Washington, USA (AP/DT) – Taylor Swift, one of the music industry’s biggest stars, endorsed Kamala Harris for president shortly after the debate ended on Tuesday night.
“I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos,” Swift wrote in an Instagram post.
She included a picture of herself holding a cat and signed the message “Childless Cat Lady,” a reference to comments made by JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate.
Swift has a dedicated following among young women, a key demographic in the November election.
Swift, who has been an influential voice in American politics through her activism and public statements, made the announcement shortly after the conclusion of the high-profile debate. In her endorsement, Swift praised Harris for her leadership, vision, and dedication to key issues affecting the nation.
In a statement posted on social media, Swift said, โAfter watching the debate, I am inspired by Kamala Harrisโs commitment to creating a more equitable and just society. Her ability to address critical issues with clarity and compassion is exactly what we need in a president. Iโm proud to endorse her candidacy and support her in this important election.โ
Harrisโs campaign welcomed Swiftโs endorsement as a significant boost to her presidential bid. The Vice President, who has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, is gearing up for a vigorous campaign as she seeks to secure the presidency.
The endorsement comes as Swift has been increasingly vocal about her political beliefs and the importance of civic engagement. Her support is expected to resonate with many of her fans and could play a crucial role in mobilizing younger voters.
The debate in question saw Harris and her opponents discuss a range of topics, including climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality. Swiftโs endorsement highlights the growing influence of celebrity endorsements in shaping public opinion and election outcomes.
Harrisโs campaign is anticipated to leverage this high-profile support as they continue their efforts leading up to the November election.
Business tycoon Elon Musk is openly backing Trump, while on the other side, several prominent figures are supporting Kamala Harris.
TOKYO (Kyodo) — Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced a last-minute bid Wednesday for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, aiming to become the country’s first female leader.
The presidential race will take place following Kishida’s announcement that he will not seek reelection as LDP leader, taking responsibility for a slush funds scandal late last year that has significantly eroded public trust.
Just a day before the start of official campaigning, Kamikawa, 71, managed to secure recommendations from 20 LDP lawmakers, the requirement for running in the party’s Sept. 27 presidential election.
In her first bid for the party leadership, Kamikawa said at a press conference, “Never running away from any hardships, I will build a new Japan.” The seventh-term House of Representatives member became Japan’s first female foreign minister in around two decades in September last year.
Among the eight other candidates who had already announced their bids for the presidential election that will determine the next prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, 63, currently serving as economic security minister, is also a woman.
Seiko Noda, 64, a former internal affairs minister, had been viewed as another potential female candidate but decided not to join the race. She will instead back former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, according to a source close to the matter.
Jakarta, Indonesia (AFP/DT) – Australia coach Graham Arnold was engulfed in a storm of criticism from home fans and media on Wednesday after the scoreless Socceroos again failed to despatch a low-ranked opponent in World Cup qualifying. Hoping to rebound from a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil last week, the Socceroos were held 0-0 by world number 133 Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday in a setback to their hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 showpiece in North America.
The Socceroos delivered a commanding performance in front of nearly 80,000 fans at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday. Despite their dominance, they remain second-from-bottom in Group C, with just one point from their first two qualifying matches.
Australia was unable to score once again, continuing their struggle after a surprising 1-0 loss to Bahrain at home in their opening qualifier.
Despite registering 19 shots and dominating possessionโearning 15 cornersโagainst Indonesia, the Socceroos could not find the back of the net.
“It’s been a recurring issue for over a year,” Arnold said, acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by the team.
He commended his players for their dominance on the field despite the challenging atmosphere created by the home crowd but expressed disappointment with the result. “The boys gave their all. They all recognized that their performance in the first game against Bahrain wasn’t up to standard,” he added.
Looking ahead, Australia will face China in Adelaide and then Japan away in the upcoming qualifiers. Despite the setbacks, the Socceroos coach reassured there was no reason for major concern. “We still have eight games left, so it’s not a disaster, but I need to spend some time reflecting,” Arnold stated.
Bayern Munich’s teenage star Nestory Irankunda had Australia’s best opportunity when he struck the post halfway through the match. “It was our game to win, and we should have taken it,” said the 18-year-old Irankunda.
“I struck it perfectly, just one centimeter away,” Irankunda reflected on his near miss.
“Of course, they posed some challenges, but we stayed focused. A point is acceptable, though three would have been preferable,” he added. “Weโll aim to do better in the next round.”
Portsmouth midfielder Sam Silvera expressed frustration over the team’s finishing. “We made significant progress compared to our previous game, but we still lacked the final touch to convert our chances into goals.”
SINGAPORE(CNA/DT) – Pope Francis will deliver a state address in Singapore on Sep 12, saidย the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday (Sep 10).ย
The head of the Vatican will visit Singapore for the first time, from Sep 11 to 13.
His visit is part of a wider trip to the region that includes stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. This 12-day trip is the longest overseas trip of Pope Francisโ papacy.
There are around 395,000 Catholics in Singapore. The last papal visit here was in 1986 by Pope John Paul II, five years after Singapore officially established diplomatic relations with the Holy See, or the central governing body of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, who is 87, will receive a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House on Sep 12, and call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, said MFA.
He will also meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Pope Francis waves out of the car on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Poolย Photoย ย viaย AP)
A new orchid hybrid will be named in Pope Francisโ honour and unveiled at the ceremonial welcome, said MFA.
After the ceremonial welcome, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Pope Francis will deliver speeches at the state address at the National University of Singaporeโs University Cultural Centre.
Later that evening, Pope Francis will attend mass and deliver the homily to 50,000 people at the National Stadium.
On Sep 13, he will visit the elderly and sick at Saint Theresaโs Home. After that, he will attend an inter-religious meeting at Catholic Junior College, before leaving Singapore for Rome.
Pope Francis will be accompanied by Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Substitute of the Secretariat of State Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Gallagher, and other senior Vatican officials., said MFA in the press release.
New Delhi, India (Reuters) – India is not “closed to business from China”, but the issue is in which sectors the country does business with Beijing and on what terms, foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in Berlin on Tuesday (Sep 10).
Ties between the nuclear-armed Asian giants have been strained since clashes between their troops on their largely undemarcated Himalayan frontier left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead in 2020.
India subsequently tightened its scrutiny of investments from Chinese companies and halted major projects. However, government officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, have recently backed suggestions to allow more Chinese investment in the country. The latest annual economic survey released in July suggests that to boost its global exports, India can either integrate into China’s supply chain or promote foreign direct investment (FDI) from China.
“We are not closed to business from China โฆ I think the issue is, which sectors do you do business and what terms do you do business? It’s far more complicated than a black and white binary answer,” Jaishankar said at a conference in Berlin.
Reuters reported in July that India could ease restrictions on Chinese investment in non-sensitive sectors such as solar panels and battery manufacturing where New Delhi lacks expertise and which hinders domestic manufacturing.
Diplomatic and military talks to end the military standoff in the Himalayas have made slow progress.
Along with investments scrutiny, India has also virtually blocked visas for all Chinese nationals since 2020, but it is considering easing them for Chinese technicians, as it had hindered investments worth billions of dollars.
Taipei, Taiwan (DT) – Taiwan is set to introduce a new digital nomad visa, joining Japan, South Korea, and Thailand in catering to the growing trend of remote work. This visa aims to attract international professionals and entrepreneurs who wish to work remotely while exploring the islandโs vibrant culture and landscape.
The announcement was made by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which outlined that the digital nomad visa will allow eligible individuals to live and work in Taiwan for an extended period. This move is part of Taiwanโs broader strategy to enhance its global appeal as a destination for remote workers and to stimulate its local economy.
The visa will be available to individuals with a stable income from remote work or their own businesses, and it is expected to offer a range of benefits, including simplified application procedures and the opportunity to experience Taiwanโs unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Taiwanโs initiative follows similar programs introduced by Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, each of which has seen positive responses from digital nomads seeking new environments for work and leisure. These countries have successfully positioned themselves as attractive destinations for remote professionals, contributing to their economic growth and cultural exchange.
โThe introduction of the digital nomad visa reflects our commitment to embracing the future of work and fostering a dynamic international community here in Taiwan,โ said a spokesperson from Taiwanโs Ministry of Foreign Affairs. โWe look forward to welcoming digital nomads from around the world and showcasing what Taiwan has to offer.โ
The new visa program is expected to launch in the coming months, with detailed application procedures and eligibility criteria to be announced soon. Taiwanโs move aligns with a broader trend of countries adapting to the evolving landscape of work and seeking to attract global talent.
In an announcement made last Thursday, National Development Council (NDC) Minister Paul Liu expressed hope that the new six-month visa will attract global talent to Taiwan.
Rather than competing with recently introduced digital nomad visas in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, Taiwan’s visa is intended to complement these initiatives.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa and Which Countries Offer It?
Once considered an unattainable dream, the digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly mainstream due to the remote work surge following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, over 40 countries offer remote work visas for digital nomads, typically valid for a year or more.
Japan has recently joined this trend, and South Africa is poised to welcome remote workers with its own visa program later this year.
A digital nomad visa is a permit that enables individuals to work remotely while living in a foreign country.
To qualify, the nomadโs income generally must come from outside the country they wish to move to. For instance, if you are employed by a company based in Spain, you would not be eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain.
These visas usually last for 12 months and may be extended depending on the issuing country. In some cases, holding a digital nomad visa can be a step toward obtaining permanent residency.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The cost of a digital nomad visa varies widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $3,000, depending on the country.
For instance, a digital nomad visa for Barbados is priced at $2,000 USD (approximately $3,000), while a similar visa for Spain costs 80 euros (about $130).
Jakarta, Indonesia (DT) – Ambassador of Belarus Raman Ramanouski presented his letter of credence to Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, assuming his post as the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to ASEAN.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao welcomed and congratulated Ambassador Ramanouski on his assumption of duty, and reiterated the ASEAN Secretariatโs readiness to working closely with Ambassador Ramanouski and the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Jakarta. In response, Ambassador Ramanouski underlined Belarusโs commitment to developing its relations with ASEAN and ASEAN Member States through its diplomatic presence in the region.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao with Ambassador Ramanouski and Staff โ Group Photo. By ASEAN Social media
Secretary-General Dr. Kao took the opportunity to encourage Ambassador Ramanouski to engage with the diplomatic community in Jakarta, especially with the Permanent Missions of the ASEAN Member States to ASEAN. Both sides noted the significance of exploring further cooperation, such as increasing private sector engagement and enhancing volume of trade, investment and tourism, for mutual benefit.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao stated, โASEAN looks forward to engaging Belarus in areas of mutual interest where the country has the expertise and strength.โ
Ambassador Ramanouski stated, โToday, I have a great pleasure and honour to present my Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN. The Republic of Belarus is interested in fostering cooperation with ASEAN and its Member States in various fields, such as trade and investment, industry, food security, and tourism. I look forward to working closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Member States to deepen dialogue and engagement between Belarus and ASEAN for the benefit of our peoples.โ
Ambassador Ramanouski is the third Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to ASEAN, succeeding Ambassador Valery Kolesnik, who had completed his tenure on 7 December 2023.
Airlines Are Celebrating New Achievements Ahead of the Busy Summer Travel Season
TRAVEL (FOX/DT) – Southwest Airlines has claimed the top spot for customer satisfaction in the economy and basic economy categories for the third consecutive year, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study released on Wednesday.
In contrast, Delta Air Lines earned the highest rankings in both the first class/business and premium economy categories. Following Delta in first class/business class rankings were JetBlue, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Canada. Delta has been enhancing its business class experience with “Delta One,” while JetBlue has upgraded its “Mint” service.
Michael Taylor, J.D. Powerโs Senior Managing Director of Travel, Hospitality, Retail, and Customer Service, highlighted the importance of staff in enhancing the flight experience. “The significant takeaway from this yearโs study is the impact of personnel on the overall flight experience. Airlines investing in staff training and recruitment are successfully counteracting the challenges of crowded gates and planes by providing excellent customer service,” Taylor noted.
For premium economy, the leading airlines were Delta, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, WestJet, United Airlines, and Air Canada. Deltaโs “Delta Comfort+” premium economy service offers benefits such as early boarding, extra legroom, complimentary beer or wine, and premium snacks.
Delta planes are seen at Terminal C of LaGuardia Airport in the Queens borough of New York on April 7.ย (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed pride in the results, saying, โThis recognition is a testament to our elevated customer experience, driven by the outstanding service of our 100,000 Delta employees worldwide. Iโm incredibly proud of our team for consistently setting new standards for our customers.โ
Delta earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in the first and business segments. It also notched the highest customer satisfaction ranking in the premium economy segment for the second year in a row, according to the survey.
Meanwhile, Southwest earned the highest rating in the economy/basic economy segment.
In the economy category, Southwest Airlines led, followed by Delta and Allegiant Airlines. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines were ranked lowest.
The study surveyed 9,582 passengers who had flown with a major airline in the month preceding the survey, conducted between March 2023 and March 2024. Participants rated their airline experience on a six-point scale, covering aspects such as staff interaction, trust, and value for money.
Technology (DT) – Apple has unveiled its eagerly awaited iPhone 16 series, along with new Apple Watches and AirPods. While the event showcased the innovative “Apple Intelligence” features, the anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities won’t be available until October.
The iPhone 16 series, set for release on September 20, introduces cutting-edge technology, but the initial models will not include the full suite of AI tools. These advanced AI features will be introduced through a software update next month. According to software chief Craig Federighi, the initial AI capabilities are just the start, with more advanced functionalities expected to be rolled out over the coming months.
Apple’s Share Price Drops During iPhone Launch Event
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available in four stunning finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. Photo Apple Web
The annual September iPhone launch is typically one of Appleโs most important events, expected to boost sales in the final quarter. However, this yearโs AI-focused announcements failed to excite investors, as many of the new features were already unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) in May, when “Apple Intelligence” was first introduced.
As a result, Appleโs shares fell by 1.5% during the event but managed to recover by the end of Monday’s trading. Itโs important to note that iPhone launches often come with few surprises for investors, given the advance details shared at WWDC.
Apple Intelligence at the Core of the New iPhone 16 Series
CEO Tim Cook announced that the iPhone 16 series was engineered from the ground up to integrate “Apple Intelligence.” The new models feature a customizable action button and a dedicated camera control button for quick access. They are powered by the A18 chip, designed specifically to support advanced generative AI capabilities.
The premium iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models come equipped with the advanced A18 Pro chip, which offers a 17% boost in system memory bandwidth and improved efficiency compared to the standard A18 chip. These Pro models also feature larger displays with thinner bezels and a titanium frame that is nearly half the weight of stainless steel and more resistant to scratches.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series will begin this Friday, with the official release set for September 20. Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 16, $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, and $1,999 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Previously, Apple introduced “Apple Intelligence,” which includes an upgraded AI-powered Siri. This new version, driven by a Large Language Model (LLM) and integrated with OpenAIโs ChatGPT, offers enhanced contextual awareness and improved app interactions. These features will be visually indicated by a pulsating light on the side of the screen. However, they will not be fully available until October, with further updates expected in the following months.
There are concerns about whether the iPhone 16 series will significantly boost sales in the final quarter due to the delayed rollout of its AI features. Since iPhone sales constitute nearly half of Appleโs revenue, the impact of “Apple Intelligence” on the company’s growth is anticipated to be substantial. Apple will report its September quarter earnings at the end of October or early November, but the effects of the new iPhone sales may not be fully reflected in these results.
New Apple Watch and AirPods introduce enhanced health features
The new Apple Watch Series 10 will feature advanced health capabilities, including the ability to detect sleep apnea, a condition affecting over one billion people globally, according to Apple. Alongside this, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which boasts improved functionality for sports enthusiasts, featuring “the most accurate GPS in a sports watch.”
Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 have been marketed with “incredible health capabilities,” including a clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid function. Apple announced that these health features are expected to receive FDA approval soon. The new AirPods 4 and AirPods Max, both powered by H2 chips, also come with a USB-C compatible charging case.
USA (Wired/DT) – Get ready for the latest hardware innovations! Join us live as Apple unveils the iPhone 16 lineup, introduces new Apple Watches, and reveals a few other surprises.
Welcome to our live coverage of Appleโs highly anticipated event where weโll be bringing you the latest updates on the new iPhone 16! Stay tuned as we provide real-time updates on all the new features, specifications, and announcements.
10:00 AM EDT โ The Event Begins
Appleโs CEO Tim Cook takes the stage with his trademark enthusiasm. The audience is buzzing as he kicks off the event with a brief overview of Appleโs achievements over the past year. He quickly transitions into the highlight of the day: the iPhone 16.
10:05 AM EDT โ Introducing the iPhone 16
Tim Cook announces the iPhone 16, describing it as a major leap forward in technology and design. The new model is set to push the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
10:10 AM EDT โ Design Changes
The iPhone 16 features a sleeker, more refined design with a thinner profile and lighter weight. The device now comes in five new colors, including a striking โAurora Greenโ and a subtle โMidnight Blue.โ
10:15 AM EDT โ Display Enhancements
The new iPhone 16 boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with improved brightness and color accuracy. Apple has introduced a new โProMotion Xโ technology that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and enhanced responsiveness.
10:20 AM EDT โ Camera Upgrades
One of the biggest updates is the advanced camera system. The iPhone 16 features a new 48MP main sensor and improved low-light performance. The Pro model introduces a groundbreaking โAI Night Modeโ that significantly enhances night photography. Additionally, thereโs a new periscope zoom lens allowing up to 10x optical zoom.
10:25 AM EDT โ Performance Boost
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, promising up to 30% faster performance and 20% better energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. Apple also highlights advancements in AI and machine learning capabilities.
10:30 AM EDT โ Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has been improved with up to 15 hours of video playback on the iPhone 16. The new model supports faster wireless charging and introduces a new eco-friendly charging feature that optimizes battery health over time.
10:35 AM EDT โ Software Innovations
The iPhone 16 will run on iOS 18, which includes new features such as enhanced privacy controls, a revamped multitasking interface, and improved integration with Appleโs ecosystem. Thereโs also a new โFocus Modeโ that helps manage notifications and distractions more effectively.
10:40 AM EDT โ Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16 will be available in four different models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Prices start at $999 for the base model and go up to $1,499 for the Pro Max. Pre-orders start on September 15, with availability beginning on September 22.
10:45 AM EDT โ Wrap-Up
Tim Cook concludes the event by highlighting Appleโs commitment to innovation and user experience. The iPhone 16 represents a significant step forward in mobile technology, and Apple is excited to bring these advancements to its customers.
10:00 AM EDT โ The Event Begins
Appleโs CEO Tim Cook takes the stage with his trademark enthusiasm. The audience is buzzing as he kicks off the event with a brief overview of Appleโs achievements over the past year. He quickly transitions into the highlight of the day: the iPhone 16.
10:05 AM EDT โ Introducing the iPhone 16
Tim Cook announces the iPhone 16, describing it as a major leap forward in technology and design. The new model is set to push the boundaries of what smartphones can do.
10:10 AM EDT โ Design Changes
The iPhone 16 features a sleeker, more refined design with a thinner profile and lighter weight. The device now comes in five new colors, including a striking โAurora Greenโ and a subtle โMidnight Blue.โ
10:15 AM EDT โ Display Enhancements
The new iPhone 16 boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with improved brightness and color accuracy. Apple has introduced a new โProMotion Xโ technology that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and enhanced responsiveness.
10:20 AM EDT โ Camera Upgrades
One of the biggest updates is the advanced camera system. The iPhone 16 features a new 48MP main sensor and improved low-light performance. The Pro model introduces a groundbreaking โAI Night Modeโ that significantly enhances night photography. Additionally, thereโs a new periscope zoom lens allowing up to 10x optical zoom.
10:25 AM EDT โ Performance Boost
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, promising up to 30% faster performance and 20% better energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. Apple also highlights advancements in AI and machine learning capabilities.
10:30 AM EDT โ Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has been improved with up to 15 hours of video playback on the iPhone 16. The new model supports faster wireless charging and introduces a new eco-friendly charging feature that optimizes battery health over time.
10:35 AM EDT โ Software Innovations
The iPhone 16 will run on iOS 18, which includes new features such as enhanced privacy controls, a revamped multitasking interface, and improved integration with Appleโs ecosystem. Thereโs also a new โFocus Modeโ that helps manage notifications and distractions more effectively.
10:40 AM EDT โ Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16 will be available in four different models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Prices start at $999 for the base model and go up to $1,499 for the Pro Max. Pre-orders start on September 15, with availability beginning on September 22.
10:45 AM EDT โ Wrap-Up
Tim Cook concludes the event by highlighting Appleโs commitment to innovation and user experience. The iPhone 16 represents a significant step forward in mobile technology, and Apple is excited to bring these advancements to its customers.
Introducing the New Apple Watch: A Sleek Titanium Version Replaces Stainless Steel
Apple has unveiled an exciting update to their smartwatch lineup: a new titanium version of the Apple Watch that will replace the previous stainless steel model. This sleek and durable option promises enhanced strength while maintaining a refined look.
