World News Daily(2024-08-17) : India to Hold First Regional Elections in Jammu and Kashmir Since Revoking Autonomy
India to Hold First Regional Elections in Jammu and Kashmir Since Revoking Autonomy
India plans to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir, its only Muslim-majority region, starting September 18. This marks the first regional polls in a decade, following the revocation of the area's special autonomy in 2019. The decision aligns with a Supreme Court order demanding these polls by September 30.
Jammu and Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since their 1947 independence from Britain. Both nations claim the region entirely but govern parts of it, having fought three wars, two over Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government argues that ending Kashmir's special status has brought stability and spurred economic growth through new projects and a thriving tourism sector. However, tensions persist, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting insurgency in the region.
Despite past security threats and low voter turnout, recent parliamentary elections saw a significant increase, reaching 58.46% participation—the highest in 35 years. This surge is seen as a positive sign of local trust in the democratic process.
ScoresPolitics
Trump's Financial Disclosures Highlight Diverse Investments and Legal Challenges
Trump's latest financial disclosures reveal a complex financial landscape. He made hundreds of thousands from his branded Bible and millions from properties, yet faces millions in debts from defamation and fraud cases. His global financial interests span countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
He holds millions in cryptocurrency and a six-figure investment in gold bars. His Mar-a-Lago club income dropped by $8 million. The disclosures lack detailed financial statements, leaving his solvency unclear.
Trump's fortune rose to $6.5 billion, boosted by a Spac merger for his media group, though its value has since declined. His running mate, JD Vance, has a net worth of $4 million, including $250,000 in bitcoin.
Trump earned $12 million through licensing deals, including $7 million from NFT trading cards and $5 million in royalties from recent books. His Bible, in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood, earned $300,000.
He supports cryptocurrencies and holds between $1 and $5 million in Ethereum. His son Eric is also involved in crypto. Melania Trump earned $237,500 from a speaking engagement and $330,000 from NFTs.
Changes in Trump's real estate empire include dissolving three Chinese companies related to real estate deals and paying off a Deutsche Bank mortgage on his Chicago hotel.
ScoresIndonesia Celebrates Independence Day in New Capital Nusantara
Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo presided over the country's 79th Independence Day ceremony in Nusantara, the future capital. This event signified a significant step in the government's plan to relocate the capital from Jakarta.
Approximately 1,400 guests participated in the scaled-down ceremony at the new State Palace. The event featured a flag-raising, a military parade, a flypast, and cultural performances. Attendees included state officials, politicians, business leaders, and construction workers involved in the $29.7 billion project slated for completion in 2045.
Local residents voiced optimism about the development, highlighting improvements in infrastructure and job opportunities. The government trimmed the guest list from 8,000 due to construction delays and investment shortfalls.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin led a simultaneous ceremony in Jakarta. Jokowi stressed the importance of tangible progress on the ground before officially relocating the capital. President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who will take office on October 20, vowed to continue the project, aiming for completion within three to five years.
Nusantara, still under construction, is transforming from a eucalyptus plantation into a modern administrative center. New palaces, ministry towers, and residential complexes are emerging, with some bureaucrats scheduled to move in next month.
ScoresSociety
China successfully developed a 300MW class variable-speed pumped storage unit.
China has successfully developed a 300MW variable-speed pumped storage unit, with its core component, the rotor, passing the runaway test. The Dongfang Electric Corporation has adopted innovative technologies to solve high-difficulty design and manufacturing challenges, ensuring the rotor's stability and reliability. This technology will be applied to the second phase of the Taian project in Shandong and the Langjiang Power Station in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, functioning similarly to a giant power bank, balancing grid loads and storing clean energy.
- Variable-speed pumped storage unit: A device that stores and releases electrical energy using water power, capable of storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak hours.
- Runaway test: A test to evaluate the stability and reliability of equipment under extreme conditions.
Global Mpox Outbreak: Rising Cases and International Response
Mpox cases surge outside Africa. ECDC raises risk level. Pakistan and China report first cases. UK prepares for potential outbreaks.
Clade I mpox, endemic in Africa, now spreads via sexual and non-sexual contact. Over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year. Tecovirimat, an antiviral drug, showed no benefit in recent trials.
Global health emergency declared. More research needed on clade Ib transmission dynamics. Africa faces critical shortages of diagnostic kits, treatments, and vaccines.
Gavi, the vaccines alliance, may provide 65,000 doses soon. Bavarian Nordic aims to produce 10 million vaccine doses by 2025.
Explanation:
- ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, a European Union agency responsible for public health.
- Clade I and II: Variants of the mpox virus, with clade I being more prevalent in Africa and historically more deadly.
- Tecovirimat: An antiviral drug used to treat mpox, also known as TPOXX.
- Gavi: The Vaccine Alliance, a global partnership aimed at improving access to vaccines in low-income countries.
DART Mission: Asteroid Defense Test and Additional Discoveries
NASA's DART mission, which involved colliding with Dimorphos, tested asteroid deflection techniques. Post-impact studies revealed the geology and history of the Didymos system. Key findings include: Dimorphos likely separated from Didymos, its surface is young and fragile, which facilitated DART's orbital adjustment.
Images from DART and LICIACube displayed Dimorphos's rugged landscape and Didymos's smoother, older surface. Analysis indicates that Dimorphos may have formed from Didymos's debris, influenced by rotational forces and mass loss events.
Further research detailed the asteroids' surface materials, internal structures, and formation processes. Notably, thermal fatigue rapidly deteriorates Dimorphos's boulders, changing its surface more quickly than anticipated.
DART's success confirms kinetic impact as an effective defense against asteroid threats. The upcoming ESA's Hera mission will revisit the site in 2026, enhancing our understanding and planetary defense strategies.
ScoresBYD Yangwang U9 Supercar Rolls Off the Production Line, Ready for Delivery
Looking up at the U9, BYD's first all-electric supercar, has rolled off the production line and is awaiting delivery. Priced at 1.68 million yuan, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds. Equipped with four independent wheel motors and an intelligent body control system, it boasts a top speed of 300 km/h. The aerodynamic exterior is crafted from carbon fiber and offers three color options. The luxurious interior combines carbon fiber with suede, with three interior color choices available. It features a comprehensive suite of intelligent driving assistance systems. With a range of 450 kilometers, it utilizes cutting-edge battery technology. It is expected to compete with models like the Hyper SSR.
- Four-wheel independent motors: Each wheel is driven by an independent motor, enhancing control and power distribution efficiency.
- Cloud辇-X intelligent fully active body control system: Real-time adjustments to the suspension system optimize vehicle stability and comfort.
- CTB battery-body integrated technology: The battery is integrated into the body structure, increasing energy density and safety.
Economy
Gold and Silver Futures Surge Amid High Global Demand
COMEX gold futures surged 3.06% this week, closing at $2546.2/ounce. Silver followed, up 5.61% to $29.085/ounce.
Key events:
- The World Gold Council reported a historic high in global gold demand, boosting prices.
- Iron ore futures spiked over 3%, reaching $773/ton.
- Domestic futures markets saw mixed trends, with some sectors like silicon iron rising sharply.
Insights: Gold's rally reflects broader economic uncertainties. Silver's strong performance underscores its dual role as both a precious metal and industrial commodity.
ScoresJapan, ASEAN, and Australia Collaborate on Decarbonization
TOKYO — Japan is collaborating with ASEAN and Australia to significantly reduce carbon emissions in a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), which includes 11 nations, is meeting in Indonesia. Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito, is leading the Japanese delegation.
AZEC is focusing on three key sectors: electricity, transportation, and industry. A 10-year plan is being developed, with an emphasis on decarbonizing thermal power using hydrogen and ammonia as fuels. Japan is currently testing these technologies.
The transportation policy aims to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels through regional supply chains. Industrial policies are promoting renewable energy in manufacturing parks and energy-saving technologies.
AZEC, initiated by Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022, includes nine ASEAN members, Japan, and Australia. An AZEC summit is scheduled for October in Laos.
ScoresJapanese Companies Surpass Profit Forecasts Amid Weak Yen and Strong Demand
TOKYO — In the April-June quarter, 70% of surveyed Japanese companies exceeded their profit forecasts. The weak yen and robust foreign demand were the main drivers.
Toyota's net profit increased by 2% to 1.33 trillion yen, contrary to a forecasted 7% decline. The yen's depreciation against the dollar enhanced Toyota's profit by 370 billion yen.
Honda and Suzuki also profited from the weak yen, with net profits exceeding expectations.
Hitachi's net profit surged 150% to 175.3 billion yen, fueled by strong demand in the AI and IT sectors.
Tokyo Electron's net profit leaped 96% to 126.1 billion yen, due to robust sales of semiconductor equipment.
Nissan and JFE Holdings performed poorly, affected by fierce competition in the U.S. and weak demand in China.
Overall, 60% of companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime market experienced a year-on-year profit increase.
The impact of the weak yen on Japanese companies is evident: those with significant overseas exposure flourished, while those heavily dependent on domestic or specific foreign markets faced challenges. The gap between the winners and losers is pronounced, underscoring the significance of global market dynamics and currency fluctuations in today's business environment.
ScoresIFC Increases Asia-Pacific Financing to Address Climate and Economic Challenges
The International Finance Corp., part of the World Bank Group, increased its Asia-Pacific investments by 10-15% in fiscal 2024. Riccardo Puliti, the regional VP, noted a $11 billion commitment to 108 projects. This includes a $100 million package for Epic Group, a Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturer, aiding their operations in Bangladesh and India.
Puliti highlighted the urgent need to address climate change, sustainable growth, and food security in Asia. The region's heavy reliance on coal underscores the criticality of energy transition and mitigation efforts, especially in vulnerable countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Attracting private sector investment remains challenging due to unclear legal and regulatory frameworks. Puliti suggests public institutions should take higher risks to set an example for private investors. He also advocates for World Bank Group collaboration with governments on reforms.
Despite financial market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties, Puliti remains optimistic about blue bonds—financial instruments aimed at promoting sustainable maritime resource use. He sees Asia as a promising market for these bonds, given the region's significant ocean plastic issue.
The IFC has already invested in blue bonds, including a $25 million subscription to Vietnam's first blue bond through SeABank. Puliti discussed the potential of blue bonds with Japanese banks during his recent visit.
ScoresTechnology
Cloudflare Stream Adds High-Definition Portrait Video Support
Cloudflare Stream now supports high-definition portrait video. This service manages video tasks from start to finish—encoding, storage, delivery, and playback. Portrait videos, when uploaded, are automatically processed in full HD quality.
The term "end-to-end solution" signifies that Cloudflare Stream handles all aspects of video management, streamlining the process for developers.
ScoresVideo Game
Epic Games Store Launches on Mobile Platforms
Epic Games Store, long anticipated, has launched on mobile. Available now for Android globally and iOS in the EU.
ScoresCastle-Building Game 'Tiny Glade' Set for September Release
Pounce Light has announced the release date for "Tiny Glade," a castle-building game. It will be available on Steam starting September 23 and supports Chinese. The game features no grid, no management, and no battles, focusing solely on building. It has surpassed 100,000 wishlists, and a free demo is available. The demo has been improved since its initial release.
ScoresPS5 live demonstration trailer for "Black Myth: WuKong" released.
PlayStation today unveiled a PS5 demo for "Black Myth: Wukong." The footage is direct from the PS5 version. The game unlocks on August 20, 2024, at 10 AM UTC+8.
In "Black Myth: Wukong," players assume the role of a "Heavenly Chosen One," diving into Chinese mythology. The mission: to uncover the truths of ancient tales. The journey: fraught with danger and wonders.
Scores"Black Myth: WuKong" Receives Perfect Score from IGN China: A Milestone for the Chinese Gaming Industry
"Black Myth: Wukong" received a perfect score from IGN China. Game Science, with a small team size and a short development cycle, has crafted a game that rivals international AAA titles in quality. This game is hailed as a milestone in the Chinese gaming industry, with strong global competitiveness. It is set to be released globally on August 20th, blending elements from the original "Journey to the West" novel with traditional Chinese cultural themes. It is expected to be a strong contender for the game of the year, and Game Science may rise to become one of the world's top ARPG developers as a result.
AAA Games: Refers to high-budget, high-production, and high-marketing game works.
ScoresEntertainment
Deadpool & Wolverine Sets Record as Highest-Grossing R-Rated Film
Deadpool and Wolverine's combined global earnings surpassed $1 billion. They outperformed Joker. Now they hold the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film.
R-rated: films with restricted content, typically for mature themes and stronger language.
ScoresChina's first space-based documentary film "Outside the Window is the Blue Planet" has been approved for project initiation.
"Beyond the Window Lies the Blue Planet," China's first space documentary filmed in real-time, has received approval from the National Film Administration. Produced by China Central Television, the script is written by Zhu Yiran. The Shenzhou XIII astronauts will use an 8K ultra-high-definition camera to film inside the Chinese space station. The film aims to provide an immersive space experience and showcase the lives of astronauts. Previously, the China Manned Space Engineering Office released an 8K short film of the same name.
8K Ultra-High-Definition Camera: A photographic technology that offers extremely high resolution, rich in detail, and with crystal-clear images.
ScoresScientists Solve Plant Movement Mystery: Insights for Agriculture
Scientists from the U.S. and Israel have solved a mystery that intrigued Charles Darwin: plants move. Not in the way animals do, but by growing in spirals and zigzags. This slow and subtle behavior helps them find sunlight.
Orit Peleg and Yasmine Meroz led a study using time-lapse videos and computer simulations. They discovered that sunflower seedlings, growing in circles, use these movements to track the sun. This isn't random; it's a strategy to maximize light exposure.
The research, published in Physical Review X, suggests that controlled movements in plants are crucial for their survival. These findings could lead to improved farming techniques, optimizing crop growth.
Darwin, even in his later years, was fascinated by plant movements. He observed and documented these behaviors, though he couldn't explain them. Now, with modern technology, we understand that these movements are not chaotic but are essential for plant growth.
In essence, plants, through slow, deliberate movements, adapt to their environment, ensuring their survival. This research not only solves an old mystery but also opens new avenues for agricultural science.
ScoresHealth
New Nasal Spray neffy Could Revolutionize Allergy Treatment
New neffy nasal spray: a potential replacement for EpiPen. Targets allergy sufferers. Nasal spray, less invasive than injection. Could simplify emergency treatment.
EpiPen: device for injecting epinephrine. Used in severe allergic reactions. Portable, but requires training for safe use.
neffy: nasal spray formulation. Administered through the nose. Easier to use in panic situations. Could democratize access to emergency allergy care.
Impact: neffy might shift allergy management. From injections to sprays. More user-friendly. Could save lives by simplifying use.
Insight: Innovation in medical delivery methods. Like neffy, can improve patient outcomes. By making treatments more accessible and intuitive. Medical advancements should always aim to be user-friendly. Simplifying emergency care can be a gamechanger.
ScoresEpic Systems to Transition Hospitals to Federal Medical Records Network by 2025
Epic Systems, a major player in healthcare software, plans to shift all its customers to a new federal medical records network by 2025. This network, called TEFCA, aims to simplify the sharing of patient data across different healthcare providers. Currently, medical records are scattered among various formats and vendors, complicating access for doctors.
Epic, with records for over 280 million Americans, is pivotal in this transition. TEFCA provides a unified framework for secure data exchange, addressing privacy concerns under HIPAA, which mandates patient consent for data access.
Carequality, another interoperability network, is also aligning with TEFCA. It currently links over 70% of U.S. hospitals and numerous clinics and providers. This alignment aims to prevent misuse of patient records, ensuring data is shared only for legitimate medical purposes.
Epic's move bolsters TEFCA's credibility, potentially bringing more hospitals into the network and enhancing trust among healthcare organizations. This shift is crucial for streamlining patient care and data management in the healthcare sector.
ScoresJapan to Launch UHC Knowledge Hub for Global Health Care Training
Tokyo will host a UHC Knowledge Hub in 2025. This center aims to train officials from developing nations on setting up health care systems. The hub is a joint effort by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization.
UHC, or universal health coverage, ensures all people get basic care at a reasonable cost. As of 2021, about 4.5 billion people lacked essential health services. The United Nations has made UHC a goal for 2030.
At the hub, officials will study Japan’s health insurance and medical systems, along with their challenges. They’ll use this knowledge to design programs for their countries. Financial officials will also attend, learning how to fund social security.
Japan’s health care system is known for its affordability and efficiency, despite some issues. It has contributed to the country’s high life expectancy.
If Japan’s system spreads, it could boost demand for advanced medical care, opening markets for Japanese medical equipment companies. Aging populations in Southeast Asia also present opportunities for Japanese companies in long-term care.
Japan already trains health professionals from developing countries. The new hub will expand these efforts, hosting international conferences on UHC.
ScoresSports
Olympic Cyclist Kristen Faulkner: From Harvard to Gold
Kristen Faulkner, 31, a Harvard graduate and former venture capitalist, stunned the world by winning two Olympic gold medals in cycling. Her journey began in Alaska, where rugged outdoor activities were the norm. At Harvard, she balanced her studies in computer science with rowing, setting records.
After college, Faulkner worked in venture capital, but her passion for cycling, ignited at the age of 24, grew. She focused on her strengths, avoiding the pitfalls of trying to be a well-rounded cyclist. Her analytical skills from her VC work translated into strategic racing tactics.
In 2021, she quit her job to train full-time. Despite a near-career-ending crash, she recovered and excelled, winning national titles. At the Olympics, she seized unexpected opportunities, becoming the first American woman to win gold in both road and track cycling at the same games.
Her story echoes that of Anna Kiesenhofer, an Austrian mathematician who won gold in Tokyo's road race. Both women, with no professional cycling backgrounds, defied expectations, proving that intellect and athleticism can coexist.
Faulkner's next challenge: the Women's Tour de France, riding a bike named "Wonder Woman." Her tale is one of resilience, passion, and the unexpected paths to greatness.
ScoresFood
NASA and CSA Host Mars Food Tech Contest
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency hosted a food tech contest for Mars missions. Seven finalists showcased innovations. A UC device converts human breath into mushroom and tomato nutrients. A Colorado oven spins for zero-gravity pizza. A winning system automates insect and vegetable farming. NASA aims for Earth-like meals in space.
Scores