roots in Persian traditions, marks the arrival of spring. Nevruz is also important in that it symbolizes renewal, unity of people and dreams about the future. While it is not recognized as a national holiday in Türkiye, it holds the most significant cultural importance for the Kurdish and Alevi communities. The Nevruz is celebrated with vibrant festivities that bring people together to welcome the new season. One of the most iconic customs in Türkiye during Nevruz is the lighting of bonfires. People gather to jump over the flames, a symbolic act to leave behind negativity and embrace good fortune for the next year. Folk dances, poetry readings, and traditional music performances are also central to the celebrations, creating a lively and communal atmosphere. ADVERTISEMENT Nevruz in Türkiye also features unique culinary traditions. Families prepare special dishes, often using fresh, seasonal ingredients to honor the arrival of spring. Sharing food with loved ones is a key aspect of the celebration, emphasizing the themes of unity and renewal. Compared to other countries, Nevruz in Türkiye is less formalized but equally cheerful. While countries like Iran have official public holidays and rituals, celebrations in Türkiye are more community-driven and localized. The festival serves as a bridge between diverse cultural groups, highlighting shared heritage and fostering a sense of togetherness. ADVERTISEMENT For Turkish people, Nevruz is more than just a celebration of spring; it is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to new beginnings. Uzbekistan Uzbek girls in national costumes perform during festivities marking the holiday of Navruz in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Saturday, March 21, 2009. Anvar Ilyasov/AP In Uzbekistan, south of Kazakhstan, Nauryz—known locally as Navruz—is celebrated with great enthusiasm. A cherished tradition during this holiday is the preparation and sharing of sumalak, a thick, sweet dish made from sprouted wheat. The cooking process is a communal affair, with friends and family gathered around large cauldrons, taking turns stirring while making wishes for the year ahead. For Uzbeks, Navruz is a symbol of national heritage and cultural pride. Families visit relatives, and the streets burst into celebration with folk music, dance, and vibrant festivities. Traditional bakhshi musicians captivate audiences with epic storytelling songs, while dance troupes perform Uzbek folk dances like Lazgi, famous for its expressive movements. The lively beats of the doira (frame drum) and the melodies of the nay (a flute-like instrument) set the rhythm as people join in the celebrations. On this festive occasion, greetings of "Navruz mubarak!" or "Happy Navruz!" echo throughout the country, as people exchange warm wishes for prosperity and happiness. As Uzbekistan welcomes the new season, Navruz fosters a spirit of unity, renewal, and optimism, reminding all that every fresh start holds the promise of growth and joy. ADVERTISEMENT
