The Ellison family, led by tech magnate Larry Ellison and his son, Hollywood producer David Ellison, is rapidly expanding its influence in the global media landscape. This year, their strategic maneuvers have positioned them to potentially control some of the world’s largest media companies, including TikTok and CNN. Larry Ellison’s close ties with former US President Donald Trump have been instrumental in facilitating these deals, with Trump publicly praising Ellison as an exceptional business leader.
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How smelly shoes inspired India’s Ig Nobel prize-winning study
A peculiar yet pervasive problem in households worldwide—smelly shoes—has inspired two Indian researchers to delve into the science behind the stench. Vikash Kumar, an assistant professor of design at Shiv Nadar University, and his former student Sarthak Mittal, embarked on a journey to understand how foul-smelling footwear affects the experience of using a shoe rack. Their innovative research not only addressed a common annoyance but also earned them the Ig Nobel Prize, a prestigious award celebrating unusual and imaginative scientific endeavors. The duo’s study began with a simple observation: students often left their shoes outside their rooms due to the overpowering odor, not due to a lack of space. A survey of 149 university students revealed that more than half had felt embarrassed by their own or someone else’s smelly shoes. Traditional remedies like tea bags or baking soda proved ineffective. Turning to science, the researchers identified Kytococcus sedentarius, a bacterium thriving in sweaty shoes, as the primary culprit. Their experiments demonstrated that a brief exposure to UVC light effectively killed the bacteria and eliminated the odor. However, timing was crucial—too much exposure damaged the shoes. Their solution? A prototype shoe rack equipped with UVC tube lights, designed to store and sterilize shoes simultaneously. The Ig Nobel Prize recognized their work, highlighting the fun and imaginative side of science. The award has not only brought recognition but also inspired the researchers to explore more unconventional scientific questions. As Kumar aptly put it, today’s smelly sneakers could pave the way for tomorrow’s groundbreaking discoveries.
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The US navy killed 17 in deadly strikes. Now Venezuela is giving civilians guns
In the face of escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuela’s National Bolivarian Militia, a civilian force established by the late President Hugo Chávez in 2009, is mobilizing to defend the nation. Edith Perales, a 68-year-old militia member, is among thousands preparing for a potential US attack, following the deployment of US Navy ships in the South Caribbean under the guise of counter-narcotics operations. The militia, largely composed of senior citizens and inexperienced volunteers, has been called to active duty by President Nicolás Maduro, who has framed the US actions as a ‘non-declared war.’
The US has recently destroyed at least three boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in 17 fatalities. This has further strained the already tense relationship between the two nations, exacerbated by Donald Trump’s return to office and his administration’s accusations of Maduro’s ties to drug cartels. The US has also doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million, while labeling the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group.
Maduro, in response, has ordered the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) to train local militias, including those in Caracas’ 23 de Enero neighborhood, a traditional stronghold of Chavismo. Despite the militia’s lack of experience, its members, like Francisco Ojeda and Glady Rodríguez, express unwavering enthusiasm to defend their homeland. However, political analyst Benigno Alarcón suggests that Maduro’s strategy is less about combat readiness and more about creating a ‘human shield’ to deter US military action.
While Maduro claims over 8.2 million civilians are enlisted in the militia, this figure remains disputed. For Perales, who has served for decades, the militia represents a duty to protect his community. Despite his age and health, he remains prepared to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, embodying the spirit of Chávez’s vision for a self-reliant nation.
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Zimbabwe is tobacco country. But some want to switch to a healthier crop – blueberries
Zimbabwe, traditionally known as Africa’s largest tobacco producer, is now pivoting towards a new agricultural frontier: blueberries. A landmark trade agreement with China, the world’s leading importer of blueberries, has positioned Zimbabwe to potentially become Africa’s blueberry capital. While tobacco exports reached a record $1.3 billion last year, driven by rising demand in China, blueberry exports, though modest at $30 million, are seen as a promising alternative. Clarence Mwale, a horticulture specialist, emphasizes, ‘The future is food, not a bad habit.’
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Swiss vote on electronic identity cards for second time
Swiss citizens are heading to the polls this Sunday to decide on the introduction of electronic identity cards, a proposal that has already gained parliamentary approval and government endorsement. This marks the second nationwide referendum on the issue, following a 2021 rejection driven by data protection fears and unease over private sector involvement. The revised plan ensures the system remains entirely public, with data stored on users’ smartphones rather than centrally, and participation remains optional. Citizens can still opt for the traditional national identity card, a long-standing standard in Switzerland. To address privacy concerns, authorities will only access specific details, such as proof of age or nationality, rather than comprehensive personal data. Proponents argue the system will streamline bureaucratic processes, from obtaining phone contracts to age verification for purchases, making daily life more convenient. However, Switzerland’s strong tradition of privacy protection, exemplified by its banking secrecy laws and stringent regulations on Google Street View, fuels opposition. Critics, who gathered enough signatures to force the referendum, fear the system could still enable tracking and marketing misuse, despite new safeguards. Recent polls suggest voters may now be more open to the idea, partly due to their positive experience with the Covid ID, which facilitated access to public spaces during the pandemic. Many Swiss, already active smartphone and social media users, acknowledge that tech giants already collect extensive personal data, leading some to believe that limited government access would not significantly impact privacy.
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Instagram vs reality: Bali is becoming a victim of its own success
Bali, Indonesia’s iconic tropical haven, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. However, recent social media outcries reveal a growing disillusionment among tourists, who find the reality of Bali starkly different from the idyllic images portrayed online. Zoe Rae, a visitor who documented her experience on YouTube, expressed her disappointment, stating that the island’s charm was overshadowed by congestion and unfulfilled expectations. Her sentiments echo a broader trend of ‘expectations vs reality’ posts, highlighting issues like overcrowded beaches, traffic jams, and environmental degradation.
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Bodies of child and man found at house in Dublin
A somber investigation is underway in Dublin following the grim discovery of two bodies at a residence in Finglas on Saturday evening. Gardaí, the Irish police force, were alerted to the scene in the Cappagh area shortly before 8:00 PM local time. The victims, identified as a young girl and a man, were found lifeless within the property. Authorities have cordoned off the location to facilitate a thorough forensic examination, ensuring that all potential evidence is meticulously preserved. The Office of the State Pathologist has been engaged to assist in determining the cause of death, and the coroner has been formally notified. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the local community, with many awaiting further details as the investigation progresses.
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South Africa thump Argentina to go top of Rugby Championship
In a historic performance, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu led South Africa to a resounding 67-30 victory over Argentina in the Rugby Championship, setting a new national record for points scored in a Test match. The 23-year-old fly-half amassed an impressive 37 points, surpassing Percy Montgomery’s previous record of 35 points set in 2007. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s stellar performance included three tries, eight conversions, and two penalties, cementing his place as a rising star in South African rugby. The match, held in Durban, saw the Springboks take a one-point lead at the top of the Rugby Championship table, following New Zealand’s earlier win over Australia. The first half was tightly contested, with South Africa leading by just two points at halftime. However, the Springboks surged ahead in the second half, with tries from Cheslin Kolbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Morne van den Berg, and Manie Libbok, thrilling the 45,000-strong crowd. South Africa now looks ahead to their final match against Argentina at Twickenham on October 4, where a bonus-point win could secure their third Rugby Championship title in its current format. However, the Springboks will also claim the championship if Australia defeats New Zealand in their upcoming clash. ‘This was a vibe. I am very happy,’ Feinberg-Mngomezulu remarked after the game, reflecting on his record-breaking performance and the team’s collective effort.
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Dozens dead in crush at political rally in India
A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including children, according to state officials. The incident occurred on Saturday during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay in the Karur district, where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered. The event, which was delayed by several hours, saw chaotic scenes as people fainted in the overcrowded venue. Images from the scene depicted shoes and water bottles scattered across the road, highlighting the severity of the crush. Politician Senthil Balaji confirmed the fatalities outside a local hospital, noting that over 50 others were injured. The victims included 16 women, nine men, and six children, as reported by state health minister Ma Subramanian. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that additional medical assistance had been requested from nearby districts and promised compensation of one million rupees ($11,300) to the families of the deceased. An inquiry into the incident has also been initiated. Vijay expressed his “deepest sympathies and condolences” in an online statement, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X. This tragedy adds to a series of similar incidents in India this year, including deadly crushes at the Kumbh Mela festival and outside a cricket stadium.
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Russia has no intention of attacking EU or Nato states, foreign minister says
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has firmly stated that Russia harbors no intentions of attacking NATO or EU member states. However, he warned that any aggression directed towards Moscow would be met with a ‘decisive response.’ Lavrov made these remarks during a comprehensive address at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, where he highlighted the increasing frequency of threats against Russia by Western nations. Lavrov also criticized Israel, condemning the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas but asserting that there is ‘no justification’ for the ‘brutal killings’ of Palestinians in Gaza or for plans to annex the West Bank. He accused Israel of using its mission to eliminate Hamas as a pretext for air strikes on other Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar. On Iran, Lavrov accused Western powers of undermining diplomatic efforts after a last-minute bid by Russia and China to delay the reimposition of sanctions failed on Friday. Lavrov labeled the move as ‘illegal,’ with the sanctions set to take effect at 00:00 GMT on Sunday. Addressing tensions in Europe, Lavrov reiterated that Russia has never planned to attack NATO or the EU and warned that any aggression against Russia would be met with a robust response. He also commented on the US-Russian relationship, noting a desire in the current US administration to develop pragmatic cooperation without adopting an ideological stance. Lavrov further criticized the West for the delayed recognition of a Palestinian state by some countries, suggesting that they waited until there was ‘no one and nothing left to recognise.’