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Freedom, Roots & Fusion: SA Singer Pilani Bubu on Features of African Jazz 🎷 On April 30, the world marks International Jazz Day, which unites people across the globe in a great celebration of jazz music, paying tribute to its roots, appreciating its legacy…
🎷🎻Happy Jazz day!
It is believed that jazz first emerged in the 1910s in the US' south, although some researchers trace back its origins to 19th century. African rhythms mixed with European folk music and voilà – jazz was born.
Learn more about Jazz and famous musicians on our Sputnik website
It is believed that jazz first emerged in the 1910s in the US' south, although some researchers trace back its origins to 19th century. African rhythms mixed with European folk music and voilà – jazz was born.
Learn more about Jazz and famous musicians on our Sputnik website
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🇩🇪 This Sunday, about 650 people took to the streets in a demonstration against the policy of the German government in Berlin.
The main slogan was "Peace instead of capitalism - stop the arms race and put an end to poverty."
Among the banners were messages such as "Stop the war against Russia! No weapons for Ukraine! For the defeat of NATO!" and "Stop NATO!"
Videos and photos were shared on social media.
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The main slogan was "Peace instead of capitalism - stop the arms race and put an end to poverty."
Among the banners were messages such as "Stop the war against Russia! No weapons for Ukraine! For the defeat of NATO!" and "Stop NATO!"
Videos and photos were shared on social media.
Subscribe to @SputnikInt
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SVB board mulled 'Project Phoenix' to save bank long before collapse
Newly released documents reportedly show that SVB management discussed a plan to sell up to $20bn in bonds last November, codenamed "Project Phoenix," to cover losses and address liquidity struggles. However, the project warned of negative investor reaction and increasing deposit outflows.
When management launched security sales in March, SVB's market cap fell 60% in one day, and the bank was seized by regulators and declared bankrupt.
The collapse triggered unrest in the banking industry, leading to calls for greater emphasis on stress testing and reforms to improve resiliency.
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Newly released documents reportedly show that SVB management discussed a plan to sell up to $20bn in bonds last November, codenamed "Project Phoenix," to cover losses and address liquidity struggles. However, the project warned of negative investor reaction and increasing deposit outflows.
When management launched security sales in March, SVB's market cap fell 60% in one day, and the bank was seized by regulators and declared bankrupt.
The collapse triggered unrest in the banking industry, leading to calls for greater emphasis on stress testing and reforms to improve resiliency.
Subscribe to @SpitnikInt
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🇹🇷Retired Admiral Cem Gurdeniz has called for Turkiye to leave NATO, claiming that the alliance poses a greater threat to the country due to its support for creating a Kurdish state.
"How many thousands of people have died in the south-east of Turkiye since 1984, how many problems Turkiye has in other areas, but we do not receive any support from NATO or the EU," said the retired admiral.
He added that statements on Turkiye made by EU authorities or the US Senate made it "clear who is our friend and who is our enemy."
Gurdeniz voiced concerns that NATO's involvement in the Ukrainian crisis could drag Turkiye into a conflict with Russia, leading to the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
He believes Turkiye should pursue an independent policy, balancing between the Atlantic and Asia, and develop closer ties with Russia, China, India, and other BRICS countries.
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"How many thousands of people have died in the south-east of Turkiye since 1984, how many problems Turkiye has in other areas, but we do not receive any support from NATO or the EU," said the retired admiral.
He added that statements on Turkiye made by EU authorities or the US Senate made it "clear who is our friend and who is our enemy."
Gurdeniz voiced concerns that NATO's involvement in the Ukrainian crisis could drag Turkiye into a conflict with Russia, leading to the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
He believes Turkiye should pursue an independent policy, balancing between the Atlantic and Asia, and develop closer ties with Russia, China, India, and other BRICS countries.
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Zelensky says informed Macron of frontline situation, prospects for further developments
"During a conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron, I thanked for France's comprehensive and effective support for Ukraine ... I informed him in detail of the situation on the frontline and prospects for its development in May and June. I also placed emphasis on the priority needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation with other international partners to "consolidate their support" for the Ukrainian peace plan and coordinated next steps within the bilateral dialogue between the countries, according to the Ukrainian president.
During the talks, Zelensky also stated that Kiev appreciates France's commitment to provide "a powerful armored package" to Ukrainian forces.
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"During a conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron, I thanked for France's comprehensive and effective support for Ukraine ... I informed him in detail of the situation on the frontline and prospects for its development in May and June. I also placed emphasis on the priority needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation with other international partners to "consolidate their support" for the Ukrainian peace plan and coordinated next steps within the bilateral dialogue between the countries, according to the Ukrainian president.
During the talks, Zelensky also stated that Kiev appreciates France's commitment to provide "a powerful armored package" to Ukrainian forces.
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UK foreign office announces additional flight to evacuate citizens from Sudan
On Saturday, the foreign office stated that it had ended an initial evacuation operation that had helped carry almost 1,900 people out of African nation by air. The Saturday flight was supposed to be the last one carried out by the UK due to a declining demand for seats and risks of renewed conflict in Sudan.
"An extra UK evacuation flight from Port Sudan will depart on Monday (May 1) ... This flight follows the UK's successful evacuation operation from Wadi Saeeda near Khartoum, which has evacuated 2122 people on 23 flights," the foreign office said in a statement.
On April 15, violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese regular armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. The parties have introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires since then, but the conflict has not been settled yet.
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On Saturday, the foreign office stated that it had ended an initial evacuation operation that had helped carry almost 1,900 people out of African nation by air. The Saturday flight was supposed to be the last one carried out by the UK due to a declining demand for seats and risks of renewed conflict in Sudan.
"An extra UK evacuation flight from Port Sudan will depart on Monday (May 1) ... This flight follows the UK's successful evacuation operation from Wadi Saeeda near Khartoum, which has evacuated 2122 people on 23 flights," the foreign office said in a statement.
On April 15, violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese regular armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. The parties have introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires since then, but the conflict has not been settled yet.
Subscribe to @SputnikInt
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Tencent rolls out deepfake 'Digital Clones' service
Tencent Cloud, a subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Tencent, has launched a new service that allows people to create high-quality digital versions of themselves. The process involves providing 3 minutes of live-action video and 100 recorded sentences of the person to be "digitally cloned."
The resulting digital construct is available in various styles and costs $145. Tencent Cloud aims to create an automated AI+ Digital Intelligent Human Factory in the future, according to Chen Lei, the company's general manager for intelligent digital conduct products.
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Tencent Cloud, a subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Tencent, has launched a new service that allows people to create high-quality digital versions of themselves. The process involves providing 3 minutes of live-action video and 100 recorded sentences of the person to be "digitally cloned."
The resulting digital construct is available in various styles and costs $145. Tencent Cloud aims to create an automated AI+ Digital Intelligent Human Factory in the future, according to Chen Lei, the company's general manager for intelligent digital conduct products.
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Russia destroys up to 200 tonnes of Ukrainian ammunition in DPR
"As a result of a strike on an echelon at a railway station near the town of Kramatorsk of the Donetsk People’s Republic, up to 200 tonnes of UAF’s [Ukrainian Armed Forces] ammunition were destroyed," Russian Defense Ministry said.
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"As a result of a strike on an echelon at a railway station near the town of Kramatorsk of the Donetsk People’s Republic, up to 200 tonnes of UAF’s [Ukrainian Armed Forces] ammunition were destroyed," Russian Defense Ministry said.
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Antony Blinken expressed concern over the establishment of an Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Lachin corridor
"Secretary Blinken shared his belief that peace was possible. He also expressed the United States’ deep concern that Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin corridor undermines efforts to establish confidence in the peace process, and emphasized the importance of reopening the Lachin corridor to commercial and private vehicles as soon as possible," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Blinken, who spoke with Aliyev a day after his phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, underscored the importance of Azerbaijan-Armenia peace discussions and pledged continued US support.
On Saturday, Blinken told Pashinyan that direct dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a durable peace in the South Caucasus.
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"Secretary Blinken shared his belief that peace was possible. He also expressed the United States’ deep concern that Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin corridor undermines efforts to establish confidence in the peace process, and emphasized the importance of reopening the Lachin corridor to commercial and private vehicles as soon as possible," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Blinken, who spoke with Aliyev a day after his phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, underscored the importance of Azerbaijan-Armenia peace discussions and pledged continued US support.
On Saturday, Blinken told Pashinyan that direct dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a durable peace in the South Caucasus.
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The Turkish National Intelligence Organization killed "the leader" of the Islamic State terrorist group (IS, Daesh, banned in Russia) during an operation in Syria
"The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said in an interview to Turkish broadcasters.
"Out national intelligence organization had been following so-called leader of Daesh Abu Hussein al-Quraishi for a long time. This person was eliminated during the operation conducted by the MIT in Syria yesterday. We will continue our fight with terrorist organizations, making no distinctions between them," he announced.
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"The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said in an interview to Turkish broadcasters.
"Out national intelligence organization had been following so-called leader of Daesh Abu Hussein al-Quraishi for a long time. This person was eliminated during the operation conducted by the MIT in Syria yesterday. We will continue our fight with terrorist organizations, making no distinctions between them," he announced.
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Former member of the People’s Assembly of Moldova's Gagauzia Grigory Uzun and opposition candidate Yevgenia Gutsul are coming ahead in the election of the head of the autonomous territory
"The Central Election Commission of Gagauzia, based on preliminary data … has summed up the preliminary results: Yevgenia Gutsul - 14,890 votes, Grigory Uzun - 14,849," the CEC said in a statement.
The voter turnout in the Sunday election of the governor of Moldova's Gagauzia was over 57%, according to CEC, so the election was declared valid (at least 50% turnout was needed).
The election of Gagauzia's head (Bashkan of Gagauzia) took place in Moldova's pro-Russian southern autonomy on Sunday, with eight candidates on the ballot. Incumbent Governor Irina Vlah is not eligible for reelection since she has already served two consecutive terms.
If none of the candidates receives over 50% of the votes, a runoff will be held in two weeks.
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"The Central Election Commission of Gagauzia, based on preliminary data … has summed up the preliminary results: Yevgenia Gutsul - 14,890 votes, Grigory Uzun - 14,849," the CEC said in a statement.
The voter turnout in the Sunday election of the governor of Moldova's Gagauzia was over 57%, according to CEC, so the election was declared valid (at least 50% turnout was needed).
The election of Gagauzia's head (Bashkan of Gagauzia) took place in Moldova's pro-Russian southern autonomy on Sunday, with eight candidates on the ballot. Incumbent Governor Irina Vlah is not eligible for reelection since she has already served two consecutive terms.
If none of the candidates receives over 50% of the votes, a runoff will be held in two weeks.
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⚡️ The Russian Armed Forces hit 4 Ukrainian military artillery positions in the DPR, the Russian MoD said
▪️ The ministry added that Russian military aircraft near Avdeevka inflicted 2 strikes on the points of temporary deployment of reserves of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while artillery destroyed a tank and 3 infantry fighting vehicles.
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▪️ The ministry added that Russian military aircraft near Avdeevka inflicted 2 strikes on the points of temporary deployment of reserves of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while artillery destroyed a tank and 3 infantry fighting vehicles.
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'Amazing' Opportunity to Absorb Russian Culture: Zimbabwean Road to Yalta Festival Singer
🎵 Ahead of the final of the annual WWII song festival and competition that takes place on May 2 in Moscow, one of the singers, Yvonne P. Sauramba from Zimbabwe, expressed her impressions of Russia and its culture, sharing her experience of participating in the music event with Sputnik.
🗣"I’m so excited to be part of this festival The Road to Yalta and I do see it as an amazing opportunity for me to meet amazing artists from all over the world, as well as to experience what is like to be as a part of Russia," she said.
👉READ THE FULL STORY
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🎵 Ahead of the final of the annual WWII song festival and competition that takes place on May 2 in Moscow, one of the singers, Yvonne P. Sauramba from Zimbabwe, expressed her impressions of Russia and its culture, sharing her experience of participating in the music event with Sputnik.
🗣"I’m so excited to be part of this festival The Road to Yalta and I do see it as an amazing opportunity for me to meet amazing artists from all over the world, as well as to experience what is like to be as a part of Russia," she said.
👉READ THE FULL STORY
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Turkiye expects the Black Sea Grain Initiative to be extended
"The favorable atmosphere with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, which was also present during the exchange of prisoners, has worked well in the grain corridor … We look forward to the continued operation of this mechanism, providing food to needy countries in Africa," Erdogan said in an interview with Turkish broadcasters.
Over the weekend a source close to the negotiations on the grain deal told Sputnik that there is no clarity regarding the prospects of extending the deal. The source said that Ankara and the United Nations are making some efforts in that respect, and Turkiye expects "Western partners to support our efforts."
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"The favorable atmosphere with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, which was also present during the exchange of prisoners, has worked well in the grain corridor … We look forward to the continued operation of this mechanism, providing food to needy countries in Africa," Erdogan said in an interview with Turkish broadcasters.
Over the weekend a source close to the negotiations on the grain deal told Sputnik that there is no clarity regarding the prospects of extending the deal. The source said that Ankara and the United Nations are making some efforts in that respect, and Turkiye expects "Western partners to support our efforts."
Subscribe to @SputnikInt
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🏦 The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation said on Monday that it had closed First Republic Bank and agreed upon a deal to sell its assets to JPMorgan Chase & Co and National Association, making it the third major U.S. bank to fail in two months.
▪️ JPMorgan was one of several interested buyers, including PNC Financial Services Group and Citizens Financial Group Inc, which submitted final bids on Sunday in an auction being run by U.S. regulators, sources familiar with the matter said over the weekend.
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▪️ JPMorgan was one of several interested buyers, including PNC Financial Services Group and Citizens Financial Group Inc, which submitted final bids on Sunday in an auction being run by U.S. regulators, sources familiar with the matter said over the weekend.
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