Gaza body, Trump's grip, Kenya workers and quantum computing
Feb 21, 2025
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Tensions escalate in Gaza as Israel vows to hold Hamas accountable for failing to return a hostage's body. Meanwhile, Trump tightens his influence over U.S. government agencies, raising eyebrows about independence. Kenya is on a mission to send a million workers abroad annually to address global labor shortages. In tech news, Microsoft reveals its Majorana 1 chip, promising to revolutionize quantum computing and its applications, including electric vehicle batteries.
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Quick takeaways
Trump's administration is imposing tighter control over independent U.S. government agencies, raising concerns about the erosion of their legal autonomy.
Kenya's plan to send one million workers abroad annually seeks to address domestic job shortages amid significant political resistance and concerns.
Deep dives
Trump's Influence on Independent Agencies
Trump's administration is tightening its control over independent U.S. government agencies that manage elections, financial markets, and labor issues. He mandated that all significant changes in regulations must be reported to the White House for preliminary review. Additionally, agencies must appoint a liaison who will coordinate their activities with the Trump administration, ensuring that their actions align with the president's policy priorities. Critics argue that this move undermines the legal independence of agencies established by Congress, viewing it as an overreach of presidential power.
Kenya's Ambitious Labor Export Plan
Kenya has launched a plan to send one million workers abroad each year as it faces a domestic jobs crisis, with only 200,000 formal jobs available for a million new entrants to the workforce. This initiative aims to export labor to countries like Germany, which has a significant skilled labor shortage across various sectors. However, there is considerable political backlash in both countries, with concerns about the potential loss of local talent and questions about the Kenyan government’s ability to create jobs at home. Critics argue that rather than sending workers abroad, Kenya should focus on leveraging its young population to bolster its own economy.
Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing
Recent advancements by Microsoft in quantum computing indicate that practical quantum computers could soon become a reality, significantly sooner than previously expected. The development of their Majorana 1 chip is said to reduce error rates, which is a major hurdle in quantum technology integration. This shift could enable quantum computers to model complex problems, such as the creation of new, affordable electric car batteries, more efficiently than traditional computers. By rapidly processing numerous variables, quantum technology may streamline the research and development process in numerous industries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saysIsrael will make Hamas pay for failing to release the body of hostage Shiri Bibas as agreed. U.S. President Donald Trump this week tightens his grip on U.S. government agencies that for years have taken pride in their independence, overseeing such matters as elections, stock markets and labor relations. Kenya aims to send 1 million workers abroad annually to countries with aging populations. And Microsoft says quantum computing is "years, not decades" away.
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