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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Watch: Video of 'UCLA administrator' applauding as Chinese-origin student blasts ICE, Trump
Screenshot from the viral video of UCLA student Jamie Han slamming Trump and ICE in her speech. A Chinese-American student of the University of California, Los Angeles, won applause at her valedictorian speech in which she blasted the Donald Trump administration and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The ceremony took place last month but now that the video went viral, MAGA commentators pointed out that a UCLA professor or administrator was applauding and smiling. "The most interesting image here is the bearded UCLA administrator nodding and applauding. The Trump administration should make sure that gesture alone is extremely costly for the university," Conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza posted. Jamie Han, in her fiery speech, called herself a first-generation immigrant and now a citizen, as she criticized the administration for actively attacking democracy and freedom. "Education, free speech, and democracy itself is being threatened by the very institutions that claim to value it, and in a country that not only refuses to protect, but actively persecutes, scapegoats, and villainizes the indisputable backbone of immigrants who make America what it is," she said. "Which as a first-generation immigrant myself, and as a now citizen who has the privilege of not having to fear for my life every second of the day, and as a communication major of all things, preaching up here about the importance of using your education and using your voice." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Woman Puts Baking Soda On Her Toes Every Day, And You Will Too Beach Raider Undo "Excuse my language, but to that I say, fu** ICE and fu** the Trump administration,' Han said as there were claps and the person, D'Souza pointed out, nodded. "This is so embarrassing on so many levels. Wow, where do you start. First, giving a political speech at a graduation, albeit to the approval of the teachers, definitely says dirtbag hit piece on it. Obviously she has been trained to be a Democrat pit bull as opposed to being a potential new hire at a Fortune 500 company," one wrote commenting on D'Souza's post. Many called for the speaker's deportation, while others rued that there is no freedom of speech. The administration and UCLA are already at odds as Trump demanded $1 billion settlement from the university in exchange of the restoration of research funding that the administration recently stopped.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Short-form video's leap to TV could reshape India's digital commerce playbook
Short-form video is evolving beyond the smartphone. In India, YouTube Shorts is increasingly being consumed on connected televisions, a trend that is reshaping how brands engage with digital consumers across platforms and screens. As content consumption fragments and video formats mature, players like Google are positioning their ecosystems as end-to-end commerce channels. 'We're seeing something quite unique with Shorts. It's no longer just a mobile phenomenon,' said Harsha Nallur, Head of Vertical Business for Ecommerce at Google India. 'It's now being consumed on connected TVs as well. YouTube Shorts is the only platform that truly bridges short-form video between smartphones and television screens.' This cross-device shift comes as brands and creators seek more integrated ways to reach audiences, particularly in India's tier two and tier three markets. According to Nallur, regional creators are becoming instrumental in shaping purchase decisions in these geographies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rich Man Keeps Annoying Royal Guard, But He Didnt Expect This To Happen Beach Raider Undo 'We're seeing a boom in creators from smaller towns. We work closely with brands to identify emerging trends and partner with these creators to drive meaningful growth in local markets,' he said. While short-form video has traditionally been used for brand discovery, platforms are increasingly promoting it as a full-funnel tool capable of driving not only awareness but also purchase intent. Live Events 'Shorts stands out by being part of the broader YouTube ecosystem, enabling brands and creators to engage audiences across both short- and long-form content on a single platform. This allows consumers to move seamlessly from discovery to deeper exploration, while brands stay present throughout the entire journey,' Nallur said. A full-funnel strategy is a marketing and sales approach that engages consumers at every stage of the purchase journey—from awareness to conversion and even post-purchase loyalty. Citing a Google-commissioned survey, Nallur said 72% of Indian users reported discovering new products through Shorts, with an equal percentage saying the platform helped them make purchase decisions. While these are internal findings, they reflect a broader industry trend. Short-form video is gaining commercial utility across platforms, not just YouTube. Despite the growing number of closed-loop commerce ecosystems such as Flipkart and Meesho, Google remains a key starting point for many shoppers. 'Google Search and YouTube continue to be among the most powerful platforms for consumer activity. They play a key role in product discovery, helping people compare prices and read reviews,' Nallur said. 'Ninety percent of social media users in India turn to Google Search to validate what they've seen elsewhere.' India's e-commerce ecosystem itself is undergoing what Google describes as a consumer-led transformation. Nallur noted that 40% of internet users in India—approximately 353 million people—already shop online, with the number growing at 15% annually. 'This is not just growth. It is a consumer-led transformation that is redefining how India browses, shops, and buys,' he said. The modern consumer journey is fragmented, Nallur added. 'People scroll, stream, search, and shop—often all at the same time.' Against this backdrop, three expectations are emerging consistently across user segments: speed, personalisation, and trustworthy information. 'Seventy-two percent of consumers told us that personalised shopping experiences make things easier. And 56% are researching more frequently online before making a purchase,' he said. These changing behaviours are blurring the lines between traditional e-commerce and quick commerce. 'Platforms like Flipkart and vertical players like Myntra, Ajio, and Nykaa are comprehensive marketplaces. But quick commerce has carved out its own space for everyday needs and is now expanding into categories like apparel and mobile phones,' said Nallur. He added that nearly half of Indian consumers now prefer platforms that offer faster delivery. 'That's why brands like Myntra, Nykaa, FNP, and 1MG are experimenting with hybrid models that combine speed with broader assortments,' he said. 'Over 80% of users are engaging multiple times a week. Forty-five percent say they would prefer using an e-commerce platform if it offered quicker delivery.' Among the most active cohorts are Gen Z shoppers, women, and consumers from non-metro regions. According to Nallur, more than 50% of Gen Z shoppers buy from at least five retailers annually. 'They are highly visual, consume short-form content, and actively search for value. Many rely on Google Search to discover and evaluate products.' In line with the video-commerce convergence, YouTube introduced Shoppable Ads in India in 2024, enabling creators to embed links within videos and monetise through commerce. 'This represents a major leap in merging entertainment with commerce,' Nallur said. 'These formats give brands the ability to drive direct actions from engaged viewers.' Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in this ecosystem. 'All of our ad products today are powered by AI,' Nallur said. 'Whether it's raising awareness, increasing app installs, or driving purchases, AI helps brands deliver outcomes across the marketing funnel.' He also highlighted the use of AI in creative production workflows. 'AI is not replacing human creativity. It's making it faster and more efficient. Every campaign starts with human insight. What changes is the way that insight is executed, depending on complexity and timelines,' he said. While several large e-commerce platforms are building their own advertising ecosystems, Google views this trend as complementary rather than competitive. 'We view these platforms as partners, not competitors. Their growth strengthens the broader ecosystem, and we work with them to drive outcomes that benefit everyone,' said Nallur. Looking ahead, he believes brands will need to develop dynamic, multi-platform strategies that reflect India's shifting digital landscape. 'Brands really need to deploy full-funnel strategies that are as dynamic as their audiences. To reach, engage, and convert customers with precision, scale, and local resonance—that is the new playbook.'
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kremlin declines to predict when Putin and Trump may meet
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday he could not predict whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump this year. Peskov told reporters that Russia hopes to agree with the United States soon on a new round of negotiations to remove "irritants" in bilateral ties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rich Man Keeps Annoying Royal Guard, But He Didnt Expect This To Happen Beach Raider Undo
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Denmark's largest construction company returns keys of Tesla cars, says: We as a company have chosen to ...
A Danish construction company, Tscherning, has returned its entire corporate fleet of Tesla vehicles, citing Elon Musk as the reason, a report claims. The company's decision reportedly reflects a trend of declining Tesla sales and brand damage in Europe linked to the Tesla CEO's political involvement. Consumer concerns have allegedly increased following the world's richest man's political inclination. This has led to both reduced sales and even current Tesla owners returning or selling their vehicles to distance themselves from the brand. Corporate sales, which are a major source of sales for the EV maker in Europe, are also reportedly affected by this trend. Tscherning, similar to the European pharmacy chain Rossmann, which sold its Tesla fleet last year, electrified its corporate fleet with Tesla vehicles. Recently, the company announced that it has now returned all of them and even shared a video showing the same. What Tscherning said about returning all its Tesla vehicles In a statement to Electrek, Tscherning said: 'At Tscherning, we not only decide how we drive, but also who we drive with. That's why we've chosen to hand over the keys to our Tesla company cars – not because Tesla has become a bad car, but in light of Elon Musk's political commitment and the opinions he has publicly expressed (and which are increasingly hard to overlook), we as a company have chosen to say 'thank you for the ride.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My Stepdad Demands I Pay Him Rent On My 18th Birthday. He Doesn't Know I Own The House So I Did This Beach Raider Undo The company stated that it doesn't want to be 'associated with the values and political direction that currently accompany the Tesla brand.' Instead, it will purchase 'European alternatives' to Tesla vehicles. The Electrek report also claims that Tesla's situation in Europe is not sustainable, and there may be layoffs and store closures. Although the new Model Y was available throughout the quarter, Q2 results are similar to Q1, which saw a 40% year‑over‑year decline. The Q1 and Q2 2025 figures are lower than every quarter in the past three years, the report shared this graph to claim. Image credit: Electrek Meanwhile, with corporate fleets being returned and current owners selling their cars, purchasing a used Tesla may be more cost‑effective given the current pricing, the Electrek report adds. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
For Trump, adulation and no risk of protests made the Gulf a dream trip
In Saudi Arabia, he received a standing ovation from business elites as he announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria. In Qatar, he took home an investment pledge of billions of dollars in American goods and services. In the United Arab Emirates, he was awarded the country's highest civilian honor. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Husband Sold Son's Car After Bad Grades. Parents Turned Pale When He Did This As Revenge Beach Raider Undo If President Donald Trump has been dogged at home by backlash over his tariff policies, protests over his immigration crackdown and questions over his ethics, a week in the Arabian Peninsula produced nothing but wins for the president. "The last four days have been really amazing," Trump said Thursday, as he was leaving a palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he had just been feted. He added, looking rueful, "Probably going back to Washington, D.C., tomorrow." Live Events On Friday, the president reflected on his trip on Air Force One: "The respect shown to our country was incredible. Nobody's treated like that. Nobody's treated well like that." At every step of Trump's whirlwind tour of the Middle East, he was treated with the kind of honor and respect he has long desired. Escorts of fighter jets. Extravagant welcoming ceremonies. Red and lavender carpets. Arabian horses. Glitzy chandeliers. Camels. Sword dancers. White marble palaces. In the United Arab Emirate of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, lit up with an image of the American flag. All in his honor. "As a construction person, I'm seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto," Trump said at one point, admiring the royal court in Doha, the capital of Qatar. "We appreciate those camels. I haven't seen camels like that in a long time." Such a welcome would have been unlikely in most other corners of the world, where governments, including the United States' closest allies, are reeling from Trump's aggressive tariffs and bellicose rhetoric toward Canada, Greenland and Panama. But in the Gulf, Trump's every move was lauded. Trump was able to announce what he said was more than $2 trillion in economic investments between the United States and the three nations he visited: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, each longtime purchasers of American military equipment. Trump said that the investments from those three nations could reach as high as $4 trillion -- roughly the size of all their sovereign wealth funds combined. While much of that total comes in the form of long-term pledges that may or may not materialize and counts some deals that were already underway, leaders of the Gulf nations were all too happy to supply Trump with the eye-popping figures. At a business event in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Trump was treated to a tour of deals underway between American and Emirati companies, including purchases of Boeing jets and General Electric engines. Trump marveled at the wealth of his hosts, who can pay upfront for whatever deals they undertake. "They don't say 'subject to financing,'" Trump said. "They have no problem." At each step of the trip, Trump surrounded himself with friendly audiences and often turned his events -- such as a stop at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East -- into campaign-style rallies: blasting his favorite playlists ("Gloria," of course), bashing Democrats and falsely claiming he had won the 2020 election. Speaking to U.S. troops as their commander in chief, he was greeted with chants of "USA." "We won three elections, OK? And some people want us to do a fourth. I don't know. I'll have to think about it," Trump told the troops, yet again floating the idea of an unconstitutional third term in office. "The hottest hat is, it says, 'Trump 2028.' We're driving the left crazy." If Trump hoped to avoid controversy about his family's business dealings in the region, the Gulf leaders helped with just that -- highlighting deals with private firms that are unrelated to Trump's personal business interests. There was no visit to the site of the Trump Organization's deal with a Saudi real estate company to build a residential high-rise in Jeddah; no presentation of a $400 million luxury jet that Trump is seeking as a gift from Qatar; and no promotion of the Abu Dhabi-backed fund that is making a $2 billion business deal using the Trump firm's digital coins. On Air Force One, taking questions from reporters, Trump denied knowledge of the crypto deal. "I really don't know anything about it," he said. "But I'm a big crypto fan, I will tell you." If a Democratic president did what Trump has done -- praising a former jihadis, welcoming Qatar's friendship with Iran and accepting a "gift" of a $400 million airplane -- Republicans would have been howling in protest and ordering up congressional investigations. What transpired, instead, was mostly an uncomfortable silence. A few Trump allies, like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and far-right activist Laura Loomer made clear they did not like the plane gift, but contorted themselves to express their discomfort in ways that would be least likely to offend Trump. Loomer preceded her criticism by saying she would "take a bullet" for the president, and Hawley avoided the implication of corruption and simply said he would prefer "if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America -- that would be ideal." Trump's declaration that the United States was shifting its policy toward the Middle East away from judgment and confrontation toward peace and profit was praised repeatedly. "It's crucial for the wider world to note this great transformation has not come from Western interventionists or flying people in beautiful planes, giving you lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs," Trump said at a gathering of Saudi royalty and business elites in Riyadh. Even back home in the United States, Democrats and Republicans approved of Trump's announcement that he was removing sanctions from Syria in an effort to give the war-torn country a fresh start. "We commend President Trump's decision to lift all sanctions on Syria," the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said in a joint statement. The trip was intended to deliver a series of economic, diplomatic and public relations wins for the countries involved, said Andrew Leber, an assistant professor at Tulane University in Louisiana, who focuses on the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Saudi Arabia got the opportunity to highlight the changing nature of its society and economy, and present itself as a leader in global affairs, both in terms of business opportunities and diplomacy. Trump got a trip that essentially could not go wrong for him, Leber said. "This was the one place that's guaranteed to give him a very enthusiastic, warm and tightly controlled welcome," Leber added. "If he went anywhere in Latin America, there would be protests. If he went anywhere in Europe, there would be protests. This is a place that's going to speak with him and deal with him on very transactional terms, that's going to put on a big show and where there's not going to be any domestic protests whatsoever." That was indeed the case, as Gulf leaders adopted Trump's favorite phrases. Each nation talked about their trade deficits with the United States and how they buy more from the United States than they sell -- a favorite topic of the president's. At a business forum in Saudi Arabia, panelists talked of "making aviation great again," playing off Trump's campaign theme. At the meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Trump walked into a large rotunda where five large screens showed various kinds of investment -- starting with "Making Energy Great Again." There, he was gifted a box containing a drop of oil. In Doha, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, adopted Trump's energy slogan, "Drill, baby, drill." "The U.S. and Qatar are feeding and fueling the world," the emir said, before turning to Trump. "Glad to have you back on board." Trump is also a relief for Gulf leaders: They now have a U.S. president who breezes past their human rights records as he chases high-dollar deals. "Governments and publics throughout the Gulf like Trump a lot," said Jon B. Alterman, a global security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "They feel Western liberals want to shame them on their domestic issues, everything from LGBT rights to abuse of migrant workers," Alterman added. "While there certainly are rising liberal voices in the Gulf, most people there see Trump as a common-sense, like-minded leader." As he ended his trip in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Trump worried aloud to the news media that whoever becomes president after him would get credit for the deals once they reach fruition. "I'll be sitting home, who the hell knows where I'll be, and I'll say, 'I did that,'" he said. "Somebody's going to be taking the credit for this. You remember, press," he said, pointing to himself, "this guy did it." This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
