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As the future of warfare pivots towards artificial intelligence, Ukraine is sitting on a valuable resource: millions of hours of footage from drones which can be used to train AI models to make decisions on the battlefield. AI has been deployed by both sides on the battlefield during Russia's invasion of Ukraine to identify targets, scanning images far quicker than a human can. Oleksandr Dmitriev, founder of OCHI, a non-profit Ukrainian digital system that centralises and analyses video feeds from over 15,000 drone crews working on the front lines, told Reuters his system had collected two million hours, or 228 years, of battlefield video from drones since 2022. That will provide vital data for AI to learn from. "This is food for the AI: If you want to teach an AI, you give it 2 million hours (of video), it will become something supernatural," he said. According to Dmitriev, the footage can be used to train AI models in combat tactics, spotting targets and assessing the effectiveness of weapons systems. "It is essentially experience which can be turned into mathematics," he said, adding that an AI program can study the trajectories and angles at which weapons are most effective. The system was originally made in 2022 to give military commanders an overview of their areas of the battlefield by showing them drone footage from all nearby crews side by side on one screen. After the system was rolled out, the team running it realised that video being sent back by drones could prove useful as a record of the war – so they began to store it. On average, Dmitriev said five or six terabytes of new data were added every day from the fighting. Dmitriev said he was talking with representatives from some of Ukraine's foreign allies that had expressed interest in his OCHI system, but declined to provide details. Samuel Bendett, adjunct senior fellow at the US-based Centre for a New American Security, said such a vast pool of data would be extremely valuable in teaching AI systems to identify what exactly they are seeing, and what steps they should take. "Humans can do this intuitively, but machines cannot, and they have to be trained on what is or isn't a road, or a natural obstacle, or an ambush," he said. Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at Wadhwani AI centre at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said the size of the data set and the image quality were important, as AI models learned to recognise targets based on shapes and colours. Bondar said that the dataset was valuable in the context of training to fight Russia. However, she said US officials and drone makers prefer a dataset that trains AI systems to operate in the Pacific against a potential Chinese adversary. "(They want) systems ready and able to fight against China because that's the main priority for the US right now, rather than getting a lot of footage of Ukrainian fields and forests." Ukraine also has another system, called Avengers, developed by its defence ministry, which centralises and collects video from drones and CCTV. The ministry declined to provide information about this system. However, it has previously said that Avengers spots 12,000 Russian pieces of equipment a week using AI identification tools. Thousands of drones are already using AI systems to fly themselves into targets without human piloting, and Ukraine is using AI technologies to help demine its territory. Ukrainian companies are developing drone swarms, where a computer system will be able to execute commands for an interlinked cloud of dozens of drones. Russia has also touted its use of battlefield AI, most notably for target recognition in Lancet strike drones, which have proved lethal against Ukrainian armoured vehicles.The utilization of idle self-owned funds for acquisitions also underscores OneConnect's prudent financial management and capital allocation strategy. By leveraging internal resources for strategic investments, the company can optimize its capital structure, reduce dependency on external financing, and enhance financial flexibility.NFL and NBA warn players after home break-ins: Organized groups are targeting pro athletes
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Dylan Hayman and Davion Bailey scored 18 points apiece to help Incarnate Word beat Texas Lutheran 99-48 on Sunday. Hayman also contributed six rebounds for the Cardinals (8-5). Bailey shot 6 for 13, including 4 for 10 from beyond the arc. Jordan Pyke scored 15 on 7-for-8 shooting. Mason Wallace led the Bulldogs with 12 points. Kevin Juarez added eight points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, is poised for a pivotal legal showdown that could determine its future in the United States. The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s appeal in a case that challenges a legislative push to force the app to sell its US operations amid escalating national security concerns. This legal battle is a crucial moment in the growing tensions between the US government and Chinese technology companies, with implications not only for TikTok’s millions of American users but also for the broader tech industry. The controversy surrounding TikTok’s presence in the US has been brewing for years. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that the app could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government—a claim that TikTok has consistently denied. In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order that sought to force ByteDance to sell its US operations, citing security risks. Though the order was blocked in court, the issue has not been resolved, with the US government maintaining pressure on TikTok. In response, Congress passed a bill that would require foreign companies, including TikTok, to divest their US assets. The bill stems from concerns that Chinese law could potentially compel ByteDance to share American user data, despite TikTok’s assertions that it operates independently. Proponents argue that TikTok’s ownership structure creates an inherent security risk, while TikTok contends that the legislation violates its rights as a business operating legally in the US. TikTok has taken several steps to address security concerns, including creating a “Transparency Center” and transferring user data to US-based servers. However, these efforts have not been enough to quell the government’s concerns. The US Supreme Court’s decision to hear TikTok’s appeal is now set to determine whether the bill forcing the company to sell its US operations is constitutional. The case could set a major precedent for how the US government regulates foreign-owned technology companies, particularly those from China. Legal experts are divided on the outcome, with some believing the court may side with the US government and grant it broader powers to regulate foreign companies, while others predict a victory for TikTok that could limit the government’s ability to impose such measures. If the court rules in favor of the divestment bill, TikTok would be forced to sell its US operations or face potential shutdown, which could significantly impact its millions of American users. On the other hand, a ruling in TikTok’s favor could embolden other foreign tech companies to challenge similar legislation, sparking a broader pushback against the US government’s regulatory authority. This case is emblematic of a larger shift in US tech policy, particularly in the context of the growing US-China rivalry. With many technology companies caught in the crossfire, the Supreme Court’s decision could shape future regulatory approaches for foreign tech giants, not only in the US but potentially in other markets as well. As the case progresses, all eyes are on the Supreme Court to decide whether the US government can force TikTok to divest its US operations or whether the app will be allowed to continue operating freely in the American market. The ruling will have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry, US-China relations, and the future of digital governance in an increasingly interconnected world.stephanie phillips Blackstone's ( NYSE: BX ) recent performance has far surpassed our expectations, delivering a whopping 43% return since we upgraded our rating to a "Strong Buy" three months ago, on August 22 . Our decision to upgrade our bullish view in Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
During her teenage years, Minghui faced the harsh realities of growing up - heartbreak, betrayal, and disappointment. Baomo could see the pain in her eyes, but he also witnessed her resilience and determination to rise above it all. Each setback only seemed to make Minghui stronger, and Baomo admired her unwavering spirit.Do you know who Austen Pleasants or Charlie Heck are? Don’t worry about it. Before this week, I didn’t either, and knowing practice-squad-level offensive linemen is my thing. Either way, we’ll likely hear their names often on Monday Night Football, as one of those newcomers will be protecting 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy’s blindside against the Lions. The other might be bookending him at the opposite tackle spot. Best of luck out there, 13! But that’s not all, folks. By extrapolating the way the season has gone for the 49ers into Monday, don’t be surprised if we see a third offensive-line newcomer — interior lineman Matt Hennessy — against the Lions. Yes, a bad situation first turned worse for the 49ers, and now it’s turned downright cruel, with potentially three players who were acquired (on waivers and poached from practice squads) protecting their potentially $60 million man. And with the 49ers having nothing to play for in the standings, it’s enough to make you wonder if Kyle Shanahan should even bother playing Purdy — or any of the Niners’ other top players, for that matter — this week or next. After all, if these next two weeks are, effectively, preseason football for 2025, shouldn’t the 49ers head coach treat them as such? (As a refresher, Shanahan hates the preseason and would, in an ideal world, not play anyone who could potentially make the 53-man roster.) This is the first time the 49ers have faced truly meaningless games in years — going back to the pandemic 2020 season — so it’s a fair question. But I think it should be saved for the season’s final week, when both the Cardinals and 49ers will play a game that both teams would be better off losing. Yes, so long as there is one team in a game with something to play for in the standings — for the Lions, that’s a shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC – it’s incumbent on the 49ers to maintain a code of professionalism and put something close to their best out on the field. So unless you’re injured, you’re going into harm’s way. “Welcome to the reality of the world,” Shanahan said Thursday. The game might not always mean anything as it releases to the playoffs, but the beauty of the NFL is that every game — no, every snap — is an opportunity to show your worth. “This is your job... Teams all over the league are in this situation. You’ve still got to go out there and perform the same way.” “You get 17 checks for 17 games.” And, for the record, Purdy said this week that he’s “100 percent healthy.” So, yes, he’s playing. And that should remain the case until the Lions open up an insurmountable lead on Monday. (We might not have to wait long.) Not just because of the code of professionalism or pride but also because there is still something to be gleaned from Purdy’s performance. As I wrote a few weeks back, the season’s final games would be a referendum on Purdy . The 49ers will sign him this offseason, but how the team and fan base feel about that new contract will be determined by what Purdy has done for the 49ers lately. I don’t need to tell you that the fan base isn’t too keen on Purdy signing a record-breaking, market-setting deal. Reaching that standard might never happen — the mere concept of a $60 million quarterback has folks’ heads spinning (even though with recent-season salary-cap growth, it’d be the equivalent of Jimmy Garoppolo’s record-setting contract from 2018). But Purdy performing at a high level on Monday could sway at least the rational amongst us. Not only would he be doing that with a makeshift (if that) offensive line and a second-string receiver group (we’ll see if Deebo Samuel shows up again on Monday), but he’d have done it against the kind of defense that has stymied him this entire season. The way to beat the 49ers and Purdy is to play man coverage and blitz in strange and confusing ways. The Lions play more man coverage than anyone else in the NFL and have been blitzing like crazy in recent weeks. It all makes Monday something close to a perfect data point. Yes, the circumstances are hardly ideal for Purdy, but a $60 million quarterback is expected to smooth at least some of the issues the Niners will face. And wouldn’t it be good to know if Purdy can beat man-to-man coverage? Monday’s game would leave zero doubt if he flails and be one hell of a negotiating point for him if he succeeds. And beyond all of that, the Niners quarterback needs to develop some rhythm, chemistry, and verve with this offense heading into next season. It’s not all his fault that the Niners have regressed to the point where this game is meaningless for San Francisco, but he needs to be part of the solution. Can he get something going with Ricky Pearsall? Can he keep George Kittle in that deserved first-team All-Pro spot? Can he help buy another year of Deebo Samuel in Niners’ red? Can he help one of these new offensive linemen land a job with the Niners (or another team) next season? If the risk of injury is deemed too high, then we might as well never practice or play football again. Call the NFL and ESPN and tell them the game is canceled—the Niners can’t win the Super Bowl, so they’re taking their ball and staying home. Because above everything else, it does comes down to professionalism. Is this effectively the preseason? Sure. But you’re not paid for the preseason — you merely earn a per diem for those games. On Monday night, everyone will receive a handsome check for their services. Even Purdy, the lowly-paid quarterback, will earn close to $60,000 for his work week. That’s enough to pay off two-thirds of one of those new trucks he bought his offensive linemen. Yes, being in the NFL is a great job, if you can get it. And the surest way to lose it is to take it for granted. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As the year draws to a close, China has set its sights firmly on the future, with a roadmap laid out during the recently concluded annual Central Economic Work Conference. The focus is clear — scientific and technological innovation will be the cornerstone of the nation's economic strategy heading into 2025. The goal is nothing short of transformative — to create new quality productive forces and overhaul China's industrial system, building a framework for a modernized, tech-driven economy. As a journalist, I find it fascinating to see how the country is positioning itself at the forefront of the next industrial revolution. With major technological projects and large-scale demonstrations of new technologies, China is laying the groundwork for fostering new quality productive forces. This initiative, which centers around emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things, promises to dramatically reshape industries across the board. The government is keen to foster innovation in emerging sectors, nurturing the industries of the future while ensuring that China maintains its competitive edge in strategic technological areas. Yu Hongjun, former vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, explained that China's push into digital infrastructure is already paying off. Over the past few years, the country has made major strides in establishing a robust digital economy. The widespread adoption of 5G and the development of 6G satellite communication systems have set the stage for what Yu calls a smart, connected economy. He said during the World Internet of Things Convention held recently in Beijing that the rise of new IoT, new data and new business models are quietly but powerfully reshaping China's economic landscape. This is the bedrock of the new quality productive forces the country is betting on for long-term success. As I dug deeper into the details, I realized the scale of what's unfolding here. He Xuming, chairman of the World Internet of Things Convention Executive Committee, said the global digital economy, driven by IoT technologies, is growing at an annual rate of 20 percent. This year, global IoT connections are expected to increase by more than 23 percent to surpass 25 billion. What's even more impressive is that China is leading the charge in IoT infrastructure construction and innovative development in the digital economy. China is poised to build over 4.3 million 5G base stations this year, helping to connect over 3 billion IoT devices, said He, adding that the traditional digital economy in China is projected to reach an annual output value of over 70 trillion yuan ($9.59 trillion), growing at a rate of more than 20 percent. With nearly a million companies already operating in the IoT space, the groundwork for China to lead in new quality productive forces is well underway. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this push is its potential to trigger the fourth industrial revolution. Wei Jianguo, former vice-minister of commerce, said the core of this revolution is the convergence of digital technologies with manufacturing processes. The digitalization of industry, Wei argues, will redefine global production systems, and China, with its advanced manufacturing supply chains and digital leadership, is uniquely positioned to spearhead this transformation. Wei further emphasized that the fourth industrial revolution will not only drive economic growth, but also profoundly impact China's social structure, economic models, and the relationship between humans and nature. As I reflect on these developments, it's clear that the shift toward new quality productive forces, driven by AI, IoT and other next-generation technologies, will inevitably position China as a global innovation powerhouse. The government's proactive approach to fostering these changes is strategic, forward-thinking and deeply embedded in its broader economic goals for the next few years. The story unfolding here isn't just about economic growth — it's about reshaping the very fabric of industry and society in ways we're only just beginning to comprehend. As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on China to see how it executes this ambitious plan and whether it can truly lead the world into the next industrial revolution.
Sam Darnold completed 33 of 43 passes for a career-best 377 yards to go with three touchdowns and one interception, and the Minnesota Vikings escaped with a 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards for Minnesota (14-2), which won its ninth game in a row. Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison and Cam Akers had one touchdown reception apiece for the Vikings. Jordan Love completed 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown for Green Bay (11-5). Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson each rushed for a touchdown and Malik Heath had a touchdown catch for the Packers, who lost to the Vikings for the second time this season. Minnesota's nine-game winning streak matches its third longest in franchise history. The Vikings are enjoying their longest stretch of success since 1975, when they won 10 straight. Green Bay rallied with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull within two. Wilson scored on a 5-yard run to cut the Packers' deficit to 27-18 with 6:12 to go. Love brought Green Bay within 27-25 with 2:18 to play. He fired a 3-yard touchdown pass to Heath, who scored on a quick slant. The Vikings got the ball on the following kickoff and never gave it back to Green Bay. Darnold secured the win when he lobbed a pass to Akers for a first down to set up the victory formation. The Packers opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a 22-yard field goal by Brandon McManus. Minnesota responded to grab a 13-3 lead at the half. Darnold found Nailor for a 31-yard touchdown with 11:52 remaining in the first half. Nailor was wide open and made a basket catch near the back of the end zone. Reichard rounded out the first-half scoring with field goals from 25 yards and 50 yards. The Vikings increased their lead to 20-3 on the opening drive of the second half. Addison made a diving grab for an 18-yard touchdown. Green Bay pulled within 20-10 with 5:07 left in the third quarter. Jacobs scored on a 2-yard run. Darnold's third touchdown pass, this time to Akers, made it 27-10 in favor of the Vikings with 51 seconds remaining in the third quarter. --Field Level MediaDRIVERLESS Knight Rider-style buses are set to hit UK roads in days as thousands brace for the terrifying new concept. The self-driving motors will soon be zooming along the streets of Central Milton Keynes. 6 Self-driving buses will be trialled in Milton Keynes next week Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. a famously driverless car in Knight Rider Credit: Getty - Contributor 6 An inside look of one of the driverless vehicles Credit: smartcityconsultancy Photographs of the StreetCAV, a 'plug-and-play' shuttle, show a pod-like vehicle with bars and handles like any normal bus. Except it's almost impossible to tell which end is the front, because there's no space for a driver's seat. Instead, the entire pod has room for passengers, with seats along either side and a central door. Before it is given the green light, the buses will be trialled in the city centre in December, MK Citizen reported. read more in motors TOW THE LINE What the squares and circles on a car bumper are for HIDDEN GEMS Classic cars sat in barn for 40 years sell for 10 TIMES original value If successful, the vehicles should be ready to board its first passengers in 2025. The driverless shuttles are currently on display in the town's Smart City Experience Centre. Zenzic’s CAM Supply Chain UK programme was launched by the government to help bring the UK in the running for world-leader in development of self-driving vehicles. It has pumped money into the ambitious project, which will be lead by the Smart City Consultancy (SMCCL). Most read in Motors SHUT DOWN Crucial motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day shuts in BOTH directions Biker's code 5 motorcycle hand signals every motorbike rider should know DRIVE TIME Plymouth Barracuda signed by F1 legend set to sell for eye-watering price CHEAP AS CHIPS Best cheap cars for new drivers as millions brace for huge rule change “The StreetCAV project has been going for some time now so we are absolutely thrilled that it is finally at a stage where we can reveal it to the world," Ian Pulford, CEO at SMCCL, said. “Thanks to the partners we’ve been fortunate to involve in the project, we truly believe we have developed a solution which can change the future of urban mobility while making our towns and cities smarter, greener, and more inclusive. "We have also worked rigorously to ensure public safety. Working closely with Milton Keynes City Council, BT and ECS, we will establish a city centre control room, connected by a specifically designed communications network, provided by CableFree, which will in-turn allow the Ohmio vehicles to be supervised and managed remotely. “It really has been a fantastic project to work on and we can’t thank all of our partners and funders enough for their continued work and support.” Tesla opens 17 ‘Self-Serve’ test centres so customers can try driverless EVs Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, added: “We are proud to have supported the development of StreetCAV and to have worked with all of the partners involved in this pioneering project. “Should the trial prove a success, it could lay the foundations for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient transportation network not only for Milton Keynes, but for towns and cities across the globe. “It is a perfect example of how, by working more collaboratively and bringing together industry, academia and the public sector, the UK can lead the way in accelerating the self-driving revolution.” The Sun Online has reached out to Milton Keynes Council for comment. TICKET TO THE FUTURE Milton Keynes isn't the only town which could soon have driverless motors roaming around its streets. In early 2023, The Sun Online reported how self-driving, zero-emission shuttles will be piloted in Sunderland after receiving £6m in government and industry funding. The Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle project added it would trial three self-driving Aurrigo Auto-Shuttles. A safety driver will be on board the shuttles just in case. These futuristic-looking vehicles will transport passengers on public roads between Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University of Sunderland City Campus. The initiative is led by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Aurrigo, Stagecoach, Angoka Ltf, Newcastle University and Bai Communications. The project has received a £3m government grant matched by industry pros - which totals £6m. Liz St Louis, director of Smart Cities at Sunderland City Council, said to Chronicle Live : "Leveraging the power of 5G technology and Sunderland’s leading smart city infrastructure. Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort "The focus of our ambitious project partners is underpinned by an ethos of leaving no one and nowhere behind. "Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) will provide huge social, industrial and economic benefits across the world and we’re hugely optimistic about a technology-fuelled future, powered by local expertise, right here in Sunderland." 6 Two young passengers take in the view from outside Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 If successful, the buses will begin boarding passengers in 2025 Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 A model of one of the buses in on display in Milton Keynes' Smart City Experience Centre Credit: smartcityconsultancy