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LUANDA, Angola (AP) — President Joe Biden's long-delayed trip to Africa had many of the hallmarks of a traditional state visit: There was a 12-shot cannon salute. A series of warm handshakes with Angolan President João Lourenço. Celebratory music. Photo opportunities. But another issue overshadowed the visit. When reporters tried to question the president about why he gave his son Hunter a far-reaching pardon after repeatedly saying he would not do so, Biden tried to brush aside the questions. He gestured toward Lourenço and laughed, declaring, “Welcome to America.” Biden saluted Lourenço for his efforts to bolster stronger U.S. relations, declared that Africa and its booming youth population would shape the world's future and even indulged his love of trains by championing a major railway project that his administration says could change the way the entire continent does business. Some takeaways from the president's visit: Biden offered the joke about America before his meeting with Lourenço, and he answered a question on Tuesday about the political situation in South Korea, saying only that he'd not been briefed — something that was rectified moments later when advisers filled him in on what was happening as the motorcade sped away from a site where he'd given a speech. Other than that, Biden went the entire trip, which began Sunday night and included two brief stopovers in Cape Verde in addition to Angola, dodging reporters. He did similar during last month's six-day visit to South America . Since Biden announced his pardon decision shortly before climbing aboard Air Force One bound for Africa, it fell to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to spend nearly half an hour offering long and awkward answers to uncomfortable questions aboard the aircraft hours later. Biden said in a statement explaining the pardon that, while he believed in the justice system, he also felt that politics had infected the cases against his son and “enough was enough.” Jean-Pierre maintained that he wasn't trying to have it both ways. “I don’t think it’s a contradiction,” she said. “Two things could be true. You can believe in the Department of Justice system, and you could also believe that the process was infected politically.” She also bristled when it was suggested that such complaints about the Department of Justice smacked of President-elect Donald Trump's promises to dismantle the “deep state” of federal bureaucrats that he's said for years are out to unfairly undermine him and fellow top Republicans. During his meeting with Lourenço at the presidential palace, Biden said, “The United States is all in on Africa,” and extolled how strong Angolan relations were with Washington. His administration has invested billions in Angola, with the centerpiece being promoting the Lobito Corridor, a vast project to revitalize supply chains by refurbishing 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of train lines in Angola, Zambia and Congo. Given where Angola was barely a generation ago, the alliance is in many ways remarkable. An oil-rich nation on Africa's southwest coast, Angola achieved independence from Portugal in 1975, but spent subsequent years embroiled in civil war, which often featured proxy fighting between U.S.-backed forces and those allied with the Soviet Union. Even today, the country's red and black flag features a yellow machete and half-cog, an insignia resembling the Soviet hammer and sickle. But Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, and Lourenço, like many leaders of African nations, has already begun suggesting that he's looking toward a Trump-dominated future. Biden administration officials say they're hopeful Trump and top Republicans will continue a business-friendly approach to investing in Africa that includes continuing to support the Lobito Corridor. Biden lauded Lourenço for helping boost his country's relationship with the United States, and he said the youth of Africa would change the world. He also visited the country’s national slavery museum, stressing how Angola and the United States — which were once linked by the horrors of enslaved human beings, now could increasingly be linked by economic opportunity. But if Biden came to Angola hoping to cement his foreign policy legacy in this country and throughout Africa, it will actually fall to Trump — the man he beat in the 2020 election and spent much of 2024 running against before bowing out of the race in July — to see it through.
LUANDA, Angola (AP) — President Joe Biden's long-delayed trip to Africa had many of the hallmarks of a traditional state visit: There was a 12-shot cannon salute. A series of warm handshakes with Angolan President João Lourenço. Celebratory music. Photo opportunities. But another issue overshadowed the visit. When reporters tried to question the president about why he gave his son Hunter a far-reaching pardon after repeatedly saying he would not do so, Biden tried to brush aside the questions. He gestured toward Lourenço and laughed, declaring, “Welcome to America.” Biden saluted Lourenço for his efforts to bolster stronger U.S. relations, declared that Africa and its booming youth population would shape the world's future and even indulged his love of trains by championing a major railway project that his administration says could change the way the entire continent does business. Some takeaways from the president's visit: Biden offered the joke about America before his meeting with Lourenço, and he answered a question on Tuesday about the political situation in South Korea, saying only that he'd not been briefed — something that was rectified moments later when advisers filled him in on what was happening as the motorcade sped away from a site where he'd given a speech. Other than that, Biden went the entire trip, which began Sunday night and included two brief stopovers in Cape Verde in addition to Angola, dodging reporters. He did similar during last month's six-day visit to South America . Since Biden announced his pardon decision shortly before climbing aboard Air Force One bound for Africa, it fell to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to spend nearly half an hour offering long and awkward answers to uncomfortable questions aboard the aircraft hours later. Biden said in a statement explaining the pardon that, while he believed in the justice system, he also felt that politics had infected the cases against his son and “enough was enough.” Jean-Pierre maintained that he wasn't trying to have it both ways. “I don’t think it’s a contradiction,” she said. “Two things could be true. You can believe in the Department of Justice system, and you could also believe that the process was infected politically.” She also bristled when it was suggested that such complaints about the Department of Justice smacked of President-elect Donald Trump's promises to dismantle the “deep state” of federal bureaucrats that he's said for years are out to unfairly undermine him and fellow top Republicans. During his meeting with Lourenço at the presidential palace, Biden said, “The United States is all in on Africa,” and extolled how strong Angolan relations were with Washington. His administration has invested billions in Angola, with the centerpiece being promoting the Lobito Corridor, a vast project to revitalize supply chains by refurbishing 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of train lines in Angola, Zambia and Congo. Given where Angola was barely a generation ago, the alliance is in many ways remarkable. An oil-rich nation on Africa's southwest coast, Angola achieved independence from Portugal in 1975, but spent subsequent years embroiled in civil war, which often featured proxy fighting between U.S.-backed forces and those allied with the Soviet Union. Even today, the country's red and black flag features a yellow machete and half-cog, an insignia resembling the Soviet hammer and sickle. But Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, and Lourenço, like many leaders of African nations, has already begun suggesting that he's looking toward a Trump-dominated future. Biden administration officials say they're hopeful Trump and top Republicans will continue a business-friendly approach to investing in Africa that includes continuing to support the Lobito Corridor. Biden lauded Lourenço for helping boost his country's relationship with the United States, and he said the youth of Africa would change the world. He also visited the country’s national slavery museum, stressing how Angola and the United States — which were once linked by the horrors of enslaved human beings, now could increasingly be linked by economic opportunity. But if Biden came to Angola hoping to cement his foreign policy legacy in this country and throughout Africa, it will actually fall to Trump — the man he beat in the 2020 election and spent much of 2024 running against before bowing out of the race in July — to see it through.
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England fear the worst for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso with Exeter wing facing long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suffered the injury against Sale on Saturday Exeter are awaiting a medical prognosis but the signs are not promising He is is in danger of missing England's daunting first game of the Six Nations By CHRIS FOY Published: 22:34 GMT, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 22:36 GMT, 23 December 2024 e-mail View comments Exeter fear that rookie wing sensation Immanuel Feyi-Waboso faces a long spell out of action — which will have implications for their faltering season and England’s Six Nations challenge. The 22-year-old flyer dislocated a shoulder during his club’s latest Premiership defeat, at Sale on Saturday. While the Chiefs are awaiting a medical prognosis, the signs are not promising, according to their director of rugby Rob Baxter. ‘Unfortunately, Manny is now going to be out for a period and it is not ideal either for ourselves or for England,’ said Baxter. ‘We are waiting on scan results which we should get early this week. Obviously, he is not available this weekend (against Gloucester at Sandy Park on Sunday). Initially it has popped out, popped back in and we have got to wait and see what the damage is. ‘When it first got back in, he was not in too much pain because it was, “Can I carry on?”. Clearly, he had just had a shoulder dislocation. We are hoping that means there is not too much damage, but until we get scanned, we have got to assume he has got some damage.’ Exeter fear that rookie wing sensation Immanuel Feyi-Waboso faces a long spell out of action The 22-year-old flyer dislocated a shoulder during his club’s latest Premiership defeat Exeter are on a grim run of 10 consecutive league defeats, leaving them bottom of the Premiership at Christmas. To lose one of their few beacons of hope would be far from ideal. He has also provided plenty of hope for England, almost a year since pledging allegiance to the country where he plays and studies medicine, rather than Wales, where he was born. Feyi-Waboso has scored five tries in his first eight Tests in Steve Borthwick’s revamped back line, but he is in danger of missing their daunting first game of the Six Nations, against Ireland in Dublin on February 1. But the deadly runner and predatory finisher is enduring a tough domestic season and has struggled to make the same impact while the Chiefs have been under the cosh. ‘On the whole (he has coped) pretty well,’ said Baxter. ‘Do I think he has played as well as last season? Probably not, but he is also playing in a team that is not playing as well as last season. Some of the opportunities to make a huge impression have not quite been there. If you get into the 22 and get the ball in Manny’s hands, he is lethal. We haven’t had many games like that. ‘The nice thing about Manny is you know there’s so much more to come. The amount of game time he has played is still so little. He is only in his early 20s. ‘When he gets to 26-27, what he’ll be able to do could be exceptional. He is on the right path to be a very good player.’ England Rugby Share or comment on this article: England fear the worst for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso with Exeter wing facing long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder e-mail Add comment
Trump considering Kimberly Guilfoyle for ambassador to Greece, sources sayGumla: Students and teachers of St Ignatius School here celebrated Christmas with message of peace and love. Students presented carols on the birth of Jesus Christ . The school also displayed the nativity scene. The function started with lighting of candles by St Ignatius’ rector Fr Florence Kujur and school principal Fr Manohar Khoya. Kujur said, “The birth of Jesus Christ is the advent of our guiding light.” Khoya said, “The festival of Christmas is a symbol of love and peace. We feel joy during this festival. Jesus took birth on earth for the salvation of all humans.” TNN We also published the following articles recently Box said to contain bones of Jesus brother found in Israel, on display in US A 2,000-year-old limestone burial box, believed to have contained the bones of James, brother of Jesus, is on display in Atlanta. Discovered in 1976 and authenticated in 2013, the ossuary bears the inscription 'James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.' The exhibit includes 350 artifacts from Jesus' time, enhancing its historical significance. Birth anniversary of folk singer Bhikhari Thakur to be celebrated at his native village Preparations are underway in Kutubpur diara, Saran district, for the birth anniversary celebrations of renowned folk singer Bhikhari Thakur. Organized by the art, culture, and youth department with the district administration, the event honors Thakurs contributions to Bhojpuri culture and society. His visionary works addressed social issues, and he was praised by notable figures for his multi-faceted talents. Christmas & New Year festivities light up parks in city Public parks in Ranchi have become lively hubs for Christmas and New Year celebrations, with attractions like the Birsa Munda Fun Park hosting carnivals, rides, and film screenings. Families are enjoying seasonal festivities at Morabadi Children's Park, Oxygen Park, and Nakshatra Van. Educational screenings and illuminated walkways enhance the festive atmosphere, making these parks centers for community engagement. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes.
CreateAI Announces Results of 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday tapped Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, selecting a billionaire private astronaut and business associate of Elon Musk to oversee an agency closely linked to the SpaceX founder's business. Isaacman, CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payments, has flown to space twice on SpaceX capsules in fully private missions arranged by his Polaris program, working with Musk and spending hundreds of millions of dollars as a key customer of SpaceX's nascent private astronaut business. If confirmed by the Senate, Isaacman, who has no government or political experience, would oversee the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's roughly $25 billion budget. The agency's top priority has been returning humans to the moon under its Artemis program, an effort promoted by Trump during his first term that will lean heavily on SpaceX's Starship. "Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Trump's pick for NASA came months earlier than in past presidential transitions as Musk, SpaceX's CEO and founder as well as major donor to Trump's election campaign, has used his close proximity to the president-elect to discuss missions to Mars and other space exploration matters that could boost SpaceX. Trump attended SpaceX's sixth Starship test launch in Texas last month. Isaacman, 41, is expected to deepen the agency's strategy of depending on private companies for accessing space as a commercial service. This has posed an existential threat to NASA's Space Launch System rocket, a massive, over-budget launch vehicle built by Boeing and Northrop Grumman and a crucial element of its Artemis program alongside Starship. "Space holds unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and perhaps even pathways to new sources of energy," Isaacman said in a statement, adding he is "passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history." Isaacman would also command the agency's aeronautics portfolio, which has been funding green aviation concepts, and a sprawling space science unit that in some areas has faced layoffs and budget cuts under Democratic President Joe Biden. NASA's last two appointed administrators were former politicians. Trump's first NASA chief, former Oklahoma congressman Jim Bridenstine, launched the Artemis program and persuaded Congress to increase the agency's budget to fund it. Biden appointed former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida to run NASA. Dozens of space industry veterans and lobbyists had recommended candidates for NASA chief including SpaceX's Kathy Lueders, who has overseen the company's Starship operation in Texas, and California Republican Representative Mike Garcia, who lost reelection last month, according to five people close to the nomination effort. Isaacman in September was one of four crew members to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk in orbit, using new SpaceX-built spacesuits in a novel mission he helped bankroll.NoneNEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:56 p.m. ESTCopy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login New York | The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial. Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. AP Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In North America Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In WorldThe need for fair, accountable, and sustainable energy
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AP News Summary at 2:20 p.m. ESTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven't provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks' 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There's not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story." Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status. State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Fifth National Sports Festival 2024 at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening. In his speech, the Senior General underscored the notion that ‘promoting sports is akin to defending and safeguarding the nation’ represents the highest principle. He highlighted that it is necessary for the entire population, including students, youth, and persons with disabilities, to actively participate in the process of implementing programmes that transition from mass sports to excellent sports, aiming to nurture outstanding athletes. He emphasized that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status. Hence, it is emphasized that all citizens should actively collaborate in promoting the sports sector. He continued to say that the government is making efforts to appropriately enhance the recognition and rewards, including cash awards, for national athletes who have won prestigious prizes in international competitions. Moreover, the Senior General disclosed that the government is providing monthly allowances and honorary titles to veteran athletes who have once brought glory to the nation. As such, he urged athletes participating in the sports festival to strive for success, and aim to become nationally selected players in order to bring pride to the country. By including sports in the scoring system, he added, the government manages to facilitate outstanding student-athletes to attend sports and physical education institutes, and awarding sports scholarships. The Senior General stressed that the Ministry of Education should implement plans to encourage every student and youth to participate in various sports, organize a sports calendar, and systematically arrange annual competitions from the basic education level to college and university levels. He pointed out that only then will the integration of sports and education-related activities become smoother, leading to the emergence of a new generation of athletes and supporting the continuous development of sustainable sports development of the nation. He urged entire people including student youths and people with disabilities to join the process of upgrading the mass sports level to an excellent sports level. In Myanmar, he explained that it is necessary to organize sports competitions for students and youth in the coming years, as well as inter-ministerial competitions and advanced sports events. These should be included in the sports calendar, and efforts must be made to enhance the level of Myanmar’s sports. The Senior General stressed the need to systematically train and prepare outstanding athletes who emerge from various competitions, in order to develop Myanmar’s top athletes capable of competing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and international competitions. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla planted a Gangaw sapling (Mesua ferrea) to mark the opening of the 2024 National Sports Festival. After the Senior General delivered a speech, fireworks were displayed to mark the festival’s opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony, paratroopers from the free-fall squad, carrying the flag of the National Sports Festival along with regional and state flags, landed on the ground and saluted the Senior General. The renowned singer Htoo L Linn sang the song “Our Myanmar, a modern nation”. A lighting show was presented to accompany a traditional Myanmar orchestra and musical instruments, with music played in a lively and rhythmic fashion. The event continued with a grand opening, during which fireworks were launched. The Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education under the Ministry of Education, presented the song “Beautiful, Beloved Golden Myanmar”, with a performance. After the State Military Band took the position in the stadium, the sports contingents from ministries, regions and states led by the flag bearers took the positions in the stadium. They hoisted the State flag and saluted it. Veteran selection athletes conveyed the flag of the National Sports Festival into the stadium. Chairman of the National Sports Festival U Than Tun Oo ignited the torch to mark the festival and handed it over to Myanmar’s selected player Police Major Aung Cho Myint. The decorated float bearing the torch flanked by ethnic national people headed from the City Hall to Wunna Theikdi Stadium. Selected athletes relayed the torch along the designated route and ignited it at the dais in front of the grandstand. At that moment, the commemorative torch, positioned at the southeast corner of the stadium, was also ignited. On behalf of athletes and referees, an athlete and a referee took Sports oaths and the flag bearers and athletes left the stadium. The Senior General and his wife, and dignitaries enjoyed choral dances representing six eras of Myanmar performed by artistes from the Fine Arts Department, demonstrated entertainment and songs by members from the Myanmar Paralympic Sports Federation, students from Nay Pyi Taw State Technical High School, Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization, Myanmar Chinlone Federation, Myanmar Theatrical Association, Myanmar Comedians’ Association, students from University for Development of National Races, and Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College, performances of students from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology. The fireworks were displayed to mark the successful completion of the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival. The Senior General and his wife waved to the attendees and cordially greeted the veteran athletes and artistes. Also present at the ceremony were SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe and his wife, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members and their wives, union ministers, union-level dignitaries and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, Olympic Committee members, presidents and officials of sports federations, guests, athletes and sports fans. The first National Sports Festival was held in Yangon from 3 to 16 May 1992 with 22 sports events, the second in Yangon from 25 January to 6 February 1994 with 24 sports events, the third in Yangon from 11 to 24 January 1997 with 29 sports events, and the fourth in Nay Pyi Taw from 13 to 28 February 2015 with 27 sports events. In 2024, the Fifth National Sports Festival is being held on a grand scale to aim at enhancing the nation’s sports standards, achieving success in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and other international competitions, and turning out outstanding athletes and new-generation athletes who can bring national honour, fostering greater collaboration and unity between regions, states, and ministries in order to further promote sports activities and stipulating public interest in sports to join in sports activities. The festival is in progress with six sports at the ministerial level and 23 sports at the regional and state level as well as four sports for athletes with disabilities, totalling 33, starting from early December. The para-sports events were held from 5 to 8 December. And, ministerial and regional and state level sports competitions are being held. — MNA/TTA
