Catalonia is entering a contentious legal battle regarding its recent decision to phase out 10,000 holiday lets in Barcelona over the next five years. This initiative, aimed at addressing the pressing housing crisis in the city, has drawn the ire of the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA), which has promptly filed a complaint with the […]
Reserve Bank of India Cautions on CBDC Implementation Risks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking a cautious approach towards its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the e-rupee, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of the potential long-term effects before wider adoption. Launched in December 2022, the e-rupee’s adoption has been modest, with only 1 million retail transactions recorded by mid-2024. This […]
OpenAI and Common Sense Media Launch AI Training for Teachers
OpenAI, in collaboration with Common Sense Media, has recently unveiled a free training program aimed at empowering educators in the effective use of artificial intelligence, particularly the ChatGPT tool. This initiative is designed to equip teachers with practical skills for incorporating AI into their classrooms, enhancing both teaching methods and administrative efficiencies. The growing prevalence […]
Microsoft Accelerates AI with New Data Centre Chips
In a significant move that places Microsoft at the forefront of artificial intelligence infrastructure, the tech giant has introduced two groundbreaking data centre chips aimed at enhancing AI performance and security. Unveiled during the Ignite conference, these innovations signal Microsoft’s strategic shift towards developing its own silicon, which will ultimately reduce reliance on traditional chip […]
PayPal Expands Stablecoin Access with Xoom Partnership
In a bold move to simplify cross-border transactions, PayPal has joined forces with Xoom to enhance the accessibility of its stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), particularly in Asia and Africa. This strategic collaboration, announced on November 19, 2024, aims to address the needs of regions that often lack comprehensive banking services, fostering financial inclusion and modernizing […]
Transforming Water Management: Innovations in Sewage Sludge and PFAS Removal
The global water sector is currently facing significant challenges as it seeks to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing water quality in natural water bodies such as rivers and coastlines. A key area of concern is the sustainable management of treated sewage sludge, particularly the removal of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred […]
TikTok Faces Divestment Deadline in the US: What’s Next?
The clock is ticking for TikTok, as ByteDance—the parent company of the popular video-sharing platform—faces a crucial divestment deadline set by US authorities. Senator Richard Blumenthal has underscored that ByteDance must separate from TikTok’s US operations by January 19, 2024, or risk facing a ban on its app, a significant move driven primarily by concerns […]
UK's CMA Clears Google-Anthropic Partnership: A Turning Point in AI Regulations
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently announced its decision to not investigate the partnership between Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and the AI startup Anthropic. This ruling signals an important shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding artificial intelligence and technology collaborations, particularly in the context of competition law. Following a comprehensive review, the […]
California Passes New Law Regulating AI in Healthcare
In a significant move towards transparent healthcare practices, California has enacted Assembly Bill 3030 (AB 3030), aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in patient communication within the healthcare sector. Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, this legislation incorporates essential guidelines that ensure patients remain informed about the nature of the […]
ECB Raises Alarm on Potential AI Stock Bubble
The European Central Bank (ECB) has issued a stark warning regarding the risk of a bubble in artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks. In its latest Financial Stability Review, the ECB pointed out that a concentration of investor excitement and inflated expectations could spell significant instability for global markets, particularly in the United States. This concern arises […]
