Author: News Xpress Online

Apple Inc. is facing shareholder opposition to a proposal urging the company to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The proposal, introduced by the conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), argues that these programs pose financial and legal risks. However, Apple continues to defend its commitment to diversity, emphasizing its importance to long-term business success. This shareholder proposal reflects a broader movement against corporate diversity programs, particularly in the wake of increased scrutiny from conservative groups. Similar efforts have been seen across major corporations, including a recent rejection of a comparable motion at Costco’s…

PARIS – February 2025 – Spore.Bio, a French artificial intelligence startup specializing in rapid bacterial detection, has successfully raised $23 million in Series A funding. The funding round, led by Singular, with participation from Point72 Ventures, LocalGlobe, and other investors, will support the company’s expansion and technological advancements in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Breakthrough AI-Powered Bacteria Detection Founded in 2023, Spore.Bio has developed cutting-edge AI-driven testing machines capable of detecting bacterial contamination within just 10 minutes. This technology eliminates the need for traditional external laboratory testing, which can take several days, significantly accelerating quality control processes. Currently, the…

SHANGHAI, China – Tesla has rolled out an anticipated update to its autopilot software in China, adding a city navigation feature. However, Chinese Tesla owners have voiced frustration, saying the update does not meet the expectations set by CEO Elon Musk’s earlier promises. New Autopilot Features in China Tesla announced the update via its official app on Monday, February 24. The new capabilities include automatic lane-changing based on speed and route, detection of traffic lights at intersections, and decision-making for turning. Additionally, an in-car camera will monitor driver attention to ensure safety. These features resemble Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) technology…

KUALA LUMPUR — Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and e-invoicing to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. Speaking at the SME Business Talk Series: “Empowering AI in Finance and E-Invoicing” today, he emphasized that digital transformation is no longer optional. Businesses that fail to integrate AI and e-invoicing risk falling behind in efficiency, compliance, and growth. “The future of business is digital. The question is not if businesses will adopt AI and e-invoicing, it’s when,” he stated in his keynote address. The Need for Digital…

Hornchurch, UK – Ardleigh Green Junior School has formally applied to Havering Council to lift the restrictions on its soon-to-be refurbished swimming pool, allowing usage beyond the currently imposed weekday limitations. The school argues that expanded access is essential for its students’ education and extracurricular activities. The Recorder previously reported that the school had received planning approval to revamp its aging swimming pool, originally built in the 1950s. The refurbishment plan includes a new roof, an upgraded heating system, and improved changing room facilities, ensuring the pool is suitable for year-round use. However, while Havering Council granted conditional approval, it…

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, has called on Ugandans to rise against President Yoweri Museveni’s authoritarian rule. In a statement released on February 24, 2025, the prominent opposition leader urged citizens to demand their rights and hold Museveni and his government accountable. Bobi Wine’s remarks came after a recent raid on NUP’s headquarters by security forces, marking an escalation in tensions between the opposition and the ruling government. Bobi Wine Urges Action Against Dictatorship Bobi Wine’s call for action was clear and urgent: “This is the time to stand up against the Museveni…

The Trump administration’s cost-cutting program, which aimed to terminate federal contracts, has raised questions about its effectiveness. According to data from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), nearly 40% of the 1,125 contracts it cancelled are not expected to result in any savings. The contracts, which span various government agencies, had already been largely funded, meaning the government is still legally required to honor the payments. Experts say this could undermine the administration’s stated objective of reducing spending. Government’s Effort to Cut Costs Falls Short In the pursuit of budget cuts, the Trump administration cancelled over 1,100 federal contracts through…

Pyongyang, North Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the importance of soldier obedience in a speech at Kim Il Sung University of Politics, an institution dedicated to ideological education within the Korean People’s Army (KPA). His remarks come as North Korean troops continue to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, although he made no direct mention of their deployment. The visit, which coincided with the university’s 80th anniversary, was reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday. The university is responsible for training “competent political workers” who instill loyalty to the ruling Workers’…

Canada’s political landscape is heating up as top contenders vie to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In a high-stakes debate on Monday, candidates clashed over how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic threats. With the federal election scheduled for October 20, the race has grown more competitive, especially after Trump hinted at imposing tariffs on all Canadian imports. Candidates Take a Stand on U.S. Relations Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, a key figure in negotiating the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal, did not hold back in her criticism of Trump. She called him “the biggest threat to Canada since World War…

Khartoum, Sudan – The Sudanese government has announced plans to impose an import ban on Kenyan products, escalating tensions between the two nations. This move follows allegations that Kenya is supporting activities of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) within its borders. Sudan’s Escalatory Measures Against Kenya Hussein al-Amin, Undersecretary of Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed on February 24 that Sudan will take retaliatory steps against Kenya. He stated that economic sanctions, including restrictions on Kenyan imports, are imminent. “We will take economic actions, including banning the import of Kenyan products, especially since Sudan is one of Kenya’s largest tea importers,”…