World News Daily(2024-08-18) : Indian Doctors Strike Over Trainee's Rape and Murder
Indian Doctors Strike Over Trainee's Rape and Murder
Doctors across India staged a 24-hour strike, turning away non-emergency patients to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. Over a million medical professionals participated, severely impacting healthcare services.
The victim, a 31-year-old, was attacked inside her workplace, RG Kar Medical College. This incident echoes the 2012 Delhi bus gang-rape, sparking widespread outrage.
Hospitals continued to handle emergencies, but elective procedures and outpatient consultations were halted. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) supported the strike, emphasizing the need for safety for women in the profession.
Protests extended beyond doctors, with thousands marching in cities demanding justice and improved security in medical facilities. Political leaders and celebrities joined the call for stricter punishments for such crimes.
The strike follows a pattern of rising sexual violence in India. In 2022, rape reports surged by 20% from the previous year, totaling 31,516 cases.
This action underscores a deep-seated demand for justice and systemic changes to protect women, highlighting the persistent challenges in addressing gender-based violence in India.
ScoresPolitics
Ex-Pentagon Official Reveals Secret UFO Program
Luis Elizondo, a former Pentagon official, claims in his memoir "Imminent" that a secret program has been collecting nonhuman technology and biological remains for decades. He warns that these could pose a threat to national security or even humanity itself. Elizondo's revelations in 2017 sparked congressional interest, leading to a 2023 hearing where a former official confirmed the retrieval of nonhuman objects. His book details a covert operation involving government and defense contractors. Published by HarperCollins, it underwent a Pentagon security review.
ScoresUK Plans to Treat Extreme Misogyny as Terrorism
Extreme misogyny, a new form of terrorism, is being targeted under UK plans. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is reviewing counter-terrorism strategies with a focus on violence against women and girls.
Teachers are required to report suspected extreme misogyny to Prevent, the UK's counter-terrorism program. Cooper highlights the increase in online and street extremism and the urgency for action.
The review seeks to identify policy gaps and effective disruption methods, with an expected completion in the autumn. A new counter-extremism strategy will follow.
The "Incel" subculture, which is misogynistic online, blames women for their lack of sexual opportunities. Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth links online influencers like Andrew Tate to radicalization. Tate is facing trial in Romania on allegations of rape and human trafficking.
Prevent workers have observed an increase in school referrals influenced by Tate's teachings. His toxic misogyny closely aligns with incel ideology.
ScoresSociety
The United States is promoting vehicle connectivity technology to reduce traffic accidents.
The United States has launched a nationwide road safety plan with the goal of zero road fatalities. The plan relies on vehicle-to-vehicle technology for real-time communication to reduce accidents. By 2028, 20% of highways and 25% of urban intersections will deploy this technology. By 2036, the technology will cover all national highways, and 20 vehicle models will have the capability. The plan faces challenges such as spectrum allocation, cybersecurity, and costs. The U.S. Transportation Secretary stated that the plan will transform travel and save lives.
ScoresAdapting to AI: The Future of Human-Machine Collaboration
The world is changing rapidly due to smart technologies. Humans must adapt or risk obsolescence. The rise of technosubjects—machines capable of self-development—blurs the line between man and machine. This cyborgization could lead to a split between natural and augmented humans, mirroring conflicts seen in games like Deus Ex and Cyberpunk.
New social groups, like "centaurs"—human-robot teams—are forming. These unions are more efficient than traditional groups. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are merging with the Internet of People, creating an Internet of Everything. This integration transforms the physical and digital worlds into a unified space.
Virtual reality and blockchain technology are pushing society towards total decentralization. Physical presence will become obsolete as virtual interactions become more immersive. Offices, theaters, and stadiums may disappear as robots take over jobs and blockchain ensures transparent interactions.
To survive, humans must rethink education and governance. Adaptation is no longer optional; it's essential for preserving our place as the smartest species on the planet.
ScoresDecoding Deep Earth's Mysteries: The PKP Seismic Signals
Earth scientists have long puzzled over PKP precursors, seismic signals that precede main quake waves. New research links these signals to ultra-low-velocity zones deep beneath North America and the western Pacific. These zones, where seismic waves slow significantly, might be tied to major geological features like hotspot volcanoes.
Michael Thorne, a geophysicist at the University of Utah, led the study. His team used advanced seismic techniques to trace PKP precursors back to the core-mantle boundary, about 2900 kilometers below Earth's surface. They believe these ultra-low-velocity zones form when subducting tectonic plates hit the core-mantle boundary.
Thorne speculates that these zones could be the source of mantle plumes, which drive volcanic activity at sites like Yellowstone, Hawaii, and Iceland. His findings suggest these zones are more widespread than previously thought, potentially influencing geological processes globally.
The study, published in AGU Advances, marks a significant step in understanding Earth's deep dynamics. It highlights the power of seismic waves in revealing the planet's hidden structures and processes.
ScoresAncient Amazonian Rock Art Reveals Early Human-Animal Relationships
New research in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology explores ancient rock art in Colombia's Amazon, dating back 12,500 years. These paintings, found at Cerro Azul, depict a variety of animals and mythological transformations, offering insights into early Amazonian diets, myths, and environmental interactions.
The art reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals, where creatures were not only food sources but also revered beings linked to the supernatural. This duality is evident in the paintings, which include scenes of hunting and fishing alongside mythical transformations.
Archaeologists combined analysis of animal remains from nearby digs with the art. The remains showed a diverse diet, including fish, mammals, reptiles, yet the art did not mirror this directly. This suggests selective representation, possibly influenced by cultural or spiritual significance.
The study highlights the intricate knowledge and utilization of diverse ecosystems by ancient Amazonians, from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. It also touches on the cosmological aspects of their lives, such as taboos and interactions with the supernatural.
This research, facilitated by recent peace in the region, opens a window into the deep history and rich mythology of the Amazon, revealing how early humans perceived their world and their place within it.
ScoresEconomy
Hedge funds have made significant investments in Bitcoin ETFs, totaling $47 billion.
Hedge funds invested heavily in Bitcoin ETFs during the second quarter of 2024, totaling $4.7 billion. Jane Street increased its holdings in IBIT while reducing its stake in GBTC. Capula holds nearly $500 million in spot Bitcoin ETFs. Citadel expanded its shares in the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF and holds options.
David Tepper increased his investments in JD.com and KE Holdings, while reducing his stakes in Alibaba and Pinduoduo. Third Point had significantly increased its holdings in Alibaba stock.
ScoresKeychain Platform Connects Brands with Manufacturers for Tailored Products
Keychain, a startup by Oisin Hanrahan, aims to bridge the gap between consumer brands and manufacturers. Hanrahan, previously of Handy and ANGI Homeservices, launched Keychain in February 2023 after raising $18 million. The platform connects brands directly with over 24,000 manufacturers, indexing more than 760,000 products.
Brands use Keychain to find and collaborate with manufacturers, potentially creating private label products or healthier alternatives. The platform has already facilitated $500 million in manufacturing deals.
Keychain's expansion includes an Austin office and partnerships with companies like Rich Products and Aura Bora. Mitchell Madoff, formerly of Whole Foods, leads retail partnerships.
Hanrahan sees demand driven by U.S. trade policies and consumer preferences for tailored products. His vision is to create a comprehensive software layer connecting all aspects of the supply chain, from production to packaging.
ScoresForeign Venture Capital Surge in Japanese Startups
Overseas venture capital funds have increased their investment in Japanese startups by nearly 70% in the first half of 2024. Total foreign VC investment reached 22.5 billion yen ($152 million), accounting for about 20% of Japan's VC funding. This surge exceeded the overall 4% growth in Japanese VC investments.
Geopolitical tensions are driving funds away from China. The U.S. has imposed restrictions on investments in AI and chip technologies in China, and China is strengthening corporate controls. Meanwhile, Japan is gaining attention due to its supportive government policies and emerging deep tech companies.
Startups such as Zehitomo, Sakana AI, Renalys Pharma, and EneCoat Technologies have all secured significant overseas funding. The Japanese government is also investing in global VC funds to promote growth in local startups.
This shift towards Japan could stabilize share prices and support long-term growth for these companies.
ScoresJapan's Anime Industry Grows to Near Parity with Semiconductors and Steel
Japan's anime and content exports are nearly on par with steel and semiconductors. This growth offers a chance to bolster the economy. U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles celebrated his Olympic win with a "Dragon Ball" pose, highlighting anime's global reach.
Japan's digital trade deficit hit 5.5 trillion yen in 2023, mainly from cloud services and internet ads. The content industry could reverse this, according to a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry official.
The government's 2024 economic white paper supports this view, emphasizing the need to capitalize on strengths like content. Anime series like "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Attack on Titan" top global charts. However, Japan lags in live-action films and mobile games compared to South Korea and China.
Japanese content providers have been cautious, focusing on the domestic market. This limits their global competitiveness. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's new economic agenda includes boosting content industry exports.
The Cool Japan Fund, launched in 2013, has struggled, losing nearly 40 billion yen. Developing effective policies for the content industry requires extensive trial and error.
Japan's content exports are close to 4.7 trillion yen, nearing semiconductor and steel exports. A successful content industry strategy could surpass auto exports, which stand at 13 trillion yen.
ScoresIndonesia's Outlet Mall Boom: Mitsubishi Estate and Simon Property Compete
JAKARTA — Indonesia is experiencing a surge in outlet malls. Mitsubishi Estate launched The Grand Outlet in Karawang, east of Jakarta, on July 17. Simon Property Group plans to open one near Jakarta in 2025. Both companies have previously collaborated in Japan.
The Grand Outlet, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Estate and Singapore's Tuan Sing Holdings, cost about 7 billion yen. It spans 90,000 square meters, housing 120 shops, with plans to expand to 150. Brands include Coach, Nike, and Adidas. Prices are slightly lower than in Japan, despite higher import duties.
The mall mimics Japanese designs, with a maze-like layout and a large food court. It's a one- to two-hour drive from central Jakarta, aiming to keep visitors for three to four hours. Mitsubishi Estate also plans an outlet in Bali, set to open in early 2026.
Simon Property, through a joint venture with Malaysian Genting Group, will open an outlet in Tangerang, west of Jakarta, next year. The mall, covering 95,000 square meters, will house around 150 shops and cost $100 million.
Indonesia's middle-class growth, solid annual economic expansion at about 5%, and rising demand for luxury brands drive this trend. The country leads Southeast Asia in outlet mall development, with four expected by 2026.
ScoresTechnology
Rendora AI: Instant 3D Digital Human Videos from Text
Rendora AI: Input text, get 3D AI videos in seconds. This platform crafts high-quality digital personas swiftly.
3D AI digital human video: Technology creating lifelike digital characters for video, using AI.
ScoresThreads Introduces New Features to Enhance User Experience and Prepare for Monetization
Threads, a Meta platform, is rolling out new tools. Adam Mosseri, an executive, has detailed features including enhanced insights, draft saving, and scheduling. Mark Zuckerberg aims to reduce creator burnout with AI tools. Meta is preparing to monetize Threads soon by turning user engagement into revenue, often through ads or premium features.
ScoresNew technology in brain-computer interfaces helps patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis regain their language abilities.
The research team at the University of California, Davis, has developed a new type of brain-computer interface technology that can convert brain signals into speech with 97% accuracy. This technology brings hope to patients with language disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the study, a 45-year-old ALS patient, Kathy Harell, successfully expressed her thoughts through a device implanted in her brain.
The technology implants sensors in the brain to interpret brain signals during speech, converts them into text, and then has the computer read it out. Harell conducted 84 experiments over 32 weeks, engaging in over 248 hours of autonomous conversations through the system. The system's initial accuracy was 99.6%, stabilizing at 97.5% after training.
The research team plans to apply the technology to more patients in the coming years and expand its capabilities, such as adding intonation and singing abilities. Despite challenges such as portability and infection risks, the high precision of this technology offers hope to those who have lost their language abilities.
ScoresVideo Game
"Age of Empires Mobile" is set to release soon, confirmed to participate in Gamescom.
Microsoft and Tencent have partnered to launch "Age of Empires Mobile," set for release on October 17th. The game blends medieval warfare strategy with mobile device features, emphasizing social gameplay. Players can build empires, command historical heroes, and participate in large-scale siege battles. Game tests have shown players demonstrating high strategic intelligence and teamwork. World’s Edge and TiMi Studio Group have joined forces to expand the audience for the "Age of Empires" series.
ScoresEntertainment
Ctrip establishes an Asian live streaming center in Thailand to expand its international market.
Ctrip has established an Asian live streaming center in Thailand, aiming to promote tourism products in the international market. This center will integrate live streaming expertise with the Thai live streaming ecosystem to provide marketing solutions. Ctrip plans to collaborate with Thai hotels and attractions, utilizing TikTok and international social media for live broadcasts, serving both local and global tourists. Since 2020, Ctrip's live broadcasts have accumulated over 10,000 hours, with a viewing热度 reaching 2.1 billion, resulting in significant sales. In the future, Ctrip plans to expand its live streaming efforts to Southeast Asia and further into the global market.
Live streaming sales: A marketing method that involves selling products through live streaming platforms.
Scores"Black Myth: WuKong" Global Reviews Unveil a New Milestone in Chinese Game Industry
"Black Myth: Wu Kong," produced by Chinese game science, is based on "Journey to the West." Global media reviews have been released, averaging 82 points, with some perfect scores. Gamersky praises it as a milestone for domestic AAA titles. The game tells the story of a little monkey following in the footsteps of Sun Wukong, undergoing trials and tribulations. Chinese players, being familiar with the story background, have a unique experience. Foreign players need to catch up on their knowledge of "Journey to the West." Technical issues such as crashes and audio subtitle dropouts have affected some reviews. NVIDIA will release a dedicated driver for support.
"Black Myth: Wu Kong" successfully integrates traditional culture with modern technology, showcasing the strength of China's game industry. The game presents a blend of depth and technical challenges, reflecting both the progress and shortcomings of the industry. Globally recognized, it is not just a game but also a cultural export. Expectations are high for subsequent patches to improve the experience, with continued focus on its global impact.
ScoresHealth
Gaza Faces First Polio Case in 25 Years, UN Calls for Mass Vaccinations
Gaza's first polio case in 25 years has emerged in a 10-month-old child. The UN has called for war pauses to vaccinate over 640,000 children. Polio, which spreads through sewage, causes paralysis and can be fatal, mainly affecting kids under five.
The UN plans two seven-day vaccination drives starting late August. These require ceasefires to ensure safe access to health facilities. Over 1.6 million vaccine doses are set to arrive via Israel's Ben Gurion airport.
The re-emergence of polio threatens neighboring countries. A ceasefire is crucial for regional public health security. The Gaza health ministry and UN agencies aim to administer two drops of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to children under ten.
The war, ongoing for 11 months, escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel in October, leading to thousands of deaths. Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has claimed over 40,000 lives.
ScoresDeep Sleep Resets the Hippocampus, Facilitating Continuous Learning
Good sleep not only restores energy but also resets memory. Research from Cornell University has found that learning activates hippocampal neurons, and during sleep, these neurons repeat their activity patterns to reinforce memory. Memories are stored in the cortex.
The question is, how does the brain continue to learn without exhausting its neurons? A new study in the journal Science reveals that during deep sleep, certain parts of the hippocampus fall silent, allowing neurons to reset. The hippocampus is divided into CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions, with CA1 and CA3 involved in encoding spatial and temporal memories, and CA2 regulating memory reset.
Through experiments with mice, the study found that during sleep, neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions replay learning patterns, while the CA2 region quiets these areas, enabling memory reset. The brain has two types of interneurons that regulate parallel circuits: one type controls memory, and the other allows for memory reset.
This discovery not only aids in enhancing memory but may also explore methods to eliminate negative memories and treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Memory is a dynamic process, and sleep not only repairs memories but also resets the brain, allowing it to continue functioning when awake.
ScoresTiny Creatures Steal Genes to Fight Infections
Bdelloid rotifers, tiny freshwater creatures, steal genes from bacteria to make antibiotics. This discovery by researchers at Oxford, Stirling, and Woods Hole Marine Bio Lab could lead to safer drugs against resistant infections.
These rotifers, smaller than a hair's width, have heads, mouths, guts, muscles, and nerves. When infected by fungi, they activate stolen genes to produce antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents.
Chris Wilson, a lead researcher, was surprised to find these genes, typically thought beyond animal capability, actually crafting antibiotic recipes.
Rotifers have been borrowing DNA from their environment for millions of years. This study shows they use these genes to fight disease, a strategy unique among animals.
David Mark Welch suggests rotifers might evolve new antibiotics less toxic to animals, including humans.
Antibiotics, crucial for modern medicine, are mostly natural products of wild fungi and bacteria. Rotifers might be doing the same, hinting at new drug possibilities.
Reuben Nowell notes the unique DNA changes in these stolen genes might lead to new chemical compounds, exciting for future drug development.
Irina Arkhipova proposes the next step should be identifying these compounds and understanding their synthesis conditions.
The challenge in drug development is many natural antibiotics are toxic to animals. If rotifers can safely produce these chemicals, it might pave the way for safer human medicines.
Tim Barraclough links this gene borrowing to rotifers' unique reproduction: they are all female, reproducing without males. This asexual reproduction might explain their extensive gene borrowing, crucial for survival.
Reuben Nowell concludes these stolen genes, some from plants, offer insights into gene mobility across species, a growing field of study.
ScoresSports
Ohtani Shohei Hits 38th Homer, Completes MLB Teams Set
Ohtani Shohei, LA Dodgers star, hit his 38th homer this season. He's the first Japanese player to homer against all 30 MLB teams.
In seven seasons, Ohtani had homers off 24 teams while with the Angels. This season, he completed the set by homering against his former team and others in the National League.
A homer is a home run, a hit that allows a batter to circle all bases and score a run. MLB is Major League Baseball, the top professional baseball league in the United States.
Scores"Made in China" showcases cultural and technological innovation at the Paris Olympics.
The pin culture of the Olympics has a long and storied history. Since the 1896 Athens Olympics, pins have evolved from simple identity markers into symbols of Olympic culture. By the 1924 Paris Olympics, badge swapping had become a tradition. Today, pins are not only souvenirs but also conveyors of culture and friendship.
Pins made in China have shined brightly at the Paris Olympics. The pins designed for the Chinese delegation are exquisite and of high quality,深受 athletes'喜爱. In fact, most Olympic souvenirs, including mascots and bracelets, are produced in China, particularly in Yiwu, Zhejiang.
Chinese innovation also has a significant presence in the Olympics. Products like Red Double Happiness's table tennis tables, Taishan Sports' high-tech mats, and SenseTime's AI broadcasting solutions showcase China's innovative capabilities.
The relay of the Olympics is not only a continuation of sports competition but also a display of Chinese manufacturing and innovation on the global stage.
ScoresFood
Dassai Sake: Blending Tradition with Technology
Asahi Shuzo, Japan’s top sake exporter, blends tradition with technology. Based in Iwakuni, their brewery uses data to refine the brewing process. Each morning, CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai and team taste the previous day’s pressings, adjusting based on production data.
Hand-soaking rice and manual koji yeast preparation maintain quality. Data, collected throughout production, aids in identifying issues and enhancing taste. This approach ensures consistent, high-quality sake.
Exports surged during COVID-19, reaching 6.9 billion yen in 2021. Asahi Shuzo plans to increase overseas revenue to 90% in the long term. They’ve established a New York brewery and introduced the Dassai Blue brand, using data to adapt to local conditions.
Explanation of Terms:
- Koji yeast: A fungus used in fermenting rice to produce sake.
- Sake: A Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice.