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Ecosia and Qwant, two European search engines, are collaborating on a new European search index to reduce their dependence on Big Tech providers like Microsoft and Google. This joint index aims to drive innovation, particularly in generative AI, while managing rising API costs as both currently rely on Bing’s APIs (and Ecosia on Google’s results as well).

Minority- and women-owned businesses face a significant threat as affirmative action in federal contracting comes under legal scrutiny, potentially impacting contracts valued at $70 billion annually.

President Joe Biden struggled to walk along the sandy terrain at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware over the weekend, nearly losing his footing on Gordons Pond Trail. As he battled with the sand, First Lady Jill Biden, walking beside him, seemed unfazed and did not offer help.

Ben Affleck was seen spending time with his son Samuel, 12, in Los Angeles over the weekend, though he appeared somewhat downcast. Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez, stole the spotlight at the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked.

Benoit Bosc and Michael Bressler, former executives at Millennium Management LLC and Pimco, have launched a digital-asset consultancy called x2B. Their consultancy will focus on advising clients on token launches and funding.

CRISPR technology has revolutionized genetic engineering, making it easier to edit genes and raise concerns about altering human evolution. Jennifer Doudna, co-inventor of CRISPR, warned of the ethical implications of creating "CRISPR babies" with genes that could be passed down to future generations.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Andreessen Horowitz general partner Martin Casado criticized attempts to regulate AI, saying lawmakers are focusing on a mythical future version of AI rather than addressing the current risks.

In recent months, the U.S. has seen a rise in prison sentences for Nigerian cybercriminals, with some receiving lengthy terms. Babatunde Francis Ayeni, a Nigerian national extradited from the UK, was sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme targeting real estate transactions.

Google announced patches for over 40 vulnerabilities as part of Android’s November 2024 security update, including two flaws that have been actively exploited. The first, tracked as CVE-2024-43047, was disclosed last month after evidence of in-the-wild exploitation was found by Amnesty International and Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG).

Newpark Resources, a Texas-based oilfield supplier, recently reported a ransomware attack that impacted its information systems and business applications. The company detected the breach on October 29 and responded by initiating a cybersecurity response plan.

Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan rallied in Swabi on November 9, calling for his release. The rally, organized by Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, was part of a broader campaign to free Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023.

Kate Winslet recently had a heartwarming reunion with a former colleague from Titanic while working on her latest project, Lee. During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, she recounted that she spotted a familiar face while overseeing the recording of Lee's score with a 120-piece orchestra in London.