MSD launches IDEA Studios to fund healthcare innovation in Asia, Europe

Andrew Marshall emphasized the importance of net assessment in evaluating long-term state competition, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and vulnerabilities to achieve national security goals. The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment highlights China's "uneven progress" in military capabilities, creating strategic openings for Taiwan to exploit key vulnerabilities in areas like command and control, electronic warfare, and cyber warfare. By targeting PLA weaknesses in communication infrastructure and coordination, Taiwan can enhance deterrence and defense against a potential...

During a recent visit to Shanghai, the writer noticed significant changes post-pandemic, including visa programs, digitalization, and the use of apps like WeChat and Alipay for most transactions. While navigating the city's transformed landscape, the writer encountered challenges with language barriers, payment methods, and transportation options, such as the necessity of using Didi for rides. Despite these obstacles, the writer appreciated the convenience of translation tools within the apps for communication and dining experiences, highlighting...

South Korean police have increased security around the court ahead of the ruling day for Yoon supporters, planning to deploy all forces and create a "vacuum state" to prevent clashes between pro- and anti-Yoon rallies. Acting chief Lee Ho-young has warned of strict action against violence, following a previous incident where Yoon supporters stormed a court building. Amid political turmoil, opposition parties seek to impeach finance minister Choi Sang-mok, who has angered them by vetoing...

Next-generation sequencing has revealed the diverse microbiome in the female reproductive tract, impacting fertility and disease. A Lactobacillus-dominated uterine environment improves pregnancy outcomes, while other beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Bifidobacterium regulate immune responses. Understanding and manipulating the reproductive microbiome could enhance fertility treatment outcomes, with potential for prebiotics, probiotics, and microbiota transplants in the future. Full Article

Qualcomm has strategically acquired MovianAI, the generative AI division of VinAI from Vietnam's Vingroup, to bolster its R&D efforts in AI. The integration of MovianAI's expertise is expected to accelerate the development of next-gen AI solutions across various industries. Qualcomm aims to leverage VinAI's advanced generative AI capabilities to pioneer groundbreaking inventions and deliver cutting-edge AI solutions for global markets. Full Article

Budweiser's 'Tomorrow is Yours to Take' campaign has made its way to India after three years, focusing on music, festivals, and experiences to connect with the youth. AB InBev India has tailored the campaign to align with the Indian audience's love for music, shifting the focus to festival-goers. Experiential marketing has become crucial for alco-bev brands in India due to tightening regulations, with AB InBev India leading the charge by engaging young consumers through immersive...