Shares slide after China brands online games 'electronic drugs'
Shares in two of China's biggest online gaming firms have slipped after a state media outlet called them "electronic drugs".
Tencent and NetEase shares fell more than 10% in early Hong Kong trade before regaining some of those losses.
Investors are increasingly concerned about Beijing cracking down on firms.
In recent months authorities have announced a series of measures to tighten their grip on technology and private education companies.
An article published by the state-run Economic Information Daily said many teenagers had become addicted to online gaming and it was having a negative impact on them. The news outlet is affiliated with the official Xinhua news agency.
The article cited Tencent's hugely popular game Honor of Kings, saying students were playing it for up to eight hours a day, and asked for more curbs on the industry.
"No industry, no sport, can be allowed to develop in a way that will destroy a generation," it said before going on to liken online games to "spiritual opium".
Tencent has now said it would introduce new measures to reduce children's access to and time spent on its Honor of Kings game. The company also said it plans to eventually roll out the policy to all of its games.`
The recovery in share prices came as Economic Information Daily deleted the article from its account on the Wechat social media platform.
Tencent also saw its shares fall last week after being ordered to end exclusive music licensing deals with record labels around the world.
The move was aimed at tackling the technology giant's dominance of online music streaming in the country - it currently controls more than 80% of China's exclusive music streaming rights after an acquisition in 2016.
Tencent is only one of a number of Chinese companies listed in the US, Hong Kong and mainland China to see shares fall sharply this year as Beijing clamps down on the country's technology and education industries.
Last week saw shares in Chinese online tutoring firms slump after they were stripped of the ability to make a profit from teaching core subjects in China.
The new guidelines also restricted foreign investment in the industry.
The major shift in policy came as authorities try to ease the financial pressures of raising children.
Officials have been worried after China's latest census showed that the birth rate had fallen to the lowest in seven decades.
It is one of the biggest ever overhauls of the country's $120bn (£87bn) private tutoring sector.
Source-BBC
Twitter works with news sites to tackle disinformation
Twitter will collaborate with two of the largest international news providers, Reuters and the Associated Press, to debunk disinformation on its messaging site.
The news agencies will help Twitter give more context and background information on events which create a high volume of tweets.
Twitter hopes this will counteract the spread of misleading information.
There has been renewed pressure to remove false content from the platform.
Twitter said the partnership will enable it to ensure accurate and credible information is rapidly available "when facts are in dispute".
"Rather than waiting until something goes viral, Twitter will contextualize developing discourse at pace with or in anticipation of the public conversation," Twitter said.
Currently, when large or rapidly growing conversations happen on Twitter that may be noteworthy or controversial, Twitter's Curation team finds and promotes relevant context from reliable sources in order to counter potentially misleading information posted by users.
In a blogpost, Twitter said the new programme would "increase the scale and speed" of this work by increasing their "capacity to add reliable context to conversations happening on Twitter".
The post said material from Reuters and AP would improve information credibility on the platform when Twitter's Curation team "doesn't have the specific expertise or access to a high enough volume of reputable reporting on Twitter".
It is the first time Twitter has formally collaborated with news organisations to promote accurate information on its site, according to a spokesperson from the social media firm.
Earlier this year, Twitter launched Birdwatch, a new community-moderation system which enabled volunteers to label tweets they found to be inaccurate.
Twitter will work separately with the two rival news agencies, and will focus initially on English-language content.
Source-BBC
More wildfires possible in the West as fire conditions worsen
Fire conditions in the West are worsening this week, increasing the possibility of more blazes.
Currently, 90 large wildfires are burning in 12 states in the West -- at least 35 of which ignited over the weekend due to lightning strikes.
Another heat wave is blanketing the region as moisture from the monsoons in the Southwest move away, leaving behind a dry atmosphere and tinderbox conditions. Heat advisories and excessive heat watches have been issued from Oregon to Arizona, with temperatures expected to surpass 100 degrees again.
The McFarland Fire in Wildwood, California, has prompted evacuations in the area after it grew to more than 2,100 acres and remains just 5 percent contained.
The Dixie Fire near the Feather River Canyon in Northern California, the largest in the state so far this year, is now at 248,000 acres. Firefighters were able to halt the blaze's progression, which is now 33 percent contained, but some evacuation orders remain in place.
Firefighters in Oregon have made progress against the Bootleg Fire, the largest in the country, with 84 percent containment after it grew to nearly 414,000 acres, the third-largest wildfire in state history.
Above-normal significant fire potential is expected to continue in the Northwest, northern Rockies and northern portions of the Great Basin, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center's National Fire Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook for August through November.
Source-ABC
Busta Rhymes, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J and more attend Biz Markie memorial service
Trailblazing hip hop legend Biz Markie was laid to rest Monday. Following the service, the "Just A Friend" rapper's family, famous friends and fans gathered to celebrate his life.
Page Six reports that among those paying their respects at the memorial were Busta Rhymes, Montell Jordan, LL Cool J and many others.
Rapper Busy Bee spoke to the outlet when attending the service in honor of the Harlem-native, which was held at the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts.
"Biz was an icon," he expressed. "He is what we call hip-hop."
"Remember, Biz didn’t get killed, he didn’t die in some tragedy. He died in peace," Busy continued.
His widow, Tara Hall, was also in attendance following the memorial and revealed to the crowd some of her fondest memories of her late husband.
"The thing I’m going to miss the most about him was every time he would see me, his face would just light up with that Chiclet, toothy smile," she recalled. "Seeing him smile made me smile... He made me laugh every day. That is not hyperbole. That is a fact."
His widow previously revealed to TMZ that former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama wrote her a letter to express their condolences.
Also paying respects to the late rapper were Ice-T, Fat Joe, Teddy Ted, Dapper Dan, DJ Cool V and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who praised the artist for his "authenticity" and never forgetting who he was when he hit the big time.
"Some artists started Black and then went mainstream," said Sharpton. "Biz was one of the artists that made mainstream come Black."
Biz, born Marcel Theo Hall, died July 16 at age 57 after a lengthy battle with Type 2 Diabetes.
Sources-ABC
Mystery surrounds death of former top Haitian prosecutor
Mystery surrounds the death of Claudey Gassant, the former commissioner of the Government of Port-au-Prince, whose body was found at his residence in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on Saturday.
Gassant, who is best known for his role as the investigative judge tasked with finding out who murdered journalist Jean Léopold Dominique and a security guard on April 3, 2000, was due in the United States to attend a conference on Haiti's widening insecurity over the last weekend.
He had been living in the neighbouring Dominican Republic with his family and the death is now being treated as “suspicious”, with some media outlets reporting that he may have committed suicide.
The national investigation department officials have visited the house to determine the axact cause of the death.
Gassant was secretary of state for justice under the Préval Government, consul of Haiti in Santiago, and former director general of the Anti-Corruption Unit (2019-2020).
“I am devastated by the news of the death of my friend Claudy Gassant in the Dominican Republic. Honest, courageous and competent, he has always proven himself in all the positions he has occupied. An independent investigation is called for,” said Frantz Exantus, the secretary of state for communication.
Former prime minister, Laurent Lamothe said he was saddened at the death of his friend, adding “Gassant… is no longer with us. Peace to his soul. Goodbye, Claudy.”
Haiti's Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Smith Augustin confirmed the death, adding “we've lost, in a dramatic way, one of our most savvy experts on penal procedures.
“I will miss the friendship and the intelligent conversations I regularly had with him on how we could be useful to Haiti besides involvement in politics.”
Source-CMC
USA stun Mexico in extra time to win Gold Cup final
The United States claimed their seventh Concacaf Gold Cup title on Sunday night with a thrilling 1-0 extra time win over defending champions Mexico in Las Vegas.
Miles Robinson headed in the winner, soaring over Mexican defender Edison Alvarez deep into extra time and bouncing it past goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera to set off a wild celebration at Allegiant Stadium.
“I am happy we got the win,” said Robinson. “Just awesome, crazy emotions. I knew if I could get open and get a half step then I could finish it.”
Matt Turner was also superb in goal for the upstart Americans, who finished undefeated in the biennial North American showcase tournament.
This was the American team's first Gold Cup title since 2017, and avenged their defeat to Mexico in the 2019 final.
The USA has now defeated Mexico in back-to-back tournaments for the first time. They also beat Mexico in extra time in the Concacaf Nations League final in early June.
The game was played in Las Vegas but it might as well have been Mexico City, with the flag-waving, sold-out crowd of over 60,000 a sea of Mexican supporters in green and red.
It was a familiar scene for the American team, used to being treated like a visiting team on home soil whenever they play Mexico.
Seeking their ninth Gold Cup win, Mexico controlled the first half but the USA fought back after the break, carrying their momentum into extra time.
Robinson scored the winner in the 118th minute after teammate Kellyn Acosta sent a deep free kick into the 18-yard box.
The USA made the final due to to Turner's heroics, despite fielding one of their youngest line-ups ever in a Gold Cup.
Both Turner and Talavera made huge saves Sunday to keep it scoreless through regulation.
Turner, who plays for the New England Revolution of the MLS, started every game and posted five shutouts.
He is hoping his performance in the Gold Cup will earn him a spot on the national team for World Cup qualifying.
Mexico came out flying to start the second half and had a trio of chances in the first seven minutes, but they were unable to find the target.
That's when the US started to create some quality chances that were missing in the first half for them.
Source-AFP
Delta Variant: COVID-19 B.1.617.2 identified in Turks and Caicos Islands
On July 30 2021, the Ministry of Health received the results of genomic sequencing which was conducted through the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on samples from the TCI.
These samples were shipped by the National Public Health Laboratory in the TCI from positive samples identified through local PCR testing. Sequencing was undertaken in order to identify if recent cases were caused by any of the variants identified internationally. Previously, the gamma and alpha COVID-19 Variants were confirmed in the TCI.
An additional 8 (eight) samples were sent for analysis from which 4 (four) cases of the Delta B.1.617.2 variant were identified. This represents 50% of samples sent in this last batch testing positive for the Variant of Concern (VOC). All of the individuals completed quarantine and have recovered.
The Delta variant was first detected in India, October 2020. As of May 11 2021, The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it to be a VOC. Presently there are a total of 4 (four) VOC’s that have been classified as such by the WHO: Alpha (UK), Beta (South Africa), Gamma (Brazil) and Delta (India). VOC’s exhibit mutations that enable the virus to be more transmissible (easier to spread), more virulent (causes more severe disease-hospitalizations and death), and may negatively affect the efficacy of vaccines.
The evidence of additional COVID-19 variants being detected locally highlights the need for all TCI residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and one another through the use of face coverings, frequent hand-washing, physical distancing and getting vaccinated.
The public is reminded to;
1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
3. Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet between persons
4. Wear face coverings in public settings (covering nose and mouth)
5. Avoid mass gatherings or crowds
6. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
7. Comply with public health measures
8. Stay home where possible, especially if you are a member of the vulnerable group
9. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911
10. Do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19, call the Health Hotlines for guidance unless your symptoms are severe
11. If you are under quarantine by the Public Health Team, please remain at home and comply with the guidance provided to you.
12. If you are contacted by the Public Health Team as a part of contact tracing activities, please provide all of the information requested to assist them in their investigations
13. Get tested-visit your community testing sites for free testing offered by the Ministry of Health
14. Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/ or other credible sources
15. Register online to get the COVID-19 vaccine which is available to all TCI residents 12 years old and above.
Tesla profit surge driven by record car deliveries
Tesla has reported surging profits, despite shortages of semiconductor chips and congestion at ports hampering production.
Sales rose to $12bn (£8.6bn) in the three months to the end of June, up from $6bn a year ago, when its US factory was shut down.
The electric carmaker said it delivered a record 200,000 cars to customers in the same period.
It added that public support for greener cars was greater than ever.
The company, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, reported on Monday that profits soared off the back of strong sales.
Profits for the second three months of the year were $1.1bn, up from $104m last year, bolstered by sales of its cheaper Model 3 sedan and Model Y.
In an update to investors on Monday, Tesla said: "Public sentiment and support for electric vehicles seems to be at a never-before-seen inflection point.
"We continue to work hard to drive down costs and increase our rate of production to make electric vehicles accessible to as many people as possible."
Tesla added that how quickly it could produce cars throughout the rest of the year would depend on the supply of key parts of its vehicles, with demand at "record levels".
On a call with financial analysts on Monday, Mr Musk said: "At this point, I think everyone can agree, electric vehicles are the only way forward."
Mr Musk said during the call that the global chip shortage "remains quite serious" and manufacturing would hinge on this "slowest part of the supply chain".
He also described late-night calls with suppliers in an attempt to resolve shortages.
As a result, there were growing waiting times for Tesla cars, especially across Europe, the company said in its results.
It will look to start production at its new Berlin "gigafactory" as soon as possible. It has been plagued by delays, although the company bills it as "the most advanced high-volume electric vehicle production plant in the world".
It will ramp up the manufacturing of its cars at its California hub in the meantime.
Mr Musk was also reportedly seen visiting Luton earlier this year, sparking rumours he may be considering a Tesla factory in the UK.
Other car giants such as Ford and General Motors have been forced to suspend production temporarily in some US factories, having been hit by the global shortage of semiconductors.
Source-ABC
Illegal Vessel Landing on July 25, 2021
On Sunday 25th July 2021 around 8:30 p.m. the Immigration Department was informed of possible illegal vessel landings. This triggered a standby notice for the Department Enforcement Unit.
The Unit was later informed by 911 operator that a vessel had landed in the North West Point Areas of Providenciales and that migrants were seen walking the beach and nearby road.
Nine Officer responded for debriefing and dispatch to the named area. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police also responded to 911.
After several hours of inspection in the area, one male person was apprehended from the vessel. Further checks were conducted in the areas on the morning of July 26, 2021.
This recent landing takes the total number of successful landing for this Financial Year 2021/22 to 4 which is identical to that of the same period last year. In addition, the spending for the period remains a concern as the number of persons repatriated from vessel landing for the first four months of this Fiscal Year total 724 or 59 percent of the total for last year that was 1230 persons.
US$2,446,420.00 has been appropriated for Repatriation and Expenses in the 2021/22 Budget. As at July 27, 2021, US$952,909.34 has been spent. Spending include airfares, rations, security etc.
The Ministry and Department continue to solicit the support of thepublic is being urged to provide the Police or Immigration Officials with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing or persons residing and or working illegally.
We also encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.
International cruises from UK to restart
International cruises will be able to start again from England from Monday 2 August after a 16-month break.
People arriving at UK ports who have been fully vaccinated in the US and the EU will also not have to quarantine, the UK government said.
It's part of a plan to relax isolation rules for US and EU arrivals in the UK.
An industry body said travel agencies, hotels, tour guides, port operators and other firms would benefit from cruises restarting.
Domestic cruises have been allowed to run from May but international cruises have been prohibited.
The government said that international cruise travel advice "will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad".
Under the new rules, from 04:00 BST on Monday 2 August, fully vaccinated US and EU travellers arriving from amber countries will not need to quarantine or take a test on day eight of their arrival.
However, they will still need to take either a pre-departure test and a PCR test on the second day after they arrive.
And travellers from France are not exempt.
Arrivals will also still need to complete a Passenger Locator Form.
Under-18s will be exempt from isolation, and some will not have to test, depending on their age.
The UK government said the rule changes would help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the reopening of travel was "progress we can all enjoy".
On its website, P&O Cruises said following their UK summer staycations, its Britannia ship will begin planned western Mediterranean itineraries on 25 September, while its Iona vessel will launch on the same date.
However, it said due to the current traffic light system, a "number of itineraries have had to be cancelled".
Cruises on Ventura have been paused until 3 October 2021, while cruises on its Azura ship have been halted up until 10 December 2021. Some others have been delayed until 2022.
The global cruise line industry has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2019, it contributed more than $154bn (£110bn) to the global economy, according to the trade body Cruise Lines International Association, before the shops were all anchored due to the lockdown.
Carnival, which made a profit of $3bn in 2019, reported a loss of $10bn in 2020 after its revenues plunged 73%.
Cunard's first UK cruise will sail on August 13 with international cruises beginning in October.
Both firms are part of US giant Carnival cruises, which is one of the world's biggest cruise companies.
Source-