World News Daily(2024-08-11) : North Korean Group Infiltrates US Firms as Fake IT Professionals
North Korean Group Infiltrates US Firms as Fake IT Professionals
North Korean group, Famous Chollima, infiltrated over 100 US firms. Posing as IT professionals, they used fake American identities. Hired for remote jobs in tech, aerospace, and defense, they maintained a low profile. They exfiltrated data via Git, SharePoint, and OneDrive. They installed RMM tools like RustDesk and AnyDesk for remote access. CrowdStrike's OverWatch team detected the breaches and alerted the victims.
RMM tools: software allowing remote control of computers.
ScoresPolitics
Rapid Civilian Evacuations in Kursk Amid Ukraine's Military Push
Russia's Kursk region experiences rapid civilian evacuations as Ukraine advances into Russian territory. Over 76,000 people have been relocated. Ukraine's President Zelenskiy confirms military operations in Kursk, with the goal of restoring justice following the 2022 Russian invasion.
Intense fighting continues near the border in three villages. Russia's FSB has activated a counter-terrorism regime in Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod, granting extensive security powers.
Rosatom warns of a direct threat to the Kursk nuclear power station due to ongoing hostilities, although there is no direct evidence of Ukrainian forces targeting the plant. Power outages have been reported in Kursk after a substation was hit by a drone.
Belarus has reinforced its border troops in response to alleged Ukrainian drone incursions, which could lead to diplomatic repercussions.
Ukraine's navy claims to have damaged a Russian-used Black Sea gas platform. Casualties have been reported in Russian attacks on Donetsk and Kharkiv, and a Ukrainian drone attack in Lipetsk.
Ukraine has seen a decrease in combat engagements, possibly due to its incursion into Kursk. Russia has launched an air attack on Kyiv, which was repelled by air defenses.
Zelenskiy hints at banning the Moscow-linked Orthodox church, citing its alleged support for the Russian invasion.
ScoresSociety
2.9 Billion Personal Records Stolen in Major Cyber-Heist
Florida data broker, National Public Data, suffered a hack. 2.9 billion records were stolen and sold for $3.5 million. The data included names, addresses, social security numbers, and family details. The company failed to encrypt or redact sensitive information. Hofmann, a victim, has filed a class-action lawsuit. He seeks data destruction, encryption, and monetary relief for victims.
ScoresSuzhou's first low-altitude intercity route successfully completes trial flight, connecting Kunshan with Shanghai Pudong Airport.
Suzhou's first low-altitude intercity flight route successfully completed its trial flight, connecting Kunshan with Shanghai Pudong Airport, and is set to open on August 18th. The flight duration is 30 minutes, replacing the original 1.5-2 hour car journey. The one-way fare ranges from 1600 to 1800 yuan, including helicopter transfer and personalized services within the airport. The Kunshan City Terminal, located at the Kunshan International Convention and Exhibition Center, offers ticketing and check-in services, and is the largest off-site terminal in the Yangtze River Delta.
ScoresJapan Maintains Mega-Quake Advisory for Nankai Trough
Japan Meteorological Agency warns of a possible mega-quake in the Nankai Trough. The advisory continues following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake near Miyazaki, with no unusual crustal strain detected. A tsunami affected Kyushu and Shikoku, and the earthquake intensity reached lower 6 on a scale of 0 to 7. The agency anticipates more earthquakes, possibly up to lower 6 intensity, within the next week. A special advisory has been issued under the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information protocol. While there is no specific timeframe for an earthquake, disaster preparedness checks are urged in 29 prefectures. The government advises securing furniture and reviewing evacuation plans, with vulnerable households encouraged to consider voluntary evacuation.
Nankai Trough: A seismic zone off Japan's Pacific coast where large earthquakes frequently occur.
ScoresTokyo Condo Prices Triple in a Decade, Attracting Foreign Investors
Tokyo condo prices soar. Ten-year-old units triple in value. Roppongi-itchome Station leads, up 3.69 times. Grand Suite Azabudai Hilltop Tower, 268.31 million yen. Originally 126.67 million yen. Azabudai Hills commercial facility boosts value.
Higashi-Ikebukuro Station follows. Brillia Tower Ikebukuro, 387.02 million yen. Was 79.17 million yen. Direct connection to station, redevelopment project drives up prices.
Foreign investors flock to Japan. Housing Japan sees 20-30% transaction increase. CEO Mitsuo Hashimoto cites affordability, safety, low geopolitical risk. Weaker yen attracts more foreign interest.
Osaka's Umeda district also sees rises. JR Osaka Station properties up 2.4 times. Grand Front Osaka Owner’s Tower, 202.94 million yen. Originally 74.7 million yen. Hotel investment active, foreign tourists drive demand.
Shogo Fujita, FJ Realty: Market booming, investors eager. Well-located existing condos likely to keep rising.
ScoresAndes Glaciers Shrink to Historic Lows Amid Global Warming
Researchers at Wisconsin's Madison University have discovered that the glaciers in the tropical Andes are the smallest they have been since the last ice age, which ended 11,700 years ago. This reduction signifies a significant milestone in the effects of global warming.
These glaciers, located high in the Andes, are melting faster than snow can replenish them. Satellite imagery and ground-based observations corroborate this continuous decline. The scientists examined exposed bedrock near the edges of glaciers, analyzing isotopes within quartz crystals to estimate past ice coverage. The low levels of these isotopes, specifically beryllium-10 and carbon-14, indicate recent exposure due to melting rather than erosion.
This study suggests that tropical glaciers, predominantly in the Andes, are shrinking at rates beyond historical norms. Shaun Marcott, a lead researcher, compares these glaciers to "canaries in a coal mine," serving as early indicators of broader climate impacts. He cautions that the situation in the Andes could presage similar losses in other glacier regions, such as the American West.
Explanation of Terms:
- Isotopes: Variants of a chemical element with different numbers of neutrons, which affect their atomic weight.
- Beryllium-10 and Carbon-14: These isotopes accumulate in rocks exposed to the surface, providing a timeline of when the rocks were last uncovered.
Economy
China is accelerating its transition to a green economy, with enhanced financial support measures.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council are promoting the transition to a green economy and have proposed multiple financial support measures. These include extending the term of carbon reduction support tools, formulating standards for transition finance, and encouraging banks to allocate green credit. Local governments are encouraged to reduce the costs of green bonds and to develop green equity, financing leases, trusts, and more. Additionally, efforts are being made to innovate carbon financial products, develop green insurance, and explore a differentiated insurance premium rate mechanism.
Explanation:
- Green bonds: Bonds specifically issued to finance environmental projects.
- Carbon reduction support tools: Financial tools that assist companies in reducing carbon emissions.
- Green credit: Loans provided by banks to environmentally friendly projects.
Horizon Robotics has been approved for an IPO in Hong Kong, planning to issue 11.5 billion shares.
Horizon Robotics, specializing in advanced driver-assistance systems, has received approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission for a Hong Kong IPO. The company plans to issue no more than 1.15 billion shares. Horizon Robotics has seen rapid growth, with annual revenue increasing by 82.3% and stable gross margins. Investors include well-known institutions such as Sequoia and Hillhouse, as well as automotive giants like SAIC, Volkswagen, CATL, and BYD. Competitor Black Sesame Technologies has already gone public with a market cap of HK$11.6 billion.
IPO Filing: Horizon Robotics aims to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through an overseas offering.
Explanation:
- IPO: Initial Public Offering, the first issuance of stock by a company to the public.
- Gross Margin: The ratio of profit after subtracting costs from sales revenue to the sales revenue.
Big Tech Facing Large GDPR Fines
The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has hit Big Tech hard since 2018. Meta leads with the steepest fines, totaling over €2 billion across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has been particularly stern, penalizing Meta multiple times for mishandling user data and violating transfer rules.
Amazon and ByteDance (TikTok) also face hefty fines, with Amazon cited for improper ad targeting and TikTok for minor data protection failures. Google's Android platform received a significant penalty in France for transparency and consent issues.
Notably, GDPR fines extend beyond traditional tech giants. Adtech firm Criteo and AI startup Clearview AI have also been sanctioned for GDPR breaches, highlighting the regulation's broad reach.
GDPR's enforcement underscores a critical shift: the EU's commitment to safeguarding personal data in the digital age. Big Tech must adapt or face substantial financial consequences.
ScoresAccelerating ASEAN's Digital Trade Integration
The future of ASEAN hinges on digital trade. Over 71 million MSMEs must leverage this for growth. The digital economy here could triple to $1 trillion by 2030. Success depends on public-private collaboration.
Public sector initiatives like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) aim to integrate the region digitally. Yet, real change requires more trust and simpler systems. Customs clearance, often a bottleneck, needs streamlining. A common data platform could ease this, making transactions paperless and faster.
Singapore and Thailand have digitized their customs, setting a precedent. The challenge is for the rest of ASEAN to follow and integrate these systems regionally.
MSMEs see digital platforms as a gateway to wider markets. Air transport, the fastest option, is crucial for regional trade. Speed and cost are no longer luxuries but basic requirements for business growth.
ASEAN must commit to digital transformation. This involves everyone in the ecosystem. Enhanced digital capabilities will integrate cross-border trade, benefiting the entire region. A borderless economy awaits, promising growth and efficiency.
ScoresTechnology
OpenStreetMap: 20 Years of Community-Driven Mapping
Steve Coast, a dropout from University College London, started OpenStreetMap two decades ago. Inspired by Wikipedia and Linux, he believed in a community-driven map. Today, it boasts over 10 million contributors, mapping everything from streets to rivers.
OpenStreetMap operates under the Open Database License (ODbL), allowing free use with attribution. Major companies like Apple and Uber rely on its data. The OpenStreetMap Foundation, a non-profit, manages the project with minimal staff and funding.
The platform challenges Google Maps' dominance, arguing that location data should not be monopolized by a single entity. OpenStreetMap offers an affordable, accessible alternative, emphasizing shared ownership of geographic data.
In essence, OpenStreetMap proves that collective effort can create something valuable, bypassing traditional funding and corporate control. It's a testament to the power of open-source collaboration.
ScoresAI App '毒舌AI' Gains Massive Popularity with Simple Prompt Tweak
"毒舌AI" Twitter Personality, an AI app that critiques Twitter users based on their past tweets, has gone viral. It earns $4,000 per hour by analyzing public accounts without needing permissions. The app hit 5 million users and made $22,000 in 8 hours.
Developer Kyzo made the code open-source on GitHub, encouraging others to build on it. The app runs on Wordware, a low-code platform allowing anyone to create AI apps. Wordware, valued at $180 million, recently faced financial strain due to high traffic and model costs. They resorted to a dynamic pricing model, charging $6.99 in developed regions and $1 to $7.17 elsewhere.
The app's global success stemmed from a simple tweak in the prompt, using the user's language for replies. Wordware, backed by Y Combinator, emphasizes modular, text-based app creation. Its founders believe in the importance of domain experts in AI development, advocating for AI to enhance, not replace, human decision-making.
This approach aligns with industry trends, viewing human language as the latest programming language. The app's simplicity and accessibility highlight a broader shift towards democratizing AI development.
ScoresHigh-Resolution Microscopy Unveils Complexity of Human Brain
Researchers utilized high-resolution electron microscopes to create a detailed map of a small section of the human brain, measuring just one cubic millimeter. This tiny sample contained over 57,000 cells and nearly 150 million synapses. The map reveals intricate details about the types of cells and their connections, emphasizing the complexity of the brain.
The team dissected the brain tissue into 5,000 slices and captured images of each. The accumulated data reached 1.4 petabytes, a colossal volume. Using this data, they reconstructed a 3D image encompassing almost every cell in the sample.
Analysis showed that the majority of cells were either neurons, responsible for transmitting signals, or glial cells, which support neurons. Glial cells were found to be twice as numerous as neurons. The most prevalent glial cell type, oligodendrocytes, offers structural support and electrical insulation to neurons.
The study also revealed new structural details, such as mirrored orientations in specific neurons. Machine learning was instrumental in identifying nearly 150 million synapses, the points where signals transfer from one cell to another. Some neurons established multiple synapses with the same target cell, suggesting robust connections.
This research highlights the brain's complexity at the cellular level and the significance of connectomics—the mapping of brain cell connections. The data is now accessible to the public, providing valuable resources for further research.
The collaboration among neuroscientists, computer scientists, and engineers was crucial for this breakthrough. It represents a significant step towards creating a comprehensive map of the human brain, with the goal of advancing treatment possibilities.
ScoresVideo Game
Fortnite and Disney Collaborate for Villains and Superheroes Season
Epic Games partners with Disney. Fortnite will include Disney villains, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters.
ScoresUnity 6 Game Engine Set for 2024 Release
Unity plans to roll out Unity 6, its latest game engine, in fall 2024. This update promises enhanced stability and performance. CEO Matt Bromberg hints at future price hikes despite current stability. Unity 6 will support development across over 20 platforms, including major operating systems and gaming consoles.
Unity boasts a robust team of 1,800 developers, dedicated to optimizing the engine for new platforms and versions. The company's recent activities include launching a game publishing business in China and integrating with Apple's Vision Pro via PolySpatial technology. Despite these advancements, Unity has faced challenges like layoffs and restructuring.
The engine's evolution underscores a commitment to innovation and adaptability in the competitive gaming industry.
Scores"Black Myth: Wukong" PC version uses D encryption, and 81 achievements hint at the depth of the game.
"Black Myth: WuKong" for PC uses Denuvo encryption, requiring a high-end system configuration. The recommended specs include an RTX 2060 or RX 5700XT, but native 1080P/high-quality graphics require an RTX 3060. The game features 81 achievements, hinting at the 81 tribulations of the Journey to the West.
Denuvo: Digital rights management technology to prevent game piracy. RTX 3060: A high-performance graphics card that meets the demands of high-quality gaming.
ScoresEntertainment
Disney Unveils Ambitious Theme Park Expansions at D23 Expo
Disney's D23 Expo unveiled ambitious plans for its theme parks. A new villains-themed land is set to debut at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, following two years of speculation since the 2022 Expo.
The expansion also includes a "Cars"-themed area in Frontier Land, featuring an off-road rally race and a family-friendly ride. Hollywood Studios will introduce a "Monsters, Inc." land with a suspended coaster tour of the Laugh Factory.
Animal Kingdom's Tropical America's land, slated to open in 2027, will include an Indiana Jones attraction within a Mayan Temple. Additionally, a "Coco" attraction is coming to California Adventure, combining modern audio animatronics with classic ride elements.
Disney plans to invest $60 billion in experiences over the next decade, focusing on new attractions and technology. This strategy aims to maintain the parks' competitiveness and appeal in the post-pandemic era with evolving consumer habits.
ScoresDisney Announces New Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Disney announced at D23 a new Villains Land for Magic Kingdom. It will feature two main attractions, dining, shopping, and more. This addition aims to expand the park's offerings, leveraging the popularity of Disney's villains.
D23: A biennial event for Disney fans, showcasing upcoming projects and experiences.
ScoresHealth
WHO Emergency Meeting on Mpox Outbreak
WHO calls emergency meeting on mpox. Disease spreads in Central Africa, threatens global reach. Committee to decide if it's a "public health emergency of international concern."
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, causes fever, rash. Congo hit hard: 14,000+ cases, 511 deaths. Neighbors Kenya, Rwanda also affected.
2022 saw global emergency declared, then lifted. Current outbreak different, potentially more severe.
ScoresFood
Japanese Company Introduces Chicken Liver Foie Gras Substitute to Europe
NH Foods, a Japanese meat processor, is set to introduce a foie gras substitute made from chicken liver to European markets. The product, dubbed "Gras Foie," aims to offer an ethical alternative to traditional foie gras, which is produced by force-feeding ducks and geese.
The company plans to start selling Gras Foie in Europe this year on a trial basis, with full-scale production slated for 2027. Initial markets include France and Spain, known for high foie gras consumption.
Gras Foie combines chicken liver with pork fat and plant-based oil to replicate the taste of foie gras. It was first launched in Japan in 2023 through crowdfunding, achieving five times the sales target.
The product is currently available in Japan via NH Foods' online store and is gaining traction among commercial clients like restaurants and hotels. A four-pack with a special sauce sells for 3,218 yen, significantly cheaper than real foie gras.
NH Foods aims to reduce food waste by utilizing chicken liver, which is often used as animal feed. The company has secured a patent for Gras Foie in Japan and seeks international patents as it expands globally.
The convenience of preparation is a key selling point. Unlike traditional foie gras, which requires careful cooking to avoid melting the fat, Gras Foie is designed to be easier to prepare.
NH Foods envisions replacing all foie gras with Gras Foie worldwide.
ScoresLittle Vegetable Garden: New Huizhou Cuisine Brand Impacts Hong Kong Stock IPO, Valuation Reaches 10 Billion.
Xiaocaiyuan, a new Anhui cuisine brand targeting the mass dining market, is recently making a push for an IPO on the Hong Kong stock market. Founded in 2013 by Anhui chef Wang Shugao, Xiaocaiyuan focuses on affordability, with prices that are friendly to the average consumer and an average per capita spending of about 65 yuan.
In 2023, Xiaocaiyuan completed two rounds of financing against the trend, raising a total of 5 billion yuan, with a post-investment valuation of 10 billion yuan. The investment was led by the veteran consumer PE firm Jiahua Capital. Xiaocaiyuan operates on a direct sales model and currently has 623 stores, with plans to increase to 1,100 by 2026.
Xiaocaiyuan boasts strong profitability, earning nearly 1 billion yuan from 2021 to 2023. Its gross profit margin ranges from 65.5% to 68.5%, and the average cash investment recovery period for its stores is between 7.3 and 15.2 months, far quicker than the industry average.
Xiaocaiyuan emphasizes digital management, using SAP systems, CRM membership systems, and applying cooking robots to enhance efficiency. Additionally, it implements a store partnership model, with store managers often being head chefs, forming a community of shared interests.
Song Xiangqian, founder of Jiahua Capital, believes that Xiaocaiyuan's success lies in its team's high-level wisdom and altruistic spirit. Consumption and technology are not opposed but complement each other. Xiaocaiyuan's case demonstrates this.
Currently, Xiaocaiyuan is racing with several other Chinese dining enterprises to list on the Hong Kong stock market, garnering high market attention.
Scores