DAILY NEWS Stream – January 15, 2025

Chinese company Beijing Karbon scams German government, stealing one billion euros through fake carbon credit projects using falsified documents and nonexistent equipment to claim reduced greenhouse gas emissions. German auditors are under investigation for collusion, highlighting major flaws in global carbon credit oversight (DW)

Southeast Asia faces surge in online scams, with experts warning you to stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to: 1) Job fraud: You’re contacted online for a good job, often in another region or country, only to be kidnapped for ransom or illegal activities; 2) Romance scams: Bad actors create fake profiles on social networks or dating apps to get acquainted with you, then lure you abroad and kidnap you; 3) Prize scams: Criminals in disguise send messages, emails, or use social networks to announce you won a prize or cheap vacation, tricking you into sharing personal information, or going to the reward location and being kidnapped. For your safety, always be wary of and carefully verify overly tempting invitations and be cautious when sharing any personal information online (VTV.vn)

BBC investigation exposes predatory loan apps using personal data for blackmail worldwide, leading to at least 60 suicides in India as victims face harassment, threats, and abuse. To avoid, experts advise: 1) Only use verified apps from official app stores; 2) Avoid apps with negative reviews/ratings, unclear terms, or hidden fees; 3) Choose apps linked to banks or official financial institutions; 4) Don’t allow apps to access personal data like contacts; 5) Be wary of apps with high interest or upfront fees; 6) Avoid app versions shared via unofficial channels like WhatsApp messenger; 7) Verify app developers’ addresses and licenses; 8) Stay alert for harassment, data misuse, and fake apps. If you are a victim of predatory/abusive lenders, get help immediately from family, co-workers, authorities, etc. DO NOT KEEP IT TO YOURSELF (BBC; MoneyControl)

Modern slavery is widespread in the UK as an estimated 13,000 men, women, and children are trapped, exploited, and intimidated to keep them from running away, while often being hidden in plain sight as seemingly ordinary workers (ENDEVR)

Vietnamese psychology professor Lý Mai Cẩn identifies four damaging parenting mistakes: overpampering, excessive control, emotional neglect, and obsession with grades. She invites parents to look inward and improve their own parenting habits instead of blaming technology or “laziness” for their children’s issues (Kenh.14)

Health experts recommend 10 cleansing foods to eat regularly for enhanced liver function and detoxification: Turmeric, Garlic, Grapefruit, Pomelo, Green tea, Nuts, Olive oil, Grapes, Apples, Cabbage, and Lemons (Kenh14.vn)

Analysis: To manage its enormous plastic waste, Vietnam [and other rapidly developing countries] can learn from developed countries, including: Japan: Strict waste sorting with 27 categories and strong community recycling habits; Germany: Producer responsibility laws and bottle deposit programs with 98.4% recycling rates; Sweden: Converts 52% of waste to energy, with only 1% sent to landfills; Singapore: Automated waste systems and public campaigns for sustainable habits. These methods combine laws, community efforts, and technology to reduce waste effectively (Tuổi Trẻ)

Earth sees rare celestial event as powerful comet G3 ATLAS occurs at same time as the Wolf Moon [first full moon of January] on January 13, 2025, rivaling Venus in brightness, with potential spiritual significance (Thông Thái TV)

How to dry clothes super fast in winter [without using a dryer]: 1) Wring clothes thoroughly before hanging; 2) Use fans or hairdryers, ensuring safety; 3) Use a dry towel to absorb moisture from wet clothes; 4) Dry near heat sources like in the Sun or near a stove, ensuring safety; 5) Expand clothes’ surface area by turning them inside out and using multiple hangers; 6) Dry in a well-ventilated room if too cold outside; 7) Wash with hot water; 8) Iron clothes before hanging to reduce moisture; 9) Hang clothes in the morning when humidity is low (Kenh14.vn)

Hamas lowers conditions, offers to release three Israeli hostages weekly in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, marking progress in 60-day ceasefire talks with Israel mediated by US (VTV.vn)

EU plans 16th sanctions package against Russia, targeting gas imports and Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, while US reaffirms Ukraine support with US$500 million in aid as conflict continues (VTC NOW)

Young Americans pioneer alcohol-free movement, embracing trends like “Dry January” and “Sober October” as research links drinking to cancer, with alcohol warning labels and alcohol-free bars gaining popularity (VTV.vn)

Bến Tre [Vietnam] recognizes 200-year-old cycad tree at Phú Nhuận Temple as a heritage tree that symbolizes longevity, promoting its protection and regional tourism (Báo Mới)

Vietnam: Na Ngoi Commune chairman arrested for leading drug trafficking ring, smuggling in substances from across the border, after police seize 35 kilograms of synthetic drugs and 4 bricks of heroin (DAN VIET NEWSPAPER)

Pakistan promotes education, gender equality for girls in Muslim communities through international conference, featuring Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai as keynote speaker and Prime Minister Sharif committing to female empowerment (HTV)

Germany reports first foot-and-mouth animal disease outbreak since 1988, closing zoo in Berlin and establishing containment zones around infected water buffalo herd; risk of human infection is minimal (baotintuc.vn)

Experts say room heaters can dry out the air, leading to dry, irritated skin, premature aging, and increased risk of skin conditions. To mitigate these effects, maintain humidity with a humidifier, use moisturizers, stay hydrated, limit heater use, ensure good ventilation, and position heaters at least 1.5 to 2 meters away from users (ĐIỂM NÓNG TOÀN CẦU)

Ninh Bình [Vietnam]: Stage laser severely damages 24-year-old’s eye at event, prompting calls for stricter regulations. To avoid harm, stay away from high-powered lasers and wear protective glasses if working with such devices (ANTV)

Doctor reveals scientific benefits of skipping breakfast, including improved autophagy [cellular repair], insulin sensitivity, mental focus, and weight control through intermittent fasting [eating meals only within a certain window of time, usually 8 hours of the day], and argues society’s fixation on breakfast stems from food company advertising tactics, not science (Bác sĩ Hải)

Khôi tía plant [scientific name Ardisia silvestris] is a precious herb to treat stomach issues, and has been used by the Dao people in Vietnam for many generations (VTC NOW)

Los Angeles [US] police impose curfew amid looting chaos, as some Hollywood stars speculate about arson and terrorism behind devastating California wildfires (Tiền Phong TV)

Los Angeles [US] celebrities clear their closets to help wildfire victims, providing designer clothing and bedding, with personalized style recommendations (Reuters)

Analysis: The Los Angeles [US] Fire Department was overwhelmed by multiple wildfires worsened by powerful winds, highlighting a “double catastrophe” where climate change intensified natural and human factors, creating a crisis nearly impossible to contain (VnExpress)

Hong Kong: Forest fire erupts in Lam Tsuen Country Park, spreading 80 meters and burning for over 20 hours before firefighters could extinguish it, as helicopters rescue two trapped hikers amid dry weather (baotintuc.vn)

Japan issues nationwide avalanche warnings amid heavy snowfall reaching 30 centimeters, following four snow-related deaths in Aomori Prefecture since New Year’s (VTV.vn)

Russia establishes federal crisis center to handle major oil spill after two tankers sank in Kerch Strait in December 2024, spilling 2,400 metric tons of oil (baotintuc.vn)

Seven proven ways to help the planet in 2025, reducing your personal emissions to slow down climate change: 1) Eat a vegan diet; 2) Take the train instead of flying; 3) Buy fewer clothes; 4) Feed pets sustainable diets and use recycled dog poo bags; 5) Insulate your home and consider installing a heat pump; 6) Switch your retirement pension – which is used by banks to make a wide range of investments – to a sustainable fund, done by contacting your pension provider; 7) Cut down on single-use plastic (BBC)

Kenya: PlantVillage app helps farmers identify crop diseases through smartphone scanning, boosting yields amid worsening climate change challenges (HTV)

HCM CT: Elderly Vietnamese man Hồ Đề leaves two houses, worth more than US$390,000, in his will to support poor students and workers, and has set up a scholarship rewards program for college graduates, inspired by his own poor background (Báo Thanh Niên)

Mobile game Longleaf Valley, created by TreesPlease Games, founded by Laura Carter (vegan), promotes Veganuary [Vegan January] to 100,000 monthly players, and partners with Eden Reforestation to plant nearly 2 million trees globally, as in-game tokens earned by players fund real-world tree planting (Plant Based News)

Bedford [New York, US] study finds community-based Meatless Monday campaign successful with 90% of participants eliminating meat for at least one day a week after six months (Faunalytics)

Study shows vegan diets support muscle growth in adults over 70 while improving cholesterol levels compared to omnivorous diets (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

Former competitive Chinese pole athlete Linda Vongdara transforms into vegan pastry chef, teacher and cookbook author after learning about dairy industry cruelty in 2015, going vegan for the animals before accidentally discovering its many benefits for health and well-being (South China Morning Post)

US: Former inmate Dom Thompson transforms into influential vegan athlete and entrepreneur, releasing cookbook “Eat What Elephants Eat” about building plant-based strength in body and spirit (Forks Over Knives)

UK pet insurer Animal Friends launches new TV campaign featuring its employees and their real pets, and has made over £9 million in donations to more than 830 animal welfare and conservation charities globally (Insurance Edge)

Montserrat Animal Protection Society raises funds to transport rescued dogs from Montserrat to US adopters (Montserrat Focus)

Review: US company Purple Carrot’s vegan meal kits are the perfect option for anyone who wants more veggie-based meals in their diet, featuring easy-to-follow recipes and high-quality plant-based ingredients that taste just as delicious as non-vegan dishes (New York Post)

Uplifting quote of the day: “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Lewis B. Smedes