inspiriences

Rachel Reeves played down the prospects of ramping up defence spending today despite mounting pressure from Donald Trump. The Chancellor stressed that Labour had only committed to hitting 2.5 per cent of GDP in the current Parliament. And she suggested the 'ambition' after 2029 remains to reach a level of 3 per cent - even though Nato states are being asked to agree a target of 3.5 per cent at a summit later this month. The blueprint being pushed by Mr Trump and the military alliance's secretary general Mark Rutte would see countries pledge to hit the higher spending by the early 2030s. A further 1.5 per cent of GDP would be required for 'defence-related expenditure'. A timetable could be set for gradually increasing their allocations. However, there are questions about how the UK would fund such an huge increase - roughly equivalent to an extra £30billion annually. Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, ...

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged the nation’s officials to improve their ability to anticipate challenges and accurately implement policies amid a turbulent geopolitical environment. “At present, the task to comprehensively promote the Chinese path to modernisation with high-quality development is heavy and difficult, with the external situation remaining complex and severe,” he said on Wednesday, as reported by state-run news agency Xinhua. During this difficult period, officials needed to improve their “ability to anticipate the situation and accurately implement policies,” he added during a ceremony to swear in 49 newly appointed central government officials. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Li’s comments come as China faces rising tensions with the...

Labour today promised to find almost £14billion a year in Whitehall savings as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves ' spending plans. The Office for Value for Money, established by Ms Reeves last October, has worked with each Government department to find where they can save cash. As part of the Chancellor's spending review, it was revealed these plans had found 'total annual efficiency gains of almost £14billion by 2028-29'. These will be through 'a combination of improved outcomes and reduced cost', with most departments vowing to deliver efficiencies of at least 3 per cent within four years and some delivering over 8 per cent. The Treasury set out how civil service job cuts, greater use of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), and flogging off Government property lay at the heart of the savings plans. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used a speech in March to outline his bid to tackle the 'flabby state' with a...

() -A U.S. senator introduced a bill on Friday that would direct the Commerce Department to require location verification mechanisms for export-controlled AI chips, in an effort to curb China's access to advanced semiconductor technology. Called the "Chip Security Act," the bill calls for AI chips under export regulations, and products containing those chips, to be fitted with location-tracking systems to help detect diversion, smuggling or other unauthorized use of the product. "With these enhanced security measures, we can continue to expand access to U.S. technology without compromising our national security," Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said. The bill also calls for companies exporting the AI chips to report to the Bureau of Industry and Security if their products have been diverted away from their intended location or subject to tampering attempts. The move comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would rescind and m...

() -- Alphabet Inc.’s Google should be forced to sell off two of its businesses that help websites buy, sell and serve online advertising after a judge found the company illegally monopolized those markets, the Justice Department said. The company should be ordered to immediately sell off its advertising exchange, AdX, followed by a “phased” divestiture of the service that helps websites sell display advertising, known as a publisher ad server, the agency said in a court filing late Monday . A “comprehensive set of remedies — including divestiture of Google’s unlawfully obtained monopolies and the products that were the principal instruments of Google’s illegal scheme — is necessary to terminate Google’s monopolies,” the agency said in its filing. Google didn’t have an immediate comment on the DOJ’s proposal. In its own filing late Monday, Google proposed making its advertising exchange work seamlessly with rival technology and installing a monitor to ensure c...

By David Lawder WASHINGTON () -U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said the Trump administration has cut $2 billion from the IRS information technology budget without operational disruptions and intends to save hundreds of millions more by automating processing of paper forms. "Last year, the IRS spent approximately $450 million on paper processing with nearly 6,500 full-time staff dedicated to the task," Bessent said in testimony before a U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee hearing. "Through policy changes and automation, Treasury aims to reduce this expense to under $20 million by the end of President (Donald) Trump's second term." Savings so far have come from eliminating, renegotiating and refocusing "wasteful" information technology (IT) and professional services contracts, including unused software licenses that had been auto-renewed for years, Bessent said, adding that this effort would reduce futu...

On Friday, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stated that the administration is committed to promoting digital advancements to increase transparency. At a press conference in Islamabad with Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, he emphasized incorporating eligible people into the digital economy as part of the Ramazan Relief Package initiative for the first time. Iqbal pointed out that every qualifying family was granted Rs 5,000 as part of the scheme. Rana Tanveer Hussain highlighted the distinctiveness of this year’s assistance program, ensuring that funds were directly transferred to those in need. Shaza Fatima reaffirmed the administration's dedication to converting citizens' services into digital formats for greater accessibility and ease of use. She emphasized that this shift towards digitalization will not only enhance income generation but also bolster ec...

New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar , at the time of AI on Trial's book launch, stressed the significance of maintaining a balance AI regulation With innovation comes the need to be wary of AI’s dangers, and there is an urgent call for a clear, worldwide strategy to safeguard public well-being, provide legal certainty, and promote the ethical application of AI. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke at an event where he released the book "AI on Trial," written by Rajya Sabha member Sujeet Kumar, which took place at his official residence. He stressed the importance of regulating artificial intelligence while ensuring a proper equilibrium between oversight and promoting technological advancement. "The regulation of artificial intelligence will shape the type of society we aim to create. It has emerged as a crucial element that defines our future trajectory. Will we embrace a digital dystopia wher...

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), working alongside the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has made significant progress towards reducing the gap between genders in digital access by unveiling the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) during the UN’s 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Titled 'Digital Harmony: Promoting Gender Equity by Empowering Women and Children for a Safer Digital Tomorrow,' the high-level meeting underscored Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring equal opportunities in accessing digital technologies, maintaining online security, and achieving economic independence for women and children. This was stated by NITDA in an announcement made yesterday. At the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, unveiled the strategy. She highlighted NITDA's commitment to fostering digital transformation and pro...

The government of Oyo State has started distributing the second phase of its free textbooks program to both junior and senior students attending public secondary schools throughout the region. On Friday, Salihu Adelabu, who serves as the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, carried out the distribution event at the ministry’s office located in Agodi, which is part of the government secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital. He explained that the initiative was driven by the state’s free and qualitative education policy, which has led to a surge in school enrolments across the 33 Local Government Areas in the state. As per his statement, the recently issued textbooks include "Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Economics, Basic Science and Technology, Information Technology, and Social Studies." These resources have been dispatched to public secondary schools across all 33 Local Governmen...

Colombo [ Sri Lanka ], April 5 (ANI): Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honored Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's top accolade for a leader from another nation, the Mitra Vibhushana award. Dissanayake stated that PM Modi thoroughly merits this recognition. In a shared press release with Prime Minister Modi, Dissanayake stated, "I am delighted to announce that the government of Sri Lanka has chosen to bestow upon him PM Narendra Modi ) the highest Sri Lanka In honor of a leader from another country—the president or prime minister. Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. This distinguished award, established in 2008, is presented to heads of state and government officials for their friendship. We strongly believe that honorable Prime Minister Modi greatly merits this honor. " The "Dharma Chakra" reflects the common Buddhist legacy that has influenced the cultural practices of these ...

Nepal, April 4 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India holds its relationship with Nepal in very high regard. On Friday, Modi made this comment following a meeting with Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok. Modi posted on Facebook, saying, "I had a fruitful discussion with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in Bangkok. India places great importance on its relationship with Nepal." He mentioned that they discussed various aspects of India-Nepal relations. "We specifically talked about areas such as energy, bilateral relations, culture, and digital technology," Modi wrote. He additionally mentioned that they talked about the important and beneficial results stemming from the BIMSTEC Summit. Published by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

The youths from the Ipokia community within Ipobia Local Government Area in Ogun State raised their concerns on Thursday about an abandoned government-run polytechnic located in their area. The institution has since been converted into farmland, with locals cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, and groundnuts there. According to Daily Trust, during the waning days of his term as governor, Ibikunle Amosun elevated the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta to become the Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH). Additionally, he founded a new polytechnic in theIpokia area within theOgun West Senatorial District. Several buildings such as auditoriums, office complexes, and lodging facilities were erected at the polytechnic campus in Ipokia prior to the conclusion of Amosun's term in May 2019. Upon taking office as governor, Dapo Abiodun overturned the decision to elevate MAPOLY to university status, leaving the Ogun State Polyt...

Panipat (Haryana) [India], April 5 (ANI): Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday welcomed the passage of the much-debated Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament , saying that proposed amendments would resolve previous grievances related to land encroachment and disputes. He stated that the original Waqf Act from 1995 was "unbalanced" as it had been "abused" by some individuals. Khattar further mentioned that assets managed by the Waqf board have the potential to assist impoverished Muslim populations. "It was a one-sided act, which has been misused by a few people. If the properties (of Waqf) are better used, it would help the poor Muslims. Now, with the new bill, which will become an Act, all the previous grievances will be resolved," Khattar told ANI. Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams on Saturday attacked those protesting against the Waqf Amendment Bill , recently passed...

ABUJA The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), working alongside the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACETC) as well as UNESCO, has organized a National Focus Group Forum aimed at exploring Nigeria’s culture sector. This forum seeks to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries. The gathering assembled policymakers, business executives, innovators, and cultural promoters to discuss approaches for tapping into the significant economic opportunities within Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors. The talks centered around policy changes, digital progress, sustainable funding, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. The main aim was to establish Nigeria’s cultural industry as a key catalyst for economic expansion, employment generation, and international market strength. During his introductory comments, NESG Board member Mr. Udemy Ufot highlighted that the event offers a crucial platform for...

The Federal Polytechnic in Ayede, located in Oyo State, was among the six polytechnics inaugurated under the leadership of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021. In an interview with reporters, the institution’s initial Rector, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, discussed the progress made since taking charge. Here are some key points from the conversation as highlighted by SAM NWAOKO. How does it feel when you get new students? What is the enrollment process like? Do they encourage you, and what about your qualification for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)? I would like to extend my appreciation to the Federal Government, skillfully headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB), and the leadership of TETFund. The assistance provided by TETFund has been immensely beneficial to our institution. Various initiatives across both our temporary and permanent locations ha...

Patna (Bihar) [India], April 5 (ANI): Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday lashed out at the INDIA alliance for their criticism of Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and said that the opposition has always "misled" people about the government. “Every time the NDA government has introduced a law, bill, or amendment aimed at integrating weaker sections into the mainstream, the opposition has consistently misinformed people regarding these measures. They have continually attempted to create a misleading storyline,” stated Paswan. Regarding the CAA, the revocation of Article 370, and the building of the Ram Temple, Paswan stated that the opposition initially misled the public and continues to do so even now. Waqf Amendment Bill . For example, upon the implementation of CAA, the opposition attempted to deceive the public...Similarly, during the revocation of Article 370 and the building of the Shri Ram Temple, they engaged in misleadi...

Since 2012, South Africa’s aim has been to develop a competent and developmental government to tackle the dual issues of poverty and inequality. This objective is outlined in the nation’s National Development Plan. capable state As "efficiently managed and well-coordinated government organizations staffed by competent civil servants." The transformational and developmental role involves "continuously providing top-notch services" for the benefit of society. To achieve these objectives, the nation needs individuals in public service who possess the requisite technical abilities. It has proven to be essential for this purpose. analysis Regarding how different global governments across various regions have reacted to technology as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. One key takeaway, especially evident from many nations in the Global North, is that technological competencies are not just a passing fad but rather an essential tool for ...

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced that the federal government aims to create approximately one million tech positions for Nigeria’s young population. Tijani made this statement during the official inauguration of a solar-powered community ICT center constructed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abeokuta. This event was part of the activities celebrating the 38th Lisabi festival. The minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s government's dedication to investing in the digital sector, aiming for broad-based economic expansion and supporting the nation’s large young demographic. When I assumed my position, the president explicitly stated that significant efforts and resources would be dedicated to generating one million tech positions. Therefore, anyone keeping up with global developments can observe that a future devoid of technological advan...

Nigeria is achieving notable progress in geospatial technology, which is an essential resource for developing smart cities and contemporary infrastructure throughout the nation. Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, made these comments during a one-day workshop held on Thursday about the applications of ultra-high-resolution drone images and street view data gathered from parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Adebomehin highlighted the nation's dedication to utilizing technology for national progress. "I wish to express that we should all take pride in what we're about to witness. As Nigerians, particularly when discussing geospatial information and management along with technology, these are the very elements defining global progress today," he stated. He stated, "Discussing smart cities without having tangible examples to present right away is pointless since you need such detailed data available acros...