Zimbabwe's Economic Diplomacy Yields Positive Results with Russia and China
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#36ae1e53 ver:0.07
Zimbabwe's strategic shift towards economic diplomacy is starting to bear fruit, with notable developments in its relations with Russia and China. The Second Republic's focus on transactional mutually beneficial relations has proven to be a successful approach. On March 20, Russia officially handed over a consignment of 25,000 tonnes of wheat and 23,000 tonnes of fertilizer to President Mnangagwa. This contribution will significantly contribute to food security in Zimbabwe. Additionally, President Mnangagwa recently toured the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) in Manhize, which is set to begin production at its US$1.5 billion plant. The local procurement of iron and steel is expected to save Zimbabwe over US$400 million annually. These developments highlight the positive outcomes of Zi...
#newstr #EconomicDiplomacy #ForeignPolicy #Zimbabwe #Russia #China #SteelIndustry #BilateralRelations
Comparing First-Class Breakfast Offerings on American, Delta, United, and Hawaiian Airlines
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#b6065b95 ver:0.1
Frequent flyer Jeb Brooks and his wife Suzanne conducted a comprehensive review of the economy class experience on Delta, United, American, and Hawaiian Airlines. Their evaluation focused on various aspects, including the 'ground game,' seat dimensions, buy onboard programs, cabin crew service, inflight entertainment, and the United Airlines flight experience from Sydney to Miami via San Francisco.
The review found that each airline had its strengths and weaknesses. Delta was praised for its efficient ground game, with smooth check-in and boarding processes. The seat dimensions on Delta were also considered comfortable, with adequate legroom and seat width. However, the buy onboard program on Delta was deemed lacking compared to the other three airlines, with a limited selection of snacks...
#newstr #DeltaAirLines #UnitedAirlines #AmericanAirlines #HawaiianAirlines #EconomyClass #FlightExperience #OnboardFood #DrinkOfferings #Menus #DeltaAirLinesFlightDl263
Tensions Rise as China's Lower-Priced EVs Become Trade Battleground
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#ac1676e0 ver:0.14
China's electric car manufacturer BYD is flooding the European market with cheap electric vehicles, overtaking Tesla as the world's best-selling electric car maker. A Chinese cargo ship, the BYD Explorer 1, has delivered over 5,000 vehicles to ports in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. BYD has received £2 billion in subsidies from the Chinese government between 2008 and 2022, allowing them to produce well-designed vehicles more cheaply than their competitors. The success of BYD has spooked established automakers, who are now calling for tougher trade barriers. The UK Trade Secretary Mark Harper has suggested using trade sanctions to prevent China from flooding the market with cheap electric vehicles. The Trade Remedies Authority is also ready to investigate Chinese electric vehicles. ...
#newstr #China #ElectricVehicles #Trade #EuropeanUnion #EvExports
Immigrant Workers Face Routine Injuries and Lack of Protections on U.S. Dairy Farms
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#c086d2cc ver:0.09
A coalition of Migrant Justice and the Labor Center at UMass Amherst has launched a new and expanded survey of dairy farm workers in Vermont and across New England. The survey aims to provide comprehensive data on the working conditions in the dairy industry, with a focus on migrant workers in Vermont. The previous survey conducted in 2014 revealed concerning findings, including that nearly half of the 172 dairy farm workers surveyed were paid below the state minimum wage, 40% worked seven days a week with no days off, 30% suffered a workplace injury or work-related illness, and 20% experienced wage theft. The goal of the new survey is to assess any changes in working and living conditions since 2014. The survey is open to all farmworkers who want to participate, not just those in Vermont....
#newstr #ImmigrantWorkers #UsDairyFarms #LaborConditions #Propublica #EconomicGrowth
Congress Expands Scrutiny to Microsoft's Business in China Amid National Security Concerns
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#d29c3ae9 ver:0.15
Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has expressed his disgust at the intense lobbying efforts by TikTok's parent company ByteDance to combat legislation that could potentially ban the app in the United States. Rep. Gallagher specifically criticized former Congress members who are participating in these lobbying efforts, labeling it as 'disgusting' .
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill with significant bipartisan support, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok within 165 days or face a ban in the United States. The bill aims to address national security concerns related to China's potential access to data and influence over content. It has now moved to the Senate for consideration .
Despite the he...
#newstr #Congress #China #Tiktok #Bytedance #Microsoft #NationalSecurity
Top Stories on HERE.news in this hour...https://imagedelivery.net/665GHToRzycMVwZ9VsJNfA/b922b94f-735c-47c2-a387-a854c2cbe200/screenshot
Instagram Implements Limits on Political Content, but There's a Way Around It
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#89d03203 ver:0.09
WhatsApp is set to introduce a new feature for couples that promises to add excitement and fun to their messaging experience. The details of the feature are yet to be revealed, but it is expected to facilitate a deeper connection between couples and offer customization options. Privacy and security measures will be implemented to protect user information. The feature will also bring multimedia enhancements, allowing couples to express themselves in creative ways. The release date and global rollout strategy are still unknown. Tech enthusiasts and experts are predicting the potential impact of this feature on digital communication. WhatsApp values user feedback and has incorporated user suggestions in the development of this feature. Once the feature is live, users can maximize its potentia...
#newstr #Whatsapp #Instagram #Couples #Messaging #LockScreenWidget #StoryCamera #PoliticalContent
Bill Maher Criticizes Government Censorship of Dissenting COVID-19 Opinions
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#2ccc6eb3 ver:0.37
The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing the case of Missouri vs Murthy on March 18, 2024 . The case, initially filed by the Attorney Generals of Missouri and Louisiana in 2022, revolves around social media censorship and allegations that the federal government pressured social media platforms to restrict conservative opinions online . The defendants argue that the government's communications with social media companies constituted undue coercion and violated the First Amendment rights of users .
During the hearing, Supreme Court Justices expressed concerns about the potential implications of the case. Justices Kavanaugh and Kagan raised concerns that the case could lead to government demands to censor articles in major newspapers . Justice Kavanaugh stated that the case raises important ques...
#newstr #SupremeCourt #MissouriVsMurthy #SocialMediaCensorship #GovernmentCoercion #Covid19 #DissentingOpinions #BillMaher
White House Offers Condolences on Moscow Terrorist Attack
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#d9ee7f5c ver:0.09
The deadly terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall near Moscow continues to draw international condemnation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken strongly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the Russians mourning the victims and offering deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those killed. The attack, which occurred on March 22, involved unidentified assailants opening fire at the venue, leading to evacuations. The death toll has now reached 133. The Director of the Federal Security Service of Russia, Alexander Bortnikov, has briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the detention of 11 individuals, including four terrorists involved in the attack. The suspects have been confirmed to be non-Russian citizens. The incident has prompted additional anti-terrorist meas...
#newstr #TerroristAttack #CrocusCityHall #Moscow #Condolences #WhiteHouse
Microsoft Gaming to Release Highly Anticipated Xbox Blockbusters on Game Pass
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#6a8dead1 ver:0.05
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has announced that Xbox is set to release a lineup of highly anticipated blockbusters on Game Pass . These upcoming games promise to redefine gaming and offer players immersive experiences across various genres.
One of the most anticipated titles is Halo Infinite, which aims to recapture the magic of the original trilogy while delivering a gameplay experience with player agency and choice . Fable, another highly anticipated game, offers unprecedented agency in shaping the game world and a rich tapestry of storytelling . Forza Horizon 5 combines racing with freedom, exploration, and attention to detail, promising an exhilarating experience for racing game enthusiasts . Avowed, an epic RPG, boasts a captivating world, deep lore, and memorable chara...
#newstr #MicrosoftGaming #Xbox #GamePass #HaloInfinite #Fable #ForzaHorizon5 #Avowed #PerfectDark #Playstation5 #NintendoSwitch
US Inflation Gauge Supports Fed's Patient Approach to Interest Rates
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#25542783 ver:1.23
US consumer inflation unexpectedly accelerated in February, with the annual consumer price index (CPI) coming in at 3.2%, higher than the expected 3.7%. The 'core' CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, slightly decreased to 3.8%. The increase in prices adds pressure on President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection. The Federal Reserve is likely to focus on 'core' inflation when deciding on interest rate cuts, with the goal of lowering inflation. The Labor Department noted that the indexes for shelter and gasoline both rose in February, contributing to the overall increase. Energy prices rose 2.3% from January to February. Economists expect officials to want more evidence of sustainable price decreases before considering rate cuts. Contrary to market expectations, the United Sta...
#newstr #UsInflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #ProducerPrices #ConsumerSpending #ProducerPriceIndex(ppi) #ConsumerPriceIndex(cpi) #CorePersonalConsumptionExpenditures
IMF Lends Near-Record $171 Billion to Address Debt, Conflicts, and Poverty
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#39618b21 ver:0.05
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been lending near a record amount of $171 billion to nearly 100 countries to address the challenges of debt, conflicts, and poverty. The IMF credit outstanding, which measures the money disbursed by the fund, reached approximately $151 billion at the end of February .
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed that the recently passed $1.2 trillion government funding bill includes provisions allowing the United States to lend up to $21 billion to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) trust. The funding is aimed at aiding the world's poorest nations and positioning the United States as the principal supporter of the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) [1985c728, 0c41ffb6].
The PRGT offers zero-interest rate loans to assist low-income coun...
#newstr #Imf #Lending #Debt #Conflicts #PovertyReduction #Treasury #Yellen #GovernmentFundingBill #ImfTrust #LowincomeCountries #Prgt #ZerointerestRateLoans #EconomicStabilization #DebtSustainability #Covid19Pandemic #G20Leaders #ResilienceAndSustainabilityTrust #ClimateChange
Belgium Defender Thomas Meunier Believes Manchester City Has Signed the Next Neymar in Jeremy Doku
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#8e869d85 ver:0.11
Kylian Mbappé, the star player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), delivered an outstanding performance in the Coupe de France, leaving his teammates in awe. In a match against Orléans, Mbappé scored two goals and provided two assists, leading PSG to a 4-1 victory and securing their place in the next round of the competition. The PSG players praised Mbappé's skills and his ability to make a difference in the game. Gonçalo Ramos and Danilo Pereira expressed their admiration for Mbappé's dedication and the impact he had on the team's success .
In another Coupe de France match, OGC Nice emerged victorious in the round of 16 against Montpellier with a score of 4-0. The goals were scored by Youssouf, Tom Louchet, Mohamed Ali Cho, and Claude-Maurice. The performance of Montpellier's goalkeeper, Leco...
#newstr #KylianMbappé #OgcNice #KevinDeBruyne #AchrafHakimi #LucasHernandez #ThéoHernandez #JeremyDoku #ThomasMeunier #ManchesterCity #Neymar #RiyadMahrez #JohanBakayoko #Belgium #EuropeanChampionship
Connecticut and Maine Experience Changes and Growth in Agriculture According to Census Data
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#227fbb00 ver:0.05
Farmers in Connecticut and Maine are experiencing changes and growth in the agricultural sector, according to the recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2022 Census of Agriculture .
In Connecticut, the census data reveals that the average farm size has increased by 7% since 2017, reaching 74 acres. However, the total amount of land in farms has decreased by 2.5% to 372,000 acres. Despite the decline in the number of farms to 5,058, the net farm income in Connecticut has increased by 90%. The total value of agricultural products in the state has also seen a significant increase of 21%, reaching $704 million. Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod account for $362 million or 51% of the total sales .
Meanwhile, in Maine...
#newstr #Connecticut #Maine #Agriculture #CensusData #Farmers #FarmSize #LandInFarms #NetFarmIncome #AgriculturalProducts #SpecialtyCrops #Agrictourism #DirectSales #OnfarmValueAddition #LaborExpenditure
President Biden Signs $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill, Calls on Congress to Pass Plan to Help Ukraine
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#610da256 ver:0.56
President Joe Biden has signed a $1.2 trillion budget bill into law, ensuring that the U.S. government remains funded and averting a partial shutdown. The bipartisan bill, which covers the fiscal year that began six months ago, aims to invest in the American people, strengthen the economy, and enhance national security. The signing of the bill was announced in a statement released by the White House. The bill was passed by the Senate earlier in the day, ending the threat of a government shutdown. The funding package includes funding for various departments and federal programs, such as Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Labor, State, and Treasury. It also includes earmarks for community project funding and addresses the crisis at the border by providing fundi...
#newstr #JoeBiden #UsGovernment #SpendingBill #Funding #DefenseDepartment #Republicans #Ukraine #Israel #Taiwan
Ghana's Public Debt Hits GH₵610bn, Represents 72.5% Of GDP
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#ee6de115 ver:0.13
Ghana's domestic debt crisis of 2022/2023 has had significant implications for the country's economic growth and development. The crisis was characterized by debt overhang, crowding out, and the need for debt reduction .
The government's inability to generate sufficient revenue for debt servicing was a key factor that led to the crisis. This resulted in a slowdown in economic growth and created a macroeconomic crisis in Ghana in 2022. The fiscal deficit widened to 12.1% of GDP, and public debt rose to over 88.1% of GDP .
To address the crisis, Ghana implemented an aggressive debt restructuring program, which resulted in significant savings on domestic debt principal. This restructuring program aimed to reduce the burden of debt and create a more sustainable fiscal environment. The crisis...
#newstr #Ghana #PublicDebt #Gdp #BankOfGhana #EconomicChallenges
US Housing Market Shows Signs of Optimism as New Listings Increase and Home-Price Growth Stabilizes
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#4e250771 ver:0.54
Sales of existing homes in the United States unexpectedly surged in February, reaching the highest level in a year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), home sales rose by 9.5% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.38 million units. This marks the second consecutive month of rising sales and the largest monthly increase since February 2023 .
The increase in sales was attributed to improved housing supply and slightly lower mortgage rates. The NAR chief economist, Lawrence Yun, stated that additional housing supply is helping to satisfy market demand. However, compared to February last year, home sales were still 3.3% down. The median price of existing homes was $384,500, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. The NAR noted that total h...
#newstr #UsHousingMarket #NewListings #HomepriceGrowth #MortgageRates #HousingShortage
Iran's Economic Challenges Amidst Norooz Celebrations and Scandal Involving Tehran's Friday Imam
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#b4621eee ver:0.04
Niger has been forced to reduce its 2023 budget by 40% due to international sanctions imposed after a military coup in July . The trade blockade caused by the sanctions has had severe consequences for Niger's economy, leading to food price increases and shortages of essential goods . Niger, as a major producer of uranium, already faces significant economic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and dependence on aid .
Iran's economic situation is troubled despite some positive indicators. The country has joined international organizations and is expanding its activities abroad to combat economic isolation. However, there are ongoing protests over food inflation and the weakness of the national currency. Iran is heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China, which charges high pr...
#newstr #Iran #Niger #Economy #Sanctions #Inflation #Norooz
Henna Art Competitions Held to Promote Voter Awareness in Srinagar
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#cb49fd7d ver:0.11
As part of the ongoing Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation program (SVEEP) campaign, Henna Art Competitions were organized at Women’s College NawaKadal and Women’s College Zakura in Srinagar to encourage students to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections-2024. The competitions were organized under the supervision of District Election Officer (DEO) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat. The DEO praised the students for their enthusiastic participation and highlighted the importance of voting in a democratic setup. The event at Women’s College NawaKadal saw an overwhelming and active participation of students from different departments of the college. The participants wrote slogans like “Hamara Vote Hamari Sarkar” and “Shape tomorrow by voting today” to generate awarenes...
#newstr #LokSabhaElections #VoterAwareness #HennaArtCompetition
The Impact of Formal Musical Training on Working Memory and Creativity
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#c35d85ff ver:0.06
In a recent study published in Brain Sciences, researchers explored the relationship between working memory and creativity, specifically in individuals who have undergone formal musical training . Working memory is crucial for retaining task instructions and manipulating information, while creativity is associated with divergent thinking. The study included 83 young adults, 39 of whom had received formal music education. The findings revealed a stronger connection between working memory and divergent thinking in those with enhanced working memory, suggesting that musical training may improve attentional processes and information processing abilities. This improvement can lead to faster memory and idea-generation mechanisms. However, it is important to note that the study had limitations, i...
#newstr #WorkingMemory #Creativity #MusicalTraining #DivergentThinking #CognitiveProcesses