ses

Family Members Of Foreign Workers In Canada Now Allowed To Work: Spouses, Working-Age Children Will Get Work Permits!

After its decision to strengthen visa infrastructure in Delhi and Chandigarh, Canada has now announced that family members of temporary international workers will also be allowed to work in the country. Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, recently informed the media that his agency will be granting work permits to relatives of […]




ses

[Exclusive Interview] This Startup Promises Out-Of-The-Box Ideas For Businesses To Scale Their Content Marketing

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Ayush Shukla, Creator & Founder, Finnet Media, and asked him about his startup journey, and their plans to disrupt the ecosystem with ideas and passion. With a B.A in Economic Honors from Delhi University, Ayush learned the nuances of networking and explored it for his self-growth by building a strong […]




ses

Vesper closes $23M Series B for its sensor-based microphone: Amazon Alexa Fund among investors

Vesper, the maker of piezoelectric sensors used in microphone production and winner of CES Innovation Award 2018 raised a $23M Series B round. American Family Ventures led the investment with participation from Accomplice, Amazon Alexa Fund, Baidu, Bose Ventures, Hyperplane, Sands Capital, Shure, Synaptics, ZZ Capital and some undisclosed investors.

Vesper VM1000

Vesper’s innovative sensors can be used in consumer electronics like TV remote controls, smart speakers, smartphones, intelligent sensor nodes, and hearables. The company will use the funding proceeds to scale-up its functions like mass production of its microphones and support expanded research and development, hiring, and establishing international sales offices.

The main product of Vesper is VM1000, a low noise, high range,single-ended analog output piezoelectric MEMS microphone. It consists of a piezoelectric sensor and circuitry to buffer and amplify the output.

Vesper VM1010

The hot-selling product of Vesper is VM1010 with ZeroPower Listening which is the first MEMS microphone that enables voice activation to battery-powered consumer devices.

The unique selling point of Vesper’s products is they are built to operate in rugged environments that have dust and moisture.

"Vesper's ZeroPower Listening capabilities coupled with its ability to withstand water, dust, oil, and particulate contaminants enables users that have never before been possible," said Katelyn Johnson, principal of American Family Ventures. "We are excited about Vesper's quest to transform our connected world, including IoT devices."

Other recent funding news include $24 raised by sensor-based baby sock maker Owlet, IFTTT banks $24M from Salesforce to scale its IoT Enterprise offering, and Intel sells its Wind River Software to TPG.




ses

Amber Solutions raises $3.3M Series A to fast track sales of its smart electrical products

Amber Solutions, an IoT product company that sells smart outlets, switches and circuit breakers closed Series A Preferred Stock round of financing that equals $3.3M in gross proceeds. Amber will use the funds to support the commercial development of Amber's core technologies.

One of Amber’s product is solid-state circuit interrupter (GFCI) that basically stops harmful levels of electricity from passing through a person. It operates as a safety device alerting the homeowner of electrocution incidents in real time.

"We are pleased that our investors are embracing Amber's vision of bringing superior IoT intelligence and connectivity to a highly strategic area--the single gang box locations within the standard electrical infrastructure in homes and buildings," said Amber Solutions CEO Thar Casey.
"Amber's smart outlets and switches strategically aggregate IoT sensors and functions within a structure's single gang box locations. This means a more discreet and yet wider array of IoT sensing and control in every room than is typical today,"Casey further added.

Amber Solutions’ core markets are builders that prepare smart home/smart building ready infrastructure, certified electrical contractors or remodelers, and electrical manufacturers.

Amber products

Other latest funding news include Owlet’s $24M Series B, Axonize’s $6M Series A round and addition of Deutsche Telekom as its strategic investor, and $30M Series B raised by Palo Alto-based Armis.




ses

Smart baby monitor Nanit closes $14M Series B investment

Smart baby monitor company Nanit raised a $14M Series B round led by Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP). Other investors that participated include existing investors Upfront Ventures, RRE Ventures, Vulcan Capital and Vaal Investment Partners. The latest investment brings total equity funding of Nanit to $30M.

Nanit Camera

Nanit announced it will use the funding proceeds to expand its team of computer vision and machine learning engineers and grow its sales in Europe and Canada.

Nanit’s baby monitor helps new parents oversee nursery conditions as it has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. The camera lets parents remotely monitor baby’s crib whereas sound and motion are detected via smart sensors.

Nanit's mobile app

The monitor’s insights can be accessed via an accompanying mobile app. Nanit charges $10 per month for its premium package.

The key use cases of Nanit’s baby monitoring technology include sleep insights, behavioral analysis, expert guidance, and nightly video summaries. The company currently sells its smart monitors via its website.




ses

Arduino adds two boards to its MKR family of products for new use cases

Arduino’s MKR family of products got two new wireless connectivity boards added to its range of products. These include MKR WiFi 1010 and MKR NB 1500, both aimed at streamlining IoT product/service development.

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010

Arduino’s blog notes that “the Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 is the new version of the MKR1000 with ESP32 module on board made by U-BLOX.”

MKR WiFi 1010: For prototyping of WI-FI based IoT applications

The core difference of MKR WiFi 1010 compared to MKR WiFi 1000 is that the former can be put to use in production-grade IoT apps and it has ESP32-based module manufactured by u-blox. The former enables to add 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth capability to the application. Additionally, it comes with a programmable dual-processor system (an ARM processor and a dual-core Espressif IC).

MKR NB 1500: For on-field monitoring systems and remote-controlled LTE-enabled modules

The Arduino MKR NB 1500 is based on new low-power NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) standard. This makes it appropriate for IoT apps running over cellular/LTE networks.

Arduino MKR NB 1500

Key use cases of this board are remote monitoring systems and remote-controlled LTE-enabled modules. It supports AT&T, T-Mobile USA, Telstra, Verizon over the Cat M1/NB1 deployed bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20 and 28.

Arduino also pitches this board to be used in IoT apps which used to rely on alternative IoT networks such as LoRa and Sigfox. It promises to save power compared to GSM or 3G cellular-based connections.

“The new boards bring new communication options to satisfy the needs of the most demanding use cases, giving users one of the widest range of options on the market of certified products.” Arduino co-founder and CTO Massimo Banzi






ses

Smart lock company LockState closes $5.8M Series A to fast track sales & partnerships

Smart Lock Company LockState raised $5.8M Series A in new investment to fund its aggressive sales and marketing and partner development plan. The company previously raised $740K seed round and $1M in a round led by angel investors. The lead investor in latest round was Iron Gate Capital. Other investors include Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc, Nelnet and Service Provider Capital.

Access Control Dashboard and WiFi Smart Locks

The company’s Wi-Fi-enabled RemoteLock is used by 1000s of Airbnb and other vacation rental hosts. It helps hosts remotely provide access to guests. Locking/unlocking codes can be generated via a host’s computer or smartphone.

RemoteLock’s prices start at $299 which is its algorithmic ResortLock. The most pricey lock by LockState is its ‘RemoteLock 7i Black WiFi Commercial Smart Lock’ which costs $479.

Another core product of LockState is its cloud-based remote access platform for internet-enabled locks. It implies users can remotely manage their (internet-enabled) locks via LockState’s cloud platform.

Unlike smartphones and watches, customers don’t look forward to upgrading their smart locks or buying one when new models are launched. Thus, smart lock companies offset this disadvantage by partnering with property management and short-term rental companies to get new customers.

LockState has partnered with vacation rental brands like Airbnb, HomeAway, and other listing partners to automate guest access.

“We are expanding our footprint and moving into a new warehouse office that is more than twice the size of our current office. We’re also staffing up our sales and marketing teams. We’ve accomplished a lot without investing heavily in marketing so we’ll support that area to keep our momentum going. We intend to expand into new business-to-business and enterprise verticals where we’re seeing the market grow. We are also dedicating budget toward development.” Nolan Mondrow, CEO of LockState in a statement released to news site Venture Beat

Igloohome a Singapore-based smart lock company also raised an investment of $4M in April this year.




ses

Five Suspects Appearing in Kariega Magistrate's Court for Possession of Cycads

[SAPS] - Five suspects are appearing in the Kariega Magistrate's Court today, after they were arrested and found in possession of cycads with an estimated value of R1 Million on Friday 08 November 2024.




ses

Cadence Showcases World's First 128GT/s PCIe 7.0 IP Over Optics

PCI-SIG DevCon 2024 was a great success for Cadence. We posted the blog, Cadence Demonstrates Complete PCIe 7.0 Solution at PCI-SIG DevCon ‘24 a day before the event to advertise our IP solutions for PCIe 7.0, which resulted in a lot of extra traffic at our booth. All of the attendees were excited to see Cadence demonstrate the robustness of 128GT/s PCIe 7.0 IP's TX and RX capabilities over a real-world, low-latency, non-retimed, linear optics connector. We achieved and maintained a consistent, impressive pre-FEC BER of ~3E-8 (PCIe spec requires 1E-6) for the entire duration of the event, spanning over two full days with no breaks. This provides an ample margin for RS FEC. As seen in the picture below, the receiver Eye PAM4 histograms have good linearity and margin. This is the world’s first stable demonstration of 128 GT/s TX and RX over off-the-shelf optical connectors—by far the main attraction of DevCon this year.

Cadence 128 GT/s TX and RX capability over optics

Block diagram of Cadence PHY for PCIe 7.0 128 GT/s demo setup with linear pluggable optics

As a leader in PCIe, our PCIe controller architect Anish Mathew shared his valuable insights on an important topic: “Impact of UIO ECN on PCIe Controller Design and Performance,” highlighting the strides made by the Cadence design team in achieving this implementation.

Anish Mathew presenting “Impact of UIO ECN on PCIe Controller Design and Performance”

In summary, Cadence had a dominating presence on the demo floor with a record number of PCIe demos:

  • PCIe 7.0 over optics
  • PCIe 7.0 electrical
  • PCIe 6.0 RP/EP interop back-to back
  • PCIe 6.0 protocol in FLIT mode with Lecroy Exerciser (at Cadence booth)
  • PCIe 6.0 protocol in FLIT mode (at the Lecroy booth)
  • PCIe 6.0 JTOL with Anritsu and Tektronix equipment (at Tektronix booth)
  • PCIe 6.0 protocol with Viavi Protocol Analyzer (at Viavi booth)
  • PCIe 6.0 System Level Interop Demo with Gen5 platform (at SerialTek booth)

The Cadence team and its partners did a great job in coordinating and setting up the demos that worked flawlessly. This was the culmination of many weeks of hard work and dedication. Four different vendors featured our IP for PCIe 6.0. They attracted a lot of attention and drove traffic back to us.

Highlights of Cadence demos for PCIe 7.0 and 6.0

Cadence team at the PCI-SIG Developers Conference 2024

Thanks to everyone who attended the 32nd PCI-SIG DevCon. We really appreciate your interest in Cadence IP, and a big thanks to our partners and customers for all the positive feedback and for creating so much buzz for the Cadence brand.




ses

load via options into cadence session

What is the variable to define via selection/type for vias

I want to be able to load via cut type in the via option when I use the leHiCreateVia() function

I want to select/load to the Via Option menu on which via I want to use

Cadence version IC23.1.64b.ISR7.27


Paul




ses

New Training Courses for RF/Microwave Designers Featuring Cadence AWR Software

Cadence AWR Design Environment Software Featured in Multiple Training Course Options: Live and Virtual Starting in October(read more)




ses

Simulating Multiple Cadence DSPs as Multiple x86 Processes

An increasing number of embedded designs are multi-core systems. At the pre-silicon stage, customers use a simulation platform for architectural exploration and software development. Architects want to quantify the impact of the number of cores, local memory size, system memory latency, and interconnect bandwidth. Software teams wish to have a practical development platform that is not excruciatingly slow. This blog shares a recipe for simulating Cadence DSPs in a multi-core design as separate x86 processes. The purpose is to reduce simulation time for customers with simple multi-core models where cores interact only through shared memory. It uses a Vision Q8 multi-core design to share details of the XTSC (Xtensa SystemC) model, software application, commands, and debugging. Note the details shared are for a simulation run on an Ubuntu Linux machine, Xtensa tools version RI-2023.11, and core configuration XRC_Vision_Q8_AODP. Complex vs. Simple Model A complex model (Figure 1) is one in which one core accesses another core's local memory, or there are inter-core interrupts. Simulation runs as a single x86 process. Figure 1 A simple model (Figure 2) is one in which cores interact only through shared memory. Shared memory is a file on the Linux host. Figure 2 Multiple x86 Process – Simple Model As depicted in Figure 3, each core is simulated using a separate x86 process. Cores use barriers and locks placed in shared memory for synchronization and data sharing. Locks are placed in un-cached memory that support exclusive subordinate access. The XTSC memory component, xtsc_memory , supports exclusive subordinate access. Cadence software tools provide a way to define memory regions as cached or uncached. For more details, please refer to Cadence's Linker Support Packages (LSP) Reference Manual for Xtensa SDK . Figure 3 Demo Application A demo application performs a 128x128 matrix multiplication. Work is divided so that each of the 32 cores computes four rows of the 128x128 result matrix. Cores use barriers to synchronize. Cadence tools provide APIs for synchronization and locking. Please refer to Cadence's System Software Reference Manual for more details. Note without a higher-level lock, prints from all cores will get mixed up. Therefore, in the demo application, only core#0 prints. SystemC Simulation The following sample command runs the 32-core simulation in such a way that each core is a separate x86 process. It runs a matrix multiplication application in cycle-accurate mode with logging off. >>for (( N=0; N >xtsc-run -define=NumCores=32 -define=N=0 -define=LOGGING=0 -define=TURBO=0 --xxdebug=sync -i=coreNN.inc -sc_main=sc_main.cpp -no_sim Modify the sc_main.cpp generated for core#0 to create a generic sc_main.cpp to build a single simulation executable for all cores. The Xtensa SDK includes Makefile targets to build custom simulations. By default, the simulation runs in cycle-accurate mode. Fast functional (Turbo) mode provides additional improvement over cycle-accurate mode. Note that the fast functional mode has an initialization phase, so gains are visible only when running an application with longer run times. Simulation Wall Time The table captures simulation wall time improvements. Note that these are illustrative wall time numbers. Actual wall time numbers and improvements will depend on your host machine's performance and your application. Simulation Type Wall Time Comments Single process cycle accurate mode 17500 seconds Multiple x86 processes cycle accurate mode 1385 seconds 12X faster than single process Multiple x86 processes turbo mode 415 seconds 3X faster than cycle accurate mode Debugging Attaching a debugger to each of the individual x86 core simulation processes is possible. Synchronous stop/resume and core-specific breakpoints are also supported. Configure the Xplorer launch configuration and attach it to the running simulation processes as follows (Figure 5) Figure 5 Figure 6 shows 32 debug contexts. Figure 6 As shown, using Xtensa SDK, you can create a multi-core simulation that functions as a practical software development platform. Please visit the Cadence support site for information on building and simulating multi-core Xtensa systems.




ses

UVM debugging: How to save and load signals during an interactive session in Simvision

Hello,

I am aware of command script .svcf file that saves signals and loads them in while opening Simvision.

I am wondering, if there is a way for saving signals while we are in an interactive session and loading them next time when we open Simvision interactively.

Any ideas on how to do this?

Thank you in advance.

Swetha. C




ses

vManager crashes when analyzing multiple sessions simultaneously with a fatal error detected by the Java Runtime Environment

When analyzing multiple sessions simultaneously Verisium Manager crashed and reported below error messages:

# A fatal error has been detected by the Java Runtime Environment:
#
#  SIGSEGV (0xb) at pc=0x00007efc52861b74, pid=14182, tid=18380
#
# JRE version: OpenJDK Runtime Environment Temurin-17.0.3+7 (17.0.3+7) (build 17.0.3+7)
# Java VM: OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM Temurin-17.0.3+7 (17.0.3+7, mixed mode, sharing, tiered, compressed oops, compressed class ptrs, g1 gc, linux-amd64)
# Problematic frame:
# C  [libucis.so+0x238b74]

......

For more details please refer to the attached log file "hs_err_pid21143.log".

Two approaches were tried to solve this problem but neither has worked.
Method.1:

Setting larger heap size of Java process by "-memlimit" options.For example "vmanager -memlimit 8G".

Method.2:

Enlarging stack memory size limit of the Coverage engine by setting "IMC_NATIVE_STACKSIZE" environment variable to a larger value. For example "setenv IMC_NATIVE_STACKSIZE 1024000"

According to "hs_err_pid*.log" it is almost certain that the memory overflow triggered Java's CrashOnOutOfMemoryError and caused Verisium Manager to crash. There are some arguments about memory management of Java like "Xms, Xmx, ThreadStackSize, Xss5048k etc" and maybe this problem can be fixed by setting these arguments during analysis. However, how exactly does Verisium Manager specify these arguments during analysis? I tried to set them by the form of setting environment variables before analysis but it didn't work in analysis and their values didn't change.

Is there something wrong with my operation or is there a better solution?

Thank you very much.




ses

Register Classes for SystemVerilog OVM

Hi, I am uploading a register class, which can be used for modeling hardware registers. I am uploading the source code and examples on how to run it. I also have a user guide which has all the APIs listed and explained. The user guide is ARV.pdf in the attached tar file. I have named the class ARV, which stands for Architect's Register View. It has got very good randomization and coverage features. Users have told me that its better than RAL. You can download it from http://verisilica.info/ARV.php
. There is a limit of 750KB in this cadence website. The ARV file is 4MB. That is why, I am uploading it at this site. I have a big pdf documentation and a doxygen documentation there. That is the reason for the bigger file size. The password to open the ZIP file is ovm_arv. I hope, everyone will use these classes.

Please contact me for any help.
Regards ANil




ses

Antwerp builds new successes on old

Embodied by its huge historic port and diverse population, Antwerp has long embraced globalisation. Renewed impetus from stakeholders across Belgium’s second most populous city is ensuring ample opportunities for foreign investors.




ses

FDI into Lithuania increases in 2018

Lithuania is enjoying a boost in FDI project and jobs, with the capital, Vilnius, getting the lion's share.




ses

Canadian miner capitalises on golden opportunity in Victoria

Australia’s proud mining history, the quality of its workers and high working standards were instrumental in bringing Canadian mining and exploration company Kirkland Lake Gold to the Victorian gold fields.




ses

Wanted: Exceptional individuals and top-tier businesses

Australia is seeking the world’s best and brightest talent to relocate to one of the safest, most economically stable and innovative countries in the world.




ses

Insight – Cultural insights help tourism businesses welcome Indian visitors

India is one of Australia’s fastest growing tourism markets. Tourism businesses can realise the potential of the Indian market by learning about travellers’ culture and service expectations.




ses

Score $40 off the RayNeo Air 2s AR glasses ahead of Black Friday

As of Nov. 12, the RayNeo Air 2s AR glasses are $40 off at Amazon, now $399.99 as an early Black Friday deal.




ses

India raises a toast to Taylors Wines

Taylors Wines has launched in India, ahead of the AI-ECTA entering into force.



  • Latest from Austrade

ses

MISO surprises with FERC Order 2222 implementation date

MISO's long implementation date for Order 2222 is another reason FERC should schedule a technical conference sooner than later.




ses

EWC Scholarships Info Session 2024

EWC Scholarships Info Session 2024 EWC Scholarships Info Session 2024

fairfieb
Virtual Virtual




ses

Pacific Confronting Growing Climate Change Impacts, Official US Assessment Finds

Pacific Confronting Growing Climate Change Impacts, Official US Assessment Finds Pacific Confronting Growing Climate Change Impacts, Official US Assessment Finds
ferrard

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

New Report Assesses Shortcomings of Indonesia’s Regional Anti-Corruption Courts

New Report Assesses Shortcomings of Indonesia’s Regional Anti-Corruption Courts New Report Assesses Shortcomings of Indonesia’s Regional Anti-Corruption Courts
venkatp

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

In Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, Climate Change Means Billions of Dollars of Coastal Damage, Widespread Coral Death and Human Health Risks, Official US Assessment Finds

In Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, Climate Change Means Billions of Dollars of Coastal Damage, Widespread Coral Death and Human Health Risks, Official US Assessment Finds In Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, Climate Change Means Billions of Dollars of Coastal Damage, Widespread Coral Death and Human Health Risks, Official US Assessment Finds
hasegaws

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

East-West Center Releases 2020 Election Report Featuring Perspectives from Asia on US Asia Policy

East-West Center Releases 2020 Election Report Featuring Perspectives from Asia on US Asia Policy East-West Center Releases 2020 Election Report Featuring Perspectives from Asia on US Asia Policy
ferrard

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

East-West Center Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan

East-West Center Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan East-West Center Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan
ferrard

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

East-West Center Releases Updated Korea Matters for America/America Matters for Korea Publication and Website

East-West Center Releases Updated Korea Matters for America/America Matters for Korea Publication and Website East-West Center Releases Updated Korea Matters for America/America Matters for Korea Publication and Website
ferrard

News Release

Explore

News Release

Explore




ses

Sanctification: The Honorable Obsession (Ephesians 4:1)

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.




ses

Christ Is Sufficient for All Your Crises (Selected Scriptures)

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.




ses

Future Witnesses and God’s Faithfulness (Revelation 11:1-2)

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.




ses

US sanctions Sudan RSF commander over human rights abuses

Washington — The United States sanctioned a senior Sudanese paramilitary official on Tuesday, accusing him of overseeing human rights abuses in his country's West Darfur region.  The Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Abdel Rahman Joma'a Barakallah, a commander with Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which it accused of being "a primary party responsible for the ongoing violence against civilians in Sudan." Sudan has been gripped by a deadly conflict since April 2023 between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is also known as Hemedti.   In a statement, the Treasury said the RSF's campaign in West Darfur "was marked by credible claims of serious human rights abuses, including targeting of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and ethnically motivated violence."  U.N. experts have estimated that the RSF, with the support of Arab militias, have killed between 10,000 and 15,000 people in the West Darfur town of El-Geneina alone. "Today's action underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who seek to facilitate these horrific acts of violence against vulnerable civilian populations in Sudan," Treasury acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Bradley Smith said in a statement.  "The United States remains focused on supporting an end to this conflict and calls on both sides to participate in peace talks and ensure the basic human rights of all Sudanese civilians," he added.




ses

Mohbad’s ally Spending raises the alarm over alleged prosecution plot

Ayobami Sodiq, aka Spending, who is an ally of the late music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, has raised the alarm over alleged plots to prosecute him over the singer’s death. Spending’s legal counsel, Bonajo Badejo & Co, represented by Stephen Ehinmowo, in a statement on Tuesday and obtained by PUNCH Metro, raised concerns regarding


Read More




ses

Abiodun promises prudent resource management

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, said his administration is committed to pursuing fiscal responsibility, through public financial management reforms. This, he said, is to build strong institutions that will promote accountability and transparency. Abiodun made the commitment in Abeokuta during the Treasury Board Meeting on Year 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the


Read More




ses

Fuel subsidy: Editors seek tax relief for media houses, businesses

The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called on the Federal Government to urgently mitigate the negative impact of fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate volatility on the economy. Arising from a three-day All Nigeria Editors Conference in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the body noted the economic constraints and rising operational costs. It, therefore,


Read More




ses

ASUU accuses IMF, W’Bank of sabotaging Nigeria’s varsities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Tuesday raised an alarm over a plot to sabotage the interest of public universities in the country. ASUU’s National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, at an event marking the 2024 ASUU’s Heroes Day in Abuja, also accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund of working relentlessly to


Read More




ses

Challenges and Responses to COVID-19: Experience from Asia

Challenges and Responses to COVID-19: Experience from Asia Challenges and Responses to COVID-19: Experience from Asia
Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/10/2020 - 09:17

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore




ses

For Journalists, Reporting on Cross-Border Disputes Poses Special Challenges and Dangers

For Journalists, Reporting on Cross-Border Disputes Poses Special Challenges and Dangers For Journalists, Reporting on Cross-Border Disputes Poses Special Challenges and Dangers
venkatp Wed, 07/21/2021 - 16:58

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore




ses

Calling Beijing Out on Xinjiang Abuses

Calling Beijing Out on Xinjiang Abuses Calling Beijing Out on Xinjiang Abuses
ferrard Thu, 01/27/2022 - 15:11

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore

East-West Wire

Tagline
News, Commentary, and Analysis
East-West Wire

The East-West Wire is a news, commentary, and analysis service provided by the East-West Center in Honolulu. Any part or all of the Wire content may be used by media with attribution to the East-West Center or the person quoted. To receive East-West Center Wire media releases via email, subscribe here.

For links to all East-West Center media programs, fellowships and services, see www.eastwestcenter.org/journalists.

Explore




ses

Mixed responses from eThekwini residents on Tobacco Products Bill




ses

EPL: You’d be mad – Glen Johnson advises Chelsea star against leaving club for Man Utd

Former Chelsea defender, Glen Johnson has told forward, Christopher Nkunku that he would be ‘mad’ to leave Stamford Bridge amid rumours Manchester United are interested in signing him. Johnson believes Nkunku can start to have a big impact at Chelsea if he stays fit. Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023. The Frenchman made […]

EPL: You’d be mad – Glen Johnson advises Chelsea star against leaving club for Man Utd




ses

GNU Under Scrutiny: Helen Zille exposes alleged business influence over public policy




ses

Free State Department of Education halts food sales inside and outside schools gates amid cases of food poisoning




ses

EFF condemns Solly Malatsi’s withdrawal of the SABC Bill, accuses Minister of serving white-owned media




ses

The Singles' Day shopping festival loses its shine under China's lagging economy

HONG KONG — Merchants and consumers alike found the Singles' Day shopping festival Monday less shiny than in years past as e-commerce firms look abroad for growth. The annual event named by the numeric form of its Nov. 11 date was started by e-commerce platform Alibaba, which offered attractive discounts to entice shoppers to spend big. The extravaganza has since expanded to other platforms like JD.com and Pinduoduo in China as well as abroad. While Singles’ Day was previously a one-day event, shopping platforms in China now kickstart the festival weeks ahead to drum up sales volume. The festival has also traditionally been regarded as a barometer of consumer sentiment. But amid China’s lagging domestic economy, dragged down by a real estate crisis and deflationary pressures, consumers no longer go all out on purchases during the shopping extravaganza. “I only spent a few hundred yuan on daily necessities,” said Wang Haihua, who owns a fitness center in Beijing. Wang said that the prices offered on e-commerce platforms during Singles’ Day are not necessarily cheaper than usual. “They’re all tricks and we’ve seen through it over the years,” she said. Zhang Jiewei, a 34-year-old who runs a barber shop in Xi’an city, echoed Wang’s sentiments, saying that he no longer trust Singles’ Day promotions as some merchants tend to raise the usual price of a product before offering a discount, giving consumers the illusion they are getting a deal. “I used to buy a lot two or three years ago and I even purchased a mobile phone (during Singles’ Day),” he said. “I stopped doing that following the pandemic because of less income. I am not going to buy anything this year,” Zhang added. Some experts say that Beijing’s recent stimulus measures have had little impact to boost consumer confidence. “People are not interested in spending and are cutting back on big-ticket items,” said Shaun Rein, founder and managing director of China Market Research Group in Shanghai. “Since October 2022, the weak economy means that everything has been on discount year-round, 11.11 is not going to bring in more discounts that the month before.” Rein said he expects low growth for the Singles’ Day shopping festival as consumers tighten their spending in anticipation of difficult economic times ahead. Categories such as sportswear and fitness, however, have been doing well as customers “trade down a Gucci bag for Lululemon sportswear,” he said. Platforms like JD.com and Alibaba, which operates e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall, previously used to publish the value of transactions made during the festival, but have since stopped revealing the total figure. While yearly growth used to be in the double digits, estimates of recent figures have dwindled to low single-digit growth. Syntun, a data provider, estimated that last year’s gross merchandising volume sales across major e-commerce platforms grew just 2% to $156.40 billion, a far cry from double-digit growth before COVID-19. Merchants who typically take part in the Singles’ Day shopping festivals say the costs of participation no longer pay off, amid high advertising fees and unsatisfactory sales. Zhao Gao, who owns a garment factory in eastern Zhejiang province, said that after paying advertising costs to e-commerce platforms he would only break even after sales. “The platforms have so many rules for promotions and customers have become more skeptical,” he said. “As a merchant, I no longer participate in the Singles’ Day promotions.” Another merchant, Du Baonian who runs a food company processing mutton in Inner Mongolia, said that overall sales in the past year have fallen 15% as consumers downgraded and reduced consumption. Du said that while he still takes part in the Singles’ Day promotions, the higher expenses do not typically generate returns because of sluggish sales. “We are seeing shrinking revenue, but advertisement on the platform can help us to maintain our leading sales position,” he said, adding that he was considering advertising on more e-commerce platforms to target more consumers. Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms grappling with a slowing domestic market have also turned to overseas markets to seek new growth, offering promotions like global free shipping and allowing merchants to sell globally with ease. Alibaba, for example, said in a blog post on its Alizila site that some 70,000 merchants saw sales double with global free shipping. In markets like Singapore and Hong Kong, new customers also doubled, Alibaba said.




ses

Taiwan closes exploding pagers case, says not made by Taiwanese firms

Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan on Monday said it had closed a probe into pagers that exploded in Lebanon in September and caused a deadly blow to Iran-backed Hezbollah, saying no Taiwanese citizens or companies were involved. Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed responsibility for the attack during a cabinet meeting, telling ministers that senior defense officials and political figures were opposed to the detonation of the pagers but that he went ahead with the operation. Security sources have previously said the pagers carried the name of Taiwan-based Gold Apollo, a company which has asserted that it did not make them. Taiwan's government has also said the pagers were not made in Taiwan. Taipei prosecutors, who were investigating the case, said in a statement the AR-924 pager model that exploded in Lebanon was manufactured, traded, and shipped by a firm called Frontier Group Entity, and made outside of Taiwan. They added, however, that Gold Apollo had authorized the company to use the Apollo trademark. "There is no evidence indicating that any domestic manufacturers or individuals were accomplices in the relevant explosions, violating the Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, or engaging in other illegal activities," the prosecutors said in a statement. "No concrete evidence of criminal activity has been discovered in this case, nor have any specific individuals been implicated in any criminal activity, following a comprehensive investigation." Prosecutors have previously confirmed that they questioned Gold Apollo's president and founder Hsu Ching-kuang and a woman called Teresa Wu, the sole employee of a company called Apollo Systems Ltd. In their statement, the prosecutors said Wu acted as a liaison with Frontier, but there was no evidence she "had prior knowledge or participated in any conspiracy or collaboration related to the explosion incidents." The prosecutors said there was some information they did not know, including the exact identities of the Frontier employees Wu communicated with. It said one person was called "T" and was presumably the head of Frontier, while another was called "M" and was presumably the sales director. Gold Apollo told Reuters it had also just seen the prosecutor’s statement, and that it was not immediately able to comment further.




ses

Iran uses 'mental health' pretext to downplay woman’s dress code protest

Witness reports and Iran’s systematic use of punitive psychiatry to undermine dissent contradict government claims that the woman had a mental health crisis and was not protesting enforcement of the country’s mandatory dress code.