What is Oligarchy?

An oligarchy is a form of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals, families, or entities. These elites exercise control over decision-making, often prioritizing their interests over the broader populace. Derived from the Greek words oligos (few) and arkhein (to rule), oligarchies manifest in various political, economic, and … Read more

USA Plans New ‘External Revenue Service’ to Transform Foreign Revenue Collection

President-elect Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new federal agency, the “External Revenue Service” (ERS), set to launch on January 20, 2025. The agency aims to revolutionize how America collects foreign-sourced revenue, including tariffs and duties. Key aspects of the announcement: The Transition Plan: Trump’s economic team, led by Treasury Secretary nominee Scott … Read more

What is the AlphaFold AI Model?

For decades, predicting the 3D structure of proteins from their amino acid sequence has been a grand challenge in biology. This intricate folding process dictates a protein’s function, making it crucial for understanding biological processes and developing new medicines. Now, thanks to Google DeepMind’s groundbreaking creation, AlphaFold, this challenge is being met with unprecedented accuracy. … Read more

Uncovering the ‘Dinosaur Highway’: A Window into the Jurassic Era

A limestone quarry in Oxfordshire, UK, has earned the nickname “dinosaur highway” due to the discovery of hundreds of dinosaur footprints dating back to the Middle Jurassic Period, around 166 million years ago. Known as Dewars Farm Quarry, the site offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these prehistoric giants. A Historic Discovery In … Read more

What is USA AI Diffusion Rules?

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden recently unveiled comprehensive regulations aimed at controlling the global diffusion of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These new measures tighten controls on AI model weights, chip exports, and compute purchasing while fostering secure partnerships with allied nations. While designed to safeguard national security and maintain America’s technological leadership, the rules … Read more

Hundreds Starving, Dying in South Africa Gold Mine

Illegal mining—often a byproduct of unregulated or abandoned mine sites—is a persistent issue in South Africa. The recent tragedy at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine near Stilfontein has highlighted the grim realities of informal mining practices, governance failures, and human rights concerns. With reports of over 100 deaths and more than 500 miners still trapped underground … Read more

What is NATO’s Baltic Sentry Mission?

NATO has announced the launch of a new military initiative, “Baltic Sentry,” aimed at bolstering the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. The initiative was unveiled during a high-profile Summit of Baltic Sea Allies in Helsinki, co-hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, and Prime Minister Kristen … Read more

Philippines Challenges China’s ‘Monster Ship’ in South China Sea

Philippines accused China of intimidating its fishermen and normalizing an “illegal presence” by sending its largest coast guard vessel, the 165-m (541-ft) ship 5901, into Manila’s maritime zone near the Scarborough Shoal. This incident is part of rising tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims exist between China and the Philippines. China’s … Read more