World News
Komodo Dragons have Iron-Coated, Serrated Teeth, Study Reveals
Komodo dragons native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang, these predators can grow up to three meters (10 feet) in length and weigh as much as 90 kilograms (200 pounds). Known for their venom and sharp teeth, Komodo dragons have now been the subject of a study led by researchers from King’s College London.
Apple Maps Launches Web Beta to Challenge Google Maps
After twelve years since the launch of the Apple Maps app on iOS 6, Apple has introduced a beta version of Apple Maps for the web. This enables users to access Apple’s navigation services directly from their web browsers. With this release, Apple plans to challenge Google Maps which has long been the dominant player in web-based navigation.
E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents Have Surged Across the US
A study by UC San Francisco (UCSF) highlights a rise in injuries related to electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) across the United States.
Meta Unveils Llama 3.1: The Largest Open-Source AI Model Yet
Meta has announced the release of Llama 3.1, its most powerful open-source AI model to date. With 405 billion parameters, this model is the largest from Meta and also sets a new benchmark in the open-source. The company claims that Llama 3.1 outperforms other leading models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet in several key areas.
New Zealand Report Finds 200,000 Suffered Abuse in Care
An independent inquiry into decades of abuse in New Zealand’s state and religious care systems has exposed a pattern of mistreatment and neglect that the Royal Commission described as a national disgrace. Over a period of more than seven decades, an estimated 200,000 children and vulnerable adults were abused with the majority of cases involving Māori.
Monday, July 22, 2024 Becomes the Hottest Day on Earth
Monday, July 22, 2024, has set a new record as the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, surpassing the previous day’s record according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
Germany Bans Islamic Organization for Alleged Links to Iran and Hezbollah
Germany has officially banned the Islamic Centre of Hamburg (IZH) along with five associated organizations due to allegations of supporting Iran’s theocracy and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Canada Wildfires: 25,000 Evacuate Jasper National Park Amid Raging Blazes
As of July 23, 2024, over 25,000 residents, seasonal workers and tourists have been forced to evacuate Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada due to out-of-control wildfires.
Typhoon Gaemi Causes Severe Flooding in the Philippines and Heads Towards Taiwan
Typhoon Gaemi also known locally as Typhoon Carina has hit Philippines, unleashing heavy rains, causing flooding, landslides and disruptions across the nation. As the storm moves towards Taiwan, it continues to intensify the southwest monsoon.
Nepal Plane Crash: Pilot Survives and 18 Dead on Saurya Airlines
A plane crash in Nepal claimed the lives of 18 people on board a Saurya Airlines flight leaving the pilot as the only survivor. The incident occurred during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on July 24, 2024.
