Spain's former King Juan Carlos, who left the country in August amid a cloud of scandals, has settled a back tax bill worth more than four million euros ($4.9 million), El Pais and El Mundo reported on Friday.&nbsp;

It was the second such payment by the former monarch in recent months.&nbsp;

The tax settlement of 4 million euros was based on eight million euros worth of goods and services he received, the newspapers said. According to El Pais, the payment was to compensate for private flights from which he benefited.&nbsp;

In December, he paid the tax authorities more than 678,000 euros including interest and fines, which, according to El Pais, sought to settle alleged illegal credit card transactions with the revenue service to avoid being charged in an investigation and to be able to return to Spain.&nbsp;

Juan Carlos' lawyer was not immediately available for comment, while a palace spokesman declined to comment. Through his lawyers, he has over the past months repeatedly declined to comment on corruption allegations.&nbsp;

Prosecutors at Spain's Supreme Court have opened several investigations into Juan Carlos' business dealings, including those linked to a high-speed train contract in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

His son, King Felipe, is the current head of state. Spanish monarchs have immunity during their reign but Juan Carlos' abdication in 2014 in favour of his son potentially leaves him vulnerable to prosecution.&nbsp;

Asked about Juan Carlos, Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said the government cannot comment on any citizen relationship with the tax authorities, but added, "No one is allowed to break the law. This comment is even more relevant today."&nbsp;

Alberto Garzon, consumer rights minister and member of leftist party Unidas Podemos, was more blunt, saying on Twitter, "It is striking how many surprises we are faced with every month with the obscure - and also illegal - financial movements made by the institution that should be the most scrutinised in the whole of democracy, as it is the most protected and privileged: the monarchy."&nbsp;

Juan Carlos has been living in United Arab Emirates since he left Spain. He played a key role in guiding Spain to democracy when he came to the throne after the death of right-wing dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975, but his popularity waned amid a series of financial and family scandals, leading to him stepping down.&nbsp;

(With Agency inputs)&nbsp;

Spain's former King Juan Carlos, who left the country in August amid a cloud of scandals, has settled a back tax bill worth more than four million euros ($4.9 million), El Pais and El Mundo reported on Friday.

Spain's former King Juan Carlos, who left the country in August amid a cloud of scandals, has settled a back tax bill worth more than four million euros ($4.9 million), El Pais and El Mundo reported on Friday. It was the second such payment by the former monarch in recent months. The tax settlement of 4 million euros was based on eight million euros worth of goods and services he received, the newspapers said. According to El Pais, the payment was to compensate for private flights from which he benefited. In December, he paid the tax authorities more than 678,000 euros including interest and fines, which, according to El Pais, sought to settle alleged illegal credit card transactions with the revenue service to avoid being charged in an investigation and to be able to return to Spain. Juan Carlos' lawyer was not immediately available for comment, while a palace spokesman declined to comment. Through his lawyers, he has over the past months repeatedly declined to comment on corruption allegations. Prosecutors at Spain's Supreme Court have opened several investigations into Juan Carlos' business dealings, including those linked to a high-speed train contract in Saudi Arabia. His son, King Felipe, is the current head of state. Spanish monarchs have immunity during their reign but Juan Carlos' abdication in 2014 in favour of his son potentially leaves him vulnerable to prosecution. Asked about Juan Carlos, Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said the government cannot comment on any citizen relationship with the tax authorities, but added, "No one is allowed to break the law. This comment is even more relevant today." Alberto Garzon, consumer rights minister and member of leftist party Unidas Podemos, was more blunt, saying on Twitter, "It is striking how many surprises we are faced with every month with the obscure - and also illegal - financial movements made by the institution that should be the most scrutinised in the whole of democracy, as it is the most protected and privileged: the monarchy." Juan Carlos has been living in United Arab Emirates since he left Spain. He played a key role in guiding Spain to democracy when he came to the throne after the death of right-wing dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975, but his popularity waned amid a series of financial and family scandals, leading to him stepping down. (With Agency inputs)

Former Spain king pays 4 million euros in back taxes amid scandals

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.&nbsp;

Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct.&nbsp;

The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand.&nbsp;

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said.&nbsp;

"There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together."&nbsp;

Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent.&nbsp;

“By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker.&nbsp;

The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet).&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country.

New Zealand's government said on Friday that it was backing a new project that uses drone technology to understand and protect the endangered Maui dolphins in the country. Maui dolphins live in a small stretch of ocean off the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and current estimates suggest that only 63 dolphins older than one year remain, raising concerns that they may soon become extinct. The new Maui Drone Project is a one-year collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), non-profit wildlife technology organisation MAUI63 and WWF-New Zealand. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of finding and tracking Maui dolphins using artificial intelligence. The technology has the potential to compile detailed data on the habitats, population size and distribution and behaviour of the dolphins, along with many other types of marine species, such as other dolphins, seabirds, and whales, officials said. "There has been unfortunately for many years disputes over how to best protect Maui dolphins," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after announcing the initiative, adding that the government has stepped in to fund the project and help protect the dolphins. "But we need everyone to come together." Fishing companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford Limited are also supporting the project. The government has already moved to restrict fishing around the areas Maui dolphins frequent. “By advancing our understanding of how Maui dolphins behave during the day and throughout the year this project will help us ensure the measures our Government has already put in place to protect our Maui dolphins are robust and appropriate,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker. The drone ensures dolphins remain undisturbed as they fly at an altitude of over 120 metres (394 feet). (With agency inputs)

New Zealand backs drone project to protect endangered dolphins 

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported.&nbsp;

Alexander Kalashnikov, head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), did not specify where Navalny was being taken, RIA reported. It was not clear whether Navalny arrived or was still on his way there. Navalny's lawyer on Thursday said he had been moved to an undisclosed location.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved legislation to increase fines for offences that were committed during protests in support of Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny. Thousands that took part in unsanctioned rallies were detained by authorities.&nbsp;

The legislation has increased fines for insubordination to law enforcement officers. Now, offenders could end up paying 4,000 roubles ($54.30) with 15 days in detention, as opposed to the older fine of 1,000 roubles.&nbsp;

Besides this, the law has introduced fines for upto 20,000 roubles in case organisers of protests violate any funding regulations.&nbsp;

Over 11,000 people were detained by authorities this year for taking part in rallies that support Navalny, as per OVD-Info - a group which monitors protests. Russia’s Interior Ministry had put out a warning in advance saying that it would break up unauthorised rallies, and that those taking part in rallies may face prosecution.&nbsp;

Most of Navalny’s allies have now declared a moratorium on the protests till spring. His allies are either abroad or have been put under house arrest. Last August, Navalny was flown to Germany for treatment after he was allegedly poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet era nerve agent - a claim backed by Germany and many Western countries.&nbsp;

Russian authorities on the other hand deny any involvement in the incident. Last month, during his return to Russia, Navalny was detained by authorities, following which he was sentenced to jail on February 2 for violations of parole. Navalny is looking at two-and-a-half years in jail.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported.

The head of Russia's prison authority on Friday confirmed that opposition politician Alexei Navalny had been moved from Moscow to a detention centre where he would serve his just over 2-1/2-year sentence, the RIA news agency reported. Alexander Kalashnikov, head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), did not specify where Navalny was being taken, RIA reported. It was not clear whether Navalny arrived or was still on his way there. Navalny's lawyer on Thursday said he had been moved to an undisclosed location. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved legislation to increase fines for offences that were committed during protests in support of Kremlin’s fierce critic Alexei Navalny. Thousands that took part in unsanctioned rallies were detained by authorities. The legislation has increased fines for insubordination to law enforcement officers. Now, offenders could end up paying 4,000 roubles ($54.30) with 15 days in detention, as opposed to the older fine of 1,000 roubles. Besides this, the law has introduced fines for upto 20,000 roubles in case organisers of protests violate any funding regulations. Over 11,000 people were detained by authorities this year for taking part in rallies that support Navalny, as per OVD-Info - a group which monitors protests. Russia’s Interior Ministry had put out a warning in advance saying that it would break up unauthorised rallies, and that those taking part in rallies may face prosecution. Most of Navalny’s allies have now declared a moratorium on the protests till spring. His allies are either abroad or have been put under house arrest. Last August, Navalny was flown to Germany for treatment after he was allegedly poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet era nerve agent - a claim backed by Germany and many Western countries. Russian authorities on the other hand deny any involvement in the incident. Last month, during his return to Russia, Navalny was detained by authorities, following which he was sentenced to jail on February 2 for violations of parole. Navalny is looking at two-and-a-half years in jail. (With inputs from Reuters)

Navalny moved to detention centre: Russian prison authority  

Social media in Queensland, Australia lit up on Thursday night, matching the flashing night sky as users posted short videos of what experts later said was debris from a Chinese rocket burning up as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

"I thought it was a meteorite at first, but later as it split, my mate and I began thinking it was space junk," said Jasper Nash, who filmed one of the videos circulating on social media. "It was very fascinating."&nbsp;

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Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland's Centre for Astrophysics said the light show came from the re-entry of a Chinese rocket launched in November 2019, carrying a satellite into orbit.&nbsp;

Others with less expert knowledge were at first spooked by the display. "I initially thought it was something other than space debris," said Jack Robins, another observer who took to social media to post video. "To be honest, I freaked out for a second until I realised."&nbsp;

Social media in Queensland, Australia lit up on Thursday night, matching the flashing night sky as users posted short videos of what experts later said was debris from a Chinese rocket burning up as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.

Social media in Queensland, Australia lit up on Thursday night, matching the flashing night sky as users posted short videos of what experts later said was debris from a Chinese rocket burning up as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. "I thought it was a meteorite at first, but later as it split, my mate and I began thinking it was space junk," said Jasper Nash, who filmed one of the videos circulating on social media. "It was very fascinating." × Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland's Centre for Astrophysics said the light show came from the re-entry of a Chinese rocket launched in November 2019, carrying a satellite into orbit. Others with less expert knowledge were at first spooked by the display. "I initially thought it was something other than space debris," said Jack Robins, another observer who took to social media to post video. "To be honest, I freaked out for a second until I realised."

Australia skies light up as Chinese space junk burns up in atmosphere

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on people to eat more pineapples to help farmers on Friday, saying Taiwan had been 'ambushed' by a ban on the fruit by neighbouring long-time rival China, which claims the island as its own.&nbsp;

China said on Friday that starting in March, it would suspend imports of pineapples from sub-tropical Taiwan, citing 'harmful creatures' it said could come with the fruit, threatening China's own agriculture.&nbsp;

The move prompted condemnation from Taiwan's ruling party and Tsai said in a Facebook post that the island's agricultural exports met international standards.&nbsp;

"China sent an ambush-like notice, unilaterally suspending the imports of Taiwan pineapples. This obviously was not a normal trade decision," Tsai wrote without elaboration.&nbsp;

"To support the farmers, let's eat pineapples all together!"&nbsp;

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said on top of ongoing 'military intimidation', Beijing is also using the import ban to exert economic pressure on Taiwan, which counts China among its top trading partners despite political tensions.&nbsp;

"This is not the first time China has used agricultural exports to other countries as political threats," the DPP said in a statement.&nbsp;

Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has carried out repeated air missions in the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone in recent months.&nbsp;

Taiwan's air force scrambled for a second straight day last weekend after a dozen Chinese fighter aircraft and bombers carried out drills close to Taiwan-controlled islands in the disputed South China Sea.&nbsp;

Taiwan exported about 46,000 metric tonnes of pineapples last year, and more than 90% of them were sold to China, the DPP said.&nbsp;

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on people to eat more pineapples to help farmers on Friday, saying Taiwan had been 'ambushed' by a ban on the fruit by neighbouring long-time rival China, which claims the island as its own.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on people to eat more pineapples to help farmers on Friday, saying Taiwan had been 'ambushed' by a ban on the fruit by neighbouring long-time rival China, which claims the island as its own. China said on Friday that starting in March, it would suspend imports of pineapples from sub-tropical Taiwan, citing 'harmful creatures' it said could come with the fruit, threatening China's own agriculture. The move prompted condemnation from Taiwan's ruling party and Tsai said in a Facebook post that the island's agricultural exports met international standards. "China sent an ambush-like notice, unilaterally suspending the imports of Taiwan pineapples. This obviously was not a normal trade decision," Tsai wrote without elaboration. "To support the farmers, let's eat pineapples all together!" Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said on top of ongoing 'military intimidation', Beijing is also using the import ban to exert economic pressure on Taiwan, which counts China among its top trading partners despite political tensions. "This is not the first time China has used agricultural exports to other countries as political threats," the DPP said in a statement. Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has carried out repeated air missions in the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone in recent months. Taiwan's air force scrambled for a second straight day last weekend after a dozen Chinese fighter aircraft and bombers carried out drills close to Taiwan-controlled islands in the disputed South China Sea. Taiwan exported about 46,000 metric tonnes of pineapples last year, and more than 90% of them were sold to China, the DPP said.

Taiwan urges people to eat more ‘forbidden fruit’ pineapples after China ban 

The Kremlin on Friday said Armenia should comply with agreements reached with Azerbaijan after last year's Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, despite the political upheaval in Armenia, with the army on Thursday demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.&nbsp;

Thousands rallied behind Pashinyan after the army's written demand plunged the impoverished former Soviet republic of less than three million into a new political crisis in what he said was an attempted coup.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pashinyan also asked his supporters to gather at the centre of the capital Yerevan.&nbsp;

"I consider the statement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces an attempted military coup. I invite all of our supporters to Republic Square right now," Pashinyan wrote in a Facebook post. &nbsp;

Pashinyan also sacked the general staff of armed forces Onik Gasparyan after the latter's office released a statement asking the prime minister and his cabinet to resign on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Gasparyan on Wednesday in a statement said that Pashinyan's government is 'not capable of taking adequate decisions' and denounced 'attacks by the authorities aimed at discrediting the Armed Forces.'&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Armenian PM also fired deputy chief of staff Tigran Khachatryan, who had ridiculed Pashinyan's claims that Russian-supplied missiles had failed to reach targets during last year's intense battle over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.&nbsp;

Pashinyan and his government have faced massive anger and protests over the handling of the war with Azerbaijan over the conflicted region, building pressure on him to step down. &nbsp;

The massive anger is against the Russian-brokered peace deal that ended six weeks of war and ceded large territories of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Friday said Armenia should comply with agreements reached with Azerbaijan after last year's Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, despite the political upheaval in Armenia, with the army on Thursday demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.

The Kremlin on Friday said Armenia should comply with agreements reached with Azerbaijan after last year's Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, despite the political upheaval in Armenia, with the army on Thursday demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. Thousands rallied behind Pashinyan after the army's written demand plunged the impoverished former Soviet republic of less than three million into a new political crisis in what he said was an attempted coup. Meanwhile, Pashinyan also asked his supporters to gather at the centre of the capital Yerevan. "I consider the statement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces an attempted military coup. I invite all of our supporters to Republic Square right now," Pashinyan wrote in a Facebook post. Pashinyan also sacked the general staff of armed forces Onik Gasparyan after the latter's office released a statement asking the prime minister and his cabinet to resign on Wednesday. Gasparyan on Wednesday in a statement said that Pashinyan's government is 'not capable of taking adequate decisions' and denounced 'attacks by the authorities aimed at discrediting the Armed Forces.' On Wednesday, the Armenian PM also fired deputy chief of staff Tigran Khachatryan, who had ridiculed Pashinyan's claims that Russian-supplied missiles had failed to reach targets during last year's intense battle over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Pashinyan and his government have faced massive anger and protests over the handling of the war with Azerbaijan over the conflicted region, building pressure on him to step down. The massive anger is against the Russian-brokered peace deal that ended six weeks of war and ceded large territories of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan.

Kremlin says Armenia should comply with Karabakh ceasefire agreements

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected. This is India's playbook to rein in big tech. It's a template that you will probably see more and more countries adopt.&nbsp;

The battles lines have been drawn after more than a decade of unchecked expansion. The walls are closing in on tech giants. The latest blow was dealt by India. New guidelines have been introduced. These tough ones will rein in the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Three months from now, the new digital regime will take effect.&nbsp;

it will make the Indian state, a stakeholder in content regulation. The full draft is yet to be released but a few provisions stand out.&nbsp;

First, the removal of objectionable content and complaints will have to be registered in 24 hours. Following which, there is a 15-day deadline for redressal but if the content is highly provocative or hurtful as it must be taken down in 24 hours.&nbsp;

These complaints will be compiled by a grievance officer, who must reside in India. All social media companies will have to produce a monthly compliance report. How many complaints were registered? In how many cases action was taken?&nbsp;

They can't protect the trouble-makers as well. If an Indian court or the government wants to trace content on social media, the companies will have to take names. Where did the objectionable content emerge? Which accounts amplified it? Information that they have always denied. Big tech does not have a fixed yardstick. In Europe and the US, they often submit to government scrutiny.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, they run riot, stealing private data and fuelling propaganda.&nbsp;

Ravi Shankar Prasad, law minister, India said, "Every social media platforms are welcome in India, but, with utmost respect, I would like to say that there shouldn't be double standards. If an attack is there on Capitol Hill in Congress, then social media supports the police action but if there's an aggressive attack on the Red Fort, the symbol of India's freedom where our Prime Minister hoists the National Flag, you have double standards. this is plainly unacceptable."&nbsp;

There are new rules for streaming services as well. They will be overseen by a self-regulatory body headed by a retired supreme court or high court judge.&nbsp;

The content will no longer be one size fits all. There will be five categories based on age, such as universal, aged 7+, 13+, 16+ and adult. There will be an exhaustive age verification process for adult content. &nbsp;

These guidelines are in a way unprecedented in most parts of the world. Social media is internet's wilderness, a land beyond laws. For years, tech giants have fought against checks but now the movement has gone global. Compliance is the only option. Facebook's reaction to the new guidelines says it all. "We have always been clear as a company that we welcome regulations that set guidelines for addressing today’s toughest challenges on the internet," it said.&nbsp;

India's new guidelines could become a global playbook. One thing's for sure, tech giants are no more the darlings of the internet but the question is can they avoid becoming its scourge?&nbsp;

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected.

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected. This is India's playbook to rein in big tech. It's a template that you will probably see more and more countries adopt. The battles lines have been drawn after more than a decade of unchecked expansion. The walls are closing in on tech giants. The latest blow was dealt by India. New guidelines have been introduced. These tough ones will rein in the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Three months from now, the new digital regime will take effect. it will make the Indian state, a stakeholder in content regulation. The full draft is yet to be released but a few provisions stand out. First, the removal of objectionable content and complaints will have to be registered in 24 hours. Following which, there is a 15-day deadline for redressal but if the content is highly provocative or hurtful as it must be taken down in 24 hours. These complaints will be compiled by a grievance officer, who must reside in India. All social media companies will have to produce a monthly compliance report. How many complaints were registered? In how many cases action was taken? They can't protect the trouble-makers as well. If an Indian court or the government wants to trace content on social media, the companies will have to take names. Where did the objectionable content emerge? Which accounts amplified it? Information that they have always denied. Big tech does not have a fixed yardstick. In Europe and the US, they often submit to government scrutiny. Elsewhere, they run riot, stealing private data and fuelling propaganda. Ravi Shankar Prasad, law minister, India said, "Every social media platforms are welcome in India, but, with utmost respect, I would like to say that there shouldn't be double standards. If an attack is there on Capitol Hill in Congress, then social media supports the police action but if there's an aggressive attack on the Red Fort, the symbol of India's freedom where our Prime Minister hoists the National Flag, you have double standards. this is plainly unacceptable." There are new rules for streaming services as well. They will be overseen by a self-regulatory body headed by a retired supreme court or high court judge. The content will no longer be one size fits all. There will be five categories based on age, such as universal, aged 7+, 13+, 16+ and adult. There will be an exhaustive age verification process for adult content. These guidelines are in a way unprecedented in most parts of the world. Social media is internet's wilderness, a land beyond laws. For years, tech giants have fought against checks but now the movement has gone global. Compliance is the only option. Facebook's reaction to the new guidelines says it all. "We have always been clear as a company that we welcome regulations that set guidelines for addressing today’s toughest challenges on the internet," it said. India's new guidelines could become a global playbook. One thing's for sure, tech giants are no more the darlings of the internet but the question is can they avoid becoming its scourge?

India's new guidelines could become a global playbook 

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month. While the acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services, the tech giants are killing competition by making one sale at a time.&nbsp;

The most important question is that is it time to break up the big tech?&nbsp;

Turi Inc was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company, paying a record $200 million for it. It's one of the many companies that Apple has acquired over the last few years. Buying companies is not new for tech giants but at the speed at which, they are buying competitors is alarming.&nbsp;

Apple chief Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. It means they are buying one company every three to four weeks. It includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and $400 million takeover of music recognition app Shazam.&nbsp;

Apple isn't the only one. Remember when Facebook was threatened by Instagram? It ended up acquiring the company in 2012. The story was similar for Whatsapp. It posed a challenge, so Facebook bought it too in 2014.&nbsp;

Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines. The idea is simple to eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies.&nbsp;

At the centre of this is big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them is monopolistic in their own domain.&nbsp;

They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web, etc. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies are run. Others have taken privacy of users for granted. &nbsp;The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US anti-trust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market for global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.&nbsp;

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month.

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month. While the acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services, the tech giants are killing competition by making one sale at a time. The most important question is that is it time to break up the big tech? Turi Inc was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company, paying a record $200 million for it. It's one of the many companies that Apple has acquired over the last few years. Buying companies is not new for tech giants but at the speed at which, they are buying competitors is alarming. Apple chief Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. It means they are buying one company every three to four weeks. It includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and $400 million takeover of music recognition app Shazam. Apple isn't the only one. Remember when Facebook was threatened by Instagram? It ended up acquiring the company in 2012. The story was similar for Whatsapp. It posed a challenge, so Facebook bought it too in 2014. Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines. The idea is simple to eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies. At the centre of this is big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them is monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web, etc. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies are run. Others have taken privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US anti-trust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market for global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Break up mergers to check tech giants’ growing power  

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery.&nbsp;

EU leaders will discuss by videoconference on Thursday how to protect their 450 million citizens from new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus, ensure stable vaccine deliveries, ramp up production and update jabs to counter new strains.&nbsp;

Two officials with the bloc's executive European Commission estimated that around 400 million doses of 'ghost' vaccine had been offered by fraudsters at a price of up to 3 billion euros ($3.67 billion).&nbsp;

"There is a really large quantity," one said. "Nobody has any idea what is actually in these vials...The best case is it's just not working, in the worst case it's a very serious issue."&nbsp;

The official, who noted that most of the shots offered to EU governments by traders were purportedly the AstraZeneca vaccine, compared the situation to the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 when criminal exploited a shortage of masks and other protective equipment.&nbsp;

A second official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Commission was worried about 'ghost' vaccines.&nbsp;

"It is unclear whether these are genuine vaccine doses or if we are just talking about salt water in small vials," the official told Reuters.&nbsp;

The EU had warned already that vaccine fraud was on the rise, with fake doses circulating on the market, but the extent of the problem has been unclear until now.&nbsp;

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery.

Fraudsters have offered 400 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines worth some three billion euros to European Union countries, two officials, showing how criminals seek to capitalise on a botched inoculation campaign weighing on the bloc's economic recovery. EU leaders will discuss by videoconference on Thursday how to protect their 450 million citizens from new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus, ensure stable vaccine deliveries, ramp up production and update jabs to counter new strains. Two officials with the bloc's executive European Commission estimated that around 400 million doses of 'ghost' vaccine had been offered by fraudsters at a price of up to 3 billion euros ($3.67 billion). "There is a really large quantity," one said. "Nobody has any idea what is actually in these vials...The best case is it's just not working, in the worst case it's a very serious issue." The official, who noted that most of the shots offered to EU governments by traders were purportedly the AstraZeneca vaccine, compared the situation to the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 when criminal exploited a shortage of masks and other protective equipment. A second official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Commission was worried about 'ghost' vaccines. "It is unclear whether these are genuine vaccine doses or if we are just talking about salt water in small vials," the official told Reuters. The EU had warned already that vaccine fraud was on the rise, with fake doses circulating on the market, but the extent of the problem has been unclear until now.

Fraudsters offer 400 million 'ghost' Covid vaccines in EU, say officials

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws. &nbsp;

"We have come across threats and intimidation of some members of the Indian community in Canada. These threats have come from certain fringe elements in Canada and we have taken this up with the Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and Delhi," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a weekly briefing after a question on threats from the Khalistani groups to the Indian community. &nbsp;

"We have requested them to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. We advise Indian nationals to report any such incidents to the local Canadian police and also bring to the immediate attention of the High Commission of Ottawa and as well as our consulates there," the MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Srivastava further informed that the Indian government has taken this issue with the Canadian authorities as it concerns the safety and security of our missions and consulate and our diplomatic personnel in Canada.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a group of Indian diaspora conducted a 'Tiranga Yatra rally' in Vancouver from Strawberry Hill in Surrey to the Consulate General of India as a display of the strong bilateral relations between India and Canada.&nbsp;

The rally saw the participation of scores of people holding Indian and Canadian flags. Besides the huge crowd, around 350 cars took part in the yatra. &nbsp;

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws.

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws. "We have come across threats and intimidation of some members of the Indian community in Canada. These threats have come from certain fringe elements in Canada and we have taken this up with the Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and Delhi," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a weekly briefing after a question on threats from the Khalistani groups to the Indian community. "We have requested them to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. We advise Indian nationals to report any such incidents to the local Canadian police and also bring to the immediate attention of the High Commission of Ottawa and as well as our consulates there," the MEA spokesperson said. Srivastava further informed that the Indian government has taken this issue with the Canadian authorities as it concerns the safety and security of our missions and consulate and our diplomatic personnel in Canada. Earlier this month, a group of Indian diaspora conducted a 'Tiranga Yatra rally' in Vancouver from Strawberry Hill in Surrey to the Consulate General of India as a display of the strong bilateral relations between India and Canada. The rally saw the participation of scores of people holding Indian and Canadian flags. Besides the huge crowd, around 350 cars took part in the yatra.

After reports of Khalistani threats, MEA asks Canada to ensure Indians’ safety  

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008. &nbsp;

The research paper titled 'Bearing the cost of global politics - the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy' states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports.&nbsp;

According to the research paper, a large portion of total losses can be attributed to the reduction in household and government consumption expenditures.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year.&nbsp;

Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time. &nbsp;

While the Pakistan government believes that it will be able to delist itself from the FATF's 'grey list', it is unlikely that it will be able to do so as the European nations have said that Islamabad has not fully implemented all the points of a plan of action set by it.&nbsp;

Dawn quoted a Pakistani journalist based in Paris as confirming that some European countries, especially the host France, recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the 'grey list' and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. The stance has been supported by other European countries as well.&nbsp;

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008.

Amid low chances of Pakistan exiting the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list on Thursday, a research paper by an Islamabad-based think tank has revealed that Pakistan sustained a total of USD 38 billion in economic losses due to FATF's decision to thrice place the country on its grey list since 2008. The research paper titled 'Bearing the cost of global politics - the impact of FATF grey-listing on Pakistan's economy' states that that grey-listing events spanning from 2008 to 2019, may have resulted in total GDP losses worth USD 38 billion, The Express Tribune reported. The report published by Tabadlab said the losses are worked out on the basis of a decrease in consumption expenditures, foreign direct investment and exports. According to the research paper, a large portion of total losses can be attributed to the reduction in household and government consumption expenditures. Pakistan has been on the FATF's grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February 2020 to complete the 27 action points by June in the same year. Pakistan is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time. While the Pakistan government believes that it will be able to delist itself from the FATF's 'grey list', it is unlikely that it will be able to do so as the European nations have said that Islamabad has not fully implemented all the points of a plan of action set by it. Dawn quoted a Pakistani journalist based in Paris as confirming that some European countries, especially the host France, recommended to FATF to continue to keep Pakistan on the 'grey list' and had taken the position that not all points had been fully implemented by Islamabad. The stance has been supported by other European countries as well.

FATF grey-list ‘takes down’ Pakistan by USD 38 billion: Report 

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries.&nbsp;

Phyu, who runs a market research firm, saw trouble ahead then, but isn’t sure how she'll pay her three staff next month.&nbsp;Ahead of payday on Friday, the first since the February 1 coup, a cloud is hanging over Myanmar's fragile economy.&nbsp;

Its kyat currency is depreciating, businesses are paralysed and banks are in disarray, and for all the support for street protests and strikes against the junta, the disruption is nudging the economy closer to a breakdown.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-coup-japan-mulls-halting-new-assistance-projects-to-myanmar-366205">After coup, Japan mulls halting new assistance projects to Myanmar</a>

"I predicted things could get worse so I paid them their salary in advance on that day," said Phyu, who declined to provide her full name.&nbsp;

"I'm now thinking how to do March salaries if things continue to go this way or get worse. In the worst scenario, I can still pay them in cash."&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied for weeks across Myanmar, in a groundswell of anger at the military's overthrow of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, its curbs on the internet and the arrest of hundreds of activists.&nbsp;

The anti-coup movement's calls for people not to go to work has caused big disruption, holding up crucial processes like import and export permits, salary payments and bank transfers.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pro-military-supporters-clash-with-protesters-in-myanmars-yangon-366165">Pro-military supporters clash with protesters in Myanmar's Yangon</a>

Myanmar relies overwhelmingly on imports for its fuel, but supplies are running low, industry sources say, with some oil import terminals no longer operating.&nbsp;

Its nascent garment manufacturing sector, a key source of income for rural families, faces disruption in raw materials imports and the export of clothing, including orders from major western brands.&nbsp;

Some businesses have already been forced to slash wages.&nbsp;

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries.

The day the military seized power in Myanmar three weeks ago, Phyu delved into her company's emergency funds and gave her staff a one-month advance on their salaries. Phyu, who runs a market research firm, saw trouble ahead then, but isn’t sure how she'll pay her three staff next month. Ahead of payday on Friday, the first since the February 1 coup, a cloud is hanging over Myanmar's fragile economy. Its kyat currency is depreciating, businesses are paralysed and banks are in disarray, and for all the support for street protests and strikes against the junta, the disruption is nudging the economy closer to a breakdown. Also Read: After coup, Japan mulls halting new assistance projects to Myanmar "I predicted things could get worse so I paid them their salary in advance on that day," said Phyu, who declined to provide her full name. "I'm now thinking how to do March salaries if things continue to go this way or get worse. In the worst scenario, I can still pay them in cash." Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied for weeks across Myanmar, in a groundswell of anger at the military's overthrow of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, its curbs on the internet and the arrest of hundreds of activists. The anti-coup movement's calls for people not to go to work has caused big disruption, holding up crucial processes like import and export permits, salary payments and bank transfers. Also Read: Pro-military supporters clash with protesters in Myanmar's Yangon Myanmar relies overwhelmingly on imports for its fuel, but supplies are running low, industry sources say, with some oil import terminals no longer operating. Its nascent garment manufacturing sector, a key source of income for rural families, faces disruption in raw materials imports and the export of clothing, including orders from major western brands. Some businesses have already been forced to slash wages.

Coup chaos leaves employers fretting over paying staff in Myanmar

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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