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AI In-brief 13 Sept 08:57

10 dead, 1 trapped after gym roof collapse in China

A school gym roof in Qiqihar, China, collapsed, leading to 10 confirmed deaths and one person still trapped.
The collapse was caused by construction workers placing perlite, a volcanic glass, on the roof, which expanded under heavy rainfall.
Authorities have detained those in charge of the construction company, underscoring ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards in China.

AI In-brief Yesterday 19:56

CPRAM, a subsidiary of CP Group, secured plant variety protection for new hybrid basil strains, sparking public concern in Thailand over corporate influence, potential seed monopolies, and the erosion of traditional farmers' rights.
Kasetsart University, a research partner, defended the protection, clarifying it applies only to specific hybrid strains, not native varieties, and is essential for protecting intellectual property and fostering agricultural innovation through public-private collaboration.
CP Group and CPRAM denied top-level involvement, stating the protection is for internal use of raw materials in their ready-to-eat food division, not for commercializing seeds or creating a monopoly, while threatening legal action against misinformation.
The controversy fuels a broader debate on Thailand's potential accession to UPOV 1991 (a condition for a potential EU free-trade agreement), with proponents citing agricultural economic benefits and critics warning of risks to local biodiversity and farmer autonomy.