4 h. ago Governments are spending billions on their own ‘sovereign’ AI technologies – is it a big waste of money?

Many US-built AI systems fall short but competing against tech giants neither easy nor cheapIn Singapore, a government-funded artificial intelligence model can converse in 11 languages, from Bahasa Indonesia to Lao. In Malaysia, ILMUchat, built by a local construction conglomerate, boasts that it “knows which Georgetown you’re referring to” – that is, the capital of Penang and not the private university in the US. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Apertus, unveiled in September, understands when to use the Swiss German “ss” and not the German-language character “ß”.Around the world, language models like these are part of an AI arms race worth hundreds of billions of dollars mostly driven by a few powerful companies in the US and China. As giants such as OpenAI, Meta and Alibaba plough vast sums into developing increasingly powerful models, middle powers and developing countries are watching the landscape carefully, and sometimes placing their own, expensive bets. Continue reading...

Economics

7 h. ago King Charles warns ‘it’s never been more important to protect our planet’ with launch of new documentary

The documentary will feature the King’s own reflections on his lifelong commitment to promoting a sustainable world

Events

7 h. ago King’s ‘inspiring’ film about harmony with nature to hit Prime Video in 2026

The documentary will feature Charles’ own reflections on his lifelong commitment to promoting a sustainable world.

Politics

9 h. ago Celebrity Traitors UK: who are the Traitors? Updating list for BBC show

Celebrity Traitors is about to unveil which of the stars will be traitors - and who is faithful 👀📺

Politics

10 h. ago ‘We’re not here as tourists’: Bellamy insists Wales will go on attack against England

Wales manager downplays rivalry with England‘If you defend deep, you’ll die a slow death’Craig Bellamy said Wales would not be “tourists” when they take on England in Thursday night’s Wembley friendly and that he believed his team would succumb to a “slow death” if they set up to defend. The Wales manager vowed to attack Thomas Tuchel’s side in search of a first win over England since 1984, in the first meeting between the teams since a 3-0 defeat in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup.Bellamy suggested a boxing promoter would not pit Wales against England owing to the gulf between the squads but he wants his players to play on the front foot. “We’re here to come and play, and to play our brand of football the way we play, at an incredible place like Wembley, which it is,” Bellamy said. “So to us it is exciting. We’re not here as tourists, to enjoy the occasion, we’re here to be the best version of ourselves and that allows you to be excited and also to have fun as well.” Continue reading...

Events

10 h. ago Man charged with having explosive materials near DC church hosting annual Red Mass celebration

A New Jersey man has been arrested on charges that he had explosive materials in his possession near a Washington, D.C., church that was preparing to celebrate an annual Mass marking the start of the U.S. Supreme Court’s term

Events

13 h. ago Argentine President roars his way through rock concert after $20bn bail out from the US

Argentine President Javier Milei donned his rock star persona as he took to the stage to promote his new book amid scandals, public discontent and economic hardship.

Politics

13 h. ago Timothée Chalamet unveils drastic new haircut in Marty Supreme promotion

Chalamet showed off his new hair Tuesday in an Instagram livestream

Politics

14 h. ago Chelsea starlet handed chance to impress after unexpected England promotion

Blues talent trains with senior Three Lions squad along with Manchester United and Manchester City youngsters

Politics

14 h. ago Tyson Fury promoter provides emphatic update on heavyweight’s comeback

Fury has been in retirement since January but looks set to return to boxing next year

Politics

14 h. ago ‘AI is here to stay and change things’: Mad Max director George Miller on why he is taking part in an AI film festival

The director believes AI has made film-making ‘way more egalitarian’ – and is set to lead the judges at Omni AI film festival in AustraliaThere’s no arguing the use of artificial intelligence in film-making is getting a bad rap. Last week’s unveiling of Hollywood’s first AI “actress”, Tilly Norwood, generated howls of protest from actors’ unions across the UK and US, where the industry is still reeling from last year’s 118-day strike over, among other issues, the threat of AI.And earlier this week, Australia’s Productivity Commission was pilloried by Liberals and Greens alike for failing to recognise the dire impact AI may have on the country’s creative industries. Continue reading...

Culture

15 h. ago The EU offers new protections for farmers as it seeks to build support for Mercosur trade deal

The European Union has unveiled proposals to protect farmers from being undercut by imports from South America

Economics

15 h. ago Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet reach power couple status with matching outfits

A new sixth love language is here and it requires style and coordination. Celeb couples are showing love through fashion, and they’re acing their look every single time.

Politics

15 h. ago NHS junior doctor who escaped suspension 'after she made slit your throat gesture at Jewish protesters and denied the Holocaust' is facing second tribunal

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a trainee surgeon, has been probed for social media posts - including a suggestion a north London hospital was 'a Jewish supremacy cesspit'.

Events

15 h. ago LePub Opens Its Doors in London and Unveils New Leadership Team

LePub Opens Its Doors in London and Unveils New Leadership Team  Little Black Book | LBBOnline

Politics

16 h. ago Outlander star joins Stephen Graham drama for season 2 as release date unveiled

DISNEY Plus has just confirmed the release date for the second season of Steven Knight's critically acclaimed series which stars Peaky Blinders' Stephen Graham

Events

16 h. ago Peaky Blinders creator's hit drama with Outlander star gets season 2 update

A series of first-look images from the new season have been unveiled.

Events

17 h. ago Kemi Badenoch says stamp duty will be scrapped if Conservatives win next election

The Tory leader unveiled her plans to abolish Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) whilst concluding her speech at the party conference

Politics

17 h. ago Manchester United reveal fresh Carrington plan after £50m investment

Man Utd unveiled a £50m makeover to Carrington in August and the academy building will now be redeveloped.

Economics

17 h. ago Bents garden centre becomes winter wonderland as magical Christmas displays unveiled

The award-winning venue is known for its lavish festive decorations

Politics