Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Sci-fi without AI: Oscar nominated ‘Arco’ director prefers human touch

    Sci-fi without AI: Oscar nominated ‘Arco’ director prefers human touch

    French animation director Ugo Bienvenu, whose hand-drawn film ‘Arco’ has earned an Oscar nomination, has taken a firm stance against artificial intelligence in artistic creation. The 38-year-old filmmaker argues that society’s growing reliance on AI represents an intellectual and creative danger rather than progress.

    Bienvenu’s science fiction film presents a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature, deliberately excluding the robots and AI systems that dominate contemporary technological discourse. The director told AFP that his approach to science fiction serves as a deliberate counterpoint to current trends: ‘That’s why I make science fiction. It was to say to this generation: Maybe there are other paths, maybe there are other things to imagine.’

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has maintained a neutral position on AI technology in its Oscar consideration process. In April, the organization stated that ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination,’ emphasizing that human creative authorship remains the central criterion for judgment.

    This season, two Oscar-eligible animated shorts that openly used AI failed to secure nominations. Bienvenu suggests this reflects broader industry skepticism, noting that conversations at the Oscars nominees luncheon in Beverly Hills revealed widespread resistance to AI implementation. ‘Everyone is more or less on the same page,’ he observed. ‘Nobody really wants to use it.’

    The director joins a growing chorus of entertainment industry figures expressing concern about AI’s impact on creativity. In January, over 800 creatives including Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Guillermo Del Toro signed an open letter accusing AI companies of ‘theft.’ Del Toro, whose ‘Frankenstein’ adaptation competes for best picture this year, previously called AI-generated animation ‘an insult to life itself.’

    Bienvenu warns that AI dependency risks intellectual weakening and the erosion of human experience. ‘It’s not about protecting our jobs, it’s about what makes us human,’ he asserts. The director believes fiction serves a crucial emotional purpose, helping people process life experiences without collapsing under pressure.

    The filmmaker also highlights the physical and environmental costs of AI technology, suggesting that companies should be taxed for the massive water consumption required to cool server farms. One recent study found that AI’s water usage exceeds global bottled water consumption annually. ‘AI isn’t free,’ Bienvenu concludes. ‘It has physical repercussions and impacts on our subconscious.’

  • Fisherman’s body pulled from water at Lord Howe Island

    Fisherman’s body pulled from water at Lord Howe Island

    A devastating maritime incident has resulted in the death of a fisherman in the waters surrounding Australia’s remote Lord Howe Island. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when emergency services were alerted to a body sighted floating near Clear Place Point along the island’s eastern coastline.

    New South Wales police confirmed that responders were dispatched approximately at 5:00 PM following a triple-0 emergency call reporting the discovery. The victim, identified as a 51-year-old man, was located in proximity to a rock fishing platform where personal angling equipment was subsequently found.

    Despite immediate recovery efforts conducted jointly by NSW Police and State Emergency Service personnel, medical professionals at Gower Wilson Memorial Hospital were unable to resuscitate the fisherman upon arrival. The body has been transferred to hospital facilities while authorities commence standard investigative procedures.

    As an official territory under the administration of the Lord Howe Island Board—which operates under the jurisdiction of the NSW state government—the island now becomes the focus of a coronial investigation led by NSW Police. Standard protocol requires that all evidence and circumstances surrounding the death be documented for the coroner’s review.

    The picturesque island territory, situated nearly 800 kilometers northeast of Sydney, is renowned for its world heritage status and pristine natural environment, though its rugged coastal geography presents significant hazards for shoreline anglers. This incident marks another sobering reminder of the dangers associated with rock fishing activities around Australia’s coastline.

  • ‘It’s like walking on your hands’: South Sydney’s left edge is the stuff of nightmares for rival teams, but ‘don’t sleep’ on the other side

    ‘It’s like walking on your hands’: South Sydney’s left edge is the stuff of nightmares for rival teams, but ‘don’t sleep’ on the other side

    South Sydney Rabbitohs are preparing to deploy what commentators have dubbed their ‘Avengers’ formation on the left edge for the upcoming NRL season opener, presenting what appears to be an unstoppable offensive arsenal. The team’s reconstructed left flank features try-scoring phenomenon Alex Johnston on the wing, superstar Latrell Mitchell at center, newly acquired powerhouse David Fifita in the back row, and veteran playmaker Cody Walker directing operations at five-eighth.

    This assembly of elite talent represents a dramatic turnaround from last season’s injury-plagued campaign, with Walker expressing particular excitement about witnessing their coordinated firepower in official competition after recovering from his own physical setbacks. Early trial matches against Manly provided encouraging glimpses of the formation’s potential, though Walker emphasized the strategic balance required between both sides of the field.

    While media attention has focused overwhelmingly on the star-studded left edge, Jack Wighton has issued a pointed warning to opponents about underestimating the right flank. The former Raider, who has spent virtually his entire career on the left side, finds himself in an unfamiliar role at right center, describing the adjustment as ‘like walking on your hands every week.’

    Wighton humorously noted the technical challenges of his positional switch, explaining that ‘everything’s back to front’ regarding passing, stepping, and palming techniques. Despite the learning curve, the seasoned player embraced the team-first mentality while promising that the right edge would serve as the hard-working foundation enabling the left’s flashy offensive production.

    With halfback Jamie Humphreys suspended, young Ashton Ward steps into the pivotal playmaking role alongside the dominant Walker. Wighton praised the rookie’s development and growing confidence in organizing the team and managing field position, highlighting Ward’s effective communication with forwards and ability to secure repeat sets during preparatory sessions.

  • Two-thirds of Cuba, including Havana, hit by blackout

    Two-thirds of Cuba, including Havana, hit by blackout

    A massive power failure has enveloped approximately two-thirds of Cuba, including the capital Havana, in a widespread blackout, exacerbating the nation’s severe energy crisis. The national electric utility UNE reported that the grid collapse originated from a sudden breakdown at the critical Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant shortly after noon on Wednesday.

    This incident represents the latest manifestation of an electricity generation system in disarray, where daily outages lasting up to 20 hours have become commonplace across the island nation of 9.6 million people. The structural deficiencies of Cuba’s power infrastructure have been dramatically compounded by fuel shortages stemming from geopolitical tensions.

    The crisis intensified significantly following the United States’ political maneuver against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Maduro’s administration had previously supplied approximately half of Cuba’s fuel requirements. While Washington subsequently eased its oil embargo against Havana after regional warnings about potential humanitarian consequences, the Trump administration maintained substantial restrictions that have left Venezuelan oil shipments in limbo.

    Cuban authorities have implemented drastic measures including diesel sales suspensions, gasoline rationing, reduced hospital services, and expanded teleworking protocols. Public transportation has been sharply curtailed, triggering price surges for private shuttle services.

    The human impact is severe. Residents like Damian Salvador, father of a six-month-old infant, describe the situation as “the final blow,” with perishables including meat and baby formula spoiling without refrigeration. The blackout compounds existing shortages of fuel, medicine, and food that have plagued Cuba for years under the longstanding US trade embargo.

    Geopolitical dimensions continue to escalate. The Trump administration justifies its pressure campaign by citing Cuba’s hosting of foreign intelligence facilities and political repression as “extraordinary threats to US national security.” Meanwhile, Cuba finds itself increasingly isolated internationally, with Air France joining other carriers in suspending flights to Havana due to jet fuel shortages, and Ecuador expelling Cuba’s ambassador from Quito without explicit justification.

  • Household spending rebounds as shoppers open wallets after Christmas slump

    Household spending rebounds as shoppers open wallets after Christmas slump

    Australian households have demonstrated a cautious return to spending in January, though not in the manner many economists had anticipated. Official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a modest 0.3 percent increase in overall consumer expenditure for the month, defying expectations of a more robust post-holiday rebound.

    The composition of this spending, however, tells a more nuanced story. The growth was predominantly driven by essential services, which surged by 0.8 percent. This category was led by increased expenditure on health services and automotive repairs and maintenance—practical necessities rather than luxury items. Meanwhile, discretionary spending saw only a marginal uptick of 0.1 percent, with modest gains in air transport, personal effects, and recreational services.

    A significant divergence emerged between spending on services and goods. Service-oriented consumption rose by 1 percent, bolstered by digital streaming subscriptions and travel agency services. In contrast, goods purchases declined by 0.3 percent, with notable reductions in vehicle acquisitions and recreational goods.

    This January performance follows a volatile holiday shopping season characterized by heavy discounting in October and November 2022, which boosted sales, followed by a 0.5 percent contraction in December. The latest figures fell slightly below projections from major financial institutions including Commonwealth Bank and NAB, both of which had forecast a 0.4 percent increase.

  • AFL 2026: Sam Mitchell warns of GWS depth despite injuries

    AFL 2026: Sam Mitchell warns of GWS depth despite injuries

    Hawthorn Hawks coach Sam Mitchell is adopting a distinctly different perspective regarding the injury crisis plaguing the GWS Giants ahead of their Opening Round AFL clash. While the Giants face the prospect of being without at least seven of their premier players for Saturday’s encounter, Mitchell emphatically rejects any notion that this diminishes the threat posed by the home side.

    Mitchell acknowledged the obvious absence of key personnel but emphasized the remarkable depth of the Giants’ roster. “You look at their team sheet and we were chatting through their possible line-up,” Mitchell stated, “there’s no one out there that’s not more than capable. They bat really deep, of all the teams they’ve got one of those lists that have got some really strong top-end talent but also go long.”

    The coach specifically addressed the significant midfield changes, noting the acquisition of Clayton Oliver who has demonstrated strong pre-season form, while acknowledging the season-ending ACL injury to star midfielder Tom Green. Mitchell also highlighted the potential return of Finn Callaghan, provided he emerges unscathed from final training sessions, as another element adding to the Giants’ strength.

    Meanwhile, Hawthorn faces its own fitness concerns with key defender Tom Barrass undergoing a final assessment. Barrass has experienced a slow recovery following last month’s State of Origin match, but Mitchell expressed confidence in the experienced campaigner’s availability. “I expect him to get up,” Mitchell said, noting the team’s conservative approach to his rehabilitation. “He’s an experienced campaigner and expect him to play.”

    The match marks Hawthorn’s return to the venue where they secured a memorable elimination final victory last season, adding another layer of narrative to this early-season showdown between two teams navigating significant roster challenges.

  • After oil, US moves to secure access to Venezuelan minerals

    After oil, US moves to secure access to Venezuelan minerals

    In a significant strategic pivot, the United States is expanding its resource interests in Venezuela beyond petroleum to include critical mineral reserves. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum led a high-level delegation of mining executives to Caracas on March 4, 2026, signaling Washington’s intensified focus on securing access to Venezuela’s vast mineral wealth.

    Burgum’s visit marks the second senior U.S. official engagement since the January military intervention that removed former president Nicolás Maduro. Accompanied by executives representing billions in potential investments, Burgum emphasized the eagerness of American companies to navigate regulatory barriers and initiate mining operations. The Interior Secretary, who chairs President Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council, characterized the collaborative potential between the nations as “unlimited.”

    The diplomatic thaw has produced tangible results, including the U.S. Department of Transportation’s authorization of direct flights between Miami and Venezuelan cities—the first such connection since 2019. This development follows Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s previous visit advocating for increased oil production.

    Venezuela’s mineral portfolio extends beyond its world-leading oil reserves to include gold, diamonds, bauxite, and particularly coltan—a crucial component in electronics manufacturing. Most mining activity concentrates in the environmentally sensitive Orinoco arc region, where expansion has raised ecological concerns.

    Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who has implemented significant reforms to attract foreign investment in oil, now turns to modernizing mining regulations. While details remain undisclosed, her administration promises reforms enabling “large foreign companies” to exploit mineral and rare earth deposits.

    The cooperation has garnered presidential approval, with Trump praising Rodríguez’s compliance on his Truth Social platform. The collaboration has already yielded concrete results: Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has shipped over 80 million barrels to the U.S. since January and recently signed additional supply agreements. This expanded partnership emerges amid global oil market uncertainties driven by Middle East conflicts, which have driven prices to 18-month highs.

  • ‘They’re going to take over’: Jamal Fogarty praises young halves for driving him to be a better player

    ‘They’re going to take over’: Jamal Fogarty praises young halves for driving him to be a better player

    A compelling narrative of mentorship and self-preservation is unfolding within the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles camp as veteran playmaker Jamal Fogarty confronts the dual reality of his role. The 32-year-old halfback, one of the NRL’s most significant acquisitions last year, finds himself in the unique position of both tutor and student, guiding the club’s promising young talents while simultaneously evolving his own game to retain his starting position.

    Fogarty, who secured a three-year contract with the northern beaches club, acknowledges that the emergence of teenage prospects Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large serves as powerful motivation. “Healthy competition is great competition,” Fogarty told NewsWire. “I know that they are very exciting young prospects at the club, and that pushes me to keep bettering myself each week. I’ve got to keep evolving my game because if I don’t, then they’re going to take over.”

    The former Canberra Raider demonstrates remarkable humility in his approach, actively seeking to learn from his junior counterparts despite their age difference. He particularly praises Walsh’s rugby union background, noting his exceptional passing skills, craft, and deceptive ball handling. Fogarty has made a conscious effort to study these techniques during training sessions, recognizing the value they could add to his own arsenal.

    This Saturday marks a significant milestone for Fogarty as he prepares to face his former team while partnering with Luke Brooks in the halves, filling the considerable void left by longtime Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. His extensive experience provides stability during this transitional period, though club insiders suggest 19-year-old Walsh is rapidly developing toward NRL readiness.

    Walsh, who made his debut in the final round of the 2025 season, maintains a focused perspective on his development. “My main goal this year is just to play consistent footy,” Walsh stated. “We have some unreal halves here at the club who are very experienced, so I just want to learn as much as I can from Jamal, Brooksie and also having Foz (Kieran Foran) and Noddy (Brett Kimmorley) here on the staff.”

    The new interchange rules, allowing six players on the bench with four available each game, present interesting strategic possibilities for Walsh’s integration into first grade. Regardless of deployment decisions, both athletes demonstrate unwavering commitment to team success and continuous improvement, creating a productive competitive environment that could significantly benefit the Sea Eagles’ premiership aspirations.

  • Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    In a dramatic midweek Premier League showdown, Arsenal capitalized on Manchester City’s misstep to establish a formidable seven-point lead at the summit of English football. The Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brighton while their title rivals were held to a surprising 2-2 draw by relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

    Arsenal’s breakthrough came through winger Bukayo Saka, who marked his 300th appearance for the club with a decisive ninth-minute strike. The England international cut in from the right flank before unleashing a deflected shot that squirmed past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Despite Brighton’s dominance in possession and shots, Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated defensive resilience to preserve their narrow advantage.

    Meanwhile at the City Ground, Manchester City twice surrendered leads against a determined Forest side fighting for survival. January signing Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring for City in the 31st minute with a well-taken volley, but Morgan Gibbs-White equalized with an ingenious backheel finish in the 56th minute. Rodri restored City’s advantage six minutes later with a powerful header, only for Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson to deliver a beautifully crafted equalizer in the 76th minute.

    The draw leaves City five points behind Arsenal having played one fewer game, setting up a crucial confrontation when the teams meet at Etihad Stadium on April 19th.

    In other Premier League action, Chelsea’s João Pedro delivered a spectacular hat-trick in their 4-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa, propelling the Blues into fifth position in the tight race for Champions League qualification. The result dropped Liverpool to sixth place while maintaining Villa’s grip on fourth position.

    The relegation battle intensified as West Ham defeated Fulham 1-0 to draw level with Nottingham Forest on 28 points, with both teams sitting just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur ahead of their Thursday fixture against Crystal Palace.

  • Nepal votes in key post-uprising polls

    Nepal votes in key post-uprising polls

    Nepal embarked on a pivotal democratic exercise Thursday as millions of citizens cast ballots in parliamentary elections that represent a fundamental test between established political forces and an emergent youth movement. This electoral confrontation, the first since September 2025’s deadly anti-corruption uprising that claimed 77 lives and toppled the government, has mobilized nearly 19 million eligible voters across the Himalayan nation.

    The electoral landscape features three prominent figures vying for leadership: Marxist former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli seeking political redemption, Balendra Shah—the rapper-turned-Kathmandu-mayor championing youth representation, and Gagan Thapa, the 49-year-old newly elected leader of the centrist Nepali Congress party promising generational change. Their competition reflects broader tensions between experienced politicians advocating stability and younger candidates demanding economic reform and accountability.

    Security measures were extensively implemented with thousands of soldiers and police deployed at polling centers following Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s appeal for citizens to vote ‘without any fear.’ The logistical complexity of conducting elections in the world’s most mountainous country required helicopter transport of voting materials to remote regions, including areas near Mount Everest.

    Unlike previous elections focused primarily on the capital, political attention centered on the agricultural plains south of Kathmandu, particularly the Jhapa-5 constituency where Oli and Shah faced direct competition. With 3,400 candidates competing for 165 directly elected seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, election authorities anticipated results within 24 hours for direct contests, though proportional representation outcomes may require additional time.

    Analysts project no single party will secure an outright majority, potentially necessitating extended coalition negotiations that could shape Nepal’s political trajectory for years to come. The election represents not merely a transfer of power but a referendum on governance itself, testing whether the energy that fueled September’s uprising can transform into sustainable political change.