Musk says Tesla to use humanoid robots next year
Tesla boss Elon Musk says the electric car maker will start producing and using humanoid robots from next year.
In a social media post, Mr Musk said the robots will first be used by Tesla, which will start making them to sell in 2026.
The technology billionaire had previously said he expected the robot, called Optimus, to be ready for use in Tesla factories by the end of this year.
Other firms, including Honda and Boston Dynamics, have also been developing their humanoid robots.
"Tesla will have genuinely useful humanoid robots in low production for Tesla internal use next year and, hopefully, high production for other companies in 2026," Mr Musk said on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
It came just a day before Tesla was due to release its latest financial results.
The company's shares ended Monday's trading session in New York up by more than 5%.
The company has said it aims to build an "autonomous humanoid robot" to perform "unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks." Mr Musk has previously said Tesla aimed for the robots to be mass-produced and cost less than $20,000 (£17,900) each.
He is known for setting ambitious timelines for his companies, which he has not always met.
In 2019, he said he felt "very confident" Tesla would have self-driving taxis on the road by the following year. Earlier this year, Mr Musk said the long-awaited robotaxi would be unveiled on 8 August.
Last week, he appeared to confirm a report that the event would be delayed. Mr. Musk did not give a new date but said he had requested a change to the front of the vehicle.
“The extra time allows us to show off a few other things,” he wrote.
Source-BBC
TCIG SHARES POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT FOR JUNE 10, 2024
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, chaired the 21st meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 10th July 2024 at the Premier’s Office, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, commencing at 10:00 a.m.
All members of the Cabinet were present except for the Ministers of Tourism, Health and Human Services and Home Affairs.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the appointment of Mrs. Latisha Williams-Bruce, attorney-at-law, as an alternate Chairman of the National Insurance Board Appeals Tribunal for a period of two (2) years with immediate effect.
- Granted approval of a new Import Duty Concession Order for Waterloo Hotel Management Ltd. (The Alexandra) with a new completion date of 31 January 2025.
- Approved the amendment to the TCI National Wealth Fund Ordinance in Section 19(2)(a)(b) Establishment and Composition of the Board; Section 33(4)(a)(b) under the Procedure for Meetings for the Attorney General and Permanent Secretary to nominate a proxy.
- Reviewed and approved the proposed increase for the Legislative Retiring Allowance Plan to progress to the House of Assembly, to affect a 20% increase in retiring allowance.
- Received a presentation on the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Carrying Capacity Model.
- Approved to make a cash donation to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) of 250k each to Jamaica, St. Vincent and Grenada following the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Proceeds of the donation were authorized from the contingency fund.
- Approved a stamp duty remission application regarding purchases made by Palace Resorts.
- Noted information from the Ministry of Tourism on the hotels and restaurants that are scheduled to close during the 2024 off-peak season.
- Approved the rental lease agreement for the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, Butterfield Square, Providenciales.
- Approved the appointment of the following persons to the Cadet Advisory Committee for one (1) year:
- Commandant as the chairman - (Act. Commandant - Nimrol Beckles)
- Permanent Secretary of Youth or his/her designate
- Senior Police Officer not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner
- Director of Youth – Mrs. Jasmine Parker
- The Officer Second in Command of the Cadet Corp - Chaka Skippings
- Secondary Education Officer – Mr. Reinwald Lewis or designated member
- Member – Jerome Caley
- Member – Michael Baptiste
- Member – Desiree Downes
- Secretary - A staff officer of the Cadet Corps
- Approved the Planning Application PR 1690 for a change in use from open space for the construction of two – two-story apartment buildings to be taken through the required process.
- Approved the Planning Application PR 17036, for the subdivision of parcel 60002/391 zoned as open space to create seventeen (17) residential parcels to be taken through the required process.
- Approved the re-establishment of members and the appointment of Ms. Danielle Rigby as secretary to the Adoption Committee for one (1) year.
- Approved the change to the appointment of the Secretary of the Safeguarding Children’s Board. Appointing Ms. Tamara Handfield as secretary of the Board for one (1) year.
- Approved the request to exempt work permit fees for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College educators in line with the established policy for private-sector educators.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
MOE HOSTS ITS FIRST SESSION OF SOFT SKILLS TRAINING FOR INTERNS
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture recently organized its inaugural soft skills training sessions for interns involved in the third phase of the TCI National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme. These sessions took place on July 11th and 12th on the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk, respectively. The turnout was impressive, with over 80 interns attending 55 in Providenciales and 27 in Grand Turk.
During these sessions, the interns received interactive training on various critical topics, including the importance of and strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace, effective networking techniques for career development, key leadership qualities and styles, customer service skills, collaboration, effective communication, complex problem-solving, and critical thinking.
The integration of soft skills training into the programme addresses the skills gap identified in the 2017 National Skills Audit, which highlighted a need for development in these areas among the workforce. The Ministry's goal is to equip interns and apprentices with these essential skills to enhance their contributions to the talent pool of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
To facilitate these sessions, the Ministry enlisted the expertise of Ms. Melanie D. Smith, founder and CEO of Talent Recruitment Group, and Ms. Sheba Wilson, a leadership coach and HR consultant from Sheba Wilson Ltd. Their involvement ensured that the Ministry's learning objectives were effectively met.
The Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, H.E. Anya Williams, attended the sessions and spoke to the interns about the numerous opportunities within the public service. She highlighted various departments and ministries needing specific skill sets and encouraged the interns to consider the public sector as a viable career path. Drawing from her own experience, she shared her journey from an intern to becoming Deputy Governor at the age of 32, emphasizing the importance of seizing such opportunities.
“I want to provide the same opportunity to young persons in the Turks and Caicos, and I believe it is my role and responsibility to encourage youth to consider the public sector as an option,” said H.E. Anya Williams.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, also attended the training. She spoke about the purpose of the soft skills training sessions and their connection to the National Skills Audit of 2017. She discussed recent amendments to the scholarship policy, which mandate that students return after studying abroad. Noting that only 72 out of 760 scholarship recipients had returned, she stressed that these policies aim to continually build human capacity in the Turks and Caicos Islands and encourage young islanders to take up government positions.
"Our strategic investment in soft skills training for our interns aligns with our national development goals, ensuring our youth are equipped to drive growth and innovation in the Turks and Caicos Islands," said Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor.
The Ministry of Education expressed gratitude to partnering employers who provide placement opportunities for participants in the program.
PROTECTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN: OUR TOP PRIORITY
The Ministry of Education has been made aware of an allegation of inappropriate behavior at one of our camps, and we want to assure the public that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.
We are working closely with the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) unit, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, and other relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Education is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct and remains committed to ensuring that all educational environments, including our camps, are safe and respectful for all participants. This dedication is unwavering and forms the foundation of our work.
The Ministry of Education reiterates its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in educational programs. We want to reassure the public of this commitment, which is at the core of our mission.
Pelosi endorses Harris but Jeffries stops short
On Monday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave her much-anticipated endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party's nominee for president, the most significant endorsement yet in the high-stakes political drama.
Her public backing of Harris came about 24 hours after President Joe Biden's announcement he was bowing out of the 2024 race.
"The wisdom and leadership of President Joe Biden has truly blessed America. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment,” Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement. “Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country's future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.”
While Pelosi did not publicly call on Biden to withdraw from the race, her ambiguous public comments created the space over the past three weeks for rank-and-file Democrats to pressure the president to drop out.
But, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stopped short of endorsing Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee, but said on Monday that he plans to meet with her and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer "in short order."
Jeffries praised Harris, saying: "I'm excited for that meeting. Let me say this -- that Vice President Kamala Harris has excited the community. She has excited the House Democratic Caucus. She’s excited the country."
Source-ABC
Secret Service director tells Congress 'we failed' in hearing on Trump assassination attempt
The United States Secret Service director told Congress on Monday that the attempted assassination against former President Donald Trump was the "most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades" and took full responsibility for the lapses in security that day.
"As the director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security lapse. We are fully cooperating with ongoing investigations. We must learn what happened," Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle testified before the House Oversight Committee.
In her first hearing before Congress, Cheatle also told the committee that she will move "heaven and Earth" to ensure that what occurred will never happen again.
"Our mission is not political. It is literally a matter of life and death, as the tragic events on July 13 remind us of that," she said. "I have full confidence in the men and women of the Secret Service. They are worthy of our support in executing our protective mission."
Cheatle has said she will not resign.
Source-ABC
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, last surviving member of the Four Tops, dies at 88
The Four Tops' Abdul “Duke” Fakir passed away Monday from heart failure at his home in Detroit. Fakir, the last surviving founding member of the legendary Motown group, was 88.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon, and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year," the Fakir family said in a statement to ABC Audio.
"As the last living founding member of the iconic Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke’s legacy living on through his music for generations to come.”
The Four Tops was founded in 1953 as the Four Aims by Duke, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. They had a string of now-classic hits with songs written primarily by the iconic songwriting trio of Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland. Those included two number ones -- “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” -- as well as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love" and “It’s the Same Old Song."
The Four Tops' original lineup stayed intact until Payton died in 1997. Benson died in 2005 and Stubbs passed away in 2008, but Fakir kept the group going with new singers.
As a member of the Four Tops, Fakir was in inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. The group also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
Fakir is survived by his wife and six children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Details for a public celebration of his life and legacy will be announced at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Motown Museum.
Source-ABC
Scam warning as fake emails and websites target users after IT outage
Cyber-security experts and agencies around the world are warning people about a wave of opportunistic hacking attempts linked to the IT outage.
Although there is no evidence that the CrowdStrike outage was caused by malicious activity, some bad actors are attempting to take advantage.
Cyber agencies in the UK and Australia are warning people to be vigilant to fake emails, calls and websites that pretend to be official.
And CrowdStrike head George Kurtz encouraged users to make sure they were speaking to official representatives from the company before downloading fixes.
"We know that adversaries and bad actors will try to exploit events like this," he said in a blog post.
"Our blog and technical support will continue to be the official channels for the latest updates."
His words were echoed by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt, who runs the well-known Have I Been Pwned security website.
“An incident like this that has commanded so many headlines and has people worried is a gift to scammers," he said.
Mr Hunt was responding to a warning from the Australian Signals Directorate (known as the ASD, the equivalent of the UK's GCHQ or the US's National Security Agency) which issued an alert about hackers sending out bogus software fixes claiming to be from CrowdStrike.
"Alert! We understand a number of malicious websites and unofficial code are being released claiming to help entities recover," the notice reads.
The agency is urging IT responders to only use CrowdStrike's website to source information and help.
The ASD warning follows calls from the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on Friday for people to be hyper vigilante of suspicious emails or calls that pretend to be CrowdStrike or Microsoft help.
"An increase in phishing referencing this outage has already been observed, as opportunistic malicious actors seek to take advantage of the situation," the agency said.
Source-BBC
'Significant number' of devices back up after IT outage -CrowdStrike
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike says "a significant number" of devices that were impacted by a global IT outage on Friday are now back online.
In a social media post, the company - whose faulty security update caused Microsoft Windows computers to crash around the world - added it "continues to focus on restoring all systems".
Microsoft has estimated that the incident, which is being described as one of the worst IT outages in history, impacted 8.5m computers around the world.
Businesses, banks, hospitals and airlines were among the worst-hit, with some still struggling to fully restore their systems.
"We understand the profound impact this has had on everyone. We know our customers, partners and their IT teams are working tirelessly and we’re profoundly grateful," CrowdStrike said.
"We apologise for the disruption this has created."
The firm also said it is deploying a new fix that it hoped would speed up the recovery of computer systems.
However, CrowdStrike did not say how many devices were still being impacted.
More than 1,400 flights, into or out of the US, were cancelled on Sunday, according to aviation tracking and data platform FlightAware.
Delta and United Airlines were the worst affected US airlines.
Health services in Britain, Israel and Germany were also impacted on Friday, with some services cancelled.
The massive outage has put a spotlight on the vulnerability of global computer networks, showing how a single glitch can cause global chaos.
"All too often these days, a single glitch results in a system-wide outage, affecting industries from healthcare and airlines to banks and auto dealers" said the Chair of the US Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, in a social media post.
"These incidents reveal how concentration can create fragile systems."
Until this incident the company had been one most trusted brands in the cybersecurity industry.
According to CrowdStrike's website, it has 29,000 customers around the world, including some of the biggest companies in the US.
One major economy largely unscathed by the outage was China, as CrowdStrike is not widely used in the country.
China is also not as reliant on Microsoft as the rest of the world.
Source-BBC
SWA Sharks will compete in CFU Club Shield
Twenty teams from across the Caribbean, including defending champions SV Robinhood from Suriname, are gearing up for the 2024 CFU Club Shield slated for July 25 to August 4 in Willemstad, Curaçao.
This year’s edition marks the first time that the CFU is organizing and managing the competition hitherto run by Concacaf and called the Caribbean Club Shield. As in previous editions, the 2024 competition will still qualify two teams to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.
The number of teams in the hunt for top honors is up by five from 2023 when 15 clubs participated. This has necessitated a change in format to a straight knockout competition, raising the stakes on the teams and bringing intensity to the contest from the first whistle.
In addition to the defending champs SV Robinhood, the contenders are: America FC (Haiti); Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica); AS Étoile De Matoury (French Guiana); AS Junior Stars (Sint Martin); B.A.Y.S FC (St. Lucia); CCCUL Dublanc FC (Dominica); Club Atlético Pantoja (Dominican Republic); CRKSV Jong Holland (Curaçao); Defence Force FC (Trinidad and Tobago); Grenades FC (Antigua and Barbuda);Guyana Defence Force FC (Guyana); Metropolitan FC (Puerto Rico); Paradise FC International (Grenada); RAMS Village Superstars FC (St. Kitts and Nevis); Scholars International SC (Cayman
Islands); SCSA Eagles (St. Maarten); SV Racing Club Aruba (Aruba); SV Real Rincon (Bonaire); and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).
The competition, which was established in 2018, has a primary objective of advancing professional football throughout the Caribbean. Participation is open to semi-professional clubs and amateur teams holding current championship titles in their respective domestic leagues.
CFU General Secretary Camara David said all systems are go for an exciting completion.“From an organizing perspective, we have worked between both organizations to ensure a seamless
transition of the competition from Concacaf to the CFU. We have enjoyed that same level of collegiality with the Curaçao Football Federation, and I can assure regional football fans that the teams are ready to battle for Caribbean supremacy,” David said.
CFU President Randolph Harris noted the importance of the CFU Club Shield to the developmental agenda for regional football. “The competition aims to help professionalize football in the Caribbean. I am on the record many times noting the need for us to keep developing and advancing football in the region for many reasons, not least amongst them opening up pathways for our footballers.
The CFU is pleased to collaborate with Concacaf on this competition and look forward to working closely with the confederation to advance football in the Caribbean,” Harris said.
Defending champions SV Robinhood won both the Club Shield and the Caribbean Cup in 2023, making them a definite team to watch.
Fans may watch livestreams of the matches on the CFU’s YouTube page, CFU Official, and follow the CFU’s social media platforms for updates.