China is accused of hacking US government emails, according to Microsoft

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<strong>China is accused of hacking US government emails, according to Microsoft</strong>

Microsoft has revealed that a group of hackers based in China has successfully breached the email accounts of approximately 25 organizations, including government agencies. Although Microsoft has not disclosed the specific locations of the affected government agencies, the US Department of Commerce confirmed that it was notified about the attack. According to reports, the breach affected a number of people, including ‘Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

According to Microsoft, the hacking group, known as Storm-0558, gained access to the email accounts by forging digital authentication tokens used for verifying identities within the Office 365 system. The organization primarily targets “Western European” government entities and focuses on spying, data theft, and credential access. Although Microsoft asserts that the attack was reduced and that it had already alerted the impacted users, the breaches are reported to have started in May. The company stated that it has implemented enhanced automated detection mechanisms to identify known indicators of compromise associated with this particular attack.

In addition to the government agencies, the State Department in the United States is reported to have been targeted by hackers. However, the department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the media. The Chinese embassy in London dismissed the accusations as “disinformation,” alleging that the US government is the “world’s biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief.”

This incident follows a previous cyber espionage campaign in which Chinese hackers deployed stealthy malware to attack critical infrastructure on American military bases in Guam. The targeted military outpost and its ports and air bases are strategically important in the event of a conflict in Asia. Beijing criticised the Microsoft research, calling it “highly unethical” and disinformation. Disregarding the available information and context, China has constantly rejected any involvement in hacking activities.

Microsoft has taken measures to address the breach and improve its detection capabilities. The incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges posed by state-sponsored hacking groups and the need for organizations to remain vigilant in protecting their systems and data.

The PM of Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took control in a 2014 coup, resigns after an election loss.

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<strong>The PM of Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who took control in a 2014 coup, resigns after an election loss.</strong>

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came to power in a military coup in 2014 and served for almost nine years, announced on July 11 that he is retiring from politics. This decision comes after the political party he represented as a Prime Minister candidate in this year’s general election secured only 36 seats, finishing fifth in the May polls.

Prayuth, a former army commander, made the announcement on the Facebook page of the United Thai Nation Party, also known as Ruam Thai Sang Chart, which had nominated him for the role of Prime Minister.

The selection of a new Prime Minister is scheduled to take place in Parliament on Thursday. The nominee from the leading progressive Move Forward Party, which has formed a majority coalition with eight parties holding 312 seats in the House of Representatives, needs to secure a majority vote of at least 376 from the combined votes of the House and the non-elected Senate, which consists of 250 members. However, due to differences with the conservative Senate, it remains uncertain whether the party’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, will be approved.

Prayuth previously held the position of Prime Minister in the unelected military government following the 2014 coup. After the 2019 election, he was returned to office as a candidate of the army-backed “Palang Pracharath Party.” Notably, Prime Ministers in Thailand do not need to be Members of Parliament, and Prayuth did not participate in the 2019 or this year’s elections.

If Prayuth had continued in office this year, he would have been limited by constitutional term limits to serving only two more years. He is already one of Thailand’s longest-serving Prime Ministers. Although he did not provide a specific reason for leaving politics, Prayuth highlighted his accomplishments during his time in office and expressed his commitment to protecting the nation, religion, monarchy, and the best interests of the people.

Vermont was hit by flash floods; 50 people were saved by swift boat rescues.

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<strong>Vermont was hit by flash floods; 50 people were saved by swift boat rescues.</strong>

Torrential rainfall in the northeastern United States caused flash floods, leading to road washouts, river overflows, and numerous swift boat rescues. The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for over 13 million Americans across a wide area spanning from eastern New York to Boston and western Maine. AccuWeather estimated that the damages and economic losses from the floods could range from $3 billion to $5 billion.

The heavy rains resulted in the cancellation and delay of more than 1,000 flights, and Amtrak suspended passenger train service between Albany and New York City due to track damage caused by flooding. New York and Vermont were particularly hard-hit, with further rainfall predicted to pose additional flood hazards overnight.

In Vermont, the flooding has been described as the worst since Hurricane Irene struck the state as a tropical storm in 2011. Governor Phil Scott declared it an urgent situation, with some areas already receiving 7 to 8 inches of rainfall. Social media videos showed streets resembling raging rivers, and nearly 50 isolated individuals were rescued by swift boat teams, according to Mark Bosma, spokesperson for Vermont Emergency Management. Officials expected rivers to continue rising throughout the night, urging residents to stay vigilant and seek higher ground promptly.

In New York, the rainfall reached over 8 inches, leading to a tragic loss of life. A woman attempting to evacuate her home with her dog was swept away by floodwaters, as witnessed by her fiancé. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and shared videos and photos on social media that depicted washed-out roads and houses surrounded by raging floodwaters.

The situation remains critical in the affected areas, with ongoing concerns about rising water levels and the potential for further damage. Residents are urged to closely monitor weather updates and prioritise their safety by evacuating to safer locations when necessary. The extensive flooding and associated disruptions demonstrate the destructive power of severe weather events and the importance of preparedness and timely response to mitigate their impact.

A US senator urges an investigation into an energy drink endorsed by KSI and Logan Paul.

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<strong>A US senator urges an investigation into an energy drink endorsed by KSI and Logan Paul.</strong>

“US Senate Majority Leader” Chuck Schumer has urged regulators to investigate an energy drink endorsed by popular YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, claiming that the drink is being marketed towards children despite its high caffeine content. Schumer alleges that Prime Energy, which contains 200mg of caffeine per can (double the amount found in Red Bull), is being packaged and marketed in a manner similar to a caffeine-free drink from the same brand. As a result, some parents have unknowingly purchased the caffeinated version for their children.

Schumer called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate Prime Energy for its excessive caffeine content and its targeting of children on social media. He highlighted the need to ensure the safety of young consumers who may be attracted to the product due to the influence of KSI and Logan Paul, who collectively have around 48 million YouTube followers.

The “Prime Hydration Drink,” a caffeine-free version, was launched by Logan Paul and KSI in 2022 and gained significant popularity online. However, the caffeinated Prime Energy drink was introduced in January of this year. It is marketed as sugar-free and vegan, and each can carries a warning that it is not recommended for children under 18, caffeine-sensitive individuals, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women.

Some schools worldwide have raised concerns about Prime drinks or even implemented bans. Milton Primary School in Newport, Wales, issued a warning to parents about distinguishing between the caffeinated and non-caffeinated versions after a student fell ill outside of school hours. Similarly, Maryborough State High School in Queensland, Australia, enacted a ban on energy drinks.

Schumer’s call for an investigation reflects the growing concerns over the marketing and consumption of high-caffeine beverages among young individuals. The focus on regulating the industry and ensuring appropriate warnings and age restrictions aims to protect children and promote their well-being.

Pakistan desires India’s faithful implementation of the “Indus Waters Treaty.”

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Pakistan has expressed hope that India will fulfil its obligations under the “Indus Waters Treaty” in good faith. This statement follows India’s announcement on July 6 that it cannot be compelled to engage in what it deems illegal proceedings at the “Permanent Court of Arbitration” regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Kashmir. “The Permanent Court of Arbitration” recently ruled that it has the authority to consider the dispute between India and Pakistan.

India has consistently maintained that it will not participate in Pakistan-initiated proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration because the dispute is already being examined by a neutral expert under the framework of the “Indus Waters Treaty.” In January, India issued a notice to Pakistan requesting a review and modification of the treaty due to Islamabad’s refusal to comply with the pact’s dispute resolution mechanism.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs matters pertaining to cross-border rivers. Pakistan’s Foreign Office in Islamabad has welcomed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s affirmation of its competence and expressed its commitment to the treaty’s implementation, including its dispute settlement mechanism.

India argues that the initiation of two parallel processes to resolve the dispute contradicts the three-step graded mechanism outlined in the treaty. According to India’s spokesperson, Mr. Bagchi, the establishment of the so-called Court of Arbitration violates the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. However, India has been participating in neutral expert proceedings that adhere to the treaty’s guidelines. The last meeting of the neutral expert took place in The Hague in February, and the next meeting is scheduled for September. The “World Bank” is also a signatory to the Indus Waters Treaty.

In summary, Pakistan hopes that India will adhere to the “Indus Waters Treaty” in good faith, while India maintains its position that the ongoing neutral expert proceedings should be the sole means of resolving the dispute, considering the perceived shortcomings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s constitution.

Zelensky accuses the West: ‘I desired an earlier counteroffensive in Ukraine.’

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According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the counteroffensive against Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been delayed due to slow weapons deliveries from the West. Zelensky revealed in an interview with CNN in Odesa that he had intended to initiate the counteroffensive “much earlier” but encountered difficulties on the battlefield, particularly heavy mining in the occupied areas. He expressed concerns that a delayed counteroffensive would lead to a larger portion of Ukrainian territory being mined, resulting in greater casualties.

Zelensky emphasised that he had informed leaders in the United States and Europe about the potential consequences of inadequate supplies. While expressing gratitude for their support, he had urged them to expedite the provision of weapons and materials for the counteroffensive. He stressed that starting later would slow down the progress and increase the loss of lives due to the extensive mining in the region.

Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny, echoed similar frustrations in a recent interview with The Washington Post. He expressed annoyance at the slow deliveries of weapons from Western allies and highlighted the importance of F-16 fighters that had been promised but not yet received. Zaluzhny stated that acquiring the F-16s was not solely about gaining an advantage over the Russian forces but rather about achieving a sense of equality.

Additionally, Zaluzhny viewed the F-16s as a form of “humanitarian” support that would enable Ukraine to maintain an open shipping corridor if Russia decided to cease the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This initiative plays a significant role in Ukraine’s economy, and the F-16s could help safeguard it.

Overall, the delayed counteroffensive and slow weapons deliveries have allowed Russia to strengthen its defensive positions in the occupied areas of Ukraine. Zelensky and Zaluzhny both expressed their frustrations with the situation, emphasising the urgent need for support from Western allies to effectively confront the Russian aggression.

Vietnam prohibits the Barbie film for featuring a disputed “South China Sea map.”

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<strong>Vietnam prohibits the Barbie film for featuring a disputed “South China Sea map.”</strong>

Vietnam has prohibited the release of an upcoming Barbie movie due to a scene that includes a map showcasing disputed Chinese territorial assertions in the “South China Sea.” Alongside several other nations, Vietnam contests China’s assertion of ownership over nearly the entire “South China Sea.” The film, centred around the renowned doll, has already gained significant attention on social media and is scheduled to premiere in theatres on July 21.

The specific scene depicting the controversial image of China’s “nine-dash line,” which is utilised in Chinese maps to represent territorial claims in the “South China Sea,” remains unclear. China has been constructing military installations on artificial islands within the region for several years and frequently conducts naval patrols to reinforce its territorial claims. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled against China’s claims in the “South China Sea,” but China disregarded the judgement.

Warner Bros, the film studio behind Barbie, is not the only production to face a ban in Vietnam for featuring the nine-dash line. In 2019, the DreamWorks animated film Abominable was also pulled for the same reason, and three years later, the Sony action movie Uncharted faced a similar fate. The Department of Cinema, a governmental organisation responsible for licencing and censoring foreign films, was responsible for enforcing the ban.

Vietnamese authorities have previously taken action against films with content deemed sensitive or politically contentious. In a similar vein, the Australian spy drama Pine Gap was removed from the Vietnamese market by Netflix two years ago after authorities lodged a complaint.

The “South China Sea” is a hotbed of territorial disputes, with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei all asserting competing claims. These disputes revolve around issues such as fishing rights, control of strategically important islands, and access to natural resources. The tensions in the region have significant geopolitical implications and have led to an increased military presence and diplomatic maneuvering by the countries involved.

The UK’s record-breaking June heatwave led to fish deaths and insect endangerment.

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<strong>The UK’s record-breaking June heatwave led to fish deaths and insect endangerment</strong>.

Environment groups have issued warnings about the devastating impact of the UK’s hottest June on record, which resulted in fish deaths in rivers and disruptions to insects and plants. The “Wildlife Trusts” expressed concern that nature is being severely affected by extreme weather events without sufficient time for recovery. The Met Office is expected to address the potential link between high temperatures and climate change. Water usage also increased significantly, with demand surging by 25% during peak times in some regions, according to Water UK.

Reports indicated that the lack of oxygen in the water due to decreased river levels contributed to fish deaths, with pollutants from cars and trucks exacerbating the situation during flash storms. The Environment Agency received more reports of dead fish compared to the same period last year. The heatwave also caused wilting among various flowering plants, including orchids, leading to reduced food sources for insects such as bees and butterflies that rely on nectar and pollen. Short-lived species, like butterflies, were particularly impacted, affecting population growth.

These effects are surprising given the wet and cold spring experienced this year and are occurring earlier than in the previous year. The UK’s environment and water supplies are under increasing pressure due to more frequent and intense periods of warm weather.

As temperatures rise, household water consumption also rises. Water companies supplied 1.2 billion more litres of water in July and August compared to the same months in 2021. Some regions, including Devon, Cornwall, and parts of the southeast, have implemented hosepipe bans.

Water experts note that rivers and reservoirs, which provide drinking water, are currently in better condition compared to the same time last year. However, prolonged dry weather can deplete water supplies rapidly, necessitating continued water conservation efforts by homes and businesses to mitigate potential future drought conditions.

Simple actions like providing a bowl of water for hedgehogs, bees, and butterflies in gardens and allowing grass to grow taller can help provide vital resources and habitats in hotter weather.

Child and teen diabetes surge due to the COVID pandemic

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<strong>Child and teen diabetes surge due to the COVID pandemic</strong>

Researchers have observed an unusual increase in the number of children and teenagers worldwide being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in the JAMA Network Open Journal. The study compiled data from various countries, including the UK, encompassing over 38,000 young individuals diagnosed during the pandemic. The authors of the study characterise the surge in diabetes cases as “significant.”

While some of the rise in cases can be attributed to catch-up diagnoses resulting from backlogs and healthcare service disruptions during the pandemic, scientists assert that this does not explain all of the newly diagnosed cases. Prior to the pandemic, the incidence rate of childhood type 1 diabetes was already increasing at an annual rate of approximately 3%.

Key findings from the study include:

• A 14% increase in the rate of type 1 diabetes during the first year of the pandemic compared to pre-COVID levels

• A roughly 27% increase in the rate during the second year of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels

Researchers from the University of Toronto emphasise the need for further investigation into the causes behind this rise. They suggest that the growing number of children and adolescents affected by type 1 diabetes may require additional resources and support, regardless of the underlying reasons.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which individuals must closely monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin since their bodies cannot regulate it automatically. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although it can affect both children and adults, the exact causes of type 1 diabetes remain unclear, and there is currently no cure.

Experts propose several theories to explain the surge in type 1 diabetes cases. One hypothesis is that COVID-19 may trigger a reaction in some children that increases the risk of developing diabetes. However, not all studies investigating this autoimmune reaction, where the body attacks its own healthy cells, have found evidence supporting this theory.

Another hypothesis suggests that exposure to certain germs during childhood may provide protection against various conditions, including diabetes. Some scientists speculate that lockdowns and physical distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have limited children’s exposure to germs, potentially depriving them of this additional protective effect.

Google will remove Canadian local news links due to the “Online News Act”

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<strong>Google will remove Canadian local news links due to the “Online News Act”</strong>

Google has announced that it will block Canadian news within the country in response to a newly passed law that aims to require tech giants to pay Canadian media for news content. The Online News Act, recently approved by Canada’s parliament, mandates platforms such as Google and Meta’s Facebook to engage in negotiations with news providers. This move by Google follows Meta’s decision to restrict news content for Canadian users.

The bill is scheduled to become effective in six months. This legislation bears similarities to a law enacted in Australia two years ago. However, Australian lawmakers made modifications to the law after Meta briefly blocked users from sharing or viewing news on its platforms in the country. The blackout was lifted once the amendments were made, and both Google and Meta subsequently entered into over 30 agreements with Australian media companies.

Google had previously criticised the Canadian law as “unworkable” in its current form and proposed amendments. Discussions between Google, Meta, and the Canadian government regarding the legislation have taken place.

Despite Google’s objections, the Canadian government argues that the law will ensure fair compensation for struggling news outlets and enhance fairness in the digital news market.

The move by Google has raised concerns for media associations and outlets that initially supported the bill, as a significant portion of web traffic to Canadian news sources is generated by Google.

For example, at the Globe and Mail, Google accounts for 30% of the traffic, while Le Devoir, a prominent French-language publication, relies on Google for 40% of its traffic and 30% from social media.

Google has not specified the duration of the ban on local news links or whether Canadian users will be shown links to stories about Canada from publishers outside the country. Google Canada’s policy team expressed their scepticism that the regulatory process will effectively address the structural issues with the legislation.

However, the company intends to participate in the regulatory process and promises transparency with Canadians and publishers as they move forward.

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