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The US launches a new investigation into old Chinese chips
China wants to challenge the USA in the field of artificial intelligence. China’s tech giants have launched their own AI models.
Niphon | Istock | Getty Images
The Biden administration said Monday it has launched a new investigation into ancient Chinese semiconductors that could be used in everything from cars to household goods and defense systems.
China “regularly resorts to non-market policies and practices as well as industrial attacks” on the chip industry, allowing Chinese firms to “significantly harm competition and create dangerous supply chain dependencies in essential semiconductors,” the White House said in an explanation.
The so-called Section 301 investigation will examine China’s “actions, policies and practices in producing silicon carbide substrates or other wafers used as inputs for semiconductor manufacturing,” the White House added.
Overall, Washington’s investigation aims to assess reliance on old Chinese chips in areas ranging from telecommunications to the power grid.
The new investigation marks an escalation in US pressure on China’s semiconductor industry. So far, many of the actions taken by Washington have been aimed at targeting the most advanced chips, particularly those used in the booming artificial intelligence sector.
So-called legacy chips are manufactured using less advanced manufacturing techniques. Chinese chipmakers still lag generations behind industry leaders like TSMC, but are capable of producing older chips at scale.
This is breaking news. Please check back to learn more.
Anupama Written Update 10 August 2024: Vanraj Catches Meenu In A Scandalous Act – You Won’t Believe What Happens Next!
Key Highlights –
- Vanraj criticizes Toshu and Pakhi for not taking responsibility.
- Anuj struggles with the loss of Aadhya and leaves the house.
- Meenu is bullied by seniors in the hospital.
- Sagar defends Meenu from bullies but the incident is recorded.
- Vanraj hides the truth about money from Toshu and Pakhi.
- Meenu doesn’t want to tell her uncle about the angry incident.
- Pakhi shows Vanraj a misleading video of Meenu and Sagar.
Written Anupama update on August 10, 2024
Vanraj’s frustration with family
Vanraj complains about a new disturbance and says Asha Bhavan people are creating trouble with their flute. Pakhi is upset because she can’t sleep during the day, but Baa comments that the noise is worse at night.
Toshu smiles and Pakhi wonders why Toshu is there instead of watching Meenu. They argue about who will take care of Meenu and Vanraj gets angry and asks her to pack her bags and leave.
Toshu apologizes for not watching Meenu properly, but Vanraj criticizes her and says he doesn’t want Meenu to fall in love like her. He advises Pakhi to focus on her fitness if she can’t cope with her daughter.
Anuj’s emotional struggle
Anuj, overwhelmed with emotions, talks to Aadhya and expresses her disbelief that she is alive. He doesn’t want to stay in the house and leaves despite Anupama praying for his strength. Anuj wonders how he will live without Aadhya while Bala and Nandita search for him. Anupama keeps praying for a solution.
Meenu’s encounter with tyrants
Meenu arrives at the hospital and Sagar advises her to get an injection. As she walks towards the hospital, older boys surround her and start teasing her. She tries to leave but they block her way.
Meanwhile, Pakhi and Toshu discuss how no one cares about them and Pakhi says that Meenu is not as innocent as she seems. Baa gets a courier for Vanraj but Toshu takes it, reads it and is shocked. Vanraj takes the envelope from Toshu.
Anuj’s desperate vision
Anuj imagines Aadhya calling him, but when he extends his hand, she disappears. Anuj desperately walks towards a junction box and says he doesn’t want to live in a world without her. Anupama prays to bear the pain for Anuj but senses something is wrong when she feels an electric shock.
Sagar defends Meenu
The older boys demand Meenu’s name and she threatens them with a stethoscope. Sagar returns, gives her a charger and asks the boys to let her go. They tease him, but he stays quiet until one of them hits him. Then Sagar defends himself and Meenu and stands against the bullies.
Vanraj’s secret and Toshu’s dissatisfaction
Toshu questions Vanraj if he should hide the full amount of money from them. Vanraj dismisses her and says it is his life and rules. He criticizes them for wasting money and not taking responsibility and tells them they should be grateful that they got a penthouse.
Toshu and Pakhi are upset. Meanwhile, the boys tear Meenu’s sleeves and Sagar gives her his uniform to wear and comforts her while people record the scene.
Meenu’s decision and Anupama’s advice
Vanraj regrets that Toshu saw the letter and worries what to do next. Anupama asks Bala where is Anuj and fears the worst. Anuj returns and shows a toy keychain resembling Aadhya. Sagar arrives with Meenu who hugs Anupama and tells her about the college brawl.
They have filed a lawsuit, but Meenu doesn’t want to tell her uncle because she fears he will stop her from going out. Anupama advises her to be honest with him before someone else does.
Pakhi creates trouble
Pakhi shows Vanraj a video of Meenu hugging Sagar and adds drama, suggesting that Meenu is in a romantic relationship with him under the guise of an internship.
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Taiwan leads Asian stocks in 2024 – Trump tariffs, cloudy outlook for Chinese economy
An Nvidia chip during the Taipei Computex Expo in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 29, 2023.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Stocks in Asia-Pacific had a strong run in 2024, with most major markets ending the year higher as the region’s central banks eased monetary policy while an AI boom boosted tech stocks.
Taiwan Taix led gains in the region, rising 28.85% on December 23, while Hong Kong Hang Seng Index took second place with 16.63%.
Asia successful Inflation was brought down faster than in the rest of the worldsaid Mike Shiao, chief investment officer for Asia ex-Japan at investment management firm Invesco, paving the way for monetary easing.
“Now that the Federal Reserve has begun its easing cycle, Asian countries will have more room to cut interest rates in 2025,” he said in a note. Looser monetary policy tends to benefit the stock market.
The market’s focus on technology and technology-related stocks helped boost the Taiex. Heavyweights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company rose 82.12% in 2024, and major Apple supplier Foxconn – traded as Hon Hai precision industry 77.51% advanced.
While the Demand for AI data centers and servers may weaken After a sharp increase this year, demand for AI-enabled mobile phones, PCs and other consumer electronics could rise in 2025, said a forecast note from DBS Bank.
DBS noted that the global semiconductor sector typically goes through an expansion cycle of around 30 months. The current cycle, which began in September 2023, has the potential to extend until the end of 2025.
While tech stocks helped Taiwan recover, they couldn’t save South Korea, which was the only major Asian market to end the year in the red. The country’s corporate value-up program appears to have failed to boost share prices, with tariff fears and political unrest adding to uncertainty.
The measure of the country Kospi lost 8.03% on December 23, making it the worst-performing Asian market.
Major economies, particularly the United States and China, will have a major impact on South Korea’s export-oriented economy, said Paul Kim, head of equities at Eastspring Investments, in the company’s 2025 outlook.
“Large exporters such as IT hardware and automobile manufacturers may face challenges,” he added.
The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol will undoubtedly weigh on investors’ minds. Lorraine Tan, head of Asia equity research at Morningstar, told CNBC earlier this year: “The longer the leadership transition takes, the more likely it is that investors will be sidelined.”
Kim also said the government will play a key role in the country’s markets, stressing that possible corporate regulatory reforms, fiscal stimulus measures and the possibility of further interest rate cuts by the Bank of Korea could improve the business environment and boost domestic demand.
Outlook 2025
According to George Maris, chief investment officer and global head of equities at Principal Asset Management, Donald Trump’s presidency and the state of China’s economy in 2025 will be two key areas of investor attention.
According to Nomura, the policies of the new Trump administration will likely influence the growth and inflation outlook in 2025 in Asia. “We expect an increase in tariffs early next year, which will lead to a rise in inflation and slower investment growth.”
Nomura said higher tariffs and trade barriers would lead to weaker exports from Asia. Increased insecurity and retaliation could delay business investment in the region.
Industrial and trade-dependent economies like those in Asia are likely to be hit harder “as tariffs lead to lower trade flows and put downward pressure on growth,” Freida Tay, portfolio manager of institutional bonds at global investment manager MFS Investment Management told CNBC.
Nomura predicts Asia will also face tighter global financial conditions in 2025 due to higher interest rates and a stronger dollar.
The US Federal Reserve will decide at its last meeting in 2024 signaled that there will be fewer rate cuts in 2025 while raising inflation forecasts.
Nomura sees “different monetary policy outlooks” across the region and says countries like China, Australia, South Korea and Indonesia, which are more exposed to exchange rate risks, will see monetary policy easing in 2025.
Loose monetary policy typically weakens a country’s currency, making exports cheaper and potentially supporting growth in the face of tariffs.
On the other hand, countries with “strong growth, higher inflation and still accommodative monetary conditions” will raise interest rates, such as Japan and Malaysia.
In general, according to experts, the year 2025 is associated with great uncertainty.
Nomura analysts write that the region is “headed for turbulence,” noting that while strong AI demand and forward export exports should provide some growth support in the first quarter, the region is “heading for rougher seas” starting in the second quarter “seems” due to impacts from Trump’s presidency, China’s overcapacity and a slowing semiconductor cycle.
However, the company expects growth to outperform in Asian economies with stronger domestic demand buffers such as Malaysia and the Philippines, while India, Thailand and South Korea are likely to face headwinds.
China: Challenges and Opportunities
The state of China’s economy will also be a key focus for Asian investors, with traders looking for a “meaningful commitment to sustainable growth” in Asia’s second-largest economy, Maris said.
In 2024, China’s stock markets broke a three-year losing streak, with the CSI 300 gaining 14.64% as Beijing focused on supporting its economy.
Nomura analysts expect more stimulus from China to support its economy, while stressing that Beijing needs to stabilize its battered real estate market, repair its tax system, boost welfare and ease geopolitical tensions to “achieve a real, sustainable recovery.” .”
“This is a tall order at a time when China’s exports – the biggest driver of growth in 2024 – could face strong headwinds upon Trump’s return. Although Beijing will stick to the GDP growth target of “around 5%,” we expect growth to slow from 4.8% in 2024 to 4.0% in 2025,” Nomura said.
Maris sees an opportunity in the world’s second largest economy. He expressed himself “constructively” towards companies that have contact with Chinese consumers.
He said these companies often trade at attractive valuations “given the prevailing negative sentiment,” but should government stimulus come through, these companies would likely benefit from improved demand.
YRKKH Written Update August 10, 2024: Will Dadi’s Big Decision Change Everything?
Key Highlights –
- Ruhi manipulates situations to distance Rohit and Abhira.
- Dadi and Sanjay plan to stop Abhira from gaining control.
- Armaan apologizes to Abhira while Ruhi plays the victim.
- Dadi decides to make Rohit the boss of Poddar company.
- Rohit sets a condition: he will run the company only if Armaan and Abhira get married.
- The family is divided over the marriage proposal.
- Manisha is confident that Dadi will agree eventually but Kajal is worried.
YRKKH written update dated August 10, 2024
Ruhi’s manipulation
The episode starts with Ruhi treating her wound and thinks her plan will work. She thinks if Armaan feels sorry for her, he will fight with Rohit and Abhira. This will create a distance between the couple, weaken their love and ultimately lead to the end of Rohit and their marriage.
Ruhi hopes to marry Armaan and thinks she can win Armaan by making Abhira love everything. Ruhi plans to make Abhira leave and vows that she will shed tears of joy once her plan succeeds.
Dadi’s concern and Sanjay’s conspiracy
In the morning, Dadi doesn’t agree with a decision. Sanjay warns that Armaan has become Abhira’s puppet and if they don’t act, Abhira will take control. He urges Dadi to share this concern with the family.
Armaan apologizes to Abhira but she scolds him and notices his mood swings. After he leaves, Ruhi comes and Abhira threatens to expose her. Ruhi denies any wrongdoing and asks Abhira not to drag her into this anymore.
When Armaan shows up, Ruhi pretends to be hurt and wins his sympathy. Abhira points out Ruhi’s mistake but Ruhi asks to be left alone.
Dadi’s decision
Dadi comes and is happy to see Ruhi. Vidya and others gather as Dadi announces an important decision. Abhira stands by Armaan while Sanjay signals his consent to Dadi. Dadi reveals her desire that Rohit should head the Poddar company.
Madhav disagrees and says that as the eldest son, Armaan should have this right. Armaan supports Rohit and congratulates him while Sanjay secretly plans to make Rohit fail so that he can take over the company. Manoj doubts Rohit’s abilities but Dadi insists he can do it.
Rohit’s condition
However, Rohit doesn’t want the position and suggests that Armaan should take it. Dadi, who insists that the business stays within the family, puts pressure on Rohit. Sanjay offers Rohit to accompany him, but Rohit sets a condition: he will accept only if the family agrees to marry Armaan and Abhira soon.
Dadi is shocked at the idea of Abhira becoming her daughter-in-law and refuses. Rohit stands firm and says he won’t run the company without her marriage. Vidya and kids beg Dadi but she remains indecisive and says she will think about it.
Family reactions
Elsewhere, Surekha finds it strange that Rohit asked Kaveri to arrange Armaan and Abhira’s wedding. Swarna tells that Vidya invited them to Teej but they decided not to attend as they feared it would upset Ruhi.
Meanwhile, Manish feels connected to Abhira. Ruhi gets frustrated and throws things angrily. Dadi scolds Kiara and fears that Abhira will ruin the household if she marries into the family.
Ruhi laments that Rohit ruined her plans and realizes that Dadi will never accept the marriage condition. Meanwhile, Manisha gifts Abhira a necklace and insists that it is a token of her love.
Abhira hesitates and points out that Dadi hasn’t agreed to the marriage yet. Manisha is confident that Rohit’s influence will influence Dadi.
The uncertainty of marriage
Madhav calms down Abhira and says she will live with the family now while Charu doubts Dadi’s consent. Manisha remains determined and even vows to take a vow of silence if the marriage doesn’t happen.
Kajal is worried and decides to talk to her mother fearing that the marriage might be a mistake. The family takes a selfie while Armaan leaves.
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Revised figures show the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter
Bank of England in the City of London on November 6, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. The City of London is a city, formal county and local government district containing the main central business district (CBD) of London. The City of London is commonly referred to simply as the “City” and is also colloquially referred to as the “Square Mile”. (Photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
Mike Kemp | In pictures | Getty Images
The British economy failed to achieve growth in the three months to September. revised numbers The British Office for National Statistics showed this on Monday.
A preliminary estimate for the third quarter published by the ONS last month showed Britain’s GDP grew by 0.1% in the period. However, final data released on Monday showed GDP growth of 0% quarter-on-quarter.
The British pound was slightly lower against the U.S. dollar on Monday, trading at around $1.2566 at 8:37 a.m. London time.
Monday’s figures deal another economic blow to Britain after a series of weak data prints dampened sentiment and raised questions about the newly elected Labor government’s financial strategy.
Earlier this month, data from the ONS showed that the UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in October. It was the country’s second consecutive monthly GDP decline, following a 0.1% decline. in September.
Looking ahead, Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said he expected the UK economy to remain stagnant in the final quarter of 2024 – but his assessment was not entirely pessimistic.
“Overall, these data suggest that after hitting a record high in the first half of the year, the economy stalled in the second half due to a combination of the ongoing burden of higher interest rates, weaker external demand and some concerns about economic policies in the budget,” he said in a note on Monday.
“We expect 2025 to be a better year for the economy than 2024. However, recent data suggests that the economy no longer has much momentum as the year ends.”
Meanwhile, inflation appears to be rising again. The ONS said last week that UK inflation rose to 2.6% in November, marking the second consecutive month of price increases.
The Bank of England then left its key interest rate unchanged at 4.75%. While markets were not expecting a rate change at Thursday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, there was surprise that three MPC members voted for a rate cut (a Reuters poll had predicted only one member would vote for a rate cut would).
While Governor Andrew Bailey has previously suggested four rate cuts could be possible next year, traders are divided over when the Bank of England will cut interest rates again. LSEG data shows markets are expecting further dovishness at the MPC meeting in February, with a slim majority of traders expecting a 25 basis point rate cut in March.
This came after British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves presented the Labor government’s first budget at the end of October since replacing the long-standing Conservative government in July.
The budget included plans by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to increase taxes by 40 billion pounds ($50.5 billion). Reeves said at the time that this would be achieved through a series of new measures, including an increase in employers’ social security contributions – an income tax – as well as an increase in capital gains tax, etc Elimination of winter fuel payments to pensioners.
Some of the guidelines drew widespread criticism. The rise in National Insurance payroll tax, for example, has led to warnings from companies that they will be less likely to hire new workers, with a report from recruitment site Indeed earlier this month suggesting the scheme has already had an impact on job vacancies in the UK.
Written update from Anupama today (August 11, 2024): Vanraj’s shocking ultimatum to Meenu
Key Highlights –
- Paritosh and Pakhi accuse Meenu of having an affair with Sagar.
- Leela feels betrayed and Vanraj dreams of Meenu’s confession.
- Anupama encourages Meenu to resist ragging.
- Meenu is afraid to tell Vanraj about the incident.
- Vanraj decides to take Meenu home which shocks her.
- Vanraj warns Meenu not to take bad decisions.
- Meenu gets an ultimatum to stay away from Anupama and Sagar.
- Anupama comes to know about Anuj’s close decision.
Written update from Anupama today (August 11, 2024)
Paritosh and Pakhi blame Meenu
Paritosh and Pakhi accuse Meenu of having an affair with Sagar. This shocks Leela. Titu tries to stop Dimple from sharing a video of Meenu but Pakhi reveals that Vanraj already knows the video. Kinjal hearing the commotion asks what is going on.
Paritosh informs them about Meenu and Sagar leaving Leela feeling cheated. Kinjal suggests that Leela let Meenu explain her side of the story. Meanwhile, Vanraj dreams of Meenu confessing her love to Sagar.
In reality, Leela pushes Vanraj into action, which causes him to leave the house, followed by Paritosh. Kinjal notices Vanraj is upset.
Anupama supports Meenu
Anupama encourages Meenu after she admits that she is scared because of the rag. Anupama advises her to defend herself, but Meenu remains tensed. Bala helps Sagar and acknowledges that it is not ideal for Sagar to fight alone.
Sagar is worried about Vanraj’s reaction, especially since he would have helped any girl, not just Meenu. Bala mentions filing an FIR.
Meenu is worried for Vanraj
Anupama urges Meenu to tell Vanraj about the angry incident but Meenu is worried about his reaction. Anupama insists that Meenu will if she doesn’t open her mouth. Vanraj decides to take Meenu home and shocks her when she sees him.
Leela is worried about Dolly, Meenu and Sanjay but Kinjal tries to console her. Dimple creates trouble which makes Titu angry.
Vanraj’s reply to Meenu
Vanraj checks on Meenu and asks if she is unwell. Anupama gets stressed and thinks Vanraj didn’t respond. Paritosh and Pakhi find that Vanraj is not angry with Meenu. Then Meenu tells the Shahs about the bad incident and thanks Sagar for his help.
Vanraj decides to send Meenu back to the US, but Meenu begs him not to do so.
Anupama’s business worries
While Anupama packs groceries, Nandita expresses her concern for Indra. Anupama assumes that Indra might be busy with her family. Nandita then notices that her catering business is not growing, but Anupama remains hopeful. Nandita praises Anupama.
Vanraj’s warning to Meenu
Vanraj forbids Meenu from touching his feet and warns her not to take decisions that might ruin her life like Pakhi and Paritosh did. Meenu assures Vanraj of her respect for him. Sagar, on the other hand, decides to distance himself from the Shahs.
Vanraj’s ultimatum
Vanraj tells Meenu to stay away from Anupama and Sagar. He gives her an ultimatum: either follow his orders or return to the USA. Meenu agrees to follow his rules. Pakhi and Paritosh also warn Meenu while Kinjal consoles her.
Anupama comes to know about Anuj’s close decision
Anupama finds out that Anuj narrowly escaped a mishap. Bala advises her to find Aadya to ensure Anuj’s safety.
Precap: Anupama takes Yashdeep’s help to find Aadya. Aadya tries to connect the call. She calls Anupama.
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