World News Daily(2024-08-15) : Japan's PM Kishida to Step Down in September
Japan's PM Kishida to Step Down in September
Kishida, Japan's PM, withdraws from the LDP presidency race in September. Low approval ratings and a funding scandal compelled his decision. A new leader for the world's fourth-largest economy is set to emerge. Potential successors include Shigeru Ishiba, Taro Kono, and possibly Japan's first female PM. The new leader will face international uncertainty, the US election, and domestic cost crises.
ScoresPolitics
US Considers Breaking Up Google Over Illegal Monopoly Ruling
A US judge has ruled that Google's search monopoly is illegal. The Justice Department is considering breaking up Alphabet’s Google, which is valued at $2 trillion. Potential actions include divesting Android, selling AdWords, and Chrome. Google intends to appeal.
Antitrust laws are designed to prevent monopolies and ensure fair competition. In 2021, Google spent over $26 billion to maintain its default status on Safari, thereby suppressing competition. This ruling represents a significant victory in the fight against the market dominance of big tech companies.
ScoresUS doubts over effectiveness of China chip restrictions: China's military AI capabilities strengthen
Starting from October 2022, the United States has tightened export controls on chips to China, aiming to limit China's access to high-end semiconductors used in military AI. However, investigations show that China can still obtain these chips for military research through shell companies and smuggling routes.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has introduced strict export control regulations, including a ban on the sale of NVIDIA's H100 chip. But research by The New York Times and the Center for Advanced Defense Studies indicates that government-linked entities in China have purchased these banned chips through various means.
Legal experts point out that the issue lies with intermediaries, not chip manufacturers. U.S. companies do not want their products to end up in the hands of undesirable end users. The enforcement of export controls is akin to a "cat and mouse" game, with Chinese entities evading regulations by changing names.
Meanwhile, the U.S. chip ban on China has sparked backlash. Critics argue that this has left market space for Chinese tech companies like Huawei. Huawei is set to release the "Ascend 910C" chip, which is expected to be comparable to NVIDIA's H100.
The U.S. government is considering further tightening restrictions on Chinese chips, including limiting the export of equipment and software made with U.S. technology to China. This move aims to further curb China's ability to acquire critical chip technologies.
ScoresUkrainian Strikes on Russian Airfields and Ongoing Conflict Dynamics
Ukrainian drones have struck Russian airbases in Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk, which are known to launch warplanes that bomb Ukraine. Ukraine claims to have shot down a Russian Su-34 and captured 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is working to establish a buffer zone in Kursk to protect border communities from Russian attacks. The Belgorod region in Russia is also under emergency status due to Ukrainian strikes.
Ukraine’s long-term plans in Kursk are unclear. The longer the incursion continues, the more challenging it becomes for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian elite are closely observing whether he can maintain control.
Ukraine is offering humanitarian corridors for civilians to evacuate to both Russia and Ukraine. International aid groups, including the Red Cross and the UN, will have access.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is discussing the humanitarian situation and plans for a military commandant’s office in occupied areas. Ukraine controls the Russian town of Sudzha, a key gas transit hub, but has no plans to claim Russian land.
The rouble continues to decline against the dollar since the incursion began.
Intense fighting continues in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Zelenskiy promises additional weapons from Western support.
Russian drones attacked a medical vehicle in Kharkiv, resulting in the death of a medic and injuries to others. A Russian ballistic missile struck Odesa’s port infrastructure, injuring a port worker and a grain carrier driver.
China’s special envoy has discussed the war with Pope Francis’s peace envoy. Mali’s Tuareg rebels deny receiving help from Ukraine in recent clashes with Russian Wagner mercenaries.
ScoresSociety
Bird DNA Reveals Clues to Dinosaur Extinction
66 million years ago, a rock struck Earth with great force. Dinosaurs, with the exception of birds, disappeared. Birds flourished, now boasting over 10,000 species.
Scientists discovered DNA changes in birds linked to that impact. Alterations in DNA base ratios modified bird characteristics. Birds became smaller and required more care as chicks.
Jake Berv, a bird expert at Michigan University, utilized new software to analyze these DNA shifts. He concentrated on the 500,000 years following the impact. He identified significant changes in bird size and development.
This study, unique in linking DNA shifts to a mass extinction, demonstrates the profound impacts of such events. Daniel Field, a Cambridge paleontologist, highlights the significant genetic changes caused by major extinctions.
The research, published in Science Advances, emphasizes how past catastrophes shape the blueprint of life.
ScoresTiny Wasps Used for Eco-Friendly Moth Control
Rentokil's innovative pest control employs tiny wasps, measuring less than 0.5mm, to combat moth infestations. These wasps deposit their eggs within moth eggs, preventing larvae from emerging. This technique eschews toxic sprays and safeguards delicate textiles in museums and residences.
The wasps are introduced through sachets placed in areas prone to moths, providing a consistent release over several weeks. They actively seek out new moth eggs until the infestation is eradicated.
Known as "entosite," this method is both non-toxic and effective, particularly for valuable textiles. It is part of a larger movement towards "biological control"—utilizing natural predators to manage pest populations.
Scientists such as Prof. Charles Godfray at Oxford endorse this approach, citing its proven effectiveness in controlling pests like mealybugs in Africa and whiteflies in UK greenhouses. This strategy not only protects crops but also presents a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.
ScoresEconomy
Potential Rail Stoppage Threatens Canadian Economy
Canada's rail system, crucial for transporting grain, potash, and automobiles, faces a potential shutdown. Major rail operators CN and CPKC are in conflict with the Teamsters union. A lockout or strike is imminent for August 22. The repercussions? Enormous. $380 billion worth of goods and millions of jobs are at risk. The federal government is being urged to intervene. Cross-border trade with the U.S. will also be affected, considering Canada's significant dependence on American exports. Embargoes on hazardous materials and intermodal traffic are already in place.
ScoresChina has been the world's top producer of solar photovoltaic modules for 16 consecutive years.
China leads the world in the green energy sector. Its photovoltaic module production has ranked first globally for 16 consecutive years, occupying a central position in the global market. The penetration rate of the new energy vehicle market stands at 35.2%, the highest in the world. The 2024 National Ecological Day event achieved "carbon neutrality."
*Photovoltaic module: The core part of solar power generation equipment. *Carbon neutrality: Achieving net zero emissions by offsetting carbon emissions through various measures.
ScoresMars to Acquire Kellanova in $36 Billion Snack Industry Deal
Mars acquires Kellanova for $35.9 billion. The transaction combines major snack brands such as Pringles and Cheez-Its with Mars' candy empire. Kellanova, which was spun off from Kellogg in 2023, recorded $13 billion in sales last year.
The merger comes at a strategic time due to high inflation and consumer cost-cutting measures. Mars intends to absorb rising costs without significantly increasing prices for consumers. CEO Poul Weihrauch identifies growth opportunities in China and Africa.
Kellanova's healthier snack lines, including RXBar and Nutri-Grain, align well with Mars' product offerings. The deal, anticipated to finalize in 2025, responds to demands from activist investor Toms Capital.
This strategic move positions Mars as a leading global snacking powerhouse, capitalizing on well-known brands and venturing into healthier snack options.
ScoresTechnology
ChemVLM: Bridging Vision and Chemistry with AI
ChemVLM bridges chemistry and AI. It's a large model, constructed on VIT-MLP-LLM, utilizing ChemLLM-20B and InternVIT-6B. It adeptly manages chemical images and text. They created a specialized dataset, tested it, and it performed excellently, leading benchmarks. Find it on Hugging Face.
ScoresMIT Releases Comprehensive AI Risk Repository
MIT researchers have compiled a database of AI risks, aiming to guide policymakers and industry stakeholders. The repository, dubbed an "AI risk repository," catalogs over 700 risks, categorized by factors like intentionality and domains such as discrimination.
Peter Slattery, lead researcher, highlights the repository's purpose: to provide a comprehensive, accessible database that updates over time. Existing risk frameworks often overlook significant risks, with some covering as little as 20% of identified subdomains.
The repository, developed in collaboration with multiple institutions, includes risks often neglected in other frameworks, such as AI-generated spam and pollution of the information ecosystem.
Slattery emphasizes the repository's potential to streamline risk assessment, saving time and enhancing oversight. However, its impact on actual regulation remains uncertain. The MIT team plans to use the repository to evaluate how well different risks are being addressed, aiming to identify and rectify gaps in organizational responses.
ScoresTelegram Enhances Creator Support with New Features
Telegram celebrates its 11th anniversary with new features aimed at supporting content creators and enhancing user experience.
Star Reactions: Users can now send Telegram Stars to support favorite channels, with creators receiving 100% of these stars. These can be converted into Toncoin or used for subsidized ads.
Star Subscriptions: Creators can set up paid channels, offering exclusive content or early access in exchange for monthly payments in Telegram Stars.
Paid Media for Bots: Channel owners can monetize through paid posts, now extended to bot admins and Telegram Business accounts.
Super Channels: Admins can post as their personal profiles or other channels, enhancing the flexibility and personalization of channel content.
Document Viewer on iOS: Improved handling of document files, allowing easier switching between files and messages.
Telegram continues to innovate, focusing on community support and creator empowerment. The platform's growth and features reflect a commitment to user engagement and sustainable content creation.
ScoresVideo Game
"Overwatch 2" Season 12 Preview Released, Featuring a Collaboration with "World of Warcraft"
"Overwatch 2" Season 12 Preview Released, Launching August 21st. New Content Includes Support Hero "Juno," Two New Maps, Mythic Skins for Reaper and Ana, New Battle Pass, and Hero Balance Updates. The Video Ends with the "Frostmourne" Weapon from "World of Warcraft," Hinting at a Possible Crossover. On September 18th, the Game Joins XGP, Linking Your Battle.net Account to Your XGP Account Grants 30 Mythic Prisms and Six Skins. Continuous Subscription to XGP Offers Additional In-Game Cosmetic Items and Experience Boosts.
Explanation:
- XGP: Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's game subscription service.
- Mythic Prisms: In-game items used to unlock special skins, etc.
- Crossover: Content integration between two different game series.
"Street Fighter 6" Official Tournament - World Warrior China Mainland Region Launches
"Dragon D3" and "CAPCOM Pro Tour 2024" have joined forces to launch the "World Warriors Tournament," focusing on "Street Fighter 6." The event is hosted by "Qiaosi Esports," featuring top-tier domestic standards. The tournament runs from August to December 2024, combining online qualifiers with offline finals.
"Dragon D3," a brand under "Qiaosi Esports," has received widespread acclaim for its past events. Partners include top gaming peripheral brands like "Razer" and "Deuterium Blade," providing professional equipment.
"Street Fighter 6," the latest installment in the series, has sold over 3.3 million copies, with the total series sales reaching 50 million. It introduces a new "Aura System," revolutionizing the 2D fighting experience.
The CPT, CAPCOM's official esports circuit, gathers global fighting game enthusiasts. The "World Warriors Tournament" serves as a "Super Region," offering 2 spots in the "CAPCOM Cup."
The tournament attracts well-known domestic players like Xiaohai and DCQ, with intense competition. Emerging players hold significant potential, and dark horse contestants are highly anticipated. The event will be exclusively live-streamed on "Kuaishou."
Whether you are a fighting game enthusiast or a player aiming for higher goals, the "World Warriors Tournament" welcomes your challenge.
ScoresEntertainment
Artists Win Legal Battle Against AI Image Generators
Artists scored a significant victory in court as Judge William Orrick rejected motions to dismiss filed by Stability AI, Midjourney, Runway AI, and DeviantArt. This decision allows artists to pursue investigations into whether these companies infringed on copyright laws by utilizing their work to train AI without consent.
Stable Diffusion, an AI model capable of generating images, and datasets similar to LAION, which gather art for AI training purposes, may now be subject to copyright infringement charges.
Attorneys Joseph Saveri and Matthew Butterick view this ruling as a substantial advancement in protecting artists' rights.
ScoresMichelle Yeoh joins "Avatar 4/5"; Cameron looks forward to collaboration.
At the D23 Expo, Cameron announced that Michelle Yeoh will be starring in "Avatar 4" and "Avatar 5." He clarified that Michelle Yeoh will not appear in "Avatar 3," correcting previous erroneous reports. Cameron told Entertainment Weekly, "We love Yeoh and are looking forward to working together." He also revealed that the scripts for "Avatar 4" and "Avatar 5" are complete, with compelling stories that must be filmed. "Avatar 3" is set to release in December 2025.
ScoresThe Hollywood Actors' Guild and Narrativ have reached an agreement on the use of AI voices.
The Hollywood actors' union SAG-AFTRA has reached an agreement with Narrativ that allows actors to sell their voices for AI replication, ensuring economic benefits and control. Actors can set prices for their voice copies, and brands must obtain consent before using them. This move addresses the risks of AI image theft and sets new standards for the ethical use of AI content.
A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson emphasized that not all actors are interested in this, but the agreement provides a safe and legal pathway. The Narrativ platform connects advertisers with actors, facilitating the production of audio advertisements.
The U.S. Congress has proposed the NO FAKES Act, which clarifies the ownership of personal voices and images and prohibits unauthorized AI replication. The bill has received support from multiple parties.
"Deepfake" technology has sparked public concern about AI manipulating public opinion.
ScoresHealth
Mpox Outbreak in Africa Declared Public Health Emergency by WHO
Mpox outbreak in Africa declared a public health emergency by WHO. Resembles early HIV days, spreading via sexual networks, especially among vulnerable groups. 38,465 cases, 1,456 deaths since January 2022. New variant, clade Ib, particularly dangerous in Democratic Republic of Congo.
WHO released $1.5m, seeks $15m total. Emphasizes need for testing, vaccines, and reducing stigma. Concerns about hidden mild infections, potential for global spread. Africa CDC calls for aggressive action.
Key issues: limited resources, vaccine access, and stigma. Rich countries pre-order most vaccines, leaving affected areas underserved. Africa CDC estimates $4bn needed for effective response.
Insights: The mpox outbreak mirrors historical health crises, highlighting disparities in global health resources and responses. Urgent, equitable action is essential to prevent further spread and mitigate long-term impacts.
ScoresTwo Major Aging Bursts Identified at Ages 44 and 60
Scientists tracked 108 volunteers, aged 25 to 75, monitoring 135,000 molecules and microbes in their bodies. They identified two major aging bursts: one around 44, another at 60.
The first burst affects molecules linked to heart disease and the metabolism of caffeine, alcohol, and fats. The second impacts immune function, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney health. Skin and muscle aging molecules shift at both stages.
Initially, researchers thought the 44-year burst was skewed by perimenopause in women. However, similar changes were noted in men, suggesting broader factors.
The study, published in Nature Aging, aligns with prior evidence showing a sharp rise in Alzheimer's and heart disease risks post-60. Some changes might reflect lifestyle shifts, like increased alcohol consumption during mid-life stress.
ScoresSports
Premier League to Replace VAR with iPhone-Based 'Dragon' System
The English Premier League plans to replace its flawed VAR system for offside calls with a new technology named "Dragon," set to debut in the 2024-2025 season. This system utilizes iPhones—at least 28 of them—mounted around the pitch.
Each waterproof enclosure contains up to four iPhones, equipped with fans and power sources, capturing high-frame-rate video that feeds into a software tool. The result is a system that tracks between 7,000 and 10,000 points on each player, significantly more than previous technologies.
The software of the "Dragon" system is based on machine learning, trained on soccer footage to identify offside situations. While AI highlights potential issues, a human referee makes the final decision.
The Premier League asserts that "Dragon" has been tested and validated by FIFA. However, fans are likely to remain skeptical until they see its performance firsthand.
ScoresPhil Wizard Wins First Olympic Gold in Men's Breaking
Philip Kim, known as B-Boy Phil Wizard, won the first Olympic gold in men's breaking at the Paris Games. Breaking, a dance style blending dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics, originated in 1970s New York.
Kim's victory introduced the world to breaking's culture of peace, love, and unity. His former coach, Jheric Hizon, mentored Kim from age 10, guiding his journey from Vancouver to the global stage.
Breaking made its Olympic debut in Paris, though its future in the Games is uncertain. Anita Perel-Panar, co-founder of Boogaloo Academy, believes Kim's win will sustain the sport's vibrancy.
Kim aims to use breaking to improve mental health and inspire positive change. Hizon highlights the supportive community in Vancouver, emphasizing collaboration and mutual encouragement.
Kim's success has sparked interest in breaking, potentially drawing more youth into the sport. His unique approach to choreography, combining familiar moves into innovative sequences, sets him apart.
Hizon now focuses on imparting life lessons to Kim, reflecting on their journey together.
ScoresOlympic Champion Imane Khelif Sues J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk for Cyberbullying
Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has filed a lawsuit in France, accusing J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and potentially Donald Trump of cyberbullying. Khelif, Algeria’s first gold medalist in women’s boxing, faced gender controversy during her Olympic run.
Khelif was banned from the 2023 boxing world championships for failing a gender test but was cleared by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Paris Olympics. The IOC disputed the test and removed the International Boxing Association (IBA) as boxing’s governing body.
Khelif, born female, never identified as transgender or intersex. The IOC confirmed her eligibility, stating “scientifically, this is not a man fighting a woman.”
Rowling and Musk amplified the controversy on social media. Rowling criticized the situation as male violence against women in sports. Musk supported the exclusion of men from women’s sports.
Khelif’s attorney, Nabil Boudi, filed a criminal complaint for cyber-harassment, targeting unknown persons and high-profile figures. The lawsuit aims to investigate all involved, regardless of pseudonyms or fame.
Khelif and her coach, Pedro Diaz, described the bullying as deeply affecting her and her team. Despite the harassment, Khelif emphasized her qualification and womanhood, calling her detractors “enemies of success.”
ScoresFood
Analysts Weigh in on Starbucks and Chipotle Post-Leadership Changes
Starbucks and Chipotle attracted analyst attention following leadership changes. Starbucks shares increased while Chipotle's declined. Analysts view Chipotle as a buying opportunity despite CEO Brian Niccol's transition to Starbucks.
Morgan Stanley downgraded Intuit, highlighting risks associated with pricing strategies and recent acquisitions. Intuit shares have only risen by 3.3% this year.
Bernstein reduced Chipotle's price target but sees a 35% potential upside. Analyst Danilo Gargiulo maintains that Chipotle's fundamentals are robust despite short-term volatility.
Several analysts upgraded Starbucks after the CEO change. Stifel, Deutsche Bank, and Evercore ISI increased their ratings and price targets, anticipating enhanced strategy and execution under Niccol.
In summary, Starbucks benefits from new leadership, whereas Chipotle presents a buying opportunity despite a temporary setback. Intuit confronts challenges due to its shift in growth strategy.
ScoresLìqiū Milk Tea Craze: The New Social Favorite Among Young People
The Beginning of Autumn sees a surge in bubble tea orders, becoming a new social tool for young people. The Bubble Tea Festival has been booming for four consecutive years, with its social attributes becoming more prominent. Young people express care and measure friendship through bubble tea. In the era of Bubble Tea 2.0, there is a rising demand for healthiness and personalization.
Bubble tea shops and delivery riders are busy during the Beginning of Autumn, with orders resembling those of Singles' Day. Young people exchange bubble tea to express care, establishing a new social norm. Choices of bubble tea have become more detailed, such as "osmanthus oolong tea base, large cup, no ice, half sugar," reflecting personalized needs. Bubble tea is not just a drink but also an emotional connection.
Bubble tea has become a popular social activity, applicable in workplace gatherings and expressions of goodwill. Food delivery platforms facilitate the easy delivery of bubble tea. The Beginning of Autumn sees a bubble tea frenzy, with busy offline stores and bubble tea becoming a common sight in delivery riders' bags.
Brands like "Uncle Peach" have evolved from street stalls to physical stores, focusing on health and brand packaging. Their fruit tea menus change with the seasons, emphasizing freshness and health. In the era of Bubble Tea 2.0, light milk tea is popular, with health concepts deeply ingrained in people's minds.
In lower-tier markets, the freedom to enjoy bubble tea has been realized, with food delivery platform activities like "Group Good Meal" and "Divine Sniper" being well-received. On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, nationwide food delivery beverage sales exceeded 53 million cups. Bubble tea has transitioned from a luxury to an everyday item, with young people achieving personalized customization through high cost-effectiveness.
Bubble tea is not just a drink but also a social currency, connecting the emotions and lives of young people.
Scores