DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Trump's first term avoided a fight in the South China Sea. It's only getting harder.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementIn his first term, Donald Trump ramped up military actions to counter China in the South China Sea. South China Sea observers expect continuity with the Biden administration, which tried to ramp up diplomatic efforts and strengthen US alliances and security partnerships. Chinese Coast Guard holding knives and machetes as they approach Philippine troops in the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. AdvertisementThough Trump hasn't outlined a specific South China Sea plan, he could pursue his broader foreign policy mantra of "peace through strength." "Unrestrained US militarization is precisely what drives Beijing's insecurity and will continue to exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea," Marston said.

Persons: Donald Trump ramped, Donald Trump, Trump, Hunter Marston, Trump hasn't, Biden, Gregory Poling, Joe Biden, Marston, Sari Arho Havrén, Chip Somodevilla, Zeno Leoni, Leoni Organizations: Australian National University, China, Southeast Asia, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Trump, Coast Guard, Armed Forces, AP, CBS, Royal United Services, Ukraine, King's College London's Defense Studies Department, Rand Corporation, Biden's National Security Locations: China, South China, Philippines, Asia, Pacific, Philippine, Europe, South Korea, Palm Beach, South, East Asia

☆ Taiwan wants to buy F-35 fighter jets and Patriot missiles to show Trump it's serious: report
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Hannah Abraham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets and 400 Patriot missiles, the FT reported. According to the Financial Times, the package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles. "Taiwan is thinking about a package to show that they are serious," one former Trump administration official told the Financial Times. Blandin added that it's highly unlikely the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. AdvertisementIn 2022, Biden vowed to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese attack.

Persons: Donald Trump, —, Trump, Benjamin Blandin, Blandin, Sari Arho Havrén, Biden, Karoline Leavitt Organizations: Patriot, Service, Financial Times, Hawkeyes, Lockheed, Aegis, Business, Reuters, Institute for Economics, Peace, Bloomberg, Yokosuka Council, Pacific Studies, Trump, Taiwan, Royal United Services Institute, Air Missile Systems, White, British Locations: Taiwan, China, United States, Yokosuka, Asia, Singapore, Philippines, London, Taipei

☆ Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas celebrate 'Diwaloween,' Diwali and Halloween mashup
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( Kaitlyn Schwanemann | Kaitlyn Schwanemann Is An Intern For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas celebrated a “perfect Diwaloween,” Chopra wrote in an Instagram post Friday. This year, the start of Diwali — which celebrates good over evil and light over darkness by some South Asian religions — fell on the same day as Halloween. On years when the two holidays collide, which hasn't happened since 2016, many in the South Asian diaspora put them together for "Diwaloween." The Instagram post features Chopra Jonas and Jonas in traditional Indian garments, including a sari and a kurta, respectively. They held a Western ceremony, complete with a white gown, followed by a traditional Hindu ceremony the next day, in which Chopra Jonas wore red and ornate henna.

Persons: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Nick Jonas, ” Chopra, Chopra Jonas, Jonas Locations: India

☆ China's muted response to the Russia-North Korea alliance could come at a cost
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Hannah Abraham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementWith North Korean forces believed to be moving toward Russia's front lines, fears are growing that the Ukraine war is about to enter a new phase. Around 3,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia last week, according to US, South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence. The reports signaled a deepening military alliance between Russia and North Korea — an alliance that has been met with a muted response from China. AdvertisementThe bland statement may have been aimed at balancing its influence over North Korea and Russia with its relationship with Ukraine's Western allies. For North Korea, China has long been its most important ally, providing trade, diplomatic support, and military aid to Kim Jong Un.

Persons: —, Ukraine's, Bruce Klingner, Kim Jong Un, Ali Wyne, Sari Arho Havrén, Trump, Ann Marie Dailey Organizations: Service, Council, Foreign Relations, European Union, EU, Bank, China, Heritage Foundation, North, Royal United Services Institute, RAND Locations: China, Russia, Ukraine, South, North Korea, EU, Beijing, North, Eurasia, Korea

☆ North Korea is cozying up to Russia. For China, that may be no bad thing.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Hannah Abraham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

North Korea is solidifying ties with Russia, a change from its usual focus on China. AdvertisementRussian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday appeared to confirm reports that North Korea had sent thousands of troops to eastern Russia. "But the Chinese are waiting for an opportunity where North Korea, Russia, and China can come stronger together, and I think North Korea sending the troops to Russia is a testimony to that." AdvertisementFor North Korea, China has long been its most important ally, providing trade, diplomatic support, and military aid to Kim Jong Un. Jim Hoare, a former UK diplomat who was posted to North Korea, told BI that even if China was frustrated by North Korea's increasing closeness to Russia, it should bide its time.

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin, Victor Cha, Jagannath Panda, Sari Arho Havrén, Kim Jong, Havrén, Ali Wyne, Jim Hoare, Hoare Organizations: Analysts, Service, Center for Strategic, International Studies, New York Times, Experts, Stockholm Center, South, Pacific Affairs, Royal United Services Institute, NATO Locations: Korea, Russia, China, North Korea, Ukraine, Washington, Beijing, South Korea, Japan, Eurasia, Pyongyang

☆ What rabbis think of Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' and Adam Brody's 'hot rabbi' character
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-06 | by ( Pilar Melendez | Pilar Melendez Is An Editor On The Nbc News Platforms Team. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +10 min

NBC News spoke with four rabbis about the buzzy series, which has generated intense online reaction, including a steady stream of Brody-focused “hot rabbi” memes, since its Sept. 26 release. Nevertheless, the “hot rabbi” memes still remain a major force behind the show’s public reception. He took no issue with Brody’s “hot rabbi” character and his lifestyle. “Yeah, I’m a hot rabbi. Like Zinkow, Rabbi Sari Laufer was cautious about the show — and planned to avoid it altogether.

Persons: Maya Zinkow, Kristen Bell, podcaster, ”, Adam Brody, Berkeley’s Hillel, “, ” Zinkow, Steve Leder, ” Adam Brody, ” Saeed Adyani, Rabbi Noah Roklov, Brody, Bell, Angelino, Harry Met Sally, ’, Erin Foster, Foster, Hugh Grant, Joanne —, adam brody, Seth Cohen, Adam Brody’s rizz, Leder, ” Leder, “ It’s, Noah, — Leder, Zinkow, I’m, Joanne, Rabbi Noah, Rabbi Sari Laufer, ” Laufer, Stephen Wise, Laufer, Rabbi Leora Kaye, Noah’s, Bina, Rebecca, Emily Arlook, ” “, Kaye, it’s, Jackie Tohn, Esther, NBC’s, That’s, ” Foster, “ They’re Organizations: University of California, NBC News, NBC, Netflix, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Guardian, Stephen Wise Temple and Schools, Central Conference of American, Los Angeles Times, Jewish, Hallmark Locations: “, Brody, Israel, U.S, Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, “ Notting, Fleabag, New York, endogamy

☆ Israel strikes Beirut suburb, Nasrallah's fate unclear after Friday's massive attack
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Residents check the damaged in the aftermath of overnight Israeli bombardment in Beirut's southern suburbs, on September 28, 2024. Smoke could be seen rising over the city's Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, known as the Dahiyeh. The Israeli military said a missile fired at central Israel on Saturday had struck an open area. There was no immediate confirmation of Nasrallah's fate after Friday's heavy strikes, but a source close to Hezbollah told Reuters he was not reachable. Israel has not said whether it tried to hit Nasrallah, but a senior Israeli official said top Hezbollah commanders were targeted.

Persons: Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Nasrallah, Sari, Muhammad Ali Ismail, Hossein Ahmed Ismail, Mark Daou, Walid Khayrallah Organizations: Reuters Locations: Beirut's, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Beirut, Bekaa, Gaza, United States, Iranian, Tehran, Bhamdoun

☆ Russia reportedly has a secret long-range drone program in China. Experts say it shouldn't surprise anyone.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Aditi Bharade | Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewRussia is tapping China to build long-range attack drones for use in its war against Ukraine, Reuters reported. The report stated that Russia had created a secret weapons program in China, citing documents as well as two unnamed sources from a European intelligence agency. AdvertisementBut prior to the Reuters report, it was thought that China stopped short of transferring entire weapons systems to Russia. "Let's be absolutely clear about it: China does not want Russia to lose this war," Nixey said. AdvertisementThe war, he said, "is a symbol and a forebear of Western ability, Western spine, Western political will to defend the rules-based international order."

Persons: —, IEMZ, Kupol, G3s, James Nixey, shouldn't, Nixey, Kurt Campbell, Sari Arho Havrén, NATO's, Farah Dakhlallah, Dakhlallah Organizations: Service, Ukraine, Reuters, Business, Russian Ministry of Defence, US, Royal United Services Institute Locations: Russia, China, Russia's, Ukraine, Russian, Izhevsk, Eurasia, Brussels, Europe

☆ China is taking over the South China Sea, and the US isn't doing enough to stop it, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewTensions between the Philippines and China have heightened around contested waters in the South China Sea in recent months. In recent months China has engaged in increasingly aggressive operations against the Philippines around the disputed islands of Sabina Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Chinese Coast Guard holding knives and machetes as they approach Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. A Chinese Coast Guard firing a water cannon at a Philippine Navy-chartered vessel resupplying troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in March 2024. AdvertisementSpeaking at a conference, he said that the "escort of one vessel to the other is an entirely reasonable option within our Mutual Defense Treaty."

Persons: —, Collin Koh, Thomas Shoal, Second Thomas, Jay Tarriela, Timothy Heath, Heath, Koh, Shoal, Ezra Acayan, Samuel Paparo, Alexander Lopez, Sari Arho Havrén Organizations: Service, Institute of Defence, Strategic, Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, Business, coastguard, Mutual Defense Treaty, RAND Corporation, Coast Guard, Armed Forces, AP, Congressional Research Service, China, Philippine Navy, Navy, Air Force, Pacific Command, Mutual Defense, Philippine National Maritime Council, RAND, Royal United Services, Democrats, Republicans Locations: Philippines, China, South, Sabina, South China, Philippine, Second, Sabina Shoal, Asia, Ukraine, Israel

☆ New York Fashion Week: Highlights from Spring-Summer 2025 runways
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Jacqui Palumbo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

New York Fashion Week, which formally kicks off fashion month, has found itself at a crossroads in recent seasons as its counterparts in Milan and Paris have maintained dominance on the industry’s schedule with sought-after shows and splashy celebrity guest lists. Gilbert Flores/WWD/Getty ImagesBut Olympians haven’t just been on the guest list this week — they’ve made surprise runway debuts as well. The Nepali American designer Prabal Gurung, too, had a message, but one of hope. Paris Hilton invited Megan Thee Stallion for a performance at Hilton’s album release party with Nylon Magazine for New York Fashion Week. Victor Pagan/Getty ImagesA model walks the runway for the Off-White fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 8, 2024 in New York City.

Persons: Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Lady Jill Biden, Usher, Jude Law, Tom Hiddleston, Naomi Watts, Solomon, Alaïa, supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Amber Valletta, Stephanie Seymour, Kendall Jenner, Ib Kamara, Zayn Malik, Mary J, Blige, Camila Cabello, Alessandra Ambrosio, Ashleigh Johnson —, Flav, Sunisa Lee, Jill Biden, Ralph Lauren’s Bridgehampton, Theo Wargo, Rihanna, Pieter Mulier, Brooke Shields, Gilbert Flores, haven’t, they’ve, ” Jordan Chiles, Kim Shui, Noah Lyles, Willy Chavarria’s, “ América, Adidas —, ”, Willy Chavarria, ” Nina Westervelt, Piotrek Panszczyk, Prabal Gurung, Kamala Harris ’, Gurung, Harris, “ I’ve, ” Gurung, …, Paris Hilton, Megan Thee, Roy Rochlin, Victor Virgile, Nina Westervelt, Dan Lecca, Jonas Gustavsson, Lee, David Dee Delgado, Pink, Prabal Gurung Brandon Maxwell, Fernanda Calfat, Sergio Hudson’s, Grace Ling, Jennifer Lopez, Radhika Merchant, Alex Consani, Grace Ling Ling, Victor Pagan, JP Yim, Kamara, Virgil Abloh, Kamara —, Sierra Leone —, utopias, Jason Wu, Tong Yang, Arturo Holmes, Tommy Hilfiger’s, Giovanni Giannoni, Sandy Liang, —, Filippo Fior Organizations: CNN, New York, U.S ., Polo Bar, Guggenheim, Adidas, American Civil Liberties Union, Tinder, Paris, Nylon Magazine, Labor, Getty, Seaport Locations: New York City, Long, Paris, Milan, York, Brooklyn, New York, Gotham, Nepali, City Hall, AFP, New, Ghana, Sierra Leone

☆ One of China's neighbors is sending out more naval patrols to challenge its attempts to dominate the South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-04 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewThe Philippines says it has stepped up its naval patrols and air surveillance around a disputed island in the South China Sea to counter the growing number of Chinese vessels in the area. In June, Chinese coast guards armed with swords and knives attacked Philippine vessels in the contested waters, resulting in injuries and one soldier losing a thumb. Chinese coast guards holding knives and machetes as they approached Philippine troops in the disputed South China Sea in June. "We once again warn the Philippines to face reality and give up illusions," Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China's coast guard, said. Advertisement(Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also lay claim to parts of the South China Sea.)

Persons: —, Roy Vincent Trinidad, BRP Teresa Magbanua, Trinidad, Sabina Shoal, Jay Tarriela, Tarriela, Teresa Magbanua, Liu Dejun, Liu, Sari Arho Havrén, Collin Koh, Koh, Adm, Samuel Paparo, Alexander Lopez Organizations: Service, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Daily Tribune, Business, BRP, Armed Forces, AP, The Daily Tribune, Liberation Army Navy, US Department of State, Royal United Services Institute, Institute of Defence, Strategic, Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, CNN, Pacific Command, Mutual Defense, Philippine National Maritime Council Locations: South, Philippine, Sabina, Escoda, China, Philippines, South China, China's, Sabina Shoal, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Washington, Manila

☆ A 91-year-old interior designer still plays golf. She shared her three secrets to longevity.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Serafina Kenny | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Sari Mainzer is 91 years old and still plays golf regularly. She also tries to step out of her comfort zone and keep busy, she told Business Insider. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementThe year was 1990 and Sari Mainzer was looking for something to do at a hotel in Maine. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Sari Mainzer, —, Mainzer Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Maine

We’ve never in my lifetime changed candidates this late in the game,” West said, pausing as she left a Harris campaign office to pick up a new packet of door-knocking materials. “There is a lot of excitement around Vice President Harris, actually. However, despite the preparations, Trump’s campaign has yet to find its footing on a consistent message about the vice president. Outside the campaign, Trump’s allies worry there is no strategy for what is now a competitive race. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a gathering of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority in Houston on July 31, 2024.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Joe Biden, Trump, Biden, Kamala Harris, Ohio Sen, JD Vance, Harris –, Harris, –, ”, “, ” Trump, pollster John McLaughlin, ” McLaughlin, Harper, “ I’ve, We’ve, ” West, President Harris, Joe Lamberti, ” Harris, Rachel Scott, Scott Olson, it’s, Barack Obama, Trump’s, Steven Cheung, “ He’s, Brandon Bell, Trump –, Harris didn’t, ” Rev, Charles Williams, I’m, ’ ” Williams, he’s, Donald Trump, She’s, Carolina Sen, Lindsey Graham, she’s, Vance, Anna Moneymaker, Tucker Carlson’s, they’ve, Alaska Sen, Lisa Murkowski, Schouten, Kate Sullivan, Jeff Zeleny, Steve Contorno, Manu Raju, Morgan Rimmer, Danya Gainor, Lauren Fox Organizations: CNN, Republican, Republican Party, Trump, GOP, National Association of Black Journalists ’, Biden, Harris, Getty, Democrats, Democratic, Democratic Party, ABC, Fox News, Senior Trump, ABC News, National Association of Black Journalists, Indian, Sigma Gamma Rho, Air Force, White, Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, Historic King Solomon Baptist Church, ”, Senate, Capitol Locations: Milwaukee, Chicago, India, Jamaica, Oakland County , Michigan, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania, AFP, Trump, New York, Georgia, Butler , Pennsylvania, Harris, Atlanta, United States, North Carolina, Houston, Detroit, ”, Carolina, Sierra Vista , Arizona, Alaska, Mexico, Arizona, Ohio, California

☆ In Palermo, a Catholic Saint Joins the Hindu Pantheon
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Emma Bubola | Gianni Cipriano | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

After they spread pink petals on golden statues of Ganesh and Shiva, and recited prayers to blue-skinned and eight-armed gods, the Hindu faithful left their temple and headed to a party for another one of their divinities — the Catholic St. Rosalia. “To the other goddess!” said Swasthika Sasiyendran, 23, after she changed from her gold-and-white sari into a T-shirt bearing Rosalia’s face. Every year, in the height of Sicily’s summer heat, Palermo fills with festival lights and honking scooters as people gather to celebrate Rosalia, the city’s patron saint. Among the hundreds of thousands who join the procession, which culminates with a towering statue of the saint being carried through the streets, are members of the city’s Sri Lankan Tamil community, some of Rosalia’s most ardent worshipers. Palermo is prone to this kind of medley.

Persons: Ganesh, Shiva, Rosalia, “, ”, Swasthika Sasiyendran Organizations: Sri Lankan Tamil Locations: Palermo, Sri Lankan

☆ Trump Escalates Race Attacks on Harris, Worrying Some Republicans
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Shane Goldmacher | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Donald J. Trump continued to raise false and incendiary questions about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity for a second day on Thursday, as Republicans watched the former president drive his campaign into a divisive and potentially damaging direction. A day after telling an audience of Black journalists in Chicago that Ms. Harris had “all of a sudden” decided to become “a Black person,” Mr. Trump posted a photo on his social media site of Ms. Harris dressed in a sari with a caption stating: “Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated.”Mr. Trump also amplified posts from Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist, who had posted copies of Ms. Harris’s birth certificate and had spread false accusations that Ms. Harris has lied about her race. Ms. Harris, whose father is from Jamaica, and whose mother was Indian American, has long identified with both her Black and South Asian heritage.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Kamala Harris’s, Harris, Mr, Laura Loomer, Harris’s Locations: Chicago, Jamaica, Indian American

☆ Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wedding: Celebrity guests arrive for lavish star studded ceremony
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Oscar Holland | Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Attendees dressed the part, streaming past photographers in custom sarees, lehengas and kurtas at an event that may set forthcoming trends in Indian wedding fashion. A lavish affairThe Ambani family has remained tight-lipped about proceedings in the build-up to Friday’s wedding, though rumors about the guest list and the identity of star performers have swirled in recent weeks. The celebrated couturier produced bespoke outfits for various members of the Ambani family throughout the month-long wedding celebrations. Sujit Jaiswal/AFP/Getty ImagesIt is not known precisely how much money the Ambani family has spent on the pair’s wedding celebrations. The weekend schedule concludes seven months of build-up to what has been described India’s wedding of year.

Persons: Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant, Kim, Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, Tony Blair, Rajinikanth, Sanjay Dutt, Ram Nath Kovind, Anant’s, Mukesh, John Cena, Francis Mascarenhas, Law Roach, Cherie Blair, Nick Jonas sparkled, sequins, Jonas, Prabal Gurung, Khloé, Nita Ambani, “ reimagine, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Vijay Kumar, Monika Maurya, Ambani, Manish Malhotra, ”, Justin Bieber, haldi, Viren, Shaila Merchant, Anat Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, Nita, Sujit Jaiswal, Devanshi Zaveri, Jenica Kothari, It’s, …, —, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, Rihanna, Pitbull, Isha, Anand Piramal Organizations: CNN, British, team, Reliance Industries, Forbes, Reuters Former British, Reuters International, New York Fashion, Brown University, Reliance, Encore Healthcare, Backstreet Boys, Beyoncé Locations: Mumbai, Varanasi, India’s Uttar Pradesh, AFP, ”, Antilia, Europe

☆ China's ax-wielding clash at sea with the Philippines is a way to 'exhaust' it into accepting territory claims, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The incident on Monday is the latest "gray-zone" skirmish in the South China Sea, where China has increasingly used nonlethal but highly provocative measures to harass other countries there. China has claimed sovereignty over the South China Sea for decades, a claim that was roundly rejected in the Hague in 2016. On Saturday, it enacted a law allowing its Coast Guard to seize foreign ships suspected of trespassing, CNN reported. It comes after several other aggressive acts from Beijing in the South China Sea in recent months, involving lasers, water cannons, maritime militias, and even the alleged poisoning of fishing waters. A screen grab from a video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard showing Chinese vessels shooting water cannons at a ship in the South China Sea, on April 30, 2024.

Persons: —, Sari Arho Havrén, Collin Koh, Havrén, Xi Jinping, Biden, Joe Biden, Xi, Xi's Organizations: Service, Business, Coast Guard, CNN, Royal United Services Institute, AFP, —, Forces, Armed Forces, China Coast Guard, South China, Chinese Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Getty, Financial Times Locations: South China, China, South, Hague, Philippines, AFP, Palawan, Philippines China, Beijing, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Gaza, Ukraine

☆ India’s UPI: How e-payments have taken over, from sari shops to street food stalls
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Amy Gunia | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“Digital payments are likely to enhance India’s growth by eliminating frictions, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs,” Eswar Prasad, an economics professor at Cornell University, told CNN. Covid-19 further boosted the adoption of digital transactions, as people tried to protect themselves from the virus. In 2023, the number of UPI transactions topped 100 billion. Azeez, a 34-year-old rickshaw driver in Old Delhi, told CNN that he’s too scared of losing money to use e-payments. Sania Farooqui/CNNConvenience aside, India’s digital public infrastructure has helped it achieve an 80% financial inclusion rate.

Persons: Brij Kishore, ”, Agarwal, tuk, India’s, Narendra Modi, Eswar Prasad, Old Delhi Sania Farooqui, Ramesh Kumar's, Sania Farooqui, Ramesh Kumar, he’s, Azeez, Prasad, Kapil Sharma, “ Organizations: Hong Kong / New Delhi CNN, ”, Unified, “, frictions, Cornell University, CNN, “ UPI, India, National Payments Corporation of India, UPI, Sarojini, Finance, Eiffel Locations: Hong Kong / New Delhi, Chandni, India’s Old Delhi, Delhi, India, Old Delhi, Sarojini, Covid

☆ Three 12-year-olds wounded in Finland school shooting, child suspect held
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A 12-year-old child shot and wounded three other 12-year-olds at a school in Finland on Tuesday and the suspect was taken peacefully into custody, police said. "My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the other students and staff," he said on X. Previous school shootings in Finland have put a harsh focus on Finland's gun policy. In 2007, Pekka-Eric Auvinen shot and killed six students, the school nurse, the principal, and himself using a handgun at Jokela High School, near Helsinki. A year later, in 2008, Matti Saari, another student, opened fire at a vocational school in Kauhajoki, located in northwest Finland.

Persons: Sari Laasila, Mari Rantanen, Petteri Orpo, Pekka, Eric Auvinen, Matti Saari Organizations: Reuters, Jokela High Locations: Finland, Vantaa, Helsinki, Kauhajoki

☆ You probably missed one of the biggest shows of wealth at the Ambanis' pre-wedding celebration, and it had nothing to do with the bride and groom
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThere were grandiose displays of wealth at Anant Ambani's pre-wedding celebrations in India, but the mother of the groom-to-be may have stolen the show. Anant is the youngest son of Nita and Mukesh Ambani. Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries. AdvertisementThe Mirror of Paradise ring. Last weekend, Anant personally thanked and praised Nita during a speech for pulling the pre-wedding celebration together.

Persons: —, Anant Ambani's, Anant, fiancée Radhika Merchant, Nita, Mukesh Ambani, Mukesh, Radhika Merchant, Anant Ambani, Rihanna, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Manish Malhotra, that's, Richard Drew, Nita Mukesh Ambani, She's, Mama Organizations: Service, Business, Reliance Industries, GQ India, Bazaar Locations: India, Asia, Mumbai

CNN —Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour, whose song became popular during mass protests in 2022, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison and ordered to write a song about US “atrocities,” a human rights group reported. The 27-year-old Grammy Award winner was accused of “inciting unrest against national security” and “spreading propaganda against the regime,” according to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) on Friday. US first lady Jill Biden accepts the award for best song for social change on behalf of Shervin Hajipour for "Baraye." (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)The court’s verdict extends beyond the prison sentence, imposing additional penalties deemed necessary to reflect the “gravity of Hajipour’s actions,” HRANA said. On his Instagram account, Hajipour posted a picture of the verdict, thanking his lawyers and management team.

Persons: Shervin Hajipour, Jill Biden, Shervin, Chris Pizzello, ” HRANA, ” Hajipour, Hajipour, he’s “ Organizations: CNN, Human Rights, News Agency, U.S Locations: Sari, Mazandaran Province, US, Iran, Islam

Meanwhile, there are concerns among many observers that Indonesia’s democracy has been backsliding in recent years. Southeast Asia’s largest economyThe U.S. government sees Indonesia’s democracy as critical to regional stability, and at least for the last two decades, U.S.-Indonesia relations have been built on shared values of democracy. Financial irregularities tied to election funding have also dogged parties across the political spectrum, leading the Association for Election and Democracy to cite a worrisome trend of citizens coming to see money politics as acceptable within a competitive democracy. The other challenge during the election campaign is the lack of accountability and transparency for campaign funding. A slide toward autocracyThe decline in the quality of Indonesia’s democracy has been years in the making.

Persons: Ceria Sari, Prabowo, Ganjar, Anies, –, Burhanuddin Muhtadi, Joko Widodo’s, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo Organizations: Commission, Association for Election, Dem Democracy Locations: U.S, Indonesia, Central Java, Jakarta, Baswedan

☆ 3 titans will fight to dominate the market for Wegovy in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-27 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Dozens of startups have jumped into the weight-loss market this year as weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, have exploded in popularity. The few companies with enough money and brand recognition to stand up to Ozempic's distribution challenges — WeightWatchers, Noom, and Ro — can expect to compete for market dominance next year. But WeightWatchers signaled it's going all in on weight-loss drugs by launching its own behavioral program for patients on Ozempic in December. WeightWatchersLike WeightWatchers, Noom has remained staunchly in the weight-loss market since its 2008 launch. Ro launched its own program prescribing weight-loss drugs in January.

Persons: VCs, — WeightWatchers, Sari Kaganoff, WeightWatchers, it's, Sima Sistani, Noom, Ro, Zach Reitano, Kaganoff, Saeju Jeong, Sam Barnes, Aaron DeGagne Organizations: Business, Rock Health, Web, Getty, PitchBook Locations: Ozempic

☆ VCs are getting pickier about their weight-loss bets as startups rush to prescribe Ozempic
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-11 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewWith the Ozempic craze in full swing, investors are getting picky about the weight-loss startups they want to back. Kaganoff predicted that in the new year some startups prescribing GLP-1s would invest more money in studies using real-world evidence to show their programs work. And despite the Ozempic frenzy, weight-loss startups captured a tiny fraction of the money invested this year. Investors had put about $211 million toward weight-loss startups through mid-November, representing about 3% of digital-health funding over that period, according to PitchBook. Alfie HealthSome unlikely sectors of the healthcare industry stand to benefit from the growth of the weight-loss market.

Persons: —, Sari Kaganoff, Crystal Cox, Kaganoff, Ro, VCs, Michael Greeley, Alyssa Jaffee, 7wireVentures, she's, she'd, Mounjaro, Mercer, Michael Siluk, PitchBook, Alfie Health, it's, Alfie's cofounders, Aaron DeGagne, Jordan, he'd, DeGagne, There's Organizations: Service, Business, Rock Health, Flare Capital Partners, Getty, Employers, Health, Investors, Phenomix Sciences, Mayo Clinic, PitchBook, Tusk Venture Partners, Sword Health Locations: GLP

☆ ‘It’s chaos:’ Starving Gazans dig for food, supplies under the rubble
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | Abeer Salman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi CNN —One man carries six jars of cooking oil as he struggles to walk across the rubble. Since October 9, Israel has blocked access to water, food and electricity in the Strip that is home to more than 2 million Palestinians. “It’s chaos,” one resident told CNN Monday, standing behind a crowd of people scavenging for supplies under the damage. Displaced Palestinians queue for food donations in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah on November 30. A day after the IDF said it was expanding its ground operation, it said it struck about 200 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Persons: Baraka, Dier, Gazans, ” Thomas White, Kamil Al, ”, Mohammed Abed, Ibrahim Dabbour, ” Dabbour, Israel, Israel’s, Khan Younis, Bani Suheila, Abed Zagout, Critics, ” Sari Bashi, ” Bashi, Khalil Abu Marahil, “ It’s, “ We’ve, Sally Essam, Deir Organizations: Abu Dhabi CNN, CNN, Israeli Defense Forces, IDF, of Health, United Nations, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Food Programme, Getty, UN, Hamas, Human Rights Locations: Jerusalem, Abu Dhabi, Gazan, Deir, Israel, Gaza, Dier, East, Rafah, AFP, Beit Hanoun, United States, Khan, Southern Gaza, Khuza'a, Maan, Anadolu, Gaza City, “, Palestinian, Deir al

Search resuls for: "Sari"

25 mentions found