Luminary Times

  At the HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei introduced its ICT Talent Cultivation Solution during a global education summit themed “Cultivating ICT Talent to Amplify Education Intelligence.” The initiative aims to bridge the gap in ICT talent across industries by providing a comprehensive training solution tailored to meet the needs of the rapidly growing digital economy. Huawei’s ICT Talent Cultivation Solution offers an integrated approach, combining a one-stop digital talent development platform, innovative teaching resources, and practical training tools. This solution is designed to assist universities in accelerating ICT talent development, equipping students with the necessary skills to meet industry demands. By leveraging Huawei’s vast industry ecosystem, global professional trainer system, and extensive collaboration with over 2,700 educational institutions worldwide, the program provides universities with access to high-quality resources to build a skilled ICT workforce. Read Mo...

 Shares of Trump Media tumbled nearly 8% on Friday, closing at $13.55, the lowest point since the company's stock-market debut. This marked the fifth consecutive day of losses, leaving the company’s market capitalization at just $2.7 billion. The steep decline followed the expiration of insider lock-up restrictions, allowing large shareholders to sell their stakes for the first time since the company went public. Trump Media, owned 57% by former President Donald Trump, operates the Truth Social app and has faced mounting financial challenges. With $300 million worth of shares traded on Friday, the session saw the highest turnover in a week. Despite the unlocked shares, Trump stated he would not sell his holdings, currently valued at $1.5 billion. This has drawn attention to other major stakeholders who now have the option to sell. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/trump-media-shares-plummet-as-insider-selling-restrictions-expire/

  It's not easy challenging Canada's banking oligopoly, but some are making the effort. Challengers like EQ Bank and Wealthsimple are introducing new, more affordable offerings, expanding their customer base and increasing brand recognition. However, experts suggest that rather than posing a significant threat to the big banks, mid-sized players are more likely to be acquired by the larger institutions. “The banking market in Canada is not known to be very competitive. It’s not going to improve,” said Claire Célérier, Canada Research Chair in household finance at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, who anticipates further consolidation. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/big-banks-reign-in-canada-while-new-challengers-seek-to-gain-ground/

Researchers have encoded the entire human genome onto a "5D memory crystal" as a precaution in case our species faces extinction. Even if this effort ultimately fails, the device could theoretically provide our genetic code to a future sentient being, even if it takes billions of years for them to discover it. For over a decade, crystal has been regarded as the gold standard for durable data storage. More specifically, a nanostructured glass disc developed in 2014 by a team led by optoelectronics professor Peter Kazansky at the University of Southampton. This 360-terabyte data crystal can remain stable at room temperature for 300 quintillion years, and its lifespan only reduces to 13.8 billion years (the current age of the universe) if exposed to temperatures of 374 degrees Fahrenheit. With the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, direct impacts up to 10 tonnes per square centimetre, and prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation, it holds the Guinness World Record for the ...

  Alice Veglio is considered one of the most prominent international personal trainers and women empowerment activists in Italy and internationally. In addition, she has walked down the catwalk at the most important fashion shows and posed all over the world for brands and photographers in prestigious locations such as Paris, Dubai, Rome, Maldives, and Qatar just to give some examples. Her face is known for having presented important events broadcasted nationwide in Italy, having appeared in some of the most famous fashion weeks in the world and in numerous advertising campaigns and music videos including that of The Kolors and Shade in 2018. From an early age, Alice started to pose for fashion brands for kids, and at the age of 15, she made her model debut in her first fashion show for Vogue. Her CV also includes the role of poster girl for Juventus and Moto GP, until 2014 when she had access to the Miss Italy final, in 2016 won second place at Miss International Model, in 2017 ag...

  Thailand is set to bring back its 300-baht tourism tax in a bid to generate more revenue for infrastructure development and tourist safely. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed the plan, with the tax expected to help meet the government's ambitious target of 3 trillion baht in tourism income this year. Foreign tourists arriving by air will pay 300 baht, while those entering by sea or land will be charged 150 baht. The tax, initially approved in 2022, has yet to be implemented, but authorities are finalizing the process to ensure it doesn't negatively impact tourist sentiment. To further boost the sector, the ministry is considering reinstating successful pandemic-era programs, such as the "We Travel Together" scheme, which offered co-payments on hotel stays and flights. These measures are aimed at increasing local economic benefits as the peak tourist season approaches. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/thailand-set-to-revive-300-baht-tourism-tax-to-en...

  The United Nations has proposed the creation of a global artificial intelligence (AI) fund, urging both governments and private companies to contribute. This fund would provide developing nations with essential Al technologies, training, and resources, ensuring they are not left behind in the rapidly evolving Al landscape. The recommendation comes from the UN Secretary-General's high-level Al advisory body, which emphasised the importance of inclusivity in Al development. The proposed fund aims to provide developing nations with access to Al models, computing power, and training programs. These resources are critical for helping these countries achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as eradicating poverty and improving education. The fund would address the growing gap between wealthier nations that are advancing in Al and those that lack the means to invest in this transformative technology. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/un-calls-for-global-ai-fund...

  India is set to host the second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit from September 19-21, 2024, in New Delhi, marking another significant milestone in global food safety initiatives. Organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the summit will bring together delegates from more than 70 countries to discuss crucial regulatory issues concerning food safety and standards. Building on the success of the inaugural summit held in July 2023, which was co-branded with the G20, the event aims to promote international collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of food safety. The summit will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to enhance food safety protocols across borders. Attendees will include international regulators, policymakers, and experts, all focused on fostering a safer global food ecosystem. Read More:  ...

The New York Yankees outlasted the Boston Red Sox with a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra innings. Juan Soto delivered the game-winning hit, a single that gave the Yankees their fourth walk-off win this season. Soto's clutch moment came against pitcher Josh Winckowski, driving in pinch runner Jon Berti, who replaced Gleyber Torres, the automatic runner on second base. This win marked the Yankees' fifth victory in seven games, moving them two games ahead in the American League East. They now have a solid position atop the division, ahead of the idle Orioles. The Red Sox struck early with a solo home run by Danny Jensen. However, the Yankees kept them scoreless for the rest of the game, stifling their offensive attempts. With this loss, Boston remains 4 1/2 games behind in the race for the final wild card spot in the American League. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/yankees-secure-2-1-victory-over-red-sox-in-extra-innings/  

  In response to the escalating housing crisis, the Canadian government has introduced a temporary two-year cap on the issuance of new study permits for international students. This decision, announced on January 22, 2024, aims to ease the pressure on the country's housing market and balance the growing demand for both educational resources and accommodation. The policy, set to take effect ahead of the September 2024 academic semester, will result in a 35% reduction in the number of new international student admissions. The government plans to issue approximately 360,000 study permits this year, a significant drop from the 900,000 permits granted in 2023. Marc Miller, Canada's immigration minister, stated that the restrictions are necessary to ensure that designated learning institutions (DLIs) provide adequate academic support and a well-rounded student experience. The growing influx of international students has been blamed for exacerbating housing shortages, especially in la...

  Huawei's new Mate XT. priced at $2,800, has garnered 3.6 million pre-orders in China. The tri-foldable phone's unique design and advanced features highlight Huawei's dominance in the foldable smartphone market. The Mate XT, equipped with an Al-powered assistant, offers advanced functions like text summary and photo editing. Powered by Huawei's Kylin chips, these Al capabilities enhance the user experience. This innovative device sets a new standard in folding technology. boasting a 10.2-inch screen and a keyboard that fits into a pocket. Despite U.S. sanctions, Huawei continues to challenge global competitors. The launch closely follows Apple's iPhone 16, but Huawei's advanced Al features give it an edge in the local market. The Mate XT's sleek design. at just 3.6mm wide, further strengthens its appeal to tech enthusiasts. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/huaweis-mate-xt-sets-a-new-benchmark-in-foldable-phones/

  The Azores, a picturesque volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic, is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers. Once a hidden gem, this group of nine islands has experienced a stunning 203% increase in flights from North America in July 2024, according to data from Cirium. Nonstop routes from cities like New York, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal make the Azores more accessible than ever, turning it into the must-visit destination of the year. The archipelago's largest island, São Miguel, stands out for its diverse natural beauty and mild climate. The city of Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel, has risen to prominence as a go-to spot for those looking to escape crowded European hotspots. Known for its fewer crowds, cooler year-round temperatures, and scenic landscapes, it offers visitors a serene retreat from Europe's sweltering summer heatwaves. Attractions like whale watching, hiking, and dipping in the geothermal pools of Furnas have added to its appeal. Read More:  h...

  A well-timed GameStop options trade delivered a significant $550K profit on Friday. This came after a cryptic social media post from "Roaring Kitty," also known as Keith Gill, a famous stock influencer. The post featured an altered image from the 1999 movie "Toy Story 2" with a dog's face on one of the characters. This was Gill's first social media activity in more than two months, triggering intense interest from retail traders. GameStop shares surged as much as 9% after Gill's post, but later settled at a 4% increase. Just 18 minutes before his tweet, a trader bought around 10,000 GameStop call options, each with a $22.5 strike price. The cost of this trade was approximately $1.74 million. Shortly after Gill's post, this same trader sold two blocks of 5,000 contracts, netting around $2.20 million. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/gamestop-options-trade-nets-550k-after-influencers-post/

  The forthcoming U.S. election is anticipated to be closely contested, meaning every vote will be significant  including those cast from space. NASA has announced that all astronauts aboard the International Space Station will have the opportunity to vote in November's election while orbiting the Earth, including the two-person crew currently stranded there after arriving on Boeing's defective Starliner capsule in June. Veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are now expected to return to Earth next February on a SpaceX spacecraft scheduled to launch this month. Although this means they will miss the chance to vote in person, NASA assures that the special technology in place for over 20 years will still enable them to fulfill their civic duty. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/how-stranded-starliner-astronauts-will-cast-u-s-election-ballots-from-space/

  Australia's government has announced a new policy limiting international student enrolments for 2025. The National Planning Level (NPL) will restrict new commencements to 270,000 across higher education and vocational education sectors, excluding schools and standalone English-language providers. The NPL aims to bring international student numbers back to pre-pandemic levels, with the government asserting that it will restore industry balance and manage growth effectively. However, leaders in the higher education sector have strongly criticized the move. They warn that the cap. along with recent changes to immigration rules, will damage the industry and the broader Australian economy for years to come. Under the new policy, public universities will receive approximately 145,000 of the capped student places, reflecting enrolment levels similar to those in 2023. Universities with high international student numbers or rapid growth may face stricter caps, while institutions with lowe...

  Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a portable device that can inexpensively measure the amount of microplastics in beverages and other liquids. Tianxi Yang, the developer of the tool, states in a UBC news release that microplastics are a "significant threat" to food safety, health, and the environment, and that affordable detection of these particles could help mitigate their risks. Microplastic particles can originate from the degradation of items like plastic cups or utensils. contaminating food or drinks that might then be ingested or absorbed into the body. These plastics pose a health risk due to their capacity to absorb toxins and penetrate bodily barriers, with their long-term effects still under investigation. Read More:  https://luminarytimes.com/ubc-creates-affordable-portable-device-to-detect-microplastics-in-drinks/