NEWS – Page 36

NEWS Oct 20,2024

Korean media- South Korean government passes amendment to law involving deep fake pornographic images

On October 10, a pivotal moment unfolded in South Korea as the government voted to revise the Special Law on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, widely referred to as the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, this new amendment imposes severe penalties on individuals who possess, purchase, store, or view deepfake pornographic material. Offenders could face up to three years in prison or a hefty fine of 30 million won, which is roughly $15,750.

The updated law also escalates penalties for those involved in editing and distributing deepfake pornographic content. Previously, such actions could result in a maximum sentence of five years; now, that has been extended to seven years. If offenders stand to gain financially from these activities, they could be looking at a minimum three-year prison term. Furthermore, utilizing deepfake pornographic material for intimidation is punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.

In addition to the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Protection of Victims, as well as the Law on the Prevention of Sexual Crimes Against Children and Adolescents, were also passed.

Among the three bills targeting deepfake sexual crimes, the Sexual Violence Punishment Act will be officially published in the government gazette after receiving presidential approval, leading to its immediate enforcement.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 20,2024

Taiwan’s net foreign capital inflows hit a record high in the first three quarters at US$29.5 billion

Foreign investment in Taiwan’s stock market remains robust, as evidenced by recent reports from the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC). On October 4, the FSC announced a net inflow of $1.531 billion for September alone, bringing the total net inflow for the first three quarters of the year to over $29.523 billion. This figure, approximately NT$934.4 billion at the exchange rate of NT$31.651 to USD at the end of September, marks a historic high for this timeframe and raises total foreign investment in Taiwan to $275.018 billion, equivalent to more than NT$8.7 trillion.

An official from the FSC highlighted that even though foreign investors sold shares in listed companies during September, the overall net inflow demonstrates that they have not fully pulled out their investments. This hints at continued strong momentum for future funding.

Data reveals that in the first three quarters, foreign investors collectively sold off stocks worth NT$489.613 billion, marking it the fourth largest sell-off for this period. In September alone, the sell-off reached NT$80.998 billion, ranking as the third largest in September history.

It’s crucial to note that the FSC’s net inflow calculations focus on the “asset side” of foreign investment, primarily tracking the movement of the principal amounts rather than the “cash flow” figures monitored by the Central Bank for outward transfers. This distinction means that while the principal from foreign investments in Taiwan is climbing, profits from stock sales are creating net outflows, which are reflected in the Central Bank’s data concerning capital outflows and stock sell-offs.

Throughout the latter half of the year, foreign investments experienced a net inflow exceeding $6.6 billion in June. However, July brought global market volatility, leading to a net outflow of $5.702 billion. As market conditions stabilized, September saw a net inflow of $1.531 billion, following an inflow of $1.42 billion in August.

The FSC official reiterated that despite sell-offs in August, the principal from foreign investments still indicated a net inflow. This trend suggests that while foreign investors were divesting shares, they had not withdrawn their initial capital, a pattern that continued into September and reinforced the notion that foreign investment momentum remains strong despite two consecutive months of net selling.

According to the FSC’s Securities and Futures Bureau, domestic listed companies reported total revenue of NT$27.53 trillion in the first eight months of this year, the second highest for this period historically, reflecting an increase of 11.93% year-on-year. By the end of August, the price-to-earnings ratio for Taiwan’s stock market was approximately 21.71, with a cash dividend yield of 2.43%, which rises to 2.54% when factoring in stock dividends. The total revenue for listed companies in these eight months was a historical record, just shy of the NT$27.54 trillion achieved in the same period in 2022.

In discussing “net buying” or “net selling,” these terms refer to foreign investors’ activities in the Taiwanese stock market, typically expressed in terms of capital entering or exiting the concentrated market of listed companies. The FSC also provides statistics on overall trading activities across both listed and over-the-counter markets. Meanwhile, net outflows and inflows indicate the difference between foreign capital influx and outflux. Both net buying/selling and net inflow/outflow figures are vital indicators for tracking foreign investment trends.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 20,2024

In the fields of hope丨New agricultural machinery has been put online to help the autumn harvest be -bundant-

As the nation enters the peak season for autumn grain harvests, there’s a concerted effort across the country to tackle the challenges posed by agricultural machinery. This year has seen a notable surge in the adoption of innovative machinery in the harvesting process.

In partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has initiated pilot projects in several regions, including Gansu, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Heilongjiang, focusing on research, manufacturing, and promotion of agricultural equipment. Their goal is to develop high-powered, compact farming tools.

At Chahayang Farm, part of the Heilongjiang Beidahuang Group, a substantial number of domestically produced large harvesters and tillage machines are in use this autumn. This has significantly enhanced both efficiency and quality of work, with the proportion of domestic machines rising to 87%.

“Efficiency has really skyrocketed,” remarked Song Li, a farmer from Chahayang Farm. “What used to take seven to eight days can now be done in just three to four days.”

Meanwhile, in Xinjiang, cotton harvesting has also kicked off. The latest numbers from the China Cotton Association, under the National Supply and Marketing Cooperative, indicate that the area devoted to cotton planting in Xinjiang has seen a slight increase this year, with overall growth outpacing previous years. Expected yields are anticipated to rise by 5% to 10% compared to last year. At present, over 7,000 cotton-picking machines are operational in the region, achieving a mechanization rate of 88%, with more than half being developed domestically. This development is crucial for supporting autonomous cotton harvesting in China.

Tan Zengjin, an operator of cotton-picking machines with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, shared, “This cotton-picking machine can harvest 40 acres per hour, allowing for about 500 acres in a single day.”

Moreover, efforts are underway to boost mechanization rates for “niche crops.” In Xiangcheng, Henan province, 120,000 acres of sesame are being harvested on a large scale. Traditionally, sesame was hand-harvested due to its tendency to drop when disturbed, which restricted its cultivation. This year, the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences has introduced a new sesame variety that is suitable for machine harvesting. They have also worked alongside local agricultural machinery cooperatives to enhance the efficiency of sesame harvesters, making large-scale collection feasible.

Miao Hongmei, deputy director of the Sesame Research Center at the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, explained, “By ensuring our variety resists seed loss and is suitable for mechanized harvesting, we’ve further refined the crops to lower plant height and increased yield levels by over 20%, which, in turn, has boosted farmers’ enthusiasm for planting.”

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 20,2024

NBTE Working Group to Enhance LPG, LNG, CNG Training

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Yesterday, the federal government launched the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) along with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) technical working group and the NGEP/Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) initiative, aimed at enhancing gas knowledge throughout the country.

In his remarks at the initiative in Abuja, Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, emphasized that in today’s global landscape, it is increasingly expected for graduates of technical colleges to possess soft skills that equip them for entrepreneurship right after graduation.

He explained that this initiative is part of a strategic effort to integrate specialized skills into the curriculums of higher education institutions, particularly technical colleges, to address the skill gaps in crucial sectors of the economy.

The committees will be led by the NGEP chairman, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim. Ella highlighted that technology and innovation are inherently people-driven, which necessitates Nigeria’s commitment to introducing specialized training modules in the curriculums of technical colleges.

The main goal of this working group is to devise a comprehensive training curriculum for gas entrepreneurs at both monotechnics and polytechnics. As part of its mandate, the group will develop a detailed curriculum for training gas entrepreneurs in LPG, LNG, CNG, and bio-gas, covering technical, commercial, logistical, and other aspects of the gas value chain. Additionally, it will establish a framework for assessing and evaluating the current capabilities—human resources, infrastructure, and educational tools—available in Nigeria’s technical institutions for such training. The report is expected to be submitted by November 15, 2024.

Regarding the NGEP/CORBON working group, Ella indicated that it is anticipated to formulate a policy aimed at implementing best practices for gas (LPG, PNG, and BioGas) distribution within Nigeria’s building industry. Its remit includes reviewing the building code relating to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability concerning gas installations and usage.

The group will also evaluate current gas distribution systems in various building types—residential, commercial, and industrial—across other nations and recommend quality standards for materials and equipment.

In his comments, NGEP chairman Ibrahim noted that the program’s goal is to foster innovation at the grassroots level in the building industry, which is a cornerstone of modern societies.

“There’s no modern civilization where energy is still distributed in the old, inefficient ways. We are focused on enhancing the capacity building of our mono- and polytechnics in the country to effectively leverage gas entrepreneurship,” Ibrahim said.

He added, “We believe that by creating a critical mass, the nation can truly benefit from the diverse energy solutions that the NGEP and the Ministry of Petroleum are bringing to the forefront.”

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 20,2024

Heyin- Continuously build consensus among all parties to maintain peace and stability

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum recently wrapped up, centered around the theme “Building Peace Together, Sharing a Future.” Over 100 countries, along with international organizations, scholars, and observers, came together for meaningful discussions founded on principles of equality, openness, inclusivity, and mutual learning. The participants collectively sought pathways for peaceful development, focusing on enhancing positive forces to maintain peace and stability while advocating for a balanced multipolar world. Their collaborative efforts aimed to address global security challenges and contribute thoughtful insights towards creating a community with a shared future for humanity.

Security issues are crucial for national welfare and lie at the heart of the noble cause of global peace and development, profoundly impacting humanity’s fate. The contemporary international security landscape has become increasingly intricate, characterized by intensifying geopolitical rivalries, the rise of regional hotspots, increasing arms races, a resurgence of Cold War mentalities, and a growing array of non-traditional security challenges. There is a palpable yearning among people worldwide for peace and security, coupled with a pressing call for unity and cooperation.

In a message delivered to the forum, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to global security initiatives in the face of unprecedented global changes. He highlighted that China aims to foster consensus among various parties, tackle the root causes of international conflicts, and bolster global security governance, tirelessly striving to cultivate a world marked by enduring peace and universal security.

Resolving international security dilemmas necessitates sound guiding principles. China advocates for building a community with a shared future and actively engages in global security initiatives. It has responsibly contributed to global peace and stability by addressing specific regional challenges—issuing position papers on crises such as Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the situation in Afghanistan, as well as successfully mediating the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and promoting internal reconciliation within Palestine. Attendees at the Xiangshan Forum underscored China’s proactive role in mediating conflicts and fostering dialogue, cementing its status as a significant player in global security maintenance.

Enhancing unity and cooperation, alongside improving communication and understanding, is vital for nations to face challenges and create a shared future. The influence of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum continues to expand, establishing itself as an essential platform for international public security and the promotion of global security initiatives. China earnestly hopes that all parties adhere to principles of fairness and justice, embrace openness and inclusivity, and promote greater understanding through dialogue and trust-building exchanges. This year’s forum concentrated on urgent security concerns within the international community, featuring sessions on topics like “Security Cooperation and Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific” and “The Trend of Multipolarization and International Order,” mirroring a collective aspiration for enhanced cooperation among nations.

In celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, President Xi emphasized the need for countries in the Global South to jointly serve as stabilizing forces for peace, advocating for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and constructive participation in political resolutions to regional issues. This year’s forum saw over 60 representatives from Global South countries, including a dedicated session titled “The Global South and World Peace Development,” amplifying their voices on peace and security matters. This not only highlights the Xiangshan Forum as a platform for equality and sharing but also underscores the necessity for both developed and developing nations, irrespective of their size or status, to engage equally in international affairs, articulate their interests, and uphold their legitimate rights—all essential for maintaining world peace and security and advancing human civilization as a whole.

“History and reality remind us that all nations must share the responsibility of safeguarding peace, pursue the path of peaceful development together, and collaboratively seek, protect, and share peace.” China remains steadfast in its commitment to work with all parties to implement global security initiatives, thereby upholding world security and stability and advancing the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 19,2024

iOS 18 release- everything you need to know about Apple’s big updates

Apple is gearing up to launch its latest software updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch this Monday, packed with a host of new features and design enhancements. Samuel Gibbs, Consumer Technology Editor, shares insights on the major updates unveiled during the company’s developer conference last June, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia.

These updates offer a wide range of customization options for home screens and control centers, along with smart handwriting and math tools in Notes, and an array of new watch faces, among other exciting features.

**When can users expect the updates to be available?**
Typically, downloads for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS updates kick off around 6 PM UK time (1 PM in New York; 3 AM Tuesday in Sydney). Distinct from other manufacturers, Apple allows all eligible devices to download and install updates right away, eliminating any staggered rollout.

**Which devices will receive these updates?**
iOS 18 will be compatible with all iPhone models starting from the XS released in 2018. For iPadOS 18, eligible devices include the 2018 iPad Pro, 2019 iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), and iPad (7th gen) or later. For Apple Watch users, Series 6 and newer will support watchOS 11. Macs compatible with macOS Sequoia include 2020 MacBook Airs, 2018 MacBook Pros, 2018 Mac minis, 2019 iMacs, as well as models from those years onward.

**What’s the installation process for these updates?**
For iPhone and iPad users, simply open the Settings app, go to General > Software Update, and tap install if the update is available. A reboot will be required to complete the installation. For updating to watchOS 11, an iPhone XS or later must first run iOS 18. Users can then use the Watch app on their iPhone, navigate to General > Software Update, and ensure that the smartwatch remains on its charger during the update. For Macs, it’s straightforward—just head to System Settings > General > Software Update.

**Are there any costs associated with these updates?**
All Apple updates are free of charge. Users should be cautious if asked to pay for an update, as this is likely a scam.

In addition, Apple revealed that its various AI tools—offering capabilities like writing, summarization, photo editing, and an enhanced Siri—will not be available until later in the year, with expected beta releases starting in October for the US and December for the UK.

**Key features of iOS 18 include:**
– **Home Screen and Control Center Customization:** Users can now customize app icons and widgets on their home screens, moving away from the previous rigid layout. The Control Center has been completely redesigned, providing various quick settings in different sizes and dedicated pages for specific tasks.

– **Revamped Photos App:** The Photos app now showcases featured images and auto-generated collections based on themes, such as recent events and trips.

– **Enhanced Messaging:** The Messages app now includes RCS support for smoother communication with Android users and allows for text scheduling.

– **Advanced Notes and Password Management:** The upgraded Notes app can record audio with live transcripts, while Apple’s Keychain has transformed into a comprehensive password manager through the new Passwords app. Additionally, Apple Maps can save offline topographic maps and create personalized walking routes.

**iPadOS 18 Enhancements:**
iPadOS 18 brings similar customizations as iOS 18 but adds features tailored for tablets. Notably, the Notes app supports improved handwriting recognition with the Apple Pencil, and the Calculator app can now interpret handwritten math expressions.

**watchOS 11 Features:**
watchOS 11 debuts a new Photos watch face and introduces features like the Vitals app to track heart rate and other health metrics overnight. Training load tracking and live activities further enhance user experience.

**macOS Sequoia Highlights:**
Key features for macOS Sequoia include the ability to wirelessly mirror and control an iPhone from a Mac and new window tiling options for improved screen management.

This significant update across Apple devices aims to enhance user experience and expand the capabilities of each platform.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 19,2024

Judge swallowed 3K, the Yankees relied on Verdugo’s key hit to narrowly defeat the Royals

In a thrilling playoff matchup, the New York Yankees, the top seed in the American League, faced off against the Kansas City Royals at a packed Yankee Stadium, drawing an impressive crowd of 48,790 fans. The game was a back-and-forth battle, ultimately culminating in a nail-biting 6-5 victory for the Yankees, who secured their first win in this division series.

The Royals, who captured their second World Series title in 2015, hadn’t reached the playoffs for eight consecutive years until this season, entering as the AL’s fifth seed. They advanced after winning two straight games against the Orioles in the wild-card series, and they maintained a fierce competitiveness against the Yankees, equaling the score five times before the outcome was decided.

Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole faced a tough outing, allowing seven hits over five innings, including a two-run homer in the fourth by MJ Melendez that put the Yankees in a brief deficit. However, it was a tightly contested game, as both teams were locked at 5-5 after six innings.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Yankees mounted a critical offensive push. Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a single and stole second base. After two outs, Alex Verdugo delivered a pivotal hit, scoring the winning run. The loss was charged to Royals reliever Michael Lorenzen, who allowed one run in 1.1 innings, despite initially being a starter.

Both teams ended the game with nine hits, including a homer each. Gleyber Torres led the charge for the Yankees with a two-run blast in the third inning. Meanwhile, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, a top MVP candidate, had a quiet night at the plate, going hitless in four at-bats and striking out three times. However, he managed to score after drawing a walk in the fifth, benefiting from the efforts of his teammates.

Coming off a disappointing sweep by the Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series two years ago and missing the playoffs last year, today’s victory was a crucial step for the Yankees as they strive to take control in this best-of-five series against the Royals.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 19,2024

Olivia Rodrigo reveals rescheduled Co-op Live gigs

In a recent announcement, fans of Olivia Rodrigo who held tickets for her postponed shows at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena learned they’ll have to wait until next summer for the rescheduled performances. The concerts, originally scheduled for May, were pushed back just days prior due to issues with the new venue.

The new dates for the shows are set for Monday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Interestingly, these dates may overlap with a potential appearance by Rodrigo at the Glastonbury Festival, which runs from June 27 to 29.

For fans who originally purchased tickets to the Co-op Live concerts, there is some good news: their tickets will still be valid for the new dates. However, many are experiencing financial hardships, having already spent hundreds on travel and accommodations that can no longer be utilized.

The postponements followed a concerning incident in which a heating pipe fell from the ceiling of the newly constructed £365 million arena, recognized as the largest indoor venue in the UK with a capacity of 23,500. This was just one of several mishaps that marred the arena’s opening preparations.

Currently, Rodrigo is wrapping up her tour at the Philippine Arena, noted as the world’s largest arena with a capacity of 55,000. This show holds particular importance for her, as her great-grandfather emigrated from the Philippines to the United States.

As for her itinerary, Rodrigo has now moved on to Australia for the final leg of her Guts tour, but fans can also look forward to additional performances scheduled in South America next March.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 19,2024

Helpster Conducts Medical Outreach in Ajegunle, Lagos

Helpster Charity US Inc., an international nonprofit based in the United States, has recently completed a significant medical outreach in Nigeria as part of its ongoing mission to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

On September 28, 2024, the organization held its seventh outreach event in Ajegunle, one of the largest slums in Lagos, home to over 500,000 residents and located between Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port. The dedicated medical team, consisting of two doctors, two nurses, and two laboratory specialists, provided essential health education, screenings, treatment for common ailments, and deworming services to locals.

Dr. Perpetua Mbanefo, Helpster’s Country Manager and leader of the medical outreach team, spoke about the purpose behind these initiatives. “We regularly organize these events to reach remote communities suffering from limited healthcare access due to economic hardships,” she explained. “The ongoing challenges in Nigeria, and other countries in Africa and Asia with high poverty rates, particularly affect underprivileged children in need of medical care.”

“In addition to improving access to essential healthcare, especially for children, pregnant women, and young adults, Helpster uses crowdfunding technology to bring medical services directly to those communities where they are critically needed,” Dr. Mbanefo added.

She expressed excitement about the turnout at the event, stating, “We screened and treated around 200 children and adults for various conditions like malaria, malnutrition, skin infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, upper respiratory infections, and other common diseases. We also provided education on important health topics and offered counseling for healthier living.”

Dr. Mbanefo extended her gratitude to the volunteers who made the outreach possible, particularly acknowledging Pastor David Moses for allowing the church to be used as the venue. “It’s truly inspiring to see dedicated individuals coming together with Helpster to create a positive impact in the lives of people in impoverished communities,” she emphasized.

Medical volunteer Benjamin Ekishi highlighted his reasons for joining Helpster, commending the organization for its meaningful work. “I became involved because I believe in the mission to ensure no child suffers or dies due to a lack of access to essential healthcare,” he shared.

Mrs. Beatrice Nwaka, a parent whose child received care during the outreach, expressed her gratitude for Helpster’s efforts in Ajegunle and encouraged other organizations to follow suit. “Our community desperately needs healthcare initiatives like this,” she pointed out.

Helpster launched its medical outreach program in 2023 and has since directly impacted over 4,000 children across Nigeria. Earlier this year, in February 2024, the organization partnered with Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa for its sixth outreach in Makoko, another impoverished area of Lagos, where over 400 children received treatment.

Founded by a compassionate team of IT professionals, Helpster Charity US Inc. is dedicated to bridging the healthcare access gap by connecting vulnerable children in need of vital medical services with individuals willing to fund their treatment through their app and website, www.helpstercharity.org.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 19,2024

The frequency of breast cancer diagnoses among Asian and Pacific Islander women has continued to rise in recent years

Recent data from the National Cancer Society reveals a troubling trend: the likelihood of breast cancer diagnosis among Asian American women continues to rise, and at a pace that outstrips other ethnic groups. Can you help us understand the reasons behind this concerning increase? Researchers appear to be grappling with this issue, struggling to pinpoint the underlying factors contributing to this trend. What insights do you think could shed light on this complex situation?

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the details on our YouTube channel where we explore global news and updates more extensively.

by 529mai.com

Category NEWS