Reported 10 months ago
Arabica coffee futures in New York experienced the largest jump since late May, with a premium for prompt supplies hitting a month-high ahead of the July futures expiration. Traders are covering short positions ahead of Thursday, the first notice day for futures holders to access physical delivery against the contract. Dry weather in Brazil and concerns about the next harvest in Vietnam are also impacting the market.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
LIVE JAPAN Video, June 20, 2024, 12:00 PM. From Asakusa Station, take a 30-minute ride to Shibamata, where you can indulge in traditional delicacies along the nostalgic streets! More details here: https://reurl.cc/ZezAba
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
As the government aims to encourage childbirth and address declining birth rates, the public childcare system faces challenges of supply-demand imbalance. With over 4,300 children waiting for daycare spots in Taipei City alone, the situation is dire with some daycares having 22 times more applicants than available spots. This leads to parents waiting anxiously and economic pressures for those unable to secure daycare. Both Taipei and Taichung are implementing solutions to address the overwhelming demand for public childcare, such as expanding facilities, offering temporary daycare services, and extending operating hours. The article highlights the struggles of parents navigating the overwhelmed public childcare system.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Wang Jiachun discusses the influence of Hu Ge's visit to Taiwan and the impact of Matsu temples in the political realm, highlighting China's cultural warfare tactics. China has been using various strategies such as involving Taiwanese idols in political statements, coercing them to obtain residence permits, sparking controversies like the 'Wu Tang' dance competition at Ningxia Night Market, and inviting Taiwanese influencers to travel and create content in China. The article stresses the need for Taiwan to understand and counteract these tactics in the face of China's ongoing cultural penetration.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense's developed 'Reconnaissance Tactical Wheel Vehicle' in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute faced issues with engine power deficiency during off-road climbing tests, leading to considerations of upgrading the engine horsepower from 205 to 250. The vehicle, priced over 15 million NTD each, is causing debate within the military on self-development versus foreign procurement, awaiting a final decision from Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-chou.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The over two-year-long Russia-Ukraine war has led Ukraine to struggle with a shortage of military equipment supplied by Western countries, forcing them to evade legal restrictions and purchase Russian-made ammunition and weapons through military intermediaries who exploit them by significantly raising prices. Ukraine's defense procurement agency director, Volodymyr Picuso, highlighted the complexities of obtaining Russian weapons from intermediaries and the challenges of navigating the market where prices are inflated, with some weapons being sold to Ukraine at over six times their original price. The article also discusses Ukraine's serious corruption issues and the frequent replacement of high-ranking officials, including in the defense sector, due to allegations of corruption and leaks, which further harm Ukraine's national image.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met in Tokyo, agreeing on intelligence sharing and enhancing cooperation in economic security to address threats from Russia, China, and North Korea. They emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, condemned North Korea's military aid to Russia, expressed concerns over the South China Sea situation due to China's actions, and highlighted the significance of maintaining peace in the region for international security and prosperity. Additionally, they pledged to collaborate for the success of the upcoming 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) in July in Tokyo, aiming to strengthen ties and cooperation in various fields with Pacific nations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Youth Daily reported on June 20, 2024, that the US Army announced plans to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) tool pilot program starting in July, aiming to enhance efficiency in procurement and contracting processes. The program will demonstrate to Army units how to use AI tools in procurement and logistics operations to improve contract writing and data analysis processes. By adopting large language models (LLM) in a secure cloud environment, the Army looks to reduce workload pressures on military personnel. This initiative reflects the US military's commitment to advancing AI technology and maintaining a leading position in defense technology.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
On June 20, 2024, Discovery Channel, in collaboration with Taiwan's first all-English international public media TaiwanPlus, launched a new 3-episode documentary series titled 'Taiwan Spirit,' highlighting Taiwan's unwavering 'sports spirit' to the world on the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The first two episodes feature the stories of table tennis players Lin Yun-ju, Chen Szu-yu, and taekwondo champion Lo Chia-ling, while the third episode delves into Taiwan's renowned 'bicycle kingdom' with a focus on the sustainable development model within the sports industry. The program aims to showcase the contributions of Taiwan's sports industry with inspiring stories of athletes and industry pioneers full of courage and determination, airing every Wednesday at 8 PM on Discovery Channel starting from June 26.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
On June 19, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, and Hungary signed an agreement to jointly purchase the Mistral 3 short-range air defense missile system from the European missile manufacturer MBDA as part of efforts to enhance collective security, defend sovereignty integrity, and improve the efficiency of European defense industries. The procurement deal, signed during the Eurosatory defense exhibition, aims to bolster air defense capabilities to address increasing security challenges in the European region, with an emphasis on the importance of defense cooperation and alliances in response to evolving international and European security situations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The latest episode of Art and Culture Association's 'Craftsman Spirit' series, 'Handmade Memories of Black Sugar,' was released yesterday, featuring the story of sugar artisans Zhang Xibin and Zhang Yueteng in Tainan's Guanshan Nanhu Reservoir, who continue the tradition of crafting handmade wood-fired black sugar. Through a 20-year journey of improvement and adjustment, they have successfully recreated the sweet black sugar of childhood memories. This family's dedication to friendly farming practices, traditional sugar making, and building a local brand encapsulates the spirit of Craftsman Soul and strengthens their emotional bonds.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
In an interview with the Youth Daily on June 20, 2024, the winner of Shude Vocational High School's national defense folding blanket contest, Lin Yunjia from the Performing Arts Department, shared her experience where even simple tasks like making the bed helped improve her focus and prepare for the day ahead. Inspired by a former US Navy Admiral's advice to start changing the world by tidying one's bed, Lin emphasized the importance of attention to detail and striving for perfection in every task. The contest's second-place winner, Lin Youhong, highlighted the responsibility of maintaining a clean and orderly living environment in group dormitories, while the third-place winner, Chen Ruozhi from the Beauty Department, expressed gratitude for the military's mentorship in folding techniques, reflecting the spirit and attitude of national defense. The contest recognized the top three winners and three honorable mentions with prizes and vouchers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The Legislative Yuan will vote on the Executive Yuan's motion to review the amendment proposed regarding the Parliament's powers. Prime Minister Tsai Jontai mentioned that if the review doesn't proceed smoothly, the Executive Yuan may seek other constitutional remedies. The outcome of the review will determine the next steps, potentially involving seeking a constitutional interpretation through the Constitutional Court. Discussions have included the President's periodic attendance at Parliament for national reports and responses, defining contempt of Parliament, and discrepancies between the reasons presented in official documents and verbal reports. The government aims for clarity and adherence to democratic processes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
According to the latest data released by the 'Human Rights Assessment Advocacy Organization,' China ranks at the bottom in various human rights standards, with some scores only higher than Saudi Arabia. The human rights situation in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate, almost on par with mainland China. The overall assessment for China in terms of 'protection from state-level threats' ranked lowest for two consecutive years, with a score of only 2.6 out of 10. Hong Kong's human rights score also decreased from the previous year, with a notable decline in the 'protection from state-level threats' category. Both mainland China and Hong Kong scored similarly in the freedom of assembly and association under civil rights, slightly edging out Saudi Arabia.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The Taiwan International Medical and Healthcare Exhibition (Medical Taiwan) showcased a new era of the healthcare industry in Taipei, featuring themes such as elderly care, smart healthcare, and medical material pathways. With the participation of 280 companies from 10 countries, the event highlighted innovative AI solutions for elderly care, health monitoring, and intelligent diagnosis. Exhibitors presented cutting-edge technologies like AI eye disease diagnosis, non-invasive fiber-optic monitoring, and robotic surgical assistance, transforming the landscape of the medical sector.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the International Emergency Medicine Conference, emphasizing the new government's goal of creating a 'Healthy Taiwan' by strengthening Taiwan's healthcare capabilities to benefit not only its citizens but the world. He stressed the importance of global participation in disease prevention, urging support for Taiwan's involvement in the World Health Organization. The conference focused on localizing emergency medicine to bridge global development gaps, aiming to share Taiwan's experiences and promote advancement in global emergency medicine. President Lai reiterated Taiwan's commitment to contributing to the global public health system and highlighted the necessity of universal participation in disease prevention efforts.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
台電公司表示，即使核三1號機除役，但有其他機組加入供電，確保全年供電穩定。經濟部要求台電逐月盤點供電情況，並指出即使進入冬季空污季，也有新機組上線以確保供電不受影響。台電強調供電能力大於需求，呼籲民眾不要誤解電力供應情況。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
The Ministry of Environment established the 'Green Strategy Office' through task organization to integrate policies and operations related to climate change and net zero transition, across ministries to promote net zero and green growth actions, in order to enhance government's climate governance capacity. This initiative, led by Minister Peng Chi-ming, aims to facilitate inter-ministerial cooperation and promote the implementation of strategies in combating climate change. The office will also focus on strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors, encouraging low-carbon transitions in various industries, and actively seeking innovative policy tools to accelerate carbon reduction efforts.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Reported on June 20, 2024, by journalist Sun Jianping of the Youth Daily News in Kaohsiung, Shute Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School organized the 'National Defense Cotton Folding Contest' to promote students' independent living skills, discipline, and responsibility. The competition included 12 students who had to fold the cotton quilt and tidy up within the time limit of 5 minutes. The event, which began with a live military wake-up call, aimed to combine education with fun, creating a competitive atmosphere full of ceremony and excitement.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Following Israel's approval for an attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon, the leader of Hezbollah, Nasrallah, claims the organization has weapons and intelligence to target Israel's territory, escalating tensions and prompting international concerns of the conflict potentially spreading across the entire Middle East region. With recent increased aggression from both sides and casualties reported, efforts from the US and other Western countries are underway to ease the situation through diplomacy, yet Hezbollah vows to continue attacks unless there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The conflict at the Israel-Lebanon border remains volatile.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
On June 20, 2024, the Ching Yeung Daily reported that the South Korean Ministry of National Defense announced Romania's decision to invest $920 million (about NT $29.8 billion) in purchasing K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. This purchase, the largest military procurement project in Romania over the past 7 years, aims to enhance cooperation between South Korea and Romania and strengthen Romania's deterrence capability against regional threats. The agreement was reached during the visit of South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-shik to Romania, where he met with Romanian Defense Minister Tilsa; under the contract, Romania will acquire 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. Both ministers emphasized the need for international cooperation due to the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea posing a significant threat to European and Indo-Pacific regional security. They also agreed to further strengthen military, intelligence, and defense industry cooperation between South Korea and Romania. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense also highlighted that following Poland, Romania's decision to purchase the K9 self-propelled howitzers known as Hanwha Group's product will further expand South Korean defense industry enterprises in the European market. Minister Shin is scheduled to visit Poland next to discuss defense and military industry cooperation matters. Romania follows in Poland's footsteps in acquiring the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers, as depicted in the image of the Polish K9. (Image credits: Dazhi Images/Reuters)
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
On June 20, 2024, KNDS, a German-French joint venture, showcased an upgraded version of the 'Caesar Mk2' self-propelled howitzer at the Eurosatory defense exhibition. The improvements in the new version are based on global conflict and combat experience, enhancing its performance to better tackle challenges on the battlefield. With a new engine, reinforced protection in the driver's cabin, and integration of the French 'Scorpion Combat Information System (SICS)', the 'Caesar Mk2' maintains its 155mm howitzer while improving its mobility, communication capabilities, and ammunition to rapidly deploy artillery firepower. This upgrade also includes a new engine with twice the power of the Mk1, allowing quick movement between tactical positions and sharing enemy intelligence with friendly forces to counter enemy artillery or high-value targets effectively. KNDS has expanded their production capacity and developed new self-propelled artillery systems to aid countries in building next-generation artillery capabilities to address future challenges, showcasing the 'Caesar Mk2' as a response to battlefield challenges.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
In the age of prevalent information on the internet, the speed and reach of information dissemination are unprecedented, posing various risks and challenges. Malicious actors spread controversial information in the 'gray zone,' causing serious harm to social order and national interests. Gray-zone disinformation refers to messages that blur the line between truth and falsehood, often distorting facts. It spreads rapidly through various media channels and can incite social unrest and irrational reactions. Developing a resilient internet security culture by enhancing public media literacy and ethics is crucial to combat such threats, with a focus on educating students to critically verify information, monitoring and countering false information, and promoting legislation to regulate the online environment.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
On June 19, 2024, the Canadian government announced the designation of Iran's 'Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, urging Canadian citizens in Iran to leave the country. This move is expected to enhance Canada's efforts in combating the IRGC and deter Iran's influence. Canada's Minister of Public Safety, LeBlanc, highlighted the importance of this listing in the fight against global terrorism, leading to the prohibition of entry for thousands of Iranian government officials and IRGC members into Canada. Providing financial or material support to groups on the terrorist list could result in prosecution and freezing of assets by Canadian authorities. LeBlanc also criticized Iran's human rights abuses and attempts to disrupt international order. Canada's Foreign Minister, Zhao, advised citizens against traveling to Iran and to return promptly, warning of increased risks of 'arbitrary detention'. The U.S. had previously listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2019. Canada's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group strengthens its sanctions capabilities.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 10 months ago
Mortgage rates in the US have dropped for the third consecutive week, reaching a two-month low of 6.87%. The average for a 30-year fixed loan decreased from 6.95% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. Despite the decrease in rates, many potential homebuyers are still hesitant, and sellers are reluctant to list their properties due to the fear of losing their low-rate mortgages from the pandemic era. Experts are anticipating rate cuts to stimulate the housing market, with Fed policymakers projecting only one rate cut this year.
Source: YAHOO