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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Trump plans executive orders to power AI growth in race with China
The Trump administration is readying a package of executive actions aimed at boosting energy supply to power the U.S. expansion of artificial intelligence, according to four sources familiar with the planning. Top economic rivals U.S. and China are locked in a technological arms race and with it secure an economic and military edge. The huge amount of data processing behind AI requires a rapid increase in power supplies that are straining utilities and grids in many states. The moves under consideration include making it easier for power-generating projects to connect to the grid, and providing federal land on which to build the data centers needed to expand AI technology, according to the sources. The administration will also release an AI action plan and schedule public events to draw public attention to the efforts, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Training large-scale AI models requires a huge amount of electricity, and the industry's growth is driving the first big increase in U.S. power demand in decades. Between 2024 and 2029, U.S. electricity demand is projected to grow at five times the rate predicted in 2022, according to power-sector consultancy Grid Strategies. Meanwhile, power demand from AI data centers could grow more than thirtyfold by 2035, according to a new report by consultancy Deloitte. Building and connecting new power generation to the grid, however, has been a major hurdle because such projects require extensive impact studies that can take years to complete, and existing transmission infrastructure is overwhelmed. Among the ideas under consideration by the administration is to identify more fully developed power projects and move them higher on the waiting list for connection, two of the sources said. Siting data centers has also been challenging because larger facilities require a lot of space and resources, and can face zoning obstacles or public opposition. The executive orders could provide a solution to that by offering land managed by the Defense Department or Interior Department to project developers, the sources said. The administration is also considering streamlining permitting for data centers by creating a nationwide Clean Water Act permit, rather than requiring companies to seek permits on a state-by-state basis, according to one of the sources. In January, Trump hosted top tech CEOs at the White House to highlight the Stargate Project, a multi-billion effort led by ChatGPT's creator OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle to build data centers and create more than 100,000 jobs in the U.S. Trump has prioritized winning the AI race against China and declared on his first day in office a national energy emergency aimed at removing all regulatory obstacles to oil and gas drilling, coal and critical mineral mining, and building new gas and nuclear power plants to bring more energy capacity online. He also ordered his administration in January to produce an AI Action Plan that would make 'America the world capital in artificial intelligence' and reduce regulatory barriers to its rapid expansion. That report, which includes input from the National Security Council, is due by July 23. The White House is considering making July 23 'AI Action Day' to draw attention to the report and demonstrate its commitment to expanding the industry, two of the sources said. Trump is scheduled to speak at an AI and energy event in Pennsylvania on July 15 hosted by Senator Dave McCormick. Amazon earlier this month announced it would invest $20 billion in data centers in two Pennsylvania counties.
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Business
- Spectator
The dark side of LinkedIn
I'd always assumed that LinkedIn is Instagram for people with lanyards. A place for earnest self-congratulation, polite emoji applause, and lightly airbrushed career updates: 'Humbled to be speaking at Davos'; 'Thrilled to have joined Deloitte'; 'Grateful to my incredible team for smashing Q4 targets.' That sort of thing. Sanitised, self-serving and safely anodyne with an easy trade: a like for a like, a 'repost' for a 'funny'. Instead of an apology, I received a torrent of replies ranging from 'you had it coming' to 'stop making a fuss' So when I posted something mildly provocative, I expected at worst a few furrowed brows and an awkward silence in the comments. I did not expect a social media thunderstorm. The provocation? A practical, depoliticised Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan. In light of US president Donald Trump's executive orders and the ensuing legal backlash, DEI has become the HR profession's third rail. Everyone has an opinion; no one wants to get electrocuted. So I thought I'd share a seven-point plan my company had helped a FTSE 30 board adopt: it's a model that replaces ideology with evidence and helps everyone, not just identity groups, to thrive. The plan advised against the lexicon of victimhood: no mention of 'oppressed vs oppressors', 'white privilege', or 'institutional phobias.' Instead, it proposed focusing on universal human truths: that everyone faces different headwinds and tailwinds, many of them invisible, and not all equal; that rather than victims and perpetrators we all have a role in creating a work environment where people succeed based on their talents, rather than their background. We advocated everyday language. 'Bias' was out. 'Good judgment' was in. We called for a duty of care to all, rather than declarations on global political events. It was not radical. In fact, it was built on rigorous behavioural science and tested in various large companies. I thought it might even be useful. But then I had forgotten where I was. This was LinkedIn, supposedly the realm of calm, considerate professionalism. In reality, it is anything but. The backlash came fast. First, a client rang up one of my colleagues to say that unless I publicly retracted my comments, he'd cease working with us. This proved to be prophetic but not, I suspect, for the reasons he'd imagined. Two weeks later, the client was 'let go'. It appears that his world of work had had enough of his woke. A DEI influencer – high on followers, low on nuance – quoted my line about 'headwinds' and added, 'Amazing mental gymnastics for someone who, according to multiple online biographers, is the 'son of socialite Brinsley Black.' I can't even…' Here was a man who claims to champion fairness and inclusion attacking me for something my father may or may not have done fifty years ago. Expecting a few voices from HR's vast choir of speak-up culture to chime in, I posted a polite but firm response: 'You have picked up on something from the web (not well known for its accuracy) and decided to play the person rather than the ball. If I had plucked some slight about your parents from the internet and used it to dismiss your arguments, I suspect you'd be outraged and rightly so. I think you – and the 39 people who liked your comment – owe me an apology.' Instead of an apology, I received a torrent of replies ranging from 'you had it coming' to 'stop making a fuss'. A few kind souls sent DMs in solidarity (thank you), but the public square remained conspicuously quiet. It was as if everyone had decided that speaking out was something they were keen to encourage other people to do, but, when it came to taking on a DEI aficionado, it wasn't worth the risk. Then came my next misstep. I congratulated Barclays for ensuring there were women-only as well as mixed-gender loos after the Supreme Court clarified the legal definition of sex. Cue the mob. The pile-on made the previous furore feel like a warm-up act. This time, I panicked and did something I regret to this day: I deleted the post. But the strangest thing wasn't the rage. It was what happened next. My posts – which previously tended to reach a respectable 10,000 impressions – now struggled to break 500. Posts containing valuable new evidence on productivity, absenteeism and the psychology of high performance languished in obscurity. I had, it seemed, been ghosted by the machine. LinkedIn, for all its talk of inclusion, appears to have the subtle hand of censorship down to an algorithmic art. You're not suspended; just muffled. Not punished; just buried. There's no trial. No court of appeal. No feedback. Just the quiet hum of the system deciding you're no longer quite right for the party. This is a platform that claims: 'We are open, honest and constructive. By seeking the truth and keeping it real, we are more likely to generate solutions to difficult problems.' It's a lovely sentiment. Someone should tell their bots.
CNET
8 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Get a Free Worldwide Ubigi eSIM Data Plan for Your Summer Travel
Summer is the time to roam. According to Deloitte, more Americans plan to travel in 2025 than 2024, and a recent poll by Allianz found that 70% of Americans under 35 are planning a summer getaway. With prices rising worldwide, travelers are cutting costs wherever they can — including data, a must-have for local recommendations and easy navigation. But roaming doesn't have to mean roaming fees. One easy way to trim your travel budget is to opt for an eSIM plan like Ubigi, which works seamlessly in over 200 locations worldwide — including 5G in over 60 destinations — all without having to pay your carrier's data fees or switch SIM cards in different countries. For a limited time, Ubigi is offering 500MB of data when you make a free account to try the service, as well as 10% off your first purchase. An eSIM makes crossing borders easy You're probably familiar with a traditional SIM card — that tiny chip you can pop in and out of your phone to switch carriers. When traveling internationally, using a physical SIM means you have to stop and wait in line at airport kiosks or stores to buy a mobile plan and swap out your SIM cards. But with an eSIM, you can skip all that hassle: it loads directly onto your phone. Changing mobile carriers becomes as easy as a tap or a swipe, with no risk of losing your old SIM card. A vacation should feel like a vacation, not a list of errands. But with an eSIM, it's easy to get everything ready before you take off. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked, then choose your data plan and install your Ubigi eSIM before boarding your flight. Once you arrive, simply activate mobile data on your Ubigi line, and you'll be all set to find your hotel and discover great local spots to eat. An eSIM gives you more data for less Ubigi offers affordable packages from 1GB to unlimited data, with seamless 5G and 4G coverage in over 200 locations across the world. With Ubigi's SmartStart feature, your eSIM data plan activates only when you arrive and connect to a cell tower at your destination, so there's no risk of your plan starting before you leave. Plus, the app makes adding data on the go as easy as topping up a metro card, with no Wi-Fi or data credits required. Ubigi A travel eSIM provider like Ubigi eliminates any roaming surprises or charges. With Ubigi's data-only service, you only need to focus on gigabytes, no SMS or voice fees to worry about. Their straightforward pricing makes managing your data simple and transparent. Get 500MB of free data for your summer travels today We all know summer passes in a blink. Create your free Ubigiaccount today and receive 500MB of free data, as well as 10% off your first purchase. After that, you're all set to relax, no matter where the journey takes you.
Globe and Mail
9 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Kwesi Alleyne Urges Entrepreneurs to Embrace Self-Awareness Over Hustle Hype
Marketing leader and coach encourages business owners to slow down, reflect, and rethink failure as a growth tool. Kwesi Alleyne, co-founder of Herculeads Marketing Group and youth soccer coach, is calling on entrepreneurs, coaches, and creatives alike to embrace a more honest, self-aware approach to growth. Based on insights shared in his recent interview 'Focus, Failure, and Forward Momentum,' Alleyne emphasises that reflection—not constant hustle—is the key to building something sustainable. 'People talk about grinding 24/7,' Alleyne says, 'but if you're not stopping to ask yourself what worked and what didn't, you're just repeating noise. My business started growing faster the minute I got serious about reviewing why we won and why we lost.' Alleyne's message comes at a time when burnout is at an all-time high. According to a 2024 Deloitte survey, 59% of workers reported feeling exhausted regularly, and 42% of entrepreneurs cite mental fatigue as their top challenge. Alleyne believes that's partially due to the glorification of relentless work, rather than smarter reflection. Failure Isn't the Enemy—Lack of Reflection Is In the interview, Alleyne shared how a failed campaign helped sharpen his agency's research process. 'We launched a niche lead-gen campaign without testing demand. It flopped. We refunded the client and owned it. That one mistake now drives how we qualify every new idea. We don't guess—we listen first.' This attitude is what Alleyne believes more leaders need to adopt: failure as fuel rather than shame. 'You don't grow from never messing up. You grow by asking why you did—and doing something about it,' he adds. A Call for Thoughtful Leadership As Director of Marketing at Herculeads, Alleyne leads national campaigns for home improvement clients. But his leadership lessons are often drawn from the soccer field, where he coaches high school and travel teams in Florida. 'I see it in my players too. When they lose, they either shut down or they level up. The difference? Who's willing to watch the tape.' He encourages leaders, regardless of industry, to 'review your own game tape weekly.' Alleyne recommends building a simple review habit: Ask: What did we expect? Look: What actually happened? Act: What will we do differently next time? Rethink Busy. Focus on Better. Alleyne also advocates for managing distraction—not just time. 'I schedule my distractions,' he said. 'Fifteen minutes to scroll guilt-free. That way I don't leak energy all day.' He's not alone. A 2025 McKinsey study found that workers who structure their breaks and deep work sessions report 28% higher productivity than those who don't. Take Action: Reflect First Kwesi Alleyne is not pushing another app, trend, or hustle strategy. He's asking people to pause. Think. Evaluate. Reset. 'This isn't about being perfect or doing more,' he says. 'It's about being real with where you are and honest about what needs fixing.' His challenge to others? 'Pick one thing that didn't go your way last week. Ask yourself why—and write down one thing you'll change because of it. Do that every week. Watch what happens.' To read more, visit the website here. About Kwesi Alleyne: Kwesi Alleyne is a marketing entrepreneur and youth soccer coach based in Hollywood, Florida. He is a founding partner of Herculeads Marketing Group, a lead-generation firm serving home improvement businesses nationwide. Off the field, he is passionate about mentoring athletes and helping young leaders build discipline, clarity, and confidence through sports and business. Media Contact: Kwesi Alleyne Director of Marketing, Herculeads kwesialleyne@ Media Contact Contact Person: Kwesi Alleyne Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
CNET
9 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Why Smart Travelers Are Switching to eSIMs This Summer
Higher prices are looming for just about everything, but they're not stopping people from planning more summer travel than ever. Deloitte's 2025 summer travel survey found that despite the gloomy economy, more Americans will travel this year than they did last year. And young people are especially ready for some self-care elsewhere: a survey by Allianz found that a whopping 70% of Americans under 35 are planning to take a vacation this summer. If you're one of the many people thirsty for a summer getaway, there's a good chance you're also looking to cut costs where you can. Maybe you're opting for a cheaper mid-week flight rather than heading out on Friday, or heading somewhere off the beaten path instead of a tourist-packed metropolis. Another smart way to trim your travel budget is to use an eSIM. You don't have to pay pricey roaming or add-on data fees to look up local spots, post pics and check your email while you're out of the country. Nomad eSIM, one of the most affordable options, gives you the data to do all that and more from over 200 countries. And right now you can get 20% off your first Nomad data plan with the code NOMCNET20. What is an eSIM? If you've ever upgraded your phone or switched carriers, you're likely familiar with what a SIM card is: It's that tiny chip in your phone that essentially connects it to your mobile carrier. A digital eSIM is different in that it's downloaded from the web directly into your phone. You can activate it using an app and switch carriers without the fuss of having to swap out your physical SIM card. An eSIM can be a smart choice for travelers who want to use their phone while abroad. Because eSIMs are data-based, you'll be able to send emails, browse the web, scroll your socials, stream videos and make data-based voice and video calls — all without having to pay the expensive roaming and data fees of your regular US-based carrier. Nomad eSIM How a Nomad eSIM helps you save on international data Nomad eSIM is different from the other eSIMs in that it offers an affordable plan lineup for every type of trip. Whether you're going to Costa Rica for a week-long retreat or backpacking around Europe all summer, you can pick a plan that works for your specific needs — and budget. If you're visiting one destination, Nomad has you covered with daily, weekly and monthly data plans ranging from 1GB to more than 20GB with coverage in over 200 countries. Travelers can also choose daily unlimited plans for a week, and there are local plans for single-country trips or regional plans for multi-destination travel. Current prices on plans include hotspots like Thailand ($0.18/GB) and Iceland ($1/GB). Nomad eSIM Get data plans tailored to your travel needs — and budget If you're exploring more than one country, the Nomad Global plan has weekly and monthly plans ranging from 1GB to 5GB and coverage in up to 112 countries. While global in reach, Nomad has intentionally focused coverage on the most popular travel destinations, helping to keep global plan costs more affordable. A 1GB, one-week Global plan starts at just $12, ideal for the occasional check-ins with loved ones and social media posts. Or you can opt for a 3GB or a 5GB Global plan starting at $26 or $36 respectively, and the data is good for one month. eSIMs are great for frequent flyers and digital nomads, too For backpackers, students abroad and digital nomads, the Nomad Global-EX plan offers handy six-month and year-long options that are good in up to 82 countries. Nomad eSIM The highly affordable Global-EX offers a 10GB, six-month plan starting at just $30 and a 20GB, one-year plan starting at $50, plus the option to expand your data limit to 30GB or 50GB as needed. This plan eliminates the hassle of having to reactivate your eSIM for each trip, and it's more affordable than other eSIM brands that offer similar data allowances for shorter durations. And for those who prefer unlimited data, Nomad has recently expanded its offerings with 21 new unlimited plans. Perfect for travelers who don't want to worry about running out of data or topping up, these plans start as low as $11 USD for 3 days of unlimited usage. eSIMs provide instant, hassle-free connectivity No matter which plan you choose, the Nomad eSIM is a snap to use. Simply download the app and activate the eSIM on your unlocked iOS or Android eSIM-compatible phone so you can get online the minute you land. There's no physical SIM card, no contracts and no hassle. Lock in a new Nomad plan today and score 20% off with the discount code NOMCNET20.
