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☆ Why India banned TikTok — and what the US can learn from it, as pressure mounts for Biden to follow suit
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Paayal Zaveri | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

To see what could happen if the US were to ban TikTok, analysts say to look at India. Why did India ban TikTok? What happened when India banned TikTokIn the summer of 2020, India banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, Weibo, and QQ, an instant-messaging service owned by the internet giant Tencent. While the situation wouldn't be exactly the same, the US might face these questions if it decides to ban TikTok. "So if that continues to deteriorate, I can't imagine that that that doesn't increase the odds of some sort of TikTok ban."

☆ Exclusive: China Energy places order to import Australian coal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

India's share of Australian coal increased to 15.7% in 2022 from 12.3%, while Europe's share increased to 8% from 4.6%, the Kpler data showed. "Australian thermal coal is of better quality and is expensive. Global prices of both coking and thermal coal shot up after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. Analysts and traders expect the return of Australian coal to challenge the market share of suppliers such as Russia and add to pressure on prices in the longer term. "Entry of Australian coal into Chinese markets could ease coking coal prices, which are currently on the higher side," an Indian coal trader said.

☆ An intoxicated passenger was detained after urinating on a vacant seat and another passenger's blanket mid-air
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Sam Tabahriti | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

An intoxicated passenger on an Air India flight was detained after he urinated on a vacant seat. A similar incident occurred 10 days earlier on another Air India flight. The passenger urinated on a empty seat and the blanket of another passenger, Air India told Insider. A representative for Air India told Insider: "Air India confirms that a passenger on Air India Flight 142 from Paris to Delhi on 6 December 2022 relieved himself on the vacant seat and blanket of a fellow passenger. In deference to the victim's wishes, Air India did not lodge a police report."

[1/2] An aerial view shows a storage facility owned by Lukoil company at the Arctic port of Varandei October 22, 2013. Arctic crude exports to India have steadily increased since May, with a record 6.67 million barrels loaded in November and 4.1 million barrels in December, Refinitiv data showed. At least three oil tankers that loaded Arctic crude in Murmansk port are now heading to China, Refinitiv data showed. Refinitiv listed the grades carried by these ships as Arco crude although one Chinese trader said there could be Varandey crude onboard. Oil tankers, carrying Russian Arctic crude, are passing Europe and the Middle East to head to China and IndiaReporting by Nidhi Verma in New Delhi, Muyu Xu and Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ India tribunal declines Google's request to block Android antitrust ruling
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Arpan Chaturvedi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW DELHI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - An Indian tribunal on Wednesday declined a request by Google to block an antitrust ruling that ordered the tech giant to change its approach to its Android platform, dealing the U.S. firm a setback in a key growth market. During the hearing, Google's counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, repeatedly pushed for putting the decision on hold, or extending the date of implementation of CCI's directives beyond Jan. 19. He said the CCI's decision will force the company to change its business model and harm consumer interest. The CCI investigators "copy-pasted extensively from a European Commission decision, deploying evidence from Europe that was not examined in India", Google alleged. Reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi and Munsif Vengattil in New Delhi; Editing by Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ PM Sunak promises to tackle Britain's most pressing problems
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised on Wednesday to tackle Britain's most pressing problems, from cutting inflation to ending illegal migration, in a speech aimed at reassuring his restive Conservative Party before the next election. Five foundations, on which to build a better future for our children and grandchildren," Sunak said in a speech in east London. So, I ask you to judge us on the effort we put in and the results we achieve," Sunak said. We're either delivering for you or we're not," Sunak said on Wednesday. "I ask you to judge us on the effort that we put in and the results that we achieve."

☆ Indian tribunal declines interim stay for Google on Android-related antitrust ruling
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

NEW DELHI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - An Indian tribunal on Wednesday declined Google's request for an interim stay on an antitrust ruling that ordered the tech giant to change its approach to its Android platform. The Competition Commission of India in October fined Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google $161 million for exploiting its dominant position in markets such as online search and through the Android app store, and asked it to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps. Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in New Delhi; Editing by Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Google alleges India antitrust body copied parts of EU order on Android abuse
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Indian visitors talk on their mobile phones outside the Google stall at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi on Sept. 27, 2017. In its filing to an Indian appeals tribunal, Google argues the CCI's investigation unit "copy-pasted extensively from a European Commission decision, deploying evidence from Europe that was not examined in India". Spokespeople for the CCI and European Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In Europe, 75% of 550 million smartphones run on Android, compared with 97% of 600 million devices in India, Counterpoint Research estimates. In its appeal, Google alleges the CCI only found antitrust infringements related to the Google search app, Chrome browser and YouTube, but its order "extends beyond" that.

☆ Final farewell: From Sidney Poitier to Pope Emeritus Benedict a look back at the influential figures who died in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +55 min

Other world leaders who died in 2022 include former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who died in August. The final days of 2022 saw the loss of some exceptionally notable figures, including Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2022 (cause of death cited for younger people, if available):___JANUARY___Dan Reeves, 77. A Cuban-born artist whose radiant color palette and geometric paintings were overlooked for decades before the art world took notice. A prolific character actor best known for playing villains and tough guys in “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Ocean’s Eleven” and other films.

☆ Pakistan says it has provided list of nuclear facilities to India under annual practice
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Pakistan said it had handed a list of its nuclear installations and facilities to the Indian mission in Islamabad on Sunday under a decades-old agreement between the two nuclear-armed rivals. It said lists are exchanged annually on Jan 1 and that India had simultaneously handed over a list to the Pakistani mission in New Delhi. Pakistan first officially tested nuclear weapons in 1998 and has since developed a significant stockpile of nuclear capable missiles, as has India. The list included 705 Indian prisoners detained in Pakistan, including 51 civilians and 654 fishermen, the statement said. It added that the Indian government also shared with the Pakistani mission in New Delhi a list of 434 Pakistani prisoners in India, including 339 civilians and 95 fishermen.

☆ A 44-year-old who moved from California to Indiana saves $3,210 a month and thinks more people should consider living in the Midwest: 'LA is the glitz and glamour, but when you take that aside, are yo
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-01 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Vanessa Hughes recently moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, a city of 45,000 and a major university. In West Lafayette, she's paying half the amount for a significantly bigger space with a yard for their two dogs. In 2023, the search for affordable housing could pull more homebuyers towards Midwestern spots like West Lafayette. Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesBy the end of November, they had made the move to West Lafayette. West Lafayette is just one place that offers people incentives to move there.

☆ American Girl makes history with its first South Asian Girl of the Year doll
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Brahmjot Kaur | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

American Girl unveiled its 2023 Girl of the Year on Thursday, and in a brand first, the title goes to a South Asian doll. Kavi Sharma, an Indian American from New Jersey, loves to sing, dance and hang out with her friends. Kavi, who takes weekly classical Indian dance classes, and her tight-knit family also celebrate their culture through holidays, food and clothing. American Girl, a subsidiary of toy company Mattel, debuted its first Girl of the Year in 2001. Although Kavi is the company’s first South Asian Girl of the Year, she is not the first South Asian doll.

☆ India may review stance on Chinese investments to help firms relocate - report
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BENGALURU, Dec 30 (Reuters) - The Indian government may review its stance on Chinese investments to help global firms looking to relocate to the country, CNBC-TV18 reported on Friday, citing government sources. Several global companies are exploring a China Plus One strategy to avoid supply chain bottlenecks as the world's second largest economy grapples with a surge in COVID-19 infections. Multinational companies are keen to pursue manufacturing in India, but want to continue existing Chinese joint ventures, CNBC-TV18 reported. The government might allow joint ventures with Chinese companies in sectors where India does not have technical expertise, the report said. Following the clash, India has blocked the nation from participating in government tenders, compelled Chinese companies investing in the country to seek approvals and banned dozens of Chinese apps.

☆ We read through the 45-page congressional investigation into Biogen's Alzheimer's drug. Here are the 3 most shocking takeaways.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Yeji Jesse Lee | Leah Rosenbaum | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

A Congressional investigation into Biogen's controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhlem was just released. Aduhelm was developed by Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech company Biogen and Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai. The duo is currently developing another Alzheimer's drug, called lecanemab, which is expected to receive approval from the FDA in January and has shown more promising data in clinical trials. Insider reviewed the 45-page investigation into Biogen's Alzheimer's drug. Here are three of the most shocking takeaways:Biogen gave Aduhelm a crazy price tag despite knowing it would become inaccessible to many patientsFrom the moment Biogen announced Aduhelm's $56,000 price tag, the company faced backlash.

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☆ Uzbekistan says 18 children die after consuming India-made syrup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW DELHI, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Uzbekistan's health ministry has said at least 18 children have died after consuming a medicinal syrup manufactured by Indian drugmaker Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd. The ministry said 18 out of 21 children who took the Doc-1 Max syrup while suffering from an acute respiratory disease died after consuming it. The syrup was imported into Uzbekistan by Quramax Medical LLC, the ministry said in its statement released on Tuesday. An Indian government source said the health ministry was looking into the matter. The Uzbek health ministry said it had dismissed seven employees for negligence for not analysing the deaths in a timely manner and not taking the necessary measures.

☆ An Indian tech unicorn's founders share 3 tips for success — including a 'hit by a bus' plan
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Goh Chiew Tong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Harsh Jain says it's an "open secret" that he doesn't use his own fantasy sports app — for fantasy football, at least. After introducing it to his childhood friend Bhavit Sheth, they set out to look for a fantasy cricket platform in India. Are you building scale and systems in a way ... not dependent on [a single person] and … having one person make a decision? Harsh Jain Co-founder and CEO, Dream SportsAccording to Jain, it's the "first mover's advantage" that brought their company Dream Sports — the parent company of Dream11 — to great heights. Harsh Jain CEO and co-founder, Dream Sports

☆ India inspects drug factories as Gambia controversy lingers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

India is known as the "pharmacy of the world" and its pharmaceuticals exports have more than doubled over the past decade to $24.5 billion in the past fiscal year. The deaths of at least 70 children in Gambia has dented the industry's image, though India says the drugs made by New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd were not at fault. "Joint inspections are being conducted all over the country as per standard operating procedures," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Some health experts say India's drug regulations are lax, especially at the level of states where thousands of factories operate. But India's main drugs officer told the World Health Organization this month that tests of samples from the same batches of syrups that Maiden sent to Gambia were compliant with government specifications.

☆ Missing infant found alive after authorities arrest woman accused of kidnapping twin babies
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Tim Stelloh | Tim Stelloh Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A missing infant was found alive in Indianapolis on Thursday, hours after the arrest of a woman accused of stealing a car with the boy and his twin brother in it in Ohio, authorities said. Nalah Jackson, 24, was arrested earlier Thursday on an Indianapolis street, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant told reporters. Her connection to the city wasn’t immediately clear. His condition wasn’t immediately clear. It wasn't immediately clear if Jackson has a lawyer to speak on her behalf.

☆ India panel recommends digital competition act to rein in Big Tech
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MUMBAI, Dec 22 (Reuters) - An Indian parliamentary panel on Thursday recommended the government enact a digital competition act to regulate anti-competitive business practices by Big Tech companies on its platforms. Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google and Apple (AAPL.O) have in the past faced scrutiny from the country's competition watchdog, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), over alleged abuse of the application market. Companies including Facebook (META.O), Twitter and Google (GOOGL.O) have for years been concerned with many regulations India has proposed for the technology sector, with companies complaining about excessive compliance burdens. Amazon, Google, Meta, Twitter and Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment. A specialised digital markets unit should be established within the competition watchdog, the panel said, adding that competitive behaviour of big tech companies needs to be monitored in advance and not after markets become monopolised.

☆ 'The Serpent' Charles Sobhraj due to be set to be free from Nepal prison
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Gopal Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] French serial killer Charles Sobhraj leaves Kathmandu district court after his hearing in Kathmandu May 31, 2011. Sobhraj denied killing the American woman and his lawyers said the charge against him was based on assumption. Nepal's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered his release from prison, where he has served 19 years of his 20-year sentence, citing his age. Sobhraj is expected to walk out of a high-security prison in Kathmandu after 10 a.m. (0415 GMT), his lawyer Ram Bandhu Sharma, told Reuters. He was also known as "the serpent" because of his ability to disguise himself following his escape from a prison in India in the mid-1980s.

☆ Factbox: Who is the 'bikini killer' Charles Sobhraj?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Nepal's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of Charles Sobhraj, a French national known as the "bikini killer" who police say is responsible killing over 20 young Western backpackers across Asia during the 1970s and 1980s. Here are some facts about Sobhraj:* Sobhraj, 78, was born to an Indian father and Vietnamese mother. * Sobhraj returned to France following his release in India. Sobhraj denied killing the American woman, whose body was found in a wheat field near the Nepali capital. * Nepal's Supreme Court ordered his release due to his age.

☆ Nearly half of sports gamblers like those who bet on the World Cup still do it illegally, and it's costing your state millions in tax revenue
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

It's costing state government millions in tax revenue. Illicit sports betting — and illegal gambling more broadly — is costing states millions in tax revenue, and someday, taxpayers could be called upon to foot part of the bill. Illegal sports betting is costing them millions in tax revenue — an estimated $700 million in total revenue per year, per the AGA report. Legalization has been a boon for states' tax coffers, and is among the reasons many states' tax revenues have fully recovered from a pandemic dip. Others may simply have grown used to illegal operators and not want to switch as a result.

☆ India's Edelweiss acquires L&T-CPPIB infrastructure project for $725 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MUMBAI, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Canadian pension fund CPP Investments Board and construction firm Larsen and Toubro (LART.NS) said they have sold the entire stake in their joint venture to Indian investment firm Edelweiss for 60 billion Indian rupees ($725.46 million)The joint venture called L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Limited owned eight roads and one power transmission asset in India. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other conditions but will give Edelweiss' platform 26 assets with a mix of power transmission, substations and highway assets across India"These assets have a proven track record of operations, are geographically dispersed and have long residual life, which is consistent with our investment strategy," said Sreekumar Chatra, Managing Director at Edelweiss' Infrastructure Yield Strategy. CPP Investments first invested in the joint venture in 2014, in what was the first direct private investment by a Canadian pension fund in an Indian infrastructure company, and later acquired a majority stake of 51% in 2019($1 = 82.7060 Indian rupees)Reporting by M. Sriram; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Maiden Pharma hopes to reopen plant as Indian lab clears syrups suspected by WHO in Gambia deaths
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Krishna N. Das | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I have not done anything wrong," Maiden Managing Director Naresh Kumar Goyal told Reuters. "We will now try to request the authorities to reopen the factory. Somani, said that tests on samples of Maiden's products had "been found to be complying with specifications" and no ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol was detected in them. A spokesperson for India's health ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The tests were carried out by the state-run Regional Drug Testing Laboratory in the northern city of Chandigarh, the government said earlier.

☆ India court quashes tax dept's $448 mln block on Xiaomi's deposits -sources
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Aditya Kalra | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEW DELHI, Dec 16 (Reuters) - An Indian court has quashed the income tax department's block on China-based Xiaomi Corp's (1810.HK) fixed deposits worth 37 billion rupees ($447.65 million), two people familiar with court proceedings said on Friday. Xiaomi and the income tax department did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Indian tax officials froze the funds in February as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion. read moreThe investigation concerned allegations that the Chinese company purchased smartphones from its contract manufacturers at inflated costs in India, allowing it to record a smaller profit by selling them to customers and evading corporate income taxes, Reuters reported in May. A court is yet to pronounce a decision on the case following Xiaomi's challenge.

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