DAILY NEWS Stream – January 5, 2025

Ukraine receives first batch of US natural gas under new contract allowing Kyiv to buy an “undetermined” amount until 2026, providing greater flexibility while reducing Russia’s influence on regional energy (Dân Trí)

Russia pays a heavy price to win a relatively limited territory, losing hundreds of thousands of troops to capture only 4,168 square kilometers of Ukraine, mainly consisting of fields and small settlements, reports Institute for the Study of War (Dân Trí)

UN reports global refugee numbers surpassed 122 million in 2024, up from 117.4 million in 2023, driven by conflicts in Sudan and Gaza (Nông nghiệp)

French President Emmanuel Macron calls on Europe to unite in the New Year and take swift action on international trade and defense, urging EU partners to rely less on US security and be more self-reliant (HTV; VOA)

UN chief António Guterres calls for global unity in 2025 New Year message, highlighting need for peace and climate action amid current challenges (HTV Tin Tức)

Vietnamese professor Dương Quang Trung becomes first Vietnamese editor-in-chief of IEEE [Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]’s most prestigious journal, Communications Surveys and Tutorials (VnExpress)

World Health Organization [WHO] declares top-level cholera emergency as cases surge globally, requiring urgent vaccination and sanitation support, with up to 4 million annual infections (KÊNH VTC9)

Heavy drinker requires emergency dialysis for severe pancreatitis at Xuyên Á Hospital [Vietnam], highlighting risks of alcohol abuse (Thanh Niên)

Study recommends age-specific daily walking times: 30-60 minutes for ages 18-30, decreasing gradually to 20-30 minutes for those over 65 (Thanh Niên)

University of Florida [US] study finds thick-soled running shoes increase injury risk and recommends flat shoes, with a six-month transition period to allow your feet to strengthen naturally (Người Lao Động)

US: Multiple tornadoes strike Texas and Mississippi, killing two and injuring six, while power outages affect over 188,000 customers across several states (Báo VietNamNet)

Bình Định [Vietnam]: Over 4,500 hectares of rice and vegetables damaged by flooding, as farmers worry about Lunar New Year produce (Thanh Niên)

Hong Kong scientists develop portable solar power- generating helium balloon to provide clean energy to disaster zones through low-altitude tethered flight (Thanh Niên)

Apple’s latest AirPods [wireless earphones] features include sharing music with other AirPods users, adaptive audio based on environment, and improved tracking capabilities for enhanced user experience (Thanh Niên)

9 notable robots in 2024: 1) G1 Humanoid Robot: Performs domestic tasks, walks at 4.4 miles/hour [7.08 kilometers/hour], can climb debris-strewn stairs; 2) Lab-Grown Skin for Robots: Developed by the University of Tokyo [Japan], self-healing artificial skin for robotics and skincare applications; 3) Covariant Learning Robots: Learn by observing the physical world, mimicking human-like learning; 4) Ant-Mimicking Robots: Simulate ant behaviors to study indirect coordination via environmental changes; 5) Sony Microsurgery Robot: Performs precision surgeries with high sensitivity and dexterity; 6) Scan and Sand by GreyMatter Robotics: Automates hazardous manufacturing tasks to address labor shortages; 7) Monumental Bricklaying Robots: AI-driven robots constructing facades and social housing projects; 8) Lake Tahoe Cleaning Robots: Trio of robots removing waste from water and shorelines to protect the environment; 9) RX2 BurnBot: Conducts controlled burns to prevent wildfires, operating faster and with minimal smoke (VnExpress)

Tip: Beetroot juice benefits women’s health through vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support immunity, skin health and reproductive wellness (VnExpress)

Vegan calcium-rich foods like soybeans, pumpkin and seeds are good for bones and joints while providing essential vitamins and minerals, heart-healthy fiber and high-quality protein (Báo Lao Động)

Eight fruits shown to accelerate wound healing thanks to their rich nutrient content: Oranges, Kiwi, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Bananas, Mango, Peaches, and Blueberries (ĐIỂM NÓNG TOÀN CẦU)

Traditional herb bhringraj [false daisy/Eclipta prostrata] offers natural remedy to slow graying of hair, more effective than many expensive commercial treatments (Cây Thuốc Vùng Cao)

Longevity spinach [Gynura procumbens] offers medicinal benefits for diabetes, hypertension, liver health and wound healing in traditional Asian medicine, and can be taken orally, externally, in capsules, or brewed in tea (Tuổi Trẻ)

Expert recommends using baking soda, a benign substance, to clean bean sprouts and help remove harmful growth chemicals. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda in 2 liters of water, soak the sprouts for 20 minutes, then wash before consuming (VnExpress)

Book “The Science of Living” by Stuart Farrimond explores science behind daily routines and biological rhythms to optimize health, energy and productivity. Some tips include: maintain a cool, dark bedroom, and avoid artificial light before bed. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule. Align demanding tasks with peak cognitive performance, which for many is in the morning, while scheduling demanding physical activity in the afternoon, when the body is at peak strength (Bài Học Sống) SupremeMasterTV.com/NWN

Ukraine plans to restore diplomatic ties with Syria under new leadership, sending food aid as relations improve after Assad’s overthrow (Reuters)

Mysterious flaring UFO spotted breaking up over Russia’s Lake Baikal (Daily Mirror)

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy says US President Trump can play decisive role in stopping Putin, as President Trump promises early peace negotiations with Russia (Reuters)

Finland asks court to seize Russian oil tanker suspected of damaging undersea power cable to Estonia, as Baltic nations increase security (Reuters)

Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region halts industrial production after Russian gas cutoff, leaving only food producers operating amid crisis (Reuters)

Pacific Island countries view US President Trump’s return with hope, welcoming attention on the region that could help address their needs amid geopolitical tensions with China (The New Lens)

Bosnia’s peace envoy Christian Schmidt rejects Bosnian Serb parliament’s orders to block EU reforms, using his authority to keep EU integration process on track (Reuters)

Calls grow for release of jailed Egyptian opposition activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi after his arrest in Lebanon under Egyptian warrant, with rights groups arguing his life could be in danger if he is returned (Al Jazeera)

Tech billionaire Elon Musk calls for release of British political activist Tommy Robinson, saying he was unfairly jailed for speaking the truth about child sexual abuse scandals that have plagued several UK cities for decades (Al Jazeera)

Ghana allows all African citizens visa-free entry starting 2025, becoming the fifth African nation to adopt this open-border policy (Africa News)

UN Security Council welcomes Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia as new non-permanent members for 2025-2026 term (Africa News)

China restricts exports to 28 US companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, citing national security concerns (China Daily)

Chinese coast guard vessels increase armed patrols near Japan’s Senkaku Islands, reaching record 355 days in Japan’s waters during 2024, with Japanese government official advising a “calm, stout” response that avoids escalation (The Japan News)

Italy demands Iran release Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Tehran since December 19, 2024, amid indications that Iran seeks a trade for the release of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini-Najafabad, who was detained in Italy under a US arrest warrant three days prior (Euronews)

US Commerce Department considers restricting Chinese drones over security concerns, with potential ban affecting major manufacturers like DJI (Reuters)

US President Trump posts stately photo vowing He’ll be “back in 18 days” as His January 20 inauguration approaches (Sky News Australia)

President Trump nominates billionaire Stephen Feinberg as Deputy Defense Secretary, praising his business success and calling him part of the “America First Patriots” team (The Daily Princetonian)

President Trump’s election victory transforms US culture, with companies reducing diversity initiatives and conservatives feeling empowered to push back against “woke” policies (Politico)

Analysis: President Donald Trump reshaped the Republican Party into a populist, working-class-focused party, defying establishment expectations. His unique appeal connected with disillusioned voters, transforming party dynamics - likely permanently (NPR)

Indian village Carterpuri that changed its name to honor former US President Jimmy Carter pays tribute after his death at age 100 (Reuters)

Yunnan [China]: Golden ear mushroom farming is scaling up thanks to modern growing methods and technology, producing rare specialty mushrooms with high market value (Nông Nghiệp Việt)

Okayama [Japan] farmers grow special organic Mongee bananas with edible peels using extreme temperature changes, selling for up to 20 times regular banana prices (Nông Nghiệp Việt)

Tech giant Apple agrees to pay US$95 million settlement over claims voice assistant Siri secretly recorded users’ conversations and shared data with advertisers (France 24)

Kenya: 500-kilogram metallic space debris crashes in Mukuku village, prompting investigation by Kenya Space Agency into its orbital origin (Africa News)

EU police agency Europol dismantles network illegally streaming sports across 15 countries, arresting 11 suspects and seizing €1.6 million in cryptocurrency (Euronews)

Panama: Migrant crossings of Darien Gap drop 42% to 300,000 in 2024 after new barriers and US-funded deportation flights (Reuters)

China orders aviation safety review after deadly year, adjusting flight routes and addressing runway hazards following crashes in Kazakhstan and Korea (Reuters)

El Salvador reports record low 114 homicides in 2024 under emergency powers, with over 83,000 arrests in anti-gang crackdown (AP)

New Delhi [India] faces severe smog with zero visibility in some areas, affecting flights and trains while ranking third among world’s most polluted capitals (Reuters)

Antofagasta [Chile]: 6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes at 104-kilometer depth, with European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre monitoring situation (Reuters)

UK faces three-day weather warning for snow and ice, with northern England expecting up to 30 centimeters amid travel disruptions (Euronews)

Expert guide outlines importance of water for kidney health, recommending clean water, electrolyte drinks, herbal teas and coconut water for optimal function (Chìa Khóa Khỏe Mạnh)

Health experts warn of five harmful vegetables that could cause cancer and diseases: 1) Rootless bean sprouts; 2) Undercooked legumes; 3) Soaked wood ear fungus; 4) Unripe tomatoes; and 5) Improperly preserved vegetables (Kenh14.vn)

Experts identify 6 risky places for mobile phones, which constantly emit dangerous electromagnetic radiation: 1) In pant pockets: can harm internal organs and damage fertility, especially in men; 2) Bedside: can disturb sleep or cause headache and fatigue; 3) In shirt or bra pockets: can increase breast cancer risk and skin irritation; 4) Near face: as bacteria can cause acne, skin irritation, and wrinkles; 5) In bathrooms/on the toilet: as bacteria and viruses can easily stick to the phone; 6) Near infants: as electromagnetic radiation can affect their brain development and cause behavioral or hyperactivity disorders (Kenh14.vn)

Tips to stay healthy in cold weather: Dress warmly in layers, maintain indoor temperatures at 18°C [64.4°F]+, and use safe heating methods. Boost immunity with vitamin C- and D-rich foods like citrus, broccoli and mushrooms. Enjoy warming dishes like congee and soups. Practice indoor exercise, drink warm water, and sleep well. Avoid extreme cold exposure, monitor vulnerable groups such as children and elderly, and ensure adequate protection when outdoors (ĐIỂM NÓNG TOÀN CẦU)

Self-realizing quote of the day: “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” – The Venerated Enlightened Master Lao Tzu (vegan)