Facing intense scrutiny and recent high-profile departures, OpenAI has launched a new safety and security committee, led by CEO Sam Altman, to oversee its AI safety initiatives. This committee, formed after the dissolution of its dedicated "superalignment" team, will conduct a 90-day review of safety protocols, aiming to reassure stakeholders about its commitment to responsible AI development.
Over 1,000 pilgrims tragically died during the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia, primarily due to extreme heat that soared above 50°C (122°F). The majority were unregistered pilgrims lacking essential facilities and medical care, underscoring the growing dangers climate change poses to this sacred journey.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set for their first 2024 presidential debate on June 27, an unusually early and highly anticipated event hosted by CNN in Atlanta. This initial showdown, featuring muted microphones and no live audience, is expected to significantly influence the campaign's narrative and address crucial concerns for both candidates.
South Korea has reactivated powerful loudspeakers along its heavily fortified border, blaring K-pop music and critical messages into North Korea, in direct retaliation for Pyongyang's recent campaign of sending hundreds of trash-filled balloons. This provocative move, reversing a 2018 de-escalation agreement, has prompted North Korea to warn of a "new response" and significantly escalates regional tensions, raising concerns about potential military clashes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly backed the US-proposed Gaza ceasefire, but crucially, he insists it hinges on the complete destruction of Hamas's military and governing power. This firm condition creates a major divergence from the internationally supported three-phase plan, which aims for a permanent end to hostilities, especially as Hamas also seeks clearer guarantees for a full Israeli withdrawal.
The Bank of Japan announced a reduction in bond purchases, signaling a cautious but significant move towards normalizing its ultra-loose monetary policy while keeping interest rates unchanged. This gradual approach, deferring a detailed plan until July, disappointed some market participants and led to a sharp weakening of the Japanese yen.
