World News Daily(2024-07-25) : New Zealand Report Reveals Widespread Abuse in State Care
New Zealand Report Reveals Widespread Abuse in State Care
New Zealand has released a comprehensive report on abuse in state and faith-based care. Over 200,000 victims, from 1950 to 1999, endured suffering. The report, weighing 14kg, took six years to compile.
Abuse was rampant—including sexual, physical, and emotional forms. Caregivers, religious leaders, social workers, and doctors were among the perpetrators. Children at Lake Alice Psychiatric hospital were subjected to torture in the 1970s.
Survivors often faced homelessness, poverty, addiction, and even worse outcomes. Māori survivors particularly lost touch with their cultural heritage. Some ended up joining gangs, incarcerated, or taking their own lives.
The report advocates for the establishment of a new agency, the Care Safe Agency, to prevent future abuses. It also demands formal apologies from leaders and churches.
This report marks a beginning, not an end. It calls for a complete overhaul of the care system. Survivors are hopeful for transformation, moving from darkness to light.
ScoresPolitics
Switzerland Mandates Open-Source Software for Government Use
Switzerland has recently enacted a law mandating that all government offices must utilize open-source software. This implies that the source code for the software they employ is publicly accessible, enhancing transparency and security. Additionally, they are required to distribute any new software they develop, unless it is copyrighted or sharing it poses significant risks. This initiative reduces reliance on proprietary software companies and fosters greater collaboration. It marks a pioneering step for any nation and could potentially encourage other countries to follow suit.
Open-source software refers to software whose source code is available for free, allowing anyone to use, modify, or enhance it.
ScoresU.S. CFIUS Penalties Surge Amid Heightened Scrutiny of Foreign Investments
CFIUS, a U.S. committee since 1975, scrutinizes foreign investments for national security risks. In 2023, it levied more penalties than in its prior 50 years combined. The surge follows new enforcement guidelines and higher fines, signaling a tougher stance. Notably, China led in review applications, reflecting heightened U.S. scrutiny of Chinese investments. This trend underscores a shift towards viewing investment through a geopolitical lens, potentially impeding global economic cooperation.
ScoresEurope's Strategic Preparations for Taiwan Conflict
Europe is increasingly concerned about the potential impact of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. With Taiwan being a major trading partner and a key player in semiconductor manufacturing, a conflict could have significant global economic repercussions. European leaders are discreetly preparing for various scenarios, including economic sanctions and military responses, to avoid being caught off guard. Despite maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan due to diplomatic constraints with China, European countries are quietly enhancing cooperation in areas like lawfare and cybersecurity. The EU must prioritize Taiwan and develop a multi-layered approach to address potential conflicts in the region.
ScoresWealthy Nations Expand Oil and Gas Production Despite Climate Pledges
Wealthy nations, such as the US and UK, are ramping up oil and gas production, threatening to release nearly 12 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2024. Despite their climate pledges, these countries are leading the charge in fossil fuel expansion.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzed industry data and found that new oil and gas field licenses could generate the highest emissions since 2018. These emissions, roughly equivalent to China's annual output, surpass the last four years combined.
Fossil fuel companies are investing more in new sites than ever since the 2015 Paris climate deal. Wealthy countries, despite their economic advantages and obligations under the Paris accords, are spearheading this drilling frenzy, issuing 825 new licenses in 2023, the most on record.
Countries like the UK, US, Canada, Norway, and Australia are now seen as "other petrostates." They have the resources to transition to cleaner energy but are instead investing heavily in fossil fuels.
The US, under the Biden administration, has issued 1,453 new licenses, accounting for half of the global total and 83% of wealthy nations' licenses. The UK is also handing out more licenses, despite pledges to stop new drilling.
The hypocrisy is stark. Rich countries with low economic dependence on fossil fuels should be leading the transition away from oil and gas. Instead, they continue to issue licenses and invest in new fields.
ScoresSociety
Pfizer's Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Hemophilia A
Pfizer's new gene therapy for hemophilia A shows promise in a large trial. This rare disorder, affecting about 25 in 100,000 males, lacks a crucial blood-clotting protein. Without it, blood doesn't clot well, leading to frequent bleeding.
The therapy, a one-time treatment, significantly reduced bleeding episodes in patients. It outperformed the current method, which involves regular infusions of the missing protein.
If approved, Pfizer's treatment will compete with BioMarin's Roctavian, which costs $2.9 million and has had a slow uptake since its approval.
Hemophilia A patients currently rely on frequent IV infusions or injections to manage bleeding. The potential shift to a one-time gene therapy could revolutionize treatment, offering a cure rather than ongoing management.
Pfizer's success in this trial positions it at the forefront of gene therapy advancements, potentially changing how chronic conditions like hemophilia A are treated.
ScoresGenetically Modified Flies Tackle Global Waste Problem
Australian scientists are modifying the genes of black soldier flies to consume more waste. These flies already feed on organic garbage, converting it into materials we use—such as lubricants and animal feed. The objective? To reduce methane emissions from landfills, a significant climate issue.
Dr. Kate Tepper and Dr. Maciej Maselko, from Sydney's Macquarie University, are leading the project. They view insects as the next major solution for our waste, which amounts to a staggering billion tons of food refuse annually. These flies, found worldwide except in Antarctica, can eat twice their body weight daily.
The team's spin-off, EntoZyme, aims to commercialize this technology, with plans to release genetically engineered flies by the end of the year. These flies could also produce enzymes for various industries and manage contaminated waste, transforming it into usable fertilizer.
In essence, these flies could serve as our new cleanup team, converting waste into valuable resources while aiding the planet.
ScoresLeveraging AI to Combat Counterfeit Goods in Supply Chains
Counterfeiting plagues global supply chains, costing billions and endangering consumers. Traditional anti-counterfeit measures fail; labels and tracking tags are easily replicated. AI offers a robust solution, leveraging advanced algorithms to detect and prevent fakes.
AI's capabilities include monitoring geolocation, analyzing product images, and scrutinizing sales data. Machine learning models swiftly identify anomalies, such as unusual shipping times or high return rates. Natural language processing flags suspicious listings and reviews, aiding in swift takedowns.
AI also prevents counterfeits by flagging suspicious activity and triggering responses like banning listings or auditing logs. It can identify repeat offenders and educate consumers on the dangers of fake goods. AI-generated cryptographic codes offer an impenetrable layer of security, making counterfeits virtually undetectable.
As AI becomes more integrated into supply chains, its role will expand, ensuring greater transparency and traceability. The future of combating counterfeits lies in AI's ability to automate and enhance real-time monitoring, safeguarding economies, companies, and consumers.
ScoresMorpheus.Network: Revolutionizing Global Supply Chains with Blockchain
Morpheus.Network, founded in 2017 in Toronto, leverages blockchain technology to streamline global supply chains. Co-founder Dan Weinberger, with 25 years of experience in logistics, witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies—compliance issues, documentation errors—and envisioned a solution.
The concept originated on a napkin and evolved into a blockchain platform that ensures data transparency and trust. Smart contracts automate workflows, from customs to delivery, preventing delays and fines.
A notable project includes digitizing Mongolia's certificate of origin process. Such initiatives with governments and the UN highlight their impact.
Morpheus.Network integrates with existing IT systems, avoiding costly overhauls. Their middleware supports various ERPs and TMS, enhancing backend automation without disruption.
Currently, they are targeting SMEs with Speed.supply, a self-managed platform for documentation and IoT integration. Weinberger predicts that blockchain, AI, and machine learning will further revolutionize supply chains, making efficiency a $2 trillion opportunity.
ScoresEconomy
NextEra CEO Predicts Tripling of Renewable Energy Demand
NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum forecasts that demand for renewable energy will triple within seven years, fueled by the expansion of data centers for AI. The company has added 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy and storage capacity in the second quarter, with 28% attributable to agreements with Google. NextEra's portfolio of renewable energy assets currently stands at seven gigawatts in operation and in the backlog.
Electricity demand is on the rise, anticipated to grow at a rate four times faster than it has over the past 20 years. Data centers and electric vehicles are projected to increase energy consumption by 290 terawatt hours by 2030, a figure comparable to Turkey's total power demand. Utility companies must adapt to this growth to prevent economic disruptions.
Renewable energy sources are proving to be more cost-effective and quicker to deploy compared to natural gas, despite the latter's current role as a transitional fuel. NextEra is considering the reactivation of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa, subject to a comprehensive risk assessment.
NextEra's stock performance is positive, with 70% of Wall Street analysts recommending it as a buy. The average price target indicates potential for nearly a 10% increase.
ScoresAlphabet's Strong Q2 Earnings Driven by AI and Cloud Growth
Alphabet, Google's parent company, exceeded earnings expectations. Second-quarter profits reached $1.89 per share, unchanged from the first quarter. Revenue increased by 14% to $84.7 billion, fueled by growth in Search and Cloud services.
CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized advancements in AI, highlighting Alphabet's robust position in technological innovation. The company's stock surged 24% in the first half of 2024, despite layoffs and antitrust investigations.
A proposed $23 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz did not proceed, as Wiz opted for an IPO instead of a takeover. This would have been Alphabet's largest acquisition.
Google's Gemini AI tool faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, briefly undermining investor confidence. Nonetheless, Google continued to promote AI at its developer conference, introducing AI Overviews for search summaries, which also faced criticism.
Pichai remains optimistic about AI, envisioning potential in AI-enhanced search ads. Alphabet's earnings influence other tech giants like Apple and Amazon, amidst broader industry concerns.
ScoresTechnology
AltStore Launches Third-Party iOS Apps in EU Amid Regulatory Changes
AltStore, an alternative app store, has launched third-party iOS apps in the EU, following the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces Apple to open its platform to competitors. The initial offerings include iTorrent for P2P file downloads, qBitControl for torrent management, PeopleDrop for local social networking, and UTM SE, an emulator also available on the official App Store. AltStore independently verifies the safety of these apps. Users can add them through the “Sources” screen, located under “Browse.” The DMA's influence is evident: a more competitive app ecosystem is emerging, challenging Apple's dominance.
ScoresMeta releases open-source AI model Llama 3.1, with an unprecedented training scale.
Meta has released Llama 3.1, its largest open-source AI model yet. This model, with up to 405 billion parameters, competes with top proprietary models like GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Meta trained Llama 3.1 using over 16,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, a massive investment in hardware.
The model excels in tasks like reasoning, math, and multi-language translation. It supports a 128K context window, equivalent to a 50-page book, and offers multi-language capabilities. Llama 3.1 integrates with search APIs and can execute tasks like generating Python code for charts.
Meta emphasizes the model's open-source nature, predicting it will lead to broader industry adoption. They've partnered with major tech companies to facilitate deployment and have updated licensing terms to allow for third-party model development.
Despite its capabilities, Llama 3.1 faces challenges, including high operational costs and questions about its training data sources. Meta's commitment to transparency and collaboration in AI development could reshape the industry landscape.
ScoresNVIDIA's Blackwell GB200 AI Servers Poised for Massive Sales in 2025
NVIDIA's Blackwell GB200 AI servers are poised for significant growth. Anticipated sales of 60-70,000 units, each priced between $2-3 million, could generate $210 billion for NVIDIA in 2025. Demand is strong with no substantial backlog. Taiwan's tech leaders such as Quanta, Foxconn, and Wistron are set to benefit. NVIDIA's versatile Blackwell series, featuring models like NVL36, caters to diverse needs, particularly for startups with more constrained budgets. The market is abuzz with excitement as NVIDIA gears up for a launch in late 2024, aiming to surpass its previous achievements.
ScoresVideo Game
Apple Advances Mobile Gaming with High-End Titles
Apple's gaming event showcased high-end titles like Assassin's Creed and Resident Evil 7 running smoothly on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This marks a significant stride for mobile gaming, blending console-quality experiences with portable devices. The integration of such games on Apple platforms underscores the evolving capabilities of mobile technology. It's a clear win for both gamers and the tech giant.
ScoresAI-Generated Cosmetic Sold in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Activision has sold an AI-made cosmetic for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. AI-generated means it was created by artificial intelligence. A cosmetic is a non-essential item, such as a skin or emblem, that alters the appearance of a game character without impacting gameplay.
This move marks a new frontier in game design, merging human creativity with machine efficiency. It's a bold step, gauging consumer acceptance of AI-crafted content in a market traditionally dominated by human-made items.
Scores"Eternal Abyss" mobile game enters open beta testing, with over 40 million pre-registrations.
"Eternal Abyss" mobile game launches its public beta today, with over 4000 million pre-registrations. Developed by NetEase's 24 Entertainment, the PC version has already won over 40 million players worldwide. The mobile game's initial test was successful, breaking multiple records. The new test introduces performance optimizations, new content, and improvements. The AI voice teammate feature innovates with the use of AI large-scale model technology. The public beta offers generous benefits, including 102 free treasure chest draws, skin interoperability, and more. New additions include dual blades, crossbows, and various new gameplay mechanics and features.
ScoresExploring New Frontiers in Game and Film Narratives and Technology
2023 witnessed a surge in game-to-film adaptations. "Super Mario Bros." led the box office, grossing over $1.3 billion. Nintendo, in response, announced a "Zelda" movie in collaboration with Sony.
On TV, HBO's "The Last of Us" excelled, receiving 24 Emmy nominations. Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. explored various game-film integrations. Disney's "Star Wars" games alone earned over $3.8 billion.
Netflix launched a gaming platform with over 120 titles in development.
The "007: GoldenEye" project demonstrated unique game-film synergy. The game, developed by Rare, enriched the film's narrative with immersive FPS elements. Both were commercially successful.
Game developers now incorporate film techniques to enhance storytelling. Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" inspired "Medal of Honor," setting a new benchmark for war FPS games.
Mobile games, despite hardware limitations, strive for cinematic narratives. "Delta Force: Xtraction" by Tencent's TiMi Studio impressed with its immersive storytelling.
Game technology has also influenced film visuals. "Tron" pioneered CG films, paving the way for "Toy Story" and CG animation.
Advancements in AI promise to blur the lines between games, films, and animations. AI-generated content could soon dominate visual media, enhancing creativity and efficiency.
ScoresEntertainment
NBA Chooses Amazon Over Warner Bros. for Media Rights
NBA selects Amazon over Warner Bros. Discovery for media rights. Warner Bros. attempted to match Amazon's $1.8 billion per year offer, but the NBA states there is no legal right to do so. The Amazon deal is part of a $77 billion, 11-year contract with ESPN and NBCUniversal.
Warner Bros. claims it has matching rights from the current deal, which expires next season. The NBA argues that these rights do not cover all-streaming packages like Amazon's. Warner Bros. may consider suing.
Amazon Prime Video boasts over 200 million global customers, compared to Max's 100 million. The NBA seeks maximum reach.
Disney pays $2.62 billion, and NBCUniversal $2.45 billion per year. The new deal commences in 2025-26 and runs until 2035-36. The NBA app will direct fans to games on various platforms.
Disney will air 80 regular-season games, including on ABC and ESPN. NBCUniversal will broadcast 75 games on TV, up from 15. The NBA aims to maximize fan access and experience.
ScoresHealth
Pearl Secures $58M to Enhance Dental Diagnoses with AI
Dentists often struggle with accurate diagnoses. Some overtreat, others underdiagnose. AI offers a solution. Pearl, an AI startup, just raised $58 million to help dentists with X-ray analysis.
Pearl uses computer vision to spot dental issues. It's FDA-cleared and claims to boost treatment acceptance by 30%. The software highlights problem areas, but dentists make the final call.
Ophir Tanz, Pearl's CEO, sees AI as the future of dental care. He predicts global adoption within three years. Competitors like Video Health and Overject are also making strides.
AI in dentistry standardizes X-ray interpretation. With a vast dataset of dental images, AI models are robust. Pearl's success shows the potential of AI in healthcare. It's not about replacing dentists, but enhancing their capabilities.
ScoresNew Antibiotic Combats Superbugs by Hitting Dual Targets
Bacteria evolve resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant problem. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) have discovered a solution. They have developed a new antibiotic that simultaneously targets two key areas within bacteria, making it nearly impossible for them to develop resistance.
This novel drug, MCX-128, combines elements of two existing types of antibiotics: macrolides and fluoroquinolones. Macrolides inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria, while fluoroquinolones interfere with DNA synthesis. MCX-128 performs both functions by tightly binding to bacterial ribosomes, which are essential for protein production. This dual-target approach renders bacteria virtually defenseless.
Alexander Mankin, one of the researchers, explains, "Bacteria cannot mutate to resist both targets at the same time." Yury Polikanov further adds, "The same concentration of the drug hits two targets, making it difficult for bacteria to counter."
The research team estimates that MCX-128 makes it a billion times more difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance. This could represent a significant breakthrough in combating superbugs. The study has been published in Nature Chemical Biology.
ScoresNew Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Inspired by Octopuses
Seaspire, a biotech firm, has developed Xanthochrome, a new sunscreen ingredient inspired by cephalopods like octopuses and squids. This brown powder, a synthetic version of xanthommatin, a pigment found in these marine creatures, boosts sunscreen's UV protection by 28% and visible light blocking by 45%.
Xanthommatin, naturally an antioxidant, helps protect skin from sun damage and even reverses some sun-induced skin harm. Unlike traditional sunscreens, Xanthochrome is non-toxic to both humans and marine life, addressing concerns about environmental impact.
Leila Deravi and Camille Martin, founders of Seaspire, have secured $4 million in funding to commercialize Xanthochrome. They aim to integrate it into various skincare products, not just as a standalone sunscreen but as a key ingredient in other formulations.
This innovation promises safer, more effective sun protection, setting a new standard in skincare technology.
ScoresSports
Daley and Glover to Lead GB at Paris 2024 Olympics Opening
Tom Daley, diver, and Helen Glover, rower, will carry the Great Britain flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Both are returning from retirement. Daley, 30, seeks his fifth Olympics, after gold in Tokyo 2020. Glover, 38, aims for her third Olympic title.
The ceremony will be historic, not held in a stadium but on the River Seine. Athletes will travel six kilometers by boat through Paris, starting at Austerlitz bridge and ending near the Eiffel Tower.
Daley and Glover share a bond through parenthood and sport. Daley's son Robbie and Glover's three children influenced their comebacks. Both express deep honor in being flagbearers.
This role was shared by Hannah Mills and Mohamed Sbihi in Tokyo, marking the first time nations could select both male and female flagbearers.
ScoresIndia's Journey from Olympic Underdog to Potential Powerhouse
India and China, both economic giants, differ in Olympic success. China aims high, India low. India's Olympic history: 10 medals, mostly in hockey. China boasts 285 golds.
Cricket dominates India, overshadowing other sports. Poor policy, limited grassroots development, and career choices hinder progress. Yet, priorities shift; sport seen as nation-building.
Neeraj Chopra's javelin gold in Tokyo sparked national pride. Funding surged post-victory. States like Odisha and Punjab lead in sports policy.
India's sports industry projected to hit $100 billion by 2027. Hosting the 2036 Olympics could boost confidence, investment, and strategy. Ahmedabad eyed as potential host city.
India's diverse culture could shine through multiple host cities, offering a unique Olympic experience.
ScoresSurfer Survives Shark Attack, Leg Recovered
Kai McKenzie, 23, managed to fend off a three-meter great white shark at North Shore beach, close to Port Macquarie. His leg was amputated but later found on the shore, where locals kept it preserved with ice. An off-duty police officer played a crucial role in saving McKenzie's life by using a makeshift tourniquet made from his dog's leash. McKenzie, who is a sponsored surfer, is currently recuperating in a serious but stable condition at John Hunter hospital.
A GoFundMe campaign has successfully raised over $40,000 to support his recovery efforts. North Shore beach, which can only be reached via a dirt road, has had recent reports of shark sightings. A tagged great white shark was also detected near Sawtell, close to Coffs Harbour. BiteMetrix has reported an increase in shark activity in the area.
In a similar incident last year, another surfer, Toby Begg, survived a shark attack at Lighthouse Beach, thanks to the quick actions of an off-duty doctor.
ScoresFood
Japan introduces instant ramen noodles specifically for gamers.
Japanese company HAM Corporation has launched "BOOST NOODLE," a ready-to-eat ramen designed specifically for gamers. Resembling a squeeze jelly in appearance, it contains various flavors of instant noodles. Designed for one-handed operation, it is ready to eat straight from the package, with a 120-gram serving size and a price of 660 yen. Not only convenient during gaming sessions, but it is also handy for other occasions. A new option for eating with one hand.
ScoresYakult Targets 50% Sales Increase in India with Mango-Flavored Drink
Yakult, the probiotic drink manufacturer, aims for a 50% increase in sales in India. They have introduced a mango-flavored version exclusively for the country. Eiji Amano, Managing Director of Yakult Danone India, announced this at a recent event.
The company, a joint venture between Yakult Honsha and Groupe Danone, has been operating in India since 2008 and now serves 650 cities. Initially offering the original flavor, they launched "Yakult Light" in 2018 to address sugar concerns, which now accounts for 25% of their sales.
The new mango flavor, part of the light series, targets a 10-15% market share. Priced at 100 rupees for a pack of five, there are also discounts available for home delivery. Currently, around 300 Yakult ladies, who are delivery workers, serve Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune.
Amano highlighted customer-centric product development. The event was attended by Takashi Ariyoshi, Minister at the Japanese Embassy, and Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra. Ariyoshi commended Yakult's unique distribution system and its community impact in Japan.
Scores