Latest news with #Chinese-origin
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Arms deals: India moves away from Russia; Pakistan from the U.S.
While India effectively utilised many of its indigenous defence systems during Operation Sindoor, it also relied on weapons built in collaboration with Israel, such as the SkyStriker drone, and those imported from Russia, such as the Pechora and OSA-AK missiles. Pakistan used Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles and Turkish-origin Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. An analysis of arms transfer data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in the sourcing of weapons for both India and Pakistan. India has gradually reduced its dependence on Russia and has increasingly turned to Western countries such as France, the U.S., and the U.K. A significant portion of its arms imports also comes from Israel. The data reflect the quantity of weapons imported, without accounting for their firepower or operational role. Chart 1A shows the country-wise share of India's defence imports. Staring from the 1960s, India began to consistently source more than 33% of its weapons from Russia (formerly the Soviet Union). This dependence peaked in the 1990s, when Russia accounted for an overwhelming 96.5% of India's imports. From then, Russia's share steadily dropped, falling to a still substantial 75% in the 2020s. This drop was offset by increased imports from other countries: in the 2020s, France accounted for over 9%, the U.K. for 5.5%, Israel for nearly 5%, and the U.S. for close to 3% of India's weapons imports. In contrast, Pakistan has historically sourced the majority of its weapons from both China and the U.S. over several decades. However, in the 2020s, China has emerged as Pakistan's dominant arms supplier. Chart 1B illustrates the country-wise share of Pakistan's defence imports. In the 2020s, nearly 95% of Pakistan's arms imports came from China, marking a sharp rise from 41% in the 2010s and just 19% in the 2000s. Meanwhile, the U.S.'s share declined from nearly 67% in the 2000s to 38% in the 2010s to merely 0.85% in the 2020s. Apart from overall arms procurement, specific weapons and aircraft were also points of discussion during the recent conflict. The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in 'delivering precision strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan'. Additionally, the IAF's control of the airspace proved 'pivotal in protecting Indian airspace during retaliatory drone and UAV attacks'. Chart 2A shows the country-wise share of India's imports of weapons related to air power. Chart 2B shows the country-wise share of Pakistan's imports of weapons related to air power. India's dependence on countries apart from Russia is even more evident in this regard. In the 2020s, India has procured more than 55% of its weapons related to air power from France, the U.K., and Israel. Pakistan's dependence on China is also even more pronounced in this regard. Over the past three decades, between 50% and 85% of Pakistan's air-related imports have come from China. While the U.S.'s share in Pakistan's arms imports has significantly declined and its share in India's imports is only gradually rising, the superpower continues to dominate global arms exports overall. Chart 3 shows the country-wise share of global arms exports (in %). In the 2020s, more than 65% of the world's arms exports originated from the U.S. Russia's share has dwindled to 5% in the 2020s, which coincides with its invasion of Ukraine. Interestingly, China accounts for less than 2% of total exports worldwide in the 2020s. A significant portion of its limited exports (33%) is directed to Pakistan. Chart 4 shows shows the country-wise share of China's defence exports. Source: SIPRI vignesh.r@
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
From cute to controversial: Japan outlaws ‘Pikachu' and other unusual baby names
Japan is putting a lid on its glittery name game. As of this week, parents in the country will no longer have complete freedom to invent unusual pronunciations for their children's names targeting the so-called 'kirakira' (sparkly) naming trend. In an effort to restore clarity and order to the naming system, the Japanese government has amended the Family Registry Act, requiring that all kanji (Chinese-origin characters used in written Japanese) used in names follow officially recognised readings. The move is designed to eliminate phonetic free-styling that has led to an explosion of quirky and sometimes baffling names many of which are proving difficult for teachers, doctors, and public servants to decipher. Over the past few decades, Japan has seen a sharp rise in unconventional names inspired by everything from anime characters to global brands. Among the more eyebrow-raising examples Pikachu (Pokémon), Naiki (Nike), Daiya (Diamond), Pū (as in Winnie-the-Pooh), and even Akuma, which means 'Devil.' Then there are those like Olympic legend Seiko Hashimoto, who named her children Girishia (Greece) and Torino (Turin) after the host cities of the Olympic Games during the years they were born. While Hashimoto, who personally selected the kanji, knew how they should be pronounced, others might have been completely stumped. Under the new rules, parents must now submit not just the kanji for their child's name, but also the intended pronunciation. If the reading strays too far from conventional interpretations, officials have the right to request a written explanation and even reject the name altogether if it's deemed too confusing or inappropriate. Officials say the change is partly motivated by the push to digital administrative systems, which has been complicated by names that don't follow any standard pronunciation rules. But beyond bureaucracy, the shift is also seen as a cultural course correction. Critics of 'kirakira' names argue that while parents may want their child to stand out, the result often invites ridicule and creates practical difficulties for the child later in life. Still, many parents see their naming choices as a creative expression of individuality in a society that often prizes conformity. Kirakira names have become a way to push boundaries in a tightly structured culture, especially when it comes to raising children. While the new regulations won't outlaw the use of kanji with multiple meanings outright, they will significantly narrow the range of acceptable phonetic interpretations. Authorities stressed that only the most extreme examples will be rejected.
The Print
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistan loses plot as Munir gifts Sharif photo of 2017 Chinese drill, passing it off as Op Bunyanum
The dinner hosted Saturday was to pay tribute to the country's 'political leadership and the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces'. Among the key attendees were President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, provincial governors and chief ministers. However, the picture is actually from a Chinese military exercise in 2017 and not the Pakistani Army in action. The gaffe by the Army chief was quickly identified on social media where it was being likened to the Pakistan's Army's false declaration of a win and large scale destruction in India. New Delhi: Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir hosted a 'victory' dinner for the country's political brass and gave a framed picture of what was supposed to be his military in action against India under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. After images of the high-profile dinner were shared on social media with pictures of both Munir and Sharif holding the picture, some users were quick to point out the discrepancies and soon mocked the Pakistani Army for sharing a fake photo. 'Apparently the Pakistan Army Chief has gifted PM Shehbaz Sharif a dated Chinese military photo as a souvenir to illustrate Pak Army attack against India. So not just a fake victory narrative but also a fake photo with it. What a joke @OfficialDGISPR,' Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui wrote on 'X'. Senior leadership from major political parties, top government officials, and high-ranking officers from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy also participated in the event along with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and service chiefs, the state-run PTV reported. The discovery of the Chinese-origin image has now undermined the credibility of the narrative and made the entire event a subject of public mockery. 'This is more than a meme-worthy blunder—it's a systemic tell. When Pakistan's top general gifts the Prime Minister a recycled Chinese artillery image as 'proof of success,; it reveals how disconnected their narrative machine is from operational truth…Either way, it shows one thing clearly: Pakistan's strategic signaling is now indistinguishable from parody. And even China's recycled firepower can't mask that,' another 'X' user pointed out. Later, Siddiqui narrated to ThePrint how he found out the 'Chinese arms photo'. 'I saw the original photo being shared by local media in Pakistan and then saw other accounts sharing that it may be Chinese weaponry. Following which I did some reverse Google imaging and voila: It was indeed a Chinese arms photo from some years ago,' he said. Pakistan has crafted a fake narrative of victory at home, so it is not surprising that it is using a fake photo to go along with it, he added. 'There is another angle but maybe more speculative: Using Chinese imagery to please the Chinese regime which has its own conflict with India. China is one of the main suppliers of weapons to Pakistan and this maybe a way to say thank you,' the exiled Pakistan journalist said. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Pakistan DG-ISPR echoes Hafiz Saeed in rant against India—'if you stop our water, we stop your breath'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Tariffs Hit Imports For Sure, But Made In USA Purchases Also Didn't Escape Price Rise Gauntlet, Shows Harvard Study
According to a new Harvard study, the tariffs imposed by the U.S. Government on 'Liberation Day' over a month ago have sparked broad-based retail price increases, impacting not just imports but also goods made in America. What Happened: The study, published on 17th May, and led by Harvard Business School professor Alberto Cavallo and co-authors Paola Llamas and Franco Vazquez, tracked over 330,000 daily prices from four major U.S. retailers, linking them to product origin and tariff classification. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — According to the study, while imports were the primary target of the tariffs, 'domestically produced goods also saw some gains,' suggesting a broader inflationary impact than anticipated. Prices of Chinese-origin goods began rising sharply after the U.S. imposed a 125% tariff on April 10th, the study found, but American-made goods weren't immune. 'Many U.S.-made products rely on imported inputs,' the researchers note, pointing to components, packaging, and raw materials sourced from countries hit with new tariffs. The study also found that retailers began raising prices ahead of formal tariff implementation dates, often in anticipation of demand shifts and margin pressures. 'These findings underscore the wide-ranging impact of trade policy,' the paper concludes, 'which can influence retail prices far beyond the specific goods targeted by tariffs.'Why It Matters: Early this month, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released data showing that U.S. manufacturing shrank for the second-straight month in April. The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell from 49% in March to 48.7%, marking its third consecutive monthly decline. This has been attributed to the Price Index surging to 69.8%, the highest in nearly three years, driven by tariff-related inflation. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers had warned about this over a month ago, when talking about the impact of the steel tariffs. He said there are '50 times more workers in industries that use steel than those who work in the steel industry,' adding that all of these industries are now less competitive, as a result of the tariffs, and the 'higher input costs.' Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest before it's too late. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum. Photo courtesy: Shutterstock Send To MSN: Send to MSN Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Trump Tariffs Hit Imports For Sure, But Made In USA Purchases Also Didn't Escape Price Rise Gauntlet, Shows Harvard Study originally appeared on Sign in to access your portfolio
Malaysian Reserve
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Elitist no more, caviar is turning casual
by MARINE DO-VALE WHEN Burger King announced it was selling caviar with nuggets at its French restaurants on April 1, many people assumed it was an April Fool's joke. But as news spread on social media, buyers rushed to try one of the world's most expensive delicacies paired with a humble and highly commoditised piece of deep-fried chicken while limited stocks lasted. For €19 (RM94.43), they got seven nuggets, mayonnaise and a 10g pouch of Chinese-origin caviar from the Astana brand, which explained it had worked with the fast-food giant to 'make the caviar of chefs available to as many people as possible'. It was a marketing coup — the story quickly went viral after being picked up by French news outlets — but it also revealed how the image of caviar as an out-of-reach luxury product is rapidly changing. As with most new food trends, interest in the exclusive fish eggs is being driven by online influencers and celebrities. Rihanna posted a video to her 150 million followers on Instagram on Dec 20 last year showing her eating nuggets topped with caviar. 'I don't like how much I like this,' she began. US celebrity chef David Chang is also a champion, with a 2022 Instagram video showing him dunking a deep-fried chicken leg into a 1kg tin of caviar — 'one of my favourite most obscene things to do' — which racked up more than three million views. He credits New York chef Wylie Dufresne with first adding it to the menu at his influential WD~50 restaurant in the 2010s. Last year, the US Open tennis tournament caused a stir by selling a US$100 (RM437) box of six nuggets with caviar created by the luxury Manhattan fried chicken restaurant Coqodaq. Producers and food writers have mixed feelings about the popularisation of the culinary indulgence, which sells for €1,000 to €30,000 a kg depending on the type. The high prices are due to rarity and the high investment producers make in the sturgeon fish needed for caviar, which start to produce eggs only after eight or 10 years. The most expensive caviar — the one famously preferred by Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor — is the roe of the beluga sturgeon, which takes at least 15 years to mature. Mikael Petrossian, head of the French brand Petrossian, said there was a 'demystification' of caviar underway. 'Caviar doesn't necessarily have to come in a large tin with silver serving pieces…You can enjoy the product in a much more relaxed way,' he said. 'I personally like eating caviar with crisps.' The French caviar producer Neuvic founder Laurent Deverlanges said his company also aims to make it 'less formal'. He posted a review of the 'King Nugget Caviar' menu online, concluding that 'it works, even if you can't really taste the caviar much'. But Olivier Cabarrot, the head of the France-based Prunier brand whose caviar restaurant is one of the most famous in the world, pushes back on the idea of it becoming a regular product. 'In terms of gastronomy, there is nothing as expensive. It's hard to talk about it becoming 'democratised',' he said. 'But we can speak of greater accessibility, achieved through the sale of smaller quantities rather than lower prices.' Many distributors including Petrossian and Prunier offer tins of 10g, 20g or 30g, helping to attract a younger clientele. Remi Dechambre, a food journalist at Le Parisien newspaper, said people associated caviar with opulence and refinement less and less. 'We've completely moved on from that…Consumption has become a little more common, a little less formal — even though it still makes people dream,' he told AFP. But knowing how to enjoy the product properly remains essential, said supplier Le Comptoir du Caviar MD Francoise Boisseaud. 'There's a whole education to be done,' she said about the different types — 'baeri', 'oscietre', 'sevruga' or beluga — adding that 'the richness of the world of caviar is infinite — just like wine'. For her, the best way to enjoy it is with a crusty baguette and butter, not with fried chicken or crisps. Robin Panfili, a food journalist who runs the food blog 'Entree, Plat, Dessert', said Burger King had pulled off a 'marketing trick'. 'By trying to bring together two worlds that are completely opposed — luxury and fast food — the aim is to shake up the codes, to demystify a product historically seen as luxurious and elitist. It's visual, it's viral, it sparks discussion because it's provocative,' he told AFP. — AFP This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
