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Biden wishes Muslims and expresses Uyghur solidarity

By
Lillian Hocker
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Biden wishes Muslims and expresses Uyghur solidarity

On the occasion of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, US President Joe Biden extended his wishes to Muslims worldwide with the greeting ‘Ramadan Kareem.’ In an unexpected move, Biden also expressed his solidarity with China’s embattled Uyghur minority population, who are facing an existential crisis.

“Today, Jill and I extend our best wishes to Muslim communities across the country and around the world as they begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – a time of fasting, renewal, charity, worship and growth,” said Biden in the address.

“Together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression, including Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world,” he added.

During Ramadan, US President Biden showed support for earthquake and flood victims in Turkey, Syria, and Pakistan, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Muslim communities facing hardship.

Biden’s mention of the Uyghur Muslims, who are allegedly undergoing genocide in China’s Xinjiang province, comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China.

A recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia has further strained relations, following the recent spy balloon controversy. Last year, a UN report accused China of committing ‘crimes against humanity’ against the Uyghur population.

Despite Chinese attempts to delay or obstruct it, the report, which had been in development for several years, was ultimately published.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that Islam can only exist in China if it is reformed in accordance with Chinese values. The Chinese government has acknowledged the existence of concentration camps, which it refers to as “vocational training camps.”

The CEO of TikTok is facing Congress over security concerns

By
John Collins
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The CEO of TikTok will appear before a US Congressional committee on Thursday, where he will face criticism over data and user safety when he explains why the wildly popular video-sharing app shouldn’t be banned.

Shou Zi Chew’s remarks come at a crucial time for the company, which already has 150 million US users but is under increasing pressure from US officials. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are embroiled in a broader geopolitical battle between Beijing and Washington over trade and technology.

Chu, a 40-year-old native Singaporean, rarely appears publicly to challenge the barrage of accusations that TikTok is facing. On Wednesday, the company sent dozens of popular TikTokers to Capitol Hill to lobby lawmakers to preserve the platform. It also runs ads across Washington promising to protect user data and privacy and create a safe outlet for its young users.

Chu plans to inform the US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee that TikTok prioritizes the safety of its young users and denies allegations that the app poses a national security risk, according to his prepared statement released before the hearing.

TikTok has been dogged by accusations that its Chinese ownership means user data could end up in the hands of the Chinese government or be used to promote narratives favoring the country’s communist leaders.

“We understand the popularity of TikTok; we understand that,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “But the president’s job is once again to ensure that America’s national security is also protected.” “

Meanwhile, TikTok has sought to distance itself from its Chinese origins, explaining that parent company ByteDance is 60 percent owned by global institutional investors such as the Carlyle Group. ByteDance was founded in Beijing in 2012 by Chinese entrepreneurs.

“Let me be clear: ByteDance is not a representative of China or any other country,” Chu said.

The US ban on the app is unprecedented, and it’s unclear how the government will enforce it.

Experts say officials could try to force Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, preventing new users from downloading it and preventing existing users from updating it, ultimately rendering it worthless.

The US could also block access to TikTok’s infrastructure and data, confiscate its domain name, or force internet service providers such as Comcast and Verizon to filter TikTok traffic, said Ahmed Ghapour, a criminal law and computer security expert who teaches at Boston University’s law school.

But he said that tech-savvy users can still bypass restrictions by using virtual private networks to make it appear as if users are in another country where they are not blocked.

To circumvent the ban, TikTok is trying to sell employees a $1.5 billion plan called Project Texas that routes all user data in the US to local servers owned and managed by software giant Oracle. As part of the project, US officials will provide data access in the US through a separate organization called TikTok US. Managed. Data Security, which employs 1,500 people, is operated independently of ByteDance and monitored by external monitors.

Since October, all new user data has been stored domestically in the US. This month, the company began deleting all historical US user data from non-Oracle servers in a process expected to be completed later this year, Chu said.

A number of Western countries, including Denmark, Canada, and New Zealand, along with the European Union, have banned TikTok from devices issued to government officials, citing cybersecurity concerns.

In the US, the federal government, Congress, the military, and more than half of the states have banned the app from official devices.

David Kennedy, a former government intelligence officer who runs cybersecurity firm TrustedSec, agreed to limit access to TikTok on government-issued cell phones because they may contain sensitive military information or other classified material. However, a national ban may be too extreme, he said. He also wondered where this was going.

“We have Tesla in China, Microsoft in China; we have Apple in China. Are they going to start banning us now?” Kennedy said. “That could escalate very quickly.”

Rahul Gandhi: Indian congress leader sentenced to two years for defamation

By
John Collins
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0

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been sentenced to two years in prison by a local court in a criminal defamation case.

Gandhi was convicted by a Gujarat state court for his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last name at a 2019 campaign rally.

He won’t go straight to jail – he has 30 days free of bail and can appeal the order.

The congressman was in court when the judge issued the order.

At a campaign rally in Karnataka before the 2019 general election, Gandhi asked why all thieves wear “Modi” as a common name – according to media reports at the time, he was referring to fugitive diamond magnate Nirav Modi and a former Indian. Premier League boss Lalit Modi.

The case was brought on the basis of a complaint by Purnesh Modi, an MP in India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who said Gandhi’s comments defamed the entire Modi community.

Mr Gandhi’s lawyers argued that proper legal procedures were not followed in this case. They also said Narendra Modi should be the rapporteur because Purnesh Modi was not the target of Gandhi’s speeches.

The Congress party tweeted that Gandhi would file a complaint and “we will fight and win.”

Gandhi has not spoken publicly, but he did tweet a Hindi quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God, and non-violence is the means to achieve it.”

Canada’s Population Grows by Over 1 Million in Record Time

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

The Canadian government announced that for the first time in history, the population of Canada grew by more than one million individuals in a single year.

According to data from Statistics Canada, the population increased from 38.5 million to 39.5 million people, resulting in a growth rate of 2.7 percent, the highest annual population growth rate since 1957.

The government noted that if they want to maintain this growth rate, the population would double in 26 years. The Canadian government’s efforts to alleviate labor shortages have contributed to the population increase, which has been further boosted by a surge in both permanent and temporary immigrants.

However, Statistics Canada warns that this population increase presents additional challenges, such as housing, infrastructure, and transportation in certain regions of the country.

Canada’s Ambitious Immigration Plan: 1.5 Million Immigrants Annually by 2025 to Boost Economy

In 2022, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled a plan to bring in 1.5 million immigrants annually by 2025. The country is banking on immigration to fill the gap in its economy, given its ageing population and low birth rate.

Canada welcomed individuals impacted by conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Turkey-Syria earthquakes, and the humanitarian crisis in Taliban-led Afghanistan.

The government agency reported that in 2022, Canada welcomed 437,000 immigrants, and the number of temporary residents in the country increased by 607,782, marking a “record-breaking year for the processing of immigration applications.”

With this growing population, Canada may emerge as the top-ranked country for population growth among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2022, in addition to being the fastest-growing G7 country.

Most Asian stocks pared early losses after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point

By
John Collins
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Most Asia-Pacific stocks pared early losses on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve reaffirmed its determination to cut inflation.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index (HSI) traded 1.5% higher in Hong Kong, leading to the region’s gains. One of the top winners was internet giant Tencent, which gained more than 7 percent after reporting strong growth in its online advertising business in the December quarter on Wednesday.

The Nikkei 225 (N225) was flat in Japan after opening lower. The broader Topix index was down 0.3 percent, erasing some of the morning’s losses.

South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.2 percent, while Australia’s S&P ASX 200 gained half a percentage point.

Asian stocks opened broadly lower, trailing losses on Wall Street. The Dow closed 1.6% lower in the US, while the S&P 500 (DVS) was down about 1.7%. The Nasdaq Composite lost 1.6%.

“Looking ahead, while we see fundamental value in Asian equities outside of Japan, we remain concerned about the potential downside in US equities given the deteriorating US data in the coming months,” Nomura analysts wrote in a research note from Thursday.

US markets were choppy on Wednesday before settling into the red as investors digested the Federal Reserve’s quarter-point interest rate hike and looked for clues about the collapsing state of the banking sector.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point at the end of a two-day meeting, even though a historic campaign to raise rates was a contributing factor to the banking crisis.

Investors were supported by solid indications from the central bank that the aggressive pace of rate hikes is ending. However, the central bank also warned that there would be no rate cut this year.

UK Reviews Security at Indian High Commission After Flag Removal

By
Lillian Hocker
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On Wednesday, British foreign minister James Cleverly announced that the security at the Indian High Commission in London would be reviewed in response to “unacceptable acts of violence” towards the mission’s staff.

The decision was made after India summoned the highest-ranking British diplomat in New Delhi to express its concerns about the actions of “separatist and extremist elements” against its mission in London, as reported by Reuters.

According to Indian media and the BBC, protesters carrying “Khalistan” banners removed the Indian flag from the first-floor balcony of the diplomatic building to protest against recent police actions in Punjab state, India.

On Sunday, crowds gathered outside the Indian High Commission’s building in London, reportedly breaking windows and causing damage. In response, India demanded an explanation for the “complete absence of the British security” around the premises, according to the BBC.

However, on Wednesday, the Indian daily The Hindu reported that at least a hundred police officers were standing guard on both sides of the road outside the High Commission. Despite this increased security presence, around 2,000 protesters waving Khalistan flags gathered outside the Indian High Commission for a planned demonstration. They hurled objects and chanted slogans, creating a tense atmosphere that required uniformed officers to stand guard and patrol the area throughout.

The protesters included turbaned men, as well as some women and children, who had been bused in from different parts of the UK. They chanted pro-Khalistan slogans, referencing an independent Sikh state sought by some groups.

The Indian High Commission in London has been working to counter disinformation circulating around developments in Punjab related to enforcement action against the separatist group ‘Waris Punjab De’.

British foreign minister James Cleverly responded to the situation, stating that a police investigation was ongoing after the acts of violence. Cleverly also assured that the country would make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of the Indian mission’s staff, as it did for demonstrations on Wednesday. This response was reported by Reuters.

The events that took place on Sunday and Wednesday reflect the ongoing tensions between certain groups in the UK and India over issues related to separatism and political autonomy. The UK and India share a complex history, and political tensions are often reflected in public protests and acts of violence. However, the increased security presence and police investigation demonstrate a commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully and ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions.

Tesla Triggered a Price War in China’s Car Market with 50% discount

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

Tesla’s entry into China’s car market has been a game-changer, with its innovative electric vehicles capturing the attention of the Chinese consumer. However, what is now grabbing headlines is the price war that Tesla has triggered in China. The price war is reshaping the world’s biggest car market, and in this article, we will explore how Tesla’s discounts on electric vehicles in China set off this price war.

In October 2020, Tesla made its first move in the price war by cutting prices on models produced at its factory near Shanghai. This move put the pressure on its competitors, who found themselves unable to compete on price. Tesla went a step further in January 2021, slashing prices again and making its locally-made cars up to 14% cheaper than the previous year. This move not only cemented Tesla’s position as a major player in China’s hyper-competitive car market but also forced its competitors to follow suit.

Local upstarts such as Xpeng Inc. and Nio Inc. were among those who were forced to cut their prices to remain competitive. Leading international brands, including Volkswagen AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, also offered discounts of up to 70,000 yuan ($10,000) to keep pace with Tesla’s price cuts. Ford Motor Co.’s Mach-E electric sport utility vehicle was also impacted, with its starting price reduced by a third.

This price war has not only resulted in discounts for consumers but has also made the Chinese car market more competitive. It has put pressure on car manufacturers to improve their production processes and offer more value for money to consumers. The market has become more dynamic, with new players entering the market and existing players innovating to remain relevant.

Prompt Engineering: Getting AI to Make What You Want

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

“Prompt Engineering: The Art of Getting AI to Make What You Want With GPT-4 and DALL-E Taking Center Stage”

As powerful AI models like GPT-4 and DALL-E continue to advance and become more accessible, prompt engineering has emerged as a crucial aspect of AI development.

This process involves skillfully crafting prompts to coax AI into producing desired outputs, such as creating websites or optimizing dating profiles. Anna Bernstein, a prompt engineer for Copy.ai, likens the process to casting a spell, with small errors leading to less-than-ideal results.

However, with the right prompt, AI can exceed expectations and bring your ideas to life. Although prompt engineering may seem technical, Bernstein’s background in poetry and freelance writing highlights its creative nature.

While there is an element of trial and error, understanding the best practices of prompt engineering can greatly increase the likelihood of success.

Tips for Using Chatbots like ChatGPT: Think Like a Programmer, not a Conversationalist. According to a machine learning expert, users should provide as much context as possible and use specific language to program the chatbot to perform writing tasks. Detailed instructions like points to be covered, intended audience, writing style, and section breakdowns can ensure better results.

According to Bernstein, the language used in crafting instructions is crucial.

It’s essential to use a clear verb that accurately conveys your intentions. For instance, “condense this” is a better instruction than “write it shorter,” as Bernstein explained to Insider.

ChatGPT is capable of understanding your intended actions, so starting with a clear statement of what you want it to do can lead to better results. It may take some experimentation to find the right wording and approach, as prompt engineering is somewhat of an art.

“Don’t give up on a concept just because your first prompt didn’t get the result you wanted,” Bernstein said. “Often, finding the right word or phrasing can unlock what you’re doing.”

Simple Prompts and Stylistic Keywords for Image-Generating AIs

Midjourney’s prompt engineering can be simplified, as image-generating AIs don’t always require complex and detailed prompts to produce high-quality results.

Scharth suggests that a straightforward prompt, coupled with an appropriate stylistic keyword, such as “bowl of fruit,” “hyperrealistic,” or “ChatGPT in the style of Ed Ruscha,” can be sufficient.

“After I have a rough idea of what I want to accomplish, I try to narrow things down to people, places and things – the core actors or main drivers in the scene I’m trying to construct,” Justin Reckling, who creates prompts for purchase on PromptBase, told The Verge.

Reckling begins by generating a few basic versions of his prompt using AI, which he can then modify until he achieves the desired outcome.

“You start with the big important strokes and then work in the finer details,” Reckling explained. Midjourney offers specific prompts that can alter various aspects of an image, according to Scharth.

For example, using “–ar” followed by a value can adjust the aspect ratio, “–no” can remove specified objects, and “–stylize” can enhance the artistic style but may not follow instructions precisely.

The command “–c” can produce eerie results on a 0-100 scale, with higher values resulting in wilder outputs.

BRICS’ NDB Welcomes Egypt as Official Member, Open to UN Nations

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

On Wednesday, Egypt officially joined BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB), joining India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa as a member country.

The NDB authorized a dialogue with potential member states in 2020, and Egypt’s accession was approved in December 2021.

In September, the NDB also approved procedures for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uruguay, and Bangladesh, all of which have since become members of the bank.

Cairo completed the necessary procedures to become eligible for membership on February 20, 2023, and was granted official member status around that time.

NDB open to members of the United Nations

BRICS’ New Development Bank was established in 2014 after an intergovernmental agreement was signed by partner nations at the sixth BRICS summit in Fortaleza. The bank’s membership is open to United Nations members, both borrowing and non-borrowing.

Uruguay has become a prospective member of the NDB and will officially join once it deposits the instrument of accession.

The BRICS members aim to strengthen the bank’s capacity to mobilize resources, finance various projects, and build a robust institutional profile to increase its operational excellence and development impact, according to a statement.

Macron won’t run again, prioritizes addressing citizen’s anger over pension reform

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

On Thursday, Emmanuel Macron announced that he will not seek reelection in France’s upcoming presidential race.

Despite being the first French president to win reelection, Macron emphasized his willingness to prioritize the needs and concerns of French citizens over his personal popularity and career, particularly in response to the ongoing protests against his pension reform plan.

During televised interviews with TF1 and France-2 TV channels, Macron noted that he is unable to run for another term due to constitutional restrictions that prohibit a head of state from serving more than two consecutive terms. This law was passed in 2008.

Macron wants to settle ‘understandable anger’

Macron reiterated that he has a responsibility to “settle the understandable anger.” “Rallies, the participants of which show protest – this is legal. But its legality should not exceed the legality of democratic decisions, which come to life through the decisions of the people’s deputies,” the French president, perceived as the “leader of the rich,” emphasized.

Furthermore, he added, “between the opinion polls and the interests of the country I will choose the latter. If I have to face unpopularity, I am ready for it,” said the French President.

Protests have erupted in France as citizens take to the streets to oppose Macron’s proposed pension reform, which seeks to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64 years.

The bill was introduced in January and was passed in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, without a vote.

Since Macron’s Renaissance party does not hold a majority in the Assembly, the bill was approved through the use of Paris’ Gaullist loophole, known as 49.3, which allows lawmakers to bypass parliamentary voting procedures and push through legislation.

On March 16, the invocation of article 49.3 marked the 100th time that this measure had been utilized under France’s Fifth Republic, as Macron sought to impose an unpopular policy on the French people.

Around 75% of the French population, representing a majority, is against the proposed pension reform bill, which has also been met with opposition from French labor unions that have organized rallies since mid-January. The unions are demanding that the bill be overturned.

Despite the fact that the pension reform was expected to become a key aspect of Emmanuel Macron’s legacy, it has been met with criticism both in the streets and in the National Assembly.

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