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☆ With eyes on China, US special operators are back to battling the jungle
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

With the potential for a conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific looming ever larger in the background, the US special operations community is focusing more and more on jungle operations. A Marine Raider with Marine Forces Special Operations Command traverses a river during a jungle mobility course, Aug. 4, 2023. A Marine Raider with Marine Forces Special Operations Command navigates a single rope bridge during a jungle mobility course, Aug. 4, 2023. A history of jungle operationsUS commandos have a long history of conducting jungle operations. AdvertisementToday, as the US attempts to redirect its focus to the Indo-Pacific amid steadily rising tensions between the US and China, it looks like jungle operations are back on the menu for the US special operations community.

Persons: —, Cpl, Henry Rodriguez, skillsets, Cody Carroll, I've Organizations: Service, Pacific, Marine Raiders, Business, Tactical Tracking, Raider, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, . Marine Corps, Marine Forces Special, Command, Alamo Scouts, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, MACV, SOG, North, Vietcong, White, Pentagon, Green Berets, Navy, Force Recon, Air Commandos Locations: East, China, Oahu, Hawaii, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Vietnam, Asia, Laos, Cambodia, South Vietnam

☆ What the US Army should learn from Ukraine's hasty retreat from a Russian assault
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

And it should be a wake-up call for the US Army, which could find itself in the same situation, according to a US Army intelligence officer. With the potential for large-scale ground operations against well-armed Chinese or Russian forces, it's a topic that the US military cannot afford to neglect. The Ukrainian retreat suffered from poor coordination between the 110th Mechanized Brigade that had been defending the city, and the newly arrived 3rd Assault Brigade that was supposed to cover the 110th's withdrawal. The other lesson of Avdiivka is ensuring adequate support for a retreat, especially for the covering force that screens the withdrawal of the rest of the army. AdvertisementTo their credit, and despite a lack of ammunition, Ukrainian commanders were able to provide some fire support for the retreat.

Persons: It's, Ryan Forte, —, Forte, Corbis, Avdiivka wasn't, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, US Army, Business, Modern, Institute, 3rd Assault Brigade, Zenit, US, Union Army, Army, Marine Corps, 110th Mechanized Brigade, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Ukraine, Avdiivka, West, Donetsk, Russian, Russia, Moscow, Tunisia, Bull, Korean, America, Korea, Ukrainian, Forbes

STR | AFP | Getty ImagesIn the race against Tesla for the global electric car market, Chinese automaker BYD is pushing hard overseas despite rising barriers to the U.S. market. Given policy uncertainty around Chinese EV exports to major markets like the U.S. and Europe, BYD is seeking to bolster overseas sales by moving production to regions perceived as more friendly. The U.S. has tried to support adoption of electric cars domestically, but sales penetration is well below that of China. EY predicts the electric car market in the region will grow exponentially to at least $80 billion a year in sales in the next decade. The rapid growth of BYD and other Chinese electric car companies has other automakers worried.

Persons: Tesla, BYD, Xiao Feng, Biden, it's, EY, Alvin Liu, Liu, BYD's, Sime Darby, Stella Li, Reuters BYD, Bill Russo, CNBC's, Li Organizations: AFP, Getty, Toyota, Counterpoint Research, Tesla, Sime, Americas, Reuters, Alliance for American Manufacturing, U.S Locations: Taicang Port, Suzhou, China's, Jiangsu, U.S, Shenzhen, Europe, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Hungary, Uzbekistan, China, Marklines, Southeast Asia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Americas, North America, United States, Canada, Washington

☆ Standing Up to China, Philippine Leader Courts New Network of Partners
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | Camille Elemia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

With China aggressively asserting its claims on the South China Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines spent his first year on the job beefing up Manila’s alliance with its oldest ally, the United States. Mr. Marcos is adding a new intensity to his muscular foreign policy at a critical moment in his country’s territorial dispute with Beijing. In January, Mr. Marcos and the leaders of Vietnam, another country fighting off Chinese claims to the crucial waterway, pledged closer cooperation between their coast guards. This month, Mr. Marcos clinched a maritime cooperation deal with Australia. “It has to be recognized that the South China Sea handles 60 percent of the trade of the entire world.

Persons: Ferdinand R, Marcos Jr, Marcos, it’s, Mr Organizations: Maritime, Australia, South China, ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: China, Philippines, United States, Beijing, Vietnam, Europe, South, Berlin

☆ I visited the ExploreAI summit in Singapore. Here's how AI is helping businesses solve real-world problems.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Sponsor Post | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I attended the ExploreAI summit on January 29, which marked the successful conclusion of the AI Trailblazers initiative. Minister Josephine revealed AI Trailblazers 2.0 to advance Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 and deepen AI use across Singapore. The event marked the successful conclusion of the AI Trailblazers initiative — an effort to help Singapore-based organizations develop 100 generative AI (GenAI) solutions over 100 days. Minister Teo announced plans to build on the success of the first AI Trailblazers program with AI Trailblazers 2.0. This collaboration between AI Trailblazers and Google exemplifies Singapore's dedication to using AI for the betterment of everyone, from residents to businesses.

Persons: Josephine, Kris LeBoutillier, he's, I'm, Mark Micallef, John Ang, Temus, Ang, Tan, Keow, —, Long Yin, What's, Josephine Teo, Teo Organizations: Google Asia Pacific, Singapore's Ministry of Communications, Information, MCI, Digital Industry Singapore, Smart Nation Group, Enterprise Singapore, Google, Southeast, of Information Technology, Nanyang Polytechnic, People's Association, AI, Ministry of Communications, Insider Studios, Singapore Economic Development Board Locations: Singapore, Asia, ExploreAI, Southeast Asia, Temus

☆ The captain and copilot of an A320 fell asleep for 28 minutes during a flight to Jakarta, report says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Cameron Manley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThe captain and copilot of a domestic flight in Indonesia carrying 153 people fell asleep for nearly 30 minutes, a report published by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) said. Around 45 minutes later, the captain woke up and offered to let the copilot, 28, rest, but they declined, and the captain fell back asleep. AdvertisementThe first officer spent roughly the next 20 minutes communicating with air traffic controllers and flight attendants before they "inadvertently" also fell asleep, per the report. After waking them, the captain answered another pilot's call and air traffic controllers, claiming they had suffered a "radio communication problem." According to the KNKT report, the second in command had not rested sufficiently the night before the flight.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Indonesia's National Transportation Safety, Business, Air, Indonesian Locations: Indonesia, Kendari, Indonesian, Southeast Sulawesi, Jakarta

☆ China's 5% GDP goal is 'attainable' but it won't be easy, says Hong Kong's financial secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

China's GDP target of 5% for 2024 is possible, but it won't be easy to achieve, Hong Kong's financial secretary told CNBC Tuesday after Beijing set a growth target of "around 5%" for this year. I think this is attainable, although it's not easy," Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan told CNBC's Emily Chan, highlighting bright spots in China's export sector and domestic consumption. So this represents also a huge market for China's export," Chan said, adding that "we expect the export situation of the mainland will improve particularly into developing Asia." Domestic consumption is also a key driver for the city's growth in the short term, said the financial secretary. Hong Kong's GDP is projected to grow 2.5% to 3.5% this year.

Persons: it's, Paul Chan, CNBC's Emily Chan, Chan, Goldman Sachs Organizations: CNBC, Kong's, ASEAN, Association of Southeast, Nations, U.S . Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, U.S, Macao, Hong Kong

☆ Why Australia keeps an arm’s length from South China Sea tensions, even as it draws closer with the Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Australian Parliament last week there was no mistaking the fighting talk. The Philippines accused China's coast guard of setting up the barrier at the mouth of the disputed fishing ground. That meeting will also be attended by several other nations with territorial disagreements with China – including Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Australia was unlikely to back any tough language at the summit pertaining to the South China Sea or any other hot-button issue. As Bisley put it, “We don’t like what China does, but we’re not going to put ourselves in harm’s way.”

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ”, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, –, Thomas Shoal, David, China’s, Marcos ’, China –, Scott Morrison, Collin Koh, Penny Wong annouced, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Lukas Coch, Susannah Patton, it’s, ” Patton, China’s aggressions, Wang Wenbin, Nick Bisley, Bisley, we’re Organizations: CNN, Maxar, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Australia, Australian, Partners, Reuters, South China, Southeast Asia, Lowy Institute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Trobe University Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Manila, China’s, Philippine, Scarborough, Scarborough Shoal, Hague, United States, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Beijing, Singapore, South, Penny Wong annouced Canberra, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

☆ Australia bushfires: Victoria orders 30,000 people to evacuate due to ‘catastrophic’ fire risk
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Morayo Ogunbayo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hot, dry and windy conditions have created “extreme to catastrophic fire dangers” in parts of Victoria and South Australia, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. Around 30,000 people had been ordered to evacuate parts of Victoria before midday Wednesday, when authorities warned it would be too late to leave. Bushfires in Victoria, Australia have been burning since February 22, 2024. AAP Image/David Crosling/ReutersSix homes have already been destroyed and authorities fear windy and dry conditions may fan the flames close to high-density residential areas. More than 100 state forests have been closed, the Forest Fire Management of Victoria said on social platform X.

Persons: Jason Heffernan, we’re, David Crosling, Victoria Organizations: CNN — Firefighters, Meteorology, Fire Authority, CFA, Melbourne, ” Firefighters, Fire Management Locations: Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Casterdon, Hamilton, Kanagulk, ”, Bayindeen, Melbourne, Wimmera

☆ Finding Great Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Seth Sherwood | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Other than Brazil, no nation produces more coffee than Vietnam. Introduced by French colonists in the 19th century, the country’s coffee crop is now a $3 billion business and accounts for nearly 15 percent of the global market, making Vietnam the java giant of Southeast Asia. Quality, however, has only recently begun to catch up with quantity, mainly because farmers have begun augmenting Vietnam’s longtime cultivation of cheaper, easy-to-grow robusta beans with a connoisseur’s favorite, arabica. A major beneficiary has been the cafe scene in the country’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (a.k.a. Thanks to direct crop-to-shop supplies, the retail business of coffee is booming as increasing numbers of indie roasteries and specialty coffeehouses sprout up around the city’s French colonial opera house, amid the megamalls and boutiques of fashionable Dong Khoi Boulevard, and in the shadows of the high-rise towers in District 2.

Locations: Brazil, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Dong, District

☆ I'm backpacking the world while working as an online therapist. I have a steady income, but I'm exhausted.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Carolina Villafuerte provides online therapy while traveling the world. AdvertisementThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Carolina Villafuerte, 32, a clinical psychologist who has been backpacking since December 2022. I had studied to be a clinical psychologist and I used their advice to build an online therapy business. AdvertisementThere are some limitations to online therapy — I can't work with children or the elderly. AdvertisementHaving a steady incomeBecause I have a constant stream of income, I'm not dipping into the $10,000 I saved for emergencies.

Persons: —, Carolina Villafuerte, I'm Organizations: Service Locations: Carolina, Ecuador, Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Philippines

☆ Alibaba bets on overseas e-commerce unit amid sluggish growth in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesChinese tech giant Alibaba Group is betting on its overseas businesses while domestic consumption growth remains sluggish. James Dong, CEO of Southeast Asian e-commerce giant Lazada Group, was named as Daraz's acting CEO. Dong took over as Lazada Group CEO from Chun Li in June 2022, after running the company's Thailand and Vietnam operations. Intense competitionThe e-commerce business that once propelled Alibaba to success has run into challenges with upstart competitors such as PDD, while consumption growth in China remains sluggish. Alibaba posted 9% year-on-year revenue growth in the third quarter to about $31 billion.

Persons: Eddie Wu, Yinglan Tan, AliExpress, Bjarke Mikkelsen, Jan, James Dong, Lazada, Tan, Alibaba, Zhang, Dong, Chun Li, Li, Pierre, Lucy Peng, PDD Organizations: Nurphoto, Getty, Digital Commerce, Tmall, Tmall Group, Alibaba, Ventures, Lazada, CNBC, Ventures Partners, Alibaba Group, PDD Holdings, Hong Kong, HK Locations: Huangpu District, Shanghai, Taobao, monetization, Alibaba, Pakistan, Asia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong

☆ Singapore's AI ambitions get a boost with $740 million investment plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Singapore River and Merlion Park in the eveningSINGAPORE — Singapore's plan to invest more than $743 million into artificial intelligence over the next five years could strengthen its position as a global business and innovation hub, tech executives said. In his Budget speech on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore will invest more than 1 billion Singapore dollars over the next five years to further boost the country's AI capabilities. As part of the investment, Singapore will work to ensure it can secure access to the advanced chips "that are so crucial to AI development and deployment," Wong said. Singapore will also work with leading companies here and around the world to set up AI centers of excellence to spur innovation, he added. Singapore workers are already the world's fastest when it comes to adopting AI skills, according to LinkedIn's Future of Work report released in August.

Persons: Lawrence Wong, Nithin Chandra, Chandra, Wong, Jonathon Dixon, Mao Gen Foo Locations: Singapore, SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia, Kearney, Cloudflare

☆ We've visited 50 states and 91 countries and almost always choose hotels over Airbnbs. Here's why.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Initially, we were going to live in a golf community in Palm City, Florida, and also do some traveling. Courtesy of John and Beverly MartinJohn: When COVID hit, we realized we couldn't travel internationally. So we sold our house, bought the Airstream for $50,000, and visited all 50 states and 51 national parks in two years. John: After about a year, we started noticing we could stay at hotels for a similar price to the Airbnbs. Beverly: We've had some amazing stays, like a luxury hotel in Delhi.

Persons: —, John Martin, Beverly, Beverly Martin John, Bev, Beverly Martin Beverly, John, We've, Airbnb, we're, We're, would've Organizations: Service, Beverly, Central America, The, YouTube, Kruger National Park Locations: United States, Palm City , Florida, Beverly, New Zealand, California, Florida, Greece, Panama, Sri Lanka, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Europe, Central, Asia, Norway, Albania, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Santorini, Hyatts, Laos, Delhi, South Africa, Victoria Falls, West Africa

☆ BRICS nations to see highest surge in millionaire count over the next decade — exceed the rise in G7 countries
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | In Ying-Shan-Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Millionaire count in the BRICS countries — which together hold $45 trillion in investable wealth — is forecast to rise by 85% over the next 10 years, the investment migration consultancy noted in its report published in partnership with global intelligence firm New World Wealth. The 85% forecast for BRICS will be the highest wealth growth of any bloc or region globally. "The 85% forecast for BRICS will be the highest wealth growth of any bloc or region globally," Andrew Amolis, wealth analyst at New World Wealth told CNBC. The UAE followed in third place with a 77% wealth growth. Other members in the BRICS coalition, such as South Africa and Iran, have seen a decline in their millionaire populations since 2013.

Persons: Michel Temer, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Jacob Zuma, Narendra Modi, Andrew Amolis, Dominic Volek Organizations: India's, United, Henley & Partners, Wealth, CNBC, Amolis, European Union, Henley, Partners, UAE Locations: South, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, Japan, Italy, U.S, United Kingdom, Southeast Asia, UAE

☆ Analysis-Indonesia's Prabowo Poised for Power, but How Will He Rule?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

One major question is how well, and for how long, his alliance with outgoing President Joko Widodo, or "Jokowi", will hold. On the campaign trail Prabowo has promised policy "continuity", but analysts say that is far from guaranteed. "Make no mistake a President Prabowo would be his own president." 'UNCERTAINTY' ON THE CARDSIn contrast to Jokowi, Prabowo is from an elite family, the son of a prominent Indonesian economist and the ex-son-law of the country's former authoritarian ruler, Suharto. Once his victory is officially endorsed, Prabowo will assume the controls of Southeast Asia's biggest economy on October 20.

Persons: Kate Lamb JAKARTA, Prabowo Subianto, Prabowo, Long, general's, Joko Widodo, Liam Gammon, Jokowi, Doug Ramage, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Indonesia's, Kevin O'Rourke, Suharto, “, He's, ANU's Gammon, Gammon, Kay Johnson, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Defence, Australian National University, ANU, Jokowi, Analysts, Human Rights Watch Locations: Indonesia, Prabowo, BowerGroupAsia, Indonesian, Ukraine, Qatar

TOKYO (AP) — Shares declined Wednesday in Asia after disappointingly high U.S. inflation data sent stocks sliding on Wall Street and raised prospects that interest rates will remain elevated for longer. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index resumed trading after the Lunar New Year holiday, edging 0.7% higher to 15,861.77 after opening lower. High interest rates hurt all kinds of investments, and they tend to particularly hurt high-growth stocks like technology companies. Stocks of smaller companies fell even more because high rates could hurt them more than bigger rivals by making it more difficult to borrow cash. Yields jumped in the bond market as traders built up expectations for the Fed to keep rates high for longer.

Persons: Australia's, Korea's Kospi, Sensex, Tuesday’s, Russell, Alexandra Wilson, Elizondo, Carl Icahn Organizations: TOKYO, —, Nikkei, Federal Reserve, Labor Department, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Microsoft, Fed, Treasury, Goldman, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Wall, JetBlue Airways, New York Mercantile Exchange, Brent, U.S Locations: Asia, Indonesia, Southeast, China, Bangkok, Goldman Sachs

☆ Indonesia election: Over 200 million will head to the polls across vast nation in world’s biggest election day
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —More than 200 million eligible voters will head to the polls in Indonesia on Wednesday, in what is billed as the world’s biggest single-day election. Mascots depicting presidential candidate and Indonesia's Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto (L) and vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka (R) in an election event on February 5, 2024. He has strong links with Islamic political groups, and his vice-presidential pick, Muhaimin Iskandar, is the leader of Indonesia’s largest Muslim political party, the National Awakening Party. A presidential candidate needs a simple majority of at least 50% of total votes and 20% of votes in more than half of the country’s 38 provinces to win. The use and abuse of AIWith more than 210 million Internet users, Indonesia boasts one of the world’s largest digital populations.

Persons: Suharto’s, Prabowo Subianto, he’s, Suharto, ” Kenneth Roth, Ganjar, Mahfud, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Adek Berry, Anies Baswedan, Muhaimin Iskandar, Anies, –, Basuki Tjahaja, Joko Widodo, Jokowi, Prabowo, Gibran, Jokowi’s, ”, Adrian Vickers, Vickers, “, Yusof, Maria Monica Wihardja, ” Wihardja, Sayyidatiihayaa, Satya Bumi, ” Sayyidatiihayaa, Ulet Ifansasti Organizations: CNN, Human Rights Watch, Princeton University, Indonesian Democratic Party of, Indonesia's Defence, Getty, Former Jakarta, Islamic, National Awakening Party, University of Sydney, Prabowo, Lembaga, Transparency International, Indonesia Locations: Indonesia, United States, Central Java, Jakarta, Indonesia’s, AFP, Chinese, Indonesian, Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, Nusantara, Borneo

☆ Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Netflix, Nvidia, Apple, Meta, Lowe's, Walmart, Target, Pepsi & more
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

JPMorgan upgrades Lowe's to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said investors should buy the stock ahead of earnings later this month. JPMorgan reiterates Netflix as overweight JPMorgan said it's standing by its overweight rating on shares of Netflix. Loop reiterates Meta as buy Loop raised its price target on the stock to $550 per share from $440. Loop reiterates Alphabet as hold Loop raised its price target on the stock to $155 per share from $140. " UBS reiterates Target as buy UBS says Target shares are "compelling."

Persons: Evercore, it's, wouldn't, Rivian, Piper Sandler, Piper, Jefferies, Willis Towers Watson, URBN, Morgan Stanley downgrades Hershey, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley downgrades XPO, Stifel, Raymond James downgrades, Raymond James, Melius, Roth, Guggenheimer, Guggenheim Organizations: Apple, Barclays, Walmart, EV, JPMorgan, generics, UFC, WWE, Netflix, Citi, Willis, PepsiCo, PEP, LT, UBS, Urban Outfitters, Google, 4Q, Bulls, Target, Bank of America, of America, Bank of America downgrades Duke Energy, Duke Energy, Brands, Nvidia, Deutsche Bank, Industries, Deutsche, SilverBow Resources Locations: U.S, Bank of America downgrades, NWL, Republic, Mohawk

☆ Former W.W.F. Wrestler Arrested in Wife’s Murder
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Orlando Mayorquin | More About Orlando Mayorquin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

William Albert “Billy Jack” Haynes Jr., who in the 1980s competed in the World Wrestling Federation, was arrested in the killing of his wife at a home in Portland, Ore., on Thursday after a standoff with police. The authorities publicly identified Mr. Haynes, 70, on Saturday, days after the police said he shot and killed his wife, Janette Becraft, 85, in the Lents neighborhood of southeast Portland. At the peak of his career, wrestling as Billy Jack Haynes, he faced Randy “Macho Man” Savage and in 1987 went against Hercules Hernandez in WrestleMania III. After his arrest, the Portland Police Bureau said Mr. Haynes was taken to a hospital to get treatment for a medical condition that was “unrelated to the homicide or his contact with law enforcement,” adding that his stay could last “days.”

Persons: William Albert “ Billy Jack ” Haynes Jr, Haynes, Janette Becraft, Billy Jack Haynes, Randy “, ” Savage, Hercules Hernandez, ” Organizations: World Wrestling Federation, WrestleMania III, Portland Police Locations: Portland ,, Lents, Portland

☆ Factbox-Policy Pledges of Indonesia's Presidential Candidates
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

(Reuters) - Three candidates are running in Indonesia's presidential election on Feb. 14. The following is a summary of policy objectives they have pledged while campaigning. ANIES BASWEDAN- Target 5.5%-6.5% average annual economic growth from 2025-2029- Create 15 million jobs, including 'green' jobs- Raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.4% in 2022 to 13%-16% by 2029- Target annual inflation of 2%-3% from 2025-2029- Offer incentives for renewable energy projects- Impose a carbon tax with proceeds to be used as an endowment fund to finance development of renewable energy- Increase the 'village fund' to 5 billion rupiah ($317,965) for each village, from the current 1 billion rupiah. - Widen access to global markets for palm oil farmers- Strengthen free trade agreements and Indonesia's role in international financial institutions- Minimise imports of staple foods- Create 2 million new affordable housing units, including for informal workers, youth- Expedite forest conservation and rehabilitation projects- Limit new construction of, and retire existing coal-fired power plants, especially in Java, Bali islands- Review debt of state-owned enterprises, continue debt restructuring programme- Revise Jobs Creation Law with goal to ensure fair wages for workers- Evaluate the $32 billion new capital city project- Evaluate food estate programme, replacing it with contract farming, a scheme to ensure farm products will be sold- Impose a wealth tax on Indonesia's 100 richest people- Audit the nickel industry with focus on its impact on the environment and ensuring welfare of domestic workers- Strengthen the anti-corruption agency by revising the law that regulates it- Ease permitting requirements for building places of worshipGANJAR PRANOWO- Continue programmes of outgoing President Joko Widodo's administration- Target average annual economic growth of 7%- Create 17 million new jobs- Expedite construction of new capital city- Increase the defence budget as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) to between 1%-2%, from about 0.8% presently. Modernise military hardware- Target 30% share for renewable sources in energy mix by 2029- Allow more renewable energy producers to use electricity grids of state utility firms to boost green energy adoption- Set up a dedicated ministry for the palm oil sector- Maintain moratorium on deforestation, accelerate reforestation programmes- Create digital tax collection system under the new tax agency separated from finance ministry- Limit permit issuance of new nickel smelter to avoid a further oversupply- Expand social welfare to cover 15 million families, up from 10 million currently- Provide funding to ensure at least one member of a poor family receives education until college- Strengthen national anti-corruption agency- Maintain foreign policy of non-alignment- Strengthen Indonesia's commitment to support fight of Palestinian people- Revitalise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its decision-making process, especially regarding South China Sea disputes.

Persons: ANIES, GANJAR, Joko Widodo's, PRABOWO, Joko, Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, Stefanno Sulaiman, Bernadette Christina Munthe, Martin Petty Organizations: Reuters, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Locations: Java, Bali, South

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nine members of the United Nations Security Council condemned “indiscriminate” airstrikes by Myanmar's military against civilians before an envoy briefed the council Monday as part of regional efforts to implement a peace plan that has so far been largely ineffective. Before the council meeting, nine of the 15 council members stood before reporters to support a statement read by Britain’s U.N. The United States pushed for an enforceable Security Council resolution to prevent Myanmar from getting jet fuel, the council diplomat said. According to the council diplomat, China, which has close ties to Myanmar, emphasized the need to give ASEAN's efforts time and space. Russia, which also has links to Myanmar, reiterated that the council shouldn’t be interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Persons: Alounkeo Kittikhoun, —, Kittikhoun, Britain’s U.N, Barbara Woodward, Myanmar’s, Aung, Suu Kyi, United States —, Saleumxay Kommasith, Win Myint, U.N, Kyaw Moe Tun, Suu Kyi’s Organizations: UNITED NATIONS, United Nations Security Council, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Lao, Arakan Army, Bangladesh, Myanmar’s Border Guard Police, Democratic, Amnesty Locations: Myanmar, ASEAN, Laos, Suu, China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Thailand, Rakhine, Bangladesh, Arakan, U.S, Union, Vietnam, Russia

☆ ASEAN launches guide for governing AI, but experts say there are challenges
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Close up of woman's hand touching illuminated and multi-coloured LED display screen, connecting to the future. People, lifestyle and technologyThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Friday published a framework for artificial intelligence governance, but experts say member states being at "different stages of digital development" could pose a challenge. "The guide seeks to establish common principles for trustworthy AI and suggest best practices for how to implement trustworthy AI in ASEAN," said Singapore's Ministry of Communications and Information. Singapore is hosting the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting from Feb. 1-2 to discuss emerging digital issues including AI and cyber scams. Kristina Fong, lead researcher for economic affairs at ASEAN Studies Centre, said "the light-touch, flexible approach" to managing AI risks with the guide is a "reflection of the challenges posed by the development gaps between ASEAN member states."

Persons: Kristina Fong, Fong Organizations: of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, Singapore's Ministry of Communications, Information, ASEAN Digital Ministers, ASEAN Studies Centre Locations: Singapore

LUANG PRABANG, Laos (AP) — Landlocked Laos doesn't have the famous beaches of its neighbors to attract tourists, but instead relies on the pristine beauty of its mountains and rivers and historical sites to bring in visitors. The crown jewel is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where legend has it that Buddha once rested during his travels. Nestled among the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang was the capital from the 14th to the 16th century before it was moved to Vientiane. “This dam won't generate a lot of power for Laos, it's going to power new shopping malls in Bangkok,” Eyler said of the Luang Prabang project. “In isolation, the potential transboundary harmful effects due to the Luang Prabang hydropower project may not be substantial," the river commission said.

Persons: Buddha, it's, ”, Brian Eyler, Stimson, Eyler, ” Eyler, Philip Hirsch, “, you've, ” Hirsch, Vietnam —, Barbara Curti Organizations: UNESCO, Asia Program, Sustainability, ” UNESCO, Associated Press, Ministry of Information, Foreign Ministry, Heritage, Monitor, Sydney University, CBA, Commission Locations: LUANG PRABANG, Laos, Prabang, Southeast Asia, Washington, Luang Prabang, Luang, Paris, New Delhi, Vientiane, Vietnam, China, Kunming, Thailand, Stimson, Bangkok, British, Cambodia, Asia, asia

☆ Ukraine needs different weapons to blunt Russia's artillery fire advantages because HIMARS aren't enough anymore, war experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

War experts say Kyiv will need more precision-guided munitions to blunt Moscow's advantage in artillery fire. Western officials continue to warn that giving Ukraine more weapons and ammo is the "path to peace." The experts said Moscow's rate of fire will be sustainable next year "in excess of that number." Notably, Ukraine can no longer rely on its US-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or Excalibur artillery shells to diminish Russia's firepower, the experts said. "Weapons to Ukraine," he said, "is the path to peace."

Persons: —, Michael Kofman, Dara Massicot, Rob Lee, Dmytro Smolienko, Lee, HIMARS, Serhii Mykhalchuk, Jens Stoltenberg, Antony Blinken Organizations: Service, Kyiv, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Foreign Policy Research Institute, American, Publishing, Getty, Artillery, NATO, EG, MGM, Tactical Missile Systems, Republican, Western Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, Moscow, Donetsk Oblast, France

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