Politics/Conflict: An update on the war in Ukraine — Russia sends over biggest drone barrage in weeks
On November 3, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with approximately 40 kamikaze drones and a cruise missile. Ukraine’s air forces claim to have shot down the missile along with more than half of the drones. No casualties were reported, but the attack caused damage to the infrastructure and buildings, some of which caught fire. The “New York Times” reported that Russia has recently increased its drone assaults against Ukraine, targeting it with nearly 650 Iranian-made Shahed drones in the past two months, compared with about 450 in July and August. According to “Politico,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted these assaults as a campaign to weaken Ukrainian air defenses in preparation for potential actions during winter. Since Ukraine has a limited number of air defense systems, some areas of the country are more protected than others. To prepare for new assaults, Kyiv has in recent weeks confirmed several promises from European leaders to send more air defense systems. Germany and the Netherlands said last month that they would provide Ukraine with more Patriot systems and support, reported the “New York Times.”
Sports: A look at the 2023 Ballon d’Or winners
The Ballon d’Or, or “Golden Ball,” is an award given annually to the most prestigious individual soccer player. Lionel Messi, at the age of 36, was awarded the prize on Monday, October 30, for the eighth time in his career, and for the first time since joining Inter Miami, a member team of Major League Soccer, in July. According to “ESPN” he had previously won six Ballon d’Or awards while playing for Barcelona and one during his time with PSG. He earned the award for his performance during the World Cup in Qatar, where he scored seven goals, including two in the final against France, reported “Time.” Aitana Bonmatí from Spain became the winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or for her outstanding play in the Champions League and the World Cup, where she was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Bonmatí also guided Barcelona to victory in the Women’s Champions League and Spanish League, reported “Time.” The Ballon d’Or awards are determined by votes from 100 soccer journalists from 100 countries and cover performances from August 2022 to July 2023, according to the “New York Times.”
Tech: First Global AI Summit Produces Declaration Signed by 28 Countries
United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the world’s first summit on AI security at Bletchley Park Manor on November 1 and 2. According to the “Financial Times” in a report several days before the summit, it was initially devoted exclusively to national security risks but was expanded to cover everything from deepfakes to healthcare. On Wednesday, November 1, the British Government released the Bletchley Declaration, a document carrying the signatures of the 28 countries attending the meeting. The document outlined a resolution for international cooperation regarding future AI regulations but did not establish any concrete policy goals, reported the “New York Times.” While the meeting emphasizes the dangers of uncontrolled generative AIs, Sunak and other governments are avoiding outright regulation, instead seeking to explore “best practice” criteria for private companies, reported the “Financial Times.” A second summit in South Korea will be held in six months.
Humanitarian: Textile Workers in Bangladesh Demand Better Wages
Following a 12-day strike by textile workers in Bangladesh, factories reopened on Sunday, November 5 after the government promised workers a higher minimum wage, reported the “Daily Star.” The minimum wage in Bangladesh’s fashion sector is 8,300 taka a month, or around 75 dollars, and has not been reevaluated for five years. While the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has offered workers a 25 percent pay increase of 2075 taka (18.75 dollars), workers are demanding a 23,000-taka (209-dollar) raise, according to the “Hindu.” During the strike, hundreds of textile factories closed, and striking protesters took to the streets. Thousands of protesting workers were met by police, who used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters near the capital, reported “AP News.” Police response caused two fatalities among Bangladeshi workers, sparking outrage. The minimum wage committee will meet on November 7 to announce a final salary. Workers representative Sirajul Islam Rony told the “Daily Star” that he planned to continue pushing for a 20,393 taka raise, and various members of the board have proposed similar minimum wage amounts, reports the “Daily Star.”
