In times of conflict, the internet becomes more than just a tool—it is a lifeline, connecting those caught in chaos with the outside world. It carries voices that might otherwise be silenced, bearing witness to suffering and survival. Without internet access, communities become isolated, and the flow of critical information is disrupted, making an already…
Taipei, March 17 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized the importance of leveraging Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and technology to enhance its economic and political cooperation with the international community at the Yushan Forum, which opened on Monday.The two-day annual event is being held in Taipei under the theme “New Southbound Policy+: Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific and a New World.”During his remarks, Lai said the forum has a mission to build on the success of the New Southbound Policy and the economic achievements it made possible by introducing “action plans” that will further promote mutual prosperity for Taiwan and its international partners.Referencing the forum’s key themes of smart technologies and resilient semiconductor supply chains, Lai emphasized his administration’s commitment to further integrating Taiwan into the international community in the fields of semiconductors and smart applications.The New Southbound Policy, launched by Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), aims to deepen economic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and ASEAN nations, Oceanic countries, and India.Lai said that in the past Taiwanese industries transitioned from “moving westward across the Taiwan Strait to shifting southbound to working closer with the north.””But now, we are confidently stepping across the Pacific reaching eastwards to the Americas and other regions while staying firmly rooted in Taiwan,” he said.”Our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Taiwan will continue to engage with the world and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan,” he said.The Yushan Forum, jointly hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, aims to deepen Taiwan’s partnerships with countries in Asia and beyond by fostering regional dialogue, expanding multilateral opportunities for cooperation, and facilitating exchanges of ideas among talent in technology and social initiatives, according to the event’s website.At Monday’s event, foreign dignitaries emphasized the importance of Taiwan Strait security for both the global economy and international stability.American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said that every country has a stake in preserving peace in the Taiwan Strait, and the United States is no different.The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Greene said, “has underscored that we have an abiding interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of peace and stability in the international community.”Conservative estimates have put the cost of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait at over 10 percent of global GDP — greater than World War II, Greene noted.”Together with our closest international partners, we will reinforce our opposition to any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force of coercion,” he said.In his remarks, Japanese lawmaker Keiji Furuya, who chairs the 270-member Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council, said “A Taiwan emergency is a Japan emergency,” quoting the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.”In order to protect a free and open Indo-Pacific, we will continue to check China and safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait with like-minded countries,” Furuya said.
(By Sean Lin)
Enditem/AW
Following the upheaval at the Kennedy Center, the Washington National Opera will move forward with the highly-anticipated “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” created by Kennedy Center’s first Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell.
The Grammy Award®-winning opera follows the life of Steve Jobs and his quest for inner peace. The production will feature baritones John Moore and Jonathan Patton singing the role of Steve Job. The cast will also include Wei Wu, Winona Martin, Kresley Figueroa, Anneliese Klenetsky, Justin Burgess, Michelle Mariposa, and Stone Stensrud.
Lidiya Yankovskaya, the pioneering Music Director of the Chicago Opera Theater will conduct.
The opera will be performed in the original production by Tomer Zvulun.
In a statement, Mason Bates said “The story of Steve Jobs is the stuff of opera. It’s got obsession, betrayal, love, passion, and the ultimate tragic death. It exists at the intersection of creativity, technology, and human communication—thematic crossroads that opera can explore unlike any other medium.”
The opera will be performed between May 2 and 10, 2025.
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s technology (tech) sector earnings are projected to grow this year, riding on stronger demand and overall recovery in the semiconductor space amid the United States (US) tariff headwinds, said analysts.
In a research note today, RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) expects earnings in the country’s technology sector to grow this year on stronger demand, with potential upside in the immediate term due to urgent order deliveries ahead of the impending US tariffs.
“We expect earnings to surge by 37.2 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2025, as we anticipate a stronger year from a recovery in the semiconductor space,” it said.
Today, the world is undergoing extremely rapid and profound changes.
The Two Sessions held each March in Beijing, namely the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), provide an excellent opportunity to review the changes taking place in the world, reflect on the path China has taken, its achievements and challenges, and evaluate future steps.
Looking back at China’s development over the past four decades, we must acknowledge the achievements it has made.
China’s tremendous development since the early 1980s, starting with the policy of opening up and reform, and especially over the past 15 years, has earned widespread recognition worldwide. Today, we can confidently say that China has set an example for poor but development-oriented countries around the world, demonstrating that it is possible to significantly improve the living standards of the population within a few decades. Through rapid technological development, new factories based on advanced technologies and techniques have sprung up. In the field of research and development, internationally recognized achievements have been made. All of this rapid development has taken into account environmental protection considerations. Air quality has improved and vast green areas have been created. The scope of poverty has gradually narrowed and the lives of rural populations have also improved. Through research and development and the application of modern technologies, China is increasingly able to compete with countries such as the U.S., Japan or Germany. In the near future, the goal of achieving longer and healthier lives will gradually be realized.
All these achievements have been realized under social conditions based on stability, reliability, and predictability. Forward-looking thinking, solid planning and appropriate actions have led to these results. Especially in the past three years, the pace of development has accelerated and significant achievements have been made. Breakthroughs have occurred in many areas of science and technology.
China’s strategy and have achieved outstanding success, earning global recognition.
China’s production of fourth-generation nuclear plants has begun and it has achieved a leading position globally in high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear technology. This has been achieved through exemplary cooperation between research institutions, universities and manufacturing plants.
Rapid development and significant achievements are evident in space research, the construction and operation of space stations. In this field, China holds its own in international competition.
It is well known that in the information age, computer chips play a central role. In this area, China has also begun to apply new technologies.
In agriculture, Chinese science has achieved important research results in addressing globally significant issues, such as the damage caused by increasing salinization. A major global problem is ensuring that the negative effects of increasing chemical use do not lead to food security issues. Significant progress has also been made in this area.
In addition to its significant advantage in research and development investment, China, with its large population and vast territory, is well-positioned to test new technologies and new technological productivity, including in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. It is important to emphasize China’s conscious policy of strongly encouraging Chinese youth to acquire the most advanced knowledge, both domestically and abroad, and to apply this knowledge most effectively in China.
I would particularly like to emphasize how China uses the development of science and technology for the benefit of its people.
I am deeply convinced that the meaning of technological development can only be to promote a better life for people and to serve them continuously. The Chinese leadership has never lost sight of this fundamental principle. Although China’s social model cannot be directly replicated in Western Europe or the U.S., China has never sought to export its system, unlike America. However, China’s experiences have always been available for others to learn from.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that there are two major powers in the world: the United States and China. In this competition, China’s developmental dynamism has brought extraordinary achievements. In many specialized fields, China has reached or even surpassed the achievements of the United States. Peaceful competition between the two major powers is of great importance to humanity and can contribute to global development.
In addition to goodwill and hard work, it is necessary for the two major powers to compete without hostility and even cooperate in certain areas. Today, when there are dangerous war hotspots in many parts of the world, the world is in great need of balanced power relations. This is especially true considering the unconventional democratic views, ever-changing world political doctrines and sometimes aggressive policies of the new U.S. administration. Only under peaceful conditions can the fruits of technological development truly be used for the benefit of humanity. This should be the theme of world politics in the coming period.
The author is former prime minister of Hungary and a member of the InterAction Council
Copyedited by G.P. Wilson
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According to leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a new aluminium frame, a redesigned camera bump, and an advanced anti-reflective display. Apple’s iPhone 17 series, expected to debut in September 2025, is already generating speculation about major hardware and design upgrades. According to reports, Apple is improving its display technology, changing its materials, and releasing a new model.
It is expected that Apple to replace the iPhone 17 Plus with a new model, tentatively called the iPhone 17 Air. According to the media reports, this device will emphasise a lighter and slimmer form, taking cues from Apple’s iPad Air and MacBook Air branding. By marketing the Air model as a portable alternative for the normal iPhone 17, the move would further distinguish the lineup.
Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chip, which is constructed using a 3-nanometer process for increased speed and efficiency, is probably going to power the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Additionally, RAM is being increased; the Pro Max variant is said to include 12GB of RAM, up from the iPhone 16 Pro’s 8GB.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s camera system may be one of its greatest features. Rumour has it that Apple will raise the Telephoto lens to 48MP, matching the resolution of the Wide and Ultra Wide sensors. Furthermore, a motorised aperture on the main wide lens would enable users to modify light intake for improved low-light shooting. It is also anticipated that the front-facing camera would significantly increase to 24MP.
According to reports, Apple is testing a 7.5W reverse wireless charging capability that would allow customers to utilise the iPhone’s battery to charge AirPods or an Apple Watch. It is anticipated that wired charging rates will stay around 35W, though.
iPhone 17 Pro Max expected Price in India, USA, Dubai Although prices are yet to be confirmed, based on past trends, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may start at $1,199 in the United States and Rs 1,44,900 in India. It is exp that prices in Dubai would be approximately AED 4,299.
iPhone 17 Pro Max expected launch date Between September 11 and 13, 2025, Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 Pro Max in addition to the iPhone 17, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday held bilateral talks with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and chaired a conclave of top global intelligence czars focusing on boosting cooperation in confronting various security challenges including terrorism and threats posed by emerging technologies.
In their one-on-one meeting, Doval and Gabbard mainly discussed ways to strengthen intelligence sharing and working closely in the security domain in sync with the India-US global strategic partnership, it is learnt.
Gabbard arrived in the national capital early Sunday on a two-and-a-half-day trip in the first high-level visit to India by a top official of the Donald Trump administration.
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It was “good discussion”, top sources told PTI on the Doval-Gabbard meeting. The US director of national intelligence, Canadian spy chief Daniel Rogers, and UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell were among top global intelligence czars who attended the India-hosted security conclave here. The deliberations were held behind closed doors and there was no official word on them.
However, it is learnt that the top intelligence and security officials focused on sharing of intelligence and cooperation to tackle terrorism and threats posed by emerging technologies. The meeting also focused on security in the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation to counter terror funding and money laundering and issues relating to extradition and immigration, people familiar with the matter said. The Indian side also raised its concerns about anti-India elements operating from foreign soil, including pro-Khalistan elements, they said. Intelligence chiefs of Australia, Germany, New Zealand and several other friendly countries of India were learnt to have attended the conclave. Gabbard is visiting India as part of a multi-nation tour of Japan, Thailand and France.
The US intelligence chief will also address the Raisina Dialogue on Tuesday. Last month, Gabbard met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Washington DC. In their deliberations, the intelligence chiefs were understood to have deliberated on various global challenges including implications of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East. The visit to India by Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) chief Rogers has taken place amid frosty ties between the two countries over the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following the then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September 2023 of the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar on Canadian soil.
New Delhi rejected Trudeau’s charges as “absurd”. The relations nosedived further in the second half of last year after Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to the murder of Nijjar. In October last, Canada expelled Verma and five other diplomats. In retaliation, New Delhi also expelled Canadian Charge d’Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats. It is expected that the case may figure during Doval’s conversation with Rogers. It is Gabbard’s second foreign trip after assuming charge as the director of national intelligence. During her first international trip, Gabbard travelled to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference last month. PTI MPB KVK KVKThis report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Aigentic Audio Revolutionizes Business Communications with Best in Class AI Receptionists and Customer Service – Technology Today – EIN Presswire
It was officially confirmed on Saturday (local time) that the United States added South Korea on the Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL), which had been executed by the former Biden administration earlier in January. Experts warn that the two countries’ cooperative relationship will be hindered partially across nuclear power, AI, and other cutting-edge industries.The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said in a press release that South Korea was newly categorized as one of “other designated countries,” the lowest grade on the SCL early in January, clarifying that having it on the list per se does not necessarily mean that it has a hostile relationship with the U.S. government. It added that there are no new restrictions in place on cooperative quantum science and technological projects, hoping that the two countries’ cooperative frameworks will promote mutual interests.The DOE has selected sensitive countries on grounds of national security, nuclear nonproliferation, regional instability, economic and security threats, and terrorist support on the SCL. North Korea, Iran, and other anti-U.S. nations are classified as “terrorists” while China, Russia, Taiwan, Israel, and India are only part of the SCL without being marked as “terrorists.” However, the list does not specify whether these countries are “other designated countries” just as South Korea or whether they are in the higher tier.If the SCL takes effect on April 15 as scheduled, South Korea may be restricted from visiting facilities under the DOE or forging cooperative relationships in cutting-edge fields such as nuclear power and AI. The department handles energy industries, nuclear fuels, nuclear weapon systems, and strategic petroleum reserves under the U.S. administration. Founded in 1977, it has taken on the Manhattan Project, which was devised to develop nuclear bombs during the Second World War, to execute nuclear weaponry-related policies.As explained by the DOE, South Korea is included in the group of “other designated countries,” the lowest tier on the list. Thus, even if it will be officially added to the list next month, it will unlikely face disruptions in its current collaborative projects on scientific technology with the United States. The fact that Washington has classified its ally into the SCL can negatively influence their mutual trust. “It comes across as somewhat unpleasant news that Washington has unexpectedly added Seoul to the list without any prior discussion,” a source from the South Korean government said. The South Korean government plans to make a multi-faceted diplomatic effort to investigate the circumstances behind its inclusion in the SCL and find ways to be removed from the list before it goes into effect next month. Reportedly, Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun is scheduled to meet his U.S. counterpart, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, in the United States. However, critics point out that Seoul only managed to hear the news over two months after it was included in the SCL, analyzing that it may have missed the right timing for diplomatic action while mired in the impeachment situation.Jin-Woo Shin [email protected]
The Washington State Attorney General’s office has filed a lawsuit against Adams County and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for violating the Keep Washington Working Act as well as assisting the federal government in immigration raids. Attorney General Nick Brown alleges that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office unlawfully held people in custody based on immigration status, aided the federal government in questioning people in custody and shared the personal information of Washington State residents without their consent.
The lawsuit was filed on Monday, March 10. However, the conflict between Adams County and the AG has been occurring since 2022. In a letter to Sheriff Dale Wagner on Nov. 22, 2022, the AG’s office, then headed by Governor Bob Ferguson, outlines at least 212 violations of the Keep Washington Working Act by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to the lawsuit by the AG’s office, the Northwest Immigration Rights Project also filed a lawsuit against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County, Corporal Evan Armstrong and Sheriff Dale Wagner alleging that they unlawfully detained Serafin Rangel Sambrano for immigration enforcement purposes.
Wagner is a passionate supporter of the U.S. Constitution and what it stands for, having signed a petition to protect Americans’ First and Second Amendment rights and refusing to enforce Initiative 1639, which aimed to increase the legal age of possession for semi-automatic rifles. On March 10, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office released a statement refuting the AG’s allegations and promising that they will keep working to protect their communities from criminal activity. America First Legal, the nonprofit organization with whom the Sheriff’s Office collaborated to uphold federal immigration policies, is defending Adams County against what they call “unlawful sanctuary state laws.”
The AFL was founded by Stephen Miller and Gene Hamilton, with a mission to protect Americans’ fundamental rights from “corrupt special interests, big-tech titans, fake news media, and liberal Washington politicians.” Both Miller and Hamilton have ties to the Trump Administration. Miller was a Senior Advisor to Trump during his first term and Hamilton authored a portion of the infamous Project 2025. During Trump’s first stint in office, Miller played a significant role in shaping immigration policy and is credited for the Trump Administration’s decision to limit the number of refugees entering the United States. In Trump’s second term, Miller is serving as deputy chief of staff for policy and Homeland Security Advisor.
On Facebook, Adams County residents have come out in support of Sheriff Wagner, thanking the Sheriff for holding his ground against the AG’s office.