The recent Nobel Prize wins in Physics and Chemistry have shed light on the critical need for effective regulation of artificial intelligence. With AI technology being recognized as a key driver of scientific advancement and receiving attention from governments and industries worldwide, defining its purpose and ensuring ethical use are necessary for its integration into society. However, concerns remain over potential risks and the need for responsible practices, including regulations. As the U.S. government approves the export of advanced AI chips to the UAE, the importance of regulating AI becomes even more pressing.
King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway will not be attending this year's Nobel Peace Prize Banquet, marking the king's first absence since 2003. The Norwegian monarch and his wife were expected to attend the ceremony, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be absent. However, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will still be in attendance. This is only the second time in the 21st century that King Harald has missed a royal event, with the previous time being due to a medical procedure for bladder cancer. This news is especially surprising as the Royal Family usually makes it a point to attend events held in their home country.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
Hindus in Bangladesh took to the streets demanding the release of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu after he was detained by officials and taken to an undisclosed location. Protests turned violent when unknown miscreants attacked protesters in Dhaka and Chittagong, leading to injuries of over 20 people. Sources suggest that the arrest was a ploy by the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to target the minority Hindu community.
MIT Economics professors Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson, along with University of Chicago political scientist James Robinson, have been awarded the 2024 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for their groundbreaking research on the relationship between political systems and economic growth. Their long-term collaboration has shown that inclusive governments, which prioritize individual rights and the rule of law, foster greater economic activity and sustained technological innovation. This recognition of their work highlights the importance of promoting inclusive political institutions for long-term economic growth.
Today marks the birth anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, the renowned physicist who made history as the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. Raman's early interest in science, nurtured by his father who was a lecturer in mathematics and physics, led him to pioneering research on the scattering of light, also known as the Raman Effect. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the study of material properties and molecular structure, solidifying Raman's legacy in the scientific community.
The Japanese organization, Nihon Hidankyo, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in raising awareness about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons and their role in establishing a global movement for nuclear disarmament. The organization consists of survivors, known as Hibakusha, who experienced first-hand the devastation of the 1945 atom bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The decision by the United States to drop the bombs has been heavily criticized, but it also sparked a race for nuclear weapons among major powers, making the Hibakusha's efforts even more crucial in achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen criticized the Indian government upon his arrival in Kolkata, highlighting issues such as wrongful imprisonments, economic disparities, and the need for political open-mindedness and secularism. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues and promoting a more inclusive and democratic society. This statement comes amid the Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's loss to TMC candidate Yusuf Pathan in the Baharampur constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
British-Americans Simon Johnson and James Robinson and Turkish-American Daron Acemoglu have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for their groundbreaking work on the role of political and economic institutions in a nation's prosperity. Their research debunks traditional notions that attribute economic success to geography or culture, highlighting the significance of inclusive institutions in fostering sustained growth. Bangladesh's journey from being one of the poorest nations to a thriving economy is a prime example of the impact of strong institutions. The Nobel laureates' work serves as a reminder of the importance of building inclusive institutions for long-term development.
Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A Robinson were awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for their groundbreaking research on the role of societal institutions in a country's prosperity. This award highlights the importance of having effective rule of law and institutions that prioritize the well-being of the population. The announcement of the prize coincided with the announcement of the other five Nobel Prizes, despite some controversy surrounding its inclusion as a "Nobel" category. In a separate incident, a university student in India spoke out about her alleged assault by a cab driver, further emphasizing the importance of safe and just societal institutions.