World News Daily(2024-07-27) : Russia and China Conduct First Joint Bomber Patrol Near Alaska
Russia and China Conduct First Joint Bomber Patrol Near Alaska
Russia and China sent bombers near Alaska for a joint patrol, marking the first time in that region. Two Russian Tu-95s and two Chinese Xian H-6s flew over the Chukchi and Bering seas, escorted by Russian fighter jets. The flight lasted over five hours.
Russia stated that the drill was not against any third country, but it prompted the U.S. and Canada to dispatch their own jets for interception. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that the bombers remained about 200 miles off the coast.
This move underscores the deepening military ties between Russia and China, partly serving as a message to the West, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both countries have ramped up joint military exercises since 2019.
Alexander Gabuev from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center views this as a signal to the U.S. that Russia is not alone, having a powerful partner with a significant nuclear arsenal.
The bombers did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace. They operated within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a perimeter just outside U.S. airspace where aircraft must be identified for security purposes. NORAD, the joint U.S.-Canada defense operation, did not perceive the bombers as a threat.
ScoresPolitics
Sabotage Disrupts French High-Speed Rail Ahead of Olympics
PARIS—On July 26, 2024, sabotage struck French high-speed rail lines just hours before the Olympics opening ceremony. Incendiary devices ignited fires, crippling TGV lines. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described it as a "massive attack."
The disruptions were concentrated at Montparnasse station. Videos revealed crowded hallways. Paris police increased security measures. Travel to London, Belgium, and throughout France was severely impacted. SNCF characterized the incidents as coordinated.
Government officials denounced the acts, although no direct link to the Olympics was established. Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera highlighted the impact on both travelers and athletes. Eurostar cautioned about potential delays.
SNCF was uncertain when traffic would resume, anticipating disruptions to persist throughout the weekend. They urged passengers to postpone their journeys. Valerie Pecresse, from the regional council, estimated that 250,000 travelers were affected. While substitution plans were in effect, she advised against visiting the stations.
The attack occurred amidst global tensions and heightened security measures for the Olympics. Many were planning to attend the opening ceremony, exacerbating the chaos.
ScoresUN Chief Criticizes Wealthy Nations for Expanding Fossil Fuel Production
UN chief Guterres criticizes wealthy nations for increasing oil and gas production, warning that this threatens global climate objectives. New drilling initiatives could emit 12 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, equivalent to China's yearly emissions.
Guterres advocates for the cessation of fossil fuel subsidies and new coal projects, and calls for support for countries vulnerable to climate effects. Record-breaking heatwaves have swept across the globe, resulting in over 1,300 deaths in Mecca.
A UN report reveals 489,000 annual heat-related fatalities from 2000 to 2019. More than 70% of the global workforce, approximately 2.4 billion people, are at risk from extreme heat. Guterres promotes low-carbon cooling solutions and urban redesign to manage heat.
He identifies the reliance on fossil fuels as the "disease" that requires a cure. UK's Miliband supports the transition away from fossil fuels for energy security and climate action.
ScoresTrump's Hush-Money Conviction Stands Despite Immunity Claims
Manhattan prosecutors remain resolute. They assert that Trump's conviction stands, despite his claims of immunity. The case involves hush money paid to a porn star, Stormy Daniels. Trump's team contends that the Supreme Court's immunity ruling should nullify the verdict. Prosecutors counter, highlighting Trump's actions and personal transactions prior to his presidency.
Trump was charged with 34 felonies. He falsified business records to conceal the $130,000 payment made by Cohen. Trump denies the affair and intends to appeal. He is the first former president to be convicted of a crime.
The Supreme Court has ruled that presidents are immune from criminal charges related to official acts. However, this case primarily concerns Trump's personal life before he assumed office. Judge Juan Merchan may not dismiss the verdict. He is expected to make a decision by September 6th. If the conviction is upheld, Trump faces sentencing and the possibility of further appeals.
Key points:
- Trump convicted of falsifying business records.
- Prosecutors argue the case is unaffected by the recent immunity ruling.
- Judge to decide on the conviction by early September.
- If upheld, Trump faces sentencing and potential appeal.
Society
The Limits of Predicting Life Outcomes with Data
Researchers attempted to forecast children's futures using data and algorithms. They analyzed over 4,000 American families over a span of 15 years, beginning from a child's birth. The aim was to predict academic and personal outcomes by the age of 15.
The predictions were inaccurate. Ian Lundberg, a sociologist, was taken aback. They delved deeper, concentrating on GPA, and conducted interviews with 40 families. The problem wasn't merely data or computational limitations. Life is intricate; certain aspects cannot be predicted.
Two primary errors were identified:
- Irreducible error: Unforeseen events, such as a parent's death, cannot be anticipated.
- Learning error: Algorithms can misinterpret patterns when dealing with too many variables.
Qualitative research, such as interviews, provided insights overlooked by numerical data. For instance, Bella, a stable child, encountered academic difficulties following her father's death and her mother's depression.
The study indicates that not all outcomes are predictable, even with increased data and computational capabilities. Social outcomes continue to be unpredictable and complex. We must acknowledge this unpredictability.
ScoresEconomy
Chinese esports company Star Power Entertainment went public on the Nasdaq, with Ho Yau-kwan setting a record.
NIPG (星竞威武集团) went public on the Nasdaq on July 26, becoming the first Chinese esports stock. Chairman He Youjun, at just 24 years old, set a record as the youngest founder of a Nasdaq-listed company in Asia.
The initial public offering (IPO) issued 2.25 million shares at $9 each, raising $20.25 million. The stock surged 47% on the first day, then retreated to near the issue price, ending the day up 0.67%.
Revenue for 2023 was $83.67 million, up 27% year-over-year. Gross profit was $7.2 million, compared to $3.74 million in the previous year. The core business is esports clubs, covering event operations and digital sports talent agency, among others. The business spans Asia, Europe, and South America, with brands such as eStar Gaming and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP).
He Youjun plans to leverage the listing opportunity to build the world's most popular and valuable digital sports group. Bob McCooey, Vice Chairman of the Nasdaq Group, congratulated and highlighted He Youjun's record.
NIPG is exploring the "esports plus business" model, expanding into talent agency, event operations, advertising, and other innovative businesses. The net revenue from esports clubs, talent agency, and event operations accounted for 25.9%, 62.9%, and 11.2% respectively.
The equity structure is dispersed, with management holding over 30%. He Youjun holds 14.2%, making him the largest shareholder. External institutional shareholders include Wuhan State-owned Assets, ZhenFund, SIG China, Douyu, among others.
Investing carries risks. This article does not constitute personal investment advice.
ScoresUltra-Luxury Real Estate Market Booms with Record Sales
Sales of $100 million homes are set to double this year. The ultra-luxury real estate market is booming, driven by surging financial markets and hopes for rate cuts. Six homes in the U.S. have already sold for over $100 million as of July 15. If this pace continues, it will more than double last year's total and likely surpass the record of nine homes sold in 2021.
Manhattan saw two blockbuster deals recently. A penthouse at Central Park Tower sold for $115 million. Another penthouse at the Aman New York went for $135 million to a Russian-born billionaire. Palm Beach's Tarpon Island fetched $150 million in May. A Malibu mansion sold for $210 million, the most expensive home ever sold in California.
Even San Francisco is seeing ultra-luxury activity. Laurene Powell Jobs, the billionaire widow of Steve Jobs, bought the most expensive home ever sold in the city for $70 million.
Sales of homes priced at $5 million or more are up 13% compared to last year. High-end markets in Naples, Florida, and Montana are also seeing strong demand. The artificial intelligence boom has boosted sales in the San Francisco Bay area.
The ultra-luxury market is largely disconnected from the broader housing market. It's driven by global financial markets and the stock market's continued success. The surge in inheritances from the $80 trillion Great Wealth Transfer is also helping sales. Millennial and Gen Z buyers are purchasing condos with family trusts, often sight unseen.
Wealthy buyers now want all their favorite lifestyle amenities in their homes. This includes gyms, spas, offices, entertainment spaces, and displays for their art and car collections. The price per square foot for luxury condos in South Florida is up 33% this year, to $3,451. Per-square-foot prices for single-family homes are up 11% to $2,485.
ScoresTechnology
Successful Implantation of Magnetic Levitation Heart Pump
BiVACOR, in partnership with Texas Heart Institute, successfully implanted their Total Artificial Heart (TAH) on July 9, 2024. This TAH, a titanium dual-chamber pump, uses magnetic levitation to mimic heart function. Aimed at severe heart failure patients unsuitable for other devices, this technology bridges the gap to transplant.
Heart failure affects millions worldwide. Transplants are rare, limited to under 6000 annually. BiVACOR's TAH offers a new lifeline, potentially aiding tens of thousands awaiting heart transplants. This innovation marks a significant stride in cardiac care.
ScoresNew 3D Material Design Method Promises Advanced Technological Applications
Scientists have solved a longstanding issue in material design: the absence of a mathematical foundation for three-dimensional conformal methods. A team led by Professors Qiu Chengwei from the National University of Singapore and Huang Jiping from Fudan University has developed a new technique called Conformality-Assisted Tracing (CAT).
CAT enables the precise and efficient design of complex 3D structures, surpassing previous geometric limitations. It operates by constructing a 3D grid using heat flow lines and isotherms, circumventing the problem of lacking a mathematical representation for 3D coordinates.
This method is not limited to heat; it can also handle optical and other wave systems. It is faster and more accurate than traditional methods, marking a significant advancement in the design of metamaterials used in stealth technology and other cutting-edge applications.
The team is now exploring the expansion of CAT's applications to fluid dynamics and elasticity, with the goal of addressing challenges such as chip cooling and aircraft insulation. They are also investigating the use of quaternions to extend material parameter design into spacetime dimensions.
ScoresArchera Simplifies Access to Cloud Discounts with Short-Term Commitments
Cloud costs are a concern for many companies. A survey indicates that most believe they are too high. Major cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer discounts, but require long-term commitments.
Aran Khanna, a former AWS employee, identified a gap in the market and co-founded Archera in 2019. Archera enables companies to access these discounts with shorter, 30-day commitments, for which they charge a fee.
In addition to this service, Archera provides consulting and tools to assist companies in managing and optimizing their cloud expenditures. They assert that their methods comply with all cloud provider regulations.
The startup boasts 400 customers and generates $7 million annually, having been profitable since mid-2023. Recently, they secured $17 million in Series B funding, which they intend to use to expand their services to Azure and Google Cloud, as well as to grow their team.
Aran believes that Archera's distinctive approach gives them a competitive advantage in the cloud cost management sector. Despite slowdowns in the tech industry, they have observed a growing interest in their services.
ScoresChatGPT: AI Advancements and Challenges in 2024
ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI chatbot, made a significant impact in 2022. By 2024, it has become a major force, utilized by 92% of Fortune 500 companies. OpenAI has risen to prominence, particularly after forming a partnership with Apple for Apple Intelligence.
In 2024, OpenAI introduced GPT-4o, a new model with voice and vision capabilities. However, they temporarily halted one voice, named Sky, which was accused of impersonating Scarlett Johansson. OpenAI is also managing internal conflicts and facing a lawsuit related to copyright infringement.
They are developing SearchGPT, an AI-powered search tool to compete with Google. OpenAI is projected to incur a loss of $5 billion this year, with $7 billion spent on ChatGPT operations. They have released GPT-4o mini, a more affordable and faster model.
Partnerships include collaborations with Los Alamos National Laboratory for bioscience, TIME magazine, and Reddit. OpenAI created CriticGPT to identify errors in ChatGPT's code. They postponed the launch of ChatGPT's Voice Mode due to technical issues.
Apple has integrated ChatGPT into Siri and other applications. The House Oversight subcommittee invited Scarlett Johansson to discuss the controversy surrounding the Sky voice. ChatGPT experienced outages and secured a major deal with PwC.
OpenAI is preparing the successor to GPT-4 and addressing board disclosures about ChatGPT's launch. Mobile app revenue surged following the launch of GPT-4o. OpenAI suspended the Sky voice and introduced file integration from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
ScoresEntertainment
Celine Dion's Emotional Return at Paris Olympics
Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, marking her first live performance in four years. She delivered a powerful solo rendition of Edith Piaf's L'Hymne à l'Amour atop the Eiffel Tower. Dion has been battling Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that affects muscle control and voice. Despite the challenges, her performance showed significant progress in her vocal therapy.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended her resilience, labeling her a "Canadian icon." Italian singer Laura Pausini expressed heartfelt support, revealing that her hands trembled and eyes welled up during Dion's performance. Dion's appearance was highly anticipated, drawing large crowds in Paris.
This was not Dion's first Olympic appearance; she also performed at the Atlanta 1996 opening ceremony. Her comeback follows a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this year and hints at a new Las Vegas residency. Dion holds the record for the most successful residency in Las Vegas history. Her recent documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, has become Amazon Prime Video's most successful documentary.
ScoresDeadpool and Wolverine Sets Record with $38.5 Million Thursday Previews
"Deadpool and Wolverine," starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, raked in $38.5 million during Thursday previews. This positions the film for a record-breaking $150 million-plus domestic opening, marking the largest debut for an R-rated film.
Thursday previews, now a staple for major releases, offer early box office insights and satisfy eager fans. "Deadpool and Wolverine" secured the 8th largest preview haul ever and tops among R-rated films.
The film is expected to gross between $160 million and $180 million domestically, setting a new 2024 record and cementing its status as the biggest R-rated opener.
Despite its R-rating, theater operators anticipate strong turnout, viewing it as a draw rather than a deterrent. The film's success could revitalize Disney and Marvel's theatrical releases, which have been sparse recently.
"Deadpool and Wolverine" is the first MCU film since November and the only one slated for 2024. Future plans, including potential changes due to recent industry disruptions, will be unveiled at upcoming conventions.
ScoresHealth
AI Diagnoses Gallstones with High Accuracy
Doctors now use AI to detect gallstones, which aids in faster and more accurate diagnosis. Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder that cause pain and other problems.
AI models analyze medical images, such as CT scans, to locate these stones. This approach surpasses traditional methods in terms of speed and accuracy. It represents a significant advancement in healthcare, enabling quicker diagnoses and potentially saving lives.
This technology is not solely about speed; it also reduces errors and allows doctors to concentrate on treatment. It is a clear advantage for both patients and doctors.
In essence, AI is revolutionizing medicine, making it more efficient and reliable. This development is just the beginning. Expect more breakthroughs as AI continues to evolve within the healthcare sector.
ScoresU.S. Infant Mortality Rates Increase After Decades of Decline
US infant deaths rise for the first time in decades.
This news is deeply concerning. It marks a reversal, breaking from the steady decline we've seen in infant mortality rates. The reasons are complex, but key factors include socioeconomic disparities, healthcare access, and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
Infant mortality, a grim statistic, measures the number of deaths per 1,000 live births within the first year of life. It's a stark indicator of a society's health and welfare.
The rise is alarming. It suggests systemic issues that need immediate attention. Policies and resources must be reevaluated and redirected to support families and ensure healthier starts for our youngest citizens.
This trend is a call to action. We must address the root causes, bolster healthcare systems, and provide the necessary support to those who need it most. The future of our nation depends on the health and well-being of its youngest members.
ScoresEthiopia's Tigray Region Faces Severe Hunger Crisis Amid Drought and Conflict
In Ethiopia's Tigray, drought and war have left over two million at risk of starvation. Satellite images show dried-up reservoirs and farmlands. Farmers like Demtsu Gebremedhin, who once grew tomatoes and sorghum, now face empty dams and parched fields.
The region's six to seven million people struggle as seasonal rains fail. Camps shelter those displaced by the conflict, but food aid is their only sustenance. Tsibktey Teklay, a widow in one such camp, yearns for her land, believing homegrown food is better than aid.
Doctors in Endabaguna report rising malnutrition cases, especially among children. Dr. Gebrekristos Gidey laments insufficient resources. The "peak hunger season" looms, with crops crucial for the October harvest.
Political tensions and drought mirror the 1984 famine, where a million perished. Prof. Alex de Waal warns of famines being "man-made" and often hidden. The crisis in Tigray, like history, is a stark reminder of human-made disasters.
ScoresSports
Paris Hosts Innovative 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
Paris opened the 2024 Olympics with a river parade. Athletes from 200 nations, excluding Russians and Belarusians, sailed on the Seine. Macron declared the Games open. 329 events in 32 sports will run until August 11.
The ceremony marked a first: an outdoor, non-stadium opening. Paris, hosting again after 1900 and 1924, showcased innovation. The exclusion of Russians and Belarusians reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions.
ScoresFood
Exploring French Cuisine during the Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics are just around the corner, and French cuisine has become the focal point. French cuisine is renowned for its refinement, artistic nature, and innovation, emphasizing the natural flavors and freshness of ingredients. French cooking places a strong emphasis on local ingredients such as duck confit, beef bourguignon, and steak tartare. Bread holds a significant place in French culture, with baguettes and croissants being staple foods. Seafood, such as oysters, is also highly esteemed. French cuisine is diverse and well worth exploring.
ScoresAI-Powered Robots Revolutionize the Food Industry
In 2035, robots like the NS-5 from "I, Robot" will slice vegetables faster than seasoned chefs. However, in 2024, most people haven't tasted meals cooked by robots. Some robots, though, operate invisibly in industrial kitchens, preparing mass-produced foods for supermarkets and airlines.
Chef Robotics, a startup, employs AI-driven arms to handle a variety of foods, from Indian curry to Italian pasta. These robots never tire, reduce waste, and handle portions precisely, unlike human cooks. They adapt to various containers and speeds, using different tools for different sizes.
Chef Robotics doesn't sell robots but offers services under a Robot as a Service (RaaS) model. They have produced 20 million meals in two years, deployed in six cities. Humans still input orders and assist, but the vision is clear: robots handle the bulk, humans oversee.
Sweetgreen uses salad-making robots, speeding up service but still requiring human oversight and cleanup. Chipotle tests robots for tasks like making chips and slicing avocados, though challenges like maintenance persist.
Stanford's ALOHA robot can cook complex dishes but needs human guidance. Meanwhile, AI-powered "美膳 狮" from 橡鹿科技 aims to standardize Chinese cuisine, promising chef-like results with less human intervention.
The takeaway? Robots enhance efficiency but don't fully replace humans. They standardize processes, ensuring consistency and freeing humans for more complex tasks. The future of dining might be automated, but human touch remains crucial.
Scores