Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting visions of a future dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, highlighting the potential for both utopian and dystopian outcomes as proposed by tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman [1][3]. Group 1: Utopian Visions - Tech leaders envision a future where AI leads to abundant living, with work becoming optional and universal basic income provided to all citizens [1]. - Sam Altman proposes the "American Equality Fund," which would tax large companies and private land to distribute annual dividends to every adult in the U.S. [1]. - The CEO of DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, anticipates a "radical abundance" era where AI significantly boosts productivity and wealth is fairly distributed [1]. Group 2: Dystopian Concerns - The article argues that the proposed utopian visions may actually lead to a dystopian reality where wealth and control remain concentrated among a few elites, undermining true societal equity [3]. - Historical evidence suggests that once wealth is accumulated, it is unlikely to be redistributed voluntarily, raising concerns about the feasibility of universal income [3]. - The article questions the implications for countries lacking advanced AI capabilities, as automation could exacerbate inequalities without addressing how to support affected populations [3]. Group 3: The Role of Work and Community - The article emphasizes that work provides social engagement and a sense of purpose, which cannot be replaced by mere financial subsidies [4]. - It argues for the necessity of government and civil society to take control of AI development, ensuring that rules and safeguards are not solely dictated by private enterprises [4]. - A proposal for an "International AI Dividend Fund" is suggested to support countries most impacted by automation, addressing the question of who bears the costs of technological advancement [4].

【环球时报特约记者 吕克】备受剧迷关注的《权力的游戏》前传《七王国的骑士》18日开播，在烂番 茄网站、Metacritic网站等口碑平台获得不错评价，《权游》IP的高人气有望再次延续。 "银幕咆哮"网站称，"正是这种更为幽默、轻松的基调，让《七王国的骑士》在HBO庞大的作品序列中 脱颖而出，成功地在喜剧元素与更严肃的、情感驱动的剧情间达成平衡。" 英国《泰晤士报》认为："随着情节发展，后半程会变得更加黑暗、更加暴力，但同时也有足够的温 柔、体面、戏谑和趣味。这并不是我们熟悉的那片维斯特洛大陆，但该剧带来了一个非常令人愉悦的转 变。" 罗杰·艾伯特网站称，"克拉菲和安塞尔是这部剧的灵魂人物，让邓肯和伊戈成为权游宇宙中最迷人、最 温柔的一段屏幕友谊。通过6集的体量，《七王国的骑士》证明，奇幻剧集仍能给观众带来惊喜，而且 在这种类型中，并不总是场面越大越好。"不过，《今日美国报》则认为该剧"不好笑，不扣人心弦也不 令人兴奋"，就同该剧的主角一样，显得无精打采。 作为《权游》的前传，《七王国的骑士》基于小说原作者乔治·马丁的短篇系列《邓肯与伊戈的故事》 创作改编，讲述了《权游》正史前一个世纪，两位"非主流"英雄在维斯 ...

Core Insights - OpenAI's investment in Merge Labs signals a competitive shift towards brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, indicating it may become a central focus in the next tech race [1][6] - The BCI market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it could exceed $10 billion by 2030 [10] Investment and Company Developments - Merge Labs has raised $252 million in funding, led by Bain Capital, with OpenAI as the largest investor, bringing its valuation to $850 million [3][4] - The company aims to develop non-invasive BCI technologies that connect humans and AI without the need for surgical implants [4][9] Competitive Landscape - The competition between OpenAI and Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, highlights a personal rivalry that may elevate public interest in the BCI sector [4][7] - Other startups like Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, and Synchron are also actively developing BCI technologies, indicating a broader competitive environment beyond just two companies [7] Technological Implications - AI is expected to enhance BCI development by enabling systems that can understand user intent and operate reliably, potentially making Merge Labs a key player in integrating AI with BCI [5][9] - Current BCI technologies allow paralyzed patients to control devices, but future advancements could enable more complex tasks, marking a significant technological paradigm shift [8] Market Trends and Future Outlook - The global BCI market is anticipated to reach approximately $1.27 billion by 2025, with significant investments already made in both invasive and non-invasive technologies [10][14] - China's rapid development in the BCI field, supported by government initiatives, positions it as a strong competitor to the U.S., particularly in non-invasive applications [12][13]

【环球时报综合报道】路透社19日报道称，美国总统特朗普提议组建旨在解决加沙问题的"和平委员 会"已向约60个国家发出邀请，多数国家对此态度谨慎。 值得一提的是，美国向各国发出的邀请信中附带的一份章程草案引发部分欧洲国家政府警惕。路透社 称，特朗普曾指责联合国未支持其推动全球冲突解决的努力，而不少国家的外交官认为，这份章程实质 是要打造一个 "特朗普版联合国"，公然无视《联合国宪章》的基本原则。有3名西方外交官直言，若该 计划付诸实施，必将对联合国的权威性造成损害。 针对美国提交的"和平委员会"章程草案，联合国秘书长古特雷斯的发言人回应称，古特雷斯认为 "会员 国可自主选择加入不同合作机制"。一名联合国高级官员强调，联合国是全球唯一兼具道义与法律权 威、能够凝聚所有国家的国际机构。联合国大会主席安娜莱娜·贝尔伯克表示："若我们对联合国的这一 地位产生质疑……人类便会倒退，坠入无比黑暗的时代。"（李迅典） 根据路透社获取的邀请信及章程草案，"和平委员会"成员国任期仅限3年，缴纳10亿美元后可获得永久 成员资格。白宫日前在社交平台 X上发文称："此举旨在为那些切实致力于和平、安全与繁荣的伙伴 国，提供永久成员资格。 ...

报道称，根据日程安排，日本众议院选举将于1月27日发布公告，2月8日投计票，从解散到投票间隔仅 16天，创下日本战后最短纪录。高市早苗19日表示，考虑到目前自民党在国会众、参两院都没有占据过 半数议席，此时宣布解散众议院、提前大选是为了未来推行新的经济、财政政策，更好落实与联合执政 伙伴日本维新会的执政目标等。当天晚间，数百名日本民众聚集在日本众议院第二议员会馆前，对高市 的决定表示抗议，认为她在此时解散众议院制造了"政治空白"，对日本民众生活产生负面影响。 据日本广播协会报道，日本在野党对高市解散众议院的决定持批评态度。日本最大在野党立宪民主党干 事长安住淳表示，高市此举牺牲国民生活，违背国会优先审议预算、应对高物价的目标，毫无正当性可 言。公明党干事长西田实仁称其是"推迟物价对策"的行为，强调该党将坚持民生为先、守护和平的中间 道路。 【环球时报驻日本特派记者 刘文璋】据日本共同社报道，日本首相高市早苗19日傍晚在首相官邸举行 记者会，宣布将于1月23日解散众议院，并提前举行大选。这距离上次日本众议院选举仅过去1年3个 月，而日本众议员任期应是4年。该决定在日本引发巨大争议。 社会民主党党首福岛瑞穗痛批高 ...

据报道，在等待新政策正式推出并实施之际，一些英国高校已暂停从签证合规率较低的国家招生。根据 英国内政部的最新数据，截至去年9月，学生签证获批率最低的国家包括孟加拉国（84%）、加纳 （85%）、巴基斯坦与尼泊尔和斯里兰卡（均为92%）以及尼日利亚（93%）。而根据新规，最低获批 率应为95%。 一名英国业内资深人士告诉《星期日泰晤士报》，英国大学非常重视签证与移民局的审计，因为这可能 导致其担保人资格被吊销。"我们不知道门槛何时会发生变化。这些门槛极其严格，在全球范围内都属 于最严格的行列。各高校在招生策略上必须更加谨慎，规避风险……院校会将目光投向合规率高的国 家，而中国就是其中之一。" 【环球时报特约记者 任重】据英国《星期日泰晤士报》18日报道，英国政府将发布其国际教育战略， 阐述如何保护和加强这一价值数十亿英镑的产业。与此同时，英国内政部正在收紧海外学生的合规门 槛，以减少违反签证规定或辍学的学生人数。鉴于此，部分英国高校已停止招收来自"高风险"国家的学 生，同时"不得不"招收更多来自中国的学生，因为他们的签证合规率高，高校为其提供担保更为安全。 报道说，英国政府正在更新的这项国际教育战略最初制定于2 ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles revolves around the European Union's urgent response to potential new tariffs imposed by the United States regarding Greenland, with a consensus on preparing countermeasures while seeking diplomatic solutions [1][2]. - The EU is considering reinstating previously suspended tariffs on approximately €93 billion worth of U.S. imports, with the earliest implementation date being February 6 [1]. - There is a division among EU member states regarding the use of the "anti-coercion tool," with more support for imposing tariffs compared to activating this tool [1]. Group 2 - France advocates for a stronger stance against U.S. tariff threats, emphasizing the need for a unified EU response and considering the use of the "anti-coercion tool" [2]. - Germany's government expresses readiness to implement effective countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs, in response to what they describe as U.S. "extortion" [2]. - The UK Prime Minister calls for a calm approach to the escalating tensions, stressing that the future of Greenland should be determined by its people and Denmark [2]. Group 3 - U.S. Treasury Secretary remains firm on the Greenland issue, asserting that Europe is too weak to ensure its own security, which has drawn criticism from European officials [3]. - Norway's Prime Minister confirms receiving a message from Trump, indicating a shift in U.S. stance regarding Greenland, which may impact international relations [3]. - The Prime Minister of Greenland asserts that the territory will not yield to pressure and emphasizes the importance of dialogue and respect for international law [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Reserve Bank of India has proposed connecting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) among BRICS nations to facilitate cross-border trade and tourism payments, potentially reducing reliance on the US dollar amid rising geopolitical tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Proposal Details - The proposal to connect CBDCs is suggested to be included in the agenda for the 2026 BRICS summit, which India will host later this year [1]. - If adopted, this would mark the first formal initiative to promote digital currency interoperability among BRICS members [1]. - The proposal is based on the Rio de Janeiro Declaration from the 17th BRICS leaders' meeting, which called for enhanced interoperability of payment systems among member countries to improve cross-border transaction efficiency [1]. Group 2: Challenges and Considerations - Successful implementation of the BRICS digital currency connection requires discussions on technical interoperability, governance rules, and addressing trade balance issues [2]. - Concerns among member countries regarding the adoption of foreign technology platforms may delay progress, highlighting the need for consensus on technical and regulatory aspects [2]. - Previous attempts by Russia and India to expand trade using local currencies faced obstacles, indicating potential challenges ahead [2]. Group 3: Geopolitical Context - India's approach to BRICS has shifted subtly due to deteriorating US-India relations, as it seeks to leverage BRICS' collective strength to present a new diplomatic stance towards the US [2]. - The proposal to connect CBDCs reflects India's interest in enhancing the international use and circulation of the Indian rupee while avoiding direct confrontation with the US government [2].

加拿大将以优惠关税税率进口4.9万辆中国电动汽车。 综合法新社、《纽约时报》等多家外媒1月16日报道，正在中国访问的加拿大总理卡尼表示，加拿大将 以优惠关税税率进口4.9万辆中国电动汽车。 卡尼16日告诉记者："加拿大已同意允许最多4.9万辆中国电动汽车进入加拿大市场，适用6.1%的最惠国 关税税率……这恢复到了贸易摩擦前的水平。" 《纽约时报》称，加拿大将降低部分中国电动汽车的关税，这一重大政策转变是加拿大总理卡尼在对北 京进行"具有里程碑意义"的访问期间宣布的。此前在2024年，在美国拜登政府的要求下，加拿大对中国 电动汽车征收100%的关税。 责任编辑：江蓬新 ...

中长期压力正在积累 韩媒报道称，从短期实际影响来看，美国当前的关税举措尚难对韩国半导体对美出口形成直接冲击。据 韩国业内分析，美方对部分高性能半导体征收的25%关税，仅适用于"进口后再出口"的产品，而供应美 国本土数据中心、公共部门及产业端的半导体仍维持免税状态。 韩国对美投资前景再次出现不确定性。美国商务部长霍华德·卢特尼克当地时间16日释放针对主要半导 体生产地的强硬关税信号，警告相关企业若不在美国投资建厂，最高或面临100%的半导体关税，引发 韩国半导体行业高度警惕。韩国舆论认为，尽管美方表态未点名具体生产地区或企业，但指向性明确。 在关税政策不确定性上升的背景下，半导体领域对美投资节奏短期内难有明显提速。与此同时，路透社 16日援引韩国副总理兼财政经济部长官具润哲的话报道称，此前韩美贸易谈判中敲定的3500亿美元韩国 对美投资"上半年不太可能启动"，韩元暴跌令政府官员对大规模资金外流感到担忧。 缺乏明确细则是核心顾虑 据彭博社17日报道，卢特尼克在纽约州北部雪城附近出席美国存储芯片企业美光新工厂开工仪式时表 示，计划生产存储器半导体的企业"只有两个选择"，要么缴纳100%关税，要么在美国本土生产。彭博 ...