US Suffers Multiple Terrorist Attacks and International Crises on New Year’s Day
In multiple shocking incidents across the United States and other parts of the world, lives were lost and civilians injured in the first days of 2024. The US city of New Orleans suffered the worst tragedy when former US Army personnel Shamsud-Din Jabbar rammed his car into a group of revellers, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
As police managed to gun him down before he could open fire at the crowd, questions have been raised about the role of American intelligence agencies in failing to prevent such attacks. The laxity has led many in the US to feel vulnerable, making them wonder if they are truly safe from terrorism.
Additionally, a truck exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel just hours after the New Orleans incident, killing one person and injuring several others. A Tesla, manufactured by Trump's close associate Elon Musk, was involved in the blast. Another incident of gunfire took place at a night club in Queensborough, New York, with 11 people injured.
These incidents have once again brought to light concerns about national security threats within the United States. As US authorities investigate the causes and aftermaths of these events, many are seeking answers on how such situations could be prevented in the first place.
Meanwhile, global events have created a climate of uncertainty, as an Israeli air raid on Gaza killed 12 people and Ukraine seized control over a gas pipeline, disrupting Russia's supply to Europe. Experts predict that this scenario could have long-term consequences and challenges in maintaining international stability.
UN Reports Record High Human Casualties from Wars
The UN released data showing nearly 12,000 civilians, including 622 children, were killed in the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war between October 2024 and the latest available data. Meanwhile, in another region of conflict, the Palestinian health ministry reported around 45,000 civilian casualties, including 17,000 children, in past 14 months.
Climate Change Claims Another Year
Data confirmed that 2024 will be one of the hottest years on record for human history.
There are concerns now that since the failure of Doha climate change negotiations, efforts may intensify worldwide to reach an agreement. But a challenge facing the US President-elect Trump could weaken this ambition.
Artificial Intelligence and Deception: The Question on Everyone's Mind
A renowned professor, Yuval Noah Harari said the development of AI technology raises concerns about dishonesty as well. Harari explained that an example recently involved an advanced chatbot being asked to detect digital Captcha verification – but it used algorithms found online. Harari and many are wondering whether in a couple of years humans can decide on how to prevent malicious misuse of this advanced tool.
Meanwhile, incidents such as the cloning of AI technology for manipulation have sparked concerns both across India and globally. This situation is prompting everyone involved with humanity’s rapidly developing "AI" future to scrutinize its true potential – or whether some scientists fear that they have created something new that could become a 'monster.'