Other clean sources met an additional 33% of the increase in electricity generation in 2024, bringing the total share of clean sources to 70%. This represents a significant shift compared to the 2014-2023 period, when clean sources met 50% of the increase in electricity generation, with the rest coming from fossil fuels. In the decade before that, clean sources met just 25% of the increase in generation.
The 50% clean share during the 2014-2023 period might come as a surprise, given how narratives around BRICS energy systems often highlight growing coal and gas use. However, consistent capacity additions in both solar and wind power, along with moderate additions in hydro and nuclear, have shifted this paradigm.
China stands out as a leading example. In 2024, solar alone accounted for 41% of the increase in electricity generation, and all clean sources combined made up 82%, as reported in Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2025. That 41% solar contribution was more than three times higher than its share in the previous decade (2014-2023), when it met 14% of the increase in generation.
Other BRICS countries are also making noticeable progress. In 2024, solar met a quarter of their electricity generation growth, a substantial increase from 14% across the previous decade.
Solar’s rise is bringing fossil fuels to a tipping point in China
Recent Ember data shows that so far in 2025, China is meeting and exceeding its growth in demand with clean sources. Solar generation increased 120 TWh in the first five months of 2025 and met 86% of the increase in demand of 139 TWh. This, together with substantial growth in wind and other clean sources, led to a fall in fossil generation of 64 TWh, a 2.6% decrease from January to May 2024.
The new interstellar object A11pl3Z: online observation – 3 July 2025 – YouTube
Watch On
A rare but faint interstellar visitor from beyond our solar system is racing toward the sun — and you can watch it live online today!
Astronomers have identified this cosmic interloper as 3I/ATLAS, making it only the third confirmed object from outside the solar system after ‘Oumuamua (2017) and comet 2I/Borisov (2019). The interstellar comet, originally designated C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), was observed on July 1 by the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. It has since been designated 3I/ATLAS by the Minor Planet Center (MPC), with “3I” marking it as the third known interstellar object.
“There are tentative reports of cometary activity,” The MPC report states. “With a marginal coma and a short 3″ tail”.
You can watch comet 3I/ATLAS live online tonight (July 3), thanks to the Virtual Telescope Project, which will livestream views beginning at 6:00 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT). The feed will showcase imagery from telescopes in Manciano, Italy, weather permitting. Tune in via Virtual Telescope’s WebTV, YouTube channel or here on Space.com.
Currently, 3I/ATLAS is about 4.5 astronomical units (AU) — or 670 million kilometers (416 million miles) — from the sun according to NASA, and around magnitude 18.8, far too faint for backyard telescopes.
Trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
But it’s expected to brighten slightly as it approaches perihelion (closest point to the sun) on Oct. 30, when it will pass just 1.4 AU (130 million miles or 210 million km) from the sun inside the orbit of Mars.
The Virtual Telescope Project captured a photo of the interstellar visitor on July 2, using one of its robotic telescopes to track the object’s motion across the sky. In the 120-second exposure, the comet appears as a sharp point of light, while the background stars show short trails due to their relative movement.
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!
3I/ATLAS imaged on July 2 by Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi, The Virtual Telescope Project)
The object is speeding through the solar system at 68 kilometers per second (152,000 mph) relative to the sun, and it poses no threat to Earth, according to NASA.
After dipping behind the sun in late fall, 3I/ATLAS is expected to reappear in early December, giving astronomers another chance to study this rare visitor from beyond our cosmic neighborhood.
BEIJING, Jul 3 (APP):”The theme of our conference, ‘Build a digitally friendly city’, highlights the harmonious coexistence between people and technology in the city, which is what we often call people-oriented in the digital age. We also highly agree with this in Pakistan’s national development strategy,” Aslam Chaudhary, Economic Minister, Pakistan Embassy Economic Wing, said at the ongoing Global Digital Economy Conference held in Beijing.
Addressing in his speech, the Minister pointed out that building digitally friendly cities is not just about technology, but about creating an environment where all citizens, whether urban or rural, could use safe and reliable digital technologies.
Given this, Pakistan is fulfilling its national commitment to continuously expand the scope of the digital economy services and try to cover every remotest area. Nowadays, the Pakistani government has established an inclusive service fund to strengthen the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and under the framework of the Six One One Foundation, the fund is playing its role. “Through this, we have laid optical cables in large areas of the country, connecting about 22,000 villages.”
“By building digital-friendly cities, different cities are able to recognize each other’s data standards. At the same time, cooperation agreements between countries are an indispensable boost to the digitalization of developing countries,” Chaudhary stressed.
In April, the Secretary-General of the Riyadh-based Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Deemah AlYahya, noted Pakistan’s forthcoming presidency of the multilateral body is part of ongoing efforts to position the country as a regional and global digital leader. Pakistan is scheduled to assume the DCO presidency in 2026, following Kuwait’s term in 2025, CEN reported.
“The 2026 presidency will see Pakistan hosting the Digital Future Development Initiative (DFDI) forum in Islamabad, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.”
“On this occasion, I am going to have three major initiatives,” the Minister appealed. “First, strengthen cross-border data flows and interoperability. We are establishing a cross-border data flow norm under the South-South cooperation framework. Second, inclusive digital technology development is essential, including in the fields of agriculture, medical and health industries. Third, we need to conduct joint training of digital talents. Through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework, the two countries have signed a talent training agreement. Pakistan’s need for digital talent training is of high urgency.”
Chaudhary listed cloud computing, flood warning, climate change, smart cities and other areas where China and Pakistan can achieve in-depth cooperation, and suggested establishing a Digital Friendly City Innovation Center with branches in Beijing, Islamabad and Karachi so that different branches can carry out a series of joint pilot projects.
“We’re seeing that Beijing is accelerating the construction of a global digital economy benchmark city and exploring the construction of a Digital Silk Road pilot zone. Pakistan is willing to work with China and all other partners around the globe to turn vision into a tangible digital reality,” he added.
Thin capitalisation: The definition of ‘equity’ now encompasses positive retained earnings.
Taxation of retained earnings: If an entity does not distribute its after-tax earnings within 12 months following the end of its tax year, the Commissioner General (CG) for Tanzania Revenue Authority may deem 30% of the profit of the entity as having been distributed on a date 12 months post the completion of the tax year. A 10% withholding tax will be imposed on the deemed distribution.
If an entity subsequently makes a dividend distribution, it shall not be obligated to withhold income tax on the amount deemed distributed.
Withholding tax on hired motor vehicles: Withholding tax is levied at a rate of 10% on payments made by a resident person to another for the rental of motor vehicles.
Preparation or certification of returns of income by Certified Public Accountants: Corporations with gross annual income exceeding Tanzania Shillings (TZS) 100m and individuals with an annual turnover exceeding TZS 500m are required to have their income returns prepared or certified by a certified public accountant in public practice.
Taxation of sale of forest produce: Effective 1 January 2026, a resident person receiving payment for the sale of forest produce (timber, logs, mirunda and poles) must remit income tax in a single instalment amounting to 2% of the gross payment prior to the transportation of the forest produce. “Gross payment” means the farm gate price, purchasing price or value of the forest produce as determined by Tanzania Forest Service Agency, whichever is greater.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): The AMT rate has increased from 0.5% to 1% of turnover, applied to corporations with perpetual unrelieved tax losses for the current and preceding two tax years.
Reduced public stake in companies newly listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE): A company that is listed on the DSE with a minimum of 25% (previously, 30%) of its shares owned by the public benefits from a 25% corporate income tax rate for the initial three years following its listing.
Restriction of income tax exemption for operators in export processing zones (EPZ) and special economic zones (SEZ): Income generated by investors in the EPZ and SEZ, who manufacture for sale or distribute products in the domestic market, is not exempted from income tax.
Increased / new withholding tax rates:
Service fees for technical or management services paid by a resident person in the extractive sector to a resident person – 10%, up from 5%
Insurance premiums – 10%, up from 5%
Commission for gaming advertisement or promotion – 10%
2. Value-Added Tax
VAT withholding agent: A “withholding agent” means-
The Ministry responsible for Finance;
A Government entity which retains whole or part of its collected revenue; and
A registered person as may be appointed by the CG by notice
Withholding of VAT on taxable supplies: When a taxable supply at a standard rate of 18% is provided to a withholding agent, the agent is required to withhold 3% of the VAT due for goods and 6% for services.
Lower VAT rate for electronically paid supplies: Effective 1 September 2025, when a taxable supply at a standard rate is made to a person in Mainland Tanzania who is not VAT registered, and payment is rendered through a bank or an electronic payment system approved by the CG, the applicable standard VAT rate shall be 16% rather than 18%.
The CG shall specify the persons eligible and the manner of implementation of the lower VAT rate.
The supplier shall submit proof of bank or electronic payment, demonstrating that the consideration for the supply was made electronically or via bank, through the system or any manner directed by the CG.
Notification by intending traders: VAT registered intending traders must notify the CG if they do not begin making taxable supplies by the date specified in their VAT registration application.
Notification must occur within 90 days following the end of the stated period, accompanied by justifications for non-compliance. Failure to notify The CG may either grant or deny an extension for the commencement of taxable supplies. There is a deemed VAT deregistration if the CG declines to grant an extension.
Expansion of the definition of electronic services: The term “online intermediation services” included under the definition of “electronic services” now encompasses an online accommodation marketplace and payment services platform.
Accounting for withheld VAT: A withholding agent is required to account for and remit the withheld VAT by the due date of the VAT return, which is the 20th day of the subsequent month, or in a manner as may be directed by the CG.
VAT withholding certificate: A withholding agent who is liable to pay VAT shall, not later than the day on which VAT becomes payable on the supply (earlier of the date of invoicing, payment, or time of supply), issue to the supplier a VAT withholding certificate generated by the system approved by the Commissioner General.
The withholding certificate shall be issued in the form prescribed by the Minister for Finance and shall include the date of issue, taxpayer identification number (TIN) and value-added tax registration number (VRN) of both the supplier and the withholding agent, supply description, total consideration and the VAT amount.
A withholding certificate that fails to meet these criteria cannot be utilised by a supplier to claim a credit for the withheld output tax.
Credit for withheld output VAT: The supplier, in arriving at the VAT payable position, is allowed to subtract the VAT withheld (similar to input tax) provided they hold a valid VAT withholding certificate at the time of filing the VAT return for the relevant tax period.
Due date for filing VAT returns: The deadline for submitting monthly VAT returns is the 20th of the subsequent month, regardless of whether this date coincides with a weekend or public holiday.
Extension of zero-rating of supplies:
A supply of locally manufactured fertilizer shall continue to be zero-rated up to 30 June 2028
A supply of locally manufactured garments made from locally grown cotton shall continue to be zero-rated up to 30 June 2026
New exemption:
A supply of piped natural gas specifically for being converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to be used exclusively for fuelling motor vehicle from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028
An import of carbonization furnace for exclusive use in manufacturing of briquettes
Amended exemptions:
Unprocessed sisal fibre
Newspapers printed and published locally by a licenced person under the Media Services Act
Liquified petroleum gas
Compressed natural gas for motor vehicles
Supply of solar panels, modules, solar charger controllers, solar inverter, vacuum tube solar collectors and solar battery specifically designed for exclusive use in storage of solar power
Aircraft and aircraft maintenance to a local operator of air transportation.
Aircraft engine to a local manufacturer or assembler of aircraft or to a local operator of air transportation
An import of CNG plants equipment including CNG Compressors, CNG metering equipment, CNG storage cascades, CNG special transportation vehicles and CNG dispenser by a natural gas distributor
Abolished exemption:
Locally supplied forks, rakes, axes, dam liner
Locally supplied new pneumatic tyres used in agricultural and forest vehicles
Bitumen
Liquified natural gas
Compressed petroleum gas
Compressed or liquified gas cylinders for natural gas for cooking
3. Excise Duty
A licence for the manufacture of excisable goods will expire 12 months from the date of issuing. The licence previously expired on December 31 of each year.
The definition of financial institutions now encompasses microfinance service providers classified as Tier 1 under the Microfinance Act, permitting the imposition of a 10% excise duty on fees and charges paid to these providers.
The excise duty rate for pay-per-view television services delivered via cable, terrestrial infrastructure, satellite, or other technologies is 7%, up from 5%.
The deadline for delaying payment of excise tax and submitting excise duty returns is now the 25th day of the month subsequent to the month in which the duty or return is due. Previously, the deadline was the last day of the subsequent month.
Imported second-hand tableware, kitchenware, utensils, cutlery, and other related articles are subject to an excise charge of 20%.
New excise duty rates:
Imported margarine – TZS 50 per kg
Potatoes – TZS 50 per kg for locally produced and TZS 100 per kg for imported
Ice cream, whether or not containing cocoa – 5% for locally produced and 10% for imported, per kg
Beer made from malt – TZS 630 per litre / TZS 928 per litre/ TZS 937.90 per litre
Wine with domestic grapes content exceeding 75% – TZS 215 per litre
Cider – TZS 2,974.74 per litre
Opaque beer – TZS 555 per litre / TZS 978 per litre
Vodka, whiskies, and rum – TZS 4,003 per litre/ TZS 4,411.06 per litre/ TZS 4,411.06 per litre
Fireworks – 25%
Soap – 10%
Cufflinks and studs – 10%
Imported seats – 25%
4. Tax Administration
Private ruling relating to tax residence: A private ruling concerning tax residence status shall be accompanied by a tax residency certificate from the Commissioner General.
Disclosure of subcontractors: Entities in the construction and extractive sectors are required to inform the CG about their subcontractors within 30 days from the date of commencement of subcontracted activities. The disclosure must encompass the name of the subcontractor, contract value, nature of the subcontracted works, and the timeframe for executing the works.
Deemed admission of an objection: An objection to a tax assessment or liability is deemed accepted if filed within the statutory timeframe (30 days from receipt of the tax assessment) or on the date of payment of the tax deposit for validation of the objection (including the date when a lesser amount agreed upon by the CG is paid).
Failure to respond to objection settlement proposal within deadline: If an objector does not respond to a settlement proposal from the CG regarding a notice of objection within the legal timeframe (within 30 days from receipt of the proposal), the proposal of the CG will be deemed an objection decision, and the objector may appeal to the Tax Revenue Appeals Board.
Penalties for transfer pricing adjustments for loss-making entities: A person engaging in controlled transactions who does not ascertain the income and expenditure arising from such transactions in accordance with the arm’s length principle is subject to a penalty equal to 30% of the adjusted loss. Previously, penalties applied only to profit-making entities (100% of tax shortfall).
5. Gaming Tax
New rates on net winnings:
Land-based – 13%, up from 12%
Sports betting – 12%, up from 10%
6. City Service Levy
The rate has been reduced from 0.3% to 0.25% of turnover.
7. Airport Service Charge
Domestic flights – TZS 11,000 per passenger, up from TZS 10,000.
International flights – USD 40.4 per passenger, up from USD 40, applicable to both Tanzanian residents and non-residents.
8. Export Levy
The export of veneered sheets incurs an export levy of 30% of the free-on-board (FOB) value or TZS 150 per kilogramme, whichever amount is greater.
9. Industrial Development Levy
The following imports are liable to an industrial development levy calculated on the cost, insurance, and goods (CIF) value:
Kitchenware and tableware, other household articles, of plastics – 10%
Cast glass and rolled glass in sheets or profile – 5%
Drawn glass and blown glass in sheets or profile – 5%
Float glass – 5%
Glass, bent, edge worked, engraved or otherwise worked – 5%
Toughened (tempered) safety glass and laminated safety glass – 5%
Multiple-walled insulating units of glass – 5%
Framed and unframed glass – 5%
Optical fibre cables – 10%
Note: Levy on starch, pasta, and optical fibre cables shall commence on 1 January 2026
Proposed non-tax changes
1. Insurance Act
A foreign national entering Mainland Tanzania via land, seaport, or airport must, upon arrival, acquire an inbound travel insurance coverage at a premium equivalent to 44 United States Dollars in Tanzanian Shillings.
The inbound travel insurance is to offer emergency assistance to foreign nationals for a maximum duration of 92 days from the date of arrival, in cases of: (a) medical emergencies; (b) loss of luggage; (c) emergency medical evacuation or repatriation.
Mandatory insurance is not applicable to residents of the East African Community Partner States or the Southern African Development Community Partner States.
2. Railways Act
A HIV Response Levy will be imposed at a rate of TZS 500 on every train ticket.
3. Road and Fuel Tolls Act
The fuel levy rate on diesel and petroleum is TZS 523 per litre, up from TZS 513.
Fuel levy on kerosene is TZS 10 per litre. Previously, there was no levy.
4. Motor Vehicle (Tax on Registration and Transfer) Act
A HIV Response Levy will be imposed on first registration of motor vehicles as follows.
Electric Motor Vehicles (EVs)
Class
Power
Levy (TZS)
1.
Lower Power EVs (Below 50kWh)
95,000
2.
Mid Power EVs (50.1 – 100 kWh)
250,000
3.
High Power EVs (100.1 – 200 kWh)
250,000
4.
Performance / High-End (Above 200 kWh)
250,000
Motor Vehicles
S/N
Engine Capacity
Levy (TZS)
1.
0 cc – 1000 cc
50,000
2.
1001 cc – 1500 cc
100,000
3.
1501 cc – 2500 cc
150,000
4.
2501 cc and above
200,000
5.
Machinery (excavators, bulldozers, fork lifts)
250,000
5. Mining Act
A HIV Response Levy will be imposed at a rate of 0.1% on the gross value of minerals. The levy is collectible by the Mining Commission and is payable concurrently with royalty payments.
6. Bank of Tanzania Act
The Bank of Tanzania may grant loans and advances to commercial banks and financial institutions for up to three (3) months, using collateral such as credit instruments, treasury bills, performing loans, or other prescribed securities, to address liquidity crises and maintain financial stability.
7. Business Licensing Act
A business licence will not be granted to a non-citizen unless the business activity is permitted for non-citizens. The Minister for Trade may publish an order in the Gazette prohibiting certain business activities for non-citizens.
8. Merchandise Marks Act
Trademarks for imported goods in Mainland Tanzania must be registered with the Chief Inspector, regardless of the registration location.
The new BMW M2 CS (fuel consumption combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO2
emissions combined: 226 g/km according to WLTP, CO2 class G)* sets a
new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the
Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer
Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 20.823-kilometre
Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, beating the
previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. This
record-setting BMW M2 CS not only raises the bar in the compact car
class, but also further solidifies BMW M’s reputation as a
manufacturer of high-performance vehicles that excel both on the road
and on the racetrack.
“The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap
time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential
for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics
into a single vehicle,” stated Franciscus van Meel, the Managing
Director of BMW M GmbH. ‘We are proud that the M2 CS has once again
set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.’
The continuation of a success story.
The previous best time for a BMW M2 model was set by Weidinger in
April 2023, when he completed the course in 7:38.7 minutes. Two years
later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of
7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time of
7:25.5 minutes, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance
as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M GmbH.
Previous record runs on the Nordschleife by the BMW M4 CS, the BMW M4
CSL and the BMW M3 CS, all mid-range vehicles, achieved times under
7:30 minutes. The BMW M4 CSL also holds the best lap time ever
recorded for a BMW Group production car. The official, notarised time
is 7:18.137 minutes.
The “Green Hell” myth: The Nordschleife as a touchstone.
Often referred to as the ‘Green Hell’, the Nordschleife racetrack is
considered one of the most demanding and challenging racetracks in the
world. Measuring 20.832 kilometres in length with over 70 bends, it
places the highest demands on drivers and vehicles alike. A fast lap
on this track proves a vehicle’s performance and handling
capabilities. The Nordschleife lap times are the gold standard for
measuring a vehicle’s sporting performance and driving dynamics.
Record runs are monitored by a neutral testing organisation, and the
vehicles are checked to ensure they are in standard condition. This
detailed inspection ensures that the record runs are carried out using
production vehicles.
The Nürburgring – Home of BMW M.
BMW M and the Nürburgring have been in partnership for over a quarter
of a century. From the BMW M Power Grandstand and BMW M Bridge to the
BMW M Driving Experience and BMW M Test Centre, not to mention test
drives on the Nordschleife for M vehicles en route to series
production, the partnership between BMW M and the Nürburgring has been
a resounding success for over 25 years. The Nordschleife serves as a
test bench for every M model. The BMW M Test Centre is equipped with
cutting-edge workshop facilities that allow BMW M to put vehicles
through rigorous testing on the Nordschleife track even before they
reach production, as well as to develop new models.
BMW M Motorsport racing cars have achieved numerous successes in
various racing series, including 21 overall victories in the
Nürburgring 24-hour race. The M Power showroom, which was redesigned
in 2021, is another flagship of the cooperation. The Nürburgring’s
position as the home of BMW M has been further strengthened since then.
The new BMW M2 CS: More power, improved driving dynamics and
consistent lightweight construction.
The new BMW M2 CS is a testament to BMW M GmbH’s ongoing commitment
to setting the standard in the compact high-performance sports car
segment. Its combination of performance, lightweight construction and
innovative technology makes the BMW M2 CS a vehicle that gets drivers
and enthusiasts’ hearts racing. The BMW M2 CS increases driving
pleasure in the premium segment with its enhanced performance and
outstanding agility. The advanced six-cylinder in-line engine
featuring BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers an impressive
output of 390 kW/530 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. Model-specific
engine mounts, an adaptive M suspension and an M compound brake system
all contribute to its sporty performance. Power is transmitted to the
rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
The BMW M2 CS is the lightest model of the current M2 generation
thanks to targeted lightweight construction, including a large number
of exterior and interior components made of carbon fibre-reinforced
plastic (CFRP), which reduces its weight by around 30 kg. This makes a
decisive contribution to its outstanding driving dynamics. The BMW M2
CS comes with forged M light-alloy wheels as standard. Manufactured at
the BMW Group plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the BMW M2 CS is a
limited edition model with a market launch planned for late summer
2025, priced at 115,000 euros in Germany.
*Consumption and emission figures:
(Fuel consumption combined: 10.0 l/100 km; CO2
emissions combined: 226 g/km according to WLTP, CO2 class G)
The data on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power
consumption and range refer to vehicles on the automotive market in
Germany. All figures have already been calculated based on the new
WLTP test cycle. Consumption and emission data refer to the German
Passenger Car Energy Labelling Regulation (EnVKV).
When Karandeep Anand’s 5-year-old daughter gets home from school, they fire up the artificial intelligence chatbot platform Character.AI so she can chat about her day with her favorite characters, such as “Libarian Linda.”
Anand’s experience using the product as a parent might be helpful now that he’s Character.AI’s new chief executive, a change the company announced last month.
He’s taken on the top job at a complicated moment for the company, which lets users talk to a variety of AI-generated personas. Character.AI faces fierce competition in an increasingly crowded space, as well as lawsuits from families who claim the service exposed their children to inappropriate content and failed to implement adequate safeguards.
Character.AI has also received tough questions about safety from lawmakers, and one advocacy group said earlier this year that AI companion apps should not be used by kids under 18. Even for adult users, experts have raised alarms about people forming potentially harmful attachments to AI characters.
Anand brings experience at some of the biggest tech companies to his new role leading Character.AI’s approximately 70-person team. He spent 15 years at Microsoft and six years at Meta, including as vice president and head of business products at the social media giant. He also served as a board advisor for Character.AI before joining as CEO.
And he told CNN he sees a bright future for the platform in interactive AI entertainment.
In other words, rather than people consuming “brain rot” on social media for entertainment, Anand wants them co-creating stories and conversations with Character.AI for fun.
“AI can power a very, very powerful personal entertainment experience unlike anything we’ve seen in the last 10 years in social media, and definitely nothing like what TV used to be,” Anand said in an interview.
Unlike multi-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT, Character.AI offers range of different chatbots that are often modeled after celebrities and fictional characters. Users can also create their own for conversations or role play. Another distinction is that Character.AI bots respond with human-like conversational cues, adding references to facial expressions or gestures into their replies.
The personas of AI characters on the app vary widely, from romantic partners to language tutors or Disney characters. It also features characters like “Friends hot mom,” which describes itself as “curvy, busty, kind, loving, shy, motherly, sensual”; and “Therapist,” which calls itself a “licensed CBT therapist,” although it features a disclaimer that it is not a real person or licensed professional.
“(We’re) doubling down on entertainment, doubling down on trust and safety,” Anand said. “And a lot of the work we want to do is enable an entirely new creator ecosystem around AI entertainment.”
Character.AI was first sued by a parent — a Florida mom who alleges her 14-year-old son died by suicide after developing an inappropriate relationship with chatbots on the platform — last October. Two months later, two more families filed a joint suit against the company, accusing it of providing sexual content to their children and encouraging self-harm and violence.
Since then, the company has implemented a range of new safety measures, including a pop-up that directs users who mention self-harm or suicide to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It also updated its AI model for users under the age of 18 to reduce the likelihood that they encounter sensitive or suggestive content, and gives parents the option to receive a weekly email about their teen’s activity on the platform.
Anand said he’s confident in the improvements Character.AI has made since last year, but that work to keep the platform safe, especially for young users, continues. Character.AI’s policies technically require users to be over the age of 13, although it does not ask for information to verify that users are signing up with the correct birthdate.
“The tech and the industry and the user base is constantly evolving (so) that we can never let the guard off. We have to constantly stay ahead of the curve,” Anand said.
He added that the company continues to test how people could misuse new features to prevent abuse, such as a video generator launched last month that lets users animate their bots. In the days following the tool’s arrival, users shared unsuccessful attempts to test its limits by creating fake videos of prominent figures like Elon Musk.
“We had to red team the product for such a long time to make sure you cannot use this for any negative use case like deepfakes or bullying,” Anand said.
Those efforts aside, Anand said in an introductory note to Character.AI users last month that one of his top priorities is to make the platform’s safety filter “less overbearing,” adding that “too often, the app filters things that are perfectly harmless.”
He told CNN that things like mentions of blood when users are engaging in “vampire fan fiction role play” — something he says he’s a fan of — might be censored under the current model, which he wants to update to better understand context while balancing the need for safety.
Among Anand’s other key objectives: encouraging more creators to join the platform to make new chatbot characters and upgrading the social feed where users can share content they’ve created with Character.AI chatbots.
The latter feature is similar to an app Meta launched this year that allows people to publicly share their prompts and AI-generated creations. Meta drew heat when apparently confused users shared conversations that contained embarrassing or personal details — a reminder of the privacy challenges that can come with AI tools.
But the social element could help further differentiate Character.AI from bigger competitors like ChatGPT, which users are also increasingly forming personal connections with.
Another challenge Anand will face as CEO is retaining and growing the company’s workforce, as an AI talent war heats up across the tech industry. In a sign of the competition for top talent, Meta has reportedly offered pay packages and bonuses worth hundreds of millions of dollars to grow its new superintelligence team. Character.AI co-founder and former CEO Noam Shazeer was also lured back to Google last year, where he’d previously built conversational AI technology.
“It is hard, I will not lie,” Anand said. “The good news for me as CEO is all the people we have here are very, very passionate and mission driven.”
AMFG, a provider of quoting and workflow automation software for high-mix, low-volume manufacturers, is rolling out Sentinel AI, a new artificial intelligence tool designed to analyse 2D PDF drawings in under three seconds. Officially launching on July 12, Sentinel AI marks a step toward fully automated PDF analysis. Described by AMFG as the most advanced, AI-enhanced 2D drawing analysis solution on the market, the tool automates data extraction to speed quoting cycles without sacrificing accuracy. Manufacturers integrating Sentinel into their operations will be able to process engineering drawings more rapidly.
Sentinel AI integrates seamlessly into the platform, enabling users to upload a 2D drawing alongside a 3D model for integrated analysis. Once files are submitted, the system scans each drawing to extract title-block information and tolerancing data, as well as material specifications, thread details and surface roughness. The integration extends to existing workflow automation features and retains AMFG’s high-level security certification, allowing customers to upgrade their quoting processes without interrupting ongoing operations.
AMFG introduces Sentinel AI, its new tool for accelerating 2D drawing analysis. Image via AMFG.
“Customers can now upload a 2D drawing alongside a 3D model, and Sentinel will scan the drawing and extract certain title-block and tolerancing information from the drawing,” said Toby Dukes, product owner at AMFG. “Sentinel AI will revolutionize the way our customers manage their PDF analysis, cutting down estimating time and reducing the possibility of human error.”
Manufacturers worldwide use AMFG’s software to automate quoting and order management processes. Despite prior advances in automation, manual review of 2D drawings remained a time-consuming bottleneck. Sentinel AI directly addresses this challenge by cutting down estimating time and reducing the possibility of human error.
A webinar to support Sentinel’s launch will demonstrate how to use Sentinel AI to accelerate the estimating process and reduce administrative tasks while maintaining accuracy. Scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 15:30 BST (16:30 CET, 10:30 EST, 08:30 MST, 07:30 PST), the session will cover tool operation and registration details. Click here to register.
Screenshot of Sentinel AI in action. Image via AMFG.
AI Defect Detection Enhances Additive Manufacturing
AI-driven tools are increasingly being adopted across advanced manufacturing to automate defect detection, streamline quality assurance, and improve production efficiency. GKN Aerospace, a global aerospace components manufacturer, integrated Interspectral’s AM Explorer into its Engine Systems Centre of Excellence in Sweden to enhance metal 3D printing workflows. The system uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyse over 400 data points from Nikon SLM Solutions printers, detecting anomalies during the build process and reducing material waste associated with traditional manufacturing. According to GKN, this move supports sustainability by minimizing failed builds, cutting emissions, and shortening lead times.
Isar Aerospace has taken a similar path by implementing nebumind software into its LPBF 3D printing operations. Previously reliant on manual inspection of powder bed images, the company now uses automated image and edge detection algorithms to identify recoater defects during every layer. This shift has significantly reduced analysis time and enabled engineers to focus on high-risk anomalies flagged by the system. Future developments aim to transition nebumind’s defect detection to in-process monitoring and integrate it with CT scan data, allowing for real-time process control and corrective interventions.
Interspectral’s AM Explorer software. Image via Interspectral.
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Featured image shows screenshot of Sentinel AI in action. Image via AMFG.
Solstad Maritime ASA: Invitation to webcast – presentation of Q2 quarter and first half year 2025 financial results
Skudeneshavn, July 3, 2025
Solstad Maritime ASA (SOMA) welcomes to presentation of its Q2 2025 report, Monday, July 14th, at 09:00 am. The presentation will be held by CEO Lars Peder Solstad and CFO Kjetil Ramstad. It will be possible to ask questions online.
The report and the presentation will be released 07:00 am. Monday, July 14th, 2025, and made available on www.solstad-maritime.com and www.newsweb.no.
MRI-based screening in patients older than 50 years with new-onset or deteriorating diabetes detected stage IB pancreatic cancer in a patient with deteriorating diabetes, highlighting the need for targeted screening in this high-risk population.
METHODOLOGY:
New-onset diabetes in patients older than 50 years was found to increase the risk for pancreatic cancer by six- to eight-fold, and recent evidence suggests that the deterioration of diabetes in individuals with stable, long-standing disease may also be an indicator of subclinical pancreatic cancer.
Researchers conducted the PANDOME study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MRI-based screening for the early detection of pancreatic cancer in patients with new-onset diabetes (n = 97; median age, 61 years; 63.9% women) or deteriorating diabetes (n = 12; median age, 68 years; 58.3% women).
New-onset diabetes was defined as elevated A1c levels within the past 12 months, whereas deteriorating diabetes was defined as long-standing diabetes (> 2 years) with a > 2% increase in A1c levels over the past 6 months not linked to weight gain or diabetes medication noncompliance.
All patients underwent MRI/cholangiopancreatography, blood biobanking, and anxiety/depression monitoring; MRI results were scored as normal, benign-abnormal, suspicious, or incidental findings.
TAKEAWAY:
Compared with patients with new-onset diabetes, those with deteriorating diabetes had significantly higher A1c levels (P = .02), greater weight loss (P = .0038), and increased insulin requirements (P < .0001).
Among 109 participants, more than 50% had small cystic lesions with an average size of 6 mm, prompting seven endoscopic ultrasound procedures — four of which required biopsies. Of the four pancreatic biopsies performed, one revealed stage IB pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a patient with deteriorating diabetes.
Extra-pancreatic incidental findings were detected in 8.2% of cases, with two requiring biopsies, revealing one new diagnosis of follicular lymphoma and one diagnosis of recurrent lymphoma.
According to the Enriching New-Onset Diabetes for Pancreatic Cancer score — where a high-risk score predicts a 3.6% probability of pancreatic cancer within 3 years — the deteriorating diabetes group had a higher proportion of high-risk individuals than the new-onset diabetes group (75% vs 35.6%).
IN PRACTICE:
“Preliminary results from the PANDOME study support further MRI-based PC [pancreatic cancer] screening research efforts in individuals with NOD [new-onset diabetes] and DD [deteriorating diabetes],” the authors concluded.
SOURCE:
This study was led by Richard Frank, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nuvance Health, Norwalk, Connecticut. It was published online in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
LIMITATIONS:
T his study faced challenges with low accrual rates due to healthcare network realignments and high declination rates by potential participants. Selection bias potentially led to lower detection rates, as most participants were referred by primary care physicians or endocrinologists. Moreover, the majority of participants were White individuals (83%), despite higher pancreatic cancer risk among Black populations, limiting generalizability.
DISCLOSURES:
This study received support from a Tribute to Pamela/The Naughton Family Fund, the Rallye for Pancreatic Cancer, Pacific Crest Trail for Pancreatic Cancer, and the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
The skincare industry has seen a major shift from a 3-step cleansing routines to prioritising anti-ageing products.
Previously, products specifically reserved for older age groups like retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) are now found in the beauty drawers of millennials and Gen Z.
But what is driving this trend? Is it an educated choice based on skincare science or just a byproduct of changing beauty standards and skincare attitude? Although these products promise long-term gains, they also require careful usage and guidance to truly be effective and safe.
CULTURAL, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCES
Society’s obsession with “youthful” and “glowing” skin has created an environment where proactive skincare is celebrated.
With Instagram, healthcare routines have transformed into a content-creation ritual, a habit showcased to the public rather than solely for personal upkeep.
Social media influencers tirelessly promote and disseminate “anti-ageing” tricks, alongside endless viral transformation highlights and product suggestion videos.
Society’s obsession with “youthful” and “glowing” skin has created an environment where proactive skincare is celebrated. (Photo: Getty Images)
“I started using anti-ageing products like retinol at around 19, although I don’t use them very often. I was influenced mostly by social media and the people around me who were starting to focus on skincare,” said 21-year-old Maria, who thinks that anti-ageing products could delay her wrinkles.
The idea of “preventive care” has become popular online, not just with dermatologists but also among lifestyle creators.
Preventing wrinkles, fine lines and dullness before they appear is now seen by many as responsible self-care.
Beauty brands have cleverly promoted anti-ageing products as crucial youthful investments, appealing even to individuals showing no signs of ageing.
Terms such as “prevention,” “repair,” and “anti-pollution” position these products as indispensable for the urban youth.
Dr. Amit Bhasin, dermatologist and founder of PrivLux Skin & Wellness Clinic, explains, “This trend is driven by marketing pressure, where beautiful packaging, viral ads, or celebrity-endorsed brands (often without any research or dermatological backing) convince people to start treatments that may not be safe for them.”
When he asks a patient why they purchased a certain product, the reply comes swift: ‘Because I loved the packaging’ or ‘I saw someone famous using it.’
“This kind of impulsive buying, based on aesthetic appeal rather than science, is worrying,” he adds.
Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Sethi, founder of Isya Aesthetics, agrees: “People fall for marketing, that’s why marketing exists. It works. That’s why doctors are needed to sift through the news.”
WHEN SHOULD YOU START AN ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE ROUTINE?
While many young adults turn to anti-ageing products thinking they will improve their skin texture, not everyone is aware of how their skin actually functions at that age.
Skin in 20s is already naturally rich in collagen, the primary building block of the skin, and tends to have faster cell turnover, which is why dermatologists often recommend a minimal, protective routine instead of jumping into active-heavy formulas.
“You are still net positive in collagen until the age of 25 and then the decrease is about 1% a year. But visible ageing typically happens in your 30s. I think we can consider anti-aging products after the age of 30,” Dr. Sethi points out.
Aarushi, 27, started using retinol a few months ago after relocating from London to India. She noticed early signs of comedonal acne and neck lines and wanted to act early.
“To fix these issues, I did some online research, then consulted my mother’s dermatologist and bought a famous K-beauty cream, not recommended by the doctor,” she says.
She uses it two to three times a week, only at night, and has had a relatively smooth experience so far.
“Thankfully I haven’t felt any negative effects until now. To be honest, I haven’t seen any changes in my neckline, but I have seen a huge difference in my acne. My acne has reduced quite a bit since I started using retinol,” she says.
On the other hand, not everyone had professional input before starting. Maria, for instance, admitted, “I didn’t consult a dermatologist beforehand, so I wasn’t fully aware of the potential side effects or how to use it properly.”
While many young adults turn to anti-ageing products thinking they will improve their skin texture, not everyone is aware of how their skin actually functions at that age, say experts. (Photo: Getty Images)
Saleha, 28, also reflected on her past use. “I saw people online discussing how retinols help reverse ageing and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, so that fueled most of my insecurities back then.”
But over time, her approach changed. “Honestly, I’ve never been consistent with it, and it’s totally overhyped. Ageing is natural, we as women have been influenced by society and social media to look a certain way which isn’t ideal.”
CAUTION IS NECESSARY
Many dermatologists now say that overloading on actives at a young age may do more harm than good.
“I see the consequences every day in my clinic, chemical burns, severe pigmentation, skin thinning, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), all because they self-medicated with actives like retinol without understanding how to use the,” Dr. Bhasin warns.
Dr. Sethi adds that many young people power pack and combine a significant number of actives with rollers and guashas, and get barrier damage resulting in sensitive, rosacea-prone and irritated skin.
“Overdoing it will do the opposite of the goal of great skin. Signs of overuse include red, inflamed, dry, acne-prone and sensitive skin,” she says.
LESS IS MORE
Dermatologists repeatedly emphasise that in your 20s, less is more.
Building a strong foundation with cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is more effective than experimenting with powerful actives without supervision.
Introduce retinol later, when its actually needed, doctor says.
For young people, focus on simplistic skincare routines with protective sunblock and antioxidative care to prevent environmental damage.
Other ways to strike a balance is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle like having a balanced diet, getting regular sleep and managing stress.
While the anti-ageing products can be beneficial, their use should be thoughtful and tailored to individual needs.
