Technology News

Israeli parliament approves symbolic motion on West Bank annexation

July 23, 2025

Israel's parliament passed a symbolic measure to annex the occupied West Bank. The vote is not legally binding but suggests adding this issue to future discussions in Israel. Palestinian authorities strongly oppose this move, as it could hinder the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.

Key Facts:

Israel's parliament voted 71-13 in favor of considering annexation of the West Bank.
The measure calls for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, referred to as Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.
This vote is symbolic, meaning it has no immediate legal effect but could influence future debates.
The proposal was initially put forward by far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, with illegal settlements expanding there.
About 3 million Palestinians and over 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank.
Palestinian leaders want the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem for a future state.
Annexation could prevent the creation of a Palestinian state, complicating peace efforts.
Palestinian officials state that these actions violate international law and undermine the two-state solution.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Tesla reports biggest quarterly revenue decline in more than a decade

July 23, 2025

Tesla reported a drop in revenue for the April-June quarter, with earnings falling to $22.5 billion from $25.5 billion during the same period last year. This decline is linked to decreased car deliveries and ongoing concerns regarding CEO Elon Musk's political actions and focus on Tesla. The company is also working on future growth through its robotaxi and AI initiatives.

Key Facts:

Tesla's revenue for the April-June quarter was $22.5 billion, down from $25.5 billion a year earlier.
Analysts expected slightly higher revenue of $22.74 billion.
Car sales revenue fell by 16% due to fewer vehicle deliveries.
Tesla reported a 14% decline in car deliveries in the second quarter.
Investors worry about CEO Elon Musk's attention to Tesla following his involvement in politics.
Musk's political activities have affected Tesla's reputation in the US and Europe.
The company has seen several executive departures, raising further concerns.
Tesla is investing in robotaxi services and AI, seen as future growth areas.
Tesla's stock rose by 0.1% during the trading day but fell by 0.3% after hours.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Trump administration unveils wide ranging AI action plan

July 23, 2025

The Trump administration has introduced a new plan to boost the United States' position in artificial intelligence (AI). The "America’s AI Action Plan" aims to strengthen the U.S. AI sector to compete with China, proposing various actions, such as building data centers and removing certain regulations.

Key Facts:

The White House unveiled "America’s AI Action Plan," a 25-page document, to advance U.S. AI capabilities.
The plan includes 90 policy proposals to enhance AI tools for U.S. allies and promote data center production in the U.S.
It aims to reduce federal regulations that are seen as obstacles to AI development, but specific regulations were not identified.
The plan seeks to counter Chinese influence in international AI governance and control AI technology exports.
There are efforts to ensure AI systems uphold free speech and remain unbiased, particularly those used by federal government partners.
The initiative emphasizes the need for more data centers, streamlining new construction, and energy facilities.
Concerns were raised about the potential environmental impact from energy consumption linked to AI data centers.
AI growth is tied to increased energy demands, as noted in Google's sustainability report showing a rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

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Al Jazeera

Zelenskyy promises new bill amid growing pressure over anticorruption law

July 23, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to introduce new legislation after facing protests and international criticism over a law that puts Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies under the control of the prosecutor general. Critics argue that this law weakens the independence of these agencies and may affect Ukraine’s chances of joining the European Union. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy defended the law as a way to counter Russian influence, but promised a new bill to ensure anti-corruption agencies stay independent.

Key Facts:

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is responding to criticism over a new law affecting anti-corruption agencies.
The controversial law gives Ukraine’s prosecutor general control over these agencies.
Critics say the law takes away the agencies' independence and allows political control.
Zelenskyy claims the law is needed due to suspected Russian influence in the agencies.
The European Union and human rights groups say the law lacks measures to address Russian operatives.
Protests erupted in Ukraine, with people defying martial law to oppose the law.
The European Commission has requested an explanation from Ukraine regarding the law.
Ukraine's progress toward joining the European Union could be affected by this law.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

News Wrap: Aid groups warn of ‘chaos, starvation and death’ in Gaza

July 23, 2025

In recent news, over 100 aid organizations have expressed concern about worsening conditions in Gaza, where people are facing widespread hunger. Meanwhile, Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, has changed his stance on a law that could reduce the authority of anti-corruption bodies. Additionally, reports have surfaced that Attorney General Bondi informed Donald Trump about his name appearing in documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Facts:

Over 100 aid groups warn of severe hunger in Gaza.
Palestinians in Gaza are facing mass starvation.
Volodymyr Zelensky is the President of Ukraine.
Zelensky has decided to reverse a bill that would weaken two anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine.
Reports claim Attorney General Bondi told Donald Trump his name was found in Jeffrey Epstein-related files.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

What’s in Trump’s new AI policy and why it matters

July 23, 2025

President Trump introduced his plan for developing artificial intelligence (AI). He signed three official directives related to AI issues, expanding its infrastructure, and sharing American AI technology internationally.

Key Facts:

President Trump introduced a plan focused on developing AI.
He signed three executive orders related to AI.
One order addresses concerns about "ideological bias" in AI chatbots.
Another order aims to simplify the process of building large AI data centers.
The third order promotes exporting American AI technology to other countries.
The plan announcement involved discussions with major tech companies.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

9 of 10 men who broke out of New Orleans jail plead not guilty to escape charges

July 23, 2025

Nine men who escaped from a New Orleans city jail pleaded not guilty to escape charges. They allegedly got out by removing a toilet and squeezing through a wall hole. A 10th inmate is still missing, and authorities are continuing their search.

Key Facts:

Nine men are accused of escaping from a New Orleans jail in May.
They reportedly removed a toilet and squeezed through a hole to escape.
The escapees climbed over a barbed wire fence after getting out.
A 10th inmate, Derrick Groves, is still missing and considered a fugitive.
All escapees are charged with simple escape, which can lead to 2-5 years in prison.
Video footage shows the men running out of the jail during the night.
The breakout went unnoticed until a head count the next morning.
Sixteen people have been arrested for helping the escapees, including family members.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

3 Haitian police officers and 2 civilians killed in central region overrun by gangs

July 23, 2025

Three police officers and two civilians in Haiti's central region were killed amid rising gang violence. The officers, part of a special unit, were targeted while working against ongoing disturbances. The local police union urged the government for better protection and warned of possible unrest among officers.

Key Facts:

Three Haitian police officers and two civilians were killed in the country's central region.
The officers belonged to a special unit called UDMO, activated during protests and disturbances.
A video on social media showed gunmen with the bodies of two officers near a burning armored vehicle.
The local police union called for better protection for police and warned of possible unrest.
Haiti's transitional presidential council promised to investigate the killings and honor those killed.
Over 1,000 people have died in Haiti's Artibonite and Central regions from October 2024 to June.
A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya is assisting Haiti's police to handle gang violence.
Two Kenyan officers have died in Haiti this year, both in Artibonite.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

A carbohydrate revolution is fueling cyclists in the Tour de France

July 23, 2025

A new focus on carbohydrate intake is helping cyclists in the Tour de France. Elite cyclists eat lots of calories each day to compete effectively in the race.

Key Facts:

Cyclists in the Tour de France are using carbohydrates to boost their energy.
Carbohydrates are nutrients found in foods like bread, pasta, and fruits.
Elite cyclists consume thousands of calories every day during the race.
This high-calorie intake helps them maintain energy and endurance.
Tim Podlogar studies exercise metabolism and discussed this strategy in an interview.
The strategy of increasing carbohydrates is referred to as a "carbohydrate revolution."

Source Information

NPR Home

Thailand recalls ambassador to Cambodia amid border tensions

July 23, 2025

Thailand has recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and will expel the Cambodian ambassador after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine on the disputed border. Thailand claims new landmines were planted, while Cambodia denies it. The border dispute has led to border closures and strained relations between the two countries.

Key Facts:

A Thai soldier was injured and lost his leg from a landmine on the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Thailand has decided to expel Cambodia's ambassador and recall its own from Cambodia.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest, saying new landmines were found.
Cambodia denies placing new mines and claims Thai soldiers strayed into areas with old mines.
Thailand has closed border checkpoints under its Second Army's control.
The Emerald Triangle area, where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet, has seen previous military clashes.
The incident has affected trade, with Cambodia blocking Thai imports of fuel and certain foods.
A political crisis in Thailand has developed, involving the Prime Minister's suspension amid the dispute.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Backlash grows after Zelensky strips anti-corruption bodies of independence

July 23, 2025

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine signed a law that decreases the independence of two anti-corruption agencies, leading to public protests. The law makes these agencies answerable to the prosecutor general, who is chosen by the president. Many Ukrainians and critics fear this change may weaken efforts against corruption and impact the country's relationship with the European Union.

Key Facts:

President Zelensky signed a law on Tuesday that reduces the independence of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine.
The law gives control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to the prosecutor general.
The prosecutor general is appointed by the president, giving the president more influence over these agencies.
Thousands of Ukrainians protested against this law, gathering in Kyiv and other cities despite ongoing Russian attacks.
Fighting corruption is critical for Ukraine's efforts to move closer to the European Union.
Anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine were established as part of agreements with the European Commission and International Monetary Fund.
Critics argue that the law could slow down or block current investigations into corruption.
Ukraine has been striving to improve its image in the Corruption Perceptions Index, although it still ranks low globally.

Source Information

BBC World

Author asks ChatGPT for advice on her book about tech — here's what it said

July 23, 2025

A technology author, Vauhini Vara, used ChatGPT to get advice on her book about how technology impacts our lives. She looked into the feedback from the AI to understand its strengths, weaknesses, and biases.

Key Facts:

Vauhini Vara is writing a book called "Selfhood in the Digital Age."
The book discusses how technology helps and takes advantage of people.
Vara asked ChatGPT, an AI program, for advice on her book.
She analyzed how the AI gave feedback to learn more about what it can and cannot do.
Vara also wanted to find out if the AI had any biases in its feedback.
The feedback and analysis were part of exploring the abilities of AI chatbots.

Source Information

NPR Home

M&S ad banned over 'unhealthily thin' model

July 23, 2025

An advertisement by Marks & Spencer was banned because the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found the model in the ad appeared unhealthily thin. The ASA stated that the model's pose and the clothes emphasized her thinness, making the ad irresponsible.

Key Facts:

The ASA banned a Marks & Spencer ad due to concerns about the model looking unhealthily thin.
The model's pose and clothing, including pointed shoes, highlighted her slender legs.
M&S withdrew the ad and must ensure future ads do not show models as being unhealthily thin.
The ASA noted the model’s head appeared too large compared to her body, stressing her thinness.
M&S said the model's pose was meant to show confidence, not focus on her slimness.
The retailer claimed the selected shoes were purely for fashion purposes.
While the ASA reviewed other M&S ads, only this particular one was banned.
M&S ensures all models are healthy and meet industry standards.

Source Information

BBC Business

BBC goes inside rebel-held city in DR Congo

July 23, 2025

M23 rebels took control of Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, six months ago. Signs of normal life are returning, but many women are still dealing with the effects of sexual violence from the conflict. A BBC reporter visited Goma to see the situation firsthand.

Key Facts:

The M23 rebel group controlled Goma, a city in eastern DR Congo, for six months.
Goma is showing signs of returning to normal life.
During the conflict, many women in Goma were sexually assaulted.
The fighting involved M23 rebels and the Congolese army.
A BBC journalist, Paul Njie, visited Goma to report on current conditions.
The visit aimed to observe changes and recovery efforts in the city.

Source Information

BBC World

‘Unbearable’: Ukrainians deported by Russia, stranded at Georgia border

July 23, 2025

More than 90 Ukrainians deported from Russia are stuck in a basement at the Georgia-Russia border, unable to return to Ukraine or enter Georgia. They have been there for nearly two months due to border restrictions and have protested against the poor conditions, claiming mistreatment and lack of medical care.

Key Facts:

Over 90 Ukrainians are stuck at the Georgia-Russia border after being deported from Russia.
They are held in a basement and can only go outside to use the toilet with supervision.
The deportees can't return to Ukraine or enter Georgia due to border restrictions and criminal records.
Some individuals have been in the basement for almost two months.
Men and a few women, many of whom were former prisoners in Russia, make up the group.
A protest occurred on July 20, where one man harmed himself and was treated but not hospitalized.
Approximately 800 deportees are thought to be in similar situations at Russian-Georgian border points.
The detainees say they face terrible living conditions and a lack of proper medical care.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Why were bankers' convictions quashed and what happens next?

July 23, 2025

Two former bankers, Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo, had their convictions for manipulating interest rates overturned by the UK's Supreme Court. The court found their trials were unfair, and their convictions were ruled "unsafe." After serving jail time, both may seek compensation for the time they spent imprisoned.

Key Facts:

Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo were once convicted for manipulating the interest rates used by banks.
These interest rates affected the borrowing costs for things like mortgages and other loans.
Hayes was sentenced to 14 years initially but served half of an 11-year sentence; Palombo was jailed for four years.
They argued that trying to influence interest rates was common practice at the banks they worked for.
Their convictions were overturned after the Supreme Court found their trials were not fair.
Other similar cases in the U.S. were also dismissed as not crimes.
The Serious Fraud Office decided not to retry their case.
Hayes may seek compensation for money taken during his legal battle.

Source Information

BBC Business

A genetic tweak could prevent mosquitoes from transmitting malaria

July 23, 2025

Researchers have found a way to block mosquitoes from spreading malaria by changing one tiny part of their genetic code. This change makes the mosquitoes mostly unable to pass the malaria parasite to humans. Scientists hope to spread this change across mosquito populations to reduce malaria cases, but more studies and approvals are needed before it can be used widely.

Key Facts:

Malaria infects 263 million people each year.
Scientists modified mosquitoes' DNA to stop them from carrying the malaria parasite.
The change affects one amino acid and makes mosquitoes largely resistant to the parasite.
The study is published in the journal "Nature."
The method uses a gene drive to pass the genetic change to most offspring, which is different from typical inheritance.
Researchers plan to test this in the field, but it will take several years and need community and government approvals.
Gene drives are controversial due to potential long-term and unpredictable effects on ecosystems.
Some worry that gene drives could permanently alter mosquitoes and disrupt ecological balances.

Source Information

NPR Home

Faisal Islam: Trump's tough tariff tactics are getting results

July 23, 2025

The U.S. and Japan have reached a trade deal after long negotiations. This agreement is part of President Trump's strategy using tariffs to negotiate better terms with trade partners, and Japan's deal could influence other major economies.

Key Facts:

The U.S. and Japan have agreed on a trade deal after extensive discussions.
A 15% tariff will be applied to Japanese goods imported to the U.S.
Japan holds $1.1 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds, the largest by any country.
The agreement stops possible joint retaliation by Japan, the EU, and Canada.
Japan will import more U.S. rice while protecting its agricultural imports overall.
Japan's private companies plan to invest half a trillion dollars in the U.S.
U.S. tariffs are raising significant revenue, expected to reach $300 billion annually.
These tariffs could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers on imported goods.

Source Information

BBC World

Texas lawmakers review catastrophic floods but say they aren’t out to assign blame

July 23, 2025

Texas lawmakers are reviewing the July 4 floods that killed at least 136 people to find ways to prevent future disasters, without assigning blame. The floods in the Texas Hill Country and the proposed redrawing of U.S. House maps are the main topics for the state's special session this summer.

Key Facts:

The review of the July 4 floods aims to improve flood prevention and preparedness, not to blame local officials.
At least 136 people died in the floods, with two still missing, and many initially unaccounted for were later found safe.
The review includes testimony from state and county emergency officials, excluding Kerr County officials to let them focus on their duties.
Kerr County, heavily affected by the floods, lacked a warning system for river flooding.
Proposed legislation includes improving early warning systems and providing relief funding.
The special legislative session will also address redrawing U.S. House maps to potentially increase Republican seats.
Democrats want flood issues resolved before voting on congressional maps and may use walkouts to protest.
Texas officials have threatened penalties for lawmakers who attempt to disrupt the special session through tactics like walkouts.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

The night Iran struck Qatar

July 23, 2025

On June 23rd, Iran carried out the biggest missile strike in the Gulf's history by targeting Qatar. The attack highlighted how quickly missiles can travel, taking only 120 seconds to reach their target.

Key Facts:

Iran launched a missile attack on Qatar on June 23rd.
It is considered the largest missile strike in Gulf history.
The missiles took only about 120 seconds to reach their target.
Al Jazeera’s Arabic Digital newsroom reported on the event.
The report focused on the timing and speed of the missiles' impact.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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