World News Daily(2024-08-01) : China Advances Legislation to Boost Private Sector Involvement in National Strategies
China Advances Legislation to Boost Private Sector Involvement in National Strategies
The National Development and Reform Commission is formulating the Private Economic Promotion Law, aimed at improving the institutional mechanisms for private enterprises to participate in national major strategies. This initiative includes protecting business property rights and entrepreneurs' rights and interests, optimizing financing support policies for private enterprises, and promoting fair access for operators in competitive infrastructure sectors.
State-owned enterprise reform will strengthen the management of state-owned economy, optimize its layout and structure. At the same time, it will promote the improvement of modern enterprise systems with Chinese characteristics, fostering more world-class enterprises and facilitating the joint development of various forms of ownership economies.
These measures are designed to invigorate enterprise vitality and implement the "two unswervingly" principles: resolutely consolidating and developing the public sector of the economy, and resolutely encouraging, supporting, and guiding the development of the non-public sector of the economy.
ScoresPolitics
U.S. Copyright Office Calls for AI Impersonation Law
The U.S. Copyright Office warns of AI-powered impersonation. They call for a new law to protect against unauthorized digital replicas. These replicas, made easily and cheaply from public data, threaten reputations and livelihoods.
The Office recommends liability for distributing these replicas, not just creating them. Protection should last a lifetime, with options for postmortem extension if needed. They suggest a safe harbor for online platforms to remove unauthorized replicas upon notice.
This law should mirror existing copyright protections but allow states to add extra measures. The Office's focus is on intellectual property, but the issue also touches on privacy and ethics.
In crafting this law, basing it on effective existing legislation might be wiser than starting from scratch.
ScoresChina Proposes National Internet ID System Amid Privacy and Control Debates
China is planning to introduce a national internet ID system, which would replace current company verifications that use phone numbers linked to personal IDs. The government asserts that this system will protect privacy and combat fraud, but critics view it as a means to tighten online control.
The proposal is currently open for public feedback and suggests that websites and apps may voluntarily adopt the ID. Although China's internet has historically been subject to monitoring, this initiative could potentially centralize surveillance efforts.
Some individuals support the ID due to concerns about privacy breaches by various apps, while others, such as Professor Lao Dongyan, believe it is a pretext for heightened social control, comparing it to the health code app employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professor Shen Kui cautions against the risks of a centralized ID, fearing it could discourage internet use. The ongoing debate underscores concerns about state power and individual freedoms in the digital era.
ScoresU.S. Increases Military Aid to Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions
The U.S. pledges $500 million in new military aid to the Philippines. This move deepens the defense alliance as China asserts claims in the South China Sea. Biden and Marcos strengthen ties, unlike Marcos' predecessor who leaned towards China.
The U.S. and Philippines held their first 2+2 session in Manila. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III attended. The meeting focused on countering aggressive Chinese actions in the South China Sea.
The $500 million aid will modernize the Philippine military and coast guard. This funding is unprecedented, signaling strong U.S. support. The U.S. also gained access to four additional Philippine military bases earlier this year.
Tensions peak in the South China Sea. Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine ships. In one incident, a Philippine sailor lost a thumb. The U.S.-Philippine treaty's mutual defense clause applies to these actions.
China recently allowed a Philippine resupply mission to the Sierra Madre ship without interference. Blinken urged China to refrain from further hostilities against the Philippines in the South China Sea.
The U.S., along with Japan, India, and Australia, denounced military aggression in the South and East China Seas. This joint stance aims to deter China's assertive territorial moves.
ScoresSociety
AI and the Future of Education: Personalized Learning and the Transformation of the Teacher's Role
The application of artificial intelligence in education is triggering profound transformations. Traditional educational models, primarily based on Prussian-style large-class instruction, are gradually being replaced by personalized and highly interactive learning methods. AI technologies, such as GPT and Khanmigo, can provide customized learning plans and intelligent tutoring, making learning more efficient and engaging.
The core of education is shifting from knowledge transmission to competency development, such as aesthetics, empathy, and innovative thinking. Although AI can process vast amounts of knowledge, the role of teachers remains indispensable; they are responsible for reviewing, guiding, and establishing relationships with students.
In the future, education will place greater emphasis on students' individual needs and emotional development, with the collaboration of AI and teachers becoming the norm. Education is not just about the transmission of knowledge but also about the accumulation of life and social experiences, a dual emergence of intelligence and emotion.
ScoresChinese Brands Leverage Paris Olympics for Global Exposure
The Paris Olympics sparked excitement with LVMH's substantial 1.5 billion euro sponsorship. Chinese brands such as Alibaba and Mengniu also joined as top sponsors. Local advertisements, including Yili's featuring Chinese athletes, emerged, overcoming language barriers.
Brands utilized the Olympics to enhance visibility, with some like Nike and Adidas sponsoring teams and athletes. Others, such as Yili and Mengniu, experienced short-term sales boosts and long-term brand elevation.
Experts recommend that effective marketing necessitates precision, offline events, and sustained engagement. Despite the high costs, the return on investment from increased brand recognition can be significant.
In essence, the Olympics continue to be a premier platform for brand exposure and engagement, extending beyond the event itself.
ScoresEconomy
The Fed hints at a September rate cut, and the market reacts enthusiastically.
The Federal Reserve hinted at a rate cut in September, sparking enthusiastic market reactions. U.S. Treasuries, stocks, crude oil, gold, and the Japanese yen all rose. Chip stocks led the gains, with NVIDIA surging nearly 13%. Tensions in the Middle East pushed up gold and oil prices. Eurozone inflation slightly exceeded expectations. OPEC+ will assess the implementation of production quotas. Powell maintained a cautious stance on rate cut guidance, yet the market still anticipates three rate cuts by the end of the year.
ScoresMeta's AI Investments Boost Advertising Growth
Meta's recent earnings demonstrate that investments in AI are yielding results. CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized AI's contribution to enhancing ad effectiveness and content discovery. Revenue surged 22% to $39.07 billion, with ads accounting for 98% of sales. Meta's ad growth rate outpaced Google's.
Following Apple's 2021 privacy update, Meta overhauled its ad platform. AI-driven enhancements boosted user engagement and ad performance. Analysts observe immediate benefits from AI investments.
Meta remains committed to significant investments in AI and the metaverse, anticipating capital expenditures of $37-40 billion by 2024. Core AI efforts concentrate on refining ad platforms and recommendation systems. While generative AI does not directly drive revenue immediately, it presents long-term opportunities.
Meta's approach underscores AI's dual potential: providing immediate enhancements and establishing future revenue streams.
ScoresChinese EVs Revolutionize Thailand's Auto Market
Chinese EV makers, led by GAC Aion, have stormed into Thailand, reshaping its auto market. Aion's team landed in Bangkok with no local setup, selling their first EV in 74 days. They adapted their cars for local conditions, boosting AC power and chassis strength.
Thailand, dubbed "Detroit of Asia," faces a seismic shift. Japanese car dominance wanes as Chinese brands like BYD and Great Wall Motor gain ground. Chinese EVs flood billboards and factories rise, driving up land prices.
China's government has long backed new energy vehicles, fostering mass production and competitive pricing. Despite EU and US tariffs, Thailand remains crucial due to its market size and proximity to China.
Thai car sales slump, but EVs surge 50%. Price wars loom, threatening industry health. Great Wall Motor, facing EU tariffs, shifts focus to Thailand.
Chinese EVs now dominate Thai showrooms, a stark contrast to the past Japanese stronghold. This rapid transformation underscores China's strategic push into global auto markets.
ScoresTechnology
David Liu's team has upgraded gene editing technology, significantly improving efficiency.
The team led by Dr. David Liu has recently upgraded their gene editing system, named eePASSIGE. This technology can precisely insert large gene fragments into designated positions of the DNA in mammalian cells, significantly improving both efficiency and accuracy.
Traditional gene editing requires modifying each mutation individually, whereas eePASSIGE does not. It achieves a leap in gene insertion efficiency by improving the DNA serine recombinase Bxb1. This means that in the future, a single gene editing therapy might be able to treat diseases caused by multiple gene mutations.
This technology is not only expected to enhance ex vivo therapies such as CAR-T immune cell therapy but can also be applied to synthetic biology, optimizing the production of medicinal proteins, and even improving crop traits and yield.
Dr. Xin Gao is one of the main contributors to this research. He used AI technology to predict the structure of Bxb1, optimized experimental conditions, and improved editing efficiency. His next goal is to develop new delivery methods to address the challenges of delivering large molecular editors.
The research by Dr. David Liu's team not only breaks through technical barriers but also brings new hope for the treatment of genetic diseases.
ScoresLeaf: Revolutionizing Farm Data Management with Technology
Farms generate a wealth of data. Tractors, irrigation systems, all produce numbers. The issue? This data is scattered and disorganized. Enter Leaf, which can be thought of as Plaid for farms.
Bailey Stockdale, CEO of Leaf, witnessed the traditional methods used on his family's farm—like planting seeds based on a thermometer buried in the soil. He recognized that technology could offer a solution. While farms were accumulating data, they lacked the means to utilize it effectively. Stockdale reached out to various sources but found no definitive solutions, prompting him to create Leaf.
Leaf organizes and streamlines farm data, integrating it into an API that is utilized by crop insurers, agricultural technology startups, and more, with payment structured per acre. Since its launch in 2021, Leaf has partnered with major companies like Bayer and Syngenta.
Leaf has secured $11.3 million in funding. Its future plans include expanding sales and refining its product. The company is focused on enhancing data accuracy, a critical factor for AI models that predict crop planting and fertilizer application.
Stockdale views agriculture as a blend of traditional and modern practices. Leaf, functioning as an API in a rustic setting, is successfully bridging this gap.
ScoresTelegram Updates: In-App Browser, Mini App Store, and More
Telegram's latest update is packed with features:
- In-app Browser: This browser supports tabs and Web3, and is accessible to nearly a billion users. Pages collapse, allowing you to switch between messages and websites without losing your place.
- Mini App Store: Over 500 million users engage with mini apps monthly. A new 'Apps' tab in Search helps you find and access these apps quickly. Developers can showcase their apps with video demos and screenshots.
- Gifting Stars: Stars are digital goods in mini apps or paid content in channels. Now, you can gift them to friends. Access via Settings > My Stars.
- Video Messages: Use the front flash to brighten your screen in the dark.
- Weather Widget: Add animated weather to your stories, automatically switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Story Covers: Choose which frame of your video story will be the cover photo.
- MacOS Tabs: The new browser on Telegram for macOS supports games, mini apps, and Web3 sites.
This update enhances user experience and opens new opportunities for both developers and users.
ScoresVideo Game
World of Warcraft Official Server Restart, "War of the Depths" Pre-event Content Update Goes Live.
"World of Warcraft" relaunches with the "War of the Depths" pre-patch update going live. New features include the Covenant System, Skyward Spell, and updates to classes and systems. Covens gather, character progress is shared, breaking faction limitations. Dragonriding becomes permanent, with an optional flight mode. During the pre-event, collect remnants of memories to expand your Coven's collection. User interface and quest icons are optimized, with a new Arachnophobia Filter added. "War of the Depths" is set to launch globally on August 27, 2024.
Scores"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" Original Soundtrack CD Released, Featuring 344 Songs.
"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" Original Soundtrack CD Released Today, Featuring 9 CDs with 344 Tracks, Approximately 11 Hours of Music. The Standard Edition is Priced at 13,200 Yen, While the Limited Edition is 19,800 Yen, Including a Deluxe Packaging and a Master Sword-Shaped USB, Pre-loaded with 15 High-Resolution Audio Tracks.
Limited Edition Features:
- 5.1ch FLAC 96kHz/24bit Audio for 3 Tracks
- FLAC 96kHz/24bit Audio for 12 Tracks
Explanation:
- FLAC: Lossless Audio Format
- 96kHz/24bit: High-Quality Audio Standard
Entertainment
New Animated Series 'Terminator: Zero' Announced
Production I.G crafts "Terminator: Zero," an animated series set to debut on Netflix, August 29. Directed by Kudo Masashi, the show spans eight episodes. It revolves around scientist Malcolm Lee, developing an AI to rival "Skynet." As the 1997 Judgment Day approaches, a future warrior arrives to protect him.
The Japanese voice cast includes:
- Terminator: Yamaya Yasuhiro
- Malcolm: Uchida Yuta
- Kokoro: Tanezaki Atsumi
- Aiko: Yukinari Toa
- Eldest son Kenta: Shimoya Hiro
- Second son Hiro: Ishigami Shizuka
- Eldest daughter Reika: Sato Miyuki
- Housekeeper Misaki: Hayami Saori
Discover New Music with Reliable Music Rankings
In the digital age, finding new music can be a chore. Algorithms often fail, and the same old songs loop endlessly. The solution? Reliable music rankings.
Douban Music Charts, a popular Chinese platform, offers yearly rankings based on user ratings and industry feedback. It's a treasure trove for discovering new releases and hidden gems.
AOTY (albumoftheyear.org) provides real-time updates and a comprehensive view of album ratings, including must-listen and worst-of lists. It's a professional, user-friendly site that integrates streaming services and offers detailed reviews.
Bandcamp focuses on physical sales but excels in promoting new albums with daily updates and insightful reviews. It's a blend of music and storytelling.
Last.fm, known for tracking song plays, offers straightforward, frequently updated charts of popular new releases.
In a world where attention spans are short, these rankings help cut through the noise, ensuring you find music that resonates.
ScoresHealth
Innovative Mosquito Net Saves Lives in Malaria-prone Areas
Mosquito nets are not just for repelling mosquitoes.
Yin Qing's long-lasting insecticidal mosquito net, treated with medication, can kill or stun mosquitoes within three minutes of contact. This net significantly increases the survival chances of children in malaria-endemic areas.
The key to the medication treatment lies in a special membrane that allows the right amount of medication to permeate, effectively killing mosquitoes while ensuring child safety. This membrane controls drug release through tiny pores, achieving a long-lasting effect.
The development process is complex, involving the mixing of drugs with high-density polyethylene, drawing techniques, and more. Facing mosquito resistance to drugs, Yin Qing's team continuously innovates, developing second and third-generation products to ensure the anti-malarial effectiveness of the nets.
This work, though small, can save lives and represents a remarkable innovation.
ScoresStudy Reveals 45% of Dementia Cases Could Be Prevented or Delayed
Almost half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed. A study identified 14 risk factors.
By addressing these factors from childhood through old age, 45% of dementia cases could be avoided. This includes high "bad" cholesterol from age 40 and untreated vision loss later in life.
The 14 factors: lower education, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, excessive alcohol, brain injury, air pollution, social isolation.
Healthy lifestyles—exercise, no smoking, cognitive activity, moderate alcohol—can delay dementia onset.
Recommendations include hearing aids for hearing loss, cholesterol checks from 40, and good-quality education.
Public health interventions could save billions by reducing dementia rates and improving health.
Age and genetics are still top risk factors, but lifestyle and health factors offer a chance for prevention.
ScoresNew Proximity Labeling Technique Tracks Protein Dynamics in Cells
Wei Qin, an assistant professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, has developed a novel proximity labeling technology called TransitID. This technology can track the migration paths of thousands of proteins within living cells, revealing the dynamic transport of proteins both inside and outside the cell. Wei Qin's research findings were published in the journal Cell, earning him the honor of being selected as one of the "Innovators Under 35" in China by the MIT Technology Review.
The TransitID technology utilizes proximity labeling enzymes to mark target proteins in their vicinity, thereby capturing their dynamic changes. Wei Qin's research extends beyond intracellular processes to include intercellular protein transport, identifying proteins that transfer from cancer cells to macrophages.
Wei Qin's research goal is to drive innovation in proteomics technology, evolving from one-dimensional to four-dimensional representations, to depict the life trajectories of proteins across time, space, function, and interactions. He plans to apply the technology in the field of tumor immunology, exploring the communication mechanisms between tumor cells and immune cells, and providing new insights for novel tumor immunotherapies.
Proximity Labeling (PL): This technique uses specific enzymes to mark target proteins in their vicinity, identifying and capturing molecules that interact with them.
Wei Qin's research not only deepens the understanding of dynamic protein regulation but also provides new avenues for the discovery of disease biomarkers and drug targets. His work demonstrates the powerful potential of chemical biology in the life sciences.
ScoresSports
Pan Zhanle Wins Men's 100m Freestyle Gold and Breaks Record at Paris Olympics
Pan Zhanle, a Chinese swimmer, secured the gold medal in the men's 100-meter freestyle at the Paris Olympics, breaking the world record. This marks the ninth gold for the Chinese delegation. Media outlets are abuzz with discussions, as the record has been shattered once again, and a new swimming star has emerged, a source of pride for China.
ScoresTai Tzu-Ying: A Badminton Legend, the Queen Without a Crown
Tai Tzu-ying, a badminton legend, may not have won an Olympic gold medal, but her achievements are undeniable. Since 2016, she has dominated the women's badminton world, accumulating 214 weeks as the world's number one, a record unmatched in history. Tai Tzu-ying won her first international title at the age of 15 and became the world's top player at 22, reigning for 72 consecutive weeks, second only to the longest streak in history.
She has won over 500 matches in her career, claiming 32 titles, the only woman to surpass 30 singles titles. Tai Tzu-ying has never won a World Championship or Olympic gold medal; she has participated in the World Championships nine times, earning only one silver and one bronze. She reached the gold medal match at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but lost to Chen Yufei. At this year's Paris Olympics, hampered by knee injuries, she was eliminated in the group stage.
Tai Tzu-ying is immensely popular, with fans worldwide cheering her on as if it were her home court. At the French Paris Olympics, spectators chanted "Xiao Dai, go for it!" making it feel like a Taiwanese home game. Commentator Gill Clark praised her playing style and personality as full of talent. Tai Tzu-ying may retire due to injuries, and although she hasn't won an Olympic gold, she has already secured a remarkable career.
ScoresFood
Investment Surge in Non-Alcoholic Beverage Startups
Startups are capitalizing on alcohol-free drinks. Liquid Death, a canned water brand, secures $67 million. Athletic Brewing, leading in non-alcoholic brews, raises $50 million. Not Beer, Odyssey, Olipop, Lemon Perfect—all are carving out new beverage niches. Technology is not the key focus, but disruption is. They aim to redefine drink options, not just imitate.
Scores