The Guardian · 24 Apr, 05:55
The Australian government is likely to reject a proposed 25% tax on gas exports in the upcoming budget. Meanwhile, petrol prices have fallen to pre-war levels in major cities, and a class action lawsuit has been launched against Harvey Norman over allegedly 'misleading' ads.
The Australian government, led by Trade Minister Don Farrell, has indicated that it will not introduce a new 25% tax on gas exports in the upcoming budget. This decision comes amid concerns about the impact on exports and the country's obligations to supply gas to Asian allies. The government has instead considered other options, such as reforms to the petroleum resources rent tax or a tax on windfall profits. Additionally, petrol prices have decreased to pre-war levels in major cities, with Sydney's average unleaded price at 185.3 cents a litre, Melbourne's at 183.8 cents a litre, and Brisbane's at 184.6 cents a litre.
Why it matters: The rejection of the gas export tax is significant as it reflects the government's priorities on maintaining Australia's reputation as a reliable supplier of liquefied natural gas to Asian allies. The decision also highlights the challenges of balancing fiscal policy with the need to support key industries. Furthermore, the decrease in petrol prices will provide relief to consumers, but the ongoing scrutiny of corporate practices, such as those of Harvey Norman and Woolworths, demonstrates the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumer interests.
25% (proposed gas export tax), 185.3 cents a litre (Sydney's average unleaded petrol price), 183.8 cents a litre (Melbourne's average unleaded petrol price), 184.6 cents a litre (Brisbane's average unleaded petrol price), 177.2 cents a litre (Adelaide's average unleaded petrol price), $5 (original price of Arnott's Tiny Teddies), $6.50 (temporary price increase of Arnott's Tiny Teddies), $5.50 (new 'sale' price of Arnott's Tiny Teddies)
I am appalled but not surprised to see the Albanese government caving to gas companies. - Senator David Pocock
The Guardian · 24 Apr, 05:45
The London Marathon is experiencing a surge in popularity, with over a million applicants for the event, driven by a boom in running culture, particularly among Gen Z women. The event may expand to a two-day format in 2027, potentially allowing tens of thousands more runners to participate.
The London Marathon has seen a significant increase in interest, with over 1 million applicants for the event, including around 850,000 British runners. A third of applicants are aged between 18 and 29, with the majority in this category being female. The event's popularity is attributed to a running boom, particularly among young women, who are being inspired by social media influencers and elite athletes.
Why it matters: The London Marathon's popularity is significant as it reflects a shift in the demographics of running, with women and younger generations increasingly participating. The event's potential expansion to a two-day format could have a substantial impact on charity fundraising and the local economy.
1 million: number of applicants for the London Marathon; 850,000: number of British runners; 59,000: number of participants; 349,000: increase in number of runners in 2024 compared to the previous year; 2027: potential year for a two-day event; £130m: potential charity fundraising from a two-day event; £400m: potential social and economic benefits from a two-day event; 18: age of youngest participants; 88: age of oldest participant, Harry Newton; 22: number of London Marathons completed by Harry Newton
The London Marathon is 'a celebration of what's good in humanity, people doing great things and raising money for all sorts of charities' - Sean Ingle, Guardian's chief sports reporter
The Guardian · 24 Apr, 05:00
Essar, the Indian-owned conglomerate that owns a UK oil refinery, shifted billions of dollars in loans from a Russian bank under sanctions to an offshore subsidiary in Mauritius, where sanctions did not apply. The move has raised concerns about potential sanctions circumvention and has prompted calls for an investigation by UK authorities.
In 2014, Essar borrowed $1bn from the Kremlin-controlled lender VTB. By 2020, its debt to VTB had risen to €2.35bn. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, VTB was targeted by international sanctions. Essar then shifted the loans from Cyprus to a subsidiary in Mauritius, where sanctions did not apply, with the approval of the Cypriot government. The loan transfer was signed by two subsidiaries of Essar's UK arm, Essar Energy Limited.
Why it matters: The transfer has raised concerns about potential sanctions circumvention, as Essar appears to have continued dealing with a Russian bank under sanctions. Experts and MPs are calling for an investigation by UK authorities, citing the need to ensure compliance with sanctions laws. The case highlights the challenges of enforcing sanctions on companies with complex international structures.
$1bn: initial loan from VTB in 2014, €2.35bn: Essar's debt to VTB by 2020, $1.3bn: purchase price for Stanlow refinery in 2011, $13bn: Rosneft's investment in Essar Oil in 2017, $1.2bn: 'enhancement' of VTB borrowing after Mauritius move, $39m: payment from Cypriot subsidiary to Mauritius company
'VTB is not just another bank. It is an arm of the Russian state helping finance a war of aggression against Ukraine. That is why it is sanctioned. And that is why any UK business should not go anywhere near it, directly or indirectly.' - Liam Byrne, chair of the business select committee
Ars Technica · 23 Apr, 21:45
The US has accused China of 'industrial-scale' theft of American artificial intelligence intellectual property, specifically through a method called distillation. China has responded by calling the accusations 'slander'.
The US government has accused China of engaging in large-scale theft of American artificial intelligence intellectual property. This allegedly involves Chinese firms using a method called distillation to steal IP from US AI companies. Several US AI firms, including Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI, have reported instances of their IP being stolen by Chinese companies. The US government has expressed concern that this could help China quickly catch up in the AI race.
Why it matters: The accusations are significant because they highlight the intense competition between the US and China in the field of artificial intelligence. The US is concerned that China's alleged theft of AI IP could undermine its competitive advantage and threaten national security. The issue could also strain relations between the two countries.
100,000 (number of times Gemini AI chatbot was promoted to train cheaper copycats), 16 million (number of exchanges with Claude through fraudulent accounts), 24,000 (number of fraudulent accounts used to generate exchanges with Claude)
Ars Technica · 23 Apr, 20:57
Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have spent a decade trying to replicate a recent experimental result to determine the gravitational constant, also known as 'Big G', but their findings do not resolve the existing discrepancy in its value. This constant describes the strength of gravitational force between two masses.
The gravitational constant, or 'Big G', is a fundamental constant that describes the strength of gravitational force between two masses. Despite its importance, physicists have struggled to measure it precisely for over two centuries, with values varying by about one part in 10,000. A team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has spent the last decade replicating a recent experimental result in an effort to resolve the discrepancy. Their findings, published in the journal Metrologia, provide another data point but do not resolve the issue.
Why it matters: The precise value of Big G is crucial for understanding the fundamental forces of nature, but its current uncertainty is significantly higher than that of other fundamental constants. The difficulty in measuring Big G lies in the weakness of gravity compared to other fundamental forces, making it challenging to isolate and measure accurately. A more precise value of Big G could have significant implications for fields such as physics, astronomy, and engineering.
Ars Technica · 23 Apr, 18:05
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Health Secretary, faced confrontation in a Senate hearing over his rejection of germ theory, a fundamental scientific concept that specific pathogenic microbes cause specific diseases. Senators Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy challenged and debunked his views, which are considered fringe and have been largely underreported.
In a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing, Senator Bernie Sanders confronted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his rejection of germ theory. Kennedy defended his views, but Senator Bill Cassidy fact-checked and debunked his arguments in real time. Kennedy has no background in science, medicine, or public health, but is a well-known anti-vaccine activist. His rejection of germ theory was highlighted in his 2021 book 'The Real Anthony Fauci', where he promotes a concept similar to the terrain theory.
Why it matters: This confrontation is significant because Kennedy's rejection of germ theory, a cornerstone of biomedical science, has been largely underreported despite being a fundamental aspect of public health. As a Health Secretary, his views could potentially influence health policy, making it crucial to address and debunk misinformation. The hearing marks a rare instance of public scrutiny of Kennedy's fringe views.
NPR News · 24 Apr, 05:21
Summary not available.
NPR News · 24 Apr, 05:45
Summary not available.
NPR News · 24 Apr, 05:08
Summary not available.