A leading Chinese manufacturer of mobile phone glass covers and other consumer electronics components is joining a growing trend of mainland-listed Chinese companies seeking to expand their capital base by selling shares in Hong Kong. This movement is part of a broader wave of listings known as "A+H listings," where companies already traded on mainland exchanges issue shares, called H shares, on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Hong Kong is poised to become the world's dominant IPO market in 2025, fueled by a resurgence of interest from global investors looking for alternatives to US assets amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The city’s stock market has seen strong liquidity and turnover, attracting numerous high-quality tech and manufacturing firms from mainland China. Notably, companies such as Lens Technology, which supplies Apple and others, plan to raise significant funds through secondary listings in Hong Kong to diversify their investor pool and increase capital. The trend is supported by regulatory reforms and initiatives, such as the launch of the Technology Enterprises Channel (TECH), designed to facilitate listings of technology-intensive firms with complex R&D cycles by simplifying requirements and offering confidential filing options. With the recovery of investor sentiment and the strong pipeline of mainland companies, including chipmakers and AI firms, Hong Kong's equity market could reclaim its position as the global leader in IPO proceeds for the first time since 2019. This wave of listings reflects China’s strategic push for tech self-sufficiency and global capital market integration, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a premier financial hub bridging mainland China and international investors. <br /> <br /> In summary, the decision by this mobile phone glass cover maker to list in Hong Kong is emblematic of a broader shift among mainland Chinese companies leveraging Hong Kong’s capital markets to raise funds, broaden their shareholder base, and enhance their global visibility amid a dynamic and competitive global IPO landscape.

6/30/2025, 4:54:00 AM

India has officially launched e-passports nationwide, introducing a modern travel document embedded with a secure electronic chip to enhance security and streamline immigration processing. The embedded microchip stores critical personal and biometric data, including fingerprints, facial photograph, iris scans, name, date of birth, and passport ID, making the document tamper-resistant and compliant with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This new e-passport uses RFID technology for contactless reading, significantly reducing the risk of forgery and duplication. To apply for the e-passport online, applicants need to visit the official Passport Seva portal. New users must register by creating an account, while returning users can log in with their existing credentials. After registration, the applicant fills out the application form by providing accurate personal and travel details, uploads required documents, and pays the applicable fees online. Following this, the applicant selects a convenient Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to schedule an appointment for biometric data capture and document verification. Required documents typically include proof of Indian citizenship, identity, and address. At the appointment, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition are collected to complete the application process. The Ministry of External Affairs oversees the issuance of the e-passports, ensuring that all procedures meet strict security norms. Key points to remember for a smooth application include verifying the accuracy of personal details, ensuring correct document upload, timely fee payment, and arriving punctually for the biometric appointment. This initiative aligns with the Digital India mission, enhancing passport security and providing a more efficient travel experience for Indian citizens.

6/30/2025, 4:52:00 AM

US President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of all trade discussions with Canada, directly citing Canada’s planned implementation of a digital services tax (DST) as the reason for this drastic step. The President characterized Canada as “a very difficult country to trade with” and described the 3% DST—a levy on revenues generated from Canadian users by large international tech companies—as “a direct and blatant attack on the U.S.” The tax, slated to take effect on June 30, applies to any tech company earning more than $15 million from Canadian internet users and is set to have retroactive effect, meaning companies like Apple, Google, and Meta would face significant back payments. The Trump Administration had strongly urged Canada to delay or eliminate the tax, but Canada proceeded, prompting Trump’s forceful response. <br /> <br /> In retaliation, President Trump stated that the United States would inform Canada of new tariffs within the next seven days, escalating tensions that have been building since February, when the U.S. imposed an additional 25% tariff on most Canadian imports—10% for Canadian energy. The breakdown in negotiations signals heightened trade conflict between the two neighbors, with concerns voiced by officials and businesses in both countries about the economic implications of further tariffs. The digital services tax was originally developed by Canada to address concerns that large technology firms operating within its borders might otherwise avoid paying taxes on revenues generated from Canadian consumers, given the lack of a multilateral agreement on digital taxation. While Canada has been working with international partners, including the United States, to reach a broader multilateral solution, the immediate imposition of the DST and Trump’s reaction have sparked a new phase of acrimony in US-Canada trade relations. <br /> <br /> However, reports indicate that, following Canada’s announcement rescinding the digital services tax to advance broader trade negotiations, both parties have agreed to resume talks with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement by July 21. This reversal reflects Canada’s preference for a multilateral, rather than national, approach to digital taxation and its desire to secure a favorable deal for Canadian workers and businesses in ongoing economic and security partnership discussions with the United States. The June 30 collection of the digital services tax has thus been halted, and Canadian legislation will soon be introduced to formally rescind the Digital Services Tax Act, signaling a possible de-escalation of trade tensions.

6/30/2025, 4:51:00 AM

Chinese chipmaker Loongson recently announced its new server CPU series, the 3C6000, claiming performance on par with or exceeding that of Intel’s 2021 Ice Lake Xeon processors. The 3C6000 lineup includes various models, with the flagship 64-core 3E6000 boasting 128 threads, 32MB cache, and four DDR4-3200 memory channels operating at a max frequency of 2.2 GHz. Loongson achieves these high core counts through a quad-chiplet design interconnected by its proprietary Loongson Coherent Link (LoongLink), a technology analogous to Intel’s mesh interconnect or AMD’s Infinity Fabric. The new CPUs are built on Loongson’s own LoongArch 6000 architecture and LA664 cores, delivering performance comparable to 2023-class server chips. Internal benchmarks suggest that the 64-core 3E6000 outperforms Intel’s Xeon 8380 on integer workloads by 35%, although the Xeon leads in floating-point tasks by 14%. The 16-core 3C6000 model matches the performance of Intel’s 16-core Xeon Silver 4314 from the Ice Lake family, operating at a comparable 2.5 GHz clock speed. This achievement marks a significant stride for China’s semiconductor independence, as Loongson designs both the architecture and the silicon without relying on foreign technologies. The 3C6000 series also supports impressive scalability, enabling multi-processor configurations with up to 128 cores and 256 threads in some setups, making it suitable for demanding data center and AI workloads. Meanwhile, local Chinese media highlight Loongson’s kit as capable of managing advanced quantum computing systems, including those with 1,024 qubits, showcasing ambitions to support cutting-edge technologies domestically. Overall, Loongson’s latest silicon positions it as a competitive player in the global server CPU market, reflecting China’s ongoing push to reduce dependency on Western semiconductor suppliers.

6/30/2025, 4:37:09 AM

Started by Paul Kuruvilla and Sarup Banskota in 2022, Codecrafters is a unique platform designed to help experienced software engineers deepen their programming skills through challenging, hands-on projects rather than traditional instructional methods such as videos or live sessions. Unlike beginner-focused platforms that guide users step-by-step, Codecrafters encourages seasoned developers to build real-world projects from scratch, such as recreating popular developer tools like Git, Docker, or Redis. This approach helps learners truly master programming languages and complex concepts by immersing themselves in the creation process. The idea originated when Kuruvilla, while managing a team, challenged himself to build a Redis clone from the ground up to sharpen his skills and motivate his team. What started as a workshop evolved into Codecrafters, co-founded with Banskota after he left his job at Vercel. The platform quickly gained traction among senior engineers looking for a deeper and more practical learning experience, especially those at companies such as GitHub, Google, Microsoft, and Stripe. Codecrafters operates on the philosophy that practicing by building sophisticated projects offers a higher level of confidence and skill than watching tutorials or solving isolated coding problems. The startup has also introduced features like private leaderboards and Slack integrations to support team learning and development budgets. Since joining Y Combinator, Codecrafters has been fine-tuning its offering to balance monetization with user satisfaction, continuing to grow as a trusted resource for experienced developers seeking advanced upskilling opportunities.<br /> <br />By focusing on deliberate practice through project-based challenges, Codecrafters provides a fresh alternative to traditional coding education, empowering professional engineers to advance their craft effectively.

6/29/2025, 4:48:00 AM

Chandler Russ, a relatively new member of the Adams County Port Commission, has been deeply engaged in learning and adapting to his responsibilities over the past four months. As an appointee of District 1 Supervisor Wes Middleton, Russ is actively working to understand the dynamics and challenges associated with the port's operations. His role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to address ongoing issues and facilitate smoother functioning of the port. The Natchez-Adams County Port has been experiencing substantial business growth and construction activity, leading to logistical and operational challenges. Companies such as Great River Industries and Natchez Railway have been collaboratively working with the port commission and the board of supervisors to resolve conflicts related to space usage and workforce management. With Great River Industries expanding its workforce to 175 employees and Elevance anticipating up to 500 workers during peak construction phases, scheduling and safety have become critical concerns. Russ and other officials are focusing on implementing solutions to prevent congestion and enhance security. Discussions have included the need for traffic control plans and increased security measures from local law enforcement to curb speeding and illegal activities in the port area. This is particularly important as the port also serves recreational purposes with a boat ramp managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Overall, Chandler Russ’s initial months on the port commission have been marked by a steep learning curve as he collaborates to resolve pressing issues and support the port's continued growth and safe operation. His involvement reflects a hands-on approach to problem-solving within the expanding and complex environment of the Natchez port.

6/29/2025, 4:38:00 AM

While China’s men’s soccer team has struggled to generate much excitement in recent years, a new source of enthusiasm has emerged in Beijing: humanoid robot soccer teams powered by artificial intelligence. The first test match of the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games was held at the Beijing Smart E-sports Event Center, showcasing a groundbreaking 3v3 AI football competition. Unlike traditional remote-controlled robot matches, these humanoid robots operated fully autonomously, relying on sophisticated AI to perform real-time decision-making, coordinated teamwork, and self-recovery from falls, mimicking human football tactics with fluidity and precision. The robots, standing between 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall, executed well-orchestrated attacks and agile movements on the field, enlivening the sport for spectators in a way China’s human football teams have recently failed to do.<br /> <br />This event marked a significant milestone in China's rapid advancement toward global leadership in humanoid robotics, following earlier successes such as the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon earlier in the year. It also serves as a prelude to the upcoming 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, scheduled for August 8-12, where over 200 exhibitors, including leading tech firms like Unitree and AgiBot, will display cutting-edge humanoid robots and other innovations. The conference is expected to release influential industry reports, such as the "Top 10 Scenario Demands for Humanoid Robots 2025," helping to set global standards for the development of robotics over the next decade. This fusion of sports and AI technology highlights a promising new chapter for Chinese innovation and entertainment.

6/29/2025, 4:29:00 AM

In this captivating video, we explore the Top 10 Genius Ideas that have profoundly shaped modern society, highlighting how each of these groundbreaking innovations revolutionized the world. Starting with ancient yet fundamental inventions such as the wheel, which transformed transportation and labor, these ideas laid the groundwork for human progress. The printing press enabled mass communication and dissemination of knowledge, fueling education and cultural growth. The compass advanced navigation, opening the world to exploration and trade. Moving to scientific breakthroughs, vaccinations stand out as a life-saving invention introduced by Edward Jenner, dramatically increasing human lifespan and eradicating deadly diseases like smallpox. Genetic modification, pioneered in the 1970s, revolutionized healthcare and agriculture by altering DNA to improve crops and treat diseases. The harnessing of microwaves led to technological advances in cooking, communication, and medical imaging, demonstrating how scientific discoveries can serve multiple purposes. The nuclear reactor, developed by Enrico Fermi, unlocked immense energy potential, influencing both military applications and energy production. Computers and the internet have transformed every aspect of our daily lives, from work to social interaction, creating a globally connected society. Smartphones combine many of these innovations, putting technology and communication in the palm of our hand. These genius ideas are not just isolated inventions but the result of incremental improvements by brilliant minds over centuries. Each embodies creativity and curiosity, driving humanity forward. This video delves into the stories behind these innovations, revealing how they have redefined what is possible and continue to inspire future breakthroughs.<br /> <br /> Join us as we celebrate the ingenuity that has revolutionized the world and shaped the future we live in today.

6/29/2025, 4:02:04 AM

Germany’s data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, has officially requested Apple and Google to remove the AI app DeepSeek from their app stores within Germany. The demand stems from serious concerns about DeepSeek’s handling of user data, specifically the company’s practice of transferring personal data to China without complying with the European Union’s strict data protection laws. Kamp stated that DeepSeek has failed to provide compelling evidence that the data of German users is safeguarded to standards equivalent to those mandated by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR forbids the transfer of personal data outside the EU unless the recipient country offers adequate protections, which Germany’s commissioner contends China does not, especially given that Chinese authorities have wide-ranging access to data within companies operating in their jurisdiction. Kamp further highlighted that DeepSeek users in China lack the enforceable rights and legal remedies guaranteed to EU citizens, emphasizing the imbalance and potential risks involved. Despite prior requests to DeepSeek to either comply with EU data transfer regulations or to voluntarily withdraw its app from Germany, the Chinese company has not made changes, prompting the regulatory action. This move follows similar actions in Italy earlier this year, where DeepSeek was banned from app stores due to related privacy concerns. The next step now lies with Apple and Google, who must review the report and decide whether to comply with Germany’s request. Experts suggest that if these major app stores remove DeepSeek in Germany, it could effectively lead to an EU-wide ban given the uniformity of data protection laws across member states. This case highlights ongoing tensions between data privacy standards in Europe and the practices of some foreign technology firms.

6/28/2025, 4:55:00 AM

More than four years after the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of 98 people, federal investigators have yet to reach a definitive conclusion about the cause of the disaster. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the agency leading the investigation, is continuing its work and plans to complete the probe sometime in 2026. The goal of the investigation is not only to understand what went wrong but also to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again in the future. The collapse occurred at 1:22 a.m. on June 24, 2021, when most residents were asleep in the 12-story beachfront building. Since then, a Miami judge has approved a settlement exceeding $1 billion to cover personal injury and wrongful death claims related to the incident. Meanwhile, reconstruction efforts are underway with a new luxury condominium being built on the site, located just a few miles north of Miami. NIST has identified three leading scenarios, all tied to construction flaws present since the building's completion about 40 years ago. One theory suggests a critical connection between a structural column and the pool deck slab never met building code standards. Another points to improperly placed steel reinforcement, resulting in structural weakness. A third considers that subsequent additions around the pool area, including heavy planters and pavers, overloaded a structurally inadequate deck. The report also highlights recurring flooding in the building’s basement parking garage, causing corrosion of steel reinforcements and concrete deterioration, which likely contributed to the collapse. Through this thorough investigation, authorities aim to draw lessons that will safeguard future construction and save lives. <br /> <br />

6/28/2025, 4:35:00 AM

Alberto’s on Fifth, a well-known restaurant located on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples, has taken a proactive step to protect its business from future flooding after Hurricane Ian nearly devastated the establishment. Chef Alberto Varetto, who has been running his Northern Italian cuisine restaurant since 2012, partnered with Naples-based Xero Technologies to install an innovative flood protection system called XeroFlood. This technology features dual inflatable bladders that create a secure, hardware-free seal at the restaurant’s entrances when inflated. The barriers inflate rapidly within minutes using an electric pump and can withstand significant water pressure, wind, and debris, providing robust defense against flooding without the need for permanent fixtures. What makes the system particularly appealing is its discreet and reusable nature—it remains invisible until activated, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the historic downtown area. The lightweight design allows for quick deployment, which is crucial in a region prone to hurricanes and sudden flood events. By employing this cutting-edge technology, Alberto’s on Fifth not only aims to safeguard its own operations but also to raise awareness about the broader flooding challenges that affect businesses in Naples’ downtown district. This initiative reflects an evolving approach to flood resilience in coastal communities where climate change and extreme weather pose increasing risks. Innovative solutions like the inflatable flood barriers could serve as models for other businesses seeking practical and effective ways to mitigate flood damage without compromising their storefronts' appearance or daily function.<br /><br />With Hurricane Ian’s impact fresh in memory, Alberto’s forward-thinking investment highlights the importance of adapting to environmental challenges through technology and collaboration within the local business community.

6/28/2025, 4:33:00 AM

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II represent the most ambitious and powerful fifth-generation fighter jets ever developed, both playing pivotal roles in the future of air combat. These advanced aircraft embody the cutting edge of stealth technology, speed, and versatility, though they are designed with different primary missions in mind. The F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fighter primarily built for air superiority. It excels in speed, maneuverability, and stealth, making it one of the most formidable interceptors in the skies. Its top speed reaches Mach 2.25, significantly faster than the F-35’s maximum of Mach 1.6, and it can climb at an impressive rate of 62,000 feet per minute compared to the F-35’s 45,000 feet per minute. This superior speed and agility give the F-22 an edge in dogfighting and air dominance missions. Moreover, the F-22’s stealth features minimize its radar and infrared signatures, enabling it to operate undetected in hostile environments. However, F-22 technology is highly classified, and the aircraft is exclusively used by the U.S. Air Force, with no exports allowed due to security concerns. In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, multirole fighter designed for versatility. It performs a wide range of missions, including air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and air defense. While it lacks the raw speed and agility of the F-22, the F-35’s advanced sensors, networked communications, and larger weapon payload capacity make it invaluable in modern combat scenarios. The F-35 is operated by multiple allied nations worldwide, with more than a thousand units produced and in service, reflecting its role as a global cornerstone of air power. Together, these two aircraft complement each other— the F-22 dominating air-to-air combat with unmatched stealth and speed, and the F-35 providing flexible, multirole capabilities critical to future warfare. Their combined technological advancements ensure air forces maintain superiority in increasingly complex combat environments. <br /> <br /> The continued development and deployment of both the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II underscore their importance in modern military strategy. Their innovative designs set the standard for stealth fighters, balancing speed, maneuverability, sensor integration, and attack options to address evolving threats. While the F-22 remains the premier air dominance platform, the F-35’s adaptability ensures it will play a central role across diverse mission profiles, from close air support to nuclear deterrence. This synergy reflects a sophisticated approach to air combat, leveraging specialized strengths to secure control of the skies well into the future.

6/28/2025, 4:29:11 AM

At PowerCON 2025 held in Nashville, CEO and Co-Founder Joshua Miller, the original creator of Epique’s acclaimed technology, unveiled EpiqueAI 2.0, marking a significant advancement in their AI platform designed specifically for real estate professionals. Miller emphasized that the new version goes beyond mere automation and simple task handling, which he described as "yesterday’s news." Instead, EpiqueAI 2.0 aims to amplify the capabilities of agents by making them smarter, more creative, and more strategic. Rather than being just another chatbox, it functions as an on-demand business partner accessible at all times. Building on successful tools like AIPRO, Virtual Staging, and the Sound Smarter feature, EpiqueAI 2.0 introduces several innovative components. BrokerAI offers instant, expert-level responses to complex real estate questions, enhancing decision-making. The EpiqueAI Coaches provide personalized, real-time business coaching to help agents refine their skills and strategies. Additionally, ERIQ 2.0, the upgraded Epique Real Estate Intelligence Quotient, delivers enhanced market insights, predictive analytics, and AI-driven action plans to empower agents to dominate their markets. This bold leap forward not only represents an evolution in real estate technology but also positions EpiqueAI 2.0 as a strategic partner for agents, fundamentally transforming how they operate in today’s competitive landscape.<br /><br /> The announcement at PowerCON 2025 highlighted Epique’s commitment to empowering agents with cutting-edge AI tools that extend well beyond routine automation to deliver strategic, personalized support at every step of the real estate journey.

6/27/2025, 4:38:00 AM

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has introduced a new technology called Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) to streamline the arrival experience for international travelers. Instead of approaching a traditional customs desk, passengers can now use a screen roughly the size of a tablet that employs biometric facial comparison technology. This auto-capture system quickly verifies a passenger’s identity and citizenship status, making the process more secure and efficient. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), marking MSP as the 12th U.S. port of entry to adopt this advanced biometric technology. The new system is voluntary, and passengers who prefer the conventional method can still opt for standard processing. CBP officers remain on site to assist passengers as needed. Enhanced Passenger Processing aims to reduce wait times significantly, helping travelers navigate customs more quickly and improving their chances of catching connecting flights. The facial recognition technology also supports a safer, touchless arrival process, aligning with modern air travel’s emphasis on security and convenience. Officials highlight that EPP balances traveler convenience with robust identity verification, fulfilling enforcement mandates without sacrificing customer experience. Overall, MSP’s adoption of EPP represents a major step forward in airport security and passenger processing efficiency, enhancing both safety and traveler satisfaction for international arrivals. This upgrade complements other airport improvements and supports ongoing efforts to modernize air travel at MSP.

6/27/2025, 4:37:00 AM

Michael Posey, the EMA Director and chairman for the DeKalb County Communication Governance Committee, recently spoke with WAFF’s Kalee Kniess about the upcoming launch of the new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system slated for August. This system is set to revolutionize how emergency calls and incidents are logged and dispatched within DeKalb County. The CAD system will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of first responders by providing real-time data and improved communication capabilities. One key feature includes a dynamic map showing all first responder units in the field, enabling dispatchers to quickly identify and send the closest available resources to emergency scenes. This geographic visualization aids in faster response times and better coordination during critical incidents. Furthermore, the new CAD system integrates with other essential public safety software such as Records Management Systems (RMS), allowing seamless access to incident reports, warrant information, citations, and evidence management. This integration reduces paperwork and administrative burdens on officers and staff, allowing them to focus more on their primary duties in the field. The implementation of this advanced system is part of DeKalb County’s ongoing commitment to update and modernize its communication infrastructure. It leverages proven technology platforms designed specifically for public safety agencies, ensuring reliability and security in emergency communications. Overall, the new CAD system represents a significant technological advancement for DeKalb County’s emergency services, promising quicker dispatch, improved situational awareness, and enhanced operational efficiency — all crucial elements for protecting the community effectively. The launch in August is highly anticipated by the county’s first responders and administrative teams alike. <br /> <br /> This upgrade aligns with broader efforts seen in neighboring regions to adopt state-of-the-art dispatch and management systems that streamline public safety operations and response capabilities.

6/27/2025, 4:35:00 AM