By Nitya Chakraborty The U.S. President Donald Trump has fired his missile on Europe, especially, France, UK and Germany by suspending arms aid to Ukraine after categorically making it clear that President Zelensky has to agree to the peace and security deal proposed by Trump on Friday in the White House meeting. The deal is […]GNOME 48, the latest iteration of the widely used Linux desktop environment, is scheduled for official release on March 19, 2025. This update introduces a suite of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience, system performance, and overall digital wellbeing. One of the most notable additions is the ‘Wellbeing’ feature integrated into the Settings application. This tool provides users with a dashboard displaying daily screen […]
OPPO is one of the first smartphone brands to implement Private Computing Cloud and has further integrated applications with Google Gemini so users can soon take action across OPPO apps in Gemini. During MWC2025, OPPO unveiled new AI features, including AI Call Translator and AI VoiceScribe, and has committed to releasing new AI updates roughly every month. OPPO plans to bring generative AI features to around 100 […]
At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Qualcomm Technologies unveiled the Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF, an advancement poised to redefine connectivity standards for Android devices. This eighth-generation modem-to-antenna solution, integrated with AI capabilities, achieves peak download speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, enhancing streaming, gaming, and overall user experiences. The X85 supports both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse network environments. Its AI-powered data […]
Immediate action needed to disrupt junk food diet trend Some of the fastest growing countries in the world are set for dietary disaster as the trend of convenience store and supermarket dominance takes hold, according to a new global study released today on World Obesity Day. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2025 – Just published in Nature Food, the study by researchers from […]
By Nantoo Banerjee If the United States of America is the provider of the largest trade surplus to India year after year, there is no reason for India to impose unreasonable tariffs on merchandise imported from its best trading partner. In fact, the import tariff should not be allowed to be a bone of contention […]Apple has ceased offering its Advanced Data Protection feature to UK users, following demands from the British government for access to encrypted iCloud data. This decision means that iCloud backups in the UK will no longer be end-to-end encrypted, allowing Apple to access and, if required, share user data with law enforcement agencies possessing a valid warrant. The UK’s request was made under the Investigatory Powers Act […]
Vietnam’s government has initiated the development of a legal framework for digital assets and currencies, aiming to bolster economic growth to at least 8% by 2025. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam to draft the necessary regulations, with a proposal expected to be submitted this month. This initiative is part of Directive No. 05, which outlines measures to stimulate the nation’s economic expansion.
The absence of a formal legal framework for digital assets has left Vietnamese investors vulnerable to potential scams and financial losses. Currently, cryptocurrency transactions occur without specific regulatory oversight, increasing the risk for participants. The government’s move to establish clear regulations seeks to protect users and enhance trust in blockchain technology and related applications.
Nguyễn Duy Hưng, Chairman of Saigon Securities Incorporation, highlighted Vietnam’s significant position in the global digital asset market, noting that the country ranks among the top four in terms of transaction volume. He emphasized the necessity of a transparent legal framework to ensure that both developers and investors are protected, thereby fostering a secure environment for market participants and deterring fraudulent activities.
The urgency for regulation has been underscored by incidents such as a recent $100 million cryptocurrency fraud, which exploited the regulatory vacuum. Lawyer Phạm Ba Đô, Director of SJKLAW Law Firm, pointed out that the lack of comprehensive legal guidelines has created fertile ground for such fraudulent schemes. He advocates for the prompt establishment of clear definitions and regulations concerning virtual currencies and assets, recognizing their potential for trade and payment in specific contexts while clarifying their status as legal means of payment.
Vietnam’s strategic move to regulate digital assets aligns with its broader economic ambitions. The country has revised its GDP growth target for 2025 to at least 8%, up from the previous range of 6.5% to 7.0%. This adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to rapid economic development. The National Assembly has approved significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plants and a rail link connecting northern Vietnam’s major seaport to China. These initiatives are expected to enhance the nation’s industrial capabilities and trade connectivity.
The manufacturing sector continues to be a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy, with value added projected to reach $108.7 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 3.33% from 2025 to 2029. The country’s strategic location, coupled with labor costs approximately 50% lower than China’s, makes it an attractive destination for international businesses seeking relocation. Government tax incentives and participation in trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement further enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a manufacturing hub.
However, achieving the ambitious 8% GDP growth target is not without challenges. The Asian Development Bank forecasts Vietnam’s GDP growth at 6.2% for 2025, while the World Bank projects a slightly higher rate of 6.6%. These figures, though optimistic, fall short of the government’s target, indicating the need for effective policy implementation and favorable external conditions to realize the desired growth.
The development of a legal framework for digital assets is expected to attract foreign investment and stimulate innovation within the financial sector. By providing legal clarity, Vietnam aims to position itself as a regional leader in the digital economy, capitalizing on the growing global interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, opting instead for a “Community Notes” system akin to that of X . This strategic pivot has ignited debates about the potential proliferation of misinformation and the efficacy of user-driven content moderation. In a statement, Meta detailed its plan to discontinue the existing fact-checking collaborations […]
MoneyHash, a leading payment orchestration platform operating in the Middle East and Africa , has been honoured as one of the UAE’s Future 100 companies, acknowledging its significant contributions to fintech innovation in the region. This accolade underscores the company’s commitment to addressing the complex payment infrastructure challenges faced by businesses across the MEA region.
Founded by Egyptian entrepreneurs, MoneyHash offers a unified application programming interface that simplifies the integration of various payment methods and providers. This solution streamlines the checkout experience for businesses, reducing operational costs and enhancing scalability across different markets. The platform’s ability to navigate the fragmented payment landscape in emerging markets has positioned it as a crucial player in the regional fintech ecosystem.
In January 2025, MoneyHash secured $5.2 million in pre-Series A funding, led by Flourish Ventures, a global fintech investor known for backing industry leaders such as Chime and FlutterWave. New investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision Ventures, Arab Bank’s venture capital arm, and Emurgo Kepple Ventures, also participated in the round. Notably, Jason Gardner, founder and former CEO of Marqeta, made his first investment in the MEA region through this funding round. This financial boost followed a $4.5 million seed round in early 2024, reflecting the company’s rapid growth and the increasing confidence of investors in its business model.
The payment landscape in emerging markets is often characterized by high failure rates and operational challenges. Each market presents a unique set of payment providers, methods, and regulations, leading to increased operational costs and revenue leakage for businesses. MoneyHash addresses these issues by offering a unified platform that integrates various payment solutions, thereby reducing complexity and improving efficiency. According to Nader Abdelrazik, co-founder and CEO of MoneyHash, failure rates in these markets are three times the global average, with fraud rates and cart abandonment over 20% higher than in developed markets. By leveraging their extensive experience in the MEA region, MoneyHash aims to transform payments from a cost and risk center into a growth enabler for businesses.
The UAE’s Future 100 initiative aims to support the top 100 emerging companies that play a vital role in the competitiveness of the country’s future economy sectors. The program has secured 25 new partnerships, spanning strategic, media, and community collaborations, to support these emerging companies. The inaugural list of Future 100 companies was unveiled on December 2, highlighting businesses that are expected to drive innovation and economic growth in the UAE.
MoneyHash’s recognition as a Future 100 company not only highlights its innovative approach to payment solutions but also emphasizes the growing importance of fintech in the region’s economic development. As businesses in the MEA region continue to seek efficient and scalable payment solutions, platforms like MoneyHash are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of commerce.
The company’s recent funding and accolades reflect a broader trend of increased investment in fintech solutions that address the unique challenges of emerging markets. By simplifying payment processes and reducing operational hurdles, MoneyHash empowers businesses to focus on growth and customer engagement, thereby contributing to the overall economic development of the region.
Sharon AI and New Era Helium have initiated plans to develop a 250-megawatt net-zero energy data center in Ector County, Texas. The companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent with GROW Odessa, an economic development corporation, to acquire a 200-acre site for the project. The proposed data center will be powered by natural gas supplied by New Era Helium, with plans to implement carbon capture utilization […]
DP World has achieved a significant milestone in 2024, handling a record 1.3 million vehicles across its Dubai terminals. This represents a substantial 53.6% increase compared to the previous year, marking the highest vehicle throughput in the company’s history. The flagship Jebel Ali Port played a pivotal role in this achievement, processing nearly 960,000 roll-on, roll-off units. This reinforces its status as the region’s premier automotive hub. […]
Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has unveiled data suggesting its V3 and R1 models could achieve a theoretical daily cost-profit ratio of 545%. citeturn0news9 This revelation has significant implications for the AI industry, particularly concerning operational efficiencies and cost structures.
According to DeepSeek’s disclosure, the daily operational cost for these models amounts to $87,072. This figure is based on the rental expense of Nvidia’s H800 graphics processing units , priced at $2 per hour. In contrast, the models are projected to generate daily revenues of $562,027, leading to the stated 545% cost-profit ratio. citeturn0news9
However, DeepSeek has cautioned that actual revenues may be lower due to various factors, including different model costs, free access via web and app platforms, and reduced developer fees during off-peak hours. citeturn0news9
The company’s pricing strategy has been notably aggressive. DeepSeek recently announced discounts of up to 75% for developers during off-peak hours, specifically from 1630 GMT to 0030 GMT. This move aims to attract a broader developer base and challenge global competitors by offering more affordable integration options. citeturn0news10
Beijing has expressed support for DeepSeek’s advancements, emphasizing that the company seeks to complement, rather than compete directly with, U.S. AI giants like OpenAI and Google DeepMind. The Chinese embassy in Washington highlighted the collaborative potential of global AI developments, reflecting a preference for cooperation over competition. citeturn0news11
DeepSeek’s models have seen rapid adoption across various sectors in China, including hospitals, local governments, car manufacturers, and state-owned enterprises. This widespread integration is attributed to the models’ low deployment costs and the company’s open-source strategy, which have facilitated seamless adoption. Notably, endorsements from President Xi Jinping and major Chinese corporations like Tencent, BYD, and Great Wall Motor have further propelled DeepSeek’s prominence in the AI landscape. citeturn0news12
The company’s cost-efficient approach has raised questions about the high expenditure models prevalent among U.S. AI firms. DeepSeek’s ability to deliver competitive performance using less powerful and more affordable hardware challenges the existing paradigms of AI development and deployment costs.
Microsoft has officially announced the end of Skype’s era as the company shifts its focus towards Teams as its primary platform for video calling and communication. After 23 years of providing messaging, voice, and video calling services to millions globally, Skype will no longer be a key player in Microsoft’s communication strategy. This move underscores a broader trend in the tech industry where organisations are consolidating their […]
Matein Khalid All roads lead to Riyadh, which has replaced Geneva as the epicentre of global diplomacy in 2025. Presidents Trump and Putin will meet in the Saudi capital amid the most dramatic U-turn in US foreign policy as Washington switches sides in the Ukraine war in favour of the Kremlin, bypassing the EU and the embattled Ukraine state. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi is in Riyadh to coordinate the Arab […]
VideoLAN, the creator of the popular media player VLC, has marked its 20th anniversary with a bold leap forward in the tech world. The open-source project, renowned for its adaptability and reliability, has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully integrating its player with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter , enabling users to view space exploration footage in real-time. This move not only celebrates VLC’s two decades of innovation […]
Electronic Arts has released the source code for four iconic Command & Conquer titles—Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals—under the open-source GPL license. This initiative aims to support the modding community and ensure the preservation of these classic games. The source code is now accessible on EA’s GitHub page, although game assets and cinematics remain proprietary. This move is not EA’s first foray into open-sourcing; in […]
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has formalised a 15-year sales and purchase agreement with Japan’s Osaka Gas, committing to supply up to 0.8 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas from its Ruwais LNG project. This definitive contract transitions a prior heads-of-agreement into a binding commitment, marking the inaugural long-term LNG supply arrangement between the two corporations. The Ruwais LNG facility, currently under development in Al […]
DP World has achieved a significant milestone in 2024, processing a record 1.3 million vehicles across its Dubai terminals. This figure represents a 53.6% increase from the previous year and stands as the highest volume in the company’s history. The flagship Jebel Ali Port was pivotal in this achievement, managing nearly 960,000 units and reinforcing its status as the region’s premier automotive hub. The remaining vehicles were […]
BURIRAM, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 March 2025 – Starting Today, the Gresini Racing MotoGP team will officially be known as BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. This marks the latest major announcement – just days before the highly anticipated start to the 2025 season at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand. BK8 NEWS, a sports news and entertainment platform providing up-to-date sports coverage and fan engagement […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Democratic rights activist Jagdeep S. Chhokar in his recent piece in the news portal The Wire mentions of his four conclusions on the state of Indian polity in the present stage after the BJP sweep in Delhi assembly polls. His four concluding points are- first, the BJP is almost achieving an opposition-free […]The Group recorded US$3.52 million in total comprehensive income for FY2024 as compared to a total comprehensive loss of US$8.47 million for FY2023 The turnaround was mainly due to an increase of US$6.53 million in other income and gains, primarily driven by a US$5.96 million reversal of an impairment loss on the share of results of the Group’s 43.88%-owned associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited The reversal […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – GAC AION, the electric vehicle division of VINCAR Group, is pleased to announce the launch of the Aion V electric SUV. This new model introduces advanced features and a sustainable design, setting new benchmarks in the electric vehicle market. Exterior View of Aion V Product Highlights The AION V offers a WLTP range of 485km per charge, […]
A 2 Billion THB Investment in Pediatric Excellence and Smart Hospital Innovation BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – Samitivej Hospital, a leader in pediatric care, unveils its newly expanded standalone Samitivej International Children’s Hospital at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. Backed by a 2 billion THB investment, the expansion strengthens Samitivej’s commitment to becoming Asia-Pacific’s Leading Pediatric Referral Hub, providing specialized care, innovative treatments, […]
