World News Daily(2024-07-30) : BRICS Nations Represent 35% of Global GDP, Challenging Traditional Economic Paradigms
BRICS Nations Represent 35% of Global GDP, Challenging Traditional Economic Paradigms
BRICS nations now hold 35% of global GDP, G7 at 30%. Trade among Southern countries surpasses North-South trade. This challenges the notion that developing nations primarily trade with Western counterparts. Russia pushes for global diversification, focusing on Southern regions, aiming to build resilient supply and production chains, less dependent on Western influence.
ScoresPolitics
China Mandates Worker Representation in Company Boardrooms
China's new law mandates worker representation in boardrooms for large companies. Aimed at promoting "common prosperity," the law ensures employees have a say in management decisions. This move may impact joint ventures with foreign companies, potentially altering power dynamics. Companies are strategizing on selecting employee representatives.
ScoresFederal Court Rules US Border Agents Need Warrant for Device Searches
A federal court in New York has ruled that U.S. border agents must obtain a warrant before searching travelers' electronic devices. This decision challenges the government's long-standing policy allowing warrantless searches at borders.
Civil liberties groups praised the ruling, emphasizing the need for a warrant to protect personal privacy. Scott Wilkens, from the Knight First Amendment Institute, noted that electronic devices reveal much about a person's life.
The ruling affects the Eastern District of New York, including major airports like JFK. U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not comment on the ruling.
The case involved Kurbonali Sultanov, a U.S. citizen whose phone was searched at JFK without a warrant. He later sought to suppress evidence found on his phone, arguing the search violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
The court agreed that the search was unconstitutional but dismissed Sultanov's motion to suppress the evidence, stating the government acted in good faith.
CBP conducted over 41,700 device searches in 2023. Lawmakers have attempted to legislate warrant requirements for border searches, but these efforts have failed. The issue may eventually reach the Supreme Court.
ScoresWestern Nations Urge Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions
Diplomatic scramble to prevent war. UK, Germany, France, and US urge citizens to flee Lebanon. Israeli shelling in Kafr Kila, Lebanon, follows rocket attack on Golan Heights, killing 12. Hezbollah denies involvement.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warns of fast-moving events. UK Foreign Office advises against travel to Lebanon, warns of potential sudden escalation. US Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter advises Americans to plan and leave.
Israel threatens harsh retaliation. US attempts to constrain Israeli response, urging avoidance of densely populated areas and key infrastructure. Lebanon's Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab suggests sparing Beirut could prevent major escalation.
US National Security Council's John Kirby downplays risk of all-out war. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warns against Israeli attack on Lebanon, calls it a grave mistake. French President Emmanuel Macron urges Iran to stop supporting destabilizing forces.
Tensions high. Flights to Beirut disrupted. Diplomacy intense. Risk of war looms.
ScoresQuad Countries Strengthen Cyber and Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific
Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. met in Tokyo. They agreed to boost cyber and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Antony Blinken called it "a moment of unprecedented strategic alignment."
They're worried about the East and South China seas. No names, but tensions with China are clear. Beijing's military drills around Taiwan and joint exercises with Russia in the South China Sea are concerns.
The Quad countries also see North Korea and Russia as threats. They aim for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, where no country dominates.
Key moves:
- Strengthening undersea cable networks.
- Expanding maritime domain awareness.
- Streamlining disaster response.
Australia launched a Cable Connectivity and Resilience Center. The U.S. plans to train over 1,000 telecom officials in the region.
The Quad finalized humanitarian aid and disaster relief procedures. They supported ASEAN and Pacific island countries.
Japan and the U.S. also agreed to closer defense collaboration, focusing on Japan's southwestern islands near Taiwan.
ScoresSociety
Rapido achieves unicorn status with $120 million funding.
Rapido, an eight-year-old bike-taxi startup, has achieved unicorn status with a $120 million Series E funding round led by WestBridge Capital. Valued at $1 billion, it competes with Uber and Ola in India's mobility sector. Swiggy, a major food delivery company, supported Rapido in its previous funding round and intends to increase its investment following an IPO. Rapido's emphasis on two-wheelers, as opposed to cabs, addresses India's urban congestion and widespread motorcycle usage. This approach positions it favorably against conventional cab services.
ScoresHIV Management and Prevention: Lessons from a Survivor's Journey
MacArthur Flournoy, 64, diagnosed with HIV in 1988, was told he had two years to live. Today, he's a grandfather living fully in Sacramento. HIV, once a death sentence, is now manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART prevents HIV-related deaths if taken consistently.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs prevent HIV infection if taken as directed. PrEP is a daily pill or injection, while PEP is a 28-day course started within 72 hours of exposure. Both are free or covered by insurance.
Despite these advances, African Americans face higher HIV rates and lower PrEP usage. In 2022, they accounted for 39% of new HIV cases but only 14% of PrEP users. White Americans, by contrast, made up 24% of new cases and 64% of PrEP users.
Health experts call for increased awareness and access to testing and treatments. They stress the importance of knowing one's HIV status to take control of health. The goal is to reduce new HIV infections by 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2030, but progress has been slow.
Racism and implicit bias in healthcare contribute to these disparities. Efforts to address these issues must be accelerated. Education on racial biases in healthcare is crucial to improve outcomes for communities of color.
ScoresG20 Advances Plan to Tax Ultra-Rich Individuals
The G20 has just moved closer to taxing the ultra-rich, with a proposed 2% levy on wealth exceeding $10 billion. This concept, promoted by Brazil, could potentially generate $2500 billion annually.
The journey towards implementing this "wealth tax" has been challenging. While France supports it, the U.S. has been cautious. The main obstacle is enforcement; tax havens and sophisticated loopholes make it difficult to tax the super-rich effectively.
The proposal, developed by economist Gabriel Zucman, points out a significant disparity: billionaires often pay less tax than ordinary citizens. In France, for example, billionaires pay only 27% of their income in taxes, compared to nearly 52% paid by most people.
The G20 recognizes that tax evasion by the wealthy undermines fairness and is preparing to intensify efforts. However, this requires complex international cooperation and domestic reforms.
The road ahead is arduous. Agreeing on a global wealth tax is a long-term endeavor, not a quick fix. The success of the global minimum corporate tax, set at 15%, provides a model, but taxing personal wealth is more complex and will take longer.
Ultimately, the G20's move to tax the super-rich represents a historic shift, but the true challenge lies in execution. It is a significant step towards balancing the economic playing field.
ScoresEconomy
BOJ Considers Reducing Bond Purchases and Raising Interest Rates
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) meets to plan cuts in bond purchases. Target: 4 to 6 trillion yen monthly. Discussing interest rate hikes. Ueda considers rate increases if 2% inflation persists. A weak yen increases import costs. Wage deflation continues for 26 months.
ScoresChinese Games Dominate Global Market with Record Earnings
In the first half of 2024, global mobile game revenues reached $325 billion. Chinese games overseas generated $154 billion, accounting for over half of the total. Top performers included Scopely's "MONOPOLY GO!" and Supercell's "Brawl Stars," which experienced a 70% increase in earnings. Notably, 122 games each earned more than $100 million, with five surpassing the $1 billion mark.
Sensor Tower data shows a strong growth in Chinese game exports, indicating a notable transformation in the global gaming market, which is increasingly dominated by Asian developers.
ScoresEU Prepares Trade Strategy for Potential Trump Second Term
EU plans trade strategy for Trump's potential second term. Aims to avoid past conflicts. Two-step plan: first, negotiate increased US product purchases; second, prepare for 50%+ retaliatory tariffs if talks fail. EU emphasizes partnership, not confrontation. Dombrovskis stresses cooperation but readiness to defend interests. Trump's 2018 tariffs sparked initial EU retaliation.
ScoresTechnology
Google Enhances Android Device Integration with Call and Wi-Fi Sharing Features
Google's latest update simplifies call and Wi-Fi sharing across Android devices. Users can group phones, tablets, and Chromebooks to share calls and hotspots effortlessly. Call Casting, using Google Meet, allows moving calls between devices. Automatic hotspot connections eliminate password entry. Samsung devices are excluded from Google's sharing features, continuing with their own system. This update aligns Android more closely with Apple's Handoff, enhancing device integration.
ScoresIntroducing HCTI: A New Standard for Internet Touch
New Standard, HCTI, aims to bring touch to the internet. Developed by an international team over a decade, it utilizes data compression to mimic human touch. It reduces data packets from 4000 to 100 per second, minimizing lag. Its impacts include improved remote surgeries, advanced emergency care, and enhanced gaming experiences.
HCTI: A new standard for transmitting touch over the internet, employing advanced data compression techniques.
Remote surgery: Performing surgery on a patient from a distance using robotic tools.
Gaming experiences: Refers to the interactive and immersive quality of video games.
ScoresColumbia University Develops Ultra-Low Noise Microwave Signal System
Scientists at Columbia University have developed a compact optical system that generates ultra-low noise microwave signals. This system fits on a tiny chip, just 1 mm square and 400 microns thick. It sets a new record for low noise at -128dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset frequency.
The system uses a single laser to produce high-quality, low-noise microwave signals. This is a breakthrough for applications like autonomous driving, wireless communication, and precision measurement. In cars, it improves radar accuracy, helping to predict object movement. In communication, it boosts data capacity and efficiency.
The technology leverages optical frequencies, which are much higher than microwave frequencies. This allows for lower noise compared to traditional electronic methods. The system automatically synchronizes optical and microwave signals without additional measurements or corrections, inspired by fireflies' synchronized flashing.
This research opens new possibilities for signal generation and synchronization. Future work aims to further reduce noise and improve performance, potentially surpassing current noise limits.
ScoresNVIDIA's Blackwell Platform: A Milestone in AI Computing
NVIDIA's Blackwell platform, a powerhouse for AI, comes with a hefty price tag. The GB200 NVL72 server rack system, a beast with 72 GPUs, costs $3 million. It's part of a $100 billion investment, involving 25,000 people.
The demand for these high-end AI servers remains strong, despite the cost. NVIDIA plans to ship 60,000 to 70,000 of these racks by 2025, aiming for $2100 billion in revenue. Each rack, packed with 2080 billion transistors, offers 20 petaflops of computing power.
Training complex AI models, like a 1.8 trillion parameter model, requires massive resources. 8000 Hopper GPUs or 2000 Blackwell GPUs are needed, with significant differences in power consumption.
The GB200 superchip, combining CPU and GPU, outperforms its predecessors by a factor of 30, while using less power. NVIDIA's increased orders with TSMC by 25% reflect the high demand.
Blackwell is set to become the standard for AI training and various applications, from robotics to healthcare. The Supermicro version of the GB200 NVL72 showcases a compact, efficient design, using liquid cooling to manage its substantial power needs.
In essence, NVIDIA's investment in Blackwell is a bold move in the AI race, promising high returns despite the initial costs.
ScoresVideo Game
Free Offer: 'Drawful 2' on Steam
Jackbox Games is offering "Drawful 2" for free on Steam until August 29. Originally priced at 42 yuan, this game challenges players to draw bizarre scenes and guess each other's creations. New features include custom prompts and tools for live streaming. Limited quantities available.
ScoresLimited Edition Astro Bot DualSense Controller Announced for PS5
Sony announces a limited edition DualSense controller for the PS5, themed around Astro Bot. The design is visually distinct.
DualSense: The PS5's advanced controller, known for its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
ScoresBlizzard Entertainment executives visit China: approaching the Chinese market with humility, and being more open and proactive in the future.
Executives from Blizzard Entertainment's "World of Warcraft" team recently visited China, expressing a cautious and humble approach towards returning to the Chinese market. Executive Producer Holly Longdale and Game Senior Director Ion Hazzikostas were interviewed at the ChinaJoy Expo, emphasizing a more open and proactive stance to involve Chinese players in global dialogues.
Hazzikostas mentioned that the enthusiasm of Chinese players made them feel humble, and they plan to develop unique gameplay for the Chinese region, closely collaborating with NetEase. "World of Warcraft" will globally launch "The War Within" simultaneously, ensuring that Chinese players do not fall behind.
"Hearthstone" is also scheduled to return to China on September 25th. Executive Producer Nathan Lyons-Smith stated that special rewards will be provided to attract players back. The team has conducted multiple playtest sessions to ensure a smooth return.
Blizzard's collaboration with NetEase will continue, with Lyons-Smith emphasizing the reliance on NetEase to understand the local market and player community. Blizzard Entertainment's games will gradually return to the Chinese mainland market this summer.
ScoresEntertainment
Sony to Release PlayStation Portal Handheld in Hong Kong
Sony will release the cloud handheld device PlayStation Portal Hong Kong version on September 4, 2024, priced at HK$1580. This device is a handheld accessory for the PS5, equipped with an 8-inch LCD screen and DualSense controller functions. Through Remote Play, it can connect to the PS5 via Wi-Fi and play games already installed on the console. The PlayStation Portal cannot run content independently and requires dependency on the PS5. Pre-orders will open on August 5.
ScoresDeadpool and Wolverine Sets Record with $205 Million Opening
"Deadpool and Wolverine" grossed $205 million in its domestic opening, setting a record for an R-rated film. The film exceeded expectations, which were around $160 to $180 million. Internationally, it earned $233.3 million, totaling $438.3 million globally.
This success marks a comeback for Marvel after a post-pandemic slump. Disney had flooded the market with superhero content, leading to a dip in quality. Marvel took a break to refocus creatively.
The film's strong opening and the recent San Diego Comic Con announcements suggest a promising future for the franchise. Upcoming projects include a new Captain America and the introduction of Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.
The record-breaking debut indicates that Marvel and Disney can adapt their content to different ratings while maintaining audience interest. This flexibility and the continued demand for blockbuster storytelling are key to their ongoing success.
ScoresCryptocurrency Exchange Huobi Involved in Security Breach
In May 2023, a man named Ou lost millions in cryptocurrency when his wallet was emptied. He traced the theft to a backdoor in his wallet app, installed by three employees of A Company. These employees had programmed the app to steal private keys and mnemonic phrases, planning to use them later. They were caught before they could act, but Ou's coins were still gone.
Further investigation revealed another culprit, Zhang, who had also embedded a backdoor in a different wallet app. He used stolen keys to transfer Ou's funds to his own wallet. Zhang was caught and agreed to compensate Ou partially.
A Company is suspected to be Huobi, a major cryptocurrency exchange. Huobi has been linked to similar security breaches in the past.
Key Terms:
- Backdoor: A hidden part of a program that allows unauthorized access.
- Private Key/Mnemonic Phrase: Essential codes for accessing cryptocurrency wallets.
- Cryptocurrency Exchange: A platform where digital currencies are traded.
Health
First Human Implant of Maglev-Powered Titanium Heart
Surgeons placed a titanium heart in a patient. It runs on maglev tech, like fast trains. Maglev means magnetic levitation, it floats and moves without touching. This heart is new, a first in humans. It could change how we treat heart failure.
ScoresHuman Trials Begin for New Parkinson's Treatment Using Brain Cell Grafts
Brain cell grafts, transplanted into monkeys, have shown promise. Now, these grafts are moving to human trials for Parkinson's treatment.
Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder, affects movement. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine die. Dopamine is crucial for smooth, coordinated muscle movement.
The treatment involves grafting new cells into the brain. These cells replace the lost dopamine producers. In monkeys, this approach reduced Parkinson's symptoms significantly.
The human trial aims to replicate these results. If successful, it could offer a new path for treating Parkinson's. This trial is a critical step from animal to human medicine.
My insight: Progress in medical science often starts with animals. Moving to human trials is a leap. Success here could mean a significant improvement in quality of life for Parkinson's patients. The simplicity and directness of this approach are promising.
ScoresEvolution of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus and Its Implications
Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) once caused severe outbreaks, but now rarely infects humans. A Harvard study in Nature reveals why: WEEV evolved to lose its ability to target human and horse cells. This shift correlates with reduced disease and death.
WEEV, part of the alphavirus family, uses spike proteins to attach to host cell receptors, then infects cells. Early WEEV strains could attach to multiple receptors, surprising researchers who thought viruses typically target one.
Recent WEEV strains lost this multi-receptor ability, focusing instead on bird receptors. This change might be due to vaccine-induced immunity in horses or random genetic mutations (antigenic drift).
The study highlights the importance of studying virus diversity over time and space. It warns against assuming viruses remain static. WEEV's resurgence in South America underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and research.
Understanding virus-host interactions is crucial for pandemic preparedness. The study provides tools to monitor and predict outbreaks, aiding in early response and prevention.
ScoresSports
Christa Deguchi Wins Olympic Judo Gold for Canada
Christa Deguchi, born in Japan, claimed Canada's first Olympic judo gold. She topped the world rankings and defeated Mimi Huh in a tense final, winning on penalties in overtime. Deguchi's victory avenged a previous loss to Huh at the 2024 world championships. Despite her global standing, securing her spot at the Paris Games wasn't straightforward; she had to surpass fellow Canadian and world No. 2, Jessica Klimkait. Deguchi trains in Japan and competes for Canada through her Canadian father.
ScoresParis Olympics Day 3: Key Events and Medal Contenders
Paris Olympics, Day 3: 19 gold medals up for grabs.
Swimming heats up with Team GB's Matt Richards and Duncan Scott in the men's 200m freestyle. Romania's David Popovici also a contender.
Tom Pidcock, fresh from Covid and Tour de France withdrawal, tackles mountain biking and road cycling.
Gymnastics: GB men aim for the podium, led by Max Whitlock.
Canoe slalom sees Adam Burgess, just 0.16 seconds from Tokyo medal, pushing harder for Paris.
Skateboarding's men's street final features Japan's Yuto Horigome and Sora Shirai, France's Aurelien Giraud, and USA's Nyjah Huston.
Swimming's women's 100m breaststroke could be a showdown with USA's Lilly King, Tokyo silver medallist Tatjana Smith, Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte, and China's Tang Qianting.
Fencing's women's sabre final includes Ukraine's Olha Kharlan, a four-time world champion, who secured her Paris spot after a controversial disqualification.
Archery's men's team event likely dominated by South Korea, with Turkey's Mete Gazoz aiming to upset.
ScoresFood
Michelin-starred chef André Chiang announces the closure of RAW restaurant and its transformation into an international culinary school.
Chef Andre Chiang, a Michelin two-starred chef, has announced that his restaurant RAW will cease operations on December 31. RAW will transition into an international culinary school with the goal of training 10 to 12 Michelin-starred chefs annually. Chef Chiang stated that although the decision was difficult, he believes it is the best timing. RAW will launch its final season menu, "The Last Dance," on August 15.
Michelin: An international restaurant rating system that evaluates restaurant quality with star ratings.
ScoresCalbee Embraces AI for Snack Innovation
Calbee, Japan's snack giant, is looking to AI to revitalize its potato chips. Partnering with Pegasus Tech Ventures in Silicon Valley, they are seeking out U.S. startups to enhance snack health, production efficiency, and new business models.
The role of AI includes speeding up R&D, predicting consumer tastes, and creating customized chips. It also explores more environmentally friendly packaging options. Calbee favors Pegasus for its expertise with startups and global influence.
Beyond AI, Calbee is also exploring plant-based, insect-based foods, and sustainable technologies. The goal is to offer healthier snacks for Japan's aging population and to operate in an eco-friendly manner.
Calbee is not just investing; it's also offering startups access to its Asian markets. This strategy also positions Calbee for potential expansion into the U.S.
ScoresMcDonald's Struggles with Low-Income Customers and Sales Decline
McDonald's is facing challenges. Sales have declined, particularly among low-income customers. They are promoting a $5 meal deal in an effort to regain their patronage. Joe Erlinger, the head of McDonald's USA, acknowledges that this is a strategic, long-term approach. They need to demonstrate that they are mindful of prices.
The $5 meal has been well-received, especially by low-income patrons. McDonald's is extending the offer beyond its initial four-week period. The majority of their restaurants are participating.
Erlinger concedes that business is not thriving. Customer numbers have fallen for the fourth consecutive quarter. They are losing market share to rivals. However, he remains optimistic. They have strategies in place for the remainder of the year, and upcoming decisions could potentially reverse the trend.
McDonald's has traditionally focused on providing value. Now, they must reinforce this commitment. They are engaging with customers and striving to narrow the affordability gap. The market is competitive, but McDonald's is committed to the long-term success of the business.
Scores