World News Daily(2024-08-13) : U.S. readies for Iran attacks.
U.S. readies for Iran attacks.
Kirby, White House security spokesperson, warns of significant strikes by Iran or proxies this week. Tensions high after Israel's assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran. U.S. bolsters regional forces, shares Israel's concerns.
Israel anticipates major retaliation since missile strike in Golan Heights killed 12. Hezbollah commander killed in Beirut response. Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran prompts Iranian threats. U.S. pledges support for Israel's defense.
Pentagon deploys guided-missile submarine, accelerates Abraham Lincoln carrier group to Middle East. Carrier group near South China Sea, arrival delayed. Oil prices surge, conflict threatens global supply.
ScoresPolitics
Former ISI Chief Arrested in Pakistan Amid Political Tensions
Pakistan's army arrested Faiz Hameed, the former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), on August 13, 2024. Hameed, a retired Lieutenant General, is facing a military court martial for a property case and banned political activities post-retirement. This marks the first arrest of a former ISI chief in Pakistan's history.
The ISI, known for its significant political influence, has often been linked to the rise and fall of governments. Hameed's arrest signals a strict adherence to military laws and serves as a warning to politicians, including jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, that no one is above the law.
Hameed was involved in a land development scandal, accused of orchestrating a raid on a housing company executive's properties. His association with Khan, who was ousted in 2022 and arrested in 2023 on graft and state secrets charges, further complicates the political landscape.
Khan's supporters reacted violently to Hameed's arrest, attacking military installations. The army holds Khan responsible for these attacks, demanding an apology, which he has refused. Hameed's trial serves as a stark reminder to Khan and his allies of the military's resolve.
ScoresHighlights of ARMY-2024 Defense Exhibition in Moscow
ARMY-2024, Russia's major defense exhibition, kicked off in Moscow. Representatives from 83 countries attended, featuring over 20,000 pieces of military equipment and gadgets from 1,000 companies.
The showcase spotlighted advancements in drones, electronic warfare, and enhanced armor. The Lancet-E, a new drone, is capable of striking targets on both land and sea. Ground drones like Depecha and Buggy can stealthily approach enemies and resupply troops.
Smaller drones such as Mangust and Argus-D serve different purposes: one for land inspections, the other for deep-sea missions. Octavis is a docking station for underwater drones, improving their management.
The BTR-22 is an upgraded armored vehicle, offering enhanced protection against bullets and mines. The Plastun series provides lighter, more agile troop carriers.
Russia's defense minister emphasized that modern, precise weapons are crucial in contemporary warfare. Russian arms manufacturers appear to concur, focusing on the development of new technologies and upgrades.
ScoresSociety
Taobao introduces '15-day guarantee of liveliness' service to enhance shopping experience.
Taobao has introduced the "15-Day Guarantee of Life" service for categories such as fresh flowers and plants. Sellers can display this badge starting from August 19th to fulfill this service. This move enhances buyer trust and optimizes the shopping experience. Concurrently, the "Wilted Compensation" service will be discontinued.
The "15-Day Guarantee of Life" ensures the survival period of goods, bolstering buyer confidence. The service badge is visually clear, making it easy for buyers to identify reliable sellers. Discontinuing the old service simplifies the rules and focuses on the new commitment. Overall, this improves platform credibility and attracts more consumers.
ScoresHacker Leaks 2.7 Billion Personal Records of Americans
A hacker forum leaked nearly 2.7 billion personal records of Americans, including names, social security numbers, addresses, and aliases. The data was allegedly obtained from a company that collects and sells personal information for background checks and investigations. The company, National Public Data, reportedly gathers this data from public sources to create individual profiles. Threat actors have claimed to have stolen 2.9 billion records from the company, including data from the US, UK, and Canada. The leaked information, totaling 277GB, includes unencrypted records of deceased individuals and their personal details. This breach has led to lawsuits against Jerico Pictures, believed to be associated with National Public Data. Residents in the US are advised to monitor their credit reports and be cautious of phishing attempts due to the sensitive nature of the leaked data.
ScoresDeepBrain Chain: Democratizing AI Compute with Blockchain
DeepBrain Chain, founded by Yong He, aims to democratize AI compute access. It leverages blockchain to pool GPU resources from users, reducing AI compute costs by up to 70%. This model benefits small companies and individuals who can't afford high-end GPUs or cloud services like AWS.
GPU owners earn by sharing their resources through the blockchain, receiving payments in DBC tokens. The platform, built on Substrate, supports various applications including AI training, cloud gaming, and visual rendering.
DeepBrain Chain has seen significant adoption, with major players like Huawei and Polygon involved. The platform's success lies in its ability to enable AI use in sectors previously unable to afford it, fostering innovation and cost efficiency.
In essence, DeepBrain Chain transforms how we access and utilize AI, making advanced computing power accessible to all.
ScoresThe world's largest floating offshore wind power platform sets sail, with an annual power generation capacity of 54 million kilowatt-hours.
"Mingyang Tiancheng"号, a giant floating offshore wind power platform, has safely departed from Guangzhou and is heading towards Yangjiang. With an annual power generation capacity of 5400 megawatt-hours, it is sufficient to supply electricity to 30,000 households. This platform innovatively adopts a dual-rotor, dual-main-engine design, with a total capacity of 16.6 megawatts, suitable for deep water areas.
Floating offshore wind power platform: A facility that floats at sea and harnesses wind power for electricity generation, suitable for deep water areas where fixed platforms are too costly.
Dual-rotor, dual-main-engine design: The platform is equipped with two rotors and two generators to enhance power generation efficiency and stability.
V-shaped tower arrangement: The towers are arranged in a V-shape to optimize wind capture and structural stability.
ScoresVeteran esports player Zeng Zhuojun clinches another championship, proving that age is not an obstacle.
Zeng Zhuojun, known as "Kid," at 35, is a veteran of esports who has claimed victory once again. He won the championship in "Street Fighter 6" at the 2024 Esports World Cup, overcoming numerous hardships. Transitioning from "The King of Fighters" to "Street Fighter," he has moved forward amidst doubts.
Zeng Zhuojun, nicknamed "Kid," started playing games at the age of six. He has already become a legend in the "King of Fighters" realm. In 2017, SNK awarded him the title of "China's King of Fighters Player Mentor." However, he chose to challenge himself by venturing into "Street Fighter."
When he first entered the "Street Fighter" scene, he faced skepticism and exclusion. He frequently changed characters and couldn't find his "main." No one in domestic training matches was willing to play against him, and he was mocked as a "poor player" abroad.
But "Kid" did not give up. After winning the EWC, he answered all the doubts. From "King of Fighters" to "Street Fighter," he has become a dual champion, truly deserving the title.
Esports is残酷, with players racing against time. Zeng Zhuojun, confident and arrogant, remains undefeated to this day. He has proven that age is not an obstacle; persistence and strength are the key.
ScoresEconomy
U.S. Crude Oil Surges Over $80 Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East
U.S. crude oil surged over 4% to surpass $80 per barrel as the Pentagon deployed more forces to the Middle East amid fears of an Iranian attack on Israel. Defense Secretary Austin ordered a carrier strike group and a guided-missile submarine to the region. Israel is on high alert following the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. Despite OPEC lowering its demand growth forecast, oil prices rose due to heightened geopolitical tensions. Analysts recommend adding oil and gold to portfolios for protection. The market remains on track for a deficit as inventories decline. Last week, U.S. crude oil rebounded after a 4-week decline, driven by market recovery and interest rate adjustments. Follow CNBC for the latest on oil prices and industry updates.
Scores"Japan's Ambitious Plan to Lead in Advanced Microchip Production"
Japan once ruled the semiconductor world. In the 1980s, they had over half the market. But shifts happened. Taiwan, with TSMC, and the U.S., with design expertise, took the lead. The Netherlands' ASML chipped in with crucial manufacturing tools.
Now, Japan aims to reclaim its throne. Rapidus Corporation, a 2022 joint venture, is their spearhead. They plan to produce 2 nanometer chips by 2027, chasing TSMC and Samsung.
Semiconductors are everywhere—smartphones, running shoes, even in the burgeoning field of Gen AI. They're divided into logic chips (processors) and memory chips (data storage).
Japan's fall from dominance came from political hits, like U.S. tariffs, and a shift in industry strategy towards specialization. The old model of design and manufacture under one roof gave way to focused roles.
Japan's push is backed by hefty government subsidies. Their goal: to innovate and manufacture at the cutting edge once more.
ScoresTechnology
Liquid Water Discovered Deep in Martian Rocks
NASA's Insight lander discovered liquid water deep within Mars' crust. The lander, operational from 2018 to 2022, utilized a seismometer to detect Mars quakes, uncovering seismic signals indicative of water. This marks the first direct evidence of liquid water on Mars, located at depths ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers.
This discovery provides insight into the fate of Mars' ancient water. While some of it evaporated into space, a significant portion likely remains buried underground. This finding poses challenges for Mars colonization plans, as accessing this water would necessitate deep drilling into the planet's crust.
The existence of liquid water deep beneath the surface could also suggest potential habitats for life, indicating that future Mars missions may concentrate on exploring these subterranean environments.
Scores"Enhancing Web Security with JA4 Fingerprinting and Inter-Request Signals"
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Cloudflare's JA4 fingerprinting and inter-request signals provide profound insights into web security. JA4, a method for analyzing network traffic, enhances threat detection capabilities. It is robust, scalable, and essential for contemporary cybersecurity.
JA4 fingerprinting: A technique that uniquely identifies devices or applications based on their network communication patterns. Inter-request signals: Data points occurring between web requests, valuable for identifying anomalies that may indicate threats.
ScoresPrecision Neuroscience Advances Brain-Computer Interfaces
Precision Neuroscience is developing brain-computer interfaces. These devices aim to help paralyzed people control computers and lead normal lives. The technology involves implanting flexible, thin electrodes under the skull to record brain activity.
Ben Rapoport, co-founder of Precision Neuroscience, has already implanted these electrodes in 17 people. He can capture and visualize how their brains form thoughts. The electrodes, placed on a 20-micron-thick membrane, are less invasive than traditional deep-brain implants. They record electrical signals from the brain's surface without damaging it.
Rapoport's team has set a record by placing 4,096 electrodes on a single brain. They hope the FDA will approve their device soon, making it a new standard in care. This technology could revolutionize communication for those unable to speak.
ScoresVideo Game
John Carpenter Involved in New Halloween Game with Unreal Engine 5
Boss Team Games is developing two Halloween-themed games. One of them, powered by Unreal Engine 5, involves close collaboration with John Carpenter.
Unreal Engine 5: A software used for game development, renowned for its high-quality graphics and realistic effects.
Scores"Black Myth: Wukong" Tops Steam Weekly Sales Chart
"Black Myth: Wukong" topped the Steam weekly sales chart. This domestic 3A game has led in wishlists since May 2024 and ultimately reached the top of the global sales chart upon its release on August 20th. Previously, "Elden Ring" had held the top spot for four consecutive weeks, while "GTA 5" also made multiple appearances on the list.
3A game: Refers to high-budget, high-production standard, and high-quality game works.
ScoresEntertainment
Shanghai and Hong Kong Disneyland announce new park plans.
Shanghai Disney and Hong Kong Disney announce expansion plans. Shanghai will build its first Marvel-themed roller coaster, while Hong Kong will add a Marvel-themed area. New parks like "Zootopia" and "Frozen" are driving visitor growth and profit increase. The goal is to attract a younger demographic, optimize the structure, and expand the Marvel universe's influence in the parks. China's theme park market holds significant potential, and Disney continues to invest, expecting to boost market enthusiasm.
ScoresParis 2024 Olympics Close with Spectacular Ceremony, Handover to Los Angeles
Paris 2024 Olympics closed with a vibrant ceremony at Stade de France. The event was a blend of joy and spectacle, marking the end of 19 days of competition. The ceremony featured traditional elements like the passing of the Olympic flame to Los Angeles for 2028, highlighted by Tom Cruise's dramatic entrance.
The ceremony was more than a spectacle; it was a celebration of unity and sportsmanship. Athletes from around the world participated in a heartwarming procession. The event also showcased French culture through performances and music, including a standout act by a French Cambodian rapper.
The closing speech by Tony Estanguet, chairman of the Paris committee, emphasized the Games' role in fostering unity and joy. Despite the theatrics, the underlying message was clear: these Games were about more than sport; they were about coming together.
As the flame was passed to Los Angeles, the ceremony reminded us of the enduring spirit of the Olympics—a beacon of hope and unity in a chaotic world.
ScoresMeta and Universal Music Group Expand Music Licensing Collaboration
Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) have extended their partnership, covering platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads, and WhatsApp. The agreement aims to enhance creative and financial opportunities for UMG artists and songwriters on Meta's platforms.
This deal ensures fair compensation for artists and protects against unauthorized AI-generated content. Additionally, it introduces music licensing on WhatsApp, which boasts nearly 2 billion active users.
This collaboration represents a significant advancement in integrating music with social media, strengthening connections between artists and their audiences and improving monetization opportunities across various Meta platforms.
ScoresDisney Expands Cruise Fleet with Focus on Asian Markets
Disney plans to double its cruise fleet by 2031, with the expansion targeting Asian markets to boost theme park business growth.
At a recent fan event, Disney announced plans to build four new ships by 2031, which will increase their fleet to 13 vessels. Disney cruises are known for their themed entertainment, dining, and activities inspired by popular movies.
Currently, Disney cruises mainly depart from U.S. ports, offering itineraries ranging from two to three nights up to two weeks. Destinations include the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Europe. Prices for a four-night cruise in 2025 start at $2,196 per person, covering meals, room service, and shows.
The cruise business is expanding to Asia, with the Disney Adventure ship set to start service from Singapore in 2025, targeting Southeast Asia. Oriental Land, operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, will operate a new Disney cruise ship by 2029, aiming for 400,000 annual passengers and 100 billion yen in revenue.
Disney's Parks, Experiences and Products segment, which includes cruises, plays a significant role in the company's operating profit. However, inflation and higher costs are impacting this segment.
Cruises offer flexibility in location and attractions, potentially driving growth. Disney's cruise business, originally targeting retirees, now attracts younger customers, presenting a growth opportunity.
ScoresHealth
New Artificial Metabzyme Targets Tumor Metabolism for Enhanced Immune Response
Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a new approach to cancer treatment. They've created an "artificial metabzyme," mimicking a natural enzyme called xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR). This new tool tweaks tumor cell metabolism, triggering an immune response that targets cancer cells specifically.
Traditional cancer treatments often cause side effects and drug resistance. This new method, detailed in Nature Nanotechnology, uses the tumor's own metabolic changes to signal immune cells, enhancing their ability to attack the cancer.
The team, led by Professors Ling Daishun and Li Fangyuan, synthesized a catalyst called FeMoO4. This catalyst acts like XOR, but with precision targeting capabilities. It alters the metabolism of tumor cells, producing signals that activate nearby immune cells, turning them against the cancer.
This research opens new avenues for treating not just cancer, but other diseases linked to metabolic abnormalities. The potential for personalized, targeted treatments is significant, marking a shift in how we approach disease management.
ScoresSports
LVMH Embraces Olympics to Blend Luxury with Sports
LVMH, the luxury goods giant, has made a significant mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The company invested around $160 million, becoming the first luxury brand to sponsor the Games. This move integrates high-end fashion with sports, from custom Louis Vuitton trunks for medal ceremonies to athletes wearing designer outfits.
The partnership isn't just about branding; it's a strategic push to connect with a broader audience as luxury spending slows globally. LVMH aims to attract new luxury consumers by associating its brands with the prestige and excellence of Olympic athletes.
Luxury brands are shifting focus, moving beyond exclusive sports to embrace a more inclusive approach. This strategy targets a diverse range of achievers, leveraging the global platform of the Olympics to showcase their products.
The integration of luxury and sports at the Olympics signifies a new era where fashion and athletics converge, potentially reshaping how luxury brands engage with consumers.
ScoresLos Angeles Prepares for Car-Free 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics with a vision of "no-car Games." Mayor Karen Bass intends to exclusively use public transit, leasing 3,000 buses. The city, famous for its car culture, aims to construct a more sustainable future.
This will be LA's third time hosting the Olympics, following the events in 1932 and 1984. Preparations involve expanding hotel capacity and renovating venues. Bass also plans to promote remote work during the Games.
Tackling homelessness is a significant challenge. LA has over 45,000 homeless individuals, a higher rate than in other major US cities. Bass is dedicated to providing both temporary and permanent housing solutions.
The city is under pressure to enhance its offerings, particularly after Paris's successful pre-Olympics relocations. LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman describes the flag handover from Paris to LA as "the biggest moment in LA28 history to date."
ScoresFood
Thailand's Battle with Invasive Tilapia and Corporate Accountability
Thai officials are battling the invasive blackchin tilapia, an African fish wreaking havoc in local waters. This omnivorous species thrives in both fresh and saltwater, breeding rapidly with eggs hatching in about 20 days at a 99% success rate. By July, it had spread to 16 of Thailand’s 77 provinces, causing significant damage to shrimp farms with losses reaching 300,000 baht per farm in some areas.
The issue has involved Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, specifically its subsidiary CP Foods, which imported the fish in 2010 for research. Despite CP Foods’ claims of proper authorization and the subsequent cancellation of the research due to fish deaths, the Department of Fisheries disputes these assertions, noting DNA evidence linking all found tilapia to a single stock.
In response, the government has initiated a comprehensive strategy, including purchasing caught tilapia at a premium and releasing genetically modified, infertile fish into the wild. CP Foods, while denying direct responsibility, pledges cooperation, planning to buy 2 million kilograms of the fish and introduce natural predators to control the population.
This situation underscores the risks of introducing non-native species without thorough consideration of ecological impacts. The swift government and corporate responses reflect a pragmatic approach to mitigate immediate damage, yet the long-term ecological consequences remain uncertain.
Scores