Representation learning based on multi-task pretraining has become a powerful approach in many domains. In particular, task-aware representation learning aims to learn an optimal representation for a specific target task by sampling data from a set of source tasks, while task-agnostic representation learning seeks to learn a universal representation for a class of tasks. In this paper, we propose a general and versatile algorithmic and theoretic framework for active representation learning, where the learner optimally chooses which source tasks to sample from. This framework, along with a tractable meta algorithm, allows most arbitrary target and source task spaces (from discrete to continuous), covers both task-aware and task-agnostic settings, and is compatible with deep representation learning practices. We provide several instantiations under this framework, from bilinear and feature-based nonlinear to general nonlinear cases. In the bilinear case, by leveraging the non-uniform spectrum of the task representation and the calibrated source-target relevance, we prove that the sample complexity to achieve ε-excess risk on target scales with (k)2 v 22ε 2 where k is the effective dimension of the target and v 22 (0,1] represents the connection between source and target space. Compared to the passive one, this can save up to 1dW of sample complexity, where dW is the task space dimension. Finally, we demonstrate different instantiations of our meta algorithm in synthetic datasets and robotics problems, from pendulum simulations to real-world drone flight datasets. On average, our algorithms outperform baselines by 20% 70%. 1

China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the police. China has gradually tightened regulations on drones in recent years, with authorities citing public safety concerns. Drones and flying taxis are part of the so-called low-altitude economy, a strategic priority for China that is expected to generate more than two trillion yuan ($290bn; £217bn) by 2035.

Why is Israel still in southern Lebanon? A war to shape Lebanon's future How Hezbollah's fibre optic drones test Israel's sophisticated radar system In the skies over the Lebanese town of Taybeh, Israel's multibillion-dollar defence systems were rendered useless by a spool of cable, according to a report by the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet). As an Israeli medical evacuation helicopter rushed to rescue soldiers wounded in a drone attack, another unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hurtled towards them. With their electronic countermeasures failing, soldiers on the ground were forced to point their rifles at the sky, firing at the incoming threat before it detonated just metres away. The chaotic scene underscores a lethal new reality in the escalating conflict.

Japan's Terra Drone expands investment in Ukraine drone sector A soldier from Ukraine's Taifun unmanned aerial vehicle unit holds a new model Marsianin attack drone on April 7 in Kharkiv region, Ukraine. Tokyo-based Terra Drone is expanding its investment in Ukrainian interceptor drones as it looks to bring battlefield-tested technology back to Japan to tap into a multibillion-dollar defense budget for unmanned systems. On Tuesday, Terra Drone CEO Toru Tokushige said the company was entering a new strategic partnership with Ukraine's WinnyLab to develop fixed-wing interceptor drones. It comes after the company announced in March that it would make an investment in Ukraine's Amazing Drones to develop vertical take-off interceptor drones. "Starting with interceptor drones we are looking for products that are good for increasing the defensive power of Ukraine and also the defensive power of Japan," Tokushige said in an interview.

Global military spending is up again, according to SIPRI's latest report showing the 11th consecutive year of growth. But it's based on open data and not everything makes the list. Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time

US lawmakers gave King Charles III a standing ovation upon mentioning the importance of "checks and balances" on executive power during his historic speech to Congress. Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time

Why is Israel still in southern Lebanon? A war to shape Lebanon's future Video captured massive explosions in southern Lebanon in what the Israeli military called strikes on a Hezbollah tunnel. Other attacks happened nearby, as Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed that southern Lebanon's fate will be like Gaza's. Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time Qatar says using Hormuz Strait as political weapon is'unacceptable' Australia's top diplomat visits China to talk energy security

What are Russia's gains from the Iran war? 'We are not losers; we are winners' Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time NewsFeed Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time Ukraine has targeted a major Russian oil refinery in the Black Sea port city of Tuapse for the third time in less than two weeks, setting off a fresh blaze and prompting authorities to evacuate local residents. Qatar says using Hormuz Strait as political weapon is'unacceptable' Australia's top diplomat visits China to talk energy security

The United Arab Emirates has announced it's withdrawing from OPEC and OPEC+. Al Jazeera's Michael Appel outlines the significance of the announcement and its likely impact on the energy market. Ukrainian drones strike Russia's Tuapse refinery for third time Qatar says using Hormuz Strait as political weapon is'unacceptable' Australia's top diplomat visits China to talk energy security

What are Russia's gains from the Iran war? 'We are not losers; we are winners' Ukrainian officials say Russian drones have again attacked the southern port city of Odesa, injuring at least 11 people, including two children, and damaging homes and important infrastructure. Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said the attack affected three districts, hitting residential buildings, vehicles and civilian facilities, including a hotel, warehouses and funicular railway. Windows shattered in many buildings and the port area sustained damage. Law enforcement agencies are documenting the latest war crimes committed by Russia against the peaceful population of [the] Odesa region," Kiper said. Russian attacks killed one person in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov. "A 59-year-old man died as a result of an enemy attack on the Zaporizhzhia region," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. A Ukrainian drone attack killed an employee at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which was captured by Russian forces and is shut down. "A driver was killed today when a Ukrainian Armed Forces drone struck the transport department at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," said a statement from plant managers who were installed by Russia. Regional governor Fedorov said Russian forces launched 629 strikes across 45 settlements in the region in a single day, with at least 50 reports of damage to homes and infrastructure. Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks in the Belgorod border region, where at least one person was killed and four women injured, alongside damage to buildings and vehicles. The attacks come as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. Donald Trump said on Sunday that he has had "good conversations" with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We're working on the Russia situation, Russia and Ukraine, and hopefully we're going to get it," Trump said on Fox News. "I do have conversations with him, and I do have conversations with President Zelenskyy, and good conversations," he said. "The hatred between President Putin and President Zelenskyy is ridiculous.