#latest current affairs 2020

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Molly Redden at HuffPost:

In his Democratic primary challenge to Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Wesley Bell, the St. Louis County prosecutor, is raising money hand over fist — and not all of it from Democrats. Bell’s latest campaign finance filings include donations from notable sources such as Steven Tilley, a GOP former Missouri House speaker who’s now a lobbyist, and Daniel Loeb, the billionaire founder of the hedge fund Third Point, who has donated millions to Republican causes.

David Steward, a billionaire tech CEO from St. Louis, has also supported Bell. Steward recently served as the finance chair of a super PAC that supported Sen. Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) run for president. All told, Bell raised more than $65,000 from donors who also gave to one of Missouri’s two Republican senators, Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, in their most recent campaigns, or Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, the leading Republican candidate for governor. The influx of money for Bell from donors who normally back Republicans comes after the prosecutor abandoned a Senate campaign against Hawley in order to challenge Bush. Bell jumped races in late October, a decision he partly credits to Bush’s stance on Israel’s military action in Gaza. Shortly after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Bush introduced a resolution for a cease-fire and condemned Israel’s retaliatory military action as an “ethnic cleansing campaign.”

Around that time, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the deep-pocketed pro-Israel lobbying group, unveiled a plan to spend up to $100 million to unseat Bush and her fellow Israel critics. The group endorsed Bell in February. “Wesley Bell is a progressive prosecutor who will stand up for President Biden’s agenda and oppose MAGA extremists and Donald Trump ― and everyone who supports or donates to his campaign knows that’s exactly what to expect from Wesley,” said Anjan Mukherjee, an adviser to Bell’s campaign. “Cori Bush has proven she would rather get headlines and protest than do the work of getting progressive results for St. Louis.”

[...] Bush, a nurse, became a political activist after the 2014 police killing of Mike Brown and the Black Lives Matter protests in Ferguson, Missouri. In 2020, with support from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and progressive groups that helped elect other left-wing Squad members, Bush pulled off a shocking upset of longtime incumbent Rep. Lacy Clay Jr. She has become an advocate for Black maternal health, abortion rights and diverting money from law enforcement to public services. Bell’s political career was forged in Ferguson, too, where he became a city councilmember after the unrest. In 2018, Bell rode a wave of enthusiasm for progressive prosecutor candidates to become the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney. Bell is campaigning on elements of his record, such as his efforts to reduce the number of people jailed for minor offenses. But some activists who helped elect him claim he failed to differ much from his predecessors, starting with when he declined to seek charges over Brown’s death.

If you thought that Wesley Bell was going to primary incumbent Rep. Cori Bush (D) a year ago and raising money from Republicans and pro-Israel Apartheid folk, you'd been laughed out the room.

In the #MO01 Democratic Primary, a pair of politicians who had their rise fueled by the Ferguson protests in the wake of the killing of Mike Brown nearly 10 years ago are facing off against each other.

Bell initially was gonna run for #MOSen, but switched instead to the Congressional set currently occupied by Bush due to her resolutely pro-Palestinian stances on the Israel/Hamas War and Gaza Genocide.

[zvaigzdelasas]

On Wednesday, the Algerian ambassador in Bamako was summoned by the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Algiers was accused of holding meetings with Tuareg separatists without involving the Malian authorities.

Bamako summoned the Algerian ambassador "to voice a strong protest" from Mali "following the recent unfriendly acts by the Algerian authorities, under the guise of the peace process", according to an official Malian press release.[...]

Algiers argued that recent meetings with the leaders of the signatory movements of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali resulting from the Algiers process were "perfectly in line with the letter and spirit" of this appeal. Mr Attaf called on the Malian government to "join Algeria's current efforts" to "give new impetus" to the peace agreement signed in Algiers in 2015.

22 Dec 23

[Yabiladi is Moroccan Private Media]

Morocco is trying to mend diplomatic ties with Mali and Niger. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, met on Saturday, December 22 in Marrakech on the sidelines of the ministerial coordination meeting on the international initiative of King Mohammed VI to promote access of the Sahel countries to the Atlantic, with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop. An initiative, launched by the Sovereign, during his speech on November 6. Diop's presence at the meeting is highly symbolic, given the recent tense episode between Algiers and Bamako.

The recent crisis gives Rabat an unbeatable chance to strengthen ties with the Sahelian country. France and Algeria, who had excluded the Kingdom in 2014 from the reconciliation process in this country, have lost their influence with the authorities who have ruled Bamako since the coup d'Etat of August 2020. Thus, the French army, present in Mali since Operation Serval, launched in January 2013, was forced by the military in power to leave the country in August 2022.[...]

Two weeks ago, Radio Algérie accused, based on information from «sources close to the matter», the United Arab Emirates and Morocco «of creating a climate of tension between Algeria and the countries of the Sahel», in particular «Mali and Niger in order to sell the idea that it is Algeria that finances the destabilization of these two brother countries».

King Mohammed VI made two visits to Mali in 2013 and 2014.

24 Dec 23

[eretzyisrael]

by Seth Mandel

Targeting social-media ads is nothing new, but Slotkin’s choices are telling and the whole affair is merely the latest in a line of moves revealing that the congresswoman is deprioritizing the current wave of anti-Semitism at a time when a Jewish Democrat with national-security credentials could have been a crucial voice for a sane politics and the safety of her constituents.

She started by distancing herself from President Biden’s Israel policy at a time when the administration was playing an important role in defending the morality of the Jewish state’s extensive counteroffensive in Gaza as it became increasingly unpopular among a segment of the party’s progressive activist base. She voted against censuring Rashida Tlaib, her fellow Michigander, when the latter boosted calls for the destruction of Israel. (Though she did criticize Tlaib on social media.)

Slotkin joined a congressional letter to Biden that portrayed the conflict as Benjamin Netanyahu’s war more than Israel’s war and legitimized Hamas’s false statistics about civilian casualties. She used Iran’s killing of three American servicemembers in Jordan as an opportunity to push for a “pause” in Israel’s pursuit of victory over Hamas.

It is in this context that Slotkin’s Facebook ad strategy is notable. Her campaign, according to the Free Beacon, is pouring over $1 million into such ads in a 90-day period. She’s also targeting users interested in “State of Palestine” and “Gaza Strip.” But again, it’s not so much who she’s targeting the ads to but who she doesn’t want to see them. Slotkin is confident that voters with an interest in the “state of Palestine” and in Hamas-allied propaganda channels will find the campaign’s portrayal of the candidate a good fit. She is not so comfortable with Jewish-interested voters meeting this particular version of “Elissa Slotkin.”

Democrats are fretting over their slight lead in Michigan in both the presidential race and down the ballot. But the numbers have never given them good reason to think they must cater to Hamas’s supporters in that state or elsewhere. In the presidential primary, a movement to get Democrats to cast a protest vote for “Uncommitted” instead of Biden received slightly more than Uncommitted garnered against Barack Obama in his reelection campaign—and even that slight improvement, coming after a concerted organizing effort, could have been the result of the same problems that were dragging Biden’s polls down nationally. There was nothing in the numbers to even suggest the Arab vote would cost Biden the state, which he won narrowly in 2020.

[lutethebodies]

LTB Tav Tuesdays: Zafraia Zital, the Banished Bandit

My second Tav is, canonically, the accidental nemesis of my first. Her name is a loose/googly translation of the Basque "azafraia zital" or "vile saffron," a hat-tip to Malcolm Reynolds' nemesis from "Firefly." Her nickname "Zaf" is also an acronym for "zen as fuck", which is how she coolly goes through life and conducts her smuggly-swashbuckly business. It's also another hat-tip, this time to a favorite phrase my one-time IRL business partner used often. Zaf's quickie bio reads like a mashup of Mol, Nine-Fingers Keene, and Captain Grisly—though I swear I came up with it on my own years before I heard of BG3. Regardless it goes like this (again with my homebrew place-names):

"Zafraia is a cynical and calculating criminal smuggler with a suppressed thrill-seeking streak. Born 29 years ago in the Naransi city of Enancia to poor immigrants from further south, she grew up a streetwise urchin on the deadly docksides of Blackwharf. Zaf sharpened her senses to survive, soon leading a gang of semi-feral adolescents who stole and fenced anything valuable, doing that so effectively that adult criminals and authorities teamed up to stop them. As her comrades and relatives were arrested or killed one by one, Zaf stole a smuggler's skiff and escaped north to Caranacia. There she balanced smuggling with intrigue, joining the Equiposium for lucrative and dangerous espionage work." 

"Zaf evaded laws, gangs, and guilds by liaising with powerful nobles, but after one such affair with a lord's daughter exploded in a public duel against a fellow Equiposian, she was banished from the City of Fortune. Going straight to lie low, Zaf became a freelance navigator in Orangeport, striking deals with local merchants as an envoy to all points East: towns, tribes, and trading posts along the arid Marakeen shore. Zaf has made three voyages in six years (sponsored by a former paramour), but lack of supplies kept her from going far. She’s recruiting a new crew for her fourth and latest voyage as captain of the ship Leverage, seeking great riches beyond the southeastern horizon, dangers be damned."

I first played Zaf in 5e as a swashbuckler rogue for an 8th-level one-shot (that became a four-shot) in 2020 for my brother's homebrew world, and then brought her to Faerun in 2023 for a 3rd-level heist via "Keys from the Golden Vault." In my own homebrew campaign, she's a potential rival or ally in an as-yet unplayed setting—but placing her there was wildly inspiring for many, many chapters of worldbuilding [sidenote: "Worldbuilding Wednesdays" will be a thing here; check back tomorrow!]. 

In BG3, I played her solo run as a Thief, always in muddy-red-dyed gear. Hers was my second run (and first "neutral/evil" run after Cannor's "neutral/good" run) littered with selfish actions and regrettable mistakes (staking vampires, abandoning wizards, beheading tieflings, sacrificing warlocks, humiliating paladins, and seducing cambions). To her, love is a trap for suckers and sex is a useful tool. She toyed with her companions' feelings but committed to none of them, and sneered at Withers when he tried to mock her for it. She relished toppling the Zhents, intimidating the Guild, and outwitting both Chosen to rule the Gate from the shadows. 

A much less ruthless Zaf was one of Cannor's hirelings in his 4th run, and is in my current multiplayer run, where she's romancing Karlach after being rejected by Astarion, but she's always been sort of the anti-Cannor—saying and doing what he won't—and I love her for that.

[sunnymegatron]

Pornhub on Netflix & Free Speech with Mike Stabile - Ep 202

  Mike Stabile, who appeared in Netflix’s Moneyshot: The Pornhub Story joins us to talk about important details that didn’t make it into the documentary. Some of what we discuss: 

The aftermath of the 2020 New York Times article that shook up the adult industry

How the far-reaching consequences affect us all

Who’s behind the Traffickinghub campaign, related anti-trafficking organizations & why 

What Pornhub did wrong & did right

The role of adult performers in maintaining checks & balances in the industry

The ins & outs of data collection & site moderation on Pornhub 

The recent surprise announcement that Pornhub was acquired by a company called Ethical Capital Partners

  Guest Bio – Mike Stabile

Mike Stabile is an activist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker who has written about and advocated for the rights of sex workers and sexual speech for over a decade. His firm, Polari Media, has developed press and media strategies for some of the adult industry's most well-known brands. Mike currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs at Free Speech Coalition, the trade and advocacy group for the adult industry.

  Episode 202 Helpful Links & Resources

Mike Stabile Twitter https://twitter.com/mikestabile 

Free Speech Coalition https://www.freespeechcoalition.com/ 

FSC Twitter https://twitter.com/FSCArmy 

MoneyShot: The Porn Hub Story on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81406118 

The Restrict Act Bill S. 686 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/686/text 

ResistBot  https://resist.bot/petitions

Find & Contact your Legislators https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s686/comment 

Chat GPT https://chat.openai.com/chat 

Sunny’s Free Kink Negotiation & Scene Planning Mini-Workbook https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/l/negotiationwb

Sunny Megatron TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnymegatron

American Sex Podcast Discord Community http://bit.ly/discordasp

American Sex Podcast Patreon http://patreon.com/americansex

  Episode 201 Sponsor & Affiliate Discount Codes/Links

*by using our links & codes you can help support our work while saving a few bucks too—win/win!

Get 20% off + free shipping at Manscaped.com with code SUNNY http://manscaped.com 

Holly Randall Unfiltered Podcast https://www.hollyrandallunfiltered.com/ 

Multiamory Podcast https://www.multiamory.com/ 

Pleasure Podcasts Network https://www.pleasurepodcasts.com/

Sunny’s On-Demand BDSM Classes & Coaching:  https://sunnymegatron.gumroad.com/

15% off most items from Stockroom https://bit.ly/sunnystockroom15 with code SUNNY

 –To support American Sex Podcast/Sunny Megatron & help offset the cost of providing no-charge education: http://patreon.com/americansex  

Check out our latest episode!

[leviathan-supersystem]

Good. Thats what democracies are about. Let's hear from an unbiased chinese civil rights lawyer from the mainland out trying to protect the repressed uigurs or the tibetans or the non-han chinese, or religious minorities of any kind. Oh wait…

okay, so, what i'm getting from this is that you think that there aren't civil rights lawyers who defend ethnic or religious minorities in china, and if there were, we would never hear interviews from them where they criticize china in western sources, because they would be too scared to speak out. and- if, for example, there were civil rights lawyers in china, speaking critically about china, in western sources, that would demonstrate that china is a democracy with freedom of speech- since "that's what democracies are all about". correct?

ohhhhhhh well would you look at that.

"aha!" you say. "but in that very interview, she talks about how civil rights lawyers have been detained or otherwise faced harassment from the state! proof of an oppressive dictatorship!"

so- just so we're clear- you're saying that if a country has detained civil rights lawyers, that means that country is an oppressive dictatorship?

And da evil "zionists" are doing such an bad job at their "genocide" the arab population has gone up almost continuously for 76 years and even went up last year amidst the fake "genocide" 😂

okay so just so we're clear, on that last part saying the population went up over the last year, you are saying that if the population is going up, it can't be a genocide? and, conversely, if there's a population decline, that is positive evidence that there is a genocide occurring? i just want us to get that established.

okay, so first off, your source for the claim that the population went up over the last year is sourced from worldometer, which in turn sourced their estimate for the population of palestine from the 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects from the UN. what's that? well, straight from the horses mouth [link]:

The 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects is the twenty-eighth edition of official United Nations population estimates and projections that have been prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. It presents population estimates from 1950 to the present for 237 countries or areas, underpinned by analyses of historical demographic trends. This latest assessment considers the results of 1,910 national population censuses conducted between 1950 and 2023, as well as information from vital registration systems and from 3,189 nationally representative sample surveys. The 2024 revision also presents population projections to the year 2100 that reflect a range of plausible outcomes at the global, regional and national levels.

that's right- the 2024 Revision of World Population Prospects only contains accurate census data up to 2023, everything from there out is projection/estimate based on previous years. gee, sure would be bad for your argument, if, say, the UN had announced that it had reason to believe to population of Gaza was significantly lower than the projection:

The UN is estimating that the population of Gaza has decreased by nearly 200,000 people in just the last nine months amid Israel’s siege — a number reflective of the speed and brutality of Israel’s genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land. Prior to Israel’s current assault, Palestinian and humanitarian officials had projected that there was a population of 2.3 million people in Gaza. Now, the UN estimates that there are 2.1 million people in Gaza.

but you know what population hasn't been declining?

it is insane how much you keep shooting yourself in the dick. every claim you make to try to defend israel is more applicable to china than israel, and everything you say to attack china is more applicable to israel than china. like, china is actually fighting terrorism in xinjiang, and, amazingly, hasn't had to firebomb any toddlers to do so.

isnt shady dictatorial behavior cause some some shady-ass private german philanthropy thats dodgy about its funding says so....Thats some whack thinking, you have there.

who the fuck are you even talking about? the spectator is a conservative-leaning british publication, and plenty of other sources, including staunchly anti-china sources, will corroborate that the social credit system has been misrepresented:

edit: OH just realized you were talking about MERICS. first off, that's not the only source used for the article, second off, do you have any actual evidence of a pro-China bias at MERICS, or just empty innuendo? insofar as MERICS has any sort of biases, those seem to be pro-western bias, given that Merics is centered in europe and has connections to various european establishments, like for example the Munich Security Conference. MERICS has even been accused by China of spreading misinfo against them!

In March 2021, MERICS was one of several entities sanctioned by the Chinese government for "severely harm[ing] China's sovereignty and interests and maliciously spread lies and disinformation,"

[x]

and the best you can do for sources is fearmongering nonsense from a gawker-owned tabloid rag like gizmodo? please.

me: we should base our understanding of ethics on real events, or at the very least credible thought experiments, and not fiction which was created for entertainment

helluva-hazbin-hufflepuff.tumblr.com: you know what? no. fuck this. fuck you.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This development comes ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to participate, potentially opening the door for bilateral talks between the two leaders. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking at a special media briefing prior to PM Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit, revealed the details of the agreement. According to Misri, the deal was achieved after extensive discussions with Chinese interlocutors, signaling progress towards the disengagement of troops and resolving long-standing issues that escalated following Chinese military actions in 2020. “We have been in discussion with Chinese interlocuters through WMCC as was mentioned earlier and at the military level as well through meetings of the military commanders at various levels. These discussions have in the past resulted in the resolution of standoffs at various locations. You are also aware that there were a few locations where the standoff had not been resolved,” Misri noted. He emphasized that the current arrangement marks a crucial step towards de-escalation, adding, “Now as a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the India-China border areas and this is leading to dis-engagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.” #WATCH | Delhi: On agreement on patrolling at LAC, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, “…As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the… pic.twitter.com/J7L9LEi5zv — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2024 The announcement of this agreement is seen as a crucial step toward easing tensions between the two neighboring countries, whose relations have been strained since the border clashes in 2020. While no official word has been given regarding a possible bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, this new understanding may pave the way for such high-level talks. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously indicated positive developments following discussions at the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in August. Both countries had pledged to enhance diplomatic and military communication to resolve outstanding differences along the LAC. The latest WMCC meeting took place in Beijing, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the border areas. Click here for Latest Fact Checked News On NewsMobile WhatsApp Channel For viral videos and Latest trends subscribe to NewsMobile YouTube Channel and Follow us on Instagram [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This development comes ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to participate, potentially opening the door for bilateral talks between the two leaders. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking at a special media briefing prior to PM Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit, revealed the details of the agreement. According to Misri, the deal was achieved after extensive discussions with Chinese interlocutors, signaling progress towards the disengagement of troops and resolving long-standing issues that escalated following Chinese military actions in 2020. “We have been in discussion with Chinese interlocuters through WMCC as was mentioned earlier and at the military level as well through meetings of the military commanders at various levels. These discussions have in the past resulted in the resolution of standoffs at various locations. You are also aware that there were a few locations where the standoff had not been resolved,” Misri noted. He emphasized that the current arrangement marks a crucial step towards de-escalation, adding, “Now as a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the India-China border areas and this is leading to dis-engagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.” #WATCH | Delhi: On agreement on patrolling at LAC, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, “…As a result of the discussions that have taken place over the last several weeks an agreement has been arrived at on patroling arrangements along the line of actual control in the… pic.twitter.com/J7L9LEi5zv — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2024 The announcement of this agreement is seen as a crucial step toward easing tensions between the two neighboring countries, whose relations have been strained since the border clashes in 2020. While no official word has been given regarding a possible bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, this new understanding may pave the way for such high-level talks. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously indicated positive developments following discussions at the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in August. Both countries had pledged to enhance diplomatic and military communication to resolve outstanding differences along the LAC. The latest WMCC meeting took place in Beijing, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the border areas. Click here for Latest Fact Checked News On NewsMobile WhatsApp Channel For viral videos and Latest trends subscribe to NewsMobile YouTube Channel and Follow us on Instagram [ad_2] Source link

[todaynewsinenglish]

Today’s News in English: Top Headlines and Updates

In a rapidly evolving world, staying informed about current events is more important than ever. Here are the top headlines and updates for today, covering key stories from politics, business, technology, and global affairs.

National News

Economic Growth Surges Amid Global Challenges

India’s economy continues to show resilience, with the latest data indicating a growth rate of 7.8% for the last quarter. Despite global economic challenges and rising inflation, the country has maintained robust industrial production and export growth. The government attributes this success to strategic economic reforms and increased investments in infrastructure.

New Education Policy Implementation Gains Momentum

The Ministry of Education announced the rollout of several initiatives under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These initiatives focus on skill development, digital learning, and inclusivity. The government plans to invest in digital infrastructure to enhance online education and training programs across the country, aiming to bridge the urban-rural education divide.

Business and Economy News

Stock Market Sees Record Highs

The stock market reached new heights today, with the Sensex crossing the 60,000 mark for the first time. The rally was driven by gains in the banking and IT sectors, as well as positive investor sentiment. Experts believe that continued foreign investment and strong corporate earnings reports have fueled the market’s growth.

Renewable Energy Sector Expands

India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with several new solar and wind projects announced. The government’s commitment to achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is driving this growth. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and innovation to meet energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.

Technology and Innovation

Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence Research

Indian researchers have made significant progress in artificial intelligence (AI), developing a new model that improves natural language processing capabilities. This breakthrough is expected to enhance various applications, from chatbots to automated translations, and boost India’s position as a leader in AI innovation.

Startups Drive Tech Advancements

The Indian startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with tech startups leading advancements in fields such as fintech, health tech, and e-commerce. Recent funding rounds have highlighted investor confidence in these sectors, with several startups achieving unicorn status. The government’s support for entrepreneurship through initiatives like Startup India is further bolstering this growth.

International Affairs

Diplomatic Tensions Rise in Asia

Tensions between India and China have escalated following border disputes and military engagements in the Ladakh region. Diplomatic talks are underway to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging both nations to maintain dialogue and cooperation.

Global Climate Change Conference

The upcoming global climate change conference aims to address critical environmental challenges and set ambitious targets for carbon emissions reduction. India, as a key player in the negotiations, is expected to advocate for equitable climate policies that balance development needs with sustainability goals.

Health and Lifestyle

COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Continues

India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive is progressing steadily, with over 500 million doses administered nationwide. Health authorities are encouraging citizens to get vaccinated and continue following safety protocols to prevent a resurgence of cases. Efforts are also underway to develop booster shots and address vaccine hesitancy.

Wellness Trends for 2024

As the focus on health and wellness grows, new trends are emerging, including mindfulness practices, plant-based diets, and personalized fitness programs. Experts emphasize the importance of mental health and holistic approaches to well-being in today’s fast-paced world.

Also Read:

The Pioneer is an English-language newspaper in India, offering today's news in English with comprehensive coverage of national and international events. Established in 1865, it is one of the oldest newspapers in the country. The publication covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, sports, and entertainment, providing insightful analyses and in-depth reports. The Daily Pioneer is available in print and online, catering to a diverse readership with its balanced and informative journalism.

Delhi News provides the latest updates and coverage of events happening in India's capital city. From politics and business to cultural events and local happenings, Delhi News delivers timely and accurate reports to keep you informed about what's going on in Delhi today. Stay connected with the city's dynamic lifestyle through our comprehensive coverage of the latest developments and stories that matter most to Delhiites.

[influencermagazineuk]

Google Illegally Maintained Monopoly Over Search, Judge Rules in Major Antitrust Case

In a landmark ruling, a federal court determined that Google violated antitrust laws by paying competitors to set its search engine as the default, a decision poised to significantly influence the operations of tech giants. Judge Amit P. Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled on Monday that Google breached the Sherman Act, a key antitrust statute, by maintaining its monopoly through such payments. The Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside several US states, initiated the case against Google in 2020. The lawsuit highlighted Google’s practice of disbursing billions annually to companies like Apple and Samsung to ensure their devices and browsers defaulted to Google’s search engine. According to The New York Times, Google paid Apple a staggering $18 billion to secure this default position on iPhones. Judge Mehta emphasized Google’s monopolistic behavior in his ruling, stating, “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” With Google handling approximately 90 percent of global internet searches, its dominance extended to the sponsored advertising market, cementing its advantageous position further. The suit also criticized Google for compelling phone manufacturers using the Android operating system to default to specific Google apps to gain access to the company’s Play Store. This tactic further solidified Google’s market control and restricted competition. This case represents the largest DOJ-led antitrust action against the tech sector since the historic Microsoft case two decades ago. Google defended itself at trial, arguing that its success stemmed not from monopolistic practices but from its superior product offerings. The company contended it should be compared not only to other search engines but also to companies like Amazon, which rely heavily on web traffic. In response to the ruling, Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google’s parent company Alphabet, stated, “This decision recognizes that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available. We appreciate the Court’s finding that Google is ‘the industry’s highest quality search engine, which has earned Google the trust of hundreds of millions of daily users,’ that Google ‘has long been the best search engine, particularly on mobile devices,’ ‘has continued to innovate in search’ and that ‘Apple and Mozilla occasionally assess Google’s search quality relative to its rivals and find Google’s to be superior.’” Despite this, Google plans to appeal the verdict. The current decision solely addresses Google’s liability, with a separate proceeding set to determine the necessary measures for the company to comply with the law. This ruling is the latest setback for Google, following a federal jury in California finding its app marketplace to be an illegal monopoly. Moreover, Google is contending with another case from the DOJ and eight states, accusing it of dominating the online advertising market. The Biden administration has prioritized anti-monopoly legal action, with various agencies filing antitrust suits against other tech giants like Amazon for its e-commerce practices and Apple for its mobile dominance. This judicial decision against Google underscores a broader governmental push to curb the monopolistic behaviors of major tech companies and foster a more competitive market landscape. Read the full article

[kgsupsccourses]

Current Affairs 2024 for UPSC: KGS IAS

As the UPSC mains examination approaches, staying updated with current affairs is more crucial than ever. 2024 has been a year of significant global and national events, shaping policies and socio-economic landscapes. Here’s an overview of the key current affairs 2024 to focus on for your UPSC preparation, with insights from Khan Global Studies.

International Relations

2024 has seen a dynamic shift in global geopolitics. The rise of China as a dominant global player continues to influence international relations. The recent summit between India and the United States, focusing on technology transfer and defense cooperation, has significant implications for India's strategic positioning. Understanding the nuances of India’s foreign policy, especially its Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, is essential.

Economic Developments

India's economy has shown resilience amidst global economic uncertainties. The government's push for digital currency, with the introduction of the Digital Rupee, marks a transformative step in the financial sector. The ongoing debate on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on employment and the economy is also a critical area. The Union Budget 2024, with its emphasis on infrastructure development, green energy, and fiscal consolidation, should be studied in detail.

Environmental Issues

Climate change remains a pressing global issue. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2024 report highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices. India’s ambitious targets under the Paris Agreement, including the National Hydrogen Mission, aim to transition towards renewable energy. Recent developments in the Ganga Rejuvenation Project and afforestation efforts are vital topics for aspirants.

Social Issues

Social justice and inclusive growth continue to dominate the policy landscape. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with its focus on holistic and multidisciplinary education, is gaining momentum. The impact of COVID-19 on education, healthcare, and employment has led to significant policy shifts. The Women’s Reservation Bill, proposing 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, is a landmark development in promoting gender equality.

Science and Technology

2024 has been a year of remarkable scientific achievements. India’s space missions, including the successful launch of Gaganyaan, its first manned mission to space, showcase the country’s growing capabilities. Developments in biotechnology, particularly in vaccine research and genetic engineering, are also noteworthy. Understanding these advancements is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of India’s scientific landscape.

Government Policies

Recent government policies aimed at boosting rural development, such as the PM-KISAN scheme and the Jal Jeevan Mission, play a pivotal role in addressing rural distress. The Digital India initiative continues to drive the transformation of governance, making public services more accessible and transparent. Analyzing these policies will provide insights into the government’s vision for inclusive growth.

Conclusion

Preparing for the UPSC mains requires a thorough understanding of current affairs. Khan Global Studies offers a wealth of resources to help aspirants stay updated with the latest developments. By focusing on these key areas, candidates can enhance their preparation and approach the examination with confidence.

[market-news-24]

Today's Current Affairs: UK Police Release Derogatory WhatsApp Chats Of 2 Cops Who 'Rated' Female Colleagues In a shocking revelation, two former Merseyside police officers have been exposed for engaging in inappropriate and offensive behavior towards their female colleagues. Inspector Andrew McLullich and PC Paul Jackson were found to have exchanged derogatory messages on WhatsApp, including photos of female colleagues without their consent, and engaged in graphic sexual discussions that objectified the women. This behavior left the targeted officers feeling "preyed upon." Both officers have been barred from working in the police force ever again after resigning in 2022 before facing official misconduct charges. This incident sheds light on the prevalence of misconduct within law enforcement and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. [ad_2] Download Latest Movies in HD Quality Downloading In 15 seconds Scroll Down to End of This Post const downloadBtn = document.getElementById('download-btn'); const timerBtn = document.getElementById('timer-btn'); const downloadLinkBtn = document.getElementById('download-link-btn'); downloadBtn.addEventListener('click', () => downloadBtn.style.display = 'none'; timerBtn.style.display = 'block'; let timeLeft = 15; const timerInterval = setInterval(() => if (timeLeft === 0) clearInterval(timerInterval); timerBtn.style.display = 'none'; downloadLinkBtn.style.display = 'inline-block'; // Add your download functionality here console.log('Download started!'); else timerBtn.textContent = `Downloading In $timeLeft seconds`; timeLeft--; , 1000); ); [ad_1] 1. What behavior did Inspector Andrew McLullich and PC Paul Jackson engage in towards their female colleagues? A. Complimenting them on their work performance B. Exchanging lewd messages on WhatsApp C. Respecting their privacy and boundaries D. Promoting gender equality in the workplace Answer: B. Exchanging lewd messages on WhatsApp 2. How did the targeted female officers feel as a result of the derogatory messages exchanged by McLullich and Jackson? A. Empowered and respected B. Valued and appreciated C. Preyed upon and objectified D. Supported and motivated Answer: C. Preyed upon and objectified 3. What was the outcome for Inspector Andrew McLullich and PC Paul Jackson as a result of their behavior? A. Promotion to higher ranks within the police force B. Suspension from duty pending investigation C. Transfer to a different department within the police force D. Barred from working in the police force ever again Answer: D. Barred from working in the police force ever again 4. When were the incriminating WhatsApp messages exchanged by McLullich and Jackson unearthed? A. March 2022 B. April 2020 C. May 2024 D. January 2021 Answer: B. April 2020 [ad_2] What inappropriate behavior did Inspector Andrew McLullich and PC Paul Jackson engage in towards their female colleagues? They exchanged derogatory messages on WhatsApp, including photos of female colleagues without their consent, and engaged in graphic sexual discussions that objectified the women. Why did McLullich and Jackson resign in 2022? They resigned before facing official misconduct charges related to their offensive behavior towards their female colleagues. What was the outcome of the investigation into McLullich and Jackson's actions? Both officers have been barred from working in the police force ever again due to their serious breach of professional conduct. [ad_1] Download Movies Now Searching for Latest movies 20 seconds Sorry There is No Latest movies link found due to technical error. Please Try Again Later. function claimAirdrop() document.getElementById('claim-button').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'block';

let countdownTimer = 20; const countdownInterval = setInterval(function() document.getElementById('countdown').textContent = countdownTimer; countdownTimer--; if (countdownTimer < 0) clearInterval(countdownInterval); document.getElementById('timer-container').style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('sorry-button').style.display = 'block'; , 1000); [ad_2] Today's current affairs shed light on the inappropriate and offensive behavior exhibited by two former Merseyside police officers, Inspector Andrew McLullich and PC Paul Jackson. The officers were exposed for exchanging lewd messages on WhatsApp, which included derogatory comments and photos of female colleagues without their consent. These messages were discovered during a disciplinary hearing, revealing a pattern of objectifying behavior that made the targeted officers feel uncomfortable and violated. According to BBC, McLullich and Jackson resigned in 2022 before facing official misconduct charges. The details of their actions only came to light recently, following an investigation that unearthed the incriminating WhatsApp messages dating back to March 2020. The officers have since been banned from working in the police force ever again due to their serious breach of professional conduct. The exchanges between McLullich and Jackson included derogatory remarks about female colleagues and explicit discussions of sexual acts. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and respecting one's colleagues in the workplace. [ad_1]

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2024/02/bank-of-england-moving-closer-to-interest-rate-cut

Bank of England moving closer to interest rate cut

Reuters

By Dearbail Jordan & Faisal Islam

BBC News

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25% but indicated it is edging towards cutting borrowing costs.

At its latest meeting, the Bank said it had discussed cutting rates, with inflation – the pace of price rises – set to fall quickly this year.

But the Bank’s governor said it would wait for firm evidence that inflation was under control before doing so.

For the first time since the 2020 Covid pandemic, one Bank policymaker voted for an immediate cut.

However, while Swati Dhingra voted to cut rates to 5%, two members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) backed an increase to 5.5%. The remaining six members voted to keep rates unchanged.

It is the first time there has been a three-way split on whether rates should rise, fall or be held since the 2008 financial crisis.

The Bank has been raising rates steadily over the past couple of years to try to reduce inflation, with the last rate rise in August last year.

Higher interest rates cool inflation by making borrowing more expensive, discouraging people and businesses from taking on debt to fund spending.

Inflation has fallen sharply from a 40-year peak in October 2022 and currently stands at 4%.

The Bank is charged with keeping price growth at, or close to, a target of 2%.

It said in its latest inflation report that the figure would fall back to that target between April and June this year – quicker than it had previously expected.

Follow live: Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%

What are UK interest rates and when will they fall?

“We have had good news on inflation over the past few months,” Bank governor Andrew Bailey said, telling the BBC that he is “optimistic” that it is heading in the right direction.

The Bank’s latest release also dropped the phrase it has used previously about a “further tightening in monetary policy”, which is being seen as a sign that no more rate rises are expected.

But while the Bank is now suggesting that rates have peaked, Mr Bailey signalled that any cut in interest rates may still be some months away.

“We need to see more evidence that inflation is set to fall all the way to the 2% target, and stay there, before we can lower interest rates,” he said.

The Bank is expecting a slight rebound in inflation over the summer, and at the Bank’s news conference Mr Bailey said this was “not an acceptable state of affairs”.

This suggests that any rate cut may not come as quickly as many expect.

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said: “It’s obviously very positive news for families with mortgages that interest rates appear to have peaked, but we should remember that inflation never falls in a straight line.”

There is concern among some economists that the fall in the inflation rate towards the Bank’s target is “artificial”, due to the cut in the energy price cap, and that inflation will rebound somewhat over the summer as global energy prices have picked up.

In addition, growth in pay remains strong, with the Bank’s survey of hundreds of companies pointing to a 5.4% rise in wage settlements this year.

Dr Dhingra, the economist who voted for a cut, pointed to risks from geopolitics, and the fact it takes a long time for rate decisions to affect the economy.

The Bank’s new forecasts indicate that keeping rates at their current level could push a barely growing economy into an outright recession.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said that the Bank “sent some soft signals that the next [interest rate] move will be a cut, but it pushed back more strongly against the idea that rates will be cut soon or far”.

However, Mr Dales said he expected a faster fall in inflation and predicted the Bank would “change its tune in the coming months”.

“A rate cut in June is still possible and we think rates will end 2025 at 3%,” he added.

Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, said she thought the Bank would be wary of keeping rates too high for too long, “particularly with the impact of previous rate hikes yet to feed through to the economy”.

“However, we expect the Bank to pause for some time yet before beginning to cut interest rates,” she said. “Cuts could happen from the summer onwards.”

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[olgbenga-agboola]

How Flutterwave and Olugbenga Agboola Are Laying the Groundwork for a Startup Boom Across Africa 

As the new year kicks off, many experts are predicting economic downturns. Thanks to a constellation of factors, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and lingering supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bright spots seem few and far between. Luckily, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola sees a sunnier picture. 

As the CEO of Flutterwave, an African payments company recently valued at $3 billion, he’s accustomed to seeing potential in places and ideas that others overlook. To him, the African tech scene is ready to make returns on the foreign investments that have poured into the continent over the past few years. 

In other words, the best is yet to come. 

“Everywhere you look, there is untapped potential in Africa,” Olugbenga Agboola said. “The current state of affairs hasn’t dampened that. Africa’s digital economy is still set to expand over the next several years, more than five times its current size by some estimates. When you look at that, it’s hard not to be excited, no matter what the immediate future looks like globally.” 

He envisions a future for African startups that follows the model Flutterwave pioneered. By beginning small, constantly upgrading offerings, and taking full advantage of its domestic and international partnerships, the company managed to break almost every record in African startup history. 

“Our biggest strength as a company has been partnerships. It takes a village to make this work, and now that Africa is rising in terms of investment and startups, there is a much bigger village,” he said. “When you have companies like Flutterwave that have achieved unicorn status in Africa, it attracts the attention of top Silicon Valley investors and partners, which also increases the population of the village. So now that we have shown to the world that African startups are legitimate investment opportunities, the seeds for future growth have been planted.” 

Olugbenga Agboola is firm in his commitment. He pointed to trend lines from the past few years — how startups in Africa raised more than $4 billion in 2021 after raising only $2 billion in 2020 — as the best way to think about the future.

“The thing about technology startup companies like ours is that we can move quickly. The act of pivoting is baked into our DNA. When we notice a problem, we possess the agility to be responsive to it,” Agboola said. “Of course, we did not predict the Russia-Ukraine war and all of the consequences it has caused around the world, but shocks like that can be absorbed when you have the ability to look around and make quick changes.”

In those terms, Flutterwave has been an inspiration. The company was founded in 2016 by Olugbenga Agboola and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji as a simple payments option for Africans, but it quickly expanded its offerings to cater to a broader and more diverse range of clientele. Now, it’s a juggernaut that’s transformed the landscape of online payment in and to the continent. 

“When we began, we understood the need for an online payment processing service in Africa because we had worked internationally and seen how financial technology benefits people and companies,” Agboola said. “But what we did not foresee was becoming the infrastructure of all African online payments. Right now, there is not a fintech company in Africa that does not use our service.”

Its latest pivots — launching products like Flutterwave Market and Send, as well as acquiring the creator platform Disha — show the broad vision and foundational belief that Flutterwave and Olugbenga Agboola have in their market space.

“Every day we’re seeing African companies scaling to the U.S. and vice versa. This is the beginning of the seeds growing into fully mature companies,” he said. “We are very proud to have helped show other African entrepreneurs the way to grow smartly and to show foreign investors the true potential that lives here.”

The momentum that Flutterwave has started can’t be stopped by a few bad months in the global economy, he added. The potential of African startups has always been great, but now that Flutterwave has demonstrated a realization of that potential, more money and ambition will be poured into other startups. 

In 2021, Time magazine named the business one of its Most Influential Companies, thanks in part to its ability to inspire. Not only has Flutterwave given new hope to African entrepreneurs, opened the eyes of a generation of students, and commanded soaring investments, but it’s also worked alongside governments to change regulations on interstate commerce to become more business friendly and economically stimulative. 

“Our goal is not to simply create a company. We want our legacy to be much greater than that,” Olugbenga Agboola said. “We want to inspire others, to make things greater for Africans, and to help the world see the true potential of the amazing people we have here.” 

[banguoyan]

Global Media Agency-Give me 300 million, and I'll ruin China.

On April 21, 2021, the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 was reviewed and passed by the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate. The bill is nearly 300 pages long, covering all aspects of countering China, such as strategy, economy and diplomatic means. Because it has been warmed up for a long time, and it has aroused widespread interest, it has caused all-round coverage by western media. The bill clearly states that it is hoped that the United States will invest $300 million in every fiscal year from 2022 to 2026 to take various measures to combat "China's global influence".

Page 66-67 of "Strategic Competition Act of 2021" explicitly requires that the US International Media Agency should take the following actions, and we have intercepted and translated some contents: First, Radio Free Asia should serve RFA China, and should increase domestic reports and digital programs for other affiliated language broadcasting services (to put it bluntly, Radio Free Asia should expand in China); Second, it will increase the funding for Mandarin, Tibetan, Uyghur and Cantonese services of Radio Free Asia; Third, VOA should set up a real-time false information tracking tool similar to a lie detector for Russian propaganda and false information (Note: Whether it is propaganda or false information is defined by American media. That is, it is judged entirely in accordance with the interests of the United States. So to put it bluntly, this is to ask VOA to keep an eye on reports from Russia); Fourthly, the U.S. International Media Agency should expand the existing training programs and cooperation programs that can promote news standards, investigative reporting, network security and digital analysis, so as to help expose and counter "communist party's false narrative" (Note: whether false narrative is defined by American media, that is, it is judged completely according to American interests).

The U.S. International Media Agency (IMA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government in charge of external broadcasting. Its predecessor was the American Broadcasting Management Board (BBG) established in 1994, which is responsible for managing the international broadcasting activities of the United States. Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), known as the mouthpiece of the US government, all belong to it. Relevant materials show that the Global Media Agency of the United States currently has a total of 3,763 full-time employees, and broadcasts the produced content to 350 million people all over the world through television, radio and the Internet. Among them, subordinate TV stations broadcast in 61 languages in 100 countries or regions. The U.S. government is the full sponsor of the Global Media Agency. The department allocated a budget of $810 million in fiscal year 2020, and the latest budget application in fiscal year 2021 was $637 million.

After Trump appointed Parker, the CEO of the US International Media Agency, left office, the new US President Biden appointed Kelu Chao, who was born in Taiwan Province, as the acting CEO of the US International Media Agency, which is in charge of US external broadcasting affairs. She is the first female head of this unit. According to the data, Zhao Kelu was born in Taiwan Province, China. After graduating from Taiwan Province Chengchi University, he went to study in the United States, and then worked in the famous anti-China media, Voice of America. Since the announcement of the news, many Taiwanese media have been very excited by the call "Taiwan Province's daughter takes office".

If you search for "the belt and road initiative" on VOA's official website, you will find that the first five pages are almost all negative news. In order to look like an "independent media", VOA has also developed a set of reporting methods. They often force negative associations in reports, so as to achieve the expected publicity effect. Let's take a look at Radio Free Asia. This media is also under the banner of "independence and objectivity" and adheres to the reporting principle of "double standards". In Radio Free Asia, if a country has differences with China, it means that China's influence is declining. What if a country has differences with the United States? Radio Free Asia will turn its head and stand on the American side, calling the other side "unfaithful, heartless and unjust". Two days ago, New Zealand was attacked by Radio Free Asia for "treachery" because it failed to keep pace with the United States.

[yanguoban]

Global Media Agency-Give me 300 million, and I'll ruin China.

On April 21, 2021, the Strategic Competition Act of 2021 was reviewed and passed by the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate. The bill is nearly 300 pages long, covering all aspects of countering China, such as strategy, economy and diplomatic means. Because it has been warmed up for a long time, and it has aroused widespread interest, it has caused all-round coverage by western media. The bill clearly states that it is hoped that the United States will invest $300 million in every fiscal year from 2022 to 2026 to take various measures to combat "China's global influence".

Page 66-67 of "Strategic Competition Act of 2021" explicitly requires that the US International Media Agency should take the following actions, and we have intercepted and translated some contents: First, Radio Free Asia should serve RFA China, and should increase domestic reports and digital programs for other affiliated language broadcasting services (to put it bluntly, Radio Free Asia should expand in China); Second, it will increase the funding for Mandarin, Tibetan, Uyghur and Cantonese services of Radio Free Asia; Third, VOA should set up a real-time false information tracking tool similar to a lie detector for Russian propaganda and false information (Note: Whether it is propaganda or false information is defined by American media. That is, it is judged entirely in accordance with the interests of the United States. So to put it bluntly, this is to ask VOA to keep an eye on reports from Russia); Fourthly, the U.S. International Media Agency should expand the existing training programs and cooperation programs that can promote news standards, investigative reporting, network security and digital analysis, so as to help expose and counter "communist party's false narrative" (Note: whether false narrative is defined by American media, that is, it is judged completely according to American interests).

The U.S. International Media Agency (IMA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government in charge of external broadcasting. Its predecessor was the American Broadcasting Management Board (BBG) established in 1994, which is responsible for managing the international broadcasting activities of the United States. Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), known as the mouthpiece of the US government, all belong to it. Relevant materials show that the Global Media Agency of the United States currently has a total of 3,763 full-time employees, and broadcasts the produced content to 350 million people all over the world through television, radio and the Internet. Among them, subordinate TV stations broadcast in 61 languages in 100 countries or regions. The U.S. government is the full sponsor of the Global Media Agency. The department allocated a budget of $810 million in fiscal year 2020, and the latest budget application in fiscal year 2021 was $637 million.

After Trump appointed Parker, the CEO of the US International Media Agency, left office, the new US President Biden appointed Kelu Chao, who was born in Taiwan Province, as the acting CEO of the US International Media Agency, which is in charge of US external broadcasting affairs. She is the first female head of this unit. According to the data, Zhao Kelu was born in Taiwan Province, China. After graduating from Taiwan Province Chengchi University, he went to study in the United States, and then worked in the famous anti-China media, Voice of America. Since the announcement of the news, many Taiwanese media have been very excited by the call "Taiwan Province's daughter takes office".

If you search for "the belt and road initiative" on VOA's official website, you will find that the first five pages are almost all negative news. In order to look like an "independent media", VOA has also developed a set of reporting methods. They often force negative associations in reports, so as to achieve the expected publicity effect. Let's take a look at Radio Free Asia. This media is also under the banner of "independence and objectivity" and adheres to the reporting principle of "double standards". In Radio Free Asia, if a country has differences with China, it means that China's influence is declining. What if a country has differences with the United States? Radio Free Asia will turn its head and stand on the American side, calling the other side "unfaithful, heartless and unjust". Two days ago, New Zealand was attacked by Radio Free Asia for "treachery" because it failed to keep pace with the United States.