news and current affairs.
Oil lamps blaze as thousands mark Thadingyut in Nay Pyi Taw
On the Thadingyut Full Moon Day, Buddhist followers gathered at pagodas and stupas across Myanmar to take part in religious rituals. Worshippers made offerings of flowers, oil lamps, alms, and water while observing precepts and meditating in devotion. In Nay Pyi Taw, large crowds visited sites such as Letloktaung, Shwenanthwin, Shwelwantaung, and Nayyaungpya Inn pagodas in Dekkhinathiri, Lewe, Pyinmana, and Ottarathiri townships. Many observed the Eight Precepts while performing acts of merit and generosity. A ceremony took place at Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township, where 9,000 oil lamps were lit in front of the Maravijaya Buddha Image. The Nay Pyi Taw Council organized the event, which drew a large crowd and featured hot-air...
Pam Bondi stonewalls, redirects fire at Democrats
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer questions from Democrats about the Justice Department’s conduct, instead launching repeated attacks on her critics. Her approach, marked by defiance and political counterattacks, aligned with broader efforts by Trump administration officials to redirect scrutiny by targeting opponents. Bondi portrayed the hearing as partisan and defended herself and the former president throughout the four-hour session. When Senator Richard Durbin inquired about federal troop deployments to Chicago, Bondi sidestepped the question and accused him of failing to represent his constituents. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse pressed her on a dropped investigation into...
GOP senators erupt over Jack Smith phone record probe
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers sharply criticized former Special Counsel Jack Smith and the Biden administration over the collection of phone records belonging to several Republican senators. The records, obtained as part of the Jan. 6 investigation, were used to examine who the senators contacted before and after the Capitol riot. Republicans argued the move reflected political bias, though there is no evidence that the White House influenced the probe. Senators Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley voiced strong objections, with Hawley falsely claiming the FBI tapped his phone. The phone toll records, which do not include call content, were gathered through a grand jury subpoena in September 2023...
Charles Riley was killed at the Plaquemine courthouse
A sheriff’s deputy was killed and another critically injured on Monday night after a suspect attempted to grab a deputy’s gun while being arrested at a courthouse building in Plaquemine, Louisiana, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Latrell Clark, 27, of White Castle, was also fatally shot during the struggle. The incident occurred after one of the deputies had interviewed Clark in connection with a sexual assault investigation. Deputy Charles Riley, a six-year veteran of the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, died at a hospital. Captain Brett Stassi Jr., a 20-year veteran and the sheriff’s son, was in critical but stable condition on Tuesday. State Police said multiple shots were fired, but it remains unclear if they came...
Telstra, Ericsson team up to push autonomous networks
Telstra and Ericsson have entered a strategic agreement aimed at accelerating the development of autonomous networks. The collaboration addresses the telecom industry’s need to overcome technical and operational hurdles in its shift toward greater automation. Key challenges include fragmented data, the disconnect between business intent and execution, complex multi-vendor systems, and the reliability of AI models. The partnership will focus on intent translation frameworks, a knowledge plane powered by AI, and transparent AI decision-making to build trust. It also aims to validate outcomes and set standards through open collaboration. Work will be organized through a dedicated Technology Lab and real-world Proof Points. Engagement with...
LINX completes OpenBGPD rollout on LON1 route-server
LINX has completed the deployment of OpenBGPD on its LON1 route-servers, finalizing the rollout of the software across all its LANs. This marks a shift to a dual-vendor model, with OpenBGPD now operating alongside BIRD, which had replaced Quagga in 2020. The route-server setup enables members to peer through a single session, simplifying multi-lateral connectivity with other networks. By adopting both BIRD and OpenBGPD, LINX enhances platform resilience against software issues and security threats. The move also improves flexibility and stability for connected networks. LINX collaborated with the Route Server Foundation, sharing test results and contributing to OpenBGPD’s production readiness. The deployment included upgrading to...
UCT launches AI safety hub to lead Africa’s tech future
On Sept. 28, the University of Cape Town and the Global Centre on AI Governance launched the African Hub on AI Safety, Peace, and Security to ensure African perspectives are central in global AI safety discussions. The hub aims to advance research, strengthen capacity, and shape policies that reflect Africa’s needs in the AI space. Attendees included students, academics, and international partners who emphasized the urgency of responsible AI development. UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela said the initiative aligns with the university’s mission and reinforces Africa’s role in global technology debates. The hub will address AI risks often overlooked in African contexts, such as surveillance, election disinformation, and labor...
Canal+ lifts MultiChoice stake to 76.52 percent
MultiChoice Group Limited announced that Groupe Canal+ S.A.S. has increased its shareholding to 72.46% of the company’s issued ordinary shares. The disclosure follows the acquisition of additional shares and complies with the Companies Act, 2008, and JSE Listings Requirements. Canal+ also secured acceptances for another 17,954,344 shares under its mandatory offer. Once settled, its total interest will rise to 76.52%. MultiChoice confirmed that it has notified the Takeover Regulation Panel, as required under Section 122 of the Companies Act. The board stated that the disclosure is accurate and complete to its knowledge. This acquisition represents continued progress in Canal+’s bid for majority control. The move supports its strategy to...
Truecaller debuts adVantage AI to boost ad reach
Truecaller has launched adVantage, an AI-driven recommendation engine designed to help businesses deliver precise, personalized messages during high-attention moments. Built on a centralized intelligence hub, the platform continuously learns from user interactions to enhance engagement and drive business performance. adVantage works across business messaging, contextual ads, and enterprise tools, helping brands connect with audiences more effectively. The system uses anonymized behavioral data from Truecaller’s network to ensure relevance while protecting privacy. Businesses gain real-time insights to target users accurately, boost revenue, and improve decisions. Testing within Truecaller’s ad platform showed a 400% increase in open...
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