Briefly

SWITZERLAND

New record declared for exact pi figure

Swiss researchers said on Monday they had calculated the mathematical constant pi to a new world-record level of exactitude, hitting 62.8 trillion figures using a supercomputer. "The calculation took 108 days and nine hours," said the Graubuenden University of Applied Sciences in a statement. Its efforts were "almost twice as fast as the record Google set using its cloud in 2019, and 3.5 times as fast as the previous world record in 2020", according to the university's Centre for Data Analytics, Visualisation and Simulation. Researchers are waiting for Guinness World Records to certify their feat. The previous world-record pi calculation had achieved 50 trillion figures.

FRANCE

'Fierce' wildfire forces mass evacuations

Thousands of people, including tourists at campsites, have been evacuated as a wildfire raged near the plush resort of Saint-Tropez in southern France, said the fire service on Tuesday. Around 750 firefighters and water-dropping aircraft were battling the blaze in difficult conditions, with high temperatures and strong winds. "Thousands of people have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, but there are no victims," said a fire service spokeswoman, adding that the blaze was "still very fierce". France is just the latest Mediterranean country to be hit by extreme weather and wildfires, which climate scientists warn will become increasingly common because of man-made global warming.

JAPAN

'Father of Sudoku' dies of cancer at 69

The man dubbed the "father of Sudoku" for his role in popularizing the numerical brainteaser loved by millions, has died of cancer at the age of 69, his Japanese publisher has announced. In a notice posted on Monday, publisher Nikoli said Maki Kaji died at home on Aug 10 after battling cancer. A memorial service would be held at a later date. "Mr Kaji was known as the father of Sudoku and was loved by puzzle fans all around the world," said the publisher in a statement on its website. Sudoku, a sort of numerical crossword, was invented by Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 18th century.

Agencies - Xinhua