A new leader in Hong Kong
The security chief who led the crackdown on pro-democracy protests is now the city’s new chief executive. John Lee was the only candidate in a Beijing-rigged election—and he is one of the officials on the US sanctions list. Why this matters:
“Analysts say his elevation signals that Beijing’s tough policy on Hong Kong is set to continue. It is also the first time that a former security official has been appointed to the top job in one of Asia’s most significant business hubs.”
BBC News has more details.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland: The ultra-nationalist Sinn Féin—once the political arm of the Irish Republican Army—has emerged as the largest party in the assembly elections. Why this unprecedented win matters: Sinn Féin is committed to a united Ireland—bringing together Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. The prospect may seem remote but the numbers indicate rising frustration on the Irish border due to Brexit. New York Times explains why. ABC News has more on the political chaos that lies ahead.
A horrific Ukraine bombing
About 60 people are feared dead after a Russian plane dropped a bomb on a school in Luhansk—where civilians were taking shelter. Moscow has repeatedly targeted hospitals, schools and nurseries in the course of the war—which is a gross violation of international law. (CNN)
Taliban shows its original colours
The government has ordered women to cover themselves from head to toe when they step out in public. Only the eyes can be left uncovered. Also this:
“The decree says that women should leave the home only when necessary, and that male relatives would face punishment—starting with a summons and escalating up to court hearings and jail time—for women’s dress code violations.”
The culprit for this new decree is Taliban’s hardline leader Hibaitullah Akhunzada—who also blocked a move to send girls back to school. Politico has more on the divisions between pragmatists and extremists within the government.
Xiaomi vs Enforcement Directorate
The Chinese company has been under investigation since February. Last week, law enforcement officials seized $725 million in bank accounts, claiming Xiaomi made illegal remittances abroad “in the guise of royalty” payments. Now, its top executives claim that ED officers threatened “dire consequences” to them and their families—if they failed to testify as asked. (Reuters)
Two bird-related things
One: The latest data shows that the Emperor penguin is in serious risk of extinction—within the next 30-40 years. The reason: formation of sea ice has been disrupted by accelerated global warming:
“If the sea freezes later or melts prematurely, the emperor family cannot complete its reproductive cycle. ‘If the water reaches the newborn penguins, which are not ready to swim and do not have waterproof plumage, they die of the cold and drown,’ said biologist Marcela Libertelli.”
Two: Every year, birders, naturalists and students around the world come together to document bird species—over the course of four days. This year’s Global Backyard Bird Count has documented 1,017 species in India—which is 75% of the total number of known species in the country. The top contributing state: Tamil Nadu, followed by Kerala. The Hindu has more on this lovely event.
Is the NFT bubble going to pop?
Last week, the Bored Ape Yacht Club sold virtual deeds for land in its metaverse project for silly money—in a crazy sale that disrupted the Ethereum blockchain. The average investor paid at least $5800 per plot—and up to $6,000 in ‘gas’ or transaction verification fees. But the prices have already crashed by 25% in the first five days. Adding to Bored Ape buyer woes: someone’s developed an AI that churns out unique versions of those ugly, overpriced Bored Ape NFTs—and they’re totally free. Haw. (The Next Web)
Two things to see
One: A sculpture bought at a Goodwill store in Texas for $34.99 has turned out to be an ancient Roman bust—dating back to the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD. It was looted from the Bavarian royal family’s collection during World War II. But no one knows how it ended up in Texas. The bust will be returned to Germany next year. (New York Times)
Two: MIT researchers have developed a nifty portable device that can turn saltwater into drinking water. Instead of a filter, it uses electric fields to remove the salt, bacteria and viruses—and consumes less energy than a cell phone charger. Since it’s the size of a suitcase and can be operated by a layperson, it could be a game-changer for refugee camps and remote islands. Also this fact: there are 326 million trillion gallons of water on Earth—but less than 3% of it is fresh water. (Fast Company)
Good stuff to check out
On the latest episode of the splainer podcast ‘Press Decode’, the splainer team looks at a big question: Will Elon Musk change Twitter India? Be sure to head over to the IVM website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to it.
