Meta has eliminated 600 jobs within its artificial intelligence division, US media reported. The company confirmed on Wednesday that it continues to recruit new employees for its superintelligence lab while implementing these cuts. FAIR and AI Infrastructure Teams Face Reductions Axios first revealed that the layoffs will strike Meta’s Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) team, along with product-related AI and AI infrastructure units. The newer TBD Lab will remain unaffected. Chief AI officer Alexandr Wang, in a memo cited by Axios, urged impacted employees to apply for other internal roles. Most affected workers are expected to secure new positions within Meta.…
Author: Rachel Maddow
TIRANA — In recent months, investigators and international media have flagged disturbing signs that sanctioned Russian interests may be exploiting networks in Albania to circumvent the export bans imposed by the United States, European Union and NATO allies. Several reports suggest that through negligence, smuggling or outright corruption among officials within the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama, entities in Albanian critical-infrastructure sectors have facilitated commercial flows that appear to violate sanctions on Russia and Iran. One prominent investigation by RBC Ukraine found that banned Russian fuel products were being smuggled into Europe via Albanian ports. The report cites deceptive…
European markets regained momentum on Tuesday morning after several days of weakness and uncertainty. Major equity indexes across Europe opened slightly higher as Asian markets advanced and U.S. futures dipped. By midday, Milan led with a 0.80% rise, driven by gains in UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Eni, and defence giant Leonardo. In Germany, defence stocks also strengthened, but not enough to lift the DAX, which slipped 0.13%. Shipbuilder TKMS surged 6.28% after debuting in Frankfurt at around €60 per share on Monday. Rheinmetall AG rose 0.48%, while BAE Systems in London fell 0.91%. European defence leaders Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo reportedly…
⸻ Abu Dhabi Times:Dr. Podovsovnik, you represent Rabbi Ephraim Meir in one of the most significant lawsuits ever filed against UBS Group AG. In recent weeks, we’ve heard that more and more people are coming forward, claiming they were also wronged. What exactly is happening? Dr. Podovsovnik:Yes, that’s correct. We’re now being contacted every single day by new claimants — families from Poland, Austria, France, Belgium, even the United States — who all share the same experience: they were dismissed by the so-called Claims Resolution Tribunal (CRT) with the dry phrase “No matching.” No wonder. The CRT’s selection system was…
Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to resume peace talks in Qatar to set terms for lasting stability. Their decision follows a week of deadly cross-border clashes that killed dozens. Qatari mediators announced the breakthrough after hosting both delegations in Doha. The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed that the two nations accepted an immediate ceasefire. Turkish negotiators also helped secure the deal. Both sides pledged to build mechanisms that would strengthen the truce and ensure its continuity. Escalation Along the Border Fighting intensified this month as each country accused the other of aggression. Afghanistan rejected claims that it shelters militants striking Pakistani territory,…
Americans filled streets across the United States on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s leadership during nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations.More than 2,600 rallies took place in cities including Washington, New York, Boston, and Chicago, drawing thousands of participants. By midday, thousands had already gathered in Times Square and Washington, D.C., chanting “Trump must go now!” and waving signs condemning his immigration policies. Protesters held banners reading “Resist Fascism” and “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting.” The rallies resembled street festivals in many places, featuring marching bands, music, and a massive “We The People” banner that attendees signed. Some protesters wore…
The jury of the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, led by Garrick Ohlsson, has chosen 11 pianists for the final round. Local pride now rests with Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz, the only Polish pianist to reach the finals. The Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition, first held in 1927, stands among the world’s oldest and most respected classical music contests. The event remains dedicated entirely to Chopin’s compositions, preserving the Polish composer’s musical legacy. Global Talent Set to Compete for the Top Prize The final round will feature exceptional musicians from around the world, including Kevin Chen (Canada), David Khrikuli (Georgia),…
A Norwegian court convicted a 28-year-old former US Embassy security guard of espionage on Wednesday. Judges in Oslo found that he spied for Russia and Iran, sentencing him to three years and seven months in prison. Prosecutors said he handed over embassy floor plans, security routines, and diplomat details, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The man admitted the facts in the indictment but denied criminal intent. Investigators said he approached Russian and Iranian contacts because of US ties to Israel and the war in Gaza. NRK reported that the man’s actions gave foreign agents sensitive operational data, though his motives…
Europe’s Human Rights Promise Under Pressure Europe has long projected itself as a champion of democracy and a defender of the persecuted. Yet, that promise now faces growing doubt. Across the continent, political exiles describe being pursued by legal cases that cross borders, harassed by foreign agents, and overlooked by governments too cautious to act. This quiet confrontation pits political power against the rule of law. The accusations follow a familiar script — corruption, abuse of office, embezzlement. These charges, serious at first glance, often collapse when scrutinized. In the case of Kyrylo Shevchenko, a former Ukrainian central banker, the…
Alibaba Cloud has officially opened its second data centre in Dubai, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion. The project is part of a broader investment of RMB 380 billion (approximately US$53 billion) over three years into digital infrastructure worldwide. The new facility is expected to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven innovation. The Dubai data centre will serve both public and private sector clients, enabling faster adoption of AI technologies and digital services. By expanding its cloud footprint, Alibaba Cloud aims to support the UAE’s vision of becoming a regional hub for…