World News Daily(2024-07-19) : Central Committee Press Conference: Deepening Reforms, Advancing Chinese-Style Modernization
Central Committee Press Conference: Deepening Reforms, Advancing Chinese-Style Modernization
Summary of the Press Conference of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China:
- Promote the reform of the household registration system, register households at permanent residence locations, and accelerate the urbanization of agricultural population.
- Separate monopolistic sectors in industries such as energy and railways from competitive sectors, and introduce market competition into the latter.
- Support private enterprises in leading major technological breakthroughs, expand market and capital market openness to foreign investment.
- Expand local tax bases, enhance the financial capabilities of cities and counties, match responsibilities with financial resources, and prohibit illegal requests for local matching funds.
- Prevent administrative and criminal means from interfering with economic disputes, protect property rights and legitimate interests.
- Implement new urbanization strategies, improve mechanisms to prevent rural返贫, and revitalize rural industries.
- Establish and improve social security systems for flexible employment personnel and migrant workers, and increase residents' property income.
Explanation:
- Household Registration System Reform: Change the way户口are registered to make it easier for agricultural migrants to obtain urban residency.
- Market-oriented Reform: Introduce market competition mechanisms to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Openness to Foreign Investment: Expand international trade and investment, attracting foreign capital and technology.
- Expansion of Tax Bases: Increase local government tax sources, enhancing fiscal autonomy.
- Protection of Property Rights: Ensure that individuals' and businesses' property rights are not infringed upon.
- Social Security Systems: Provide social security for non-traditional employment personnel, ensuring their basic living needs.
These measures aim to deepen reforms, advance Chinese-style modernization, and enhance economic vitality and social stability.
ScoresPolitics
U.S. Trade Curbs on Chip Exports Impact Asian Stocks
U.S. trade curbs on chip exports to China hit Asian stocks hard. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest chip supplier, saw shares drop 4.3% before recovering slightly. Suppliers like Tokyo Electron and Screen Holdings also suffered significant losses.
The Biden administration's potential clampdown on chipmaking equipment exports to China escalates tensions between the two superpowers. This move impacts global chip companies, crucial in our digitized world.
South Korean chip stocks, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, also tumbled. Despite short-term volatility, long-term investors see potential in AI advancements.
The Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR) allows U.S. control over foreign products using minimal American technology, affecting non-U.S. companies.
Wall Street's tech giants, like ASML and Nvidia, faced substantial losses. ASML, despite strong earnings, closed 12% lower.
Former U.S. President Trump criticized Taiwan, suggesting it should pay for U.S. defense and accusing it of monopolizing America's chip business.
ScoresGaza Conflict Fuels Fears of IS and Al-Qaida Resurgence
The Gaza conflict fuels fears of IS and al-Qaida resurgence. Security experts warn of increased extremism due to ongoing violence.
Israel's attacks on Gaza, particularly the Maghazi refugee camp, have left widespread devastation. This chaos is seen as fertile ground for extremist groups like Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaida to rebuild and recruit.
Recent months have seen heightened activity from IS branches in Sinai and Syria, and thwarted plots in Jordan. Turkey has also arrested dozens linked to an IS affiliate. Al-Qaida in Yemen (AQAP) is actively targeting Western and Israeli interests.
The conflict in Gaza is a major factor, but economic crises and civil unrest also contribute. The UN reports that extremist groups are exploiting the situation to attract new recruits and incite lone actors globally.
Television and internet coverage of Gaza's suffering intensifies radicalization. Analysts note a new wave of extremism driven by public disillusionment and poor socio-economic conditions.
IS and al-Qaida are leveraging the anger and despair to mobilize followers and plan attacks. The threat is real and growing, with potential impacts far beyond the Middle East.
ScoresSociety
FCC Reduces Prison Phone Call Costs, Saving Families Millions
FCC slashes prison phone call rates. Interstate calls are halved, intrastate calls are capped. The cost of a 15-minute call drops from $11.35 to $0.90. The new rules take effect in January 2025. Families are expected to save $500 million annually. The regulations ban additional fees and prevent companies from directing callers to more expensive options.
ScoresShenzhen Sets Record with 77.4% New Energy Vehicle Penetration Rate in June
In June, Shenzhen's penetration rate of new energy vehicles reached a record high of 77.4%. The city has a total of 426.3 million motor vehicles, with over 108 million being new energy vehicles, accounting for more than 25%. In 2023, the production volume reached 173 million units, with 24,000 related enterprises concentrated in the city. Supported by policies such as a replacement and update subsidy of up to 8,000 yuan per vehicle and differentiated parking fees, the market for new energy vehicles is growing. The penetration rate of independent brands is 72.5%, luxury brands 29.8%, and joint venture brands only 7.4%.
ScoresA Deep Dive into China's Popular Lifestyle App
Xiaohongshu, known as the "little red book," began in 2013 as an app for shopping tips. Today, it has evolved into a lifestyle guide with over 300 million users, predominantly young women. Users depend on it for daily advice ranging from dining to travel.
The app's core strength is its community and sophisticated algorithm. It curates content tailored to individual interests, often impressing users with its accuracy. This personalization aids lesser-known brands in gaining visibility through targeted marketing.
Xiaohongshu's algorithm also promotes content from less prominent users, striving for a balanced community. More users are increasingly relying on its search function, with 70% conducting searches monthly.
Unlike Douyin, which has a global version (TikTok), Xiaohongshu remains unified, appealing to the global Chinese community. Its user base is primarily Chinese, though international usage is on the rise.
The app's success is rooted in its community-driven approach and advanced algorithm, making it an essential daily tool for many.
ScoresEconomy
Impact of Rising U.S.-China Trade Tensions on Global Markets
U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating. The Biden administration is tightening regulations on chip exports to China and increasing tariffs on Chinese goods. If reelected, Trump plans to impose even higher tariffs.
JPMorgan views China's utilities sector as a potential beneficiary amid these tensions. Historically, during previous trade conflicts, utilities have outperformed the broader market by an average of 12.8%.
Europe could encounter challenges. Goldman Sachs forecasts that Trump's proposed 10% tariff could decrease the euro area's GDP by one percentage point, affecting European stocks' earnings-per-share by six to seven percentage points.
Defensive stocks, such as utilities and healthcare, might gain from rising trade risks. Cyclical stocks, including autos and industrials, could be adversely impacted.
Global chip stocks, including ASML, Nvidia, and TSMC, faced setbacks due to potential trade restrictions. This could hinder mega tech earnings growth, but any significant sell-off might offer buying opportunities.
ScoresNetflix Gains 8 Million Subscribers with Baby Reindeer and Bridgerton
Netflix added 8 million subscribers last quarter, reaching a total of 277.7 million. Revenue surged by 17% to $9.5 billion, driven by paid memberships and ad-supported subscriptions.
Popular shows like Baby Reindeer and Bridgerton attracted significant viewership, particularly in the UK and India. Baby Reindeer garnered 88.4 million viewers.
The company introduced cheaper ad-supported plans and tightened restrictions on password sharing, leading to a surge in subscribers.
Netflix is expanding its offerings by partnering with the NFL and WWE for live sports and wrestling events. It is also branching into live events featuring personalities such as Joe Rogan and Mike Tyson.
The streaming giant is now prioritizing viewing hours over subscriber counts, focusing on measuring success through member engagement. It competes directly with YouTube, claiming nearly half of U.S. streaming TV watch time.
ScoresTechnology
AI Dubbing Revolutionizes Film Industry
Flawless, a collaboration of filmmakers and scientists, has seemingly conquered the "uncanny valley" in content dubbing. They've produced the world's first AI-driven dubbed film. This technology mimics human speech so closely it's hard to discern the difference.
The "uncanny valley" refers to the eerie feeling we get when something is almost, but not exactly, like a real human. Flawless's breakthrough suggests a future where AI could replace traditional voice actors, sparking debates on authenticity and employment in creative fields.
ScoresOpenAI Launches GPT-4o Mini and Expands AI Capabilities
OpenAI has launched GPT-4o mini, a compact yet powerful AI model. It promises high performance at a low cost, with plans to integrate image, video, and audio capabilities. The model enhances processing speeds and quality across 50 languages. OpenAI also plans to develop a model named "Strawberry" and has released CriticGPT for evaluating AI outputs. The company's revenue from AI model sales has surpassed Microsoft's. OpenAI is expanding into healthcare and has opened its latest features to free users, including customizable GPTs and a GPT store.
ScoresDr. Fei-Fei Li's World Labs: A $1 Billion AI Startup
Dr. Fei-Fei Li, known as the "godmother of AI," launched World Labs. The startup aims to enhance AI's visual processing and reasoning. Valued at $1 billion in four months. Funded by Andreessen Horowitz and Radical Ventures.
Li's ImageNet, a crucial dataset for computer vision, fueled the AI boom. She advises policymakers on AI regulations. Named to the U.S. national AI research task force in 2021.
Insight: Li's work pushes AI closer to human-like intelligence. Her influence shapes both technology and policy.
ScoresChina plans to launch the Long March 10 rocket in 2027, aiming to achieve manned lunar landing before 2030.
China plans to launch the Long March 10 rocket by 2027, aiming for a manned lunar landing before 2030. The rocket has a payload capacity of 70 tons and a lunar transfer orbit capability of 27 tons. The manned lunar landing plan involves using two rockets to separately transport the lunar lander and the manned spacecraft to the lunar transfer orbit, where they will rendezvous and dock in lunar orbit. Astronauts will then land on the moon for exploration and sample collection before returning to Earth.
Explanation:
- Lunar Transfer Orbit: The flight path from Earth to the Moon.
- Lunar Orbit: The orbit around the Moon.
- Rendezvous and Docking: The connection of two spacecraft in space.
Video Game
PS5 Pro Expected to Launch in November 2024, Confirms Insider
Tom Henderson, a reliable source in gaming news, clarifies rumors about the PS5 Pro's delayed release. He confirms that internal Sony documents point to a November 2024 launch. Developers must support the PS5 Pro from September 15, 2023. Despite concerns over limited first-party games utilizing PS5 Pro features, Henderson sees no signs of cancellation or further delay. He predicts a September announcement, coinciding with Sony's return to the Tokyo Game Show.
ScoresEntertainment
Apple Vision Pro Unveils Immersive Content with NBA and The Weeknd
Apple unveiled new immersive content for Vision Pro. Highlights include behind-the-scenes NBA footage, The Weeknd concert, and adventure series "Boundless." Upcoming films capture NBA All-Star Weekend and big-wave surfing in Tahiti. Apple plans to expand content creation with Blackmagic Design.
ScoresHollywood Embraces De-Aging Technology in 'Here'
Hollywood's love for de-aging technology is growing. Scorsese used it with De Niro in The Irishman, and Ford in Indiana Jones also employed it. Now, Zemeckis is tackling Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in Here.
Zemeckis, known for Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, utilizes AI from Metaphysic Live. This technology creates younger versions of Hanks and Wright, seamlessly and in real-time.
The trailer for Here shows Hanks looking youthful, reminiscent of his Big days. The film, set in a single house with a fixed camera, spans the characters' lives.
De-aging technology often falls into the "uncanny valley," appearing not quite human. Zemeckis aims to avoid this by meticulously blending technology with traditional makeup.
The AI models Hanks and Wright using decades of footage, overlaying younger versions onto the current actors based on their expressions. The result is a mirror through time.
Zemeckis is optimistic, believing the technology enhances storytelling by showing what is unseen in real life. If successful, Here could change how Hollywood uses de-aging technology.
ScoresHealth
Drug Targeting Aging Protein Extends Mouse Lifespan by 25%
A drug targeting interleukin-11, a protein that increases with age, extended mouse lifespans by 25%. Mice treated with the drug experienced fewer cancers, enhanced muscle function, and appeared younger. The treatment is currently undergoing human trials.
Interleukin-11 is known to contribute to inflammation and aging. By eliminating it, researchers not only improved the overall health of mice but also extended their lifespans. The promising results in mice have sparked optimism for comparable benefits in humans.
ScoresUK Covid Inquiry Criticizes Pandemic Preparations
The UK Covid inquiry, launched in June 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, aims to scrutinize government actions during the pandemic. Chaired by Baroness Hallett, the inquiry began public hearings in June 2023. It has the power to compel evidence but cannot assign guilt.
The first report, released recently, criticizes the UK's pandemic preparations, stating they were flawed, leading to unnecessary deaths and economic damage. The UK planned for a mild pandemic, not the severe one that unfolded. This miscalculation resulted in untested lockdown policies.
Baroness Hallett emphasized the need for urgent reforms in emergency planning. She aims to implement many changes within six months to a year. The inquiry will continue to explore various aspects of the pandemic response, from political decisions to vaccine distribution.
The inquiry's findings could reshape how the UK handles future national emergencies.
ScoresGut Protein's Potential Role in Protecting Brain Cells from Parkinson's
Gut protein, a new hero in the fight against Parkinson's disease, shows promise in shielding brain cells from damage. This protein, found in the intestines, might also play a crucial role in the brain, protecting neurons—the cells that control movement and coordination—from the ravages of Parkinson's.
Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder, gradually steals motor skills and other functions as it destroys neurons in the brain. The discovery of this gut protein's potential protective role offers a fresh angle in the battle against this debilitating condition.
Research into this protein could lead to new treatments, possibly even preventative measures, for Parkinson's. The hope is that by bolstering this natural defense, we can slow or halt the disease's progression.
This discovery underscores the intricate connections between the gut and the brain, a relationship often dubbed the "gut-brain axis." Understanding these links could revolutionize how we approach neurological disorders, moving away from reactive treatments to proactive strategies.
The journey from this initial finding to practical applications in patient care will be long and complex. Yet, the potential benefits for millions of Parkinson's sufferers make this research a compelling frontier in medical science.
ScoresCanadian HIV Research Network Expands to Combat Rising STIs
Syphilis rates in Canada have doubled. HIV diagnoses jumped 25% from 2021 to 2022. Congenital syphilis, passed from mother to child, surged 599% from 2018 to 2022.
Dr. Marina Klein, from McGill University Health Centre, calls this an "explosion" of infections. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced testing and treatment. Other factors include immigration and access barriers like stigma and sparse health services.
The Pan-Canadian HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network, funded with $25 million, expands its focus to all sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. They aim to find new treatments and preventions, especially for marginalized groups like Indigenous people in western Canada.
Klein emphasizes the need for long-acting therapies that reduce frequent visits to health professionals. The network will support researchers across Canada, leveraging its extensive experience in HIV/AIDS studies to conduct more and better trials.
Infections can emerge suddenly, like mpox. Klein warns against complacency, stressing the need for ongoing vigilance and research.
ScoresSports
2025 MLB Season Opener Set in Tokyo: Dodgers vs. Cubs
MLB sets 2025 opener in Tokyo. Dodgers vs. Cubs, March 18-19 at Tokyo Dome. Rest of league starts March 27.
Ohtani Shohei, potential two-way return. Elbow surgery recovery ongoing. Yamamoto Yoshinobu also expected to pitch.
Cubs feature Imanaga Shota and Suzuki Seiya. Imanaga fresh from All-Star debut.
MLB aims to globalize baseball. Last Japan series in 2019, Suzuki Ichiro's final game.
Scores2026 FIFA World Cup: High-End Sports Tourism and Premium Experiences
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will span the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aims to be the grandest sports spectacle yet. On Location, a hospitality giant, will manage exclusive packages, promising stadium suites, hospitality villages, and unique local experiences.
On Location, launched by the NFL in 2015, now handles premium experiences for major events like the Olympics and various sports leagues. Their recent $1.3 billion deal with the IOC underscores their reach and influence in the sports tourism sector.
For the World Cup, they expect to sell around one million premium tickets, focusing on curated local food and entertainment. MLS, with its deep soccer roots and stadium insights, will assist in promoting these packages.
FIFA anticipates a significant revenue boost from this event, aiming to surpass previous records. The market buzz is palpable, with fans eager for unique, high-end experiences. The stage is set for a monumental event, blending sports, tourism, and local culture.
ScoresFood
Meituan Waimai is set to launch in Riyadh, with rider training and restaurant integration nearing completion.
Meituan Waimai is expanding into Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, hiring local staff and partnering with international and local restaurants. The service is expected to launch in September or October.
Training for riders and restaurant integrations are nearing completion. Meituan Waimai clarifies that there are no age restrictions for riders, with the maximum delivery age set at 57.
Recruitment for riders in Hong Kong has begun, with the外卖service likely to be introduced within a few months. Smart safety helmets and intelligent voice assistants enhance rider safety.
The "Together We Row" initiative improves rider experience, with the system optimized to allow an 8-minute flexible time. 77% of riders come from rural areas.
ScoresUK Approves Lab-Grown Meat for Pet Food
UK approves lab-grown meat for pets. Meatly's product, cultivated chicken, leads the way. Made from chicken egg samples, grown in lab containers. Aims to reduce climate impact of pet food, comparable to Philippines. Survey shows pet owners open to the idea.
ScoresSmart Soil Enhances Crop Growth and Reduces Water Usage
Scientists at the University of Texas have developed "smart soil" using a specialized water gel. This gel absorbs water from the air at night and releases it to plants during the day, while also gradually providing nutrients such as calcium.
Tests revealed that plants grown in this soil achieved a 138% increase in height compared to normal, even with a 40% reduction in water usage. This innovation could significantly aid in feeding more people in arid regions. The researchers intend to conduct longer-term tests and incorporate additional fertilizers.
Scores