OpenAI says it will delete one of ChatGPT's voices after it was compared to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson. When OpenAI demonstrated the characteristics of its new model, users saw a similarity in the chatbot's "Sky" voice option, which reads out responses to users, reports BBC. The “flirty, conversational” enhancement to its AI chatbot was compared to the actress's role in the 2013 film “Her”. OpenAI saga: ChatGPT-maker says Sam Altman returning to company According to OpenAI, the voices in ChatGPT's voice mode were "carefully selected through an extensive process spanning five months involving professional voice actors, talent agencies, casting directors, and industry advisors". “Her” has Joaquin Phoenix falling in love with his phone's operating system, which is voiced by Johansson. Director Spike Jonze stated at the time that the film was "not about technology or software," but rather about discovering love and intimacy. GPT-4o: What’s OpenAI’s latest version really capable of? In November, Johansson allegedly sued an artificial intelligence (AI) app for using her picture in an advertisement without her permission. OpenAI stated on Monday that its "Sky" voice is not meant to be a "imitation" of the star. "We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity's distinctive voice," it said in a blog post. In a statement on X, the company stated that it is "working to pause" the voice while it addresses issues about how it was picked, the report said. Despite this, when OpenAI unveiled its new model GPT-4o on May 13, CEO Sam Altman mentioned the name of the film on X. New York Times suing ChatGPT maker OpenAI, Microsoft for copyright infringement

OpenAI has introduced the newest version of the technology that powers its AI chatbot ChatGPT. It's called GPT-4o, and it will be made available to all ChatGPT users, including non-subscribers, reports BBC. It is faster than previous models and has been trained to respond to commands in a conversational, often alluring, tone. The updated version can read and analyse photographs, translate languages, and detect emotions through visual expressions. There is also enhanced memory, which allows it to recall prior commands, it said. Read more: Chandler Bing, the AI chatbot: A tribute to Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ character GOT-4o may be interrupted and has a more natural conversational tempo; there is no gap between asking a question and receiving a response. Mira Murati, OpenAI's chief technical officer, characterised GPT-4o as "magical" but stated that the company will "remove that mysticism" with the product's release, said the report. While this technology is fast getting more sophisticated and believable as a companion, it is not sentient or magical; rather, it is clever programming and machine learning, it also said. There have been rumours about a collaboration between OpenAI and Apple, and while this has not been verified, it was clear during the presentation that Apple devices were used throughout. Read more: What Is Google Gemini AI? How to Use the New Chatbot Model

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has stated that fellow Irishman and Oscar contender Cillian Murphy would make a "magnificent" 007. "Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty's Secret Service," Brosnan told the BBC. According to reports, Murphy might be in the running; however there have always been whispers about who could play Bond next. Brosnan was speaking at the annual Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles, which honour Irish creative brilliance, reports BBC. Murphy is expected to win best actor at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday for his portrayal in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals in March 2024: List of New Shows and Movies He stated that he had not heard the Bond speculations and that he had not given any attention to perhaps winning the Academy Award: "I just want to go in and have a good time." He faces up against Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Bradley Cooper (Maestro), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), said the report. Murphy also spoke about his 16-year-old son Aran, who will make his cinematic debut in Taika Waititi's Klara And The Sun. "I'm very proud of him, he's a great actor," he told reporters on the Irish-themed green carpet, adding that Aran did not need his father's instruction. Brosnan said he was "greatly honoured" to receive an Oscar Wilde award for his achievements to the cinema and television industries. He hailed the "kinship" between Ireland and America, saying he arrived to the US in 1982 "on a wing and a prayer... and then got a job, [on the drama series] Remington Steele". Read more: Prince Harry, Britney Spears’ memoirs shortlisted for British Book Awards

The mysterious and enigmatic persona of Bushra Bibi, third wife of former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, has come under heightened scrutiny, particularly following their recent conviction in a corruption case. In stark contrast to Khan’s two previous high-profile marriages with British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan, Bushra has maintained a veiled and low-profile existence, emphasizing her intellect and character rather than her appearance, as disclosed by Khan in 2018, reports BBC. Apart from her discreet personal life, it is Bushra’s “mystical” attributes that have fueled widespread speculation. Recognized as a faith healer with a small following, she garnered respect as a spiritual adviser, rooted in the Sufi tradition that emphasizes the inner quest for God and detachment from worldly concerns, it said. The marriage of Khan and Bushra in 2018 marked a departure from his previous grand unions, with the ceremony influenced by their shared interest in Sufism and conducted with minimal fanfare. Rumors circulate that Khan sought advice from Bushra after encountering her at a 13th-century Sufi shrine, where she purportedly dreamt that their union would pave the way for Khan to become the prime minister. Subsequently, they married, and six months later, Khan assumed office. Read: Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan is convicted again, days before elections  Bushra, however, binned the claim. The subsequent years of Imran Khan’s tenure were marked by economic challenges, rising living costs, political oppression, curtailed media freedoms, and human rights violations. His political downfall ensued, culminating in his ousting in 2022 through a vote of no confidence and subsequent arrests. The recent corruption case resulting in imprisonment and fines for both Khan and Bushra has raised questions about her role in the alleged illegal selling of state gifts, valued at over RS 140 million ($501,000; £395,000), the report said. Facing a 14-year sentence, Bushra also contends with legal challenges from her former husband, Khawar Maneka – a civil servant and son of a well-known politician – filed a complaint alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Under Muslim family law, women are prohibited from remarrying for a few months after their husband dies or they are divorced. It is alleged that Bushra married Imran Khan before the completion of the stipulated time following her divorce from Khawar Maneka. As Bushra Bibi navigates through these legal complexities, a government notice suggests she will be placed under house arrest in Islamabad until further orders. The intriguing narrative surrounding Imran Khan’s mysterious third wife continues to unfold, leaving many unanswered questions about her role and influence in the tumultuous political landscape. Read more: Jinnah House attack case: Imran called for quizzing

A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread". JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States, reports BBC. The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says. But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter. Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. China emerged from 'zero-COVID' in 2023 to confront new challenges in a changed world The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing. Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 - although none of them are deemed to be concerning. But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections. Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analysed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants. Winter surge JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended. "It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says. There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says. Bangladesh registers 5 new Covid-19 cases in 24hrs There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones. But more studies are needed to work out the health impact, the WHO says, as the number of countries reporting data on people admitted to hospital with Covid has dramatically reduced. To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises: • wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas• cover up coughs and sneezes• clean your hands regularly• stay up to date with Covid and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable• stay home if ill• get tested if you have symptoms

Following the passing of their "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry last month, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc have each offered their first individual tributes to him.Cox, who portrayed Perry's on-screen wife Monica, posted an Instagram video of herself with Perry's character Chandler, saying she was "so grateful for every moment" they worked together, reports the BBC. ‘In time we will say more’: Friends stars say after Matthew Perry’s deathLeBlanc, who portrayed Joey, was the first to pay tribute."It was an honour to call you my friend," he wrote."It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. I'll never forget you," said LeBlanc. Matthew Perry, Emmy-nominated 'Friends' star, dead at 54Perry, 54, was found dead in his Los Angeles home last month, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans from all over the world.In a joint statement last month, Cox and LeBlanc along with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer described Perry's death as an "unfathomable loss". Chandler Bing, the AI chatbot: A tribute to Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ characterFollowing his issues with alcohol and drugs, a new foundation has been established in Perry's honour, vowing to continue his dedication to helping others struggling with addiction.

Israel has to stop killing children and women in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron has told the BBC.During an exclusive interview, Macron said that there was "no justification" for the attack, adding that Israel would gain from a ceasefire. While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, he said, "We do urge them to stop this bombing" in Gaza.However, he also emphasised that France "clearly condemns" Hamas' "terrorist" activities, the report said. Thousands who were sheltering at Gaza City’s hospitals flee as Israel-Hamas war closes inLike Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries, France views Hamas as a terrorist group.When asked about whether he wanted other world leaders to support his demands for a ceasefire, including those in the US and the UK, Macron said, "I hope they will." Civilians flee north Gaza or shelter at a hospital as Israel and Hamas battle in the cityFollowing almost two weeks of main ground incursion into the territory and a month of Israeli shelling, the health ministry headed by Hamas in Gaza said on Friday that 11,078 Palestinians had died and 1.5 million had left their homes.Israel claimed that it followed international law when attacking military targets and that it takes precautions to lessen the number of civilian deaths by alerting civilians in advance and urging them to flee.Speaking a day after a conference in Paris on humanitarian aid related to the Gaza conflict, Macron stated that all participating governments and agencies had reached the "clear conclusion" that there is “no other solution than first a humanitarian pause, going to a ceasefire, which will allow [us] to protect... all civilians having nothing to do with terrorists.""De facto — today, civilians are bombed — de facto. These babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. So there is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge Israel to stop," the French president said.Macron, however, stated it was not for him to determine whether or not international law had been breached. Fights in bread lines, despair in shelters: War threatens to unravel Gaza's close-knit society

Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia, has come under fire after posting a photo of himself, shirtless, receiving a massage while in attendance at a management meeting. The businessman stated it had been "a stressful week" in a LinkedIn post, which now seems to have been removed, reports BBC Also read: Thai AirAsia launches Dhaka-Bangkok flight "Got to love Indonesia and AirAsia culture that I can have a massage and do a management meeting," he wrote. A statement from AirAsia has been requested over the matter, the report said. Also read: 'Air Incheon-Korean Airlines’ introduces direct cargo flight from Bangladesh to South Korea The image caused a stir on social media, as several individuals criticised Fernandes' posting choice. It was "inappropriate and absurd", wrote one person. It was "unprofessional", said another. Also read: AirAsia keen to promote leisure, medical tourism, business travel to Bangladesh "He should be setting an example of good work ethics and culture, not flaunting his body and privilege," added the user. "Some CEOs need to stay off LinkedIn," posted another. Others were not as harsh, stating that it was an excellent illustration of what "working from home" should always be. The 59-year-old Fernandes has been called Malaysia's Richard Branson, the report also said. Fernandes acquired the low-cost airline AirAsia from the Malaysian government for less than a dollar in 2001. He received his education at Epsom College, one of the most expensive colleges in Britain. In addition to being the principal stakeholder of Queens Park Rangers Football Club until July of this year, he founded the defunct Caterham F1 Formula One team.

The Indian government has put forward a bill ensuring a third of seats for women in the lower house of the parliament and state assemblies. The bill, which was initially presented in 1996, has been in the works for decades, amidst objections from various political parties, reports BBC. Also read: Modi opponents boycott opening of new parliament building as PM reshapes India’s power corridor Its return is likely to bolster the chances of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) luck in national elections next May, it said. The bill was introduced during the first session of the new Indian parliament, but it is still a long way from becoming law. It would need the consent of both houses of the parliament and a majority of state legislatures, as well as the signature of the Indian president. Also read: Silence on Manipur ethnic violence prompts no-confidence vote against Indian PM Modi The reported proposals to raise the total number of seats might complicate implementation even further, the report said. Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi lauded the proposed law and said it was a historic occasion for the country in his inauguration speech at the new parliament building. "The world understands that only talking of women-led development is not enough. This is a positive step taken on that front," he told politicians as he appealed to them to support the bill. He also took a shot at the opposition, claiming that the past Congress-led administrations had failed to pass the measure while they were in office. Also read: Hasina, Modi agree to resolve outstanding bilateral issues through talks "There have been discussions around women's reservations for years. We can say with pride that we have scripted history," he said. Modi opened the new parliament building in May, but no business has been conducted there until now. He convened a five-day special session, which began on Monday but was held in the old parliament building on the first day. Members of the two houses gathered for a picture session in the old building on Tuesday morning, followed by a ceremony commemorating parliament's history in the Central Hall of the British-era structure. They subsequently relocated to the new parliament, which was formally named as the Parliament House of India by the office of the lower house of parliament.

Bracelets, phones, and candy are just a few of the items that have lately been thrown at musicians on stage. Adele is the latest celebrity to speak out about the concerning trend, telling a Las Vegas crowd that she would "kill" anyone who threw something at her, reports BBC. Also read: Beyoncé breaks Grammys record, is now most-decorated artist In a widely circulated video, she tells the crowd that they have forgotten "show etiquette." "Dare you to throw something at me," she joked. Adele is well-known for throwing T-shirts into the audience during her Vegas residency, but her statements are in reaction to a series of events in which fans flung objects on stage, said the report. Also read: The Grammys ended in controversy, again. Here’s what to know Bebe Rexha was hurt and brought to the hospital last month after being hit by a phone while performing. And when a sex toy dropped on stage when Lil Nas X performed in Sweden on Saturday, he appeared amused, the report also said. In November, Harry Styles got hit in the eye with a sweet, and Pink appeared uneasy when a bag of human ashes was tossed on stage. Ava Max has previously been smacked on stage, and in June, a bracelet was thrown at country artist Kelsea Ballerini. Charlie Puth has also requested fans put an end to the practice, stating on Twitter that "the trend... must come to an end" and that it is "disrespectful and very dangerous." So why are fans doing it? Dr Lucy Bennett is a Cardiff University lecturer who studies the interaction between fans and their favourite performers. She believed that people's attitudes have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, "where we couldn't be physically present at concerts." And Dr Bennett believed some individuals are doing it since it is more difficult to be noticed by artists on social media. Also read: Jazmine Sullivan wins second Grammy "If you're in the same physical space as them, and you're throwing something, then you're going to get noticed," she said of the behaviour.