At the UN's INC-5 in Busan, over 100 nations tried to clamp down on plastic production, but oil powerhouses like Saudi Arabia threw a wrench in the works. With global plastic waste hitting 220M tons in 2024 and set to nearly triple by 2060, delays are no small potatoes. The EU, led by Hungary’s Anikó Raisz, remains determined, while environmentalists worry the planet might just ‘break up’ with plastic. Next negotiation date? Still floating in limbo.

In a plot twist no one wanted, UNRWA halted aid through Kerem Shalom crossing as armed gangs made off with nearly 100 trucks last November. Philippe Lazzarini demands Israel step up security, while Gaza’s 1.9 million residents face a looming famine this rainy winter. With 80% relying on international help, the blockade’s tightening grip has economists weeping and the ICC issuing warrants over alleged war crimes. Time’s ticking for a ceasefire before hunger throws its own dark party.

On December 1, 2024, major Canadian news outlets like the Toronto Star, CBC, and Globe and Mail sued OpenAI, accusing the company of unlawfully scraping their content to train ChatGPT without permission or compensation. Seeking potentially billions in damages, the publishers argue this undermines journalism's investment. OpenAI defends its actions under fair use, highlighting existing licensing deals with some media. This landmark case echoes similar US lawsuits and tests Canada’s Online News Act in the AI landscape.

Get ready, gamers! Intel is gearing up to unveil its Battlemage GPUs, Arc B570 and B580, on December 3rd at 9 AM ET via their YouTube channel. The Arc B570 packs 18 raytracing cores and 10GB GDDR6 memory, aiming to challenge the Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti around the $250 mark. Launching on December 12th, these dual-slot cards could finally bring some relief to the budget GPU market, sparking fresh competition after a long scarcity. Gaming just got interesting!

About 6 million years ago, the Mediterranean Sea nearly vanished during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, shedding nearly 70% of its water in two intense phases. Tectonic antics shut the Strait of Gibraltar, exposing land bridges and wiping out 89% of marine species. The saga ended around 5.33 MYA with the Zanclean megaflood, unleashing a waterfall taller than Angel Falls. Today’s saltier Mediterranean echoes this epic tale, offering lessons for our current environmental quests.

Japan is set to harness next-gen perovskite solar cells, targeting 20 GW by 2040—matching 20 nuclear reactors. As part of its net-zero by 2050 plan, the government leverages its iodine prowess to stabilize supply chains. While durability and costs pose challenges, subsidies kick in by 2025. Sekisui Chemical teams with Tokyo Electric for 2025 commercial launches, aiming for flexible installations on Tokyo’s high-rises. With cost goals dropping from JPY20/W to JPY10/W by 2040, Japan eyes a bright solar export future.

Stark County has enlisted ZeroEyes' AI to monitor existing cameras for firearms, sending alerts to police within 3-5 seconds. Handling over three billion images daily, this tech hero boosts safety in schools and public spaces across 43 states. With military-trained vets verifying alerts at the ZeroEyes Operations Center, integration is a breeze—no new hardware needed. Recognized by Homeland Security and even tackling drone threats, ZeroEyes proves that sometimes, brains are mightier than bullets.

Honda launched Haru, a charming 12-inch AI-powered robot, at Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville. Since its debut, emotional and cognitive assessments have skyrocketed from 510 to an estimated 4,500 annually. Impressively, 95% of young cancer patients report increased engagement in their rehab programs. By analyzing biometric data and sporting expressive faces, Haru is not just a tech marvel but a heartwarming companion. Expect more Harus rolling out in hospitals next year!

Looking ahead to Dec 3, Marvell Technology eyes a stock lift with its earnings report, riding the AI chip wave. While Nvidia holds the crown, Marvell's 3nm custom AI chips and projected $1.5B AI revenue by 2026 make it a chip off the old block. Analysts predict Marvell securing over 10% of the $90B AI accelerator market. Investors, buckle up for a potential silicon-based joyride!