Chinese android Lightning completes half-marathon faster than human world record
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, completed a 21-kilometer half-marathon in Beijing in 50 minutes and 26 seconds. This time surpasses the human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds, held by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo, by over six minutes. The 169cm tall humanoid robot, which uses its forearms for balance, demonstrated autonomous navigation and burst power, which were key to its victory. This achievement highlights China's advancements in humanoid robotics, a sector the government identified as a "new frontier in technological competition" in a 2023 policy document, aiming for mass production and secure supply chains by 2025. China's robot industry has seen accelerated growth since 2015, with a focus on upgrading industries and fostering technological innovation. The humanoid half-marathon in Beijing saw over 100 teams participate this year, a significant increase from its debut last year. Human winners in the men's and women's categories, Zhao Haijie and Wang Qiaoxia, both completed the race in over an hour.
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BreakingA multi-story building collapsed in Adenta New Site, Adenta Municipality, Greater Accra Region, on June 3, 2026, during a heavy downpour. Reports indicate several people are trapped, with some heard calling for help. Eyewitnesses noted a lack of heavy equipment to clear debris for rescue efforts. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service arrived an hour after the incident and have rescued three individuals. Residents were also seen attempting to rescue those trapped.
The criminal trial of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman, and two other individuals, has concluded. The court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on July 3, 2026. This development was announced by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai on June 3, following court proceedings. Dr. Srem-Sai stated that the defense concluded its case after its fifth and final witness completed testimony and was discharged by the court, marking the end of the legal proceedings. With both the prosecution and defense having presented their cases, the focus now shifts to the final verdict, which is anticipated to draw considerable public and political attention due to Chairman Wontumi's significant role within the NPP and Ghanaian politics.
Must ReadGhana's Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, has issued a warning to foreign nationals in Ghana to adhere to the country’s immigration and criminal laws. This follows the repatriation of 105 foreign nationals who were rescued from suspected human trafficking operations in Asankragwa, Western North Region. The intelligence-led operation, conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service GIS on May 20, 2026, targeted premises believed to be housing victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Initially, 112 females, aged between 12 and 38, were rescued. The group included 110 Nigerians, one Beninese, and one Cameroonian, with some victims reportedly as young as 12. The operation was led by the Asankragwa Sector Command under Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Kwabena Adjei. The rescued individuals were moved to a holding center in the Greater Accra Region for further investigation by the GIS Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons AHSTIP Unit. Investigations confirmed 105 individuals were human trafficking victims, while seven suspects remain under investigation for potential prosecution. The GIS, in collaboration with relevant embassies and community representatives, facilitated the safe return of the confirmed victims to their home countries. Amadu reiterated the Service’s dedication to fighting human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and other transnational crimes, urging foreign nationals to comply with Ghanaian laws.
Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has highlighted that approximately 6,000 young people die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. He cautioned against the increasing use of shisha and electronic cigarettes among youth, despite their appealing flavors and trendy appearance, due to serious health risks. Speaking at a World No Tobacco Day event in Accra on June 2, 2026, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, stated that tobacco and nicotine products continue to endanger the health of many Ghanaians, especially the youth. He noted that about 13.6 percent of youth smoke shisha and 2.2 percent use e-cigarettes, with nearly 450,000 adults in Ghana smoking regularly. Dr. Taher added that tobacco-related diseases cost Ghana an estimated $600 million annually. He also warned that tobacco companies are promoting products like shisha and e-cigarettes as fashionable lifestyle choices to attract young consumers. Akandoh acknowledged Ghana's progress in tobacco control, noting a decline in adult smoking rates from 3 percent in 2017 to about 2.2 percent currently. Gayheart Edem Mensah, Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect future generations from tobacco's harmful effects. Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organisation Representative in Ghana, also called for stronger action to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.