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22 Feb 2025 — 5 min read

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Military Activity:

Environment & Weather:

As of February 22, 2025, Gassan Shizu Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, has recorded a snow depth of 600 cm (about 19 feet 8 inches). This area, located at the base of Mt. Gassan, is well known for its heavy snowfall due to its geographical location and climate. Historically, it served as a post town for travelers visiting the sacred Dewasanzan mountains. Today, it remains a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and visitors seeking a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience. The deep snow accumulation contributes to one of the longest skiing seasons in Japan, with the nearby Gassan Ski Resort typically opening in April and sometimes operating into the summer months.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the region hosts cultural events that celebrate its snowy environment. One such event, the “Snow Hatago no Hikari” festival, takes place from February 1 to February 24, recreating historical townscapes using illuminated snow sculptures. Additionally, the area’s hot springs, known for their high mineral content, are a key attraction, offering relaxation and warmth to visitors after time spent in the cold. While the extreme snowfall poses challenges such as transportation disruptions and increased maintenance efforts, it also defines the area’s unique identity, drawing both tourists and researchers interested in heavy snow regions.

Privacy & Security:

Yesterday, February 21, 2025, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a cybersecurity breach, resulting in the theft of around $1.4 billion in digital assets, primarily Ethereum. The attack targeted one of Bybit’s offline “cold” wallets, which are typically considered more secure than online wallets. Hackers exploited a vulnerability during a routine transfer between wallets, gaining control and moving the assets to unidentified addresses. This breach ranks among the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history, raising concerns about the security of one of the most well-established exchanges.

In response, Bybit’s CEO, Ben Zhou, reassured users that their funds remain secure, emphasizing that all client assets are backed 1:1 and the platform remains financially stable. The company is actively working with blockchain security experts to track the stolen funds and identify the hackers. While the perpetrators remain unknown, parts of the stolen Ethereum have already been moved to various undisclosed wallets, and some of it may have been sold. Despite the attack, Bybit continues to operate normally, allowing withdrawals without disruptions. This incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity challenges in the crypto industry, reinforcing the need for stronger safeguards against increasingly sophisticated hacking attempts.

Space:

Yesterday, February 21, 2025, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, deploying 21 Starlink v2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit, including 13 with direct-to-cell connectivity. The first-stage booster, on its 21st flight, successfully landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You. This mission expands SpaceX’s Starlink network, which provides global broadband coverage, especially in remote areas.

With over 7,000 active satellites, Starlink is the largest satellite constellation ever built, making SpaceX the most powerful satellite company on Earth. Each launch enhances network capacity, improves bandwidth and coverage, and advances satellite-based mobile connectivity. By continuously expanding Starlink, SpaceX is reshaping global communications and making internet access more accessible and reliable worldwide.
To view the live Starlink satellite map, click image below (all white dots are Starlink satellites):

Science & Technology:

1X Technologies, an AI robotics company, has unveiled NEO Gamma, the latest iteration in their line of humanoid robots designed for home assistance. Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, NEO Beta, the Gamma series introduces significant enhancements in both hardware and artificial intelligence. The new design emphasizes seamless integration into domestic environments, reflecting 1X’s commitment to creating robots that can safely and intelligently collaborate with humans in everyday tasks.
Video below (click image to view)

What we’re seeing right now is the gradual introduction of humanoid robots, starting in factories and fulfillment centers. Companies like Amazon are deploying robots in warehouses, and many factories are integrating robotics for automation. However, the ultimate goal of robotics companies is to transition these systems from industrial settings into homes, where they can assist with everyday tasks. This advancement underscores the growing push among technology firms to bring humanoid robots to market, not just for industrial applications but for everyday human tasks at scale. What began in warehouses and factories is now moving toward a future where humanoid robots could become household assistants, handling chores, cooking, and even caregiving. As AI and robotics continue to advance, more companies are racing to develop functional, affordable robots that can transition from specialized labor into daily human environments, redefining the role of automation in everyday life.

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