In other news

The article argues that America and its Asian allies need to increase their defense spending to deter China's growing military presence in the Pacific. The current policy, initiated under President Joe Biden, involves upgrading second-world-war airbases for use by American forces. However, President Donald Trump is now demanding that America's Asian allies contribute more to this effort. The article emphasizes that deterrence should be a two-way street, with both the US and its allies sharing the burden.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing turmoil in its oversight of rare-disease treatments, particularly after granting accelerated approval for Sarepta Therapeutics' gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment, priced at $3.2m per patient, was approved despite limited clinical data, and has since been linked to three patient deaths from acute liver failure. The FDA's decision has sparked concerns about the agency's ability to balance the need for innovative treatments with the need for robust safety and efficacy data. The incident has also raised questions about the politicization of the FDA's oversight process.

The article discusses the invasive Burmese python population in the Everglades, Florida, and the efforts to control it. The snakes, introduced as exotic pets, have grown too big and were released into the wild, causing a 95% drop in native furry animals. To combat this, Florida has gamified conservation by encouraging people to catch the pythons. The article explores the scale of the problem and the measures being taken to address it.

The article discusses the need for management consultancies like McKinsey to adopt a new strategy and demonstrate humility in the face of emerging technologies like AI, which could either enhance their effectiveness or make them redundant. It questions the long-standing usefulness of management consultancy and suggests that firms need to adapt to changing circumstances. The article highlights the potential impact of AI on the consultancy industry and the need for these firms to rethink their approach.

Texas Democratic lawmakers, led by figures like Christian Manuel, have fled to Illinois to block Republican-led voting restrictions. The article discusses their 'exile' and the context of their actions, drawing parallels with Virginia Woolf's essay 'A Room of One's Own', highlighting the need for physical space to think and act. The lawmakers are preparing for a potential defeat in their efforts to stop the voting legislation.

The article discusses the potential catastrophic impact of the shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on Europe, likening it to the devastation caused by a nuclear war. The author argues that climate change poses a strategic threat that requires a strategic response, and that national security experts should take AMOC into consideration. The article highlights the potential for severe consequences, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

The article discusses how the potential return of Donald Trump as President (referred to as 'Trump 2') is forcing environmentalists to rethink their strategies. Historically, Republicans, such as Richard Nixon, led environmental protection efforts, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, Nixon's environmentalism was nuanced, as revealed in Watergate tapes where he sympathized with business concerns about environmental regulations. The article suggests that Trump's administration is likely to roll back climate-change regulations, prompting environmentalists to adapt their approach. The piece reflects on the historical context of environmental policies and the challenges ahead for environmentalists under a potentially hostile administration.

The article argues that Donald Trump's decision to take over the DC police is misguided and based on an exaggerated emergency. The author criticizes Trump's grandstanding instincts and suggests that his actions are not justified by the situation in Washington, DC. The article highlights the city's design as a showcase for democracy and contrasts it with the current state of affairs under Trump's leadership.

The article argues that South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, a flagship initiative of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), has failed to achieve its intended goals and should be scrapped. Introduced in the early 1990s as a way to deracialize economic power, BEE involved selling discounted assets to a new black elite, including Cyril Ramaphosa, now the country's president. The policy was meant to uplift black South Africans but has instead created a small group of wealthy individuals while leaving the broader black population behind. The article contends that BEE has become a cause of the country's problems rather than a solution, hindering economic growth and perpetuating inequality.

The article discusses the concept of scientific revolutions and whether an astronomical anomaly could challenge this idea. It references historical examples of scientific revolutions, such as Nicolaus Copernicus' discovery that the Earth is not the center of the cosmos and Antoine Lavoisier's identification of elements like oxygen and carbon. The article questions whether every new discovery constitutes a paradigm shift, suggesting that not everything is a revolutionary change.

As China's major cities experience economic gloom, the country's far-flung counties are emerging as a potential key driver of consumption. A growing middle class in these areas is fueling a consumption upgrade, driven by lighter economic burdens, faster income growth, and greater confidence in the future. Experts believe that lower-tier cities have been overlooked in the past and have untapped consumption potential, making them a new engine for consumption growth as China shifts towards a consumption-driven economy.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant news stories from the past week, including China's unveiling of a new cruise missile, the fall from grace of Kim Keon-hee, and several other regional developments. China's Xiluodu Dam has stopped using Western industrial chips due to security concerns. A collision between Chinese coastguard and navy vessels in the South China Sea is expected to escalate tensions. Apple is testing Douyin Pay on its China App Store, while speculation surrounds the new iPhone. Other stories include a second Hong Kong private school being suspended and regional security concerns.

Chinese aerospace engineers have developed a high-speed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone powered by a jet engine, potentially transforming naval warfare by enabling ordinary warships to launch aircraft. The drone, developed by Beihang University, combines vertical lift ability with high-speed flight in a single airframe, outperforming existing VTOL drones in terms of speed. This breakthrough could turn every Chinese destroyer, frigate, or amphibious vessel into a mini aircraft carrier.

Top Southeast Asian leaders are expected to attend China's military parade on September 3 to commemorate the end of World War II, showcasing Beijing's growing influence in the region. Leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are likely to attend, with some sending more senior delegations than they did a decade ago. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are expected to attend, while Vietnam will likely send its president, Luong Cuong. The event is seen as a display of China's growing regional influence.

China has produced over a gigatonne of textile fibres in just over four decades, according to a study by Tsinghua University. The research mapped textile fibre flows and stocks in China from 1978 to 2022, revealing that nearly 30% of the textiles used had become waste, with a waste recovery rate of only 17%. The study highlights the environmental challenges faced by the fashion industry and the need for improved recycling practices. China's textile industry has transformed the country into the world's garment maker, powering economic growth and supplying affordable garments globally. However, the industry's complexity and size make it challenging to track its global flows and environmental footprint.

Ong Beng Seng, a Singapore-based billionaire hotelier, was fined S$30,000 (US$23,400) for abetting former transport minister S. Iswaran in a gifts scandal. Ong pleaded guilty to relaying sensitive information about an ongoing anti-corruption investigation to Iswaran, who was later sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment. The court took into account Ong's advanced multiple myeloma cancer and the potential impact of a jail sentence on his life, opting for a fine instead.

South Korea and Japan are set to hold a bilateral summit in Tokyo on August 23, aiming to demonstrate their solidarity amidst conflicting signals from the US. The meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba comes at a time of global uncertainty, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, North Korea's nuclear brinkmanship, and weakening traditional trade frameworks. The summit is seen as an opportunity for both leaders to consolidate ties and project stability to Washington, which is simultaneously imposing high tariffs on its allies while seeking their cooperation to counter China. Lee is also expected to discuss historical issues with Ishiba, having recently urged Japan to 'face up to the painful history of the past' during a Liberation Day speech.

A 10-year-old chess prodigy, Bodhana Sivanandan, has made history by becoming the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster in chess. She achieved this feat during the final round of the British Chess Championships in Liverpool, England, by beating 60-year-old grandmaster Peter Wells. Sivanandan, from the London area, was just 10 years, five months, and three days old when she won, breaking the previous record held by American Carissa Yip. Sivanandan started playing chess at the age of 5 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been making rapid progress, earning the title of 'woman international master,' which is the second-highest title for female players. Experts believe she has the potential to become a grandmaster and possibly even the women's world champion.

A Chinese climber, Guan Jing, was killed by falling rocks while descending from K2, the world's second-highest peak, a day after reaching its summit. The incident occurred in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. Efforts to retrieve her body have been hindered by bad weather, which grounded helicopter flights. A team of mountaineers was sent to recover the body, but a Nepali Sherpa, Jangbu, who was part of the recovery team, was injured and stranded on the way. He was later rescued by helicopter. K2 is known for its treacherous slopes, frequent rockfalls, and extreme weather conditions, making it one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks to climb.

McDonald's Japan has canceled its Happy Meal campaign featuring Pokemon cards due to resellers buying up the meals, discarding the food, and reselling the cards online for high prices. The company apologized for not anticipating the issue and vowed to prevent similar situations in the future by limiting purchases and potentially denying service to resellers. The campaign was intended for children, but adults collecting Pokemon cards caused a frenzy, leading to wasted food and long lines outside McDonald's stores.

Australian scientists have discovered a new species of ancient whale, named Janjucetus dullardi, that lived 26 million years ago. The species was described as 'deceptively cute' but a fearsome predator, with razor-sharp teeth and a dolphin-like size. The discovery was made from a well-preserved skull fossil found on Victoria's Surf Coast in 2019. The species is the fourth of its kind to be discovered and provides insights into the evolution of ancient whales. The discovery is significant as it sheds light on how whales adapted to life in the sea and how they evolved over time.

The article discusses a virtual meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders of NATO countries ahead of a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Putin is 'bluffing' and doesn't want peace, and that Ukraine needs to be involved in any peace talks. European leaders are wary that Putin might secure favorable concessions without Ukraine's involvement. The article also mentions that Trump has disappointed European allies by suggesting that Ukraine may have to give up some Russian-held territory.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 13 Mexican companies and four individuals accused of working with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to scam elderly Americans in a multimillion-dollar timeshare fraud scheme. The scheme, dating back to 2012, involved elaborate rental and resale schemes that defrauded American citizens of their life savings. The CJNG is a powerful drug trafficking cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The sanctions aim to eradicate the cartels' ability to generate revenue, including through timeshare fraud. The CJNG is also known for producing and smuggling deadly fentanyl into the United States, causing around 70,000 overdose deaths annually.

A dispute has emerged between the German states of Bavaria and Thuringia over who invented the Bratwurst sausage. The 'Wurstkuchl' tavern in Regensburg, Bavaria, has long claimed to be the oldest Bratwurst stand in the world, with evidence dating back to 1378. However, historians in Erfurt, Thuringia, have discovered a document from 1269 that mentions a meat-roasting stand, predating the Regensburg claim by over 100 years. Despite this, the Wurstkuchl remains unphased, with its landlady stating that the quality of their products is what attracts customers, not the title of being the oldest. This is not the first time there has been a dispute over Bratwurst, with Regensburg and Nuremberg previously vying for the title of oldest sausage stand.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has denied that Pyongyang removed propaganda loudspeakers along the border with South Korea. The denial comes after South Korea's military claimed that North Korea had removed some of its loudspeakers. Kim Yo Jong stated that North Korea has 'never removed' the speakers and 'are not willing to remove them.' The propaganda loudspeakers have been a point of contention between the two countries, with South Korea resuming its broadcasts in June 2024 after a six-year pause. The relationship between the two neighbors remains uneasy, with North Korea warning of 'resolute counteraction' to provocations ahead of joint military drills between South Korea and the US.

First Lady Melania Trump has threatened to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion over his claim that she was introduced to her husband, Donald Trump, by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Hunter Biden made the statement during an interview earlier this month and defended it when questioned about the potential lawsuit. Melania Trump's lawyers sent a letter to Hunter Biden's attorney demanding he retract the claim and apologize, or face legal action. The claim is described as 'false, disparaging, defamatory and inflammatory' and is said to have caused 'overwhelming financial and reputational harm' to the first lady. Hunter Biden has refused to back down, stating that he is 'more than happy to provide' the Trumps a platform if they sue him and he can collect testimony from them through depositions.

At least 27 migrants died when two boats capsized off the coast of Italy's Lampedusa island while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya. Around 60 survivors were rescued, and the search for others continues. The incident has sparked condolences from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and 'deep anguish' from the UNHCR. The boats were overcrowded, and the cause of the capsizing is still unknown. The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, with over 700 deaths recorded this year and at least 25,000 since 2014.

The European Union has sent two firefighting planes to Spain to help battle raging wildfires, after the country activated the bloc's disaster assistance mechanism for the first time. The assistance comes as Spain recorded a third wildfire-related death on Thursday morning. The wildfires have consumed over 157,000 hectares in Spain this year, with thousands of people evacuated from their homes. The EU has also received requests for assistance from Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania. Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves hotter, longer, and more frequent, exacerbating wildfire conditions.

A violent brawl broke out between Angels and Dodgers fans during a game at Angel Stadium, resulting in two arrests and injuries to one fan. The altercation started over a stolen hat and escalated into punches and kicks being thrown. The Dodgers fan who kicked the Angels fan in the head was deemed the primary attacker and faces a felony assault charge. The Angels won the game 6-5, sweeping their rival and furthering the Dodgers' skid. The Dodgers have struggled since the All-Star break, holding a 10-13 record, and have fallen to second place in the NL West behind the Padres.

A 42-year-old Chicago man, Kevin Watson, was shot and killed in a parking lot while livestreaming on Facebook. The shooting was witnessed by loved ones who were watching the livestream, and it has been viewed over two million times on social media. Watson had been ranting about a parking dispute before the shooting, and it is alleged that he knew the gunman. The police have not made any arrests or filed charges in connection with the shooting.

Megadeth, the American thrash metal band founded by Dave Mustaine in 1983, has announced that they will be retiring after releasing one final album and embarking on a farewell tour in 2026. Mustaine shared the news in a statement, expressing gratitude to their fans and acknowledging the band's significant influence on the music world. The band has yet to reveal the title or release date of their final album, as well as the tour dates. Mustaine encouraged fans not to be sad but to celebrate the band's achievements and legacy.

The owner of a boat where 33-year-old designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra died is Christopher Durnan, 60, who was previously sued for allegedly biting a retired FDNY firefighter, Michael Balfe, at a Manhattan concert on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Durnan denied wrongdoing but ultimately pled guilty to disorderly conduct. Nolan-O'Slatarra's death is under investigation, and homicide detectives are questioning individuals in relation to her tragic death. Durnan owns the boat, The Ripple, docked at the Montauk Yacht Club, where Nolan-O'Slatarra was found dead on August 5.

A viral TikTok scandal involving San Francisco chef Luke Sung and influencer Karla Marcotte has allegedly tanked Sung's career and affected his family. Sung claims Marcotte was unprepared and didn't do her research, leading to a tense exchange at his restaurant, Kis Cafe. Marcotte's subsequent TikTok video about the incident went viral, resulting in a digital hate campaign against Sung and his restaurant, causing thousands of one-star Yelp reviews and impacting his family, including his influencer daughter and musician son.

A South Korean court has rejected a plagiarism claim against the creators of the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' by a US composer, Jonathan Wright. Wright had argued that 'Baby Shark' copied elements of his song's bass line and rhythm. The court ruled that both songs were based on a classic melody and that Wright's tune did not vary enough to qualify for copyright protection. The court also found that 'Baby Shark' had clear differences as a song. The ruling concludes Wright's six-year fight in the South Korean courts.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to build a new settlement in the occupied West Bank, which he claims will 'bury' the idea of a Palestinian state. The settlement, planned for the E1 area east of Jerusalem, would expand the existing settlement of Maale Adumim and effectively cut the West Bank into two separate parts. The plan has been met with criticism from Palestinians, rights groups, and several countries, including the UK, who argue it is a flagrant breach of international law and will hinder any chance of a two-state solution. The Israeli government has been accused of encouraging settler violence and annexation, with the number of Israeli outposts in the West Bank increasing since the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023.

An Italian Oasis fan, Alessandro Croce, 30, died in his hotel room hours before the band's concert in Edinburgh. Croce collapsed at his hotel on August 9 while preparing to attend the event at Murrayfield Stadium. Despite attempts by his friends and paramedics to save him, he died, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest. Tributes poured in from the community, including from the Mayor of Teramo and Basketball Teramo, where Croce played. The incident has caused significant distress in Croce's hometown of Teramo.

Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II, honoring over 3 million war dead. The commemoration comes amid concerns that memories of the war and its lessons are fading. The event highlights the country's complex relationship with its wartime past and the ongoing debate about how to remember and learn from history.

The mother of missing journalist Austin Tice shared recently declassified documents regarding her son's case at an event at the National Press Club in Washington, marking 13 years since Tice went missing outside Damascus, Syria. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure Tice's release and the concerns of his family regarding the handling of his case.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Pakistan that India will take punitive action against its neighbor if there are future attacks, as he celebrated 78 years of independence from British colonial rule. Modi's remarks came three months after India and Pakistan, nuclear-armed rivals, engaged in intense fighting for four days, marking their worst clash in decades. The tension between the two countries remains high, with Modi's statement signaling India's readiness to respond to any future aggression.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced criticism for not promptly condemning the assault of a Jewish man in Montreal. The incident, where a man was attacked while walking with his children, has sparked concerns about rising antisemitism in Canada. Israeli officials and Canadian Jewish community leaders have condemned the attack and called for stronger action against antisemitism. The incident occurred amid strained Canada-Israel relations and a broader climate of intense antisemitism, which has led to the resignation of Canada's special envoy on Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.

A new survey has found that Germany's populist right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surpassed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in popularity, with 26% support compared to CDU's 24%. The AfD is now the leading opposition party in Germany's Bundestag. The party has taken a hard-right stance on issues like immigration and Islam, and its rise is part of a broader trend of right-wing groups gaining popularity across Europe. The survey also found that 67% of Germans are dissatisfied with Merz's job after his first 100 days in office.

A sudden and heavy rain in Indian Kashmir has caused dozens of deaths and over 200 people missing in the town of Chashoti, a popular pilgrimage destination. The flash floods caused by the rain have devastated buildings and swept away vehicles. Rescue operations are ongoing with army and police personnel working to find those missing. The rainfall was attributed to a 'cloudburst,' a sudden and heavy downpour of over 100 mm of rain in just one hour. This is the second recent disaster in the Himalayas, following a similar incident in India's northern Uttarakhand state earlier this month.

A federal judge has struck down two Trump administration actions aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at schools and universities. The judge ruled that the Education Department violated the law by threatening to cut federal funding from institutions that continued with DEI initiatives. The Trump administration's guidance had been on hold since April, and the ruling followed a lawsuit from the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association. The judge, Stephanie Gallagher, found that the Education Department's memos ordering schools to end 'race-based decision-making' or face penalties were unlawful. The ruling was seen as a victory for the plaintiffs and a setback for the Trump administration's efforts to limit DEI programs.

A draft of the White House report 'Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy' suggests that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not push for strict regulations on pesticides and ultraprocessed foods, despite his previous statements calling them major threats to children's health. The report includes various policy proposals, such as research into electromagnetic radiation and children's oral health, and initiatives to increase breastfeeding rates and address infertility. The draft has been met with concerns from advocacy groups aligned with Kennedy's movement, who are urging the administration to take stronger action against pesticides and ultraprocessed foods.

Delegates at the sixth round of talks in Geneva failed to reach a consensus on a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution. The negotiations, led by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), were marked by deep divisions over issues such as capping virgin plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing for developing countries. The talks were attended by over 1,000 delegates, with countries like South Africa, the EU, and small island states pushing for stricter regulations, while petrochemical-producing countries and the US under President Donald Trump opposed such measures.