International

Twitter’s Revenue Down By 40% Reports Platformer Reporter

Twitter has been losing its revenue since its takeover by billionaire Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has employed many ways to make the micro-blogging website a fruitful business but he needs some more time to set the house in order.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Twitter’s revenue falls by 40% according to independent reports

Who Reported Twitter’s Falling Revenue?

The report is a tweet from a Platformer reporter’s Twitter account. It claims that the micro-blogging site has been losing its revenue faster and that the revenue has been down by 40% just a week before the billionaire owner’s first giant interest payment on the company is due at the end of January. The tweet was published on Tuesday.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3HaipGe

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Ukraine Beats Russia In Australian Open And Gets Its Flag Banned As Well

Taking cognizance of a complaint by the Ukraine ambassador to Australia, Tennis Australia banned the flags of Russia and Belarus at the ongoing Australian Open. Russian and Belarus players were already playing under a neutral flag but the audiences were allowed to bring the flags. But now there is a total ban on Russian and Belarus flags.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tennis Australia bans Russian and Belarus flags onsite at the tournament
• Earlier fans were allowed to bring the flags but couldn’t display
• On Monday, a Russian flag was sighted by the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia

What Action Did The Ukrainian Ambassador Demand On Sighting A Russian Flag In The Australian Open?

Russian and Belarus tennis players competed under a neutral flag but fans were allowed to bring them with the condition that the flags won’t be used for disruption. But on Monday, Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko called on Tennis Australia and demanded strict action against Russia and Belarus after seeing the red, white, and blue stripes of Russia at an ongoing match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one.

He demanded Tennis Australia enforce its ‘neutral flat policy’ with immediate effect. Last week he urged Tennis Australia to ban Russia and Belarus entirely. Belarus is – the latter for supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Tennis Australia didn’t bar Russia and Belarus from the tournament, it barred their flags onsite.

Why Tennis Australia Didn’t Bar Russia And Belarus From The Tournament?

Last year Wimbledon barred Russian and Belarusian players but it stripped the tournament of its ranking points by tennis’s governing bodies.

What Happened To The Russia And Ukraine Match?

Ukrainian player Baindl won the match 7-5, 6-7, (8/10), … Read the rest

The US Begins Expanded Combat Training For Ukrainian Forces On German Soils

The US is providing expanded combat training to about 500 Ukrainian soldiers in Germany. The training started on Sunday and will continue for the next five to eight weeks. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the US wanted Ukrainian troops to fight the Russians and get back their land.

HIGHLIGHTS

• About 500 Ukrainian soldiers are taking expanded combat training in advanced weapons
• The objective of the training is to equip the Ukrainian forces with all incoming weapons and equipment

What Is Expanded Combat Training Of Ukrainian Forces?

The Ukrainian soldiers began their training on a full set of weapons and equipment in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Sunday. They will hone their skills including movement and coordination with their companies – and battalion-size units in battle. The training involves combined artillery, armor, and ground forces.

What Is The Objective Of The Training?

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting the Grafenwoehr on Monday to see the Ukrainian forces being trained on advanced weapons. He said that the objective of the training was to equip the Ukrainian forces to counter any surge in Russian attacks and to get back the territory captured by Russia in the 11-month-old battle.

Milley said that the training was important, especially when the new weapons, artillery, tanks, and other vehicles were heading to Ukraine. He said that the training would help Ukrainian forces to use all incoming weapons and equipment. He said that the new forces would be ready to combat before the spring rains show up.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3XDjtrH

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Tesla Reducing The Prices Of Its Bestselling EV Models

Buy Tesla’s Bestselling EV Cars At 20% Less Price In The US And Europe

Tesla will reduce the price of its best-selling electric vehicle (EV) models in the coming days. The electric car maker said that the prices of its cars would be dropped up to 20% in the US and Europe.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tesla announced a price cut of up to 20% on its best-selling EV models for the US and Europe
• The price cut is announced amid the tough competition Tesla is facing in the growing EV market

Why Is Tesla Reducing The Prices Of Its Bestselling EV Models?

Tesla started a price war with rivals, especially GM and Ford to retain its market share in the EV market. The price cut was announced on Friday and it had its impact on Tesla shares which fell as much as 4.5% in early trading on Friday. Though some were recovered later in the day. But overall Tesla’s shares have plummeted for more than a year.

What Do Experts Say About Tesla’s Price Cut?

The Wall Street Journal said in a report that the discount made that possible for buyers of Tesla’s US-built Model Y to take advantage of a tax credit in the US by bringing the price of the car below a $55,000 cap.

But Analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities has a different opinion on Tesla. He said that that was no secret that demand for Tesla was starting to see some cracks in the global slowdown for 2023.

Dan Ives called the price cut the “right move” and “a clear shot across the bow at European automakers and US stalwarts (GM and Ford) that Tesla was not going to play nice in the sandbox.

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US And Japan Issued A Joint Statement In Defense Cooperation Amid Threat From China

The US and Japan shared concerns about increasingly assertive China in a joint statement and announced stepped-up security cooperation on Wednesday. The joint statement came after one month after the US endorsing a major military build-up announced by Japan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The US will introduce a Marine Littoral Regiment in Tokyo to increase the military capabilities of Japan
• The two sides have also agreed to extend their defense treaty to cover space

What Was The Joint Statement About?

Encouraged by the American endorsement of its announcement of a major military build-up, Japan sent its foreign and defense ministers to Washington to meet their American counterparts and issue a joint statement.

It said that given “a severely contested environment,” the forward posture of U.S. forces in Japan should be upgraded “by positioning more versatile, resilient, and mobile forces with increased intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, anti-ship, and transportation capabilities.”

According to the statement, the ministers discussed a vision of a modernized Alliance postured to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.

After the meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a joint news conference said that the US agreed that the PRC was the greatest shared strategic challenge that the US and its allies and partners face referring to the People’s Republic of China. The two countries also agreed to cover space under the terms of their common defense treaty, said Blinken.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the US would introduce a Marine Littoral Regiment in Japan to improve significant capabilities, including anti-ship missiles.

There will be a meeting between Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada on Thursday at the Pentagon ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Joe Biden … Read the rest

Numeracy Will Be the Biggest Highlight Of The New Year Speech Of Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is going to deliver his first speech of the year on Wednesday. And this speech is going to be important for the country in many ways. Rishi Sunak is expected to set priorities for 2023 and answer his critics in the government.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Conservative Party wants assurance from Rishi Sunak that he is capable of leading the party to the next elections in 2024
• The opposition Labour Party is leading in opinion polls

What Will Rishi Sunak Say In His Speech?

Some excerpts of the speech released on Tuesday show that Rishi Sunak will set his priorities for the New Year to bring Britain out of the tailspin. Inflation is at its highest in 40 years and economists are anticipating a long recession.

Rishi Sunak will say the speech is personal to him. Every opportunity he had in life began with the education he was so fortunate to receive. He will force students to study some form of math up to the age of 18. He wants to give every child the highest possible standard of education and that is the single most important reason for his being in politics. He wants Britain to rival the best education system in the world.

His plans to introduce math to all students up to the age of 18 stems from the OECD findings that state that poor numeracy is affecting “particularly large proportions of adults in England”.

Rishi Sunak wants his countrymen to be less anxious about inflation, energy bills, and National Health Service. He wants them to feel pride in their country and trust in fairness. He wants to prove that he can lead the Conservative Party to the next elections due in 2024.… Read the rest

Barring Foreigners From Buying Residential Properties In Canada

Liberal Government Of Canada Bars Foreigners From Buying Residential Properties In Cities

On Sunday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau imposed a temporary two-year moratorium on foreigners buying residential property in Canada. The Canadian government wants to make more homes available for locals facing a housing crunch. But refugees and others are allowed to buy homes under exceptional conditions

HIGHLIGHTS

• The liberal government of Canada imposes a temporary two-year ban on foreigners buying residential properties
• It was a poll promise made during the 2021 election campaign
• Other markets have also imposed taxes on non-residents and empty homes

What Is The New Act Barring Foreigners From Buying Residential Properties In Canada?

The Liberal government enacted the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by the Non-Canadians Act following their victory in the 2021 elections. They had promised more homes for locals during the elections. It is a temporary two-year ban on foreigners buying residential properties in Canada but refugees and permanent residents who are not citizens are allowed to buy homes as exceptions. Also, the government clarified that the ban will apply to city homes and not to recreational properties like summer cottages. Also, cities like Vancouver and Toronto have introduced taxes on non-residents and empty homes.

Why Is The Condition Of the Real Estate Market In Canada?

The Liberal party said during their election campaign that The desirability of Canadian homes was attracting profiteers, wealthy corporations, and foreign investors. That was leading to a real problem of underused and vacant housing, rampant speculation, and skyrocketing prices. Homes were for people, not investors.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, average home prices at the start of 2022 were more than Can$800,000 (USD 590,000) but the prices came down to just over Can$630,000 (USD 465,000) last month.… Read the rest

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Foresees Musk As US President

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and an arch-loyalist of Vladimir Putin predicts Elon Musk becoming US President after a civil war in 2023. He also sees a war between Germany and France next year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dmitry Medvedev will now serve as Putin’s deputy and oversee the military industry
• He also made a rare visit to China to discuss foreign policy
• Elon Musk responded to Medvedev’s tweet in “Epic Thread”

Who Is Dmitry Medvedev?

On the New Year’s Eve, everybody’s into making predictions

Many come up with futuristic hypotheses, as if competing to single out the wildest, and even the most absurd ones.

Here’s our humble contribution.

What can happen in 2023:
— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) December 26, 2022

Medvedev is the deputy head of Putin’s advisory security council and has served as president for four years with Putin as prime minister. A staunch Putin loyalist, he has been roped into the body overseeing the military industry. On Monday, Kremlin announced that he would serve as Putin’s deputy in the body.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, he has invented himself as an arch-hawk. Also, he recently visited China to hold talks on foreign policy with President Xi Jinping.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Foresees Musk As US President

What Are The Predictions Of Dmitry Medvedev?

Medvedev listed his predictions for 2023 on his Telegram and Twitter account. He predicted Elon Musk’s elevation to US President after a civil war in America. This prediction comes after he praised Musk for proposing Ukraine ceded territory to Russia in a peace deal.

On the New Year’s Eve, everybody’s into making predictions

Many come up with futuristic hypotheses, as if competing to single out the wildest, and even the most absurd ones.

Here’s our humble contribution.

What can happen in

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King Charles III Gives New Responsibilities To The Royal Family Members

King Charles III assigned new titles and roles to the Royal family members announced Buckingham Palace. Titles of Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate Middleton along with Queen Consort Camilla have been changed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Prince William has been appointed Colonel of the Welsh Guards
• Prince Andrew was removed from the position of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards
• London will host the ‘Trooping the Color parade on 17 June 2023

What Are The New Positions Of the Royal Family Members?

King Charles III appointed Prince William as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, a prestigious position he previously held for 47 years. Princess Kate will move into the position of Colonel of the Irish Guards, which Prince William held for a decade.

Queen Consort Camilla is now Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, a position previously held by Prince Andrew. He was removed from the position due to his controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child abuser.

Why Will the ‘Trooping the Colour’ Parade Be Held In June?

Following the footsteps of her late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the king also decided to celebrate his birthday on June 17 weeks after his coronation ceremony on May 6, although the king was born in November.

A procession of over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians will march from Buckingham Palace down the Mall to Horse Guards Parade. And it will be a spectacular display of military precision, horsemanship, and fanfare followed by a Royal Air Force fly-past. In June, the parade will have full advantage of the British summer and it could also be a reason for commemorating the occasion in June.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3Vn5gxe

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Musk Looking For His Replacement On Twitter

Why Elon Musk Won’t Resign From Twitter?

Keeping his promise of stepping down as chief executive of Twitter on public demand, Elon Musk said that he was ready to step down as soon as a replacement is available. Musk ran a poll on Saturday and offered to step down on Sunday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Elon Musk offered to resign from Twitter following a poll result
• Tesla management also wants Elon Musk to focus on the electric vehicle business

What Was The Saturday Poll On Musk’s Resignation?

Should I step down as head of Twitter? I will abide by the results of this poll.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 18, 2022

On Saturday evening, Elon Musk launched a poll on whether he should resign from Twitter. Also, he promised to abide by the poll results. And the results were astonishing. A total of 17.5 million participated in the poll and 57.5% of the voters said “Yes”.

The results are out on Sunday and Elon Musk offered to resign on Tuesday on the condition that there should be a suitable replacement for the top post.

Why Did Musk Ask For A Poll On His Resignation?

Tesla management was also questioning Musk’s involvement in social media and how his focus on Twitter was distracting him from running the EV maker. Also, Elon Musk has admitted that he has too much on his plate and that he would look for a CEO for Twitter.

How Is Musk Looking For His Replacement On Twitter?

Presently there is no successor in sight and no one is ready to take the responsibility of keeping Twitter alive. But Musk won’t relinquish all his responsibilities. He will keep some key divisions including software and server teams to assist the new CEO.

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