🔥 Top Stories
Security firm Qualys disclosed a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel named RefluXFS (CVE-2026-64600) with a CVSS severity score of 7.8. The vulnerability has remained undetected for approximately nine years and potentially affects over 16.4 million hosts globally. Local attackers could exploit this flaw to escalate system privileges, posing significant security risks to servers worldwide.
Taiwan's health authorities released a third-party expert investigation report on the contaminated cooking oil incident at Chung Lien Oil. The report found that the company relaxed soybean quality standards in its contract with Brazil last year, allowing higher-risk soybeans into production. Without corresponding process adjustments and failure to address recurring anomalies, the produced oil exceeded safe levels of benzo(a)pyrene. The investigation identified three key failures: raw material management, process adjustment, and anomaly correction, rather than equipment issues.
Taipei's Sharis Kindergarten faces child abuse allegations involving at least 13 victims. Parents discovered inappropriate conduct through surveillance footage and reported to police, but the Education Bureau took 23 days to file charges. City councilor Hsu Shu-hua criticized the bureau's eight previous inspections that failed to detect issues, demanding a review report within one month and establishment of third-party inspection mechanisms.
A 43-year-old man in Yunlin County, Taiwan, driving under the influence without a valid license, struck and killed a 17-year-old cyclist on the evening of the 26th. After the collision, the driver removed the vehicle's license plate, abandoned the car, and fled the scene. He falsely reported the vehicle as stolen to police. Authorities arrested him early on the 27th. Prosecutors charged him with drunk driving causing death and hit-and-run, requesting detention without bail.
Taiwan's stock market dropped over 2,000 points near midday on the 28th, marking the fifth-largest intraday decline in history. Major tech stocks fell sharply: Delta Electronics hit the daily limit at 1,580 NT$, MediaTek approached the limit, Foxconn declined over 50%, and TSMC fell over 3%. The broad-based tech sector selloff caused significant investor losses.
🏛 Politics
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the afternoon of the 28th with a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers and maximum intensity of 7. The quake injured at least 179 people requiring hospitalization, with some individuals reported missing at an AEON shopping center. This marks the first reported fatality from the Kumamoto earthquake disaster.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the United States for an official visit, according to Kyiv Independent. During his visit, Zelenskyy will meet with US President Donald Trump and attend the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham. The visit represents an important diplomatic engagement between Ukraine and the United States.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan today with its epicenter in inland Kumamoto at shallow depth. By 5:30 PM, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued evacuation orders for 61,151 residents across Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto prefectures. Yatsushiro City in Kumamoto experienced intensity 6 seismic activity, with the Yatsushiro Shrine roof collapsing. At least 50 people were injured and hospitalized by 6:00 PM.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan this afternoon with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. Prime Minister Takayama Sanae immediately activated emergency response protocols, directing relevant government agencies to assess damage and conduct full-scale disaster relief operations.
The Keelung District Prosecutors Office is investigating a domestic company for illegally exporting advanced AI chips to China. On the 24th, prosecutors arrested a Nvidia manager involved in the case. The manager was ordered detained without bail on the 28th. Prosecutors continue investigating the illegal export operations and other suspects involved.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan on the 28th with a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The maximum seismic intensity of 7 was recorded in central Kumamoto Prefecture, while neighboring Nagasaki and Kagoshima prefectures experienced intensity 5-strong. Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea regions in western Kyushu, with estimated maximum wave heights reaching 1 meter.
Taipei's Sharis Kindergarten faces child abuse allegations involving at least 13 victims. Parents discovered inappropriate conduct through surveillance footage and reported to police, but the Education Bureau took 23 days to file charges. City councilor Hsu Shu-hua criticized the bureau's eight previous inspections that failed to detect issues, demanding a review report within one month and establishment of third-party inspection mechanisms.
A 43-year-old man in Yunlin County, Taiwan, driving under the influence without a valid license, struck and killed a 17-year-old cyclist on the evening of the 26th. After the collision, the driver removed the vehicle's license plate, abandoned the car, and fled the scene. He falsely reported the vehicle as stolen to police. Authorities arrested him early on the 27th. Prosecutors charged him with drunk driving causing death and hit-and-run, requesting detention without bail.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan this afternoon, causing significant transportation disruptions. JR Kyushu suspended all train services in the region, including the Kyushu Shinkansen. All Nippon Airways (ANA) halted departing flights from Kumamoto and Nagasaki airports, with resumption dependent on airport facility assessments.
New Taipei District Prosecutors Office investigated illegal GPS surveillance by detective agencies. Investigation revealed that Guohua Detective Agency and Yitong Detective Agency illegally collected personal information and sold sensitive data of political and economic figures to mainland China. Prosecutors detained 10 suspects including founder Zhao Weijun and director Zhao Zhenling, and questioned 7 witnesses. The case involves violations of personal data protection law, breach of secrecy, and national security law.
💰 Finance
Global markets declined sharply following reports that China has begun mass-producing domestically developed deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment, raising concerns about ASML's market position. The US Semiconductor Index fell 2.23%, South Korean stocks dropped 10.84% triggering circuit breakers, and Japanese stocks fell 2566 points to 62364. Taiwan's stock market closed at 41603 points, down 2030 points, marking the third-largest single-day decline in history.
Asian technology stocks fell significantly today, with Samsung dropping 13%, Japanese memory manufacturer Kioxia declining 18%, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company falling 3%. The selling pressure stems from investor concerns about artificial intelligence industry prospects and multiple converging economic factors affecting the sector.
BofA Global Research's latest channel survey shows memory price increases spreading from spot markets to quarterly contracts. July PC DRAM contract prices rose 15-20% from June, with Q3 DRAM average selling prices expected to increase 30-40%, exceeding TrendForce's prior 13-18% forecast. 16GB DDR5 spot prices around $50, while 64GB server modules break $1,000, reflecting sustained AI server demand pressuring memory prices.
South Korea's KOSPI index fell 10.84% on the 28th, marking its largest single-day decline since March 4th and triggering the eighth circuit breaker of the year. Semiconductor stocks led the decline, with Samsung Electronics dropping 13.39% and SK Hynix falling 14.65%. Leveraged ETF assets shrank to $26 billion from their peak. South Korea's Financial Services Commission announced further tightening measures effective July 31st, adjusting personal leveraged ETF trading requirements.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan at 4:27 PM local time (3:27 AM Taipei time), with maximum seismic intensity of 7. TSMC's Kumamoto facility in Kikuyo Town recorded intensity 5-strong shaking. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued earthquake information. Authorities are assessing damage and impact on facilities from this significant seismic event in the region.
Asian markets experienced significant declines on the 28th following reports that China has begun mass production of domestically developed immersion deep ultraviolet lithography machines. South Korean stocks fell over 9% triggering circuit breakers, Japanese stocks dropped over 2,900 points, and Taiwan stocks fell below 42,000 points with losses exceeding 1,900 points. The U.S. semiconductor index also declined 2.23% as investors worry about ASML's competitive position in China.
The U.S. military suspended daily airstrikes against Iran, and President Trump indicated that negotiations with Tehran could yield progress, easing market concerns about Middle East supply disruptions. Following this news, international oil prices fell significantly today, with West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for September delivery declining on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Taiwan's health authorities released a third-party expert investigation report on the contaminated cooking oil incident at Chung Lien Oil. The report found that the company relaxed soybean quality standards in its contract with Brazil last year, allowing higher-risk soybeans into production. Without corresponding process adjustments and failure to address recurring anomalies, the produced oil exceeded safe levels of benzo(a)pyrene. The investigation identified three key failures: raw material management, process adjustment, and anomaly correction, rather than equipment issues.
Nvidia is negotiating over $750 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure transactions, raising investor concerns about increased financial obligations. The company's 5-year credit default swap (CDS) price hit its largest single-day increase since November, surging approximately 0.14 percentage points to around 0.82 percentage points annually. Rising CDS prices typically indicate markets perceive elevated credit risk for the issuing company.
Taiwan's stock market dropped over 2,000 points near midday on the 28th, marking the fifth-largest intraday decline in history. Major tech stocks fell sharply: Delta Electronics hit the daily limit at 1,580 NT$, MediaTek approached the limit, Foxconn declined over 50%, and TSMC fell over 3%. The broad-based tech sector selloff caused significant investor losses.
💻 Technology
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan on the 28th at approximately 4:27 PM local time. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's JASM facility in the region initiated emergency evacuation procedures. Authorities are assessing damage and facility conditions following the significant seismic event.
The Semiconductor Industry Association forecasts that global semiconductor sales will reach 1.5 trillion dollars by 2026, marking a record high. Accelerating artificial intelligence deployment is driving increased demand across the sector. Despite intensifying global competition, AI applications expansion is providing new growth momentum for the industry.
Amazon has applied to launch over 5,000 satellites to provide direct-to-phone communication services, with operations expected to begin as early as 2028. This expansion extends Amazon's satellite communications business from broadband internet to mobile connectivity, positioning the company to compete with established players like SpaceX in the growing satellite communications market.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently warned enterprises against over-reliance on single AI models, advocating for multi-model architectures. He supports open-weight AI development, encouraging companies to adopt diverse model combinations to mitigate technical risks and enhance flexibility. This reflects the tech industry's growing emphasis on AI model diversification.
TSMC and NVIDIA achieved a major milestone in US chip localization manufacturing. The first batch of NVIDIA GB300 chips produced at TSMC's Fab 21 facility in Arizona has completed production, though the chips must be shipped back to Taiwan for subsequent packaging and assembly, highlighting Taiwan's continued critical role in semiconductor manufacturing expertise.
According to Reuters, NVIDIA, a major AI chip manufacturer, plans to invest $5 billion in SafeSuper Intelligence, a startup founded by an OpenAI co-founder. The company focuses on AI safety research. This investment reflects NVIDIA's commitment to AI safety and its strategy of supporting emerging AI startups.
According to Morgan Stanley's latest report, Google is developing a new tensor processing unit (TPU) codenamed "Frozen V2." The chip features built-in SRAM memory, designed to reduce dependence on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's advanced packaging technology. This initiative reflects Google's continued investment in developing proprietary AI chips to decrease reliance on external suppliers.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States have improperly installed seats that require correction. The directive aims to ensure aviation safety, with Boeing required to complete the necessary modifications in compliance with regulations.
Major US corporations are shifting their hiring approach. While companies previously viewed recruitment as a costly last resort, believing AI could handle more tasks, they now recognize AI's cost and capability constraints. Firms are resuming hiring to pursue growth targets through human-AI collaboration and capitalize on emerging technology opportunities.
According to The Information, a Shanghai-based company backed by the Chinese government has begun producing deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment. The firm has recruited DUV talent from other Chinese enterprises, including specialists from Shanghai Yuliang Sheng Technology. If the company successfully scales production, it could impact demand for ASML's lithography equipment. Following the announcement, ASML's stock price declined 6% during trading.
🔒 Security
Cybersecurity researchers have identified an increasingly sophisticated malvertising campaign where attackers distribute malware in fragments rather than complete files. Traditional malvertising tactics lure users to phishing sites and trick them into downloading fake application installers. As security detection systems improve, attackers now employ a stealthier approach by sending program fragments separately, allowing browsers to automatically assemble and execute them, making detection significantly more difficult.
Security firm ZeroBEC discovered a phishing campaign called Operation BlueDash that uses fake Microsoft Teams updates as bait. Attackers send fraudulent security document emails to trick users into clicking malicious links. Once compromised, victims' computers are registered to attacker-controlled remote monitoring and management systems, granting full remote access. The campaign targets enterprise Teams users.
Redis security team released seven updates on July 23, including versions 6.2.23, 7.2.15, 7.4.10, 8.2.8, 8.4.5, 8.6.5, and 8.8.1, to patch a critical remote code execution vulnerability discovered by security firm Bera Buddie using AI model Kimi K3. This follows a previous security update in early May.
Security firm Qualys disclosed a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel named RefluXFS (CVE-2026-64600) with a CVSS severity score of 7.8. The vulnerability has remained undetected for approximately nine years and potentially affects over 16.4 million hosts globally. Local attackers could exploit this flaw to escalate system privileges, posing significant security risks to servers worldwide.
Wanda Pet (6968), a pet supplies retailer, disclosed on July 27 that a partner company's information system was breached by unknown attackers, resulting in suspected data leakage. The company has required the partner to conduct comprehensive security audits and patch vulnerabilities. Wanda Pet emphasized that the incident has no material impact on its financial performance or operations.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed on July 27 that CVE-2026-16812, a critical vulnerability in Arista VeloCloud Orchestrator platform, is under active exploitation. The OS command injection flaw carries a perfect CVSS score of 10.0 and affects on-premises SD-WAN network management deployments. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list and mandated federal agencies to implement protective measures.
Ernst & Young (EY) notified clients that its IT department's third-party support ticket system was accessed without authorization. Attackers downloaded files containing customer tax information between late March and early April. Hacker group ShinyHunters subsequently claimed responsibility for the incident, stating it resulted from their supply chain attack.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced on July 27 that a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-68686) in Fortinet's FortiOS firewall operating system is being actively exploited. CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list, requiring federal agencies to apply patches within a specified timeframe to mitigate exploitation risks.
Google Threat Intelligence Group announced on July 25 a new threat actor naming system integrating previous tracking frameworks from Mandiant and Threat Analysis Group. The unified system will be used across Google Threat Intelligence platform and public threat intelligence reports, providing clearer information about threat actors' nation-state affiliations, attack motivations, and other critical attribution details.
🎬 Entertainment
Keigo Higashino, a celebrated Japanese mystery novelist, passed away on the 23rd from colorectal cancer at age 68. Throughout his lifetime, he created over 100 novels with cumulative sales exceeding 100 million copies. His major works include "The Devotion of Suspect X," "Midnight Occurrences," and "Convenience Store Woman," many of which were adapted into films and television series. Known for his skillful portrayal of human nature, his death has prompted tributes from the literary community.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan today with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. China Airlines announced that passengers with tickets for flights to/from Kumamoto before August 5 can obtain refunds or rebookings to Fukuoka or Kagoshima within 14 days without service fees. The airline will also provide free cargo transportation for disaster relief supplies through August.
A hotel in Nagano Prefecture, Japan reported a Clostridium perfringens outbreak in June 2026, affecting 110 high school students and teachers with symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea. Japanese physicians highlight that certain heat-resistant bacteria can survive reheating, explaining why cooked meals still pose food poisoning risks. Multiple food safety incidents have occurred at Japanese hotels and inns since spring.
South Korean animation director Huh Bum-wook, hailed as the next Yeon Sang-ho, passed away on the 28th at age 43. His latest film, Surviving Swine Fever, marking his return after a 10-year hiatus, will be his final work. The news shocked South Korea's film industry and saddened animation fans worldwide.
🌏 International
Taiwan's health authorities released a third-party expert investigation report on the contaminated cooking oil incident at Chung Lien Oil. The report found that the company relaxed soybean quality standards in its contract with Brazil last year, allowing higher-risk soybeans into production. Without corresponding process adjustments and failure to address recurring anomalies, the produced oil exceeded safe levels of benzo(a)pyrene. The investigation identified three key failures: raw material management, process adjustment, and anomaly correction, rather than equipment issues.
Taipei's Sharis Kindergarten faces child abuse allegations involving at least 13 victims. Parents discovered inappropriate conduct through surveillance footage and reported to police, but the Education Bureau took 23 days to file charges. City councilor Hsu Shu-hua criticized the bureau's eight previous inspections that failed to detect issues, demanding a review report within one month and establishment of third-party inspection mechanisms.
A 43-year-old man in Yunlin County, Taiwan, driving under the influence without a valid license, struck and killed a 17-year-old cyclist on the evening of the 26th. After the collision, the driver removed the vehicle's license plate, abandoned the car, and fled the scene. He falsely reported the vehicle as stolen to police. Authorities arrested him early on the 27th. Prosecutors charged him with drunk driving causing death and hit-and-run, requesting detention without bail.
Taiwan's stock market dropped over 2,000 points near midday on the 28th, marking the fifth-largest intraday decline in history. Major tech stocks fell sharply: Delta Electronics hit the daily limit at 1,580 NT$, MediaTek approached the limit, Foxconn declined over 50%, and TSMC fell over 3%. The broad-based tech sector selloff caused significant investor losses.
Security firm Qualys disclosed a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel named RefluXFS (CVE-2026-64600) with a CVSS severity score of 7.8. The vulnerability has remained undetected for approximately nine years and potentially affects over 16.4 million hosts globally. Local attackers could exploit this flaw to escalate system privileges, posing significant security risks to servers worldwide.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed on July 27 that CVE-2026-16812, a critical vulnerability in Arista VeloCloud Orchestrator platform, is under active exploitation. The OS command injection flaw carries a perfect CVSS score of 10.0 and affects on-premises SD-WAN network management deployments. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list and mandated federal agencies to implement protective measures.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan today with its epicenter in inland Kumamoto at shallow depth. By 5:30 PM, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued evacuation orders for 61,151 residents across Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto prefectures. Yatsushiro City in Kumamoto experienced intensity 6 seismic activity, with the Yatsushiro Shrine roof collapsing. At least 50 people were injured and hospitalized by 6:00 PM.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan this afternoon with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. Prime Minister Takayama Sanae immediately activated emergency response protocols, directing relevant government agencies to assess damage and conduct full-scale disaster relief operations.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan at 4:27 PM local time (3:27 AM Taipei time), with maximum seismic intensity of 7. TSMC's Kumamoto facility in Kikuyo Town recorded intensity 5-strong shaking. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued earthquake information. Authorities are assessing damage and impact on facilities from this significant seismic event in the region.
The Keelung District Prosecutors Office is investigating a domestic company for illegally exporting advanced AI chips to China. On the 24th, prosecutors arrested a Nvidia manager involved in the case. The manager was ordered detained without bail on the 28th. Prosecutors continue investigating the illegal export operations and other suspects involved.
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan on the 28th at approximately 4:27 PM local time. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's JASM facility in the region initiated emergency evacuation procedures. Authorities are assessing damage and facility conditions following the significant seismic event.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan this afternoon, causing significant transportation disruptions. JR Kyushu suspended all train services in the region, including the Kyushu Shinkansen. All Nippon Airways (ANA) halted departing flights from Kumamoto and Nagasaki airports, with resumption dependent on airport facility assessments.
New Taipei District Prosecutors Office investigated illegal GPS surveillance by detective agencies. Investigation revealed that Guohua Detective Agency and Yitong Detective Agency illegally collected personal information and sold sensitive data of political and economic figures to mainland China. Prosecutors detained 10 suspects including founder Zhao Weijun and director Zhao Zhenling, and questioned 7 witnesses. The case involves violations of personal data protection law, breach of secrecy, and national security law.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan on the 28th with a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The maximum seismic intensity of 7 was recorded in central Kumamoto Prefecture, while neighboring Nagasaki and Kagoshima prefectures experienced intensity 5-strong. Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea regions in western Kyushu, with estimated maximum wave heights reaching 1 meter.
Asian markets experienced significant declines on the 28th following reports that China has begun mass production of domestically developed immersion deep ultraviolet lithography machines. South Korean stocks fell over 9% triggering circuit breakers, Japanese stocks dropped over 2,900 points, and Taiwan stocks fell below 42,000 points with losses exceeding 1,900 points. The U.S. semiconductor index also declined 2.23% as investors worry about ASML's competitive position in China.
📰 Other
According to scholars' statistics, nighttime temperatures above 27°C occur over 80% of the time in Greater Taipei, Taichung, and southwestern Taiwan during July nights from 11 PM to 4 AM over the past decade, creating a "tropical night" phenomenon. Influenced by urban heat island effects, this not only reduces sleep quality but also poses health risks. Doctors warn that high temperatures increase heart rate and blood pressure, with particular concern for elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases regarding dehydration risks. Environmental authorities plan to integrate green infrastructure into urban planning to improve city cooling effects.
California's coastal waters are experiencing a marine heatwave, with some areas showing water temperatures 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The extreme heat has forced sardines and anchovies to migrate to deeper, more northern waters, causing whales to follow their food sources and reducing whale-watching opportunities. Food scarcity is also causing pelicans to starve, threatening the entire coastal ecosystem along California.
Wildfires in France and Spain have burned for six days, with French flames approaching the Bordeaux region and forming rare pyrocumulus clouds above the fire zone. These fire storms bring strong winds and lightning, potentially intensifying the blazes. Spain's wildfire has reached the outskirts of Madrid, marking the country's largest forest fire on record. Authorities warn both nations will face another heat wave this week.