Markets

Tech entrepreneur Luo Yonghao supports airlines relaxing footwear requirements for flight attendants, stating that appearance shouldn’t be a primary hiring factor. This follows a trend of airlines like Spring Airlines, Hunan Airlines and Juneyao Airlines prioritizing comfort and safety over traditional aesthetics. These airlines now permit or mandate flat shoes either full time or during in-flight service, addressing concerns raised about the impracticality and safety hazards of high heels in the high-altitude environment of an aircraft.

At the AtCoder World Tour Finals 2025, Polish programmer Psyho defeated OpenAI’s AI model in a 10-hour programming competition. Psyho, a former OpenAI engineer, surpassed the AI by approximately 9.5% to win first place. The challenge involved optimizing a robot’s path on a grid, an NP-hard problem. While OpenAI’s AI was favored, Psyho’s heuristic approach and “human creativity” proved decisive. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged Psyho’s victory. He won 500,000 Japanese Yen.

A debate over instant noodle consumption on Chinese high-speed trains has sparked online controversy. While some passengers complain about overpriced train food and support the affordable convenience of noodles, others argue their strong odor is disruptive. Official notices request travelers avoid strongly scented foods. However, a 12306 representative clarified there’s no specific ban, and bringing outside food is permitted, though availability of instant noodles for purchase varies by train. The core issue revolves around balancing individual choice with consideration for fellow passengers in a shared space.

A young woman’s hospitalization, allegedly due to excessive “Guzu” (anime/gaming merchandise) at home, has sparked concern within the ACG community. Doctors warn that materials in “Guzu” products can release harmful substances in poorly ventilated areas, posing health risks. The “Guzu economy” is booming, but consumers are urged to practice mindful consumption and ensure ventilation. Some advocate for stricter quality control from manufacturers to ensure product safety amid growing collection habits.

Canon launched its “Imaging China 2025” festival in Chengdu, Sichuan, on July 19, 2025. The event, including the Canon Landscape Photography Rally 2025 and EOS x 8KRAW Video Creators Conference, aims to promote photographic arts and document China’s beauty. Over 400 enthusiasts are participating in a three-month journey to capture China’s landscapes. Canon collaborates with partners like Fengguang Pixel and 8KRAW, fostering cultural and tourism development through imagery. The festival features workshops, field trips, and a photography competition with prizes including Canon RF lenses.

On Tuesday, an unusual traffic incident occurred in Zhangjiakou’s Chongli district when horses blocked the Honghualiang Tunnel. Viral video showed several adult horses seemingly protecting a fallen foal and halting traffic. Police arrived and successfully guided the horses to clear the tunnel. Speculation arose online that the horses were signaling for help. While police confirmed responding to the incident, details about the horses’ condition and ownership are currently unavailable.

Zhou Hongyi, chairman of 360 Group, views Nvidia’s H20 chip for China as a sign of ongoing US-China AI competition. Despite Nvidia’s 30-year lead, Zhou and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledge Huawei’s remarkable progress in GPU development. Huang highlights Nvidia’s AI ecosystem investments, while Huawei’s Ren Zhengfei emphasizes using methods like stacking and clustering to compensate for single-chip limitations, focusing on mid-to-low-end chips and software advancements.

A Weibo debate ignited by #AdviceAgainstBuyingCarsAndHousesBefore35 centers on a content creator’s suggestion to postpone major purchases until one’s mid-thirties, advocating for renting and stock market investments instead. This strategy aims to accumulate wealth, prioritizing experiences initially and later utilizing savings for housing or entrepreneurship. Critics argue against the anti-car stance, emphasizing the value of personal transportation for broadening horizons. The discussion highlights the tension between immediate gratification and long-term financial security for young adults.

China’s food delivery price war is harming restaurants, as reported by CNBC AI News. Xibei’s founder, Jia Guolong, reveals concerns about unauthorized discounts and eroded pricing power. He argues that platforms’ unsustainable tactics damage the restaurant ecosystem, generating waste and squeezing profits. Jia pleads for pricing autonomy amidst regulatory intervention from SAMR urging rational competition. Despite this, reports indicate promotions continue, leaving restaurants struggling for survival.

A viral video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR head Christine Cabot at a Coldplay concert led to Byron’s resignation. The video, showing a brief embrace, fueled speculation about their relationship, compounded by Byron’s marital status. Astronomer cited unmet standards of conduct in its statement. Coldplay responded by introducing camera-free zones at future concerts. Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.