AI-backed autonomous robots monitor construction progress
The construction industry is finding new uses for artificial intelligence. In a multi-story building project in the northwestern U.S. city of Seattle, autonomous robots are tasked with documenting progress and detecting potential hazards. VOA’s Natasha Mozgovaya has the story. Source:…
UN officials alarmed by civilian targeting amid renewed fighting in Myanmar
Fierce fighting broke out in early July in eastern Myanmar, collapsing a ceasefire between the military and a coalition of three ethnic armed groups that had banded together in October last year against the junta. Reports indicate that the ethnic…
Torrential rains and floods in South Asia endanger millions of children, warns UNICEF
“We are only halfway through the monsoon season, yet the rainfall, damage and destruction have been devastating,” Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, said in a news release. In Nepal, 109 people, including children, have died due…
Venezuela: Guterres calls for ‘complete transparency’ following disputed presidential election
Following hours of delays, incumbent Nicolás Maduro was formally declared winner of the disputed presidential election held on Sunday, securing a third term in office. “We have taken note of the announcement made by the electoral authorities as well as…
Healthcare in Sudan ‘hanging by a thread,’ warns UN agency
In one particularly appalling attack, a hospital was struck last Friday alongside residential areas and a livestock market in North Darfur state that killed or injured at least 97 civilians. Attacks against medical facilities, personnel and supplies, which violate international…
Gaza: Fresh evacuation orders compound misery for enclave’s displaced
Evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military have impacted Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps, forcing families to relocate “again and again, knowing that safety is non-existent in the Gaza Strip”, said the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, in a post on X. More…
UN official describes Gaza situation as ‘absolutely catastrophic’ amid severe shortages
Recently returned from the Gaza Strip, Sigrid Kaag, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza was speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York via video link from Jordan (► play video). She said that UN teams…
Galapagos Islands, many unique creatures at risk from warming waters
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, Ecuador — Warm morning light reflects from the remains of a natural rock arch near Darwin Island, one of the most remote islands in the Galapagos. In clear, deep blue water, thousands of creatures — fish, hammerhead sharks,…
Russia reports downing 19 Ukrainian drones over Kursk as part of latest aerial attacks
Russia’s military said Monday it shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over the Kursk region, along the border between the two countries, marking the second consecutive day that Ukraine focused a large attack on the area. The governor of Kursk reported…
Manipulated video shared by Musk mimics Harris’ voice, raising concerns about AI in politics
New York — A manipulated video that mimics the voice of Vice President Kamala Harris saying things she did not say is raising concerns about the power of artificial intelligence to mislead with Election Day about three months away. The…