News

Meta has unveiled plans for Project Waterworth, a 50,000km (31,000 mile) submarine cable system that will span the globe. Upon completion, it will stand as the world's longest underwater cable project, connecting the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions. The technology corporation behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp continues to diversify beyond social media platforms, expanding into artificial intelligence (AI) and the infrastructure supporting these technologies. Meta stated that this new cable initiative will deliver "industry-leading connectivity" across five major continents while bolstering its AI endeavours. "This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions," Meta explained in a blog post. According to the company, the cable will utilize a 24 fiber-pair system—making it the longest cable with such high capacity to date. Submarine cables have grown increasingly […]

A comprehensive report released Wednesday by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveals 2024 was the deadliest year for journalists since record-keeping began over three decades ago, with 124 media workers killed across 18 countries. The death toll surpassed the previous record from 2007, when 113 journalists died, largely due to the Iraq war. CPJ Chief Jodie Ginsberg emphasized that current conditions represent "the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ's history." The Israeli military was responsible for 85 journalist deaths during the Gaza war, with Palestinians comprising 82 of these casualties. The CPJ criticized Israel for allegedly impeding investigations into these deaths, attempting to deflect responsibility onto the journalists themselves, and failing to hold military personnel accountable. Sudan and Pakistan shared the position of second deadliest countries for journalists, each recording six fatalities. The report highlighted a […]

A powerful explosion at a major department store in Taichung, Taiwan's second-largest city, has claimed four lives and left 24 people injured, according to official reports. The National Fire Agency reported that the blast occurred on the 12th floor of the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, located approximately 160km southwest of Taipei. The affected area was reportedly under construction and closed to the public at the time of the incident. Emergency response was substantial, with the local fire department deploying 56 vehicles and 136 personnel for search and rescue operations. Footage broadcast by TVBS Taiwan captured the moment of explosion, showing building cladding and debris propelled outward while clouds of dust erupted from the structure. Street-level photographs revealed debris scattered across surrounding areas. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who experienced the blast's impact from the nearby city government building around 11:30am, […]