At least 30 people are dead and 35 are missing in central China, state media reported Thursday, following days of torrential rain that lashed the country earlier this week. The downpours were triggered by Typhoon Gaemi, which moved on from the Philippines and Taiwan to make landfall in eastern China a week ago, with hilly, landlocked Hunan province hit particularly hard. On Thursday, state broadcaster CCTV said that "the roads, electricity and communications in eight towns in Zixing city that were most severely affected by Typhoon Gaemi have basically opened". "Initial findings show that there have been 30 deaths and 35 are missing," the report said, adding that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing. On Tuesday Xinhua said four people had been killed and three people were missing in Zixing.

About 21 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong in the first half of 2024, representing a 64 percent increase year-on-year, with overnight visitors accounting for 50 percent of all arrivals during the period. HKTB said the city has received 700,000 meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector travelers, making MICE travel the fastest-recovering visitor segment in Hong Kong. Each overnight MICE visitor spent an average of HK$8,000, which is about 20 to 30 percent higher than the average per capita spend of all inbound overnight visitors. MICE visitors also stayed in Hong Kong for 3.7 nights on average, higher than the average of 3.2 nights for overnight visitors. The events are anticipated to attract approximately 1.7 million visitors to Hong Kong, bringing HK$7.2 billion in consumption revenues and adding approximately HK$4.3 billion to the local economy.

SINGAPORE, Singapore — Typhoons in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change, according to a joint scientific study released on Wednesday. Coastal communities and cities like Hai Phong in Vietnam and the Thai capital Bangkok are "facing unprecedented threats from longer lasting and more intense storms", a statement about the study said. Published in the peer-reviewed Nature partner journal Climate and Atmospheric Science, the study "highlights significant changes in tropical cyclone behaviours in Southeast Asia". It added that climate change, which has caused ocean waters to warm, can alter the paths of tropical storms in the region, home to more than 650 million people. "There were two takeaways: First, we should be acting to reduce emissions, so we can curb the impacts of future storms," Andra said.

The MMDA, in collaboration with the DPWH, is currently implementing the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, which involves the rehabilitation of existing pumping stations and construction of new ones. The MMDA chief attributed the massive flooding in NCR to improper waste management practices that affect waterways and clog the drainage system. The problem of flooding must be addressed, not just through the government’s flood management projects, but also through the discipline of the public in their respective waste management efforts,” Artes stressed. Additionally, the MMDA has initiated community-based solid waste management programs that include strategies targeting changes in people’s behaviors and practices in solid waste management introduced to various barangays. Addressing Metro Manila’s perennial flooding problem requires a multifaceted approach that includes upgrading infrastructure, improving waste management practices, and fostering community cooperation.

Critics argue that PhilHealth funds should be used to expand health coverage and improve benefit packages for Filipinos, especially the poor and indigent. Read more: Watchdogs question PhilHealth fund transferPrior to Marcos Jr.’s Sona last July 22, over 60 professional organizations from the health care sector signed a letter addressed to the President, urging him to issue a directive to return the P89.9 billion unused fund to PhilHealth. PhilHealth initially requested a P101.5-billion subsidy from the national government for 2024 to support the National Health Insurance Program. This legislation was a pledge to care for our most vulnerable, guaranteeing PhilHealth benefits, including comprehensive outpatient services,” Leachon said. RELATED STORIES:PhilHealth to recommend premium contribution rate cut to MarcosBankrolling other services using PhilHealth funds unethical – MakabayanYour subscription could not be saved.

File PhotoThe Biden administration plans to unveil a new rule next month that will expand U.S. powers to stop exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment from some foreign countries to Chinese chipmakers, two sources familiar with the rule said. A spokesperson for the U.S. Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, declined to comment. The Foreign Direct Product rule stipulates that if a product is made using American technology, the U.S. government has the power to stop it from being sold - including products made in a foreign country. Equipment, for example, could be designated as falling under export controls simply because a chip containing U.S. technology is incorporated into it, they said. "Effective export controls rely on multilateral buy-in," said a separate U.S. official who declined to be identified.

Alfredo Pascual resigns as DTI chiefTrade Secretary Alfredo Pascual at a Department of Trade and Industry event in July 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has quit his post, said the Palace on Wednesday. The Presidential Communications Office announced his resignation in a Facebook post. “His focus on MSMEs was absolutely correct, and we are beginning to see the fruits of that policy. Benjamin Diokno was replaces as Finance Secretary in January and Vice President Sara Duterte had resigned as the Education Secretary and NTF-Elcac vice chairperson in June.

Paris Olympics athletes, fans melt in 'brutal' heatA view shows Olympic Rings set by the Pyramide du Louvre, designed by Chines-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, within a gala dinner hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the French Presidency at the Louvre Museum in Paris, on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, on July 25, 2024. The forecasted return of some wet weather may come as relief to athletes, spectators and officials who baked in unforgiving weather throughout the day. A report released last month ahead of the Games and backed by climate scientists and athletes had warned about the dangers posed by extreme high temperatures. Players have been issued with refillable bottles but the world number 27 said it was impossible to keep the water cool. Officials at the tennis activated a heat protocol, allowing a 10-minute break between the second and third sets.

BEIJING, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Uxin Limited ("Uxin" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: UXIN), China's leading used car retailer, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Gross margin was 5.9% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 , compared with 1.2% in the prior fiscal year. Loss from operations was RMB312.5 million ( US$43.3 million ) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 , compared with RMB356.9 million in the prior fiscal year. Other revenue was RMB34.4 million (US$4.7 million) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, compared with RMB38.9 million in the prior fiscal year. Gross margin was 5.9% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, compared with 1.2% in the prior fiscal year.

BEIJING, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. (the "Company" or "New Oriental") (NYSE: EDU/ 9901.SEHK), a provider of private educational services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. Financial Highlights for the Fourth Fiscal Quarter Ended May 31, 2024Total net revenues increased by 32.1% year over year to US$1,136.7 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024.for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Operating income decreased by 78.1% year over year to US$10.5 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024.for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Net income attributable to New Oriental decreased by 6.9% year over year to US$27.0 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024. Financial Results for the Fourth Fiscal Quarter Ended May 31, 2024Net RevenuesFor the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024, New Oriental reported net revenues of US$1,136.7 million, representing a 32.1% increase year over year.

As the 2D image spokesperson of MVPLAND, Wei Lan will represent Huntkey to participate in various activities, conveying the brand value and cultural concept to the users. MVPLAND will continue to support e-sports, and the launch of the MVPLAND 2D image is the proof. The overwhelming popularity at the Huntkey BW scene confirms the attention and affection of 2D enthusiasts and e-sports players towards Wei Lan. In the future, Huntkey will continue to work with Wei Lan, MVPLAND's 2D image spokesperson, to bring more e-sports equipment to numerous e-sports enthusiasts. Website: http://www.huntkey.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuntkeyGlobalAdvertisementInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntkey_globalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/huntkeyMedia Contact: Ms.Lava Huang, E-mail: [email protected]Business Contact: Ms.Ferris Liao, E-mail: [email protected]Advertisement

She serves customers coffee and chats with them to understand their habits, before recommending products and service packages that would best meet the individual customer needs. With 14 years of sales experience, Miu Lam knows attentive listening to customer needs is essential. Travis Cheng is currently working at 3Shop, having joined the telecoms industry as he wanted a more challenging career. “During the sales process, we must listen attentively to customer needs, introduce products and services suitable to their needs, and build customers’ confidence in our brands, products and services,” Viki added. HTHK will continue to pursue a customer-centric strategy, attentively listen to customer needs, and provide professional service, thereby allowing customers to enjoy a unique service experience in the 5G era.

US support for Philippines steadfast regardless of election outcome — officialsUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin poses for photos with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. in Camp Aguinaldo, where the officials held a 2+2 ministerial dialogue, July 30, 2024. What's also a regular feature is a long standing alliance between our countries," Blinken added. Austin said that support for the Philippines in the US is bipartisan, transcending party lines. "And any time you see that level of bipartisan support, you can bet that support will continue." In April, Marcos met with leaders of Japan and the United States for a historic trilateral summit aimed at boosting economic and security ties.

Markets mixed in cautious trade ahead of central bank decisionsPeople walk in front of an electronic board showing a share price of the Nikkei index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on April 5, 2024. HONG KONG, China — Equity markets were mixed Tuesday as investors jockey ahead of a slew of central bank decisions, key economic data and earnings from tech titans this week. The US central bank is expected to stay put on monetary policy Wednesday, but its post-meeting statement will be pored over in hopes of confirmation it will lower borrowing costs in September. "The reduction (in JGB purchases) is expected to occur in stages, considering the economic impact as well as the market's reaction." London dipped as traders gear up for the Bank of England's policy announcement Thursday, with analysts split on whether it will cut rates or not.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied allegations that its personnel attempted to “case” the residence of Vice President Sara Duterte, spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo disclosed on Tuesday. In a social media post, Duterte claimed that PNP operatives attempted to “case” or loiter with no apparent lawful purpose around her residence and also tried to find the place she was renting. ADVERTISEMENT“According to PNP leadership, there’s no truth to this,” Fajardo said in a press conference when asked about the reaction of the national police chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil, to Duterte’s four-page open letter posted on her social media account. READ: VP cries harassment, blasts PNP chief’s ‘lies’ over guards’ recallShe likewise called the removal of her 75 police security as a “clear case of political harassment.”ADVERTISEMENTEarlier Tuesday, Duterte pleaded for protection for her family on Facebook, as she thanked Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, and Bong Go for backing her after the PNP removed its men from her security group. For his part, Dela Rosa called on former police and army personnel to volunteer as security for Duterte.