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Showing posts from December, 2025

Fisherman Amazed as Massive Perch Fill His Trap on Routine Check

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A routine trap check turned into an unexpected treasure when a fisherman hauled up one giant perch after another, some of which appeared to be very old. What began as a normal trap inspection quickly became a surprising catch as an oversized perch emerged the moment he raised it. His initial reaction was one of shock, followed by laughter at the unexpected find, making the scene even more entertaining to watch. The fish thrashed violently while the man celebrated the catch as if he had discovered a valuable treasure. His repeated expressions of surprise as more oversized perch continued to appear warmed the hearts of any viewer who witnessed the event. The sheer size and number of the fish made this a truly remarkable moment for the fisherman and those watching. This unusual encounter highlights the unpredictability of nature and the joy that comes with unexpected discoveries. It also serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders that can be found in everyday activities. For the fisher...

Young Logistics Worker Fired After Two Years of Punctuality

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A 22-year-old logistics worker in Spain was dismissed from her job after consistently arriving at work 30 to 45 minutes before the start of her shift. This behavior, which she maintained for nearly two years, reportedly caused frustration among her managers. The woman worked for a delivery company based in the Alicante Province. Her official shift began at 7:30 a.m., but she often arrived as early as 6:45 a.m., according to reports from the UK newspaper Metro . In 2023, the company issued multiple warnings to the employee, ranging from verbal reminders to formal written notices, urging her to stop arriving between 6:45 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Despite these instructions, she continued to arrive early on 19 additional occasions. She also attempted to log into the company’s work management app before her scheduled start time on several occasions. Frustrated by the situation, the woman took the case to the Social Court of Alicante, arguing that her dismissal lacked proper justification. A...

Southeast Asia's Second Largest Economy Targets 34.9 Million Tourists Next Year

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Thailand's Tourism Outlook for 2025 Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, is preparing for a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals next year. The country expects to welcome approximately 34.9 million international visitors, representing a 4% rise compared to the previous year. This surge is anticipated to generate around 1.63 trillion baht (approximately $51.7 billion) in revenue, marking an 8% year-on-year growth. In addition to foreign tourism, domestic travel is also expected to contribute substantially to the economy. Total tourism revenue, including both domestic and international sectors, is forecasted to reach 2.79 trillion baht ($88 billion). This figure highlights the importance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the region. Challenges in 2024 Despite the positive outlook for 2025, the tourism industry in Thailand is currently facing some challenges. Authorities predict that the number of foreign arrivals this year will decre...

Chinese Artist Fan Zeng, 87, Welcomes Son with 37-Year-Old Spouse

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87-year-old Chinese painter Fan Zeng has announced that his fourth wife Xu Meng, 37, has given birth to his first son. The news has sparked a mix of excitement and controversy within the family and among art enthusiasts. Chinese painter Fan Zeng (L) and his wife Xu Meng. Photo from Weibo/Fan Zeng supertopic Fan Zeng confirmed the birth on Thursday, stating that the family is happy and content. He, Xu, and their newborn have since moved out of their former villa and into a new residence. This move marks a significant shift in their lives, as they begin this new chapter together. In the same statement, Fan declared a complete break with two of his children, Fan Xiaohui and Fan Zhongda, and their relatives. He accused them of spreading false claims in August that he had been "kidnapped and had his assets seized" by Xu, allegations he said led to her being defamed. Fan stated that the two had acted under the guise of filial concern while deliberately sowing discord within t...

British Porn Star Deported from Bali After Minor Fine

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Deportation of British Adult Film Star from Bali Bonnie Blue, a controversial British adult film star, has been deported from Indonesia’s Bali island following a series of legal issues. The deportation was confirmed by an immigration official, who stated that the process would take place early Saturday morning. Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, was previously fined for traffic violations, which added to the complexity of her case. The situation escalated when local police conducted a raid on a studio in Badung, a popular tourist district near Denpasar, the capital of Bali. During this operation, Blue, who is 26 years old, was detained along with three men – two Britons and an Australian. These individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of producing pornographic content. However, authorities later reported that no evidence of adult material was found during the raid. Husnan Handano, a spokesman for the immigration department at Denpasar International Airport, informed AF...

Nvidia Expands H200 Output Amid Chinese Market Uncertainty

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Nvidia's H200 Chip Production Expansion Nvidia is reportedly planning to ramp up the production of its AI chip, the H200, following recent export approvals to China. According to a report by Reuters, local time on the 12th, the company is considering increasing output as demand from Chinese clients has surpassed current capacity. This development comes just four days after the Trump administration announced its decision to permit the export of the H200 to China. The report highlights that Chinese companies have shown significant interest in the H200, with major tech firms like Alibaba and ByteDance already engaging in discussions with Nvidia about bulk purchases. The H200 is based on the previous-generation 'Hopper' architecture and is considered the most powerful chip in that series. While it does not match the performance of the latest 'Blackwell'-based chips, it is notably more advanced than the lower-spec 'H20' chip, which is currently approved for ex...

Tiffany and Byun Yo Han Confirm Relationship, Explore Marriage Plans

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South Korean-American singer Tiffany, a member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, and actor Byun Yo Han have confirmed that they are in a serious relationship and are considering marriage. South Korean-American singer Tiffany (R) and her boyfriend, actor Byun Yo Han. Photo from Tiffany's Instagram Byun’s agency, Team Hope, told local media on Friday that the two entertainers are "currently in a serious relationship with marriage in consideration," while emphasizing that no wedding date has been set. The agency added that both Byun and Tiffany hope to inform fans directly once their plans are finalized. "We appreciate the warm interest and kindly ask for blessings with the hope that grace and love accompany the couple’s future," the agency said. Earlier media reports suggested the couple were planning to marry next fall, citing their growing closeness after working together on the Disney+ original series "Uncle Samsik," which was released in May 20...

Vietnam Launches Initiative to Send 1,500 Students Abroad for AI and Semiconductor Studies

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Vietnam Launches Ambitious Program to Send 1,500 Students Abroad Annually Vietnam is set to launch a major initiative aimed at sending approximately 1,500 students abroad each year. This government-backed program focuses on strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense, and medicine. The plan is part of a national proposal approved by the government on December 10, with the goal of training high-quality human resources. The initiative will run from 2026 to 2035, targeting countries such as Russia, China, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet states. The program emphasizes disciplines where these countries have established strengths. Under the scheme, about 1,000 students are expected to study in Russia annually, with the remaining 500 sent to other partner countries. The total number may vary depending on scholarship quotas offered by host governments, domestic demand, and Vietnam’s state budget. Priority Fields for the Program The list of priority fields i...

StarCloud's AI Sends Witty Greeting to Earth

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“Hello, Earthlings! Or, as I prefer, a mesmerizing blend of blue and green!” This greeting was the first message from an artificial intelligence (AI) operated by U.S. startup StarCloud, based on a data center launched into space. When StarCloud asked, “As the first AI to operate in space, like stepping on the moon, try a witty greeting,” the AI responded this way. The AI added, “Let’s explore the wonders you possess in this world together. I will observe, analyze, and sometimes offer slightly uncomfortable yet insightful commentary. Let’s begin.” An era is dawning where data centers are built in space to operate AI. As countries worldwide focus on expanding data centers to increase computing power for AI, space is emerging as a new location for such infrastructure. Operating AI in Space The idea of building data centers in space to operate AI directly from orbit began in 2024. StarCloud (formerly Lumen Orbit), based in Bellevue, Washington, started its space data center project i...

Flight Diverts Back to Dulles After Engine Malfunction

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Emergency Landing and Brush Fire at Dulles International Airport A United Airlines Boeing 777, en route to Tokyo, was forced to return to Washington's Dulles International Airport on Saturday after an engine failure and a brush fire near the runway. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, but no injuries were reported among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the aircraft. The plane, which was bound for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, had to make an emergency landing following a power loss in one of its twin engines. As part of the safety protocol, the aircraft had to dump fuel before returning to the airport. This process is standard practice when an emergency landing is required, as it helps reduce the plane’s weight to ensure a safer touchdown. "Shortly after takeoff, United Flight 803 returned to Washington Dulles and landed safely to address a power loss issue with one of its engines," said the airline in a statement. United Airlines later confirmed that t...

Osaka's Dotonbori Hotel Unveils 'Human Washing Machine'

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A Glimpse into the Future of Personal Hygiene A groundbreaking invention known as the "human washing machine" has made its debut at a hotel in Osaka, Japan. This unique device promises to wash and dry a person in just 15 minutes while they lie down, offering an innovative approach to personal hygiene. On the 14th, the Dotonbori Crystal Hotel in Namba, Osaka, announced that it had introduced the "future human washing machine" starting from the 10th. The device is installed in a shared spa space within the hotel, not in guest rooms. Guests can experience it through advance reservations and rent it in 90-minute blocks. The operation time is approximately 20 minutes, and up to four people can use it per session. The fee is 18,000 yen (approximately 170,000 Korean won) per use. A Concept with a Rich History According to local media Soranews24, the "human washing machine" first attracted attention when it was unveiled at the 1970 Osaka Expo but did not lea...

Nigeria Advances in Maritime Digitization with ECMS

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Nigeria's Maritime Sector Embraces Digital Transformation Nigeria has made a significant leap in its maritime digitization efforts with the introduction of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) by the Nigerian Shippers' Council. This new digital platform is set to revolutionize the way the council operates, bringing about greater efficiency and transparency in its processes. The launch event, held in Abuja, drew a number of high-profile attendees, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Their presence underscored the importance of this development for the nation’s maritime sector. Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency The ECMS is designed to streamline operations within the Nigerian Shippers' Council. By automating key processes, the system aims to reduce paperwork and improve response times for stakeholders. This move aligns with broader goals of en...

First Commercial Flight Touches Down at Ekiti Airport

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A New Era for Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has officially opened its doors to commercial flights, marking a significant milestone for the people of Ekiti State. The inaugural flight landed in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city, yesterday, generating excitement among locals and stakeholders alike. This development comes two years after the airport was commissioned in October 2023, an event that was celebrated with great fanfare. The then outgoing Governor Kayode Fayemi officially inaugurated the facility, with a military aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, an ATR-42, making the first landing at the airport. This historic moment was cherished by the residents of Ekiti as a symbol of progress and opportunity. Governor Fayemi, who had previously described the project as his parting gift for the people of Ekiti, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the airport. He declared, “My job is done, Ekiti Kete,” just 24 ho...

NAPTIN Trains 1,500 Engineers to Empower the Power Sector

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NAPTIN Readiness to Train 1,500 Engineers and Technicians in the Power Sector The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) has announced its readiness to train at least 1,500 engineers and technicians in the power sector. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s electricity supply and support the transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The announcement was made during a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement event held in Abuja. Objectives of the Engagement The engagement, titled “Building a Skilled and Sustainable Workforce for NESI Transformation,” was part of the project “Enhancing Vocational Training Delivery for the Nigerian Power Sector.” This project is funded under the EU-AFD Project and organized in partnership with NAPTIN by the Consortium of Colenco Nigeria and AETS (France). Mr Ahmed Nagode, the Director-General of NAPTIN, emphasized the importance of the theme of the engagement. He stated that without a sustainable skilled workfor...

Why AI Must Compensate for the News It Consumes

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The Collision Between Journalism and Artificial Intelligence The collision between the newspaper industry and Artificial Intelligence companies is no longer a new topic; it has evolved into a global legal and economic reckoning. Legal cases, which primarily focus on copyright infringement and fair use, are currently ongoing in many countries and are expected to shape the future of both industries. Just recently, a Spanish court ordered Meta, the Facebook owner, to pay 479 million euros ($552 million) to Spanish digital media outlets for unfair competition practices and infringing European Union data protection regulations. It was a profoundly cheering moment for the print media. But it wasn't the first of its kind and it won't be the last. The ruling was the latest in a series of fines Meta had faced in Europe. Meta equally reached a settlement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for a $32.8 million fine related to data privacy violations, agreeing to an out-o...

DPI Launches Plastic Management Initiative in FCT

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Digital Peers International Launches Phase Two of Environmental Initiative Digital Peers International (DPI) has launched the second phase of its environmental initiative aimed at engaging tech-savvy youths in managing plastic use and waste in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. This new phase, titled 'Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0,' was officially announced during a press conference held on Wednesday in Abuja. The initiative is backed by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, which is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaboration highlights the importance of youth involvement in addressing environmental challenges through innovative digital solutions. Dr. Ibukun Odusote, CEO of DPI, emphasized that the project equips young people with the necessary skills and opportunities to tackle plastic pollution while fostering innovations that benefi...

Globacom Boosts Nationwide Spectrum Capacity

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Global Telecommunications Upgrade Marks a New Era of Connectivity In a significant move that promises to revolutionize the way people connect and communicate, telecommunications giant Globacom has successfully completed a nationwide network infrastructure upgrade. This transformation, driven by substantial new spectrum acquisitions and an extensive capacity expansion, marks a major milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to deliver superior connectivity across the country. The upgrade was officially launched on Thursday, December 4, 2025. It represents a strategic commitment by Globacom to ensure that all its subscribers enjoy a congestion-free, high-speed 4G experience. The initiative sets a new benchmark for connectivity, aiming to provide seamless digital services to users in every corner of the nation. Key Components of the Network Enhancement At the heart of this enhancement is the acquisition of additional, high-capacity spectrum. This critical step has significantly s...

TikTok Bans Nighttime Live Streaming in Nigeria

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TikTok Temporarily Restricts Live Streaming in Nigeria TikTok has implemented a temporary restriction on its live-streaming feature for users in Nigeria during late-night hours. The move is part of an ongoing safety review aimed at improving user protection on the platform. The platform sent an in-app notification to creators over the weekend, explaining that the restriction is part of an internal investigation. At exactly midnight on Sunday, TikTok issued a system-wide alert stating: "TikTok LIVE Update in Nigeria: We're temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected." Users in Nigeria reported that live streaming was available earlier in the evening but was shut down between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Affected accounts displayed a "No Access" message when attempting to go live. Additionally, the limitation prevented Nigerian users from viewing live broadcasts h...

Google's Gemini 3 Boost Disrupts South Korea's AI Scene

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Introduction to the Shift in South Korea’s AI Chatbot Market Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called 'Gemini 3,' which has shown impressive performance and significantly impacted the AI chatbot market in South Korea. While OpenAI's ChatGPT continues to hold a dominant position in the domestic AI market, Google is making notable strides with its Gemini 3 model. On the other hand, Perplexity, a platform known for its focus on AI search, has experienced a noticeable drop in user engagement. Performance Metrics of Key Players According to data from IGAWorks’ Mobile Index, a company specializing in data technology, ChatGPT maintained its strong position with a weekly average of between 8,690,000 and 8,800,000 active users (WAU) during the period from November 17 to December 7, when Google launched Gemini 3. However, the number of new installations for ChatGPT decreased slightly, averaging around 200,000 to 190,000 per week. In contrast, Gemini 3 saw...

Launch of AI-Powered Exam Prep Platform by Foundation and Group

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Introduction to the AI-Powered Examination Preparatory Platform In a significant move towards modernizing education in Nigeria, an Lagos-based non-governmental organization, the Abosede Tomori Foundation (ATF), has partnered with Study AI to launch Nigeria’s first AI-powered examination preparatory platform. This innovative initiative is specifically designed to support final year Senior Secondary School students preparing for major exams such as WAEC/NECO and JAMB. The program targets two hundred SS3 students from secondary schools located in Isolo and Ejigbo LCDAs within Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II of Lagos State. These students are the pilot beneficiaries of this groundbreaking scheme. The Vision Behind the Initiative The founder of ATF and Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, emphasized that this initiative is part of the foundation’s skills development and scholarship scheme, which is one of its five core pillars. In a statem...

Trapped in the Factory: How Japan Missed the AI Humanoid Revolution

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The Evolution of Japan's Robotics Landscape Japan has long been a leader in the field of robotics, particularly in industrial applications. However, the country's focus on manufacturing and engineering has led to a relative shortage of AI talent. This emphasis has resulted in a system where humanoid robots, once a symbol of innovation, are now overshadowed by their counterparts from China and the United States. At the 26th International Robot Exhibition (IREX), held in early December at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan's domestic industrial robotics heavyweights dominated the event. Companies like Kawasaki, Fanuc, Yaskawa, and Nachi showcased their latest robotic arms, demonstrating precision in tasks such as welding, assembly, and material handling. Despite this, the most eye-catching exhibits were the humanoids, many of which came from Chinese start-ups aiming to make a global impression. These humanoids, including those from Galbot, AgiBot, Robotera, and Lumos, demonstrated ca...