China’s March auto sales hit near-decade record high as price cuts cool

China’s car sales grew 14% in March year-on-year to 2 million units, reports financial news outlet Jiemian, as the sector “continues to benefit from the government trade-in programme”. Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows that there has been a “less-intense price war compared to last year…[due to] the ‘two-new’ policy”. The outlet adds that March’s growth rose at the “fastest” pace since 2018. Car exports, however, fell 8% from a year earlier.

AI’s power needs will double electricity demand in five years

In order to power the upcoming data centres around the world, the amount of electricity needed is expected to double, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency, reported Sky News. The report also points out that training OpenAI’s GPT-4 needed around around 42GWh — equivalent to the daily electricity consumption of around 28,500 households in the developed world or 70,500 households in poorer countries.

Smartphones, computers off US’ tariff imposed on China, not chips and electronics

The Trump-led US government has made some exclusions on technology products in the steep tariff list imposed on goods coming from China, reported Reuters. This excludes smartphones, computers and other electronics imported largely from the 125% tariff. This helped tech and auto shares rise, according to Reuters. However, the US Commerce Department is conducting a national security investigation into imports of semiconductor technology and related downstream products, reported CNBC, casting doubts over whether chips and electronics will indeed be exempted.

AI model can predict lightning-induced wildfires with unprecedented accuracy

Israeli researchers have developed a new AI model which can predict where and when lightning strikes are most likely to cause wildfires. It operates with more than 90% accuracy—a first in wildfire forecasting. To create the model, they used seven years’ worth of global satellite data, as well as data depicting vegetation, weather patterns, and topography.

South Korea unveils $23 billion support package for chips amid US tariff uncertainty

Amidst uncertainty caused by US tariffs, the South Korean government has decided to help out local chip manufacturers through a $23 billion support package, reported Reuters. Home to major chip makers like Samsung and SK Hynix, the Asian nation’s reason is to help its key domestic chip makers deal with heavier costs as they compete globally.

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