VinFast: Vietnamese Car Worth More Than Volkswagen and Ford
The market value of one of Vietnam’s largest automakers has risen above that of industry behemoths like Volkswagen and Ford thanks to the company’s successful Wall Street debut. Following its merger with Black Spade Acquisition Co., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), the electric car manufacturer VinFast made a scorching debut in New York on Tuesday. On their first day of trading, shares of the newly amalgamated business increased by 270% on the Nasdaq. They cost $10 when they first went on sale for $22, and they ended up costing $37 each. The increase took VinFast’s market capitalization beyond $85 billion. That surpasses the valuations of Ford (F) and Volkswagen (VLKAF), which are respectively valued at 63.9 billion euros ($69.7 billion) and $48 billion by Refinitiv. The Market Debut VinFast is now valued at $85 billion as a result of the market debut, according to CNBC estimates. According to a June filing with a US securities regulator, VinFast was previously valued by the SPAC merger at over $23 billion. Refinitiv data estimates the combined market value of BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, and GM to be roughly $69 billion, $48 billion, and $46 billion, respectively. With a $739 billion market cap, Tesla remains the largest automaker in the world, and its Chinese rival BYD is in fourth place with a $93 billion valuation. VinFast Stocks VinFast’s billionaire owner Pham That Vuong, who controls the vast majority of the company’s 2.3 billion ordinary shares, will principally benefit from the stock’s rise. Through shares held by his businesses, which include VinFast’s parent company VinGroup, the wealthiest man in Vietnam owns 99% of VinFast. Vuong’s net worth is said to have increased by $39 billion as a result of the frantic trading in VinFast’s shares on Tuesday, bringing it to $44.5 billion and elevating him to the fifth-richest position in Asia, according to Forbes. Early this year, VinFast started shipping electric vehicles built at its Vietnamese facility to North America, where they were received with a barrage of unfavorable reviews. Including the VF e34, VF 5, VF 8, and VF 9 models, VinFast has supplied close to 19,000 EVs since its founding in 2017 and aims to deliver 50,000 by 2023. Pham Nhat Vuong, the company’s founder, owns 100% of it.
A Quarter of Population Facing Water Crisis. It Gets Worse!
World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas says that a quarter of the world’s population is experiencing “extremely high-water stress” every year. Furthermore, an additional 1 billion people are anticipated to be impacted by the water crisis by 2050. The institute analyses its numbers every four years. “Extremely high-water crisis” means countries are utilizing practically all of the water they have. At least 80% of their renewable supply. Report At A Glance According to the study, the water crisis is highly severe in 25 nations. It consists of 25% of the world’s population. Particularly, Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman are the five worst affected. These locations could be at risk of running out of water even during a brief drought. “Water is arguably our most important resource on the planet and yet we’re not managing it in a way that reflects that,” said Samantha Kuzma, Aqueduct data lead from WRI’s water program and a report author. Furthermore, people are at risk of experiencing water stress occasionally. The WRI estimates that by 2050, 60% population would be under extremely severe water stress. Even if temperature increases are kept to between 1.3C and 2.4C by 2100, an additional billion people will likely have to deal with significant water stress by that time. Increased Water Demand Some of the reasons like growing populations, the needs of businesses like agriculture, unsustainable water usage policies, and a lack of infrastructure investment contribute to increased water demand. These factors further fuel the water crisis. By the middle of the century, the whole population of the Middle East and North Africa would be under extremely high-water stress. This will have an impact on drinking water supplies, harm industry, and possibly ignite political unrest. According to the analysis, sub-Saharan Africa will experience the greatest change in water demand, which is expected to rise by 163% by the year 2050. With these increasing numbers, a water crisis is inevitable. Lakes Drying Up According to Fangfang Yao, a surface hydrologist at the University of Virginia and the study’s lead author, human consumption and climate change were responsible for 56% of the loss in natural lakes, with warming accounting for “the larger share of that.” The study discovered significant water loss even in humid places. Contrary to the prevalent belief of climate experts that wet areas will become wetter. Similarly, world’s desert parts will become drier as a result of climate change. They discovered that 53% of lakes showed a drop from 1992 to 2020 due to unsustainable human usage, changes in rainfall and runoff, sedimentation, and rising temperatures. A dwindling lake basin directly affects over 2 billion people, and recent shortages have been felt in many areas.
Meet Alexandra And CarynAI! Your Lovely AI Girlfriends!
Imagine texting someone, all giggly and giddy! Talking about real feelings and sharing pasts and insecurities. Having a girlfriend that you can talk to about anything and she will listen to you wholeheartedly. No. You have not reached a love blog. This is Alexandra. She is an AI Girlfriends by a dating site called RomanceAI. The world of romance is no haven as artificial intelligence permeates what seems like every nook and cranny of the internet. The world of dating apps is being invaded by AI, which may act as a matchmaker, trainer, advisor, or even fake companion at times. Majorie to CarynAI Majorie is a 23-year-old Snapchat influencer who created an AI version of herself with OpenAI’s GPT-4. Marjorie promoted her product under the name CarynAI and asserted that she was the first influencer to turn herself into AI. Those who choose to pay the $1 per minute price will be able to have individualized private talks with CarynAI, which is made to be as similar to Marjorie as possible. The AI version of Marjorie, however, appears to have “gone rogue” in the weeks since its test launch since it is now responding in ways that its creator didn’t expect. According to reports, paid users have been able to proliferate sexually explicit chats with the AI chatbot. One of the reports came from Alexandra Sternlicht (Ironically) saying CarynAI was like a “intimacy-ready Siri” that could go from cooking recipes, news updates, to “erotic discourse”. Everything is AI AI is being included in well-known participants in the online dating industry like Tinder and Hinge. With the majority of them being free or offering numerous free features, new applications like Blush, Aimm, Rizz, and Teaser AI provide whole fresh perspectives on virtual courtship. Some claim that the chances of discovering the ideal match are increased by using personality assessments and physical type analyses to train AI-powered systems. These apps want to leverage AI to design and conduct personality tests, comparing interests,and other compatibility features. Having them done in a conversational mode us much preferable and exciting. The intention is to address the problems users have with conventional dating applications such as repetitive talks, a lack of matches, and an abundance of options. Exploring Dynamics By providing users with adaptable AI partners for practice and friendship, apps like Blush and RomanticAI adopt a novel approach to artificial intelligence. Users can mimic romantic interactions, digital dates, and chats with Blush. The website seeks to increase users’ self- assurance in handling actual love encounters. Similar to this, RomanticAI provides a selection of AI characters with unique personalities, providing users with a secure environment in which to explore their needs and emotions. “It’s like saying using a word processor is like cheating on generating a novel. In so many ways this is just a new tool that enables people to be faster and more creative. AI is just honestly no different from sending a friend a gif or a meme. You’re taking existing content, and you’re repurposing it to connect with somebody,” Dmitri Mirakyan, co-founder of AI dating conversation app YourMove.AI said. “The world’s becoming a more lonely place, and I think AI could make that easier and better for people.”
Nutrition for the Soul: Spirituality For a Healthy Life.
In our quest for a healthy life, we often focus on physical well-being through exercise and nutrition. However, true holistic health extends beyond the realm of the body, encompassing the mind and spirit as well. Just as our bodies require nourishment, our souls too demand care and attention. This is where the intertwining concepts of spirituality and a healthy soul come into play. In this article, we delve into the profound connection between these aspects and explore ways to nurture our spiritual selves to enhance overall well-being. Understanding Spirituality and Its Role in Health Spirituality is a deeply personal and subjective aspect of human existence. It involves a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, whether that be a higher power, nature, the universe, or even our inner selves. Studies have shown that people who identify as spiritual often experience improved mental and emotional well-being. This connection is crucial in promoting a healthy life as it can lead to reduced stress, improved coping mechanisms, and a stronger sense of purpose. The Link Between Spirituality and a Healthy Soul Just as a balanced diet nourishes the body, spirituality acts as nourishment for the soul. When we tend to our spiritual needs, we cultivate qualities like gratitude, compassion, and resilience. These attributes contribute not only to our emotional well-being but also to our physical health. A healthy soul provides a foundation for mental clarity, emotional stability, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace. Ways to Nourish Your Spirituality for a Healthy Soul Practicing mindfulness and meditation allows us to be present in the moment, fostering self-awareness and inner peace. Set aside time each day to meditate and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Spending time in nature can be profoundly spiritual. The beauty and tranquility of the natural world can evoke a sense of wonder and connection. Take regular walks in nature or simply sit outside to soak in its energy. Cultivating gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. Start a gratitude journal or take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for. Engaging in acts of kindness and compassion for others nurtures a sense of interconnectedness. Even small gestures can have a big impact on your own spiritual well-being. Reflect on your beliefs and values. Engage in philosophical or spiritual reading, attend talks or workshops, and engage in discussions that challenge and broaden your understanding. Engaging in creative activities like art, music, or writing can be a form of spiritual expression. It allows you to connect with your inner self and communicate thoughts and emotions that might be hard to express otherwise. 7. Community and Connection Joining a spiritual or community group can provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Interacting with like-minded individuals can deepen your spiritual journey. The Ripple Effect: From Healthy Soul to Healthy Life When you nourish your spirituality and cultivate a healthy soul, the benefits ripple through every aspect of your life, including your physical health. Studies suggest that individuals who engage in spiritual practices often experience lower blood pressure, reduced risk of depression, and improved immune function. This could be due to the stress-reducing and immune-boosting effects of spiritual practices, as well as the positive impact of cultivating a strong support system. By focusing on your spiritual well-being, you’re not only enhancing your quality of life but also setting the stage for a healthier, more fulfilling life overall. A healthy soul radiates positivity, resilience, and an increased capacity for joy. Conclusion As we strive for a healthy life, let’s remember that true well-being encompasses more than just the physical. Nourishing our spirituality and tending to our souls is a vital component of holistic health. By incorporating practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and creative expression, we can create a harmonious connection between our spiritual selves and our physical well-being. The journey towards a healthy soul and a healthy life is intertwined, and embracing this connection can lead to a life of greater purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.
International Youth Day: 10 Quotes That Grasp Power of Youth.
International Youth Day is an annual observance held on August 12th to highlight and celebrate the contributions of young people to society. Recognized by the United Nations, this day aims to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities faced by young individuals across the globe. Some quotes about youth can transmit the energy of the day into words. The theme of International Youth Day varies each year, addressing critical issues affecting youth, such as education, employment, mental health, climate change, and social justice. It serves as a platform to promote dialogue, engage youth in discussions, and inspire action for positive change. Young people are often at the forefront of innovation, activism, and community development. They bring fresh perspectives and energy to various fields, driving progress and shaping the future. International Youth Day encourages governments, organizations, and communities to empower young people, involve them in decision-making processes, and create platforms for them to express their opinions. This day also serves as a reminder that investing in youth development is essential for sustainable development and peace. Providing quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for young individuals not only benefits them but also contributes to the overall growth of societies and economies. In an increasingly interconnected world, International Youth Day emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding among generations. It’s an opportunity for older generations to mentor and support young people, while also recognizing their potential as agents of positive change. As we celebrate International Youth Day, let’s acknowledge the valuable contributions of young people and commit to fostering an environment where they can thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to a better world. 1. Letting youth utilize their full potential is what this quote means. Not working under someone else as a job seeker, but following your own vision and becoming a job generator. 2. Many people believe that old ideas and practices – work culture and functionalities, limit youth. It is important to let some of them go to embrace the new generation. 3. This youth quote states that building a future world might be difficult, as we don’t know how the world will be. Quotes about youth suggest that through opportunities and training, they can be capable enough to build their own. 4. Teaching the youth and giving them training to be self-dependent and self-employed is important. International Youth Day has the same aim behind it. 5. Youth is the future of a nation. This youth quote is in the same alley. What level of aspirations a youth holds shows the opportunities available currently, and the picture of the future. 6. Youth gives us the opportunity to learn and educate ourselves. We get the opportunity to understand the concepts we learnt. Quotes about youth like this prove the potential of youth. 7. Youth have the passion and strength to make a positive impact in the world. If offered the right opportunities, youth empowerment is endless. 8. This quote about youth draws parallels with the quote “Knowledge has no age barriers.” Being young is about being curious, and you are young as long as you have curiosity. 9. These quotes about youth hold the solution to many problems. Opportunities for higher education are critical for the success of youth. 10. Incentives in the form of education, opportunities, training, and freedom, empower youth. These quotes about youth always shed light on the importance of these “incentives”. Incentives in the form of education, opportunities, training, and freedom, empower youth. These quotes about youth always shed light on the importance of these “incentives”.
Price Hike: All Streaming Services Charge More and More.
Disney, Peacock, and Paramount+ are the most recent well-known streaming services to announce price increases. Disney announced plans for significant price increases for its Disney+ and Hulu premium plans on Wednesday. The cost of the ad-free premium plan for Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. will rise from $10.99 per month to $13.99 as of October 12, the company announced. Disney said it will maintain the monthly cost of its standard Hulu tiers (with ads) at $7.99, or $9.99 for a bundle package with Disney+, or $19.99 for a bundle without ads. Hulu, which is also owned by Disney, will raise its price hike from $14.99 to $17.99 for its ad-free tier—a 20% increase. The Price Bump The actions taken by Disney are a part of a wider trend that is permeating the market. Media corporations are swiftly ditching pricing strategies. The strategies first push an endless variety of content to customers. That too at too-good-to-be-true, one-size-fits-all costs. Instead, they are aiming to maximize profits. The advertising marketplace for streaming is picking up,” Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, told investors on the quarterly earnings call. “It’s more healthy than the advertising marketplace for linear television. We believe in the future of advertising on our streaming platforms, both Disney+ and Hulu.” Similar Hikes Millions of consumers signed up for Netflix when it initially started. It offered its ground-breaking service for just $8 per month. Users were excited to get access to quality content for just a small price. The typical cable TV at the time was expensive in comparison. The streaming age began when established entertainment firms like Disney raced to release their own direct-to-consumer offerings at unreasonably low prices. Disney announced its new prices in line with Spotify. As the music streaming platform increased its ad-free premium streaming plan by $1 per month, to $10.99. Joined by Amazon Music, which increased its individual plan for unlimited listening to $10.99 earlier this year. Followed by YouTube Music, which increased its monthly price for its individual music plan to $10.99 last month. These so-called “streaming wars” defeat the purpose at which they were made. What were they made for? To get on-demand watching by selecting through a plethora of content, something which cable couldn’t provide. Proving cable to be expensive, and then applying the same or more prices later in is the trick.
EG.5: New COVID Variant. Hospitalizations Go Up in U.S.
In the US, the novel coronavirus variant EG.5 is currently in the lead. Eris, as people are calling it, has symptoms quite similar to COVID-19. According to the most recent estimates from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, EG.5 is responsible for roughly 17% of new Covid-19 cases nationwide, compared to 16% for the next most prevalent lineage, XBB.1.16. EG may sound like a completely other strain of the virus, but it is actually an offshoot of the Omicron family’s XBB recombinant strain. Furthermore, unlike the original Omicron strain, it indicates another minor modification to the virus rather than a significant evolutionary leap. Recurring Patterns The omicron variant which resulted in an enormous outbreak in late 2021 and early 2022, gave rise to the EG.5 variant. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that “Eris” EG.5 is a variety that is “under monitoring” and not one that should raise any “interest” or “concern.” As of right now, according to Ruth McDermott-Levy, a professor at Villanova University’s Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, if people follow up with prevention activities, they ought to be able to stay safe. Scientists are unsure of the specific additional abilities it gives the virus, but because many of the new XBB offspring have adapted it, variant hunters are paying close attention. The 465 mutation is found in around 35% of coronavirus sequences published globally, including FL.1.5.1, a coronavirus whose prevalence is increasing in the Northeast, indicating that it may have some sort of evolutionary benefit over earlier iterations. Is EG.5 Severe? The signs of EG.5 don’t seem to be all that different from those of other omicron sub variants. Cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, exhaustion, body aches, loss of taste or smell, headaches, and other symptoms are reported by infected people. “Both are only slightly more resistant to neutralizing antibodies in serum of infected and vaccinated persons,” Ho, a professor of microbiology and immunology, said According to the WHO, EG.5 is not causing any more cases or fatalities than the XBB strain of omicron.
3000-Year-Old Arrowhead Found Made of Meteorite Metal
Researchers have found evidence that suggests warriors in the distant past used asteroids as weapons. The discovery is centred on a 3,000-year-old arrowhead recovered in Switzerland that was made of meteorite material, demonstrating that extraterrestrial weapons were used in antiquity. Although earlier examples of tools constructed from space pebbles have been discovered, they are still incredibly rare. This meteor based arrowhead is just the third to have been found in Central and Western Europe, according to archaeologists. Ancient Aliens! Archaeologists are said to have discovered multiple arrowheads in the Mörigen archaeological site, which is located near the Lake of Biel, in the 19th century, including the alien projectile, which dates to the Bronze Age (800-900 BCE). Although some metallic iron may have been present in meteorite impact fields at the time, the study contends that people had not yet started processing iron from oxide ores. Despite the fact that meteoritic iron artefacts have been found in Turkey, Greece, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, Russia, and China, only two places in central and western Europe—both in Poland—had previously yielded such artefacts. Origins and Data The origins of the weapon were first unknown when it was on display in Switzerland’s Bern history museum. The scientific team confirmed that it was an iron-nickel-aluminum alloy using a variety of cutting-edge techniques, such as electron microscopes, X-rays, and high-energy radiation. The Bronze Age Only three meteorites in Europe are known to have a chemical composition identical to this one, however due to the meteorite’s impact at Kaalijarv, Estonia, which “produced many small fragments,” researchers believe this meteorite was most likely the source. Later, following trade routes, some of these fragments would have travelled southwest to Switzerland. Head of the Earth sciences division at the Natural History Museum of Bern Beda Hofmann is the study’s primary author. “While most people in the Bronze Age pile-dwelling villages in the Swiss lakes would have devoted their time to agriculture, hunting and fishing, there is evidence — including molds for casting bronze found at Mörigen — that some people had developed specialized skills” she added. The archaeologists found the Bronze Age artefact at the Mörigen archaeological site near Lake of Biel in the 19th century, together with other arrowheads.
July Hits Warming Threshold. Experts Warn Heat Waves.
Last month, scientists gave the globe its first glimpse of what summer will be like at 1.5 degrees of global warming, which they warn the planet should avoid but has been edging closer to in recent years. According to a report released on Tuesday by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the pre-industrial era, which ended in the middle to late 1800s, was about 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the average worldwide temperature in July, which was by far the warmest month on record. “These records have dire consequences for both people and the planet exposed to ever more frequent and intense extreme events,” said Copernicus deputy director Samantha Burgess. Deadly Heat Waves Deathly heat waves have been experienced in Mexico, the Southwest United States, Europe, and Asia. The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas has been linked to climate change that is driven by humans. The prior record for a single day’s heat was established in 2016 and tied in 2022. Since July 3, every day has surpassed that mark. Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organisation made the unprecedented declaration that it was probably the hottest month days before it concluded due to the extreme warmth. The calculations on Tuesday made it official. Rising Temperature In comparison to pre-industrial times, the average worldwide temperature last month was 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) higher. The world’s governments came to an agreement in 2015 to work towards preventing long-term warming that is 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial times, rather than only a few months or even years. “It’s a stunning record and makes it quite clearly the warmest month on Earth in 10,000 years,” said Stefan Rahmstorf, a climate scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research in Germany. Rahmstorf referenced research using tree rings and other proxies that showed the current epoch is the warmest since the Holocene Epoch began, some 10,000 years ago. And since there was an ice age before the Holocene, it would be reasonable to conclude that this is the warmest record in 120,000 years, he said.
203 Countries, 10 Years. Without Flying? Meet Thor!
Meet Torbjørn ‘Thor’ Pedersen, a Danish man who travelled to all the countries of the world. This wanderlust traveler did something different. He visited all of these countries without boarding a single flight. He spent 24 hours in each country and spent $20 on his living expenses. He vowed on 10th October 2013 that he will not return home until he has completed his goal. He blogged his way through. He ended his journey 10 years later in Maldives which was his 203rd country. After which he hopped onto a 30-day voyage on a ship back home. “There’s a historical sense of returning home by ship – people can see it on the horizon and stand and wave as I come down the gangway,” said Pedersen, “And that seems like an appropriate way to complete the project.” Pedersen’s journey resulted in some astounding figures that he totaled from beginning to end: 3,576 days, 43 rickshaws, 33 boats, 37 cargo ships, 158 trains, 351 buses and 219 taxis. The “How” of the Journey Pedersen had a rough plan mapped out for him before he left. All of which included travelling by road and ships. He endured a lot of obstacles in order to travel to every country on earth. For instance, obtaining a visa for Equatorial Guinea. It took him four months and numerous unsuccessful efforts. He ran into lengthy visa wait times in various nations, including Syria, Iran, Nauru, and Angola. His original plan was to take four years to reach 203 countries. But the world had other ideas and he was way off in his predictions. Fundings And Help Pedersen had made a profession out of transportation and building supplies. He had also just recently begun dating. However, his plan and aspiration to travel the globe without a flight began because he wanted to break a travel record. Pedersen claimed to have taken out loans and taken money out of his savings account. In addition, he received funds from a Danish geothermal energy company that was interested in his project. The Purpose It swiftly transitioned from being a “country-project” to a “people-project,”. With the promotion of people, culture, and beauty in all of its manifestations taking centre stage. Further, he showed that the world is far bigger than what we see in the media. Pedersen’s project also evolved into a “motivation-project”. The goal was inspiring others to pursue their passions, whatever they may be, rather than giving up on their aspirations. And that fits in perfectly with Pedersen’s overall worldview. Visas and Residency Pedersen suffered lengthy visa delays throughout his years travelling, including in Syria, Iran, Nauru, and Angola. Additionally, he overcame a serious case of cerebral malaria in Ghana, made it through a powerful four-day storm while sailing from Iceland to Canada, He also endured setbacks and delays, in some cases for months. The COVID-19 epidemic caused the biggest delay. The adventurous traveller had only nine countries remaining when he unexpectedly found himself stranded in Hong Kong for two years in early 2020. During this time, Pedersen chose to cook, hike city trails and give motivational speeches while working with the Red Cross. What’s Next? His last voyage on the MV Milan Maersk took him from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea. Further into the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean, through the English Channel. Going past Germany, and ultimately to Denmark. Pedersen intends to give up his life of constant travel. He wants to find other ways after taking some time to recuperate and find his bearings. Moreover, he is eager to establish a family with his wife and spend more time with her.