Production of iPhone 12 at Foxconn’s factory in India fell by more than 50%. (Source: Reuters) Foxconn’s facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu specializes in manufacturing iPhones for India, the world’s second-largest smartphone market. Tamil Nadu is one of the hardest hit states in the second wave of Covid-19 that is sweeping across India. Authorities have imposed a complete blockade in the state since May 10, suspending public transport and closing shopping centers to prevent the number of infections from increasing. Reuters Citing two sources, more than 100 Foxconn employees in the state have tested positive for Covid-19 and the company has issued a ban on entering the Chennai factory until the end of May. A source stated that employees were only allowed to leave the factory but not enter since yesterday and only a small part of production is being maintained. Currently, the company has cut more than 50% of the factory’s capacity. However, the sources did not specify the capacity of the plant and did not say how many employees work at the facility. India has benefited from Apple moving some manufacturing from China to other markets. The company announced in March that it had begun assembling iPhone 12 in India. Although Apple’s market share is quite small in the mainly low-cost Indian market, Chief Executive Tim Cook said in January that its business in India doubled in the fourth quarter. 2020 year-over-year, thanks to the launch of an online store. According to market research firm Canalys, Apple’s growth momentum in India continued in the first quarter of 2021, with the business shipping more than one million iPhones. Demand for iPhone 12 is driven by domestic assembly and attractive financial incentives. Foxconn is not the only manufacturer in India affected by the raging Covid-19 epidemic. Nokia and Chinese smartphone maker Oppo last year also suspended production at their factories in the South Asian country after employees tested positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile, technology research firm TrendForce based in Taipei, Taiwan (China) on May 10 lowered its forecast for global smartphone output growth this year from 9.4% to 9.4%. 8.5%, citing that the outbreak in India is affecting major suppliers such as Samsung and Apple. (according to Reuters)

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the Opening Session of the Summit on Climate (Photo: VGP). At the invitation of US President Joe Biden, on the evening of April 23, State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered an important speech on the topic “Economic benefits of Climate Action” at the Summit on Climate Post, held in the online form for two days April 22-23. State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that as a country heavily affected by climate change, especially in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam commits to take drastic action to respond comprehensively to climate change. including 9% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions by domestic resources and up to 27% reduction with bilateral and multilateral international support. According to the President, Vietnam will continue to drastically reduce coal power, rapidly increase the share of renewable energy to 30% of the total primary energy supply by 2045, and domesticize international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to organize and implement the program to plant 1 billion green trees by 2025. The President also shared views of many countries on the benefits of a transition to a green economy, zero emissions, especially on job creation, ensuring energy security, and improving. competitiveness and sustainability of the economy, but also emphasized that developing countries still face many challenges in their transition due to difficulties in capital and technology. The State President emphasized that the transition must be fair, inclusive and equal in terms of opportunities and benefits of the people, so that no one will be “left behind”; urges developed countries to continue to lead the way in reducing emissions and increasing financial, technology, and green energy support, and building efficient, high-quality infrastructure associated with creating more jobs. developing countries, including Vietnam. The State President believes that the implementation of the logistics objectives is appropriate to the conditions of each country and integrated into the national development strategies and plans. During the two days of the conference, senior leaders of 41 countries and the Secretary-General of the United Nations made a speech, emphasizing that climate change continues to be the biggest challenge for humanity and showing determination. accelerate efforts to respond to climate change. Some major economies such as the US, China, Japan … have made a strong commitment to reducing emissions by 2030, declaring zero emissions by 2050 or before 2060. Many countries call on the international community to promote green growth, invest more in renewable energy projects. The United States and a number of countries are committed to increasing their financial contributions to the climate. For their part, many developing countries reaffirm the historical responsibility of developed countries, the principle of common but different responsibility, calling on developed countries to fulfill the obligation to make financial contributions and support. to assist developing countries in building capacity to adapt and mitigate to climate change.

GS Xiulin Ruan next to new paint The paint is capable of reflecting 98% of sunlight as well as ultraviolet (UV) rays through the atmosphere into the space. During the test, this paint makes the surface temperature 4.50C lower than ambient temperature, even in strong sunlight. It is expected that this paint can be available on the market in 1-2 years. Reflective white paints are now much better than dark roofing materials, but only reflect 80% -90% of sunlight and absorb UV. This means they cannot cool surfaces below ambient temperature. New coatings do this, resulting in fewer need for air conditioners and reduced air conditioning emissions. “Our paint can help fight global warming by helping to cool the earth, which is the coolest point,” said Professor Xiulin Ruan of the research group at Purdue University. According to Professor Xiulin Ruan, painting a roof with an area of ​​93 square meters will save 10kW of electricity consumption of the air conditioner. The substance playing an important role in this new paint is barium sulphate. Unlike conventional titanium dioxide pigments, it does not absorb UV rays. This super white paint uses standard acrylic solvents and can be manufactured like conventional paints, the researchers said. The new paint will cost the same as today’s paints, they added, because barium sulfate is actually cheaper than titanium dioxide. However, it is necessary to evaluate the durability of this paint for a longer time.