Tech
Stanford’s 2025 AI Index Report highlights rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, emphasizing its growing integration into society and the economy. AI systems have shown remarkable improvements on challenging benchmarks with performance increases of up to 67 percentage points within a year. Notably, smaller models such as Microsoft’s Phi-3-mini (3.8B parameters) now match the performance of much larger predecessors, and inference costs have plummeted from $20 to $0.07 per million tokens since 2022. U.S. private AI investment reached $109.1 billion in 2024, significantly outpacing China’s $9.3 billion, though China is narrowing the performance gap and leads in AI publications and patents. The report also notes a surge in AI-related incidents, with 233 reported in 2024—a 56% increase from the previous year. Public sentiment is mixed: while 60% believe AI will reshape their work, 36% fear job loss.
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Chinese podcasting platform Ximalaya Inc. for approximately $2.4 billion. This acquisition would significantly enhance Tencent Music’s audio content offerings, positioning it as a formidable competitor to global streaming services like Spotify. Ximalaya, which boasts over 300 million monthly active users, has previously delayed its U.S. IPO plans due to regulatory concerns but revived its Hong Kong listing intentions in 2024.
Amid ongoing antitrust proceedings, tech companies are expressing interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if a federal court mandates its divestiture. The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed that Google sell Chrome to address its alleged monopolistic practices in online search. Yahoo, supported by Apollo Global Management, has indicated a willingness to bid for Chrome, estimating its value in the “tens of billions of dollars.” OpenAI and Perplexity have also shown interest, viewing the browser as a strategic asset to enhance their AI offerings. The court’s upcoming decision could significantly impact the competitive dynamics of the tech industry.
Apple plans to shift all iPhone assembly for the U.S. market from China to India by the end of 2026, aiming to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Currently, approximately 80% of the 60 million iPhones sold annually in the U.S. are produced in China. To meet the projected demand, Apple intends to double its Indian production capacity to 70–80 million units per year. This move involves partnerships with Tata Electronics and Foxconn, who currently operate three factories in India and are planning two more. The transition is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. However, challenges such as India’s infrastructure limitations and reliance on imported components may impact the feasibility of this plan.
Global
In a significant shift, RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a major Chinese internet company, announced it will cancel its policy requiring employees to work on alternate Saturdays. This move marks a departure from China’s longstanding “996” work culture—working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. The decision reflects growing awareness of employee well-being and aligns with broader societal calls for better work-life balance. RedNote’s policy change may influence other tech firms in China to reconsider demanding schedules, signaling a potential cultural shift in the country’s tech industry.
Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has mandated that employees return to the office four days a week starting September 1, 2025. This decision aims to enhance collaboration and decision-making. Tan also announced plans for job cuts and organizational restructuring, including a flatter management hierarchy and fewer meetings. While factory workers and researchers have maintained on-site presence, many corporate employees have worked remotely since the pandemic. The company previously adopted a “hybrid-first” approach in 2021, allowing flexible work arrangements. Tan emphasized the need for vibrant on-site collaboration to reflect Intel’s culture and drive innovation.
President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term have been marked by significant and controversial actions. He issued 137 executive orders, far surpassing his previous term and his predecessors, addressing issues like trade, immigration, and federal agency restructuring . His administration has faced criticism for undermining scientific research, curbing academic freedom, and centralizing power, leading to concerns about authoritarianism . Economically, markets have experienced volatility due to aggressive trade policies and pressure on the Federal Reserve, with the S&P 500 declining 8.5% since inauguration . Public approval remains low, with a 45% rating, amid dissatisfaction with economic management and foreign policy .
Economy & Finance
Laopu Gold Co., Ltd. (06181.HK), a Chinese jewelry brand specializing in traditional gold craftsmanship, has experienced a remarkable surge in its stock price since its Hong Kong IPO in June 2024. The stock has risen over 20x from its initial offering price of HK$40.50, reaching a record high of HK$868 in April 2025 . This performance stands out in a market where several Hong Kong consumer stock listings have failed to draw interest . The company’s success is attributed to its unique blend of cultural heritage, design, and exclusivity, positioning it as a potential contender in the global luxury market.
Gucci’s sales have significantly declined, falling below €2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 25% drop year-over-year. This downturn has led to its exclusion from the top tier of luxury brands. The slump is attributed to shifting consumer preferences towards minimalist styles and a broader luxury market slowdown, particularly in key regions like Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, and North America. Despite efforts to revitalize the brand, including appointing Demna Gvasalia, formerly of Balenciaga, as creative director, Gucci’s performance continues to lag, impacting parent company Kering’s overall revenue, which also saw a 14% decline in the same period.
In Q1 2025, BYD reported a net income of $1.3 billion, doubling from the previous year and surpassing Tesla’s $409 million for the same period. Revenue rose 36% to $23.5 billion, with nearly 1 million vehicles sold, positioning BYD to meet its 2025 target of 5.5 million units, including 800,000 exports. The company unveiled a 1,000 kW supercharger capable of adding 250 miles of range in five minutes and introduced its “God’s Eye” autonomous driving system. Despite not selling in the U.S., BYD’s global expansion and technological advancements contribute to its growing market share.
In April 2025, BMW significantly reduced the price of its 5 Series in China, with some models now starting at 287,000 yuan—down from the official price of 439,900 yuan. This substantial discount reflects intensifying competition in China’s automotive market, where domestic brands like BYD and Nio are gaining ground. BMW’s sales in China dropped 17% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the lowest level in five years. To counteract this decline, BMW and other luxury automakers are engaging in aggressive pricing strategies, including fixed-price promotions, to attract cost-conscious consumers amid a broader industry price war.
Plenty Unlimited Inc., a U.S.-based vertical farming startup, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after raising nearly $1 billion from investors including SoftBank, Jeff Bezos, and Walmart. Founded in 2014, the company aimed to revolutionize agriculture with indoor farming technology. Despite its innovative approach, Plenty faced significant financial challenges, including mounting losses and unpaid vendor claims. The company plans to continue operations at its strawberry farm in Virginia and its research and development facility in Wyoming.
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Science
NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured an image of the Curiosity rover traversing Mars’ surface recently. The rover, visible as a dark speck, is seen moving along a 1,050-foot-long path, a result of 11 separate drives. This marks a significant achievement, as it’s one of the first instances where an MRO has observed a rover in motion. Curiosity, which landed on Mars in 2012, has since traveled over 21 miles, investigating Mount Sharp’s geological history to understand Mars’ past climate and potential habitability.
Nature & Environment
South African National Parks (SANParks) has rejected Kropz Plc’s application to mine phosphate in the West Coast National Park, citing legal prohibitions against mining in protected areas. Kropz, 83.2% owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital (ARC), had sought to extend its operations from the adjacent Elandsfontein mine into the park. The application faced strong opposition from conservation groups, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), due to the park’s ecological significance, housing over 250 bird species and ancient human footprints. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation in South Africa.
Entertainment & Culture
The 42nd Weifang International Kite Festival commenced on April 19, 2025, in Weifang, Shandong Province, drawing 257 teams from 51 countries. Celebrated as the “Kite Capital of the World,” Weifang has hosted this annual spring event since 1984, honoring its rich kite-making heritage dating back to the Song Dynasty. The festival features a vibrant array of activities, including the World Kite Championship, kite-flying competitions, creative exhibitions, and cultural performances. Kites of various shapes—ranging from pandas to dragons—fill the skies, symbolizing both artistic expression and cultural pride. This event not only showcases traditional craftsmanship but also fosters international cultural exchange and tourism.
World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26 to raise awareness of how intellectual property (IP) rights—such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs—impact daily life and to honor the contributions of creators and innovators worldwide. Established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, the date marks the anniversary of the WIPO Convention’s entry into force in 1970. Each year, WIPO selects a theme to highlight the role of IP in fostering creativity and innovation. In 2025, the theme is “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,” celebrating the intersection of music, creativity, and intellectual property.
The 2025 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners reveals shifting global wealth dynamics. The U.S. leads with 11 cities in the top 50, including New York City, which retains its top spot, and the San Francisco Bay Area, which ranks second. Los Angeles climbs to fifth place, surpassing London, while Chicago enters the top ten at tenth place. In China, Shenzhen and Hangzhou emerge as rapidly growing wealth hubs, with significant increases in their millionaire populations. Conversely, London and Moscow are the only cities in the top 50 to experience declines in millionaire numbers over the past decade, with decreases of 12% and 25%, respectively. Dubai stands out as the fastest-growing wealth hub, with a 102% increase in millionaires, moving up to 18th place.
According to a Forbes report published on April 24, 2025, five remote job roles are projected to pay over $100,000 annually this year. These positions include:
These roles highlight the increasing demand for experienced professionals in technology and business development sectors.
Sports
Oscar Piastri secured his third victory of the 2025 Formula One season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on April 20. Starting from second on the grid, Piastri capitalized on a five-second penalty imposed on pole-sitter Max Verstappen, who had gained an advantage by running wide at Turn 1. This penalty allowed Piastri to overtake Verstappen during pit stops. Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third, marking Ferrari’s first podium of the season. Piastri’s win propelled him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Verstappen. The race was also notable for an early collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly, leading to a safety car period.
The Oklahoma City Thunder achieved a remarkable comeback in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, overcoming a 29-point deficit to secure a 114–108 victory and take a commanding 3–0 series lead.The Grizzlies led 77–51 at halftime, but the Thunder outscored them 63–31 in the second half. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 31 points, while Jalen Williams added 26. Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points, 23 of which came in the second half. Memphis’ star guard Ja Morant exited the game in the second quarter due to a hip injury and did not return.
The 2025 NFL Draft’s first round featured notable selections and surprises. The Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as winners by trading up to the second overall pick to select versatile Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado, aiming to bolster both their offense and defense. The Cleveland Browns also benefited from this trade, acquiring additional draft capital and selecting defensive tackle Mason Graham, a two-time All-American from Michigan. In contrast, quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a significant slide, falling out of the first round amid concerns about his interviews and playing style, despite being a top prospect earlier in the season. The Dallas Cowboys faced criticism for selecting offensive lineman Tyler Booker at No. 12, addressing a need but potentially missing out on higher-profile talents.
On April 25, 2025, Mark Allen achieved a remarkable 147 maximum break during his second-round match against Chris Wakelin at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Despite trailing 10–2, Allen’s flawless performance in the 13th frame marked the 15th maximum break in Crucible history and the first of the 2025 tournament. This achievement earned him a £40,000 bonus and a £25,000 prize for a lucky spectator, Brian Nicholls, who had been randomly selected. Allen’s effort was widely praised, though he ultimately lost the match 13–6.
Danish cyclist Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek secured a stunning victory at the 2025 Amstel Gold Race on April 20. The 255.9 km race through the Limburg hills featured 34 climbs and culminated in a dramatic three-way sprint. Skjelmose, initially aiming for a podium finish, joined forces with Remco Evenepoel to chase down Tadej Pogačar, who had launched a solo attack 47 km from the finish. In the final meters, Skjelmose surged past both rivals, winning by a narrow margin.The victory marks the biggest of his career and a significant milestone for the 24-year-old rider.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist marks a historic shift in football, as for the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo is nominated. This absence signifies the end of an era dominated by these two legends, who collectively secured 13 Ballon d’Or titles over the past 16 years. Their omission opens the door for a new generation of talent to vie for the prestigious award. Notable nominees include Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Kylian Mbappé, reflecting a broader representation across leagues and positions. Both Manchester City and Arsenal boasts four players on the shortlist.
This Day in History
On April 26, 1984, U.S. President Ronald Reagan arrived in Beijing for a six-day state visit—the first by an American president since Gerald Ford in 1975. Accompanied by First Lady Nancy Reagan, the presidential entourage included over 600 journalists and numerous security personnel. The visit commenced with a formal welcoming ceremony in Tiananmen Square, where President Reagan was greeted by Chinese President Li Xiannian with a 21-gun salute. The trip aimed to strengthen diplomatic relations between the United States and China, focusing on trade, cultural exchanges, and nuclear cooperation. During his stay, President Reagan delivered a speech emphasizing mutual respect and the shared desire for peace and prosperity between the two nations. The visit underscored the growing economic ties and the potential for deeper collaboration in various sectors.
Oddities
Chris Eubank Jr. narrowly missed the 160-pound middleweight limit by 0.05 pounds during the weigh-in for his boxing fight against Conor Benn on April 25, 2025. Despite this slight excess, the bout proceeded, but Eubank Jr. faced a substantial £375,000 fine. Both fighters are subject to a rehydration clause limiting them to a 10-pound weight gain before the fight, which may impact Eubank Jr.’s performance.
Funny
- a feeble job by chatGPT 4o 😓, but it tried its best
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Last modified on 2025-04-26
