Maduro’s Close Shave

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Global Recap
January 23, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

It’s been a while since we last got to read your valuable opinions on a contentious issue.

Today, we’ve finally got one. And it’s not so cut-and-dry.

It involves Elon Musk and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

Make sure to let us know your views!

🌐 Around the world:

  • 🇻🇪 Maduro assassination dodge.

  • 🇨🇳 China tries to save markets.

  • 🍁 Canada caps foreign students.

  • 🇺🇸🇬🇧 Joint strikes: Initiated.

  • 🚀 Elon Musk’s stance on DEI stirs up controversy.

Let’s get into today’s news.

🇻🇪 Maduro’s Close Shave

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Venezuela’s authorities have arrested 32 individuals over an alleged plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. More arrests are expected.

  • Investigation: A months-long investigation led to the arrests.

  • Confessions: All suspects have confessed and revealed information about the plans. But what did it take..? 🤔

  • Charges: They’ve been accused of treason and convicted for their crimes.

🇨🇳 China’s Market Lifeline

China’s considering a hefty $278 billion rescue package to bolster its hemorrhaging stock market.

It previously tried to put out the fire by telling local institutions not to sell stocks, but it seems like a more drastic measure is needed.

  • Offshore Aid: The plan involves mobilizing about 2 trillion yuan ($278 billion) primarily through offshore accounts of Chinese state-owned companies.

  • Onshore Investment: An additional 300 billion yuan of local funds are set aside for investment into onshore shares.

  • Market Performance: Mainland China’s CSI 300 index slid 11.4% last year, marking its third consecutive year of decline.

🍁 Canada Caps Students

Canada’s putting a lid on foreign student intake, aiming to ease the housing crunch. Post-graduate work permits for foreign students will also be limited, meaning less foreign talent and more jobs for the locals.

  • Cap Details: A two-year cap will result in about 364,000 visas in 2024.

  • Impact: Universities and businesses that rely on the inflow of students will be hit.

  • Reason: The surge in international students led to a shortage in rental apartments.

🇺🇸🇬🇧 Joint Strikes Initiated

The US and UK have launched yet another joint air strike against Houthi targets in Yemen.

  • Participation: US fighter jets from the carrier Eisenhower are involved in the strikes.

  • Objective: The strikes aim to protect the Red Sea international trade route from Houthi attacks.

  • Targets: The Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting ships they say are linked to Israel.

It seems like one wrong move by anybody in this conflict may spark a larger calamity.

Poland

Elon Musk’s Stance On DEI

🚀 Musk’s Diversity Dispute. Elon Musk has sparked yet another controversy recently. This time, it’s his comments on diversity-oriented hiring practices.

🗣️ Musk’s Bold Statements. Speaking at the European Jewish Association Conference in Poland with the infamous conservative talk show host Ben Shapiro, Musk labeled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as "fundamentally antisemitic.

🤔 So What is DEI? In essence, DEI policies refer to the commitment of companies to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. These policies aim to “correct” inequities within an organization by addressing discriminatory hiring practices, pay inequity, and other issues.

👍 Isn’t That Good? Well, the controversy lies in what organizations are doing to address these issues.

  • Many organizations utilize quotas for select races and sexes to ensure equitable representation within the organization.

  • Therefore, critics argue that in attempting to eliminate discrimination, organizations that base their policies on race and sex may inadvertently introduce another form of discrimination.

🤓 Musk’s View. He argued that these policies promote discrimination based on race, sex, and sexual orientation, undermining merit-based hiring.

“The diversity and equity, inclusion — we should always be, always be wary of any name that sounds like it could come out of a George Orwell book.”

🤔 Why It Matters. Musk’s comments have stirred up a significant debate. He has been vocal against DEI policies, even calling them racist in his posts on X.

  • This is primarily why politically left-leaning individuals have labeled Elon Musk as “far-right,” whereas the conservatives have embraced Musk as one of their own.

Here’s another highlight from the interview:

🌐 Opinion

Do you think DEI is discriminatory?

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