News
Hiroshima observed the 81st anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing with a renewed plea for the complete abolition of nuclear weapons. Mayor Kazumi Matsui challenged nations still relying on nuclear deterrence, urging leaders to recognize the human suffering caused by atomic arms and to push for disarmament. Approximately 50,000 attendees, including representatives from 121 countries and regions, participated in the memorial ceremony. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi affirmed the nation’s commitment to creating a world free of nuclear weapons, highlighting the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
During the late morning, residents across Mindoro reported experiencing clear shaking, with weaker vibrations reaching neighboring provinces. The tremor also impacted parts of Metro Manila, even though they are more than 100 kilometers from the closest point to the epicenter. Mamburao experienced Intensity 5 tremors, as did several other communities in Oriental Mindoro. Calapan City, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Victoria also recorded the same level of intensity. In addition, Taal in Batangas and the towns of Abra de Ilog and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro experienced intensity 4. Seismic instruments picked up intensity 5 readings in Mamburao and Puerto Galera as well. Overall, the strongest ground movement was concentrated in Mindoro, where the effects were most perceptible.
Business
In June, South Korea achieved an all-time high current account surplus of $49.73 billion, driven by a significant increase in semiconductor exports. The surge was predominantly fueled by robust goods exports, with technology shipments playing a crucial role in boosting overseas sales growth. Semiconductor exports drove South Korea’s current account surplus to an all-time June record. For the first half of the year, the current account surplus reached an unprecedented $191.01 billion, setting a new record for January through June.
Health
European health organizations are urging the European Union to implement obligatory heat protection policies as rising temperatures heighten health risks throughout the continent. The Health and Environment Alliance, also known as HEAL, advocates for concrete EU-wide targets to enhance climate resilience and safeguard public health. Their recommendations include establishing more robust national adaptation strategies and mandating heat-related health objectives for member countries. Additionally, they emphasize the necessity for dedicated funding for climate and health initiatives in the EU’s upcoming long-term budget covering 2028 through 2034.
Moderna has initiated a preliminary human trial for a vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to expand. The first dose of the mRNA-1469 vaccine was administered on August 3 in Truro, Nova Scotia. This trial signifies the vaccine’s initial application in human subjects. The World Health Organization has designated the situation as an international public health emergency due to the outbreak.
Michigan health officials have verified two fatalities associated with the state’s 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a total of 11,234 cases as of August 3. Additionally, the state recorded 193 hospitalizations through July 30. Both individuals who died had significant underlying health issues. Authorities mentioned that cyclosporiasis and dehydration might have worsened their existing conditions, but they did not release further personal details.
Health Authorities Warn of Record-Breaking Ebola Crisis in DR Congo KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – Ebola has escalated into the most extensive epidemic ever recorded in DR Congo. By July 30, officials confirmed a total of 3,605 cases, which included 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was reported at 44%. During the most recent full reporting week, health teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly figures since the outbreak’s onset and indicating ongoing virus dissemination.
New epidemic milestone confirmed as Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000, prompting global health agencies to deploy emergency resources. The post Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 following rapid regional spread appeared first on Gulf Daily Report: The Gulf’s daily news, fully reported..
Leading experts issue a soft drink dementia warning, highlighting how regular sugary and diet sodas accelerate cognitive risks. The post Soft drink dementia warning issued by leading brain experts appeared first on Gulf Daily Report: The Gulf’s daily news, fully reported..
Technology
OpenAI is expanding access to ChatGPT by offering Free and Go users unlimited text conversations with GPT-5.6 Luna. The company announced that this change will take effect next week and will be implemented with safeguards to prevent misuse. During this rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna will also become the default model for those accounts. Additionally, free users will be provided with a Think button that allows the system to dedicate more time to handling complex questions before delivering a response.
On September 14, the World Trade Organization will host its inaugural World Trade and Tech Day at its headquarters in Geneva. This event aims to gather trade policymakers, technology experts, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and international commerce. Centered around the theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” the discussions will emphasize policies that facilitate broader access to AI technologies while promoting a more inclusive approach to global trade.
European Union regulations requiring clear disclosure for certain AI-produced materials became active across member states on August 2, 2026. Under Article 50 of the EU AI Act, obligations are established for both developers and users of artificial intelligence technologies. These rules encompass chatbots, synthetic media, deepfakes, and specific publicly relevant texts. However, they do not mandate a visible warning on every AI-created item. Instead, the legislation applies distinct requirements depending on the type of system, the nature of the content, and the mode of publication.
Technology giant Apple reclaimed its position as the most valuable publicly traded corporation globally on Monday, overtaking semiconductor producer Nvidia amid shifts in global equity allocations. Official reports from Emirates News Agency confirmed that Apple edged out Nvidia as the world’s leading company in market value, as institutional investors shifted their capital towards balance sheets characterized by cautious capital spending. Data compiled from Wall Street exchanges revealed Apple’s total market capitalization rose to approximately $4.94 trillion, while Nvidia’s total valuation decreased to about $4.83 trillion, reversing their previous rankings among the top global technology firms.