oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, customs, economics, international economics, international trade
New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI):
Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman
On Thursday, they stated that the continuous process of streamlining
customs duties
And removing the 6 percent equalization levy, which started in 2023, is unrelated to any worldwide occurrences and will proceed as planned.
Sitharaman stated that reducing custom duties is a component of India’s larger aim to reinforce its position as a leading manufacturing center and enhance capabilities in batteries and advanced chemical processes.
In response to a discussion about the Finance Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman stated, “Budget by budget, we continue to decrease tariffs with the aim of supporting India’s ambition to become a leading manufacturing center. This also aids in developing capabilities for battery production and advanced chemical processes. It is part of our ongoing efforts.”
“I’ve noticed several members mention, ‘Oh, the
tariff
conflict has begun, thus as a reaction to the
tariff
Announcements made by President Trump, this initiative has been underway since 2023. We’ve continued to make steady progress each year. New products are continually introduced with consideration for both Atmanirbhar Bharat and the needs of Viksit Bharat, along with streamlining custom duties and easing compliance procedures,” stated Sitharaman.
“Therefore, this is a continuous process. It is not related to the current worldwide circumstances but is something that will persist into the future,” she noted.
India lowered customs tariffs on numerous goods and abolished them.
equalisation levy
of 6 per cent
From the Oval Office, the president made a substantial policy announcement
Donald Trump
has announced a 25 percent
tariff
On every vehicle brought into the U.S., a step he referred to as “highly thrilling” for local production.
The
tariff
Starting on April 2, this regulation will affect almost fifty percent of all vehicles sold in the United States, encompassing even those from domestic brands manufactured abroad. This comprehensive policy seeks to encourage automotive companies to build additional manufacturing plants inside U.S. territory.
Industry insiders caution that the
tariff
This outcome might have extensive repercussions. Autos Drive America, an advocacy body for global automobile producers active in the U.S., voiced significant reservations regarding the possible aftermath.
“The
tariff
As a result, this could increase the cost of manufacturing cars,” the statement read, “which might lead to higher prices for customers, decreased variety in options available, and possible upheavals in employment sectors.
The statement has the potential to heighten trade disputes with major car-producing countries such as those in Europe, Japan, and South Korea. These nations ship significant volumes of automobiles to the U.S. market and could perceive this move unfavorably.
tariff
As a direct challenge to their car manufacturing sectors.
Economists predict the
tariff
This could raise vehicle costs by thousands of dollars, putting additional pressure on consumers who are already struggling with ongoing inflation. Such action would mark a significant intrusion into the auto industry, possibly altering worldwide car production tactics.
President Trump stayed optimistic regarding the policy, saying, “Anyone with operations in the United States will benefit from this.”
As the automotive sector and international markets adjust to this major policy shift, other companies, particularly those based in India, are preparing for even larger transformations.
Earlier, US President
Donald Trump
targeted India’s auto import
tariff
As stated during his address to Congress, he said, “We face auto tariffs imposed by India.”
tariff
“exceeding 100%,” he declared, adding that a retaliatory tariff would be implemented on April 2. He stated that the US has suffered unfair treatment at the hands of almost every nation globally for many years and pledged not to allow this to continue. (ANI)
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, commerce, news, payment processing, technology
A few weeks following the announcement,
strategic partnership
With the technology solutions company Mosaic Solutions, PayMongo—a prominent local fintech platform—has recently partnered with emerging fintech start-up Mochi to enhance payment and invoicing procedures for their customers. As stated in an official announcement, this partnership aims at streamlining “the way businesses handle accounts receivable and cash flow, guaranteeing quicker transactions and decreased operational bottlenecks as electronic payments gain more popularity.”
As a result, the collaboration intends to provide a cohesive solution aimed at removing manual procedures, boosting transaction security, and improving financial operations efficiency.
This collaboration arrives as the nation intensifies its focus on digital payments, with projections indicating that it will surpass PHP 100 billion this year. Data from 2023 shows that the proportion of digital payments by value surpassed 55.3%, whereas the number of transaction volumes hit 52.8%.
Venture Capital Report
by Foxmont Capital Partners and The Boston Consulting Group.
ALSO READ
Philippine startup Mosaic Solutions is set to acquire HelixPay.
Report: In spite of the subdued investment climate, deals hit an all-time high in 2024.
Moreover, an impressive 91.3 percent of people in the Philippines stated that they utilized online financial services in 2024, significantly above the worldwide average of only 37.8 percent.
Partnering with Mochi reinforces our dedication to fostering the expansion of MSMEs and fintech within the Philippines,” stated Jojo Malolos, CEO of Paymongo. “By incorporating Mochi’s sophisticated billing and collection automation into PayMongo’s payment solutions, we’re enabling local enterprises to thrive in the digital marketplace with assurance.
We are excited to join forces with PayMongo in transforming the way businesses manage payments and collections,” said Guaya Melgar, CEO of Mochi. “This partnership will equip firms with the necessary tools to streamline financial management and concentrate on expanding their operations.
PayMongo serves as a streamlined solution for business payments. As the initial Philippine Fintech company nurtured through the prestigious Y Combinator program in Silicon Valley, PayMongo stands out. On another front, Mochi operates as an accounts receivable tool designed specifically for Filipino enterprises aiming to enhance their invoicing efficiency, minimize errors and fraudulent activities, and offer flexible payment options to clients.
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | art, artwork, performing arts, visual artists, visual arts
Each great work of art starts with one brushstroke, and every stroke conveys its own significance. While some painters depict what they observe, others express their emotions through their artwork.
Grancinha “Inha” Arceo
accomplishes both—giving birth to a universe where feelings materialize as potent movements, vivid blossoms, and profoundly intimate stories.
What began as a pastime has transformed into a globally acknowledged art form. Having delved into painting throughout the pandemic, this Filipino artist has showcased her creations in Monaco and Madrid. She is now gearing up for a major achievement: her first solo exhibit in Manila, entitled “
Break Free
.“
Taking place from
March 31
to
April 13
at
RiseSpace Art Gallery
This exhibition transcends her artistic creations; it stands as a declaration of liberty and genuine self-expression.
Inha Arceo at the Madrid Art Show 2024
Breaking free
“In this exhibition, every section represents my individual story. My aim was to welcome spectators to revisit their personal paths and embrace all the beauty as well as perhaps the less attractive aspects of themselves. This would help them liberate themselves,” she explained.
Metro.Style
Through her creations, Inha encourages both herself and those who view them to embrace their authentic identities without holding back.
The motif of freedom runs through her art, reflecting her discovery of how to convey the playful aspect of her imaginative mind. “I experiment extensively with various hues since I aim to capture that daring spirit of bravery, embracing comfort within myself,” she stated. In this way, every creation serves as a vibrant homage and mirrors her artistic development too.
For Inha, painting acts as a healing mechanism, offering an environment where she can convey her feelings and innermost reflections free from criticism. She stated, “I believe making art fosters a kind of mental liberation, which means being able to produce work without limitations. This practice not only alleviates my stress and worries but also enhances my personal confidence.”
“It essentially provides a secure platform for creativity. Art enables individuals to convey their personal feelings and stories, particularly those which may be difficult to put into words,” Inha mentioned additionally.
Her works often explore the theme of breaking free from oppressive norms and grappling with personal psychological challenges. Painting serves as an escape for her, particularly during times when feelings overwhelm her; she expresses this sentiment: “Honesty and vulnerability have truly provided me with a sense of release, which I believe comes through in my art.”
Inha characterizes her artwork as a sequence of everyday metamorphoses, emphasizing that development usually stems from minor, incremental alterations instead of dramatic upheavals. “Most times, it isn’t about significant shifts. Rather, it’s these subtle day-to-day adjustments within me—these tiny internal evolutions—that make me feel more positive.”
[[PHOTO ALBUM]]
Regarding her development as an artist, distinctive aesthetic, and creative approach
Inha’s artistic heritage runs profound. Drawing motivation from the works of her deceased great-grandfather and grandfather—both accomplished painters—it was not until 2020 that she committed herself fully to pursuing painting seriously.
“I previously worked in the corporate world for a decade. Starting in 2020, I managed to build my career as an artist alongside my corporate job. It wasn’t until last year that I decided to leave completely. Thus, yes, I launched my own venture, and during the pandemic, I successfully sold artwork promoting self-love and authenticity,” she said.
After five years, Inha has become a dedicated artist with approximately 446 unique pieces under her belt, along with various commissioned works. Her hobby swiftly evolved into a flourishing profession.
When prompted to select a preferred piece, Arceo paused and remarked, “Picking a favorite is incredibly difficult since each work I created for this exhibition holds a distinct narrative or represents another stage in my life. So, opting for only one feels akin to selecting merely an element of who I am.”
However, she acknowledged a particular affection for ”
Bottled Up Emotions
“A pre-sold collection of artworks. These paintings depict a figure dressed in traditional Filipino attire with an unemotional facial expression; however, upon closer inspection, one can see a whirlwind of emotions ready to erupt from within. This truly embodies the concept of suppressed sentiments.”
The multi-talented modern-day artist feels she has cultivated a distinct artistic approach through the years. She explained, “Throughout recent years, my investigation into various subjects keeps focusing on strong human feelings and encounters—many of these being deeply personal.” Often, she senses that her creations have evolved as reflections of herself and her inner world.
Her artwork stands out due to its lively hues and dynamic strokes, with striking images of women taking center stage. These depictions embody concepts such as self-acceptance, recovery, and optimism.
“Bottled Up Emotion” – Ginhawa
“Bottled Up Emotion” – Alalang Alaya
Lungkot Lilit Ngunit Nakakabigay ng Hangin – Bottled Up Emotion
Naglaon ang Damdamin – Gulat
I possess a lively range of colors too. This is reflected in my flower paintings, which convey optimism and happiness,” said Inha. Among these, sunflowers feature prominently in numerous pieces she’s created. She added, “It’s really about the color; yellow specifically caught my attention. Since then, it has had a profound impact on my creations.
Inha acknowledges the importance of storytelling in art: “As for me, values can also turn into really strong stories that people can relate to. I think that’s very important, especially since, you know, who buys your art at the end of the day? I guess someone who actually relates [to] you and resonates with the kind of work that you do.”
When asked about her creative approach, Inha draws inspiration from the straightforwardness of daily existence. Women and flowers frequently emerge as key motifs in her work, evoking strong feelings for her and enabling her to forge an emotional connection with viewers across different backgrounds.
“I believe that individuals can connect deeply with my work in this regard. Perhaps it helps them come to terms with their own lives. Occasionally, I receive feedback such as, ‘Seeing your artwork makes me feel better.’ This fills me with great motivation as an artist,” she said brightly.
“I’m equally motivated by how my artwork can make others feel better once more. Beyond just being driven, it feels as though I’m crafting something almost magical, particularly through artistic expression. This allows me to achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment,” she mentioned additionally.
Inha mainly focuses on working with acrylics, utilizing brushstrokes to generate expressive textures. For custom orders, she explores watercolor mediums as well. To broaden her creative methods, she integrates digital resources such as the Gelli plate along with her iPad into her process.
Global acknowledgment, valuable insights, and upcoming ambitions
Inha’s travels have led her around the globe via participation in collective shows in Monaco and Madrid.
“The Monaco International Art Fair is indeed one of the largest art exhibitions in all of Europe. It took place back in August 2024. My displayed works were presented virtually—primarily pieces from my series inspired by self-love,” she reminisced.
Last October, she took part in a contemporary exhibition in Madrid with artists hailing from numerous countries. She mentioned, “It was here that I encountered a variety of artists and art collectors along with diplomats representing several organizations linked to the global arts community.”
Exposure to international art scenes has influenced her current work: “That is why I think in terms of perspective, I was able to develop more openness to kinds of styles that I wanted to introduce into my current exhibit this coming March 31. It was a learning experience for me and definitely an eye-opener.”
Her piece, “
General Luna, Siargao
A four-foot-by-four-foot acrylic piece served as a centerpiece at her global exhibitions. This artwork, steeped in Philippine heritage and national identity, attracted considerable interest and resulted in several commission opportunities for her.
“I aimed to highlight more Filipino artworks within the global contemporary landscape, something that really intrigues many Europeans. As quoted by my Spanish curators overseas, they often mention how audiences get enthusiastic whenever a Filipino artist exhibits their work,” she explained. “So this is great news for our nation. I feel incredibly proud to be Filipina.” She also emphasized that the focus should extend beyond merely increasing sales; rather, it’s crucial to represent the country effectively through these artistic endeavors.
Inha acknowledges her contemporaries in the art community for their significant impact on her journey. By engaging in discussions with seasoned professionals who specialize in exhibitions, she has acquired crucial knowledge about maneuvering through the intricacies of the art field. Beyond mere business connections, these exchanges have blossomed into sincere friendships, forming a robust support system that encourages creative development.
General Luna, Siargao
Filipina – Buhat (WIP)
Filipina – Kwento (WIP)
“I’ve worked with several colleagues whom I often converse with. They too are artists and possess far greater experience than myself regarding the exhibition circuit, yet we developed a close friendship over time. Many of these individuals are grounded and approachable; thus, learning from their personal journeys has been quite beneficial,” she mentioned.
Apart from benefiting from peer mentoring, she has gained valuable insights through interactions with gallery curators. She emphasizes how these encounters have been particularly influential both within the Philippines and internationally. One key moment came during her visit to Madrid, Spain, when she engaged with experts from various art disciplines.
She pointed out that being exposed to various curators with differing artistic styles has greatly influenced her perspective on conceptualizing ideas and exhibitions, which indeed requires a significant amount of effort.
Inha pointed out that one of the major misunderstandings regarding artists is believing that bringing a creation to life is the toughest aspect. Actually, she believes that developing the concept usually takes more effort and time.
Sunflower Dance
Sunflower Ladies
Flora
She places great importance on insights shared by her patrons. With experience in marketing under her belt, she recognizes how crucial customer input can be for growth. She stated, “Client feedback holds significant weight with me. After all, the client is paramount. Honest and even tough criticism means a lot since those who purchase my work truly care about it; therefore, their perspective helps me learn and pushes me to develop artistically.”
In the future, Inha has well-defined objectives. This Philippine artist aims to grow within the domestic market, participate in additional collective exhibitions and contests, and host further individual showcases. On an international scale, she aspires to promote Filipino modern art at more events across Europe, with ambitions of displaying her pieces in renowned venues such as the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain, or in New York City.
Her go-to museum? The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. “I must have visited the Netherlands around four or five times, and every time I find myself ending up there. You know, both Amsterdam and the Netherlands are famous for showcasing many contemporary artists, and I believe my artwork would blend nicely with what they display.”
Although painting is her primary profession, Inha dedicates herself to the business aspects of art, such as selling prints and limited-edition items. Additionally, she produces content for various brands. Besides these activities, she also engages in practice
jiu-jitsu
, a martial art she characterizes as being both physically demanding and mentally stimulating.
When asked about the most important guidance for budding artists, she responded, “Discover your distinct creative voice or unique style. This is what will help you establish your place in the art community.”
“There will always be a certain or distinct reason why individuals connect with your creations. This connection truly stems from their ability to see themselves in who you genuinely are as an artist and understand your core values,” Inha stated.
Photos courtesy of
Inha Arceo
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | democrats, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Democrats
had been covertly plotting regarding the previous President
Joe Biden
to
step down from the presidential contest
Or even “pass away in office” as early as 2023, according to a scathing new book.
Top party officials, led by former Vice President
Kamala Harris
Communications Director Jamal Simmons drafted backup strategies for numerous scenarios ahead of the 2024 election.
One scenario included that ‘Biden might die in office,’ according to Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes’
forthcoming book “Fight: The Most Wild Struggle for the White House”
The book states, ‘They aimed to ensure the party was prepared for all potential scenarios should Biden initiate his campaign and subsequently withdraw before the primaries; or if he secured numerous primary victories but became unable to proceed.’
according to The Guardian.
‘If he obtained sufficient delegates to secure the nomination but withdrew prior to the floor vote at the convention and consequently created an opening at the head of the ticket after accepting the nomination.’
The secret discussions centered around what the party guidelines outlined for such situations and how those regulations might require modification should the president lose either the willingness or the capability to continue leading.
One of the plans they came up with was a ‘hit list’ of judges who could administer the oath to Harris if the 81-year-old president at that time died, according to the book, which refers to two anonymous sources for this information.
Simmons ‘never told the Vice President about the death-pool roster before leaving her camp in January 2023, but he advised colleagues that he should be notified immediately if something happened to Biden, because he had worked out an entire communications strategy,’ the book says.
He then left the spreadsheet with another Harris aide.
One official participating in confidential discussions emphasized the concern that Biden might not be able to make it,
election
As they noted by Allen and Parnes, ‘This demonstrates the efforts required to adapt under such extraordinary conditions—we were dealing with someone over 80 years old who was leading the charge.’
Nevertheless, Biden stayed resolute about securing a second term, supported greatly by his spouse, the former First Lady Jill Biden—even as he did so.
had a string of public missteps and blunders.
But when Biden
came face-to-face with Republican nominee Donald Trump
During a summertime debate, the president’s diminishing mental sharpness became undeniably clear.
Later, ex-President Barack Obama and other prominent figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,
moved forward to attempt persuading Biden to resign.
At the same time, they began to see Harris as the only alternative.
“One seasoned agent encapsulated the sentiment of Democrats who were concerned about potentially ending up with Harris but still wanting Biden to step down by saying, ‘At least she has a heartbeat,'” Allen and Parnes write in their upcoming book set for release next week.
On July 21, Biden finally declared that he wouldn’t run for re-election anymore—instead, he backed Harris to take his place as the party’s candidate.
Yet he still demanded complete loyalty from his vice president, according to the book.
It
states that on the day of Harris’ initial debate with Trump, Biden phoned the vice president for some encouragement.
However, it turned out to be more instructions to protect Biden’s legacy, with a three-word warning.
‘No daylight, kid,’ Biden reportedly said to the then 59-year-old Harris.
The former president would
often used that phrase to connect John McCain with George W. Bush before the 2008 election when he was running alongside him.
Obama
.
In the end, Allen and Parnes suggested whether Harris won or lost in her race against Trump ‘she would only harm him by publicly distancing herself from him’ as Biden staffers remained with her campaign.
At some point, according to the authors, Sean Clegg—a Harris aide distrusted by the Biden staff—was assisting the vice president get ready for an event alongside his running mate, Tim Walz. During this preparation, she began enumerating various achievements they had both made together.
According to the book, Clegg swiftly intervened.
‘Wait, wait, wait! Let’s not do this. Let’s not go down memory lane,’ Clegg said, according to an excerpt previously published by
The Hill
.
For the remark, Clegg was reportedly disinvited from future media prep sessions by longtime Dem communications staffer Stephanie Cutter.
Harris aides have also claimed that the Biden team was deliberately not working with them as a result of the president being forced to drop out.
Previously, Biden was blamed by senior Harris advisor David Plouffe for her loss because he refused to drop out of the race sooner.
He had claimed no Democratic candidate could have won without a proper primary process—what he called ‘the cardinal sin’ of this race.
And he mentioned that he was taken aback by the internal poll results once he eventually became part of the team.
Biden
left just before completing four months, describing his exit as ‘disastrous.’
“When I entered, it was the first time I actually saw the figures behind the scenes. These numbers were quite shocking,” he shared with The Atlantic.
Ultimately, Harris and Walzoczny
lost each individual battleground state to Trump
resulting in a decisive electoral college victory.
This signifies the first defeat for a Democrat ticket in the popular vote since 2004, and only the second time since 1988.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, education, higher education, news, technology
The Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) aims to be among the top 100 institutions in Asia by 2045, as per a plan that has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long.
As part of this initiative, HUST will transform into a cutting-edge tertiary educational establishment, positioning itself amongst the foremost institutions across Asia within the domains of engineering and technological studies. Its mission includes serving as a focal point for cultivating expertise through training programs, fostering groundbreaking research activities, and spearheading advancements in Vietnam’s academic landscape—particularly in critical sectors like AI, cyber security, blockchain, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, digital tech solutions, robotic systems, automation processes, renewable energies, environmental management, bioengineering practices, and sophisticated material sciences. The anticipated impact encompasses significant contributions towards socioeconomic progress not only in Hanoi but also throughout the Red River Delta area and nationwide.
According to the plan, by 2030, 85% of its faculty members should possess doctorates, with 30% holding positions as professors or associate professors and another 10% being distinguished international educators and researchers. Additionally, at least 25% of educational programs must be conducted in English. The initiative seeks to educate a minimum of 8,000 engineers, master’s degree recipients, and Ph.D.s specializing in areas critical for advancing strategic technologies and sectors. Furthermore, they aim for each instructor to produce approximately 1.6 scholarly articles annually published in Web of Science and Scopus databases. They also target securing between 25 to 30 intellectual properties yearly such as patents and utilities, ranking four to six academic programs within the global top 300-500 listings, and ensuring that at least six items resulting from the university’s scientific endeavors achieve successful market integration.
The aim is to incubate at least 10 spin-offs and startups with mobilized capital exceeding $10 million each.
By 2035, the HUST aims to rank within the top 100 to 150 educational institutions in Asia as per respected global ranking systems, with ambitions to advance into the top 100 by 2045.
As part of the recently approved initiative, additional funding will be required to enhance the university’s expansion and bolster its facilities. This includes establishing a new campus in nearby Hung Yen Province as well as modernizing laboratories located in Hanoi.
An innovation center for HUST will be established and cultivated as part of Hanoi’s innovation ecosystem.
In the 2025 QS Asia University Rankings (QS AUR 2025), the Hanoi University of Science and Technology ranks 388th.
The QS rankings rely on an extensive evaluation of 11 metrics such as academic standing, employer feedback, teacher-to-student ratios, citation frequency per publication, and global teaching staff presence. In the 2025 release, which assessed 984 tertiary institutions across Asia, 142 were new entrants. Notably, seventeen higher education institutions from Vietnam appeared in the QS ranking for Asian universities.
