Markets

A critical security flaw affects over twenty popular audio devices, including brands like Sony, Bose, and JBL. Discovered in a widely used Bluetooth chip, the vulnerability could allow hackers to eavesdrop or steal data. Researchers demonstrated an exploit to extract media playback information and potentially hijack connections. While technically challenging, the issue is being addressed with updated software from the chip manufacturer and patches from device makers.

Singapore is integrating self-driving vehicles into its public transport by late 2025, starting with residential areas. This move follows a visit by Singapore’s transport minister to WeRide, an autonomous driving leader. The partnership aims to accelerate AV deployment and improve connectivity, addressing demographic shifts and labor shortages. Singapore plans to expedite AV adoption over the next five years with WeRide’s support.

Huawei has open-sourced its Pangu 7B dense and Pangu-Pro MoE 72B large language models, along with Ascend-based inference technology. This move supports Huawei’s Ascend ecosystem strategy, aiming to accelerate AI research and application. The Pangu-Pro MoE 72B model shows strong performance, ranking highly on benchmarks for models under 100 billion parameters.

A single ticket sold in Northumberland County, Virginia, won a historic $348 million US Powerball jackpot. The winner must decide between a 29-year annuity or a $155.5 million lump sum. Powerball continues to offer life-changing sums, with this being the latest in a series of massive jackpots this year.

A 24-year-old Hunan man admits his 11 name change applications in 13 months are a bid for fame and attention. He desires to revert to “Zhuque Xuanwu,” believing even infamy is recognition. Authorities deem his actions disruptive. He is also on his third attempt at the Gaokao, having previously scored poorly.

Gree Electric’s Marketing Director, Zhu Lei, criticized competitors engaged in aggressive price wars, calling the strategy “involution” and self-destructive. He cited a TV brand entering the AC market with minimal profit margins, aiming to drive out Chinese competitors. Zhu argued this practice harms companies more than rivals and questioned its sustainability, stating industry leaders have a responsibility to the market and consumers, who may suffer from reduced quality due to price cutting.

Barton Gold Holdings Limited has updated its Mineral Resources Estimate for the Challenger Gold Project, focusing on higher-grade open pit materials and tailings reprocessing. This strategic shift aims to de-risk and accelerate production, with initial “Stage 1” operations targeting late 2026. The company plans feasibility studies by year-end 2025, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce cost and risk.

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals will present Phase 1 study results for its investigational therapy AUR200 on June 30, 2025. The company, focused on autoimmune diseases, previously launched LUPKYNIS and is developing AUR200 as a dual inhibitor targeting BAFF and APRIL. The findings will be shared via webcast and conference call.

Despite the internet’s vastness, significant media content is vanishing, termed “lost media.” This occurs due to factors like physical erasure from broadcast archives, copyright issues, and technological obsolescence. Dedicated communities actively search for and restore this content, combating digital oblivion and preserving cultural heritage. Their communal effort, not just technology, ensures these memories endure.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire a controlling stake in JB Pharma from KKR for INR 25,689 crores. This strategic move, followed by a merger, aims to significantly expand Torrent’s presence in the Indian pharmaceutical market. It will bolster their chronic segment expertise, introduce international CDMO capabilities, and enhance market share and operational synergies. The deal also diversifies Torrent’s business into the promising CDMO sector.