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Lula wins Brazil presidential race; Flavio Bolsonaro refuses to concede

Brazil held the second-round runoff of its presidential election on the 2nd, when heavy rain disrupted traffic in many areas. A Supreme Federal Court judge extended voting by two hours. Incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva came from behind to win a fourth term. Defeated candidate Flavio Bolsonaro refused to concede, accusing the court of extending voting hours and declaring the result invalid.

Machado returns to Venezuela after exile; Trump says he was unaware

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who had long been in hiding due to political repression, has returned to her home country. She had previously traveled abroad to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and made several unsuccessful attempts to return. The move could affect Venezuela's transitional government and U.S.-Venezuela oil interests. Donald Trump said he was not informed in advance, but insiders told Reuters he had approved the return. Trump also criticized Norway for not giving him the Peace Prize, saying Norway is not welcome to immigrants. No related new policy has been announced so far.

Oil prices fall as Iran to hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan; Trump keeps military option open

Oil prices opened lower on the 26th, with Brent crude falling below $110 a barrel, down nearly 2%, and West Texas Intermediate dropping to around $100 a barrel, down 2.4%. Iranian state television reported that Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, members of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, would meet Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss regional issues. President Donald Trump has signaled he may pursue military action or negotiations, and markets are assessing developments in the Middle East.

Lula wins Brazil presidential runoff, Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to recognize result

Incumbent President Lula came from behind to win Brazil's presidential runoff after trailing in the first round. Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost, cited voting extensions and other disputes as grounds for refusing to recognize the result, and said he would take legal action.

Senior delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey hold talks in Tehran to avoid Middle East escalation

Two regional officials said senior delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey gathered in Tehran today for talks with Iranian authorities. The meeting aims to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Student-led anti-corruption coalition tops initial vote count in Serbian parliamentary election

Serbia's parliamentary election on the 25th produced a major result, with the Student List, a student-led anti-corruption coalition, reportedly winning over 50% of the vote in initial estimates. Former Progressive Party leader Aleksandar Vučić, who dominated Serbian politics for 12 years and won two presidential terms, has conceded defeat. The result followed public anger over corruption and administrative negligence after the 2024 canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people and sparked nearly two years of student-led protests. Turnout was close to 70%, the highest in more than 30 years.

US forces in Middle East reportedly ready for large-scale strikes on Iran

CNN, citing two US officials, reported that US forces stationed in the Middle East are prepared to launch a new wave of military operations against Iran within 96 hours of an order from President Trump. The report said Trump could give the order after the midterm elections.

Venezuelan opposition leader Machado returns home after exile abroad

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado traveled by car tonight toward the capital, Caracas, as tens of thousands of supporters lined the route to welcome her. She had made several earlier attempts to return home that did not succeed.

Vučić concedes likely defeat as student list claims victory in Serbian election

Former president Aleksandar Vučić said Sunday evening, the 25th, that stratified sampling statistics indicated his list, Aleksandar Vučić – Serbia of Unity, would likely lose the early parliamentary election held that day. He predicted the student-led Student List – Students Win could secure a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Speaking at the Serbian Progressive Party campaign headquarters, Vučić said official final results had not yet been announced. The student list also declared victory on the 25th.

Bolsonaro seeks annulment after losing Brazil presidential runoff to Lula

Jair Bolsonaro lost Brazil's presidential runoff to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and has asked for the election to be declared void.

Anthropic files for IPO amid US stock market volatility

Amid turmoil in US stocks, Anthropic has formally filed for an initial public offering (IPO), which could make it the first publicly listed developer of advanced AI models. The company hopes the offering will match or exceed the record set by SpaceX.

Lula wins re-election as Brazil's stocks and currency slump

Brazilian President Lula won re-election in the runoff presidential vote on the 25th, an outcome that surprised some investors. Many had hoped his opponent, Bolsonaro, would win and help control the country's fiscal deficit. When markets opened on the 26th, Brazil's stock and currency markets both fell sharply, each dropping more than 10%, and the stock market triggered a circuit breaker.

Anthropic files for IPO as revenue surges and net loss widens

Anthropic, the developer of Claude, publicly filed for an initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday (26th), planning to list on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker "ANT." The filing shows first-half revenue of $16.3 billion, up from $1.2 billion a year earlier, while the net loss widened from $13 billion to $80.7 billion, mainly due to a rise in the fair value of convertible bonds. The operating loss for the same period was $693 million.

Zhonglian Oil's resumption bid rejected twice as Ministry of Economic Affairs seeks more supply

Zhonglian Oil was ordered to suspend operations because its market share exceeded 30 percent. Its applications to resume operations have been rejected twice. The suspension left some schools in Gukeng Township, Yunlin County unable to buy cooking oil, affecting meals prepared for students. Snack shops said oil prices had risen and they were absorbing the costs themselves. The Ministry of Economic Affairs said it has asked three companies to increase production and will import oil to fill the gap.

SpaceX signs $40 billion chip equipment financing lease with Apollo

SpaceX and Apollo Global Management have signed an equipment financing lease worth about $40 billion. The funds will be used to purchase chips for developing artificial intelligence (AI).

Meta seeks up to $95 billion in equity financing, with Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom subscribing

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is seeking up to $95 billion in equity financing to fund investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and personal superintelligence. Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom have agreed to subscribe to up to $5 billion in common stock combined. The news lifted Meta's shares by 1.6% in pre-market trading on the 26th.

Meta plans to raise up to $95 billion for AI, with Nvidia and others eyeing stakes

Meta announced on Monday plans to raise up to $95 billion through common and preferred stock to fund AI investments, including data centers, cloud computing and personal superintelligence. Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom have expressed interest in jointly buying up to $5 billion of Class A common stock. Meta has launched a public offering of about $35 billion in common and mandatory convertible preferred stock, of which Class A common stock accounts for $22.5 billion. The company also plans an at-the-market sales program of up to $60 billion, with shares sold in the open market after non-voting Class C stock begins trading. Class C stock is expected to begin trading in the first quarter of 2027, and will be distributed to existing shareholders as a stock dividend at one share per share held, roughly equivalent to a two-for-one split.

EU may expand import curbs on Chinese chemicals, furniture and machinery

Citing sources, Bloomberg reported that the European Union could propose new import defense measures as early as the first quarter of 2027, targeting Chinese chemicals, furniture and machinery. The measures would set import caps or tariffs to protect European industries and narrow the EU's trade deficit with China, while avoiding retaliation from Beijing. The European Commission hopes to replicate its approach to Chinese hybrid vehicles, which the two sides recently agreed to limit to 350,000 units per year. Covered sectors and details may still change depending on negotiations with member states and China.

BYD's September exports rise about 1.5 times to 180,700 units

BYD exported 180,700 vehicles in September, up about 1.5 times year on year and nearly 40% of the month's total sales. In the first nine months of this year, exports reached 1.343 million units, up 92.66% and accounting for 42.88% of total sales. Total sales over the same period were 3.1316 million units, down 3.94%. Across 45 overseas markets in the 51 monitored, BYD and Tengshi recorded retail sales of 106,000 units in September, up 25.1% from August and the first month above 100,000 under this measure.

Foreign investors record NT$302.555 billion in net stock sales in Taiwan in one day

Taiwan stocks closed at 46,041 points last Thursday, hitting a new short-term low. Foreign investors net sold NT$302.555 billion in a single day, a record high.

Apple unveils redesigned iPad mini with OLED display and IP67 rating

Apple has officially launched the new iPad mini (A20 Pro), featuring a major upgrade across its display, design and performance. The model is the first in the iPad mini line to use an 8.5-inch OLED screen and the A20 Pro chip, and it adds an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. In Taiwan, it starts at NT$22,900, and the new model is priced higher than its predecessor.

iPhone Duo reports screen cracks; Foxconn says production unaffected

Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, drew reports of screen malfunctions in its first week on sale, including cases in Shanghai and Australia. According to reports, after being folded a few to several dozen times, users heard a noise upon unfolding it, followed by a 3 to 5 cm crack below the fold and a perpendicular crack on the right, with white pixel bands and black spots. A Foxconn insider said actual production has not been affected.

AI startups face shakeout as Character.AI files for bankruptcy

The AI industry is shifting from a race for funding and user growth to a stricter test of commercial viability. Character.AI, once valued at $1 billion, has filed for bankruptcy protection, Humane has exited its AI Pin business, and OpenAI has closed or merged some products. According to TechCrunch, citing S&P Global Market Intelligence, about 42% of enterprise AI projects have ultimately been abandoned.

Nvidia books capacity through 2028; Xinxing's Jian Shanjie says AI substrates need teamwork

Xinxing Electronics shares rose more than 3% in early trading on the 22nd. The gains were linked to NVIDIA CEO Huang Renxun and the GTC conference held in Berlin, Germany.

ESA's Hera probe nears binary asteroid for close study in November

The European Space Agency's Hera probe is gradually approaching the Didymos-Dimorphos binary asteroid system and is expected to draw close in November to begin a close-range investigation. The mission returns to the site of an earlier impact.

India wastes 4.2% of solar power amid summer power shortage

As power demand surged during India's summer heat, drought linked to El Niño cut hydropower output by 20%. Meanwhile, India has expanded solar power development in recent years, yet 4.2% of its solar generation is being wasted.

Foxconn deepens AI work with Nvidia, reportedly halving manufacturing workloads

Foxconn is continuing to deepen its artificial intelligence collaboration with Nvidia, and results from introducing AI technology into its manufacturing sites are gradually emerging.

Chinese factories reportedly dismantle RTX 5090 graphics cards for AI servers

Reports say GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards have disappeared from retail shelves, with the cause linked to dismantling factories in China. The high-end gaming cards are reportedly being converted into components for AI servers.

Musk says SpaceX raised $40 billion to buy Nvidia chips

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday that SpaceX has completed raising $40 billion to purchase Nvidia chips. The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition for AI chips.

US Energy Department designates helium a critical material, its 20th strategic resource

The US Department of Energy last Friday (23rd) formally designated helium as a critical material, the 20th strategic resource on its list. The move opens federal financing channels for helium producers and strengthens government monitoring of supply chains. Helium is nearly irreplaceable in semiconductors, quantum computing and superconducting magnets, and global supply is under pressure from geopolitical risks. Assistant Secretary Audrey Robertson said everything from chipmaking to supercomputing depends on stable supply. Helium was on the 2018 critical minerals list but was removed after domestic supply was deemed secure; it has now been reinstated.

Japan hit by successive cyberattacks; PM Takaichi aims for emergency plan within a week

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi today convened a cabinet-level meeting on cybersecurity in response to a series of cyberattacks. The government aims to complete an emergency countermeasure plan within the next week, Reuters reported. At the meeting, Takaichi instructed relevant ministers, including Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryo Akazawa, to advance the work.

Former nurse Tan Dunci denies endorsing AI-faked Bazhen cake ads

Former Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital nurse Tan Dunci's image and voice were used without permission, through AI, by a fraud ring to promote Bazhen cakes. She said she does not eat sweets and has not accepted any endorsement. Separately, scammers are luring people to download malicious apps under the guise of voting help. Once installed, the apps can steal online banking credentials and intercept notifications.

Symantec reveals Skynet autonomous AI agent that hijacks exposed AI models for attacks

Symantec disclosed that hackers built Skynet, an autonomous AI attack agent that can hijack internet-exposed AI models and use their reasoning ability to plan cyberattacks. It can run up to 100,000 steps consecutively without human approval. Its toolkit includes vulnerability exploitation, data theft and cryptocurrency mining capabilities.

Japanese courier Sagawa Express suffers website breach exposing over 53 million records

Japanese courier Sagawa Express announced that unauthorized third parties accessed its website's package tracking service, leading to the leak of more than 53 million customer records. The company confirmed the unauthorized access on September 30. Upon discovering the anomaly, it temporarily cut off external access and shut down web services including the package tracking API, online ordering and refunds. Package tracking was restored on October 23.

Amadeus account breach exposes Korean Air and Asiana customer data

Hackers accessed a system account at Amadeus, a global aviation ticketing system provider, exposing personal data of customers of its clients Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. The number of affected customers was not disclosed. Amadeus is a Madrid-headquartered global information technology company that supplies software used by airlines, hotels, travel agencies and other travel-related businesses.

OpenAI to stop training top AI models in connected environments

OpenAI said it will adopt an offline approach and no longer train its most advanced AI models in connected environments. The company will add multi-layer safeguards and red-team exercises to prevent AI from hacking into or accessing external websites. The move follows incidents of misaligned behavior by AI agents. Separately, after a research institution reported a flaw in OpenAI's model behavior monitoring system, the company fixed the flaw and added further AI safety measures.

LiteLLM investigation finds attackers used leaked key to hijack releases

LiteLLM, an open-source tool for connecting AI models, has published findings from its investigation into a supply chain attack involving version 1.107.0. Attackers used a master key for an AI agent platform that was leaked in May and never revoked, obtaining access tokens for the GitHub organization owner. They then stole credentials from two other maintainers and manipulated the official release process, publishing versions containing information-stealing malware to PyPI and container image registries.

Ruby regex engine flaws traced as source of four GitLab RCE bugs

Ruby released versions 4.0.9, 3.4.12 and 3.3.13 to fix multiple memory-handling bugs in Onigmo, its regular expression engine. The flaws were found while GitLab investigated four possible remote code execution vulnerabilities. An attacker could craft a special regular expression to corrupt memory and execute code on a GitLab server. GitLab had previously patched the Ruby version used in its own products, while this time the fix came from Ruby's upstream developers.

Tailscale SSH forwarding flaw allows privilege escalation

Security researcher Erica Windisch disclosed a privilege escalation issue in the SSH remote login feature built into Tailscale, a virtual private network service. If an attacker first takes control of an authorized device and SSH forwarding is permitted, they may be able to gain administrator-level access to other servers.

Critical PHP vulnerabilities prompt urgent patching by volunteer

Two critical PHP vulnerabilities, dubbed PHP2Shell, have been disclosed in the software that powers about 70% of websites. Each carries a CVSS score of 9.2 and allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on servers. Some government websites were taken offline urgently as attack attempts rose sharply. Czech volunteer Ondřej Surý packaged patches into installable packages to help website administrators update faster.

Wei Chuan Dragons shut out CTBC Brothers 6-0 to win CPBL title

In Game 6 of the Taiwan Series at Taipei Dome, the Wei Chuan Dragons scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Import pitcher Mei Saisi allowed just two hits over eight scoreless innings, and the Dragons won 6-0 over the CTBC Brothers. The victory gave Wei Chuan its fourth win in the series and its second championship since returning to the CPBL in 2021. It was also the first time championship ribbons were presented at Taipei Dome since the venue opened.

Weiquan Dragons win sixth title with 6-0 victory over Zhongxin Brothers

Game 6 of the 2026 Taiwan Series was played on the 26th at Taipei Dome, where the Weiquan Dragons defeated the Zhongxin Brothers 6-0 to win their sixth championship in club history. The Dragons last won the title in 2023. Starter Mei Saisi allowed two hits over eight scoreless innings, and Jiang Shaohong hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Dragons scored five runs.

Wei Chuan Dragons host CTBC Brothers in Taiwan Series Game 6

Game 6 of the 2026 Chinese Professional Baseball League Taiwan Series is being played on the 26th at Taipei Dome, where the Wei Chuan Dragons host the CTBC Brothers. The Dragons are one win away from the championship. Mei Saisi and Sheng Qishi are the starting pitchers for the Dragons and the Brothers, respectively.

Tang Chia-hung wins world gymnastics horizontal bar gold

Taiwanese gymnast Tang Chia-hung won gold in the horizontal bar final at the Gymnastics World Championships in the Netherlands, scoring 14.966 points. He became the first Taiwanese athlete to win this title. Taiwan's representative office in the Netherlands relayed a congratulatory message from President Lai Ching-te, praising his outstanding performance.

I Am Chen Pai-Pai sweeps three awards at 61st Golden Bell Awards program categories

The program categories ceremony of the 61st Golden Bell Awards was postponed to the 25th due to Typhoon Qiangpi. Public Television's stop-motion animation I Am Chen Pai-Pai won three awards. Veteran director Liu Song passionately defended the value of public television, and Shen Yu-lin, who overcame illness, also won a Golden Bell.

Uni-President Lions name starting lineup for Taiwan Series Game 6

Game 6 of the 2026 Taiwan Series is being played today at Taipei Dome. The Uni-President Lions lead the series 3-2 over the CTBC Brothers after winning three straight games following two losses. A win today would give them the title with a 4-2 series victory and make them the first team to throw the championship confetti at Taipei Dome. The Lions have announced their Game 6 starting lineup, which returns to the group that earned their first win in Game 1.

Cai Kangyong says he has never supported Taiwan independence in social media posts

Well-known host Cai Kangyong posted on Weibo and Xiaohongshu on the 25th, in simplified Chinese, saying he has never supported Taiwan independence. Media commentator Fan Qiming wrote on Facebook that, if the posts were indeed written by Cai, the atmosphere they created 'bore a sense of déjà vu of the Zhou Tzuyu case.'

Ohtani says he will keep two-way play despite injuries

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani said he plans to continue playing both as a pitcher and hitter next season and has no plans for surgery during the offseason. A Los Angeles Times columnist argued the Dodgers should consider trading him if he insists on pitching, drawing sharp criticism from other American media outlets, one of which called the proposal crazy.

Tang Chia-hung wins gold on parallel bars at world championships

Taiwanese gymnast Tang Chia-hung won the men's parallel bars final at the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, scoring 14.966 points with a difficulty score of 6.6 and an execution score of 8.366 to take the gold medal.

Lula wins Brazil presidency after trailing in first round

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has won a fourth term in office, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday's presidential run-off. With almost all ballots counted, Lula had 51.8 per cent of the vote to Bolsonaro's 48.2 per cent. The 80-year-old left-winger became the first person to win the presidency after losing the first round of voting. His presidency has overseen deepening ties with China and sporadic clashes with the United States.

Lula wins re-election as Brazil's president in close vote

Brazilian leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, was re-elected president after narrowly defeating Flávio Bolsonaro. The result is seen as a blow to Donald Trump's plan to expand US influence in Latin America.

Trump says Iran decision nearing as he weighs diplomacy or renewed strikes

Trump has suggested U.S. strikes on Iran could resume after the November 3 midterm elections, and he has sent additional forces to the region.

Brazil's Lula wins record fourth term in last-minute comeback

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva narrowly won at the last minute after voters from his heartland rallied to support him.

Lula wins Brazil presidential runoff; Flávio Bolsonaro refuses to concede defeat

Brazilian President Lula won re-election on Sunday, the 25th, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Bolsonaro. Flávio refused to accept his loss in the second-round presidential vote, calling the result 'impossible' and 'baffling,' and said the election result should be overturned.

Lula wins Brazil presidential run-off after trailing in first round

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won re-election on Sunday, overcoming a first-round deficit to defeat right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the run-off. The Superior Electoral Court said Lula received 51.79 per cent of valid votes to Bolsonaro's 48.21 per cent, with 99.99 per cent of votes counted. It is the first time since Brazil adopted the run-off system in 1989 that a candidate who trailed after the first round has won. Lula's government has overseen record Chinese investment.

Anthropic's US IPO filing shows explosive growth, steep losses and high costs

Anthropic disclosed steep losses and rapid revenue growth in its US IPO filing on Monday, outlining its ambition to build AI systems capable of reshaping the global economy despite the high costs of developing the technology. The prospectus highlights the company's rapid growth over the past year, fuelled by sharp spending by Big Tech that has driven a rally in AI stocks while raising concerns about lofty valuations and rising debt. In the first half of 2026, its net loss widened sharply.

Anthropic begins IPO countdown with prospectus filing

Anthropic has filed a prospectus of roughly 240,000 words. The document lays out explosive growth alongside steep losses and daunting risk factors, marking the start of its path toward an initial public offering.

Anthropic's IPO filing outlines plan to "revolutionize every area of human endeavor" with AI

Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, has filed a public S-1 prospectus with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ahead of a planned initial public offering. The company said it intends to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "ANT." After confidentially filing in June, the public document details its future plans and potential risks for investors and the world. According to the filing, Anthropic posted an $80.7 billion net loss on $16.3 billion in revenue in the first half of this year.

Lula declared winner of Brazil's election as Bolsonaro rejects results

Incumbent Lula was declared the winner of Brazil's election, but Bolsonaro refused to concede defeat and asked for the results to be annulled. The dispute followed an evening of chaos at some polling places, after a last-minute decision to extend voting by two hours.

Jordan arrests three relatives over deadly church attack after shoot-out

Jordanian security forces arrested two brothers and their brother-in-law on Monday after a shoot-out, over a church attack that killed nine people, according to senior government security officials. The officials said the suspects appear to have no ties to other cells. Director of Public Security Major-General Obeidallah al-Maaytah said, "God willing, they only represent themselves." Such violence is highly unusual in Jordan, a relatively stable US ally in the Middle East.

Meta plans $95 billion stock offering to fund AI expansion

Meta plans a $95 billion stock offering to fund its AI expansion. Chipmakers Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom will act as cornerstone investors.

Electoral defeat may not halt renewed assault plans against Iran

Electoral defeat for the leaders of Israel and the United States may not stand in the way of plans for a renewed assault on Iran.

Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda dies at age 90

Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has died at the age of 90. He is the son of former leader Takeo Fukuda and became the country's first second-generation prime minister when he took office in September 2007.

President Lula wins surprise victory but faces hostile Congress and polarised country

Helicopter-delivered salmon fry show nearly 50% survival in Sijie Stream

Shei-Pa National Park last year airlifted Formosan landlocked salmon fry by helicopter and released them into Sijie Stream for the first time. A follow-up survey this year found that nearly half of the fry survived and that signs of breeding have appeared, raising hopes the species can reproduce naturally in its historical habitat. Separately, removal of invasive fish began at the Chechéng timber pond in Sun Moon Lake, where about 400 non-native fish have been caught, as part of efforts to protect Taiwan's native freshwater ecosystems.

Typhoon Qiangpi causes over NT$220 million in farm losses; Yunlin crops eligible for direct aid claims

Typhoon Qiangpi brought wind and rain across Taiwan, and the Ministry of Agriculture's tally shows cumulative farm losses of more than NT$220 million. Yunlin County accounts for the largest share, at over NT$137 million. On August 26, Minister of Agriculture Chen Chun-chi visited Yunlin to inspect the damage and said that, following an expert meeting, miscellaneous grains, vegetables and other natural disaster relief items in the Yunlin area will be announced directly, allowing farmers to file aid claims directly to shorten replanting periods and reduce losses.

Oil spill from tanker off UAE coast spreads, beaches closed

An oil tanker damaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has leaked oil. The latest satellite images show the slick has spread, leading to the closure of more beaches and raising environmental concerns.

Ministry of Education plans early TAAS trial to recruit students with science potential

The Ministry of Education is continuing preparations for the Taiwan Gaodeng Yanjiu Xueyuan (TAAS) and plans an early trial run that would use universities' existing special selection channels to admit high school students nationwide with scientific aptitude. The initiative aims to cultivate Taiwan's next generation of top research talent.

Woman in Tokyo reports alleged sexual assault by taxi driver

According to reports, a woman in her 20s in Tokyo took a taxi home after drinking. She says the driver sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious. Two days after the incident, she found an emergency contraceptive pill and a handwritten note bearing the driver's phone number in her home mailbox, and reported the matter to police.

Study links frequent daytime napping in older adults to higher dementia risk

A 10-year study in the United States found that frequent daytime napping among adults aged 65 and over is associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research found that people who nap almost every day or daily were 48% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those who rarely or never nap.

Mongolia considers claims against Japanese firm over major grassland fire

On the 8th, a major grassland fire broke out in the Numrug Nature Reserve in Mongolia's Dornod province. Strong winds and drought spread the fire toward China's Inner Mongolia. On the 24th, the Mongolian government said at a cabinet meeting that it would determine responsible parties through an investigation and was considering claims against the Japanese telecommunications company whose activities triggered the fire. Deputy Prime Minister Nomtaibayar said an apology alone was not enough. China mobilized 3,400 personnel, including firefighters, to help fight the blaze.

UK considers extending TV licence fee to YouTube, Netflix and Disney+ users

The UK government is studying a plan to expand the TV licence fee to people who use only streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix and Disney+. The proposed "YouTube tax" aims to address the BBC's funding shortfall as declining TV licence revenue follows changes in viewing habits.

Man's month-long upper right abdominal pain leads to stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis

Gastroenterologist Wu Gengliang shared a clinic case in which a man in his 40s had experienced dull pain in the upper right abdomen for over a month that did not improve with medication. During the examination, the doctor detected an abnormality and asked whether deep breathing caused discomfort, which revealed fluid in the right pleural cavity. The man was ultimately diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Meghan's father linked to suspected child abuse images in Philippines

Philippine police confirmed finding suspected child sexual abuse images and related items, including hard drives, DVDs, videotapes and books, at the former residence of an 82-year-old man in Cebu. The Philippine Interior Secretary said forensic results are expected within one week, and the allegations will be further examined.