Coffee-powered Bopanna becomes oldest Masters champ
Coffee-powered Bopanna becomes oldest Masters champReutersCoffee connoisseur Rohan Bopanna on Saturday credited the special Indian blends he consumes on Tour for his success after the 43-year-old became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion by winning the men’s doubles title at the BNP Paribas Open. The biggest thing is to make sure you recover well after matches and that’s really helped me,” Bopanna said. Bopanna beat the record held by former partner Daniel Nestor and said that taking care of his body had paid off. Some days I tell Matt I maybe just practiced 20 minutes, but I’d rather rest the body and be ready for our matches,” Bopanna said. Indian doubles great Mahesh Bhupathi hailed former playing partner Bopanna’s longevity and ability to peak late in his career.
Source:Taipei Times
March 19, 2023 22:10 UTC
‘Suicide drone’ to be tested in July for potential use
‘Suicide drone’ to be tested in July for potential useStaff writer, with CNAA domestically developed “suicide drone,” also known as a loitering munition, would be tested and evaluated in July, and could enter mass production next year, Taiwan’s weapons developer said on Wednesday. The yet-to-be-named drone was among nine drone models unveiled by the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) on Tuesday. The drone has been dubbed the “Taiwanese switchblade” by Chinese-language media, due to its similarity to the US-made AeroVironment Switchblade 300, which has been used by Ukraine in counterattacks during Russia’s invasion. A domestically developed loitering munition, or “suicide drone,” similar to the US-made AeroVironment Switchblade 300, is pictured at the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology on Tuesday. A manufacturing project and a program to train drone pilots are being planned by the navy, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-chen (邱國正) said.
Source:Taipei Times
March 19, 2023 04:01 UTC
‘Tip fatigue’ in US raises questions about practice
‘Tip fatigue’ in US raises questions about practiceBy Lea Dauple / AFP, WASHINGTONTo tip, or not to tip? “Either way, you feel guilty,” said Matt Schottland, 41, in downtown Washington, a salad and a fruit juice in hand. A card reader displays tip options at a store in Washington on Friday. In response, experts warn of the risk of “tip fatigue,” a scenario in which Americans, overworked and hit by inflation, would no longer know where to tip, or how much. As a result, “trying to figure out like, when to tip, when not to tip, what is the appropriate tip, is it like always 20 percent now?
Source:Taipei Times
March 19, 2023 04:01 UTC
Licensed to sell
Bankers urge Silicon Valley Bank buyoutDOMINO EFFECT FEARED: The collapse of start-up-focused SVB could affect its regional peers, some executives said, calling on financial authorities to protect unisured deposits Some financial industry executives and investors were on Saturday growing increasingly concerned that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) could have a domino effect on other US regional banks if regulators did not find a buyer over the weekend to protect uninsured deposits. Start-up-focused lender SVB Financial Group on Friday became the largest bank to fail since the 2008 global financial crisis, roiling markets and leaving billions of US dollars belonging to companies and investors stranded. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC), which was appointed receiver, was trying to find another bank over the weekend that was willing to merge with
Source:Taipei Times
March 17, 2023 23:24 UTC
Tai Tzu-ying reaches quarter-finals
Tai Tzu-ying reaches quarter-finalsLAST ONE STANDING: The world No. Malaysia’s Ng Tze Yong returns to Viktor Axelsen of Denmark at the All England Open at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Thursday. After a 2-2 tie early in the second, Tai kept her opponent at bay, leading 12-10 before marching away. Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying returns to Kim Ga-eun of South Korea at the All England Open at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday. Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying returns to Kim Ga-eun of South Korea at the All England Open at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday.
Source:Taipei Times
March 17, 2023 22:10 UTC
Samsung’s Texas plant cost rises above US$25bn
Samsung’s Texas plant cost rises above US$25bnReuters, WASHINGTON, SAN FRANCISCO and SEOULA chip plant that South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co is building in Taylor, Texas, would cost the world’s biggest memorychip maker more than US$25 billion, up more than US$8 billion from initial forecasts, three people familiar with the matter said. “The higher construction cost is about 80 percent of the cost increase,” one of the sources said. Photo: Reuters“The newly estimated cost could go up even more if the construction of the Taylor plant gets delayed,” a second source said, adding that the estimate could be fluid. “The later the plant is completed, the higher cost we would be looking at,” they said. 2 contract chip manufacturer, announced its Taylor plant in 2021.
Source:Taipei Times
March 17, 2023 05:25 UTC
Foxconn secures AirPod order, plans new factory in India
Foxconn secures AirPod order, plans new factory in IndiaStaff writer, with ReutersTaiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (鴻海精密), also known as Foxconn Technology Group (富士康科技集團) internationally, has won an order to make AirPods for Apple Inc and plans to build a factory in India to produce the wireless earphones, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. A person walks past a Foxconn logo outside a company office in New Taipei City on Dec. 22 last year. Photo: REUTERSHon Hai would invest more than US$200 million in the new India AirPod plant in the southern state of Telangana, one source said, requesting anonymity as the matter is not public. The decision to set up production in India was requested by Apple, the source said. The subsidiary would make AirPods in India, a second source said, without providing further details.
Source:Taipei Times
March 17, 2023 05:23 UTC
US dollar retreats for biggest weekly loss since January
US dollar retreats for biggest weekly loss since JanuaryReuters, NEW YORKThe US dollar on Friday slid from a two-and-a-half-month high versus the yen, for its largest weekly loss since mid-January against a basket of six major currencies, as traders stepped back to gauge the path for Federal Reserve policy. The index slid 0.65 percent for the week, its biggest percentage fall since the week of Jan. 15. “Next week’s job opening and nonfarm payrolls reports could generate a lift in yields and the dollar,” he said. For the week, the dollar was down 0.44 percent versus the yen, its worst weekly showing since mid-January. The New Taiwan dollar on Friday gained against the US dollar, adding NT$0.003 to close at NT$30.627, down 0.48 percent from NT$30.480 a week earlier.
Source:Taipei Times
March 05, 2023 00:57 UTC
US ignores Russia warning on arms
Meanwhile, the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said its forces had “practically encircled” the eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut, which has seen the fiercest fighting of Moscow’s invasion. He has said in the past few weeks that his fighters have seized three villages north of Bakhmut — Yagidne, Berkhivka and Paraskoviivka. Ukraine has said it will defend “fortress Bakhmut” for as long as possible, but this week officials said the situation was difficult. Russia is determined to seize Bakhmut — a now-destroyed city once known for its sparkling wine — as part of its wider aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region. Ukrainian troops have held out for months, fighting brutal trench warfare and artillery battles that have flattened large portions of the city.
Source:Taipei Times
March 04, 2023 22:05 UTC
Militarization of waters around China concerns Quad
Militarization of waters around China concerns QuadAFP and Reuters, NEW DELHIThe US, Japan, India and Australia yesterday expressed concern over the militarization of the East and South China seas on the heels of a flare-up in tensions between Washington and Beijing. From left, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attend a panel discussion in New Delhi yesterday. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, through which massive amounts of trade passes annually. However, China has no reason to fear the Quad, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi said. Meanwhile, the Quad allies yesterday released another statement saying that Russia cannot be allowed to wage war with impunity.
Source:Taipei Times
March 03, 2023 22:26 UTC
Biden, Scholz to discuss Ukraine war, China in Washington
Biden, Scholz to discuss Ukraine war, China in WashingtonReuters, BERLIN and WASHINGTONGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz was yesterday scheduled to hold confidential talks in Washington with US President Joe Biden about the war in Ukraine amid growing concerns that China might provide weapons to Russia as its invasion grinds into a second year. US President Joe Biden, left, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrive at a G7 welcoming ceremony in Kruen, Germany, on June 26 last year. Scholz arrives as the US is consulting with allies about the possibility of imposing sanctions on China if it provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four US officials and other sources. “The Biden administration will use the Scholz visit to try to shift Germany’s balance in the direction of stronger pushback,” he said. Critics said the measure is a slap in the face to Europe from its biggest ally at a time when Europe is struggling with sharply higher energy prices due to the Ukraine war.
Source:Taipei Times
March 03, 2023 16:48 UTC
Welcome to Taiwan
Okinawa to hold drill for possible conflictFIRST TIME EVER: A preliminary plan envisages the evacuation of 120,000 people from the Sakishima Islands in the event of a cross-strait conflict, a newspaper said Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture is to hold an evacuation drill next month to prepare for a possible conflict in the Taiwan Strait, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Saturday. It would be the first such drill in Okinawa, the Japanese prefecture closest to Taiwan. An estimated 17,500 people per day could be evacuated by airlift and 3,000 could be evacuated by sea, the newspaper said, citing a preliminary plan, adding that it would take six days to complete the evacuation. People on the Sakishima Islands, which lie between Taiwan proper and Okinawa’s main island, would be evacuated to Kyushu in the event of a cross-strait
Source:Taipei Times
February 26, 2023 01:00 UTC
Nation to launch first low Earth orbit satellite in 2025
Nation to launch first low Earth orbit satellite in 2025By Wu Po-hsuan and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writerTaiwan plans to launch its first low Earth orbit communications satellite as soon as the middle of 2025, the National Science and Technology Council said yesterday. A model of a low Earth orbit communications satellite is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo provided by the Taiwan Space AgencyThroughout Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, satellites have greatly benefited Ukrainian forces, which has generated global interest in satellite research, the council said. The agency would also assist private companies with the launch of four satellites aimed at enhancing the nation’s mobile-communications industry, it said. The Ministry of Economic Affairs was also offering subsidies to spur the development of the nation’s space industry, it said.
Source:Taipei Times
February 26, 2023 00:58 UTC
Taiwan Mobile in negotiations for Taiwan Star deal
Taiwan Mobile in negotiations for Taiwan Star dealBy Lisa Wang / Staff reporterTaiwan Mobile Co (台灣大哥大) said it is negotiating a lower acquisition bid for Taiwan Star Telecom Corp (台灣之星), as the regulator’s ruling last month curtailed Taiwan Mobile’s access to the 5G spectrum owned by Taiwan Star. Taiwan Mobile seeks to slash about 72 percent of its offering to absorb financially strapped Taiwan Star through a share swap. Taiwan Mobile’s board of directors yesterday approved an exchange of one Taiwan Star share per 0.0326 Taiwan Mobile shares, compared with 0.04508 shares agreed in December 2021, according to a company filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange last night. Taiwan Mobile expects its revenue to grow this year, without counting the contribution from Taiwan Star, Lin said. Taiwan Mobile said it plans to boost capital spending this year to NT$12.8 billion, from NT$9.63 billion last year.
Source:Taipei Times
February 25, 2023 06:59 UTC
Jovicevic hails ‘victory for Ukraine’
Jovicevic hails ‘victory for Ukraine’AFP, RENNES, FranceShakhtar Donetsk on Thursday qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, with coach Igor Jovicevic hailing the win at French side Stade Rennais as a “victory for Ukraine.”Shakhtar defeated Rennes 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after their playoff had ended 3-3 on aggregate and then went to extra-time. The win came a day before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This match was for you, Ukraine, it was for our country, for Ukraine,” said Croatian coach Jovicevic, who has worked in Ukraine for more than 20 years. “Respect to my players, I’m proud of them,” said Jovicevic, who praised the “magnificent atmosphere” of Rennes’ Roazhon Park. “It’s already a very difficult situation to live to the rhythm of the bombardments, the sirens,” Jovicevic said.
Source:Taipei Times
February 25, 2023 06:52 UTC