By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday&nbsp;that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed.&nbsp;

"Korea opened up two months ago … but numbers are 40 per cent of what it was before, so it's not jumping," he said.

In contrast to the greater and speedier tourism recovery in the US and Europe, Agoda's booking volumes across its Asian regions have returned to 2019 levels, although more so in domestic travel, Morgenshtern told Reuters in an interview.&nbsp;

In the US or Europe, it seemed as though everyone had already determined that COVID was gone, according to Morgenshtern, who noted that travel rapidly resumed and many people stopped wearing masks there.&nbsp;

But even after the regulations were lifted, most individuals in numerous Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, continued to wear masks.

According to Morgenshtern, Agoda is introducing more goods that will enable users to book their entire trip through the website and take advantage of further savings.&nbsp;

A division of Booking Holdings Inc., the business lost 1,500 employees in 2020 to reduce spending in the face of the epidemic. He said that headcount had now reached pre-Covid&nbsp;levels.

(with inputs from agencies)

By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels. According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed.

By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels. According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed. "Korea opened up two months ago … but numbers are 40 per cent of what it was before, so it's not jumping," he said. In contrast to the greater and speedier tourism recovery in the US and Europe, Agoda's booking volumes across its Asian regions have returned to 2019 levels, although more so in domestic travel, Morgenshtern told Reuters in an interview. In the US or Europe, it seemed as though everyone had already determined that COVID was gone, according to Morgenshtern, who noted that travel rapidly resumed and many people stopped wearing masks there. But even after the regulations were lifted, most individuals in numerous Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, continued to wear masks. According to Morgenshtern, Agoda is introducing more goods that will enable users to book their entire trip through the website and take advantage of further savings. A division of Booking Holdings Inc., the business lost 1,500 employees in 2020 to reduce spending in the face of the epidemic. He said that headcount had now reached pre-Covid levels. (with inputs from agencies)

Asian tourists to resume international travel at pre-pandemic levels by 2024: Agoda CEO

Covid-zero policies and the property market crisis have caused China's economic development to lag behind that of the rest of Asia-Pacific for the first time in more than 30 years, as per&nbsp;World Bank predictions.&nbsp;

The US-based organisation stated in a biannual study released on Tuesday that the region of East Asia and the Pacific's yearly growth outlook had been revised downward from 5 per cent&nbsp;to 3.2 per cent. However, since China accounts for 86 per cent&nbsp;of the region's economic production, a large portion of that decline was caused by China's economic problems.

The second-largest economy in the world, China, was predicted by the World Bank to grow its GDP by just 2.8 per cent&nbsp;in 2022, while the other 23 countries in the region were predicted to see average growth of 5.3 per cent, which would be higher than the 2.6 per cent&nbsp;growth seen in 2021. For the first time since 1990, China's GDP growth lagged behind that of its neighbours due to its distinct path.&nbsp;

According to the World Bank, the increase in the Asia-Pacific was being driven by high commodity prices and a post-pandemic recovery in domestic consumption. However, the World Bank reported that China's tight adherence to its zero-Covid policy had affected the industry as well as domestic sales and exports.

Conditions have gotten worse due to a crisis in China's housing and real estate development industries. According to government statistics, new home prices in 70 Chinese cities decreased by a worse-than-anticipated 1.3 per cent&nbsp;in August compared to the previous year, and almost a third of all property loans are now categorised as bad debts.&nbsp;

According to Chinese government statistics, the country's annual GDP growth in 2021 was 8.1 per cent, the strongest rate in a decade, and 5.5 per cent&nbsp;was forecast for 2022. Prior to Tuesday's announcement, the World Bank had predicted a decline this year, with a growth of only 5 per cent. The second-largest economy in the world was projected to increase by 4.5 per cent&nbsp;in 2023.

(with inputs from agencies)

Covid-zero policies and the property market crisis have caused China's economic development to lag behind that of the rest of Asia-Pacific for the first time in more than 30 years, as per World Bank predictions.

Covid-zero policies and the property market crisis have caused China's economic development to lag behind that of the rest of Asia-Pacific for the first time in more than 30 years, as per World Bank predictions. The US-based organisation stated in a biannual study released on Tuesday that the region of East Asia and the Pacific's yearly growth outlook had been revised downward from 5 per cent to 3.2 per cent. However, since China accounts for 86 per cent of the region's economic production, a large portion of that decline was caused by China's economic problems. The second-largest economy in the world, China, was predicted by the World Bank to grow its GDP by just 2.8 per cent in 2022, while the other 23 countries in the region were predicted to see average growth of 5.3 per cent, which would be higher than the 2.6 per cent growth seen in 2021. For the first time since 1990, China's GDP growth lagged behind that of its neighbours due to its distinct path. According to the World Bank, the increase in the Asia-Pacific was being driven by high commodity prices and a post-pandemic recovery in domestic consumption. However, the World Bank reported that China's tight adherence to its zero-Covid policy had affected the industry as well as domestic sales and exports. Conditions have gotten worse due to a crisis in China's housing and real estate development industries. According to government statistics, new home prices in 70 Chinese cities decreased by a worse-than-anticipated 1.3 per cent in August compared to the previous year, and almost a third of all property loans are now categorised as bad debts. According to Chinese government statistics, the country's annual GDP growth in 2021 was 8.1 per cent, the strongest rate in a decade, and 5.5 per cent was forecast for 2022. Prior to Tuesday's announcement, the World Bank had predicted a decline this year, with a growth of only 5 per cent. The second-largest economy in the world was projected to increase by 4.5 per cent in 2023. (with inputs from agencies)

China’s economic growth lags Asia-Pacific region for first time in 30 years: Report

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union&nbsp;announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

As the fifth and final day of voting began, Josep Borrell's spokesperson, Peter Stano, warned journalists that "there would be consequences for all people who participate in the illegal, illegitimate referendums."&nbsp;

According to Luc Devigne, a senior member of Borrell's foreign policy team, "we will put in individuals that are obviously linked to the recent steps with these referendums" in the sanctions package.

The 27 EU members are debating new penalties on Russia for staging the referendum, which was generally viewed as a "sham" in the West.&nbsp;

Both Stano and Devigne emphasised that the EU would not recognise the outcomes of Russia's "referendums," which are anticipated to result in President Vladimir Putin announcing the annexation of the four regions of Ukraine as early as this Friday.&nbsp;

The voting is conducted in the same manner as the voting that Russia conducted in 2014 in the Crimea region of Ukraine that was occupied; as a result, Moscow annexed Crimea, a move that was not recognised internationally save by a small number of Russian supporters.

Several invited EU residents have participated in the vote in the Ukrainian regions as Russian-backed poll "observers," including a German energy firm CEO and a far-right French politician, according to reports.&nbsp;

If proven to have violated EU sanctions, Stano claimed they ran the danger of being penalised.

(with inputs from agencies)

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union announced on Tuesday.

Organisers of "illegal" votes in four seized regions of Ukraine, which Russia is holding as "referendums" with the intention of annexing, may face sanctions, the European Union announced on Tuesday. As the fifth and final day of voting began, Josep Borrell's spokesperson, Peter Stano, warned journalists that "there would be consequences for all people who participate in the illegal, illegitimate referendums." According to Luc Devigne, a senior member of Borrell's foreign policy team, "we will put in individuals that are obviously linked to the recent steps with these referendums" in the sanctions package. The 27 EU members are debating new penalties on Russia for staging the referendum, which was generally viewed as a "sham" in the West. Both Stano and Devigne emphasised that the EU would not recognise the outcomes of Russia's "referendums," which are anticipated to result in President Vladimir Putin announcing the annexation of the four regions of Ukraine as early as this Friday. The voting is conducted in the same manner as the voting that Russia conducted in 2014 in the Crimea region of Ukraine that was occupied; as a result, Moscow annexed Crimea, a move that was not recognised internationally save by a small number of Russian supporters. Several invited EU residents have participated in the vote in the Ukrainian regions as Russian-backed poll "observers," including a German energy firm CEO and a far-right French politician, according to reports. If proven to have violated EU sanctions, Stano claimed they ran the danger of being penalised. (with inputs from agencies)

EU to sanction organisers of 'illegal' votes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine

In pics: Russian call for mobilisation sparks mass exodus

Indian firms would likely increase employee compensation by 10.4 per cent&nbsp;in 2023, which would be virtually in line with the 10.6 per cent&nbsp;increase seen so far in 2022, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

The likelihood of a double-digit pay hike comes as the south Asian nation struggles with skyrocketing inflation amid concerns of a recession in the global economy. In August, India's inflation increased to 7 per cent, continuing an eight-month streak in which it exceeded the central bank's tolerance target.&nbsp;

In a statement based on a poll, Roopank Chaudhary, partner, of human capital solutions at Aon in India, said that the compensation boost reflects "the confidence that corporate India has in its strong business performance."

Data from 1,300 businesses in more than 40 categories were analysed for the survey.&nbsp;

The impact of increased costs and salary pressures must be balanced, Chaudhary added, with the relatively high rate of turnover and the continuous need for vital talent.&nbsp;

The study revealed that staff departures were still high in the first half of this year (20.3 per cent), but slightly lower than the 21 per cent&nbsp;in 2021.&nbsp;

With a forecasted pay growth of 12.8 per cent, e-commerce tops all other sectors, followed by start-ups, hi-tech/information technology and IT-enabled services, 11.3 per cent, and financial institutions, 10.7 per cent.

(with inputs from agencies)

Indian firms would likely increase employee compensation by 10.4 per cent in 2023, which would be virtually in line with the 10.6 per cent increase seen so far in 2022, as reported by Reuters.

Indian firms would likely increase employee compensation by 10.4 per cent in 2023, which would be virtually in line with the 10.6 per cent increase seen so far in 2022, as reported by Reuters. The likelihood of a double-digit pay hike comes as the south Asian nation struggles with skyrocketing inflation amid concerns of a recession in the global economy. In August, India's inflation increased to 7 per cent, continuing an eight-month streak in which it exceeded the central bank's tolerance target. In a statement based on a poll, Roopank Chaudhary, partner, of human capital solutions at Aon in India, said that the compensation boost reflects "the confidence that corporate India has in its strong business performance." Data from 1,300 businesses in more than 40 categories were analysed for the survey. The impact of increased costs and salary pressures must be balanced, Chaudhary added, with the relatively high rate of turnover and the continuous need for vital talent. The study revealed that staff departures were still high in the first half of this year (20.3 per cent), but slightly lower than the 21 per cent in 2021. With a forecasted pay growth of 12.8 per cent, e-commerce tops all other sectors, followed by start-ups, hi-tech/information technology and IT-enabled services, 11.3 per cent, and financial institutions, 10.7 per cent. (with inputs from agencies)

India might see double-digit salary increase in 2023 amid fears of global recession: Study

Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, warned against interfering in Taiwan on Saturday, announcing to the UN that Beijing will take "forceful steps" to stop any outside backing for the island's independence.&nbsp;

China's top diplomat said in a speech at&nbsp;the UN General Assembly session, "We must combat Taiwan independence separatist activities with the firmest resolve and take the most forceful steps to oppose external interference."&nbsp;

He continued, "Any move to obstruct China's reunification is bound to be crushed by the wheels of history."

Wang had a lengthy meeting with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, on Friday in New York. After the meeting, China accused the United States of giving Taiwan "very wrong, dangerous signals" after Blinken stressed to Wang how crucial it was to protect Taiwan's peace and stability.&nbsp;

After U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August, which was followed by extensive Chinese military exercises, and after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden vowed to support the democratically-run island, tensions over Taiwan have increased.

(with inputs from agencies)

Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, warned against interfering in Taiwan on Saturday, announcing to the UN that Beijing will take "forceful steps" to stop any outside backing for the island's independence.

Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, warned against interfering in Taiwan on Saturday, announcing to the UN that Beijing will take "forceful steps" to stop any outside backing for the island's independence. China's top diplomat said in a speech at the UN General Assembly session, "We must combat Taiwan independence separatist activities with the firmest resolve and take the most forceful steps to oppose external interference." He continued, "Any move to obstruct China's reunification is bound to be crushed by the wheels of history." Wang had a lengthy meeting with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, on Friday in New York. After the meeting, China accused the United States of giving Taiwan "very wrong, dangerous signals" after Blinken stressed to Wang how crucial it was to protect Taiwan's peace and stability. After U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August, which was followed by extensive Chinese military exercises, and after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden vowed to support the democratically-run island, tensions over Taiwan have increased. (with inputs from agencies)

Beijing would take 'forceful steps' to prevent any outside support for Taiwan's independence: Chinese FM

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water.&nbsp;

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power after the storm struck Canada's east coast on Saturday.&nbsp;

Although scientists have not yet concluded that Fiona's behaviour or severity was influenced by climate change, there is compelling evidence that these catastrophic storms are getting worse.

Does climate change affect hurricanes?

Yes, hurricanes are becoming wetter, windier, and generally more powerful as a result of climate change. Additionally, there is proof that it is making storms move more slowly, allowing them to dump more water in one location.&nbsp;

Climate change would have caused the earth to become much hotter if it weren't for the oceans. However, over the past 40 years, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the warming brought on by emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Near the water's surface, the majority of this ocean heat is concentrated. Stronger winds and increased storm severity may result from this added heat.&nbsp;

Additionally, a storm's ability to produce more rainfall can increase due to climate change. A warmer environment can store more moisture, thus water vapour accumulates until clouds form and raindrops are released, sending down heavy rain.

'Season' for hurricanes is changing

The normal "season" for hurricanes is changing as a result of climate change since more months of the year are becoming storm-friendly. Additionally, hurricanes are making landfall in places that deviate greatly from the historical norm.&nbsp;

With over 120 direct impacts since 1851, Florida has experienced the most hurricane landfalls in the United States. However, certain storms are becoming more intense and making landfall further north than they did in the past; this poleward shift, according to scientists, may be caused by the increase in global air and ocean temperatures.&nbsp;

According to Florida State University atmospheric scientist Allison Wing, this tendency is concerning for mid-latitude cities like New York, Boston, Beijing, and Tokyo because their "infrastructure is not prepared" for such storms.

However, it's uncertain whether climate change is having an impact on the frequency of storms. According to a study published in December in Nature Communications, one group of experts recently claimed to detect a rise in the frequency of North Atlantic storms during the previous 150 years. Yet the further study is being done.

How do hurricanes form?

Warm ocean water and humid, moist air are the two key components needed for hurricanes. Warm seawater evaporates, releasing heat energy into the atmosphere. The storm's winds become stronger as a result. Without it, hurricanes can't become stronger and will eventually die.

Cyclone, typhoon, hurricane - what's the difference?

These large storms have varied names based on where and how they formed, although theoretically being the same phenomenon.&nbsp;

When storms that develop over the Atlantic Ocean or the central and eastern North Pacific attain wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour, they are referred to be "hurricanes" (119 kilometres per hour). They are referred to be "tropical storms" up until that moment.&nbsp;

Typhoons in East Asia are the name given to ferocious, spinning storms that develop over the Northwest Pacific, while "cyclones" develop across the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water.

After a relatively calm beginning to the season, Hurricane Fiona pounded the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, leaving more than 1 million people without power or running water. Thousands of homes and businesses lost power after the storm struck Canada's east coast on Saturday. Although scientists have not yet concluded that Fiona's behaviour or severity was influenced by climate change, there is compelling evidence that these catastrophic storms are getting worse. Does climate change affect hurricanes? Yes, hurricanes are becoming wetter, windier, and generally more powerful as a result of climate change. Additionally, there is proof that it is making storms move more slowly, allowing them to dump more water in one location. Climate change would have caused the earth to become much hotter if it weren't for the oceans. However, over the past 40 years, the ocean has absorbed 90% of the warming brought on by emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Near the water's surface, the majority of this ocean heat is concentrated. Stronger winds and increased storm severity may result from this added heat. Additionally, a storm's ability to produce more rainfall can increase due to climate change. A warmer environment can store more moisture, thus water vapour accumulates until clouds form and raindrops are released, sending down heavy rain. 'Season' for hurricanes is changing The normal "season" for hurricanes is changing as a result of climate change since more months of the year are becoming storm-friendly. Additionally, hurricanes are making landfall in places that deviate greatly from the historical norm. With over 120 direct impacts since 1851, Florida has experienced the most hurricane landfalls in the United States. However, certain storms are becoming more intense and making landfall further north than they did in the past; this poleward shift, according to scientists, may be caused by the increase in global air and ocean temperatures. According to Florida State University atmospheric scientist Allison Wing, this tendency is concerning for mid-latitude cities like New York, Boston, Beijing, and Tokyo because their "infrastructure is not prepared" for such storms. However, it's uncertain whether climate change is having an impact on the frequency of storms. According to a study published in December in Nature Communications, one group of experts recently claimed to detect a rise in the frequency of North Atlantic storms during the previous 150 years. Yet the further study is being done. How do hurricanes form? Warm ocean water and humid, moist air are the two key components needed for hurricanes. Warm seawater evaporates, releasing heat energy into the atmosphere. The storm's winds become stronger as a result. Without it, hurricanes can't become stronger and will eventually die. Cyclone, typhoon, hurricane - what's the difference? These large storms have varied names based on where and how they formed, although theoretically being the same phenomenon. When storms that develop over the Atlantic Ocean or the central and eastern North Pacific attain wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour, they are referred to be "hurricanes" (119 kilometres per hour). They are referred to be "tropical storms" up until that moment. Typhoons in East Asia are the name given to ferocious, spinning storms that develop over the Northwest Pacific, while "cyclones" develop across the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Is climate change fuelling hurricanes?

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.&nbsp;

Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945.

What would a Russian nuclear attack look like?

According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs.&nbsp;

In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny.&nbsp;

Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield.&nbsp;

Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

What would Moscow target?

According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation.&nbsp;

By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties.

Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite.

Should the West respond with nukes?

The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike.&nbsp;

NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat.&nbsp;

However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war.&nbsp;

A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance.

Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia?

According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia.&nbsp;

The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia.

(with inputs from agencies)

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened.

Serious debate about how the West might react has been ignited by President Vladimir Putin's warning to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine if Russian "territorial integrity" is threatened. Analysts, however, are not convinced that the Russian president is ready to use nuclear weapons for the first time since the US struck Japan in 1945. What would a Russian nuclear attack look like? According to analysts, Moscow would probably use one or more "tactical" nuclear bombs. In comparison to the 1.2 megatons of the heaviest US strategic warhead or the 58 megaton bomb Russia tested in 1961, the explosive strength of these weapons, which range from 0.3 kilotons to 100 kilotons, is quite tiny. Comparatively speaking, tactical nuclear weapons are made to fight and win full-scale battles, whereas strategic nuclear weapons are intended to have a limited effect on the battlefield. Small and limited, however, are relative terms: Only 15 kilotons of nuclear energy were included in the deadly atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. What would Moscow target? According to analysts, Russia would want to divide Ukraine's Western backers and terrify it into submission to discussions if it used a tactical nuclear bomb on the nation. By detonating a nuclear bomb over water or high over Ukraine to create an electromagnetic pulse that would disable electronic equipment, Moscow could make a powerful statement and prevent serious casualties. Putin might even choose to cause much more havoc and death by striking a Ukrainian military post or a major city like Kiev, which would likely result in many casualties and the possible assassination of the nation's ruling elite. Should the West respond with nukes? The options are difficult, and the West hasn't made it clear how it would react to a tactical nuclear strike. NATO and the United States do not want to come across as being unprepared for an implicit nuclear threat. However, they would also want to rule out the prospect that the conflict in Ukraine, which is not a member of NATO, could spread and turn into a terrible global nuclear war. A nuclear reaction could be rejected by some NATO members, which would help Putin's efforts to erode the alliance. Give Ukraine the ability to attack Russia? According to experts, it might be more beneficial to respond to a Russian nuclear assault in a more traditional military or diplomatic manner and to provide Ukraine with more potent weapons so that it can attack Russia. The US may also provide Ukraine with NATO aircraft, Patriot and THAAD anti-missile batteries, and ATACMS long-range missiles that Ukraine forces might employ to launch attacks inside Russia. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Can Putin actually unleash nuclear weapons on Ukraine?

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old cosplayer Andalis giggles to pals as he pulls a stiff green pleather coat over his head and shoulders, saying, "There's so much fur in my mouth."&nbsp;

He decided to dress up as Aratak, the middle-aged Banuk tribe chieftain from the well-known video game Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wild, this year.

The return of Comic-Con Africa has been eagerly awaited by cosplayers and fans following a two-year Covid sabbatical.&nbsp;

Thousands of people gathered at a sizable expo centre next to the FNB Stadium, which served as the site of the FIFA 2010 World Cup final, on Saturday dressed as superheroes, clowns, and aliens in bright masks, sci-fi outfits, and bizarre wigs.&nbsp;

Visitors to the Stranger Things escape rooms, temporary tattoo parlours, and comic refuge were greeted by loud music.

Celebrities from all walks of life will be attending this year's events, including Jamie Campbell Bower, an award-winning actor from Stranger Things and the Twilight series, among others.&nbsp;

South of the commercial capital Johannesburg, at the national leisure centre, is where Africa's third comic convention is taking place. In 2018, the event made its debut in Africa.&nbsp;

In a country where the cosplay industry is not yet as significant as it is in more developed nations, the four-day pop culture festival has received plaudits for giving cosplayers a platform.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent.

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent. The 32-year-old cosplayer Andalis giggles to pals as he pulls a stiff green pleather coat over his head and shoulders, saying, "There's so much fur in my mouth." He decided to dress up as Aratak, the middle-aged Banuk tribe chieftain from the well-known video game Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wild, this year. The return of Comic-Con Africa has been eagerly awaited by cosplayers and fans following a two-year Covid sabbatical. Thousands of people gathered at a sizable expo centre next to the FNB Stadium, which served as the site of the FIFA 2010 World Cup final, on Saturday dressed as superheroes, clowns, and aliens in bright masks, sci-fi outfits, and bizarre wigs. Visitors to the Stranger Things escape rooms, temporary tattoo parlours, and comic refuge were greeted by loud music. Celebrities from all walks of life will be attending this year's events, including Jamie Campbell Bower, an award-winning actor from Stranger Things and the Twilight series, among others. South of the commercial capital Johannesburg, at the national leisure centre, is where Africa's third comic convention is taking place. In 2018, the event made its debut in Africa. In a country where the cosplay industry is not yet as significant as it is in more developed nations, the four-day pop culture festival has received plaudits for giving cosplayers a platform. (with inputs from agencies)

Africa's Comic-Con festival resumes after a two-year Covid sabbatical

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader.&nbsp;

Countries with robust semiconductor industries, like the US, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, have attempted to form alliances around crucial technology.&nbsp;

Regarding the alliances, Pranay Kotasthane, director of the Takshashila Institution's High Tech Geopolitics Programme, asserted that China was the immediate cause of everything.

The collaboration highlights the significance of chips for national security and economies, as well as the desire of nations to halt Chinese technological growth.&nbsp;

Because semiconductors&nbsp;are used in so many of the things we use, including smartphones, vehicles, and refrigerators, semiconductors are a crucial component of modern technology. They are also essential for applications of artificial intelligence and even for armament.

The Covid pandemic-related shortage of chips, along with a rise in consumer electronics demand and supply chain interruptions, brought the significance of chips into sharp focus.&nbsp;

Governments all across the world were informed of the necessity to secure chip supplies as a result. President Joe Biden of the United States has promoted the revival of the industry.&nbsp;

The largest chip importer in the world, China is a crucial market for chip manufacturers worldwide, including Qualcomm in the United States and Samsung in South Korea. Political and commercial interactions may lead to increased conflict between governments in these high-tech alliances.

(with inputs from agencies)

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader.

The world's major chip-producing nations, including the United States, are joining together in part to secure their supply chains for semiconductors and prevent China from overtaking them as the market leader. Countries with robust semiconductor industries, like the US, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, have attempted to form alliances around crucial technology. Regarding the alliances, Pranay Kotasthane, director of the Takshashila Institution's High Tech Geopolitics Programme, asserted that China was the immediate cause of everything. The collaboration highlights the significance of chips for national security and economies, as well as the desire of nations to halt Chinese technological growth. Because semiconductors are used in so many of the things we use, including smartphones, vehicles, and refrigerators, semiconductors are a crucial component of modern technology. They are also essential for applications of artificial intelligence and even for armament. The Covid pandemic-related shortage of chips, along with a rise in consumer electronics demand and supply chain interruptions, brought the significance of chips into sharp focus. Governments all across the world were informed of the necessity to secure chip supplies as a result. President Joe Biden of the United States has promoted the revival of the industry. The largest chip importer in the world, China is a crucial market for chip manufacturers worldwide, including Qualcomm in the United States and Samsung in South Korea. Political and commercial interactions may lead to increased conflict between governments in these high-tech alliances. (with inputs from agencies)

US and allies join forces on semiconductor supply to stop China's advancement

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers.&nbsp;

The chair is constructed in a manner resembling a casket and is inspired by coffin designs. While one wonders how it may perform with lumbar support, the Chairbox creator said that a study found that spending six to eight hours a day sitting increased the risk of passing away.

Humans weren't made to spend eight hours a day sitting on seats, by design. Our bodies haven't yet adjusted to the entire behavioural adjustment, according to Chairbox's website. 
 
"Exercising is still insufficient, even then. Additionally, legislation in the UK requires employers to offer standing desk solutions in their workplaces. Although there is awareness, it is insufficient."&nbsp;

Nevertheless, he continued, "The whole grind culture is just wrong, it feels to me like voluntary slavery," as he spoke about propagating the "grind culture" idea. "We've been gaslit into thinking that this is life as it supposes to be. We sit in those coffins and generate value for the stakeholders, but once the time has come they nail the lid and roll us to the corporate cemetery," he added.

When asked when the inspiration struck, Chairbox told Designboom that it did so as he was sitting on the couch with his legs propped up on the floor in his friend's living room. He jokingly said,&nbsp;"I thought that if I die in this pose, they might have to bury me like that. It would be so inconvenient to put me in a coffin. They probably would need a special coffin in this case."

"I told my friend about it, and we laughed, but after a couple of weeks, I returned to that idea and explored it a bit more. Later, I made a 3D model in CAD software, rendered it, and posted online," he added.

(with inputs from agencies)

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers.

The "final shift office chair," a line of coffin-shaped office chairs created by a UK-based designer, is intended for people who work long hours at their computers. The chair is constructed in a manner resembling a casket and is inspired by coffin designs. While one wonders how it may perform with lumbar support, the Chairbox creator said that a study found that spending six to eight hours a day sitting increased the risk of passing away. Humans weren't made to spend eight hours a day sitting on seats, by design. Our bodies haven't yet adjusted to the entire behavioural adjustment, according to Chairbox's website. "Exercising is still insufficient, even then. Additionally, legislation in the UK requires employers to offer standing desk solutions in their workplaces. Although there is awareness, it is insufficient." Nevertheless, he continued, "The whole grind culture is just wrong, it feels to me like voluntary slavery," as he spoke about propagating the "grind culture" idea. "We've been gaslit into thinking that this is life as it supposes to be. We sit in those coffins and generate value for the stakeholders, but once the time has come they nail the lid and roll us to the corporate cemetery," he added. When asked when the inspiration struck, Chairbox told Designboom that it did so as he was sitting on the couch with his legs propped up on the floor in his friend's living room. He jokingly said, "I thought that if I die in this pose, they might have to bury me like that. It would be so inconvenient to put me in a coffin. They probably would need a special coffin in this case." "I told my friend about it, and we laughed, but after a couple of weeks, I returned to that idea and explored it a bit more. Later, I made a 3D model in CAD software, rendered it, and posted online," he added. (with inputs from agencies)

Feel you are overworking yourself to death? This 'coffin chair' is the perfect find for you

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.&nbsp;

The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal.

Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster.

The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president.&nbsp;

Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling.

“We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said.

The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November.

(with inputs from agencies)

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel.

A judge ruled on Friday that Arizona can enforce a near-total ban on abortions that has been prohibited for almost 50 years, meaning that clinics statewide will have to stop offering the procedures in order to risk criminal charges being brought against doctors and other medical personnel. The judge overturned a long-standing injunction that had prevented Arizona from enforcing the ban on abortions. The only exemption will be if the woman's life is in danger. According to the verdict, the state's abortion clinics must close, and anyone wanting an abortion must travel outside of the state. The decision is effective right now, but there is a chance for an appeal. Since the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that guaranteed women a constitutional right to abortion, permitting states to restrict abortion as they see fit, abortion providers have been on a rollercoaster. The judge's decision, according to Planned Parenthood, "takes Arizonans back to living under an archaic, 150-year-old law," according to the organization's president. Republican attorney general Mark Brnovich, who had pushed the judge to lift the injunction so that the ban could be put into effect, applauded the ruling. “We applaud the court for upholding the will of the legislature and providing clarity and uniformity on this important issue,” Brnovich said. The decision was made in the midst of an election year in which Democrats have made abortion rights a crucial issue. The freedom Arizona women have had to select an abortion, according to Senator Mark Kelly, "will have a devastating impact," in response to a challenge from Republican Blake Masters. Democratic candidate for governor Katie Hobbs referred to it as the outcome of a decades-long Republican assault on the right to abortion that can only be stopped by voters in November. (with inputs from agencies)

Arizona can enforce near-total abortion ban as court lifts decades-old injunction

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Chaheti Singh Sisodia

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