Author: space4knews

News Summary: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, describing it as an alliance founded on democracy and shared values. Carney emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between Canada and Europe in critical areas such as minerals, defense, artificial intelligence, energy, space, and payment systems. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose heavy tariffs or halt trade with Europe if the proposal moves forward.

September 18, Kathmandu: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union (EU)’s first associate member. He stated that such an alliance aims to uphold democracy and is not intended to assert dominance over others. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Carney endorsed the ambitious proposal put forth by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to grant Canada associate membership.

Amid applause from European parliamentarians, Carney remarked, “We are not just partners in prosperity. We do not pursue zero-sum agreements. We uphold shared values that we have always fought for and must remain vigilant to defend.” He added, “Canada and Europe are strong in their own right, but together, we become even stronger.”

“I am not proposing a third bloc to rival the great powers,” he clarified. “We are not seeking power to dominate others. On the contrary, we seek an elevated partnership that prevents anyone from controlling our open markets, undermining sovereignty, threatening territorial integrity, or ignoring our freedom, democracy, and rule of law.”

Canada’s Proposal to Enhance Cooperation

Carney outlined areas where Canada wishes to deepen collaboration with Europe. He said, “Canada and Europe must secure our strategic autonomy through comprehensive cooperation across critical sectors including key minerals, defense industrial capacity, artificial intelligence and computing, energy security, space, and payment systems.” He called for advancing towards seamless digital trade between the EU and Canada and enabling youth from both sides of the Atlantic to work and study across regions.

Trump’s Displeasure and Warning

In light of intense competition and pressure from the Trump administration as well as the rise of assertive China, the EU and Canada face various challenges. Late Wednesday, US President Donald Trump threatened severe measures should the proposal for Canadian associate EU membership proceed. Dismissing the plan as “ridiculous,” Trump told reporters, “If they do this and I perceive it as a hostile act, I will impose very serious tariffs or stop a lot of trade with Europe.”

He continued, “If it is done with good intentions, that’s fine. But if done with bad intentions, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe.”

European Commission Clarifies Intent

Meanwhile, the European Commission has clarified that von der Leyen’s proposal is not a hostile action. The plan is still in the developmental stage and requires approval from EU member states before moving forward. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill stated, “As our President made clear yesterday, the proposal to strengthen partnership with Canada is not against anyone but for our shared strength.”

(With contributions from agencies)

A 10-year study conducted on 1,396 elderly individuals in Japan revealed that excessive gum bleeding and gum recession can increase the risk of dementia by more than 50 percent. Among the participants, 267 were diagnosed with dementia and 194 with Alzheimer’s disease. Those experiencing the most severe gum problems exhibited a 54 percent and 61 percent higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. The researchers emphasized that as this was an observational study, causation cannot be confirmed and larger, more diverse studies are needed to verify the results.

This decade-long monitoring investigation of nearly 1,400 elderly participants in Japan showed that gum bleeding and gum shrinkage are significant factors linked to an elevated risk of dementia, exceeding 50 percent. Globally, the burden of dementia is rapidly increasing. While there were approximately 20 million dementia patients in 1990, the number rose to 40.4 million by 2016. With aging populations in many regions worldwide, this number is projected to surpass 152 million by 2050.

In the study, researchers assessed the brain health of 1,396 dementia-free Japanese adults aged 60 and over and tracked their condition for 10 years. During this period, 267 individuals developed dementia, with 194 confirmed cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists noted that those with the most severe gum bleeding issues had a 54 percent higher likelihood of developing dementia within the following decade.

The researchers stated, “These findings highlight the potential importance of preventing gum disease in reducing dementia risk from a public health perspective. Improving gum health through periodontal care may help lower the chances of developing dementia.” They also acknowledged limitations of the study, noting that it was restricted to residents of one municipality in Japan, which may limit the generalizability of the conclusions.

The rapid advancement of AI and its potential risks to human civilization have sparked widespread global debate, with increasing calls for discussions at higher levels. Leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the technology sector have expressed serious concerns about the short-term and long-term impacts of AI. On one hand, AI is touted as a technology that can ease human life, while on the other, warnings have been raised about its potential to obliterate all of humanity. According to international news agencies, recent days have seen serious claims related to AI security emerging. These include warnings that the risk of human extinction due to AI could be as high as 10 percent, that AI might be more dangerous than nuclear weapons, and that AI-powered botnets could potentially cripple the entire internet infrastructure. However, some experts analyze these claims as either business strategies of large tech firms or exaggerated fears.

On September 12, Dario Amodei, CEO of AI research company Anthropic, issued a grave warning. He stated that within the next 6 to 12 months, a new form of AI might take control of the entire internet system through persistent botnets, potentially causing economic damages worth billions of dollars. However, Gary Marcus, professor at New York University and AI analyst, cautioned against fully believing this claim. According to him, it is irrational to think the entire internet system could be so easily compromised without extreme negligence in technology laboratories.

During a discussion on the P(Doom) podcast on September 9, Anthropic’s head of alignment science, Evan Hubinger, stated, “The probability that AI could destroy humanity in the coming decade is more than 10 percent.” However, experts like Heidi Khalaf, the chief scientist at AI Now Institute, are skeptical of such percentage-based forecasts. She remarked, “These claims cannot be tested or verified; therefore, they cannot be regarded as scientific.”

On September 10, billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk described the intense discourse around AI risks as a planned psy-op (psychological operation). According to Musk, the urging by large AI companies for strict government regulation is a strategic move to block new and smaller competitors from entering the market. US Vice President J.D. Vance similarly expressed skepticism, calling it strange that major AI companies are lobbying for regulation and likening it to a Trojan horse.

On September 7, former UK Defense Secretary Des Browne stated, “Superintelligent AI could be as lethal as nuclear weapons or even more so.” Nevertheless, the key point remains that such superintelligent AI does not yet exist. According to the AI Futures Project, the probability of such AI emerging before December 2028 is low, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman has suggested it might take until 2035.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on September 8, “If China gains the lead in the AI race, it would be an irreparable blow to the United States.” This statement frames AI as a decisive weapon akin to nuclear arms during the Cold War. Anthropic’s Amodei has also warned that “China’s lead could pose a global threat.”

–From The Guardian

September 18, Kathmandu — In an effort to free its citizens from the increasing use of smartphones and short videos, the Singapore government has launched an unusual campaign that pays people to read books. The initiative is part of a five-year National Reading Mission. Under this mission, citizens are required to read at least 15 minutes daily. Reading time registered on the government website earns points, which can be redeemed for cash rewards. The primary goal is to revive the habit of reading among the population.

The constant use of phones and watching short videos has made it difficult for many to focus on books or longer texts for extended periods. The government aims to change this behavior. For every 15 minutes spent reading, participants earn 20 virtual coins. Only one reading session can be registered per day. Those who consistently read 15 minutes daily for 50 days will accumulate 1,000 coins, roughly equivalent to one Singapore dollar (about 120 Nepali rupees). This year, the government has set a target of 7.5 million reading minutes nationwide.

To encourage participation, approximately 1.82 crore Nepali rupees worth of prizes will be distributed. The National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore has designed this program with a game-like reward system to make reading engaging. Citizens can register their daily reading time on the CrowdTask SG website. The more time spent reading, the more coins earned, which can then be converted into cash. Instead of scrolling through reels and short videos, the government hopes people will dedicate some time to reading books.

Melissa Tam, head of the National Library Board, explained that although short videos deliver quick information, watching many in sequence can tire the brain. Reading books and longer articles helps develop focus, critical thinking, and imagination skills. That is why the government set the initial goal at just 15 minutes per day.

Youths generally read only to pass exams. According to research analyst Isaac Neo, children and young people face significant pressure regarding study and exams. As a result, they often read solely to pass tests, losing the habit of reading for peace of mind and pleasure.

This motivated Neo to start the Modern Mens Book Club in 2025, aimed at reconnecting young people with books. But can paying people cultivate a lasting reading habit? Experts have varying opinions on the program. Psychologist Charissa Ng believes that while monetary incentives may motivate those who already have some interest in reading, they won’t inspire people with no prior inclination to persist long-term. However, book experts note that small rewards can initially motivate readers, and over time, interest may develop. In other words, the Singapore government’s initiative is not only about distributing some money but about encouraging citizens to spend at least 15 minutes daily away from their phones and closer to books.

When editorially reviewing recent developments, the V-Dem Institute’s 2026 Democracy Report reveals a decline in the United States’ democracy index and notes that freedom of expression is at its lowest point since World War II. The report identifies the US and 43 other countries as moving towards authoritarianism, highlighting that among the world’s five most populous countries, India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan are already under authoritarian regimes. Researchers point out that the Trump administration intensified attacks on the media, education sector, and civil liberties, while courts can still play a crucial role in checking authoritarian measures. October 18, Kathmandu.

The V-Dem Institute, based in Sweden, published a new report indicating a persistent decline in the US democracy index. As a leading democracy research organization, the institute stated in this latest report, “There has never been a comparable rapid deterioration of democracy in the US in modern history.” The institute attributes the decline largely to growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression of the media and dissenting voices.

According to researchers, the US now ranks at its lowest level of freedom of expression since the Second World War. The 2026 annual Democracy Report by V-Dem classifies the US along with 43 other countries as descending into authoritarianism. Using data from 202 countries and territories, the researchers compiled a Liberal Democracy Index. This year’s report paints a bleak picture of increasing authoritarianism restricting citizens’ rights.

V-Dem, located at the University of Gothenburg, receives financial support from the European Commission, the World Bank, and other organizations. It has faced criticism from right-wing commentators accusing it of being ‘Soros-funded’.

The assessment reveals that among the five most populous nations, India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan have already shifted into authoritarian regimes. The fifth nation, the US, saw its ‘Liberal Democracy’ status erode in the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, effectively relegating it to an ‘Electoral Democracy’.

Researchers note that the foundation for this decline was laid during Trump’s first term, but during the second term, efforts to centralize authority in the presidency accelerated. They report diminished protections for civil rights and a reduction in legislative oversight, as Republican-held legislatures assert stronger control.

V-Dem’s report explains that censorship has become a favored tool for authoritarian rulers. It highlights that freedom of expression is typically the first to be undermined as countries slide toward authoritarianism.

In nearly 40 countries including the US, self-censorship within the media is emerging as a significant problem. Trump has repeatedly accused news organizations and other institutions of bias against him. Nonetheless, freedom of expression in the US remains stronger than in many other countries.

The report also documents the Trump administration’s assaults on media, education, and civil liberties. However, researchers emphasize that courts, including the Supreme Court, can serve as key barriers to authoritarian actions undertaken by the administration.

Summary: Anthropic has released a report claiming that an Iran-linked group attempted to target the US Navy using artificial intelligence (AI) developed in the United States. The group reportedly used cloud-based AI to gather public data to identify Navy positions and potential targets. Anthropic blocked the involved accounts and provided relevant information to the US government, while experts warn such incidents could increase in frequency.

Kathmandu, September 18 – CBS News, in an exclusive report, revealed that an Iran-affiliated group planned attacks against the US Navy employing artificial intelligence (AI). This group attempted to use AI technology developed domestically in the US to specifically target the Navy.

The report was published last week by a company named Anthropic. While the group’s identity was not disclosed, Anthropic classified it as a “risk-inducing organization.” The group utilized cloud-based AI technology to collect publicly available data from the internet. Through this technology, they sought to determine the US Navy’s positions and mark potential target zones.

Anthropic subsequently blocked the associated accounts and shared necessary intelligence with the US government. Experts caution that such activities could increase as adversaries increasingly employ AI effectively in their attack strategies.

According to specialists, Anthropic’s findings align with Iran’s strategic objectives. Iran has been extensively using technology in its conflicts with the United States and Israel.

The ‘White Knight Corps’ of Jammu, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, conducted a joint operation in the Brattal area of Udhampur, resulting in the death of two militants. The army initiated the operation around 9 PM on Wednesday night based on intelligence inputs, and despite adverse weather and poor visibility, the search operation continues. No details have been released regarding the identities or affiliations of the slain militants, as security forces remain deployed in the area to identify and neutralize any remaining threats.

The Indian Army’s Jammu-based ‘White Knight Corps’ shared via an X post that the joint operation was carried out around midnight between September 16 and 17 in Brattal, Udhampur. The operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating the presence of militants in the area. The army stated, “The operation is still ongoing, with search and surveillance activities underway. Security forces are deployed to detect and eliminate any remaining threats.” Udhampur district hosts the Indian Army’s strategic Northern Command and an air force base. Following last year’s attack in Pahalgam, India had launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a countermeasure.