Nvidia, the leading chip manufacturer, has found itself at the heart of growing tensions between the US and China over trade and technology. On Thursday, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese officials, shortly after the US imposed new export controls on its chips. These new regulations require Nvidia to obtain licenses to export its H20 AI chip to China. The US Commerce Department stated this measure is necessary to protect "national and economic security," and Nvidia was informed that the restrictions will be enforced indefinitely.

Why is Nvidia crucial in the AI race between the US and China?: Nvidia designs cutting-edge chips used in generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can produce content based on user input, like ChatGPT. As demand for AI chips has surged, Nvidia has become one of the world’s most valuable companies. In November, it briefly overtook Apple as the largest company by market capitalization.

Given the importance of Nvidia’s chips to advancements in generative AI, the US has closely monitored Nvidia's dealings with China. Washington hopes the export controls will slow China’s progress in developing advanced AI chips, particularly for military use, and ensure the US maintains an edge in AI competition.

Why is the US targeting Nvidia’s H20 chips?: The US has previously imposed restrictions on Nvidia's chip sales to China. In 2022, the Biden administration introduced export controls on high-performance semiconductors, which led Nvidia to design the H20 chip to meet these limits. A more powerful chip, the H100, was already banned for sale to China.

However, the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese generative AI company, has raised concerns that even less powerful chips could result in significant technological advancements. DeepSeek claims its AI operates as effectively as ChatGPT with lower-tier chips. As a result, Chinese tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance have placed significant orders for Nvidia's H20 chips. Due to the new export curbs, Nvidia anticipates losing $5.5bn from these unfulfilled orders.

Chim Lee, a senior analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit in Beijing, noted that while Chinese companies like Huawei are developing alternative AI chips, they are still considered inferior to Nvidia's. He suggested that the US restrictions may encourage China to focus on improving its own chip development, though it won't drastically hinder China's AI progress.

Why did Nvidia’s CEO visit China?: China is an important market for Nvidia, accounting for 13% of its total sales last year, though the US still represents a larger share at nearly 50%. Huang's visit is seen as an effort to strengthen Nvidia’s business in China despite the new restrictions. During his meeting with Ren Hongbin, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Huang expressed a desire to "continue to cooperate with China." Reports also indicated Huang met with DeepSeek's founder, Liang Wenfeng. Top Chinese official He Lifeng also spoke with Huang, highlighting China’s significant market potential.

How will the export controls affect US-China competition?: The export controls align with the US's broader strategy to reduce reliance on China for advanced technology and to bring more semiconductor production back to the US. Nvidia recently announced plans to build AI servers worth up to $500bn in the US, a move reportedly influenced by President Trump’s re-election campaign.

In March, Taiwan’s TSMC, which manufactures Nvidia’s chips, revealed plans to invest $100bn in new manufacturing facilities in Arizona. Gary Ng, a senior economist at Natixis, noted that these developments show global technology is increasingly divided into two systems: one led by the US and the other by China. He believes this will lead to a more fragmented tech landscape with stricter restrictions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from BBC.

As his opponents closed in on Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled with an iron grip for 24 years, used a private jet to transport valuable assets, cash, and confidential documents outlining the network behind his wealth. Yasar Ibrahim, Assad's chief economic adviser, arranged for the jet, which made four flights to the UAE carrying Assad's valuables, family, aides, and palace staff, according to sources speaking to Reuters.

Ibrahim, who controlled Assad’s economic office, was crucial in setting up a network of entities to manage Assad's control over Syria’s economy, often acting as a front for the regime. These operations were under scrutiny due to U.S. sanctions on Assad and Ibrahim. The jet, an Embraer Legacy 600 registered in Gambia, completed its trips in the 48 hours leading up to the regime’s collapse.

The plane carried bags of unmarked cash—at least $500,000—along with key documents, laptops, and hard drives containing intelligence about "The Group," the term used by Assad’s inner circle for his corporate network spanning industries like banking, telecom, and real estate. On Dec 6, as rebels advanced on Damascus, the Embraer jet landed at Damascus International Airport. Syrian Air Force Intelligence, led by Brigadier-General Ghadeer Ali, secured the area as vehicles from Assad's Republican Guard, tasked with protecting him, approached the plane.

The jet made multiple trips to the UAE, with one flight on Dec 7 carrying both cash and sensitive information about Assad's business network. UAE embassy cars were seen near the plane, suggesting the country was aware of the operation. On Dec 8, as Assad fled to Russia, the jet made a final stop at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, carrying a close associate of Ibrahim, Ahmed Khalil, who was under Western sanctions for aiding Assad’s regime. He was carrying $500,000 in cash, withdrawn from the Syria International Islamic Bank.

The jet was leased from Lebanese businessman Mohamad Wehbe, who denied involvement, although records show the plane was registered in Gambia. Although the operation has not been widely reported, sources familiar with the scheme, including former intelligence officers, confirmed details of the mission to move Assad’s assets before his regime fell.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Kolkata: Amid ongoing violent protests in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Saturday that the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be enforced in the state. She emphasized that the law was passed by the central government, and people should seek answers from them. "My earnest appeal to people of all religions is to stay calm and composed. Please refrain from engaging in any actions that go against religious values. Every human life is precious, and no one should incite riots for political reasons. Those inciting violence are damaging society," she said in a post on X.

The protests, which erupted over the new legislation, led to several vehicles, including police vans, being set on fire, stones being thrown at security forces, and roads being blocked in districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly on Friday. "We did not create this law, which has sparked so much anger. It was enacted by the central government. The answers people are looking for should be directed towards them," Banerjee stated. "We have made our position clear – we do not support this law, and it will not be implemented in our state. So, what is the reason for the riot?"

She also warned that legal action would be taken against those inciting violence. "We will not tolerate any form of violence. Some political parties are exploiting religion for their own gain. Don't fall into their trap," she added. "I believe that religion stands for humanity, goodwill, civilization, and harmony. I urge everyone to maintain peace and harmony," Mamata Banerjee concluded.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Mint.

NEW DELHI — Nearly 100 people have lost their lives since Wednesday (April 9) as heavy rainfall battered regions of India and Nepal, according to officials and media reports. The weather authorities have forecast more unseasonal showers for the area. On Wednesday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a multi-hazard alert, warning of heatwave conditions in western India and thunderstorms in the eastern and central parts.

In Bihar, a senior disaster management official told Reuters that at least 64 people have died in rain-related incidents. Local news also reported over 20 fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. In neighbouring Nepal, intense rainfall and lightning strikes have claimed at least eight lives, according to the country’s National Disaster Authority.

The IMD predicts continued heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds over central and eastern India through Saturday. India’s monsoon typically begins in June in the south, but recent summers have seen extreme heatwaves, leading to several deaths. The IMD also announced last week that April is likely to be significantly hotter than usual, with higher-than-normal temperatures expected across much of the country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Pixabay.

China's president is touring Southeast Asia to position the country as a dependable partner during the tariff turmoil caused by the Trump administration. The five-day visit across three nations is an unusual move for Xi Jinping. Will the strategy succeed? Teresa Tang discusses the approach with CNA’s Olivia Siong.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News.

The broad tariffs introduced by Trump suggest a shifting global landscape, one that could influence wages and employment in Singapore. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing explains to Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards how the government intends to respond—and why he remains unfazed by factors beyond his control.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News

Myanmar's military has announced a three-week ceasefire in its conflict with armed rebels following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday. How impactful is this temporary truce, and could it lead to a lasting peace? Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman discuss this with Prof. Christopher Lamb, Former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar & Past President of the Australia Myanmar Institute.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.