Has India’s Adani gained reprieve from US corruption probe thanks to Trump?

India's Adani Group may receive a reprieve from a US corruption probe due to President Donald Trump's order to pause prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This order directs a review of current and past actions related to the FCPA, potentially impacting the ongoing investigation into the Adani Group.

US prosecutors accused Gautam Adani and his nephew of orchestrating a $265 million bribery scheme to secure power supply deals in India, alleging that US investors were misled and US financial systems were used to raise billions for the conglomerate. These charges have become politically sensitive in India, given Adani's perceived close ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. While the pause offers a potential breather for the Adani Group, experts caution that it's too early to determine the long-term impact on the investigation.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China’s universities get students up to speed on DeepSeek with new AI classes

中国多所大学正竞相开设基于本土AI初创公司DeepSeek的课程,以应对该公司在人工智能领域的快速崛起。深圳大学已与腾讯云合作,推出基于DeepSeek的通用人工智能课程,本学期开始面向学生开放。浙江大学也推出了以DeepSeek为主题的在线课程系列,面向学生、教职员工和公众开放。

深圳大学表示,该课程旨在帮助学生更深入地了解DeepSeek的技术及其应用,促进人工智能在各种环境中的深度融合和创新。德国耶拿大学的研究员徐辉表示,中国大学迅速推出DeepSeek相关课程,反映了市场和公众对人工智能的强烈需求。DeepSeek已显著推动了人工智能在中国社会各个领域的应用,高校受到的影响尤为明显。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Interest in offshore yuan bonds is expected to increase, CICC says

Investment bank CICC predicts increased interest in offshore yuan bonds in Hong Kong and elsewhere due to the currency's cost efficiency. This trend is expected to attract more Chinese and global issuers and investors.

The prediction follows China's Ministry of Finance issuing 12.5 billion yuan in bonds in Hong Kong. This issuance, part of a 17-year strategy to support Hong Kong as an offshore yuan hub, was oversubscribed, reflecting the demand for yuan financing driven by interest-rate differences between the US and China. Cheaper borrowing costs have already led to a surge in overseas yuan-denominated debt by Chinese issuers, and this interest is expected to remain high.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why China needs broad-based response to Trump’s tariff tantrum

President Trump's recent trade policy shifts have injected significant uncertainty into global supply chains, requiring China to adapt its economic strategies. These shifts include imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as temporarily suspending and then reinstating the de minimis exemption, which allows duty-free entry for shipments valued under $800. These actions, initially aimed at curbing illicit fentanyl trade and impacting online retailers, have created an unpredictable trade environment.

The inconsistent implementation and subsequent reversals of policies, such as the de minimis rule suspension, highlight the challenges businesses face in navigating Trump's trade agenda. While tariffs on Canada and Mexico are currently paused, China faces a potential 10% tariff increase. To counter the impact of these policies and a decline in direct trade with the U.S. since 2022, China needs to focus on stimulating domestic consumption, as indicated by the disparity between industrial output growth (5.8%) and retail sales growth (3.5%) in 2024.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese scientists create new superconducting material based on nickel

中国物理学家宣布,他们已经创造出一种新型的基于镍的常压高温超导体,这在该领域是一项突破。这一发现使镍成为继铜酸盐和铁基材料之后,第三类在高于零下233摄氏度(零下387华氏度)的温度下,在常压或“正常”压力下实现超导的材料。

南方科技大学(SUSTech)的研究团队表示,这项发现可能为进一步研究超导背后的机制和应用打开大门。超导是指当材料的温度降低到临界值时,呈现出零电阻并排斥磁场的现象。超导体在电力传输、制造聚变反应堆磁体和开发磁悬浮列车等领域具有广泛的应用潜力。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Visa-free access to Hong Kong, Singapore set to go on sale with these passports

Nauru plans to sell citizenships for at least $140,500 each to raise $65 million to relocate its population threatened by rising sea levels and floods. The funds will finance a project to transform the island's interior, which has been rendered uninhabitable by phosphate mining, into a new township with farms and workplaces, ultimately relocating around 90% of the population.

President David Adeang stated that this proactive step is necessary to secure the nation's future amidst global climate change debates. Nauru is following Dominica's lead in using citizenship sales to fund climate change resilience initiatives, highlighting the financial challenges small nations face in adapting to escalating climate effects, despite increased loans and grants from wealthier nations.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Citigroup lifts CEO Jane Fraser’s total compensation by a third to US$34.5 million

花旗集团CEO简·弗雷泽2024年的总薪酬提升至3450万美元,较去年增长了三分之一。这一增长反映了花旗对其战略方向的认可,以及弗雷泽在提高银行回报、增强安全性和稳健性以及为长期可持续增长奠定基础方面的执行力。

弗雷泽薪酬的大部分以股票奖励形式发放,其中包括1160万美元的递延股票和1650万美元的绩效股份单位。此次薪酬提升是在花旗达到年初设定的收入和支出目标,并在五个部门中的三个部门创下历史收入后做出的决定。此外,弗雷泽还剥离了全球各地的零售业务,并在该银行裁减了2万个工作岗位,此前花旗的业绩长期落后于华尔街同行。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hongkonger arrested over SMS scam using radio jammer to show official ‘#’ sign

一名23岁的男子因涉嫌通过短信诈骗香港居民而被捕,他使用无线电干扰器劫持电话信号塔,冒充注册公司和政府部门。警方称,该男子涉嫌发送虚假短信,这些短信伪装成政府部门、快递公司和在线支付系统的注册账户。

香港通讯事务管理局(OFCA)也已展开调查,确认这些短信为欺诈信息。通讯事务管理局首席规管事务经理Andrew Lo Tsz-him表示,如果发现手机信号从满格降至2G,要警惕在此期间收到的短信,尤其是包含未知链接的短信。据称,受害者从上周二开始投诉,称他们收到了冒充注册机构和公司的短信,发送者ID前缀带有“#”符号,短信中包含疑似网络钓鱼的链接。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Marcos-Duterte feud takes back seat as Filipino voters prioritise jobs, food security

Despite the impeachment saga of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio dominating headlines, a recent survey indicates that economic concerns like job opportunities and food security are the primary focus for Filipino voters in the upcoming midterm elections. A staggering 94% of respondents expressed their intention to vote for candidates prioritizing these issues, highlighting the importance of bread-and-butter concerns.

Another poll revealed that rising rice prices are a major worry for 59% of Filipinos, with 58% feeling that President Marcos Jnr's administration's solutions have been inadequate. Experts suggest that while the impeachment drama might influence politically engaged voters, it is less likely to significantly impact the average citizen who is primarily concerned with daily survival and economic stability.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Mass stranding on Australian beach leaves 67 false killer whales dead, dozens to be euthanised

超过150头伪虎鲸在澳大利亚塔斯马尼亚州偏远海滩搁浅,至少67头已经死亡。塔斯马尼亚州自然资源与环境部门表示,在过去的48小时内,共有157头伪虎鲸在岛屿西北部的亚瑟河附近搁浅。

由于尝试重新浮起它们的努力失败,剩余的伪虎鲸变得越来越“紧张”,将被实施安乐死。救援工作因地理位置偏远以及必要设备的部署受阻而变得复杂。这些伪虎鲸,与虎鲸一样,属于海豚科,体重超过一吨,体长可达六米。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
DeepSeek’s AI turns into wanted car feature, Deepal’s Hong Kong launch: 7 EV reads

中国电动汽车制造商正在竞相安装由 DeepSeek 开发的人工智能 (AI),以增强其汽车的数字化功能,从而在竞争激烈的市场中脱颖而出。 此外,吉利汽车控股的极氪智能科技有限公司在与领克品牌合并后,也加入了自动驾驶的行列。

长安汽车旗下的电动汽车品牌深蓝汽车,近日在香港推出 S07 SUV,成为最新一家将香港作为测试市场的中国大陆汽车制造商。这些举措反映出中国电动汽车企业在技术创新和市场拓展方面的积极努力。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China and South Korea go head to head at IDEX in the self-propelled howitzer market

China and South Korea are intensifying their competition in the self-propelled howitzer market, showcasing their latest models at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. This event marks a significant opportunity for both countries to attract buyers amidst the increasing demand for this type of weaponry in modern conflicts.

China's Norinco is presenting its SH16A 155mm self-propelled howitzer, marking its first display outside China since its debut at the Zhuhai Airshow. Simultaneously, South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace is exhibiting the newest iteration of its K9 Thunder, now equipped with a South Korean engine, a departure from previous models that used German engines. The use of self-propelled howitzers has grown in conflicts, as seen in the Yemeni civil war where Saudi Arabia employed weapons like Norinco's PLZ-45, and reportedly by Israel against Hamas in Gaza using American M109 howitzers.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese sabotage or Nato paranoia? Cutting through the undersea cable conspiracies

全球超过99%的数字通信依赖于海底电缆,这些电缆虽然坚固,但并非万无一失。这些电缆由多层材料保护,总长度超过130万公里,平均深度达3682米,是全球经济和数字服务的关键基础设施。

尽管有保护措施,但海底电缆每年平均发生约200起事故。其中,商业海洋活动是造成损坏的主要原因,占比超过70%,包括航运、捕鱼、疏浚、采矿以及休闲活动等,此外,地震、火山爆发以及离岸基础设施的建设和运营也可能导致电缆受损。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese tourists travel to Japan to clear snow for free, spark ‘unique’ travel debate

日本旅游机构和酒店推出了一种独特的旅游项目:铲雪体验,以吸引外国游客。在中国春节期间,日本成为中国游客的热门国际目的地之一,赴日旅游订单较去年同期翻了一番。除了传统的“爆买”之外,铲雪也成为游客中流行的新活动。

札幌是世界闻名的多雪城市,冬季降雪量巨大。当地一家旅行社推出了铲雪之旅,让游客体验当地特色。此外,一些旅行社还提供乘坐专业除雪车的服务,让游客可以近距离观看除雪作业。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
It’s no holiday at Panama hotel where hundreds deported by US are being held

Panama is currently detaining nearly 300 individuals from various countries in a hotel, acting as a transit point for deportees from the United States under a migration agreement. These individuals, originating from countries primarily in Asia, are awaiting arrangements for their return to their home nations, with over 40% expressing unwillingness to return voluntarily, signaling potential safety concerns in their countries of origin.

The arrangement stems from difficulties the U.S. faces in directly deporting individuals to certain countries, leading to Panama serving as an intermediary. The agreement, where the U.S. covers all operational costs, was established following a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Panamanian authorities maintain that the migrants are receiving necessary medical care and sustenance during their stay.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Japan jails pipe-bomb attacker for trying to murder ex-prime minister Fumio Kishida

Ryuji Kimura was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Japanese court for throwing a homemade pipe bomb at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a campaign event in April 2023. The court found him guilty of attempted murder, as well as violations of explosives and weapons laws, determining that he was aware his actions could have resulted in a fatality.

Kimura had pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, claiming he did not intend to kill Kishida but rather sought to draw attention to his dissatisfaction with Japan's election system by targeting a prominent politician. While Kishida was unharmed, two people sustained minor injuries in the attack, which occurred at a fishing port in Wakayama. The incident raised concerns about security at political events, especially following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a year prior.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China holds dominant position in humanoid robot ecosystem: analysts

摩根士丹利报告显示,中国在人形机器人产业规模上领先西方,控制了全球过半数的上市企业。尽管在关键技术方面仍有差距,但中国凭借强大的政府支持、本土初创企业对国内供应链的利用以及众多愿意应用人形机器人的企业,在人形机器人领域取得了显著进展。

在全球范围内,摩根士丹利识别出的100家公开交易且“确认参与”人形机器人开发的公司中,56%位于中国。此外,全球45%的机器人集成商也位于中国,这些集成商负责定制机器人以满足终端用户的需求。报告指出,投资者普遍反映,除了特斯拉和英伟达之外,西方公司在人形机器人领域的选择较少,而中国在该领域展现出了“最令人印象深刻的进步”。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Trump takes aim at Zelensky, suggests Ukraine ‘should never have started’ war with Russia

Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seemingly blaming him for Russia's invasion and suggesting he should have made a deal to avoid the conflict. Trump expressed disappointment that Ukraine was upset about not being invited to recent talks, implying Zelensky should have resolved the situation earlier.

Trump's comments come amid a shift in Washington's stance towards Russia, including the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Putin before the end of the month. He also echoed a key Moscow demand, pressuring Zelensky to hold elections, further alarming European leaders already concerned about the changing dynamics of the conflict.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong taxi strike cancelled after meeting government advisory body

香港的士工会已取消了原定于下月举行的罢工计划。此前,他们与政府顾问举行了会议,并得到香港特首承诺将加强执法,打击非法网约车服务。香港Tele-call的士联会主席黄岳鼎表示,他们接受特首的承诺,即会执行和加强法律,打击非法网约车服务。

此前,香港特首李家超警告称,任何激进行动都可能被别有用心的人“劫持”,并且不会得到公众的支持。该协会上周威胁称,如果当局在本周三之前没有做出积极回应,他们将于3月5日开始罢工五天,他们的要求包括打击不受监管的网约车服务。在与运输咨询委员会会面后,工会最终决定取消罢工,并对之前泄露的行动计划给居民带来的不安表示歉意。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
HSBC 2024 profit misses estimates as CEO looks to trim US$1.5 billion costs by 2026

汇丰银行(HSBC)公布的2024年利润低于预期。尽管财富管理业务的增长和重组带来的成本节约有所帮助,但利率下调的影响抵消了部分收益。具体而言,净利润同比增长2.2%至229亿美元,合每股1.25美元,但仍低于彭博社追踪的分析师普遍预期的241亿美元。

尽管如此,汇丰银行的税前利润仍增长6.6%至323亿美元,高于市场预期的317亿美元。此外,汇丰银行还宣布了一项新的20亿美元股票回购计划,与去年同期持平。同时,该行将派发2024年第四季度每股0.36美元的股息,使全年股息总额达到每股0.87美元,高于2023年的0.61美元。汇丰银行CEO 乔治斯·埃尔赫代里(Georges Elhedery)表示,自上任以来,他专注于简化运营,并为战略的实施注入了活力。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Back to Top