On May 21, China urged owners of sensitive
computer equipment to stop purchasing goods
from the largest chipmaker in the United States.
NBC reports that the news represents an
escalation of an ongoing dispute between the U.S.
and China over technology and security.
.
According to China's Cyberspace Administration,
Micron products present "serious network security
risks" that pose a threat to national security.
.
Operators of critical information
infrastructure in China should stop
purchasing products from Micron Co, China's Cyberspace Administration, via NBC.
The news comes as the U.S., Europe and Japan
have moved to reduce Chinese access to
advanced chipmaking and other technology.
NBC reports that while China has warned of unspecified
consequences, it has struggled to find a form of retaliation
that doesn't impact its own smartphone producers.
China firmly promotes high-level opening
up to the outside world and, as long as it
complies with Chinese laws and regulations,
welcomes enterprises and various platform
products and services from various
countries to enter the Chinese market, China's Cyberspace Administration, via NBC.
China is investing heavily in accelerating
chip development to reduce Beijing's
reliance on foreign techonology.
.
NBC reports that China spends
over $300 billion importing
foreign chips annually.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns that two
separate spheres of technology could emerge that
would raise costs and slow international innovation.
.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns that two
separate spheres of technology could emerge that
would raise costs and slow international innovation.
Study Finds Link Between, Ultraprocessed Foods , and Depression .
NBC reports that research published on September 20
suggests that consuming large quantities of
ultraprocessed foods could be linked to depression.
NBC reports that research published on September 20
suggests that consuming large quantities of
ultraprocessed foods could be linked to depression.
The study looked at the eating habits
and mental health status of over
31,000 women between the ages of 42 and 62. .
The study looked at the eating habits
and mental health status of over
31,000 women between the ages of 42 and 62. .
The findings were published in the
journal 'JAMA Open Network.'.
According to the research, women who ate
nine servings of ultraprocessed food were
50% more likely to develop depression. .
Ultraprocessed foods include junk food
like chips and soda, as well as ready-to-eat
meals, yogurts and other packaged foods.
Ultraprocessed foods include junk food
like chips and soda, as well as ready-to-eat
meals, yogurts and other packaged foods.
According to the study, foods and drinks
with artificial sweeteners were found
to have a particularly negative effect.
According to the study, foods and drinks
with artificial sweeteners were found
to have a particularly negative effect.
We donāt have a lot of energy
when we are feeling depressed,
so itās easy to reach for those foods
when we are low energy and donāt
have motivation to cook or to
grocery shop ā just open a package
and they are ready to go, Susan Albers, Clinical psychologist
at the Cleveland Clinic, via NBC.
NBC reports that the study also found that eating
whole foods, which are full of nutrients like fiber,
vitamins and minerals, is linked to good mental health.
There is emerging evidence that
ultraprocessed food may actually
disrupt the normal gut microbiome. , Dr. Andrew Chan, Study co-author and chief of
the clinical and translational epidemiology unit
at Massachusetts General Hospital, via NBC.
This may be a particularly important notion
for people who have depression because
it may be a relatively easy way to prevent
both depression and longer term problems
that could be more difficult to deal with. , Dr. Andrew Chan, Study co-author and chief of
the clinical and translational epidemiology unit
at Massachusetts General Hospital, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Northern Lights Visible , Across North America , After Massive Solar Eruption.
On September 18, skywatchers across the United States
and Canada were wowed by brilliant northern lights
following a powerful eruption on the sun.
NBC reports that the vivid light show
was visible in multiple Western and
Midwestern states, from Montana to Minnesota.
The northern lights, otherwise known as the aurora borealis, are the result of charged particles from solar storms interacting with Earth's atmosphere.
Normally, the northern lights
are only visible in the night
sky at higher latitudes. .
During periods of intense solar
activity the aurora borealis can be
spotted further south than normal.
The latests auroras were the
result of a coronal mass ejection
that occurred on September 16.
On September 18, the Aberdeen, South Dakota,
branch of the National Weather Service
released photos of the auroras.
Similarly, skywatchers in Glasgow, Montana,
reported seeing dazzling displays,
despite overcast conditions.
NBC reports that the auroras are best viewed
from dark locations away from light pollution.
A short-term forecast of the northern lights
can be found at NOAA's Space Weather
Prediction Center's aurora dashboard
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Federal Reserve , Announces Pause On Rate Hikes , Amid Easing Inflation.
On September 20, the Federal Reserve paused its string
of interest rate hikes as it waits to see if its efforts
over the past 18 months have finally slowed inflation.
NBC reports that the central bank
kept its main policy rate in
the range of 5.25% to 5.5%. .
The Fed reportedly cited an easing of economic
conditions, while also noting that inflation remains
above the agency's intended 2% target.
According to the Fed, the economy is in good shape
as job gains slow and credit conditions tighten,
likely slowing economic activity and inflation.
In August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics
said that prices were up 3.7% compared
to the same time in 2022. .
The string of rate hikes has increased
interest rates on credit cards and mortgages,
which have reached all-time highs.
The string of rate hikes has increased
interest rates on credit cards and mortgages,
which have reached all-time highs.
Investors fear that the Fed's actions could
lead stock market sell-offs and a recession,
which would result in widespread job losses.
NBC reports that the Federal Open
Market Committee's next scheduled
meeting is on October 31.
This does not assure that
we wonāt see another interest
rate increase in the months ahead, Greg McBride, Chief financial analyst for Bankrate, via NBC.
Inflation pressures are easing,
broadly speaking, but remain
well above desired levels with
the risk of further increases
in oil prices, so the Fed
cannot yet declare victory, Greg McBride, Chief financial analyst for Bankrate, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Taiwan Warns of Escalation , After China Sends Over , 100 Warplanes Toward Island.
Taiwan's defense ministry said that China's
military had deployed 103 warplanes
towards Taiwan over a 24-hour period.
NBC reports that the planes, which turned back
before reaching Taiwan, were detected between
6 a.m. on September 17 and 6 a.m. on September 18. .
Over the same period of time,
nine naval vessels were also detected,
according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry said that 40 of the planes
crossed over the symbolic halfway point
between Taiwan and mainland China.
Tensions have been rising
amid China's increasingly large
military drills around Taiwan. .
The United States is Taiwan's main supplier
of arms and stands opposed to China's
push to change Taiwan's status by force.
According to Taiwan, the latest Chinese
military action, which is labeled as
"harassment," could lead to an escalation. .
We urge the Beijing authorities
to bear responsibility and
immediately stop such kind
of destructive military activities, Taiwan Defense Ministry, via NBC.
Last week, China deployed a flotilla of ships,
including the aircraft carrier Shandong,
into the waters near Taiwan.
NBC reports that the recent actions have been
perceived as an attempt to sway an upcoming
Taiwanese presidential election in January.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:29Published
WGA Says Negotiations , Will Resume With Hollywood Studios.
On September 18, the striking Writers Guild of America
said that talks were set to resume over four months
after contract negotiations failed and the strike began.
You might not hear from us in
the coming days while we are
negotiating, but know that our
focus is getting a fair deal for
writers as soon as possible, Writers Guild of America, Message to members, via NBC.
In the meantime, please continue
to demonstrate your commitment
and unity by coming out to the
picket lines ā for yourselves and
fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other
unionsā members, and all those
in our community who are
impacted by the strikes, Writers Guild of America, Message to members, via NBC.
According to the guild, the talks
are expected to "last several days.".
NBC reports that a source familiar with the talks said
the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
are not expected to have revised their previous offer. .
The WGA strike, which has been ongoing since May,
concerns higher wages, job security and provisions
to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.
The news of talks resuming comes after
some TV shows came under fire for planning
to return to air amid the ongoing strikes.
Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher
have reversed plans to return following
backlash over crossing picket lines.
Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher
have reversed plans to return following
backlash over crossing picket lines.
Maher said that his "decision to return to work
was made when it seemed nothing was happening
and there was no end in sight to this strike.ā.
Now that both sides have agreed
to go back to the negotiating table
Iām going to delay the return of
Real Time, for now, and hope
they can finally get this done, Bill Maher, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Intel Terminates $5.4 Billion , Tower Semiconductor Acquisition.
On Aug. 16, Intel announced that it will no longer be buying the Israeli chipmaker, CNBC reports. .
The deal was scrapped "due to the inability to obtain in a timely manner the regulatory approvals required under the merger agreement," Intel said. .
Chinese authorities reportedly
did not approve the deal.
Tower Semiconductor also issued a statement.
After careful consideration and thorough discussions and having received no indications regarding certain required regulatory approval, both parties have agreed to terminate their merger agreement having passed the August 15, 2023, outside date, Tower Semiconductor, via statement.
A $353 million termination fee will be
paid to Tower Semiconductor. .
The failed deal comes as Intel has lost its lead in the field over the years, CNBC reports. .
TSMC and Samsung are two of the biggest names in chipmaking currently, and the deal would have helped Intel regain a foothold. .
TSMC and Samsung are two of the biggest names in chipmaking currently, and the deal would have helped Intel regain a foothold. .
The development comes as the U.S.
and China continue to compete over semiconductor manufacturing. .
The U.S. views Intel as crucial in regaining a prominent place within semiconductor manufacturing, CNBC reports. .
Previously, America has issued restrictions
on exports in an attempt to quell China's semiconductor technology.
Similarly, Beijing has barred various Chinese entities from purchasing products
from Micron in the U.S
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
On Monday, China's top diplomat, Wang Yi began a four-day trip to Russia. As per reports, during the trip both nations are expected to pledge deeper mutual political trust, readying for a possible landmark visit by President Vladimir Putin to Beijing in October. Wang heads the foreign ministry as well as the ruling Communist Party's foreign affairs office. The Chinese foreign ministry said that he will reportedly meet Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev for annual security talks.
#WangYi #ChinaRussia #VladimirPutin #NikolaiPatrushev #SergeiLavrov
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Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the governmentās ādivision and inconsistencyā in its approach to China, after it emerged that a parliamentary researcher had been arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing.
The Labour leader said: āChina is a strategic challenge, that's for sure, and what we need is a policy that is clear and is settled. And we haven't had that for the last 10 years. We've had division and inconsistency from this government.ā Report by Buseld. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The United Kingdomās Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will soon sign a new agreement to deepen security ties, including a UK commitment to deploy an aircraft..