BRICS’ Plan for Digital Assets Platform to Promote De-Dollarisation Draws Criticism from Trump

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The BRICS nations are planning to launch a digital assets platform to facilitate cross-border settlements, a move that has sparked strong criticism from US President-elect Donald Trump. This new initiative aims to reduce the BRICS countries’ reliance on the US dollar, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics. The BRICS group, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has since expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, further broadening its influence. This platform is seen as a step toward reducing the dominance of the US dollar in international transactions and fostering a more diversified global financial system.

Trump has strongly opposed this initiative, warning the BRICS nations, including India, of serious consequences if they continue to pursue de-dollarisation. Over the weekend, Trump issued a stern warning, suggesting that if the BRICS nations go ahead with their plans, they could face a dramatic 100 percent increase in tariff rates. The US President-elect’s comments reflect his firm stance on maintaining the dollar’s preeminent role in global trade and finance. He made it clear that any attempt to undermine the dollar’s dominance would not be tolerated by the United States.

In a tweet posted on December 1, Trump reiterated his position, stating that the days of the US “standing by” while the BRICS countries move away from the dollar are over. He emphasized that the BRICS nations must commit to not creating a new currency or backing any alternative currency that could challenge the US dollar’s global position. According to Trump, if the BRICS nations do not adhere to these demands, they could face punitive tariffs, which would effectively cut them off from the US market—a significant threat considering the size and importance of the American economy.

Trump’s comments underscore the growing tension between the US and the BRICS nations as they explore ways to reduce their dependence on the dollar. While the digital assets platform is still in the planning stages, it has already drawn attention from global leaders. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by BRICS to assert its economic independence and challenge the longstanding dominance of the US dollar in international trade. However, with Trump’s strong opposition, it remains to be seen how far BRICS will go in pursuing this ambitious financial shift.

Oppo Find X8 Ultra Set to Include Spectral Imaging Sensor, Expected to Launch Next Year

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Oppo recently launched the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro models in India, and now the company is preparing to expand its lineup with the release of the Find X8 Ultra. While Oppo has not yet officially confirmed the details of the Ultra variant, leaks and rumors have started to circulate, giving us a glimpse into what to expect. According to these leaks, the Find X8 Ultra is set to be a high-end flagship device, expected to feature cutting-edge specifications and design elements when it debuts, potentially in 2025.

One of the key features of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, as revealed by tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, is its spectral red maple primary color camera. This advanced imaging technology, which was also featured in Huawei’s recently launched Mate 70 series, is expected to enhance the camera’s ability to capture rich, detailed photos. In addition, the phone will reportedly be available in an exclusive color variant, further distinguishing it from other models in the Find X8 lineup.

In terms of display, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is rumored to sport a 2K resolution screen, offering an ultra-sharp and vibrant visual experience. The device may also come equipped with a dual periscope lens, allowing for versatile and high-quality zoom capabilities. The phone is expected to run on the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ensuring smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and other demanding tasks. Additionally, a large battery capacity is speculated to provide long-lasting usage throughout the day.

The display of the Oppo Find X8 Ultra may feature a BOE X2 LTPO OLED panel with a quad-curved-edge screen. This means that all four sides of the phone’s display could be rounded, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. The advanced LTPO technology would also enable better power efficiency, adjusting the refresh rate based on the content being viewed. As we await further official details, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is shaping up to be a highly anticipated flagship smartphone with premium features and a focus on innovative imaging technology.

Is Defending Earth from Asteroids Possible? Here’s What You Should Know

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Efforts to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts have made notable progress in recent years, but substantial challenges remain in developing effective planetary defense systems. In his book How to Kill an Asteroid, Robin George Andrews explores the complexities of safeguarding the planet from these cosmic threats. One of the primary strategies discussed in the book is deflecting asteroids rather than attempting to destroy them, a concept that was put to the test with NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission in 2022. This mission represented a significant milestone in space defense, successfully altering the orbit of the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, proving that deflection could be a viable option.

NASA’s DART mission, as highlighted by ScienceNews, demonstrated the feasibility of redirecting an asteroid to prevent a potential collision with Earth. The spacecraft’s impact with Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, was the first successful demonstration of this technique. The impact changed the asteroid’s orbit, a critical achievement for planetary defense, as it validated the concept of using kinetic impactors to redirect an asteroid’s path. While the DART mission proved the method’s potential, experts emphasize that this remains the only proven technique, suggesting that further advancements are necessary to address the full range of asteroid threats.

Despite the success of DART, significant gaps in planetary defense systems remain, particularly in the area of detection. Effective asteroid defense relies heavily on early identification of potential threats, but current detection systems are far from comprehensive. The proposed Near-Earth Object Surveyor (NEO Surveyor), designed to improve asteroid tracking capabilities, has faced delays, partly due to budgetary constraints. The loss of important observational infrastructure, such as the Arecibo Observatory, has further hindered efforts to monitor near-Earth objects. These challenges highlight the critical need for continued investment in detection technologies to enhance our ability to track and potentially deflect hazardous asteroids.

Researchers argue that as the number of known near-Earth objects continues to grow, addressing these gaps in detection and defense systems becomes increasingly urgent. While missions like DART offer hope for the future, they also emphasize the need for a more robust and comprehensive planetary defense infrastructure. With the increasing threat of asteroid impacts, experts stress the importance of global cooperation and significant investment in space defense technologies to protect the planet from potentially catastrophic collisions.