Markets

A potential ban on gasoline-powered vehicles for ride-hailing in Beijing, allegedly effective July 20th, has sparked significant reactions. News of the policy, attributed to the China Urban Public Transportation Association, caused EV drivers to rejoice while gasoline car drivers expressed concerns over vehicle depreciation and loans. The used car market reportedly saw a drop in prices for gasoline-powered ride-hailing vehicles.

A novel method for detecting malware using machine learning is proposed. The approach leverages feature extraction techniques to identify malicious patterns within software code. Experimental results demonstrate that the method achieves high accuracy and outperforms existing techniques in detecting previously unseen malware variants. The proposed system offers a proactive solution for enhancing cybersecurity defenses against evolving malware threats.

A 9 Air (九元航空) flight, AQ1441, scheduled to fly from Guangzhou to Guangzhou in 90 minutes sparked online amusement. While initially listed with impossible timings, the flight actually occurred on July 19th, and customer service clarified it was a test flight. The airline, a low-cost carrier based in Guangzhou, claimed that any decision for formal route planning needs futher decisions. The event highlights the interplay between innovation, resource management and transparency within China’s competitive aviation sector.

Following Zong Qinghou’s death, Wahaha Group, led by Zong Fuli, faces challenges amid public attention on the inheritance of Zong Qinghou’s vast estate. Scrutiny focuses on Zong Fuli’s management and whether the Zong family can effectively lead the beverage company forward.

A Sam’s Club shopper in Guangzhou encountered a barcode issue while purchasing Orion snacks. This follows the introduction of a low-sugar Orion Choco Pie, which sparked debate among members questioning the store’s exclusivity due to readily available products. The low-sugar Choco Pie has since been removed from the online app with unclear reasons. Some argue that Sam’s Club needs to offer unique value justifying its membership fee to maintain its appeal.

Altiplano Metals partners with Andes Core Mining to ramp up development at the Santa Beatriz copper-gold-iron mine in Chile. A two-year agreement focuses on underground mine development, with operations starting in July and ore processing in September. Initial production targets are 3,000 tons per month, scaling to 5,000 tons within six months. This aims to maximize supply to Altiplano’s El Peñón processing facility. Development includes a 75m ramp to access the Santa Beatriz vein. Potential economic/technical risks exist due to the absence of a feasibility study.

A recent graduate in China claims a company threatened to blacklist him after he rejected a job offer due to a late salary payment and long commute. The company’s HR representative allegedly accused him of lacking integrity for applying to multiple positions. Legal experts suggest that publicly disseminating information about his actions could constitute a breach of his rights. Analysts emphasize that job seekers are entitled to apply for multiple positions and reject offers before signing a contract. The graduate could report the company to the police or pursue legal action.

A man in Hubei Province, China, was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 50,000 RMB for extorting restaurants by planting ants in his meals. Rong, unemployed since 2019, began the scam in 2022, targeting establishments in public locations and demanding compensation to avoid negative publicity. He received 71,661 RMB from 283 instances. The court convicted Rong of extortion, citing the substantial amount obtained and the adverse impact on public perception. He must also return the illegally gained funds.

E3 Lithium (TSXV: ETL) has filed its NI 43-101 technical report for the Garrington District lithium project, confirming previous resource estimates of 5.0 Mt LCE Measured and Indicated, and 0.3 Mt LCE Inferred. The report, reviewed by qualified experts, is accessible on the company’s website and SEDAR+. E3 Lithium also granted stock options to VP Rob Knowles, exercisable at $0.81. E3 Lithium holds significant lithium resources in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as detailed in their technical reports.

Wahaha’s succession, particularly Zong Fuli’s strategy, is a hot topic in China. Questions arose about her choice of Pepperdine University, with some deeming it an inferior choice compared to Ivy League schools. Pepperdine defended its business program as a flagship offering with strong networking opportunities, citing successful alumni and top rankings. Zong’s business school is recognized for entrepreneurship and its EMBA program consistently ranks globally.