Topic Reading-Vol.3217-1/31/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Indian court rules that groping without removing clothes is not sexual assault

According to Cambridge Dictionary, groping is an act to touch someone's body for sexual pleasure, usually when the person does not like it. Recently, Bombay High Court ruled that grouping a 12-year-old girl through her clothing does NOT constitute sexual assault even though the accused man brought the girl to his house and tried to remove her underwear. The 39-year-old defendant was convicted of molestation and sentenced to one year in prison. The judge stated that the punishment for an offense shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime. Are there clear guidelines for the seriousness of sexual assaults by the situation, degree, and age? Since sexual assault is a serious problem in India, where there are huge numbers of reported and unreported sexual crimes every hour. Activists are blaming the justice system is inadequate to deal with and reduce sexual crimes against women and girls. Is it just the judicial to blame for this deep-rooted Indi’s sexual violence?  

Read the article and think about what the seriousness of the crime means to a 12-year-old girl.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/26/asia/india-sexual-assault-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3216-1/30/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
China is rehearsing for when it overtakes America

While all the other major economies, such as the US, European nations, and Japan, are still struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, China is moving ahead and fast. In fact, China’s economy grew around 2% last year despite the novel virus outbreak that locked down a major city Wuhan and imposed strict travel restrictions for months. As China seems to have learned how to manage the outbreak, its economy is expected to grow again this year and in coming years powered by the growing middle class and continuing government investment. Furthermore, China also seems to have managed to cope with the US’s sanctions and restrictions against Chinese firms. Even though there are concerns about the heavy government investment and subsidies as well as mounting debts at state-run firms, money is circulating faster and more within the country.

China’s economy overtook the world’s #2 position from Japan about a decade ago. When will they become the number one economy in the world? With more forward-looking strategies and actions that the current administration is initiating, it may be earlier than previously predicted.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the growing economy in China.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/26/economy/china-xi-economy-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3215-1/29/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Vladimir Putin: Russian palace in Navalny video not mine

Residence at Cape Idokopas is located on the Black Sea coast in Krai, Russia. The gorgeous, massive structure looks like a palace but it is not clear who built, owns, or lives in it. It has been speculated that the palace and the surrounding space are a dacha that was built by oligarchs for the personal use of President Putin. There are heliports and secretive structures on the property. Also, the surrounding land of 70sq km is owned by Russia's Federal Security Service. If it is not a state-owned guest house or museum of some kind, it is hard to believe that the palace-like compound is just a private dacha or corporate property. Recently, a video, which shows the palace and claims it is for Putin, went viral on Russian social media, which Mr. Putin denied any link or ownership of the property. But who else in Russia has such money or influence to build a palace? Unfortunately, the leader of the group that released the video has been detained since he returned from Berlin where he was hospitalized after he was poisoned with a nerve agent during his travel back to Moscow last August. He is Alexi Navalny, one of the harshest critics of the president and his oligarchs.

Enjoy reading the article about this mysterious palace on the coast of the Black Sea.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55799143

Topic Reading-Vol.3214-1/28/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How Africa's largest city is staying afloat

Lagos is the capital of Nigeria and the most populous city in the African continent with a population of over 23 million. Just like any other growing cities, the rapid growth has caused an unbearable level of traffic in the city. Also, Lagos consists of the Island and the Mainland areas both of which sit at sea level. Though it is not expected to rain more in the foreseeable future because of climate change, rainfall is intensifying recently and causes floods. Furthermore, the rising sea level is making the city more vulnerable to floods. So, how will Africa’s largest city manage the growth and safety in the coming decades? Building a barrier of concrete blocks is one way to defend the city. There are some unique ideas and attempts to live with the changes. Instead of fighting the water, they can live on the water in floating houses. Instead of adding more roads, they can add more water transport. Also, giving earlier warnings via smartphone app could give people, especially farmers, more time to prepare for storms and heavy rains.

As Lagos is one of the most prospective cities in Africa, more new approaches are going to be tried to make the city stay afloat.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the challenges Africa’s largest city is facing.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210121-lagos-nigeria-how-africas-largest-city-is-staying-afloat

Topic Reading-Vol.3213-1/27/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Loyal dog waits for six days outside hospital for her sick owner

There are quite a few stories about loyal dogs. One of the most famous stories is about a Japanese Akita dog called Hachi, whose story became a movie. The dog continued to wait for his master for over nine years after his death at the usual station where his master used to return from work. Now, a dog in northeastern Turkey had been waiting for his master for six days at the entrance of the hospital where the master was transferred from his house. Though there are other family members in the apartment, the dog somehow managed to escape the apartment every morning and came to the hospital. The hospital staff felt sympathy for the dog and took care of him until the patient was discharged. When the master came out of the building, you can tell how happy the dog was. A very heartwarming story.

Enjoy watching the video and learn about an emotional reunion between different species.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/22/world/dog-hospital-scli-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3212-1/26/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Farewell, Donald Trump!

Farewell, not just a goodbye, from China (China Daily) to Trump, to the former President of the US. Though this article is contributed by a research fellow, and China Daily claims it doesn’t represent the ruling-party-owned newspaper, it clearly expresses China’s view on US politics. It seems that China desperately had wanted to end Trump’s hostile comments and actions against China while warning the new administration not to take the same stance on China. The article even mentions specific examples like political turmoil, polarization, unemployment, and bankruptcies. Indeed, even though Trump did not initiate wars, the US miserably lost the war against coronavirus and the confidence and respect from its key allies.

Enjoy reading the article and think about what messages are implied in the farewell.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/22/WS600aa47fa31024ad0baa4803.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3211-1/25/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

These innovations are helping combat Covid-19 across Africa

The population of Africa is over 1.2billion in 54 countries, nearly as many as the one of China and India. The top three economies are Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa and the bottom three are São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, and Comoros, none of which you probably have ever heard of. Only a handful of countries have a decent middle class, and the rest of the countries are distinctly divided between very rich and very poor. In fact, about 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are still living without electricity. You can assume it is quite difficult to find who is infected by the coronavirus accurately, distribute vaccines to vaccination sites timely, and vaccinate people properly. In short, there are challenges in logistics, patients monitoring devices, and implementation of vaccination in African countries should vaccines become available for their people. To overcome these hurdles, new technologies have emerged that that may help contain Covid-19, such as rapid test kits, solar-powered refrigerators, and temperature-screening robots.

As always, the last mile is the hardest part.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the new technologies that help contain the coronavirus pandemic in Africa.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/14/africa/gallery/coronavirus-innovations-africa-spc-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3210-1/24/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Authorities crack down on pointless formalities

The civil service of China consists of all levels that are responsible for day-to-day affairs. It is called an iron rice bowl as it is considered the most guaranteed job opportunity with a steady income and lucrative benefits. There are over 10 million civil servants who work in government agencies and departments in China. The members are selected through extremely competitive examinations like they had been over 2,000 years. By nature, these civil servants tend to be bureaucratic and try to follow the formalities rather than practicalities. Indeed, formalities give them jobs and excuses. However, China’s leaders are now more efficiency and transparency driven than ever before. They want grassroots employees to work more efficiently to deal with new challenges like coronavirus pandemic and social development to improve living standards and win support from the public. So, they inspected 69,000 civil service cases last year extensively and punished over 50,000 officials for bureaucratism and formalism. What a progressive move to the millennium-old system!

While its archrival had been too busy with a political battle that divided the nation incurably, China has been working on reshaping the country to a new era.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about China’s move towards sustainable growth.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/21/WS6008b8e1a31024ad0baa4014.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3209-1/23/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Workers urged not to travel during Spring Festival to stop virus spread

Chunyun, or the Spring Festival travel season, is a period of travel in China around the time of the Chinese New Year. The travel season begins two weeks before New Year's Day and lasts for around 40 days. Around three billion passenger trips are made during the season each year. Indeed, for migrant workers, it is the time to enjoy family reunions and local food. This year, the travel rush is about to start, from 28^th January till 8^th March. According to the national rail operator, over 400 million passer trips are expected during the period.

But this year, in order to prevent the novel virus from spreading further, authorities are encouraging companies to keep operating during the period by giving financial and recreational incentives to their workers. Some companies offer special bonuses, upgraded meals, and local tours trying to encourage their migrant employees to stay in town. People are also advised to stay home and order things online. In fact, with video meeting app and mobile payment services, family engagement can be enjoyed online somehow though it isn’t the same face-to-face. Indeed, it seems like a deep emotional challenge for Chinese migrant workers and students who live away from their hometowns. Many Europeans and Americans seem to have lost the challenge during the last holiday season and have been witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases this month. By the way, if you lived in a rural village, would you want your child to come home from a large city during the pandemic? What do your neighbors think?

Read the article and think about how people will react to the advice and incentives.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/11/WS5ffba9a3a31024ad0baa1a7a.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3208-1/22/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Nazi Ravensbrück camp: How ordinary women became SS torturers

Located about 90 km north of Berlin, Ravensbrück was a German concentration camp for female prisoners operated from 1939 to 1945. It is estimated that over 130,000 women were imprisoned, most of them were political prisoners and Jewish from Poland, the Soviet Union, Germany, Austria, and France. Approximately 50,000 of them could not leave the camp alive at the end of April 1945 when it was liberated. Since the camp was exclusively for women, the guards were accordingly all women, who were all SSs, Nazi’s paramilitary organization’s officers. They wore terrifying black uniforms, guarded the camp, disciplined, tortured, and even killed the prisoners, just like other male prison guards. They didn’t seem to be so inhumane or cruel in nature but they treated the detainees degradingly.

Why did they? Are humans naturally brutal? In an extraordinary circumstance, humans, either men or women, could become a monster.

Read the article and learn about this Nazi’s horrifying concentration camp and its guards.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55661782

Topic Reading-Vol.3207-1/21/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Paris' famous Champs-Élysées set for green transformation

Almost all the tourists to Paris visit and walk along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most recognized avenues. It stretches about two kilometers between the Palace de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, both of which are also must-see spots in Paris. Along the avenue are theaters, restaurants, cafes, and luxury shops that entertain the visitors. Indeed, most of the pedestrians are tourists who want to enjoy the taste, feeling, and atmosphere of the famous avenue. Now, a local association that has been trying to renovate the area got a go sign by the city authority to transform the area into a more attractive and environmentally friendly spot, reducing the vehicle lanes while increasing walking space and green. Since it’s a major project that will take years to complete, visitors to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will only see some part of the renovation. Well, that might give another reason to visit there again.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about a major renovation project of Paris’s prestigious avenue.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/paris-champs-elysee-project-scli-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3206-1/20/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Australian Open: 47 players In quarantine after positive Covid-19 tests on two charter flights

Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments along with Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open. The 2021 Australian Open is scheduled to take place at Melbourne Park, from 8–21 February 2021. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, arriving players from abroad are required to arrive in Australia 14 days before the match. So, many of them have already been flying from different parts of the world by specially arranged flights. Now, a flight crew and a passenger from a charter flight from the US to Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus upon arrival even though there had tested negative 72 hours before they took the flight. So, two dozen players on the flight are now under strict 14-day quarantine at hotel rooms. Also, another 23 players who were on a charter flight from Abu Dhabi are in quarantine after one passenger, not a tennis player, tested positive. All these four-dozen or so players are locked in their hotel rooms for two weeks and can not practice for the tournament.

Indeed, pre-flight tests don’t always seem to guarantee a coronavirus-free journey. If those players had been fully aware that all on board the flight would be quarantined should one had tested positive, would they have had a second thought? They surely need to overcome a physical handicap.

Read the article and learn about how restrictive to travel under the pandemic.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/16/tennis/australian-open-covid-19-flights-spt-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3205-1/19/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Gorillas test positive for coronavirus at San Diego park

Wild gorillas live in the forest of central Sub-Saharan Africa, where there are limited contacts with humans and their belongings. An estimated 100,000 gorillas live in the wild while about 750 are in captivity around the world. As they share over 98% of their DNAs with humans, it had been concerned by wildlife experts that those captive gorillas could be infected with the coronavirus by humans, and it happened in a zoo in San Diego, California. Eight gorillas that live together were found positive. Even though they had been cared for by a team who wore a mask at all times around them and the park had been closed to the public for a month, once the virus was transmitted, it infected the others in the group. Indeed, gorillas live in close groups, so if one is infected, the others too are infected. The problem is that they aren’t easily quarantined because of their tight-knit relationship with the other members of the group.

Sorry for the gorillas that are already troubled by human conduct. But could the reverse occur?

Enjoy reading the article and learn about how close we are to gorillas.

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/gorillas-test-positive-coronavirus-san-diego-park-75184750?cid=clicksource_4380645_6_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed

Topic Reading-Vol.3204-1/18/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Driver's sandwich confiscated on Dutch border because of Brexit

At the end of January 31 last year, the United Kingdom became the first and only state that withdrew from the European Union after 47 years of membership. During the year-long transition period until the end of December 31, 2020, the UK had been in the European Union Customs Union and the European Single Market. But now, the UK and the EU countries are foreign. Travelers and goods need to go through customs. For example, all visitors, or even truck drivers to an EU country are no longer allowed to bring in food, including meats, fruits, vegetables, and fishes from the UK. In fact, a driver who arrived at an international ferry terminal in Holland from the UK was confiscated his meat sandwich at the customs.

Did the poor driver buy an EU sandwich for his lunch?

Enjoy reading the article and learn about some of the effects of real-time Brexit.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sandwich-brexit-netherlands-intl-scli-gbr/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3203-1/17/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Covid: Large trial of new treatment begins in UK

Vaccines are designed to help reduce the risk of virus transmissions. They may also ease the symptoms even if a vaccinated person gets infected. However, they won’t cure the disease. In addition to vaccines, the world now desperately needs more effective ways to cure the infectious disease. One of the new cures for Covid-19 is being tested in the UK and other countries on a larger scale to find if it is as effective as in the earlier tests. The new cure is interferon beta, which is designed to warn the body’s defense line to expect a viral attack by triggering an anti-viral response. It also reduces the time for Covid-19 patients in hospital. If the new treatment proves effective in the test, it could be used to complement the vaccines.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about another frontline to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55639096

Topic Reading-Vol.3202-1/16/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

California's Disneyland to become Covid vaccination site

As the golden state is one of the worst-hit states by Covid-19 in the US, Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim have all been closed since last year. So many people must have missed the chance to indulge themselves in the happiest place on earth. In the meantime, the state has lagged behind the coronavirus vaccination rate. So, the famous resort was announced to become one of the state’s first massive vaccination sites along with Dodger’s Stadium in Los Angeles and Petco Park in San Diego. The state officials are hoping this move will speed up the administration for not only care workers and care house residents but also other citizens.

In the sunny state, amusement parks and ballparks seem to be ideal places to vaccinate as both vaccine practitioners and receivers can avoid close contact with each other while getting open-air ventilation.

When will hibernated Mikey, Minnie, and other Disney characters appear without face masks?

Read the article and learn about the latest move in the golden state.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55636323

Topic Reading-Vol.3201-1/15/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

China debuts bullet train that can operate in extremely cold temperatures

China’s high-speed rail network, which stretches over 38,000 km at the end of 2020, is already the largest in the world and still growing. Some of the lines are operated at a speed of over 300 km per hour. Recently, the China Railway Beijing Group unveiled the latest train model that was designed to run as fast as 350 kilometers per hour in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Why would they need such a high speed in such cold temperatures? Well, in major cities like Shenyang and Harbin in northeast China, low temperatures could go below -30 degrees Celsius. Imagine a train stopping at the station in those cities overnight in midwinter. Everything freezes inside and outside, even the lube. And when the train runs, the wind chill temperature of the surface could go much lower than that. Most of the parts need to be redesigned to run with passengers safely, just like a spacecraft. Indeed, nuts and bolts are essential under extreme conditions.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the things needed to operate high-speed trains at minus 40 degrees temperature.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/china-bullet-train-cold-weather-fuxing/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3200-1/14/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Identical twins aren't always genetically identical, new study finds

Unlike fraternal twins, which result from the fertilization of two separate eggs during the same pregnancy, identical twins are created from a single egg that splits in two. Therefore, identical twins are always of the same sex and had been thought to share all of their genes. However, a new study by a team of Icelandic researchers found that identical twins have genetic differences that begin in the early stages of embryonic development. In about 15% of twin pairs they researched, they found genetic mutations in one of the twins and called it mutation divergence. If that is the case, some of the twin siblings could have a different hair color or certain disease from the other though most of the other features and qualities remain the same.

Be reminded that the chances of having identical twins are rare, only around 3 or 4 in every 1,000 births. Life isn’t as simple as we might think.

Enjoy reading the article and learn more about identical twins.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/08/health/identical-twins-genome-study-scn-scli-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3199-1/13/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

You can still get infected with Covid-19 after being vaccinated.

Various types of coronavirus vaccines are being manufactured, distributed, and injected to people in the US, UK, and other countries. But don’t expect that the vaccine will make you and others immune completely from coronavirus.

Basically, vaccines carry a small stretch of genetic material, which instructs cells in the body to make a small piece of material that looks like a part of the virus. Those bits then, get recognized as a foreign invader by the immune system, and it starts to make antibodies and immune cells. If the vaccinated person gets infected, those antibodies and immune cells recognize and neutralize the virus. But this development process normally takes a few weeks. If a vaccinated person is exposed to coronavirus before the body develops the defense system, he or she could get sick. Also, like the flu shot, no vaccine is 100% effective. Furthermore, the protection period can fade over time and might need a booster shot years later. And variants are already emerging and they could stay and increase over time, just like the flu. Lastly, even if you are vaccinated and have developed an immune system in your body, you could be exposed to the virus and transmit it to others. For example, if a vaccinated person had lunch with someone who is infected, the person is exposed to the virus. If the same person got on the crowded train without a facemask, he or she could transmit the virus to those who are unprotected or haven’t been vaccinated.

So, just like the flu shot, the coronavirus vaccine is not a silver bullet. Face masks and social distancing seem to be the new norm at least for a while.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about what the coronavirus vaccine can and can’t do.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/08/health/covid-vaccinated-infected-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3198-1/12/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Building frozen castles at China's Harbin Ice Festival

With over 10 million inhabitants, Harbin is the largest city by metro population in Northeast China. It serves as a main political, economic, scientific, cultural, and communications hub in the region, as well as a key gateway for trade with Russia. With the severe winters, where average high temperatures in January reach only below -10 degrees, Harbin is heralded as the Ice City for its well-known winter tourism and recreations especially by the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Originated in Harbin's traditional ice lantern show and garden party, the festival which began in 1963 but was interrupted during the Cultural Revolution years, and was resumed in 1985.

It is a manmade, temporary city with frozen towers, palaces, castles, and many other structures, which are constructed from December when thick ice is formed in the Songhua River that winds its way through the city.

How the work is done?

Enjoy reading the article and seeing the photos of

https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-55529089

Topic Reading-Vol.3197-1/11/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Rioters breached US Capitol security on Wednesday. This was the police response when it was Black protesters on DC streets last year

Located on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington DC, the US Capitol is the meeting place of the US Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. On Wednesday, January 6, it was raided by a mob of rioters of Trump supporters who tried to interrupt the joint session of Congress certifying the election of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. When they stormed into the building, Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress, and staff were rushed out in an emergency evacuation. Some rioters took the Senate Chamber and looted staff offices.

How could that happen? When people gathered for Black Lives Matter protests at the same place last June, they were met by heavily armed national guard troops and police and hit by tear gas and rubber bullets. But that wasn’t the case this time. Why? Does the color of people make such a different treatment by the government of the United States of America?

America still remains as a nation of the united states but may not be united by the peoples.

Read the article and look at the photos and videos to find how differently people were treated between these two incidents in the very core of the capital the free, democratic country.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/07/us/police-response-black-lives-matter-protest-us-capitol/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3196-1/10/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

This woman left North Korea 70 years ago. Now virtual reality has helped her return

What can Virtual Reality, or VR, offer besides games? To your surprise, the technology allows medical practitioners to improve surgical skills or present their skills to learners without a living object. They can conduct live surgical experiments or procedures virtually at a scheduled time online. Also, VR can recreate one’s memory like places and scenes someone has in their mind. As a North Korean defector described her memory about the place where she used to live seven decades ago, her interviewer sketched it and have her check if the drawing was accurate. After repeating the process to make sure the created images were close enough to her memory, 3D graphic designers then used 3D modeling tools to recreate the images and brought the environment to life. Then, the defector who had never been back to her homeland saw the images through VR goggles. The result? She couldn’t stop crying. Indeed, it was like time travel for her.

Though Pyongyang is only less than 200 kilometers from Seoul, it seems farther than the other side of the world for her who fled her homeland during the Korean War.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about what VR can offer these days.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/north-korea-refugees-virtual-reality-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3195-1/9/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Over half of Chinese adults overweight, study finds

No matter how healthy the food is, people become overweight and unhealthy if they eat too much or move too little. Sugar-free frozen yogurt may sound healthier than rich vanilla ice cream but if you eat it too much and just sit on a couch gazing at the smartphone for hours, most of the calories absorbed from the yogurt will not be burned and turned into fat. In fact, as more people ride cars and do office work, the ratio of overweight and obese is increasing across the world, and China is no exception.

According to an official report issued last year, more than half of Chinese adults are now overweight. That represents over half a billion people! As more cars are being sold in China than in any other country and more people live in developed cities, motorization and urbanization seem to have added more weight among Chinese people. A few decades ago, bicycle commuters were a symbol of China. But they were replaced by cars and motorbikes. Also, Chinese people are keen to maintain a good yin-yang balance in their food to prevent illness and promote good health. But as people eating out or order delivery foods, they tend to lose balance and add more calories. Because of the sheer size of the population and the growing urban population, overweight may become a serious health and wellness problem in China.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the overweight problem in China.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55428530

Topic Reading-Vol.3194-1/8/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Alarm as South Korea sees more deaths than births

The population of South Korea passed the 50 million mark in 2012. However, the population increase had been declining over the past few years and finally, decreased last year because of the world’s lowest fertility rate. The live births per woman were only 1.1 in South Korea a few years back, which was 1.0 lower than the replacement level, and went below 1.0 for the last three years. Also, even though there were over 700,000 live births in 1995, the figure has been constantly declining over years and there were only 275,000 live births in 2020, approximately 10% lower than the previous year. Since both the number of women of reproductive age and their fertility rate have been declining steadily, a further decrease in the population seems inevitable in South Korea unless people start making more children. However, the country’s urban population ratio is over 80%, making the cost of living, especially the housing costs, very expensive for young couples. Also, South Korea is famous for high education costs in the hope of having their children go to good universities to qualify for better jobs. So, despite the government’s financial incentives for young couples to produce more children, they, especially women, don’t seem to be encouraged to have more or even one child because of domestic burdens that are culturally heavier for women. The same seems to be true in neighboring countries, like Japan. What South Korea will be like a few decades later?

Enjoy reading the article and learn about what could deter women from producing offspring.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55526450

Topic Reading-Vol.3193-1/7/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

England is finding new ways to crack down on unhealthy foods

Brits are fatter than they are supposed to be. In fact, their obesity rates are among the highest in the world, nearly two-thirds of adults in England are overweight and one in every three children is overweight or obese. The British government has been tackling this weight problem hard. They restricted TV commercials of unhealthy foods, added a tax on sugary soft drinks, and prompted restaurants to list the calorie of each menu item. Now, they want to move even further. Usually, at supermarkets or large retailers, the unhealthy choice is the easy choice, having been placed by the checkout counters, enticingly promoted, or irresistibly discounted. However, from April next year, such promotional practices and activities will be restricted to unhealthy foods, such as chocolate, soda, and other foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. Will such restrictions deter people from buying unhealthy but favorable foods at supermarkets or online?

Enjoy reading the article and learn about how serious the UK government is to solve the overweight problem.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/28/business/england-unhealthy-foods-restrictions/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3192-1/6/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Australia changes national anthem to reflect indigenous past

Australia had been inhabited for over 65,000 years before Europeans arrived in the 17^th century. It was colonized by Britain in 1788 and became independent in 1901. Of the 26 million population, approximately 800,000 are indigenous Australians or First Peoples of Australia. English has been regarded as the de facto national language since European settlement even though there still are over 300 language groups.

Advance Australia Fair is the national anthem of Australia. It was first composed in 1878 and replaced "God Save the Queen" as the official national anthem in 1984. In the first verse, there is a phrase, “for young and free.” Indeed, the nation was young for the European settlers when the lyric was written but it wasn’t for indigenous people. So, in order to recognize all the national ancestries and language groups, the Austrian government announced a word change at the end of the last year. Now, “young” is replaced by “one.”

Full lyrics of Advance Australia Fair (Verse one)

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are one (<= young) and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

Indeed, it is time to be more united to cope with the novel virus pandemic and foreign pressures from its largest trade partner.

Enjoy reading the article about Australia’s attempt to unite the nation.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-55494542

Topic Reading-Vol.3191-1/5/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

2020 was a terrible year for Europe. 2021 is unlikely to be much better

The European Union is a political and economical union of 27 nations with a population of about 450 million. After Brexit, there are no English-speaking nations in the union, and the top three native languages are German, French, and Italian, the total of which comprises 43% of the total EU citizens. The union intends to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and investment and has established a single market through a standardized system of laws. 2020 was a challenging year for the European Union as it lost the key member state, the UK, and suffered from the coronavirus pandemic. But will the union recover from these incidental damages this year? There seem to be ongoing challenges in maintaining the rule of law, integration, and financial discipline to keep the union united. Also, the union’s international stance needs to be managed sensitively especially when the tug of war between the US and China is becoming more intense and extensive.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the challenges the EU is going to face this year.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/31/europe/eu-bad-2020-2021-analysis-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3190-1/4/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Furloughed Japanese airline staff to work as Shinto shrine attendants during New Year's holidays

In Japan, most companies try to avoid laying off employees as much as they can. They first cut bonuses, reduce work hours, and transfer to other jobs. If these aren’t enough, they negotiate pay cuts and call for voluntary retirement with extra compensation. Japan Airline is no exception. They grounded their fleet, cut flights, and stopped hiring but these weren’t enough. Instead of laying off their cabin and ground crew who have nothing to do recently, the airline offered jobs at other businesses while keeping their status and benefits of the airline. You can easily assume the service industry is the most suitable for their qualifications. Yes. But one that was offered was to work at Shinto shrine as miko, or shrine maidens, during the New Year's period, when shrines are busy with new year prayers. Indeed, they can learn the Japanese traditional way to service customers. There is one condition, though. Only unmarried females for this particular job.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about this unique Japanese way to keep employment.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/japan-airlines-shinto-shrine-maidens-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3189-1/3/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

They eat what? New Year's food traditions around the world

What specialty dish or food did you have on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day? Each culture has its traditional celebratory food to welcome a new year and wish good luck. In some cultures, black-eyed peas symbolize coins, cornbread represents the color of gold, buckwheat soba noodles bring longevity and prosperity, and lentils stand for money and good fortune. And in other cultures, people enjoy fruits or cake just to celebrate a new year, or just drink champaign and booze to enjoy the ceremonial eve.

What is your tradition and what did you have on New Year’s Eve or Day this time? Since 2020 was a difficult year for almost everyone in the world, we all wish 2021 will be a better year.

Enjoy learning about New Year’s unique food traditions.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/new-years-food-traditions/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3188-1/2/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Five superpowers ruling the world in 2050

2020 was a year like no one ever could have imagined. The novel virus pandemic put a sudden brake on all kinds of activities and all types of economies. No travels, no gatherings, and no dining out, all of which had been predicted to enjoy healthy growth in the coming years. Now, no businesses but a few, such as IT, deliveries, and medical, are foreseeing a bright future at least for the next few years. So, how could we predict what the world economies will be like three decades from now? While “developed” countries aren’t expected to grow as much as they used to enjoy, large “developing” countries are expected to demonstrate robust growth, such as China, India, Brazil, and Mexico, and will rise in the ranks of the world economies. Even though their prosperity and fortune are unlikely to be enjoyed by all sectors, regions, or classes, there sure will be more opportunities for anyone who is eager to create a brighter future.

Even though this article was created back in March last year, it is not too old to predict what the world might be like three decades later.

Enjoy reading the article and learn what the prospective countries are like now.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200322-five-superpowers-ruling-the-world-in-2050

Topic Reading-Vol.3187-1/1/2021

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Creating animal food from a greenhouse gas

Industrial agriculture or aquaculture causes a high water footprint, deforestation, biodiversity destruction, water pollution by fertilizers, and creates greenhouse gasses. For example, one of the most popular animal feeds is soybeans, which are produced in a vast land, by heavy machinery, and with a lot of fertilizer. When they are produced, they need to be shipped to places where animals are fed, often in other continents. Obviously, there is a lot of carbon footprint and greenhouse gasses are created through the process. This is going to become more problematic when the world’s population increases by 25% in the next three decades and feed over nine billion stomachs in the middle of the century. So, researchers and entrepreneurs are trying to develop more environmentally friendly animal feeds, called Single-cell proteins, or SCP. It is edible unicellular microorganisms that could be extracted from algae, yeasts, fungi, or bacteria.

Interested in how it is produced and when it works?

Enjoy reading the first article of the year and learn about what SCP is about.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-55014403