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Why Your AI 'Ghibli' Looks Bad: The Truth

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's recent comment on X, where he humorously urged users to reduce the creation of Studio Ghibli-style images, highlights a deeper irony in the ongoing AI art debate. While users enjoy generating these images effortlessly, the original creators, like Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, have dedicated countless sleepless nights to their craft. This situation underscores three critical aspects: the material exploitation of artists, the legal loopholes surrounding copyright, and the aesthetic shortcomings of AI-generated art. Freelancers often find their work repurposed for AI training without consent, while corporations benefit from a system that undermines the value of creative labor. Furthermore, many artists criticize AI art as lacking emotional depth and quality, as it primarily relies on unrefined data. Miyazaki's dismissal of AI animation as "an insult to life itself" encapsulates the sentiment that true artistry cannot be replicated by machines. sources

Published:
Apr 04 2025, 1 pm

EU Delays Counter-Tariffs for 90 Days After US Pause

The European Union has paused plans for retaliatory tariffs on US goods following President Donald Trump's unexpected suspension of higher tariffs on various nations, a move that has sparked a rally in global stock markets. Trump announced a 90-day halt on steep tariffs while maintaining a 10 percent baseline levy, but increased tariffs on China to 125 percent in response to its retaliatory measures. The EU welcomed this decision, suspending its own planned tariffs on €20 billion worth of US goods to allow for negotiations, although EU chief Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that countermeasures would be implemented if talks fail. Meanwhile, Canada and Vietnam expressed intentions to negotiate new economic agreements with the US. In contrast, China's commerce ministry criticized the US tariffs, while announcing a reduction in imported US films, emphasizing a desire for dialogue. Trump remains optimistic about reaching trade deals, asserting that the last week marked a significant moment in US trade negotiations. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 5 pm

China to Cut US Film Imports Moderately, Says Agency

China's Film Administration announced on Thursday its decision to "moderately reduce" the import of US films amid escalating tensions between the US and China, the world's two largest economies. This move follows US President Donald Trump's recent hike in tariffs on Chinese goods to 125 percent, prompting China to retaliate with its own tariffs of 84 percent. The administration criticized the US government's "indiscriminate tariffs," suggesting they would diminish the positive perception of American films among Chinese audiences. While China already imposes strict quotas on foreign films, the potential reduction in US film imports could significantly impact Hollywood studios, which rely on the lucrative Chinese market. Recent data shows that films like Warner Bros' "A Minecraft Movie" have performed well, netting approximately $14.5 million at the Chinese box office last weekend, highlighting the importance of this market for US filmmakers. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 5 pm

Russia: Arthur Petrov Released by US in Prisoner Exchange

Russia's FSB security service announced on Thursday that Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian-German national facing up to 20 years in a US prison for violating export controls, has been released in a prisoner swap for ballet dancer Ksenia Karelina. Karelina, a US citizen with Russian citizenship, was sentenced to 12 years for treason. The exchange, conducted at Abu Dhabi airport, is the second since Donald Trump took office and called for improved US-Russia relations. A video released by the FSB shows Petrov, who was arrested in Cyprus in 2023 for attempting to export American electronics for military use, expressing fatigue after his flight. The US Department of Justice noted that Petrov knowingly sought to procure restricted microcontrollers and integrated circuits. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has chosen not to comment on the exchange amid ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's military actions in Ukraine. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 5 pm

Cannes Film Festival Commits to Addressing #MeToo Issues

The head of the Cannes Film Festival, Iris Knobloch, announced on Wednesday that the festival will examine the findings of a parliamentary inquiry into abuses in the entertainment sector, emphasizing that women are being "heard." Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Knobloch expressed her commitment to addressing the recommendations from the inquiry, which highlighted that mistreatment of performers is "endemic." She noted that women are no longer merely seeking their place in the industry but are asserting their presence, and the festival aims to amplify their voices and showcase diverse talent. Sandrine Rousseau, chairwoman of the inquiry and a prominent feminist lawmaker, urged Cannes to lead the charge against sexual abuse and violence within the industry, declaring it a critical moment for change. The festival's opening day will coincide with the verdict in the high-profile sexual assault trial of French actor Gerard Depardieu. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 3 pm

Pak's Stance on Tahawwur Rana's Justice in India

Pakistan has distanced itself from Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the Pakistani-Canadian terrorist extradited from the US for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Rana has not renewed his Pakistani citizenship for over two decades and is now considered a Canadian national. Rana, who has links to Pakistan's military and the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, is expected to arrive in Delhi late Thursday, where he will be arrested by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). He faces serious charges, including criminal conspiracy and murder, linked to his role in aiding the planning of the attacks. This extradition marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of justice, attributed to extensive diplomatic efforts, although the Congress party noted the process began under its administration in 2009. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 4 pm

Moody's Lowers India's 2025 Growth Outlook Due to US Tariffs

Moody's Analytics has revised India's growth forecast for 2025 down by 30 basis points to 6.1%, following the recent imposition of US tariffs. The downgrade comes despite President Trump's temporary freeze on most tariffs, which were initially set at 26%. Moody's indicated that industries such as gems and jewellery, medical devices, and textiles are likely to face significant challenges, although the overall impact on India's economy may be limited due to external demand constituting a small portion of its GDP. In response to the economic uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India has lowered its key repo rate for the second consecutive time, adopting an "accommodative" stance to stimulate growth. Moody's anticipates further cuts, projecting the repo rate to drop to 5.75% by the end of 2025, which, alongside earlier tax incentives, may help mitigate the effects of the tariffs on the domestic economy. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 4 pm

Canada PM Calls Trump's Tariff Pause a "Welcome Reprieve

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on global tariffs, describing it as a "welcome reprieve" for the global economy. Following this development, Carney stated that Canada and the United States would initiate negotiations for a new economic and security relationship immediately after the Federal election on April 28. The relationship between the two nations, traditionally close allies and major trading partners, has been strained by trade tensions, with Canada previously facing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. In retaliation, Canada imposed a 25 percent tariff on certain US auto exports. Carney cautioned that Trump's approach to trade could lead to a "fundamental restructuring of the global trading system," emphasizing the need for Canada to strengthen ties with like-minded trading partners who value free trade. The Liberal Party, which Carney leads, is expected to perform well in the upcoming elections. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 4 pm

China Responds to Ukraine's Claim of Chinese Fighters

China has reiterated its commitment to peace efforts in Ukraine, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's claims that 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia. Following the capture of two Chinese nationals in eastern Ukraine, Zelenskiy accused Russia of recruiting Chinese individuals via social media and suggested that Chinese officials were aware of this. In a statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China is neither a party to the conflict nor its initiator, urging relevant parties to avoid "irresponsible remarks." While China maintains a close partnership with Russia, it has refrained from criticizing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Lin also reiterated that the Chinese government advises its citizens against participating in armed conflicts. Zelenskiy condemned the involvement of Chinese nationals as Russia's "second mistake" in the war, following allegations of North Korean troop deployments, which Russia has not publicly acknowledged. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 4 pm

EU Chief: Trump's 90-Day Tariff Pause Vital for Economy

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen praised US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause planned tariff increases, calling it an "important step towards stabilising the global economy." In a statement, she emphasized the necessity of "clear, predictable conditions" for effective trade and supply chains. The European Union, which faced a 20 percent tariff under Trump's previous measures, remains committed to constructive negotiations with the US and has proposed a tariff exemption for cars and industrial goods. Despite the recent pause, the EU still contends with existing US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and the auto sector. Amidst these tensions, Brussels is actively seeking to diversify its trade relationships, particularly with nations like India, as it aims to enhance its single market and reduce barriers. Von der Leyen noted that Europe is engaging with countries representing 87 percent of global trade. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 2 pm

Elon Musk Exits Livestream After Harsh Viewer Trolls

Elon Musk's recent livestream attempt to showcase his gaming skills turned into a chaotic session of trolling and insults, prompting him to quit early. Streaming from his private jet, Musk aimed to test Starlink while playing 'Path of Exile 2'. However, after being defeated by the game's first boss, he faced a barrage of hostile comments, including personal attacks and threats. Viewers mocked his gaming abilities and even referenced his tumultuous personal life, with one claiming to be a child of Musk's. As the negativity escalated, Musk's character was killed in-game, leading him to abruptly end the stream with a claim of lost connection. The session, initially shared on his X account, was later deleted but resurfaced on Reddit. This incident follows a previous backlash from gamers questioning Musk's skills, further complicating his self-proclaimed status as an elite gamer. sources

Published:
Apr 10 2025, 3 pm

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