EZ News 07/31/24

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 134-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,088 on turnover of 4.4-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Tuesday despite early losses - but investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of a two-day policy-making meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve. Taiwan and China Reach Settlement over Kinmen Speedboat Incident Representatives from Taiwan and China have reached settlement regarding the February 14 incident that left two Chinese nationals dead after their speedboat attempted to evade (躲避) a Coast Guard Administration patrol boat in waters near Kinmen. Speaking after a one-hour talks at the Golden Lake Hotel in Kinmen, administration director-general Hsieh Qing-qin said the agreement will be actively implemented. However, Hsieh went on to say that he's "currently unable to disclose" details of the deal. The top Chinese representative at the talks also confirmed an agreement has been reached - saying he now hopes the "relevant parties in Taiwan" will honor the agreement and provide a resolution for the families. CDC Touts Mid-August as End of COVID-19 Epidemic Phase The Centers for Disease Control says it believes a COVID-19 epidemic phase currently affecting Taiwan will pass by mid-August. The number of patients seeking medical attention relating to COVID-19 last week stood at 56,000 and that's a decline of 37-per cent from the previous week and the third consecutive (連續的) week the number has fallen. C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo says Typhoon Gaemi resulted in cancellations of large gatherings for two to three days, which is favorable for control of the disease - and he's optimistic the pandemic will continue to decline. Venezuela Protests Amid Contested Presidential Election Violent protests are continuing in Venezuela following Sunday's disputed (有爭執的) election result. Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at people demonstrating against President Nicolas Maduro who claimed victory. The opposition claims its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won by a large margin. Mary Triny Mena reports from Caracas. North Macedonia Seeks EU Help to Fight Wildfires North Macedonia said it was seeking further assistance from the European Union to combat wildfires that continue to burn out of control in heatwave temperatures and crossed the southern border into Greece. Large wildfires in parts of North Macedonia this week destroyed and damaged homes, forced evacuations and claimed the life of an elderly resident in a village some 60 kilometers east of the capital. Successive heat waves have helped trigger (引發) fires across the Balkan region and elsewhere in southern Europe, with several countries including Bulgaria and Albania currently receiving international firefighting assistance through an EU support system. Fires were also reported in Croatia and Bosnia. Nissan Sustainability Plan Nissan says it has a “sustainability plan” to become a greener and more inclusive company. The Japanese automaker is promising to recycle batteries, empower (授權，使自主) workers and create safer cars. Nissan says that by 2030 it will reduce per-vehicle manufacturing CO2 emissions by 52% and cut per-vehicle driving CO2 emissions for new models by 50% in Japan, the U.S., Europe and China. Its chief sustainability officer told reporters this week that Nissan hopes to work with various partners, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. That is the same goal set by the governments of Japan, the U.S. and Europe, and other major automakers. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn