Markets

Baidu has open-sourced its ERNIE 4.5 AI models, featuring multi-modal Mixture-of-Experts with enhanced orthogonality. Modong Space, China’s national computing platform, is the first to integrate these advanced models. ERNIE 4.5 optimizes training and inference for improved text generation, image comprehension, and multi-modal reasoning, catering to diverse real-world applications.

SOHM, Inc. appointed Ravi Kapoor as an Independent Director. Kapoor brings over 30 years of experience in corporate law, M&A, and financial management. His expertise is expected to enhance SOHM’s strategic direction, corporate governance, and growth initiatives, particularly aligning with the company’s focus on generic drugs and gene-editing technologies.

Taobao Tmall launched its “Authentic Experience Score” system, moving beyond user ratings to objectively assess sellers on product quality, logistics, and service. Integrated into search, recommendations, and marketing, this score empowers consumers and rewards merchants with high performance. The system utilizes metrics like return rates, delivery times, and response times. This initiative aims to foster a more trustworthy e-commerce ecosystem by incentivizing genuine quality and service.

FOXO Technologies’ subsidiary, Myrtle Recovery Centers, has secured a second year of funding from Scott County for its opioid abatement program. This renewed support will allow Myrtle to continue providing essential care to uninsured patients at its Tennessee facility. The company is experiencing high demand and plans for further expansion.

A viral video shows a car erupting in flames while refueling, possibly caused by the driver’s continuous manipulation of a beaded bracelet. The friction from the beads is theorized to have created a spark that ignited gasoline vapors. The incident highlights gas station safety, emphasizing the risk of static electricity and vapors, and advising patrons to discharge static and avoid leaning over the fuel intake.

A Cessna 441 turboprop crashed in Howland Township, Ohio, June 29, killing all six on board. The twin-engine aircraft, which took off from Youngstown, went down in a wooded area. The NTSB is investigating. This incident is the deadliest local aviation crash and occurs amid a recent increase in U.S. aviation accidents.

OpenAI’s Global Affairs account highlighted China’s AI progress, specifically praising Zhipu AI’s significant advancements and international reach. The Chinese firm, a key player in China’s self-reliant AI ecosystem, has deployed infrastructure globally. OpenAI analysts note Zhipu AI’s success in Western markets with localized versions of its products, presenting it as a growing contender in the AI race.

Qifu Technology, Inc. shareholders approved a rebranding to Qfin Holdings, Inc. and restated Articles of Association. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu was reappointed as auditor, and Mr. Xiangge Liu will continue as director. These changes reflect the Chinese AI-powered Credit-Tech platform’s commitment to strengthening governance and identity in the evolving fintech sector.

A Rolls-Royce showroom visit in Hangzhou turned into a bizarre harassment case. After a cordial visit, a sales associate allegedly contacted a customer’s girlfriend, leading to a digital spat. This evolved into smear tactics, including false accusations of vehicle damage and anonymous, insulting texts and a package of turtles, implying cuckoldry. The customer’s information was reportedly shared by the dealership, and the associate’s mother allegedly harassed the customer’s ex-girlfriend, contributing to their breakup. The customer seeks accountability for the privacy breach and harassment.

Acrobatic duo Shi Lei and Fei Fei are taking a break, citing personal decisions and a lumbar injury sustained by Fei Fei. The performers, known for their gravity-defying acts and millions of online followers, will pursue individual paths. Their demanding training, including eight hours daily, pushed their bodies to the limit. They achieved national recognition on CCTV for their unique blend of ballet and acrobatics.