Author: i2wtc

Consumers learn about relevant policies during a consumer goods trade-in event in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province, May 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)SHANGHAI, March 25 (Xinhua) — As millions of Chinese consumers trade in their devices for the latest models ranging from electric vehicles to home appliances, the rising consumer spending has benefited both Chinese and foreign brands.China kicked off large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs in March 2024, and revamped these programs earlier this year, amid efforts to boost domestic demand and spur economic growth.Prominent foreign brand, Tesla, has benefited from such programs in the sale of…

Listen to article In a step to fulfill another condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government has decided to operationalise the newly established Tax Policy Office by appointing a Director General and five Directors. The Ministry of Finance has invited applications from eligible candidates for these positions. According to official details, the Director General will be appointed under the Special Professional Pay Scale-I and will oversee key areas including Economic Analysis, Business Taxation, Personal Taxation, and International Taxation. Meanwhile, Directors will be appointed under Special Professional Pay Scale-II. The Ministry of Finance has announced that applications can be submitted…

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that a journalist from The Atlantic magazine was included in a private social media chat about upcoming attacks on the Houthi armed group in Yemen. On Monday, The Atlantic published an article from editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, in which he described the stunning realisation that he had been added to a group chat where high-level government officials were discussing military actions. “The world found out shortly before 2 p.m. eastern time [18:00 GMT] on March 15 that the United States was bombing Houthi targets across Yemen,” Goldberg wrote in the opening…

This photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows a view of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province. With the theme “Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future,” the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 will be held from March 25 to 28 in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)A staff member works at the main venue for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 24, 2025. With the theme “Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future,” the Boao Forum…

Listen to article Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has responded to the statement made by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, asserting that his focus during Ramadan is entirely on serving the public, particularly during the times of Sehri and Iftar. In his remarks, Tessori stressed that his dedication to community service during the holy month of Ramadan leaves him with no time for anything else, particularly until after Sehri. Sindh Governor shared that he had the privilege of hosting Iftar for the Consuls General of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Turkiye, Malaysia, Russia, and Bangladesh, and also had the honour of offering Iftar to…

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has turned to a federal appeals court to lift a block on its ability to use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport undocumented immigrants. But at a tense hearing in Washington, DC, on Monday, one judge on the court appeared to baulk at the lack of due process given to undocumented people under Trump’s use of the law. “Nazis got better treatment under the Alien Enemies Act than has happened here,” Judge Patricia Millett told the court. Government lawyer Drew Ensign, representing the Trump administration, responded, “We certainly dispute the Nazi…

Media network condemns ‘assassination’ of Gaza correspondent by Israeli forces.Below is Al Jazeera Media Network’s statement on the killing of Hossam Shabat. Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the Israeli Occupation Forces’ assassination of Hossam Shabat, Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, who was brutally killed today, in an air strike targeting his car in Jabalia. Hossam joined the Network’s journalists and correspondents killed during the ongoing war on Gaza, including Samer Abudaqa, Hamza Al-Dahdouh, Ismail Al-Ghoul, and Ahmed Al-Louh. Al Jazeera affirms its commitment to pursue all legal measures to prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes against journalists. And stands in…

Widely considered Japan’s leading artificial intelligence startup, Preferred Networks is on a mission to tackle “real-world” challenges through deep learning. CNBC’s Christine Tan sat down with the company’s founders in this episode of “Managing Asia.”Widely considered Japan’s leading artificial intelligence startup, Preferred Networks is on a mission to tackle “real-world” challenges through deep learning.Founded in 2014, the company has embarked on several joint projects, ranging from autonomous driving to cutting-edge semiconductors.By attracting major investors like Toyota, Preferred Networks has grown into Japan’s largest unicorn, a private company valued at over $1 billion.”We are trying to create a lot of new…

Listen to article Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has denied reports claiming that sugar is being sold at Rs180 per kilogram, calling them “baseless” and “propaganda meant to create panic among the public.” Speaking to the media, the minister said no significant increase in sugar prices has occurred, and in fact, government action has led to a Rs5 per kg reduction. “Media rumours are designed to spread uncertainty. The current market price is Rs164 per kg, not Rs180,” said Hussain. “These statements are part of a disinformation campaign.” He added that the federal government is working closely with…

Thomas Fuller | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesShares of Trump Media jumped about 9% in extended trading on Monday after the parent of the president’s social media company announced an agreement with Crypto.com to launch a series of exchange-traded funds and related products.The company, which runs the Truth Social platform, has been hammered by investors so far this year despite President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Prior to the after-hours gain, the stock was down 38% in 2025.In the press release on Monday, Trump Media said the ETFs and exchange-traded products will have a “Made in…