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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 92, passed away late on Thursday (December 26, 2024), at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Dr. Singh retired as member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Rajasthan, in February this year. Before this, he represented Assam in the Upper House for six terms since 1991. Showering praise on his last day in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him an “inspirational example”. Also read: Manmohan Singh’s 1991 Budget: the day that changed India forever “The way Manmohan Singh guided the country for a long time... Whenever our democracy will be mentioned, he will be one of those few esteemed members whose contribution will be always remembered,” Mr Modi had said. Described as a reluctant politician, the high point of Dr. Singh’s 10-year long Prime Ministership was his handling of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal. The economist-turned-politician almost single-handedly turned the tables on the Left parties — providing outside support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance — by securing the support of Samajwadi Party (SP) in a crucial trust vote in July 2008 over the India-U.S. nuclear deal. Until then, relations between the Congress and SP was one of suspicion and distrust as Mulayam Singh Yadav had reneged on his promise of supporting a Congress-led government in 1996 after the fall of the 13-day old Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. However, the original Mr. Clean in Indian politics, Dr. Singh would be best remembered as the person who opened up India’s economy in 1991 as Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s trusted Finance Minister. If his prescription to deal with the severe economic crisis changed Indian trajectory in 1991, Dr. Singh’s taking over as the country’s premier in 2004 was also turning point for India’s foreign policy. Slowly, but surely, there was a gradual departure from the Nehruvian approach of non-alignment as his government sought to forge ties with super powers including United States on a more equal footing. Born in Gah in undivided Punjab (now in Pakistan) on September 26, 1932, Dr. Singh’s long and illustrious career is a testament to the spirit of hard work that people affected by Partition have often displayed. A brilliant student who had a first class degree in Economics from Cambridge University and a DPhil from Oxford in the early 1960s, Dr. Singh had earned a reputation as an economist and served in several top institutions. Before he became Finance Minister in 1991, at the age of 58, he had held every top economic job: Chief Economic Advisor; Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission; Reserve Bank of India Governor and the Union Finance Secretary. His ability to steer the country’s economy in the 1990s out of its worst crisis and political statesmanship to put India into the prestigious Nuclear Club won Dr. Singh many admirers internationally. In 2010, former U.S. President Barrack Obama, on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Toronto (Canada) praised Dr. Singh’s deep knowledge. Also read: When Singh speaks, people listen: Obama “I can tell you that here at G20, when the Prime Minister speaks, people listen,” President Obama had said. But that was also the time when Dr. Singh’s image at home took a beating as a string of alleged scams like the 2G spectrum allocations, coal block allocation and the Common Wealth Games dominated the headlines. Inflation and price rise made the the common man angry, while corporates started talking about ‘policy paralysis’ under Dr. Singh. In September 2013 — while Dr. Singh was on an official visit to the U.S. — then Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi’s public disapproval of a controversial ordinance prompted BJP veteran L.K. Advani to reiterate his charge that “Dr Singh was the weakest Prime Minister ever”. The BJP routinely described him as someone who was “remote-controlled” by the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi. But there was evidence to argue the opposite as well. He went ahead with the nuclear deal in 2008 against the party chief’s wish and risked the survival of his government. The Left parties had made it clear that they would withdraw political support to Dr. Singh if he went ahead with the nuclear deal. When the Congress managed to win a second consecutive term in the 2009 Lok Sabha, the mainstream media had coined the term: “Singh is King”. In July 2009, against his party’s wishes and popular mood, Dr. Singh took his chances with Pakistan and signed the joint statement with his then Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani at Sharm-el-Sheikh. Many strategists had questioned the statement that clubbed India’s demand to bring perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attacks with Pakistan’s concerns over terrorism in Balochistan. But the Prime Minister was convinced of the need to carry forward the composite dialogue process. Allegations of corruption, driven by adverse audit reports under Comptroller & Auditor-General Vinod Rai, a mass movement for an anti-corruption ombudsman by Maharashtra-based activist Anna Hazare and street protests following Nirbhaya gang rape in December 2012 triggered a political storm that wiped out the Congress in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In January 2014, addressing his last press conference as Prime Minister, Dr. Singh said, ”I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.” The spontaneous outpouring of grief at his passing away may have proven him right. Published - December 26, 2024 10:43 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit death / Indian National Congress
SATTE India’s Premier Tourism Exhibition Sets Sights on Expanding Venue and Increasing Global Attendance to Support Booming Travel Industry Growth
Here's My Only Major Concern With Archer AviationNew Delhi, Dec 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the "critical" role of youngsters in the nation’s progress and called for adopting a futuristic approach to equip them with skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Speaking at an event on Veer Bal Diwas, Modi underscored the need to adapt to rapid changes and challenges across various fields, emphasising the government's "youth-centric" policies. A very special interaction with those youngsters who have been conferred the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award. I congratulate all the youngsters awarded and also wish them the very best for their future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/QhuFOuBrto "This era has moved beyond machines to machine learning. AI is taking centre stage, and we can see its application replacing conventional software. It is essential to make our youth future ready to tackle these challenges,” he said, asserting that the government is committed to supporting young talent and fostering their self-confidence. अगले साल की शुरुआत में 'विकसित भारत यंग लीडर्स डायलॉग’ का आयोजन होने वाला है, जिसको लेकर अपने युवा साथियों से मेरा यह विशेष आग्रह... pic.twitter.com/BaHZamN4Lr On the occasion, Modi remembered the "unparalleled" sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, the Sahibzadas, who chose "unwavering courage and faith over submission to the Mughal Empire's oppression". "More than 300 years ago, on December 26, the Sahibzadas, despite their tender age, displayed unparalleled bravery and sacrificed their lives. They rejected every temptation and endured unimaginable torture, showing that for them, the nation’s cause was supreme,” he said, urging youngsters to draw inspiration from their legacy. On Veer Baal Diwas, we recall the valour and sacrifices of the Sahibzades. We also pay tribute to Mata Gujri Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Addressing a programme in Delhi. https://t.co/UhEeKzFL5G He noted that Veer Bal Diwas teaches an enduring lesson: "No matter how adverse the circumstances, nothing is greater than the nation's cause. Every act done in the interest of the nation is an act of valour." The prime minister also interacted with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Seventeen children from 14 states and Union Territories were honoured for their exceptional contributions in fields like art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and environment. वीर बाल दिवस पर असाधारण प्रतिभा और साहस के लिए सम्मानित बच्चों से संवाद बेहद उत्साहित करने वाला है। pic.twitter.com/13YWI5tlPZ Congratulating the awardees, Modi said, "These children have demonstrated what India’s youth are capable of achieving. I extend my best wishes to all the winners on behalf of the nation." He elaborated on the government’s focus on empowering the youth through targeted policies. "From startups to science, sports to entrepreneurship, a new wave of transformation is happening. Our policies prioritise giving strength to the youth. Whether it is the startup ecosystem, the future of the space economy, or sports and fitness, all our initiatives are youth-centric," he said. Modi launched the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan', a programme aimed at improving nutritional outcomes through active community participation. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of ensuring the well-being of every Indian. Modi also urged young Indians to embrace the values of courage, innovation, and service to propel the nation towards greater unity and progress. ( Disclaimer: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
The Indian smart TV segment is packed with companies offering decent hardware and competitive pricing, but Micromax-backed Streambox aims to stand out by delivering personalised software and ease of access with its new Dor TV, which the brand touts as the country’s first subscription-based TV. While the subscription model isn’t entirely novel, the Dor TV model draws heavy inspiration from Roku in the US, where users pay an upfront cost for the smart TV and a recurring monthly subscription fee to keep it running. Dor/Streambox’s brilliance, however, lies in adapting this model for the Indian market, offering access to many popular OTT apps (22, to be precise) and over 300 live TV channels. I’ve been using the Dor TV for over a month, and here’s my take on how this smart TV performed in real-world use. Unboxing and setup: The 43-inch DOR TV comes with the standard kit, which includes the TV itself wrapped in protective foam, a table stand, a wall mount with a few screws, a remote control and some documentation. The star of the show is the solar-powered remote, which can be charged by indoor/outdoor lighting or via a USB-C cable, eliminating the need to frequently replace those pesky remote batteries. When you turn on the TV, you're greeted by a DOR logo, followed by a setup page where you’ll be prompted to enter your mobile number and validate it with an OTP to get started. The setup process also asks for your preferences for favourite TV shows, movies and actors to personalise recommendations across the available OTT platforms (more on that later). DOR automatically logs the user into most OTT platforms, though you’ll still need to manually sign in to a few apps like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema. Software and subscriptions: Dor OS, running the show on Dor TV, is an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) based UI which is almost as fast and responsive as WebOS found on most TV's while also featuring a few nifty tricks. The UI is divided between a few tabs starting with home, followed by live tv, news, sports, games and search option. The home screen is the heart of this UI, giving users a quick way to jump into their last seen content while also recommending tv shows and movies based on the user's interest. I particularly liked the recommendation engine of Dor TV which provides an easy way to access the user's favourite content which is available in the subscribed OTT apps. The UI also reveals the full cast of show/movie and users also have the option to view a brief overview about the actor and watch more content featuring them. Dor TV also comes with access to a companion app by the same name that can be downloaded on both the Google Play Store and Apple Store to control the TV, monitor different subscriptions and even jump to the last watched content, ensuring a seamless transition between TV and smartphone. While Dor OS is largely a positive in my books, the most noticeable change from WebOS is the switch to Dor's own app store instead of the Google Play Store. This means that the number of apps that can be installed on this TV is largely limited, and one is eventually forced to use an HDMI stick or an external drive to sideload apps. Another major miss is the bundling of Netflix and YouTube subscription as part of the OTT package and the former isn't even installed in the TV and can't be found on the default app store as well. While Streambox tells me that Netflix will be included in Dor TV in the future, finer details of that bundling are yet to surface. It's worth noting that subscriptions for some OTT apps like JioCinema, Zee5 and Discovery+ stopped working after a while but this could be an issue with the reviewer unit and may not transfer to the customer unit. In any case, the Dor service team were able to reinstate the issue upon raising a complaint. Streambox requires customers to pay an upfront cost of ₹ 10,799 to purchase the Dor TV and ₹ 799 for the next 11 months to keep using the television, which accumulates to a total cost of ₹ 19,558. In case you are wondering, the TV gets locked if the monthly subscription cost is not payed. What happens after the 12 month period, Streambox tells me that users are free to buy personalized subscription packages starting from ₹ 299 or use it as a normal smart TV from 13th month onwards. Performance: Dor TV is currently only available in a single 43-inch 4K QLED display with 60Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+ support. For people who prefer an even bigger display, a 55-inch version of the TV is also due to be released sometime in 2025. The display delivers a solid viewing experience for its price point, with rich and vibrant colours, impressive sharpness, and deep contrast. Viewing angles are adequate, and the TV performs well even in rooms with significant outdoor light. The dual 10W speakers, carrying Dolby Atmos branding, are also loud and clear audio for most content. However, audio enthusiasts may want to pair the TV with a dedicated soundbar While the display and sound quality were up to scratch for me, I did hear a few crackling noises every time I turned the TV off, which raises a few question marks about its build quality. As this is a review unit, I have no way of knowing whether this is an isolated incident or a more widespread problem. The good news is that the Dor TV comes with a 4-year warranty, so quality issues like this can potentially be dealt with by the brand's customer service team. Verdict: Dor TV 43-inch is an ambitious project that tackles a genuine problem, but its success largely depends on whether Streambox can deliver a clear, one-stop subscription package and reliable customer support to build its brand credibility. As things stand, the Dor TV offers an impressive package: a high-quality QLED display, Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers, a fast and responsive personalised UI, a sufficient bouquet of subscriptions, 4 years of warranty, and a solar-powered remote. However, this first-generation product is also hindered by a few issues, including a limited in-built app store, the lack of support for Netflix and YouTube, and some quality concerns. Who is this TV for? Given the unresolved issues with the Dor subscription package, I would hesitate to recommend it as a primary TV. However, for those willing to take a chance, the Dor TV could serve as an excellent secondary device.The New York Yankees shored up their pitching staff with one big move Tuesday, agreeing to terms with left-hander Max Fried on an eight-year, $218 million contract according to multiple reports. Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report the agreement. BREAKING: Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. Fried, 30, was the best left-hander — if not the best pitcher — remaining on the free agent market. He went 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts last season for the Atlanta Braves. Since debuting with Atlanta in 2017, he's 73-36 with a 3.07 ERA in 168 games (151 starts). The seventh overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, Fried also garnered interest from the Boston Red Sox before agreeing to terms with the Yankees, according to multiple reports from the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Fried's contract is pending a physical and will be the largest ever for a left-hander — fourth-largest ever for a pitcher — in baseball history once it's official. Source confirms: Max Fried to Yankees, eight years, $218M, pending physical. Biggest deal for a left-hander and fourth largest pitching contract in game’s history. First: @JeffPassan The Yankees were looking to improve a starting rotation that went 65-48 in 2024 but benefitted tremendously from a lineup that included Juan Soto and American League MVP Aaron Judge. Soto agreed to the largest contract in baseball history Sunday with the New York Mets, a 15-year, $765 million pact that sent shockwaves through the New York market and the entire industry. The Yankees were quick to strike back. More news: After Juan Soto Signs With Mets, What's Next for Yankees? Fried joins a staff that includes right-handers Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and left-hander Carlos Rodon to form one of baseball's best 1-5 rotations. More than the contract's average annual value ($27.25 million), it's the duration of the contract that raises the bar for free agent starters. Fried turns 31 in January and will be under contract through age 38 — a time when most starting pitchers are winding down their careers in a bullpen somewhere, if not already retired. More news: Why Juan Soto Chose the Mets: Former GM Sets Record Straight Durability has not been one of Fried's strong suits to this point in his career. The 2024 season marked only the fourth time he's exceeded 120 innings since his debut season in 2017. Still, when healthy, Fried is among the most effective pitchers in the game with a career ERA+ of 140. Fried made the National League All-Star teams in 2022 and 2024, finished in the top five in Cy Young voting in 2020 and 2022, and won three Gold Glove awards (2020-22) along the way. More news: Dodgers, Free Agent Close on New Contract as Yankees, Red Sox Lurk: Report At Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, Fried played alongside Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito and free agent right-hander Jack Flaherty. In November , Giolito was asked about potentially recruiting Fried to Boston. "I feel like I've said everything that can be said," Giolito told Rob Bradford on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast . "At the end of the day you've got to pay the guy. You've got to pay the man. Look at his body of work. Look at his career. You know what he's worth. You've got to be willing to pay, that's what it comes down to, and I think there are a number of teams that are willing to pay." The Yankees, it seems, were willing to pay a lot. More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
Ying Tang / NurPhoto via Getty Images GameStop ( GME ) swung to a profit in the third quarter, even as revenue fell year-over-year. Shares surged in extended trading Tuesday on the news. The video game retailer posted a profit of $17.4 million or 4 cents per share on revenue of $860.3 million, compared with a loss of $3.1 million or 1 cent per share on revenue of $1.08 billion a year ago. GameStop isn't widely covered by Wall Street, with Wedbush's Michael Pachter the lone analyst tracked by Visible Alpha. In a note Friday he reiterated an "underperform" rating and $10 price target for the stock, writing that "the company's planned return to growth faces insurmountable barriers." GameStop was in the meme stock spotlight again last week, when a cryptic post on X from social media influencer Keith Gill—better known as "Roaring Kitty" —sent the stock as much as 14% higher Thursday afternoon in a short-lived spike. GameStop shares, which popped over 10% in extended trading, were up about 54% for 2024 through Tuesday's close. Most of the gains this year came in May and June after Gill posted about the retailer on multiple occasions for the first time since a meme trading frenzy gripped the stock in late 2020 and early 2021. Read the original article on Investopedia
Cellectis announces the drawdown of the third tranche of €5 million under the credit facility agreement entered with the European Investment Bank (EIB)
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is a world leader when it comes to extracting energy sources from the ground, but it is the Kingdom’s drive to harness a power supply in the sky that is attracting attention. Favorable government policies, a shift to meeting energy demands through renewable power, and a reduced dependence on fossil fuels are all factors pushing forward the Kingdom’s solar industry. The ambitious target of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program sees the Kingdom aiming for a solar energy capacity of 40 gigawatts by 2030, promising significant opportunities for the market in the years to come. According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the Kingdom’s solar market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 51 percent between 2024 and 2029 as a host of facilities come online. However, challenges lie ahead with the rise of alternative clean energy sources like wind and the continued availability of fossil fuels potentially hindering solar energy market growth. According to Christopher Decker, partner in energy and natural resources at Oliver Wyman, India, Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of innovative solar technologies aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability in the region. “One notable advancement is the Dumat Al-Jandal Concentrated Solar Power plant, which harnesses solar energy to heat liquid for thermal energy storage, enabling energy availability even when sunlight is not present,” he said. “Additionally, the Sakaka Solar Plant employs bifacial solar panels that take advantage of the reflectivity of the surrounding sand, significantly enhancing solar efficiency. To maintain optimal performance, projects like the Noor Energy 1 plant in NEOM have implemented waterless robotic cleaning technologies, which not only ensure high efficiency but also reduce operational costs,” Decker added. The Oliver Whyman official went on to note that the integration of smart grids and artificial intelligence technologies allows for the optimization of solar energy generation by predicting energy demand and forecasting weather patterns, thereby minimizing waste. “Lastly, the NEOM Green Hydrogen initiative exemplifies the use of solar power to produce green hydrogen and subsequently green ammonia, showcasing a commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Together, these technologies position Saudi Arabia as a leader in solar innovation, driving the transition toward a more sustainable energy future,” Decker said. Solar technologies globally have reached a high degree of maturity and the cost reductions are driven by the growing efficiency of solar cells as well as economies of scale. According to Adnan Merhaba, partner and energy and utilities practice lead at Arthur D. Little Middle East, these incremental innovations have also made their way into Saudi Arabia and some developers have proposed additional developments, such as bifacial solar cells, that can further enhance yields. “Saudi Arabia, a leader in water desalination technology, is also pioneering solar desalination to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, research institutes in KSA are investing in the next generation of higher efficiency solar cells such as tandem perovskite cells that can achieve a step change for efficiency gains,” Merhaba said. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is a prime example of the growing solar industry in Saudi Arabia. According to Stefaan De Wolf, professor of material science and engineering at the Physical Science and Engineering Division in the university, the institution is pioneering research and development in emerging photovoltaic technologies aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability. “One of the key innovations we are advancing is the combination of perovskite and silicon PV, which significantly enhances solar power efficiency beyond traditional technologies. This hybrid approach has the potential to achieve ultra-high efficiency solar cells for even harsh environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia – high temperatures and dust,” De Wolf said. “Additionally, we are exploring the development of bifacial solar panels, which can generate electricity from both sides, further improving energy yield. These innovations are designed to help Saudi Arabia not only maximize its solar energy potential but also contribute to the global advancement of sustainable energy solutions,” the professor added. From his side, Qiaoqiang Gan, professor of material science and engineering at the same division, shed light on the fact that industry players are actively seeking advanced thermal management technologies to reduce the operational temperatures of PV systems installed in the Kingdom. “This challenge is pressing for Middle Eastern countries due to the region’s high temperatures. Addressing this issue requires more reliable materials and devices on a microscopic level, as well as advanced thermal management strategies on an operational level,” Gan said. Shihab El-Borai, partner with Strategy& Middle East, noted that projects like the Sudair Solar PV exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies, incorporating bifacial panels and sun-tracking systems to maximize efficiency. “Saudi Arabia is leveraging world-class innovations in solar energy to not only produce electricity but to create a sustainable model for the entire region,” El-Borai said. “Companies like Mirai Solar are also making strides with multifunctional solar panels that harness diffused sunlight while providing variable shading. These innovations demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and position itself as a global leader in solar energy,” he added. The growth of Saudi Arabia’s solar energy industry is vital for the nation’s economic diversification and is in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Through the enhancement of solar power infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is catalyzing the emergence of fresh sectors, enticing international investments, and cultivating a culture of innovation. “This growth not only supports local manufacturing and supply chains but also generates employment opportunities and enhances human capital development, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in renewable energy,” Decker from Oliver Wyman said. “In terms of energy security, solar power contributes to a resilient and diversified energy mix. By incorporating advanced solar technologies, energy storage, and smart grids, Saudi Arabia can enhance the flexibility and stability of its electricity grid,” he added. The Oliver Wyman partner continued to highlight that solar-powered initiatives, like green hydrogen production, ensure that the Kingdom adds an additional stream of energy exportation, tapping into new revenue streams while promoting environmental sustainability. “This strategic expansion strengthens Saudi Arabia’s energy capabilities for the future,” Decker concluded in that regard. Demand for power is ever increasing in the Kingdom, largely driven by economic and population growth as well as giga-scale developments across the country. “The wide deployment of solar projects can also prop up adjacent sectors such as battery storage, smart grid technologies and green hydrogen production. From an energy security perspective, burning less hydrocarbons for domestic use frees up more oil for export, enhancing revenues for investment in economic diversification and also supports the Kingdom achieve its sustainability goals,” he added. On KAUST’s behalf, De Wolf explained that by investing in renewable energy, particularly solar power, the Kingdom is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and building a more sustainable and resilient economy. As for Gan, he indicated that given its geographical location, Saudi Arabia has an abundance of solar energy, surpassing that of many developed countries – an evident advantage in terms of available sunlight as an energy source. “However, high temperatures present a significant challenge, leading to overheating in semiconductor solar cells. To effectively implement PV systems in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to develop specialized solutions that fully account for the unique local weather and environmental conditions. Such solutions must aim to maximize the utilization of abundant solar energy while mitigating the adverse impacts on PV performance,” the professor said. He further noted that developing these specialized solutions will require further research and development, presenting both opportunities and challenges in advancing energy security goals. El-Borai from PwC noted that by shifting toward renewables, the Kingdom is securing a more stable and sustainable energy supply, which supports broader economic growth. “The localization of renewable energy manufacturing is another critical component. Saudi Arabia is focusing on producing renewable energy components domestically, reducing import dependency and positioning itself as a hub for clean energy technologies. By localizing renewable energy production, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for clean energy technology in the region, enhancing both economic growth and energy security,” he said. “By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with solar energy powering the electrolysis process. This dual focus on solar and hydrogen is expected to drive further economic diversification and solidify the Kingdom’s leadership in green energy,” El-Borai added. The deployment of solar energy in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges, particularly around localizing the value chain and addressing environmental factors such as high temperatures and dust. From Decker’s perspective, Saudi Arabia faces several challenges in scaling up its solar energy capacity, two of which are infrastructure limitations and regulatory complexities. “To address these challenges, Saudi Arabia is investing in modernizing its grid infrastructure through smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions, enabling better management of intermittent solar power. The government is working on streamlined regulatory processes and introducing incentive schemes, such as public-private partnerships and favorable tariffs, to encourage private sector investment, but there is still much to do in this area,” he added. From Arthur D. Little Middle East’s side, Merhaba said that in order to meet its highly ambitious objectives by 2030, the Kingdom will have to overcome technical challenges, global supply chain issues due to increasing demands for solar cells, and supply concentrated largely in China. There are also concerns around the disruptions in global trade, the localization and human capital needed to ensure development of a robust and competitive solar value chain industry in the Kingdom, and adequate supply of engineers and technicians to meet the growing demand in the sector. The country has strong strategies and policies, including national industrial and localization plans, along with other initiatives, that are poised to help them tackle these obstacles effectively. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to produce approximately 58.7 GW of renewable energy, with solar energy contributing 40 GW to this total. On behalf of Oliver Wyman, Decker explained that in terms of establishing a regulatory framework to facilitate the development of renewable energy, Vision 2030 outlines the need for a supportive environment. This involves creating policies that incentivize private sector participation through Power Purchase Agreements that guarantee long-term revenue for investors, subsidies and tariff reforms to make renewable energy more competitive, and streamlined licensing processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for solar projects. With regards to promoting private sector investment, Decker highlighted that the Saudi government is actively encouraging public-private partnerships and foreign direct investment to drive the growth of solar power projects. “The National Renewable Energy Program, launched under Vision 2030, is a key initiative that seeks to attract $30-$50 billion in investments for renewable energy projects,” he said. In terms of maintaining a strong traditional energy sector while investing in diversification, Decker added: “While Vision 2030 emphasizes the transition to renewable energy, it also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a robust traditional energy sector, particularly oil and gas, which remain critical to the Kingdom’s economy.” This comes as Saudi Arabia aims to optimize its oil and gas production through technological advancements and efficiency improvements to ensure the sector continues to generate revenue. On behalf of Arthur D. Little Middle East, Merhaba highlighted that the Kingdom has undergone a pivotal shift in its economic and energy landscape in recent years. “It ushered in the era of renewables and accelerated the deployment of solar. With a highly ambitious target to achieve 50 percent renewable adoption by 2030, which are under consideration for an upward revision, it has not only led to development of mega solar projects at record low prices, but also to build momentum in developing national champions across the solar value chain,” he said. KAUST representative De Wolf reiterated the fact that the Vision has created a favorable climate for investment and development, with ambitious renewable energy targets shaping the future of the Kingdom’s energy mix. Similarly, Gan emphasized that the Vision 2030 has created fertile ground for solar energy development, with policies that incentivize public-private partnerships and invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. “This initiative aims to diversify the Kingdom’s energy mix by transitioning toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources,” he said. From PwC’s side, El-Borai explained that the National Renewable Energy Program is central to this. “By 2060, Saudi Arabia aims to reach Net Zero status, supported by significant financial commitments, such as the planned $266 billion investment in cleaner energy sources, including solar,” he said. “The Kingdom is actively developing projects with a capacity of 20 GW annually to meet its target of 100 GW to 130 GW of clean energy by 2030. This strategic framework also emphasizes localizing renewable energy manufacturing, with collaborations like the Public Investment Fund’s partnership with Chinese solar manufacturers to establish 30 GW of solar PV production capacity. The NREP is not just about generating clean energy — it’s about securing the Kingdom’s energy future and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels,” the PwC partner said.China's 2024 space feats by Global Times: Chang'e-6, Tiangong missions, reusable rockets, LEO satellites, and Moon plans. Beijing, China, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in October 2024 in Milan, Italy, a remarkable exhibit of "extraterrestrial material" caught the eyes of international attendees - a grayish, seemingly unattractive piece of dirt, yet it marked the first global display of the first sample collected from the far side of the moon. Guests gathered around the display case, some leaning in for a closer look and others taking photos to commemorate the moment when they were finally able to see the true appearance of lunar regolith. This remarkable feat was accomplished by China's Chang'e-6 mission in June 2024, showcasing the country's steadily advancing aerospace capabilities that earned international recognition. Yet, this is just one of many significant accomplishments China's space sector has delivered this year. In 2024, driven by the "dual engine" of its "national team" and the booming commercial space sector, China has excelled in the number of rocket launches, satellite networking, technological innovation, commercial space development and international cooperation, Tan Yonghua, a senior expert of China's Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology, told the Global Times. On December 18, the Chinese Academy of Engineering released the "Global Engineering Frontiers 2024" report. Among them, the Chang'e-6 mission and China's progress in its low Earth orbit communication satellite constellation were selected as two of the "Top Ten Global Engineering Achievements in 2024" in the aerospace field. Embracing the future, Tan highlighted the potential of deeper collaboration between the state and private sector, citing the recent adoption of a cargo spacecraft design that was for the first time selected from non-traditional state aerospace entities. "This innovative competitive mechanism not only opens a new chapter in China's aerospace history but also lays the foundation for future low-cost space exploration. At the same time, fully leveraging the potential of private aerospace and integrating it with national capabilities will inject more vitality into China's aerospace endeavors," Tan said. Highlights of the year Since the Tiangong Space Station entered its normalized application and operation phase, it welcomed four missions in 2024 - two crewed missions and two cargo supplies - while seeing two crew rotations of some of the youngest faces of the post-90s generation, one of them being China's first female spaceflight engineer. Most recently, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, part of the three-person Shenzhou-19 crew, spent more than nine hours spacewalking outside Tiangong on Tuesday, proudly leaving their names in human spaceflight history as they broke the previous duration record for a single extravehicular activity, which was set by NASA astronauts in March 2001, according to a report by space.com. As for moon exploration and related works, apart from the globally acclaimed Chang'e-6 mission, studies related to Chang'e-5 also saw new advances and breakthroughs in 2024, including the discovery of the sixth new lunar mineral, named Changesite-(Y), which makes China the third country in the world to have identified a new mineral on the lunar surface, according to the Xinhua News Agency. In the advancement of new rockets, China in December witnessed the maiden flight of the Long March-12, China's most powerful single-core rocket to date. It has potential for reusability and can effectively enhance China's capability to place satellites into sun-synchronous orbits and improve the networking capabilities of low Earth orbit constellations, Kang Guohua, a senior member of the Chinese Society of Astronautics and a professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the Global Times. In 2024, China actively carried out international cooperation. Dedicated to building an open and shared scientific platform for joint construction, the International Lunar Research Station initiated by China further expanded its "friend circle," so far attracting more than 10 countries and over 40 international institutions to sign cooperation agreements. A more vibrant commercial space sector During this year's "Double-11" shopping spree, two tickets for commercial space tourism scheduled for 2027 sold rapidly during a livestream event on China's e-commerce giant Taobao at the end of October. With a price of 1 million yuan ($137 thousand) each, the suborbital manned spacecraft will be launched with reusable carrier rocket Nebula-1 to be developed by private space firm Deep Blue Aerospace. The event triggered intense discussions across Chinese social media platforms, reflecting an ever-strong passion and expectation that people hold toward the development of the country's commercial space industry. With the inauguration of the Hainan commercial space launch site, China's first of its kind, the "last piece of the commercial space puzzle" has finally come together - the five essential elements, namely satellite manufacturing, launch services, satellite measurement, satellite utilization and launch facilities, Kang said. Meanwhile, China's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation was officially unveiled with the Qianfan project taking the lead. Independently developed by Shanghai-based company Spacesail, it aims to establish a network of over 15,000 LEO wide-screen multimedia satellites to provide broadband communication and internet access services, the company said. On December 5, 2024, the third batch of Qianfan constellation networking satellites was sent into orbit. With a single launch comprising 18 satellites, the total number of the "Chinese version of Starlink" has reached 54 satellites. Moreover, the technology for reusable rockets continues to advance, as several commercial space companies have successfully completed rocket recovery tests. However, highlights exist side by side with lessons learned. In July, Tianlong-3, also known as the Chinese "Falcon 9 equivalent," accidentally detached from its launch pad during its static fire test due to structural failure, resulting in an unintended launch. It landed in a hilly area in Central China's Henan Province and caused a fire, Xinhua reported. "The incident serves as a wake-up call for commercial aerospace, prompting the industry to strengthen the formulation and implementation of regulations and standards," Tan told the Global Times. Aiming for the moon, Mars, and farther The China Manned Space Agency in October announced the 2030 target for China's grand lunar crewed landing. In order to achieve this goal, China's crewed lunar rover entered the initial prototype R&D stage in November this year. Other relevant work for the manned lunar landing is progressing smoothly, with the Long March-10 carrier rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, the Lanyue lunar lander and the lunar landing spacesuit all in the initial sample production and ground testing phases as planned. Apart from putting humans on the moon, China is planning to build the International Lunar Research Station by around 2035, according to the China National Space Administration. Two missions are expected to lay the groundwork, with the Chang'e-7 mission scheduled in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission around 2028. Not only will there be wireless networks and energy on the moon, but growing vegetables may become feasible, scientists said. With simulated lunar soil bricks sent to space for verification, the development team disclosed that they are considering shaping the base into an egg-shaped habitat on the Earth's neighbor, the Global Times has learned. Next year, China plans to send a probe to a near-Earth asteroid to retrieve samples as part of the Tianwen-2 mission, with the aim of revealing the formation and evolution process of asteroids and the early history of the solar system. The Tianwen-3 mission is expected to launch around 2030 to collect Martian samples to study the planet's environment. For the Tianwen-4 mission also scheduled for 2030, China eyes exploring the Jovian system to study the evolutionary history of Jupiter and its moons, and unravel the mysteries of Jupiter's space environment and internal structure, Xinhua reported. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325567.shtml Company: Global Times Contact Person: Fan Anqi Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.globaltimes.cn/ Telephone: 15011442643 City: Beijing Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.Report: Central Florida coach Gus Malzahn leaving for Florida State offensive coordinator job
ALTOONA – Harrisburg unleashed all its fight and resilience Saturday against Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and still it wasn’t enough to keep the Cougars’ engaging football season in gear. The Vikings took full advantage of countless short-field opportunities at Mansion Park Stadium but needed an end zone interception by freshman safety Chrys Black Jr. in the waning seconds to secure a frantic 38-33 PIAA semifinal victory. • Sign up for PennLive’s daily high school sports newsletter The Cougars, playing in their fourth straight 6A semifinal, clawed back from deficits of 13-0 and 38-21. In fact, the numbers proved how Calvin Everett’s hard chargers nearly sent the WPIAL champs packing. Harrisburg won the first down battle 23-12 and outgained the Vikings 540-243 in total yards from scrimmage. Staggering. However, quick scoring drives, 132 rushing yards by PCC’s Elijah Faulkner, and heady play by QB Jy’Aire Walls helped fend off the Cougars (11-3). Pittsburgh Central Catholic (12-2) advanced to next Saturday’s PIAA 6A Championship to play St. Joseph’s Prep at 7 p.m. The Cougars, paced by QB Jaiyon Lewis, WR Elias Coke and a dozen more, missed their chance to power into the season finale for the second time in three seasons. The stars The Vikings ruined Harrisburg’s opening half via pressure on special teams. A blocked punt by Bradley Gompers was one miscue by the Cougars that gifted PCC terrific field position. The Vikings’ four scoring drives in the first 24 minutes began at Harrisburg’s 42, 27, 34 and 28-yard lines. But the Cougars didn’t exactly shy away from PCC’s formidable attack. They simply hit back. A pair of TD runs by Messiah Mickens and a Jaiyon Lewis keeper pulled Harrisburg within 28-21 at the break. Another Walls score midway through the third, coupled with Billy Lech’s 36-yard field goal, only spiked Harrisburg’s approach. Lewis, who missed several minutes due to an injury, came back to find Quincy Brannon for a 62-yard score near the end of the third. Lewis finished 14 of 24 for 298 yards. His performance included a fourth-quarter heave to Coke, who burned the Vikings for 134 receiving yards on five catches. It was Coke’s 30-yard TD reception — one for the highlight reel — that got Harrisburg within five with under 7 minutes to play. Vikings’ WR/DB Xxavier Thomas collected 5 catches for 55 yards and delivered a handful of big returns. Game-winning moment Harrisburg would force PCC’s seventh punt in the final minutes and set up at its own 11 with 3:54 to play. On fourth-and-18, Lewis found Brannon across the middle to the PCC 26. After two short runs by Lewis and an incompletion, the QB sprinted right on fourth down and flipped into the end zone, where Black Jr. was waiting. PCC took one knee to erase the final 34 seconds. Mickens led Harrisburg’s rushing attack with 89 yards. Brannon totaled 97 yards on three receptions. Walls was 7 of 15 for 91 passing yards and was in on four scores for the Vikings. They said it: “The toughest part of stopping those guys was not getting frustrated and working together. As soon as one gets frustrated it’s cancer and people start messing up. We knew going in that we have a great offense and great players. Some of the players just had to realize that we’re always in it. It’s our mentality.” – Harrisburg OL Kevin Brown “How the tides were changing in the game, we had to stay composed, stay poised, and do what we do best. As long as we could keep the fundamentals clean and hold true to what we do, hold true to our buzz, we were going to pull out the dub.” – PCC WR/DB Xxavier Thomas “That’s my boy. All the recruits talk on a daily basis. That’s one of my true friends right there.” – Thomas on fellow Penn State recruit Messiah Mickens Pittsburgh CC 6-22-10-0 – 38 Harrisburg 0-21-6-6 – 33 First quarter PCC-Elijah Faulkner 42 run (pass failed), 5:10 Second quarter PCC-Jy’Aire Walls 13 run (Billy Lech kick), 10:28 H-Messiah Mickens 11 run (Gideon Fasanya kick), 9:20 PCC-Max Roman 25 pass from Walls (Walls run), 8:45 H-Mickens 15 run (Fasanya kick), 4:57 PCC-Xxavier Thomas 23 pass from Walls (Lech kick), 1:17 H-Jaiyon Lewis 1 run (Fasanya kick), :14 Third quarter PCC-Walls 1 run (Lech kick), 7:01 PCC-FG Lech 36, 4:20 H-Quincy Brannon 62 pass from Lewis (kick failed), 2:42 Fourth quarter H-Elias Coke 30 pass from Lewis (kick failed), 6:37 Team statistics PCC H First downs: 12 23 Rush-yards: 37-152 43-234 Passing: 91 306 Comp-Att-Int: 7-15-0 15-26-1 Fumbles-lost: 0-0 5-2 Punts-Avg.: 7-43.6 6-21.2 Penalties-yards: 6-46 8-82 Individual statistics RUSHING: Pittsburgh CC, Elijah Faulkner 25-132, Jy’Aire Walls 9-18, Roman Thompson 1-2, Team 2-0; Harrisburg, Messiah Mickens 18-89, Jaiyon Lewis 15-68, D’Antae Sheffey 2-49, Nehemiah Ewell 7-36, Mikal Shank Jr. 1-(minus-8). PASSING: Pittsburgh CC, Walls 7-15-0—91; Harrisburg, Lewis 14-24-1—298, Shank Jr. 1-1-0—8, Mickens 0-1-0—0. RECEIVING: Pittsburgh CC, Xxavier Thomas 5-55, Max Roman 2-36; Harrisburg, Elias Coke 5-134, Quincy Brannon 3-97, Kymir Williams 2-34, Mickens 4-33, Sheffey 1-8. Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter — @threejacker Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Miami Dolphins predicted to land San Francisco 49ers $16 million star | Sporting NewsWith Black Friday sales in full swing, there are still plenty of terrific deals to take advantage of. It’s the perfect time to shop for expensive electronics, including TV’s. Until Cyber Monday, you’ll be able to snag a high-end TV at a nice discount. Several top brands are offering huge deals on their best models. We’re seeing fantastic discounts on Samsung, LG, Sony and Hisense TVs. Whether you want a big-screen TV or something smaller for casual viewing, there are many options to consider getting during this sale event. Last updated on Nov. 30, 2024, at 2 a.m. ET. In this article: Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame Series Smart TV , LG 77-Inch Class OLED B4 Series Smart TV and Hisense U6 Series 65-Inches ULED 4K Smart TV . The cool thing about this smart TV is that it features an Art mode you can enable, which displays modern and classic art pieces whenever you’re not watching. The color volume is fantastic, the matte film reduces light glare and the frame is customizable with multiple color bezel options. If you’re looking for an affordable 4K smart TV, this 65-inch LED model won’t disappoint. Motion Xcelerator reduces blur and lag, and object tracking delivers impressive 3D surround sound. It supports HDR and Mega Contrast to minimize the difference between light and dark areas. This Roku TV offers a sharp 4K resolution and supports HDR10+ technology, which enhances color, contrast and brightness. The home screen is customizable with shortcuts to your favorite apps, and the voice remote lets you effortlessly search for paid and free content. Are you looking for a solid TV for casual viewing? This 40-inch Amazon Fire TV has plenty to offer. The Fire TV platform provides quick access to live TV, video games and music, and the remote has a dedicated Alexa button for launching apps, searching for content and controlling smart devices on your network. This TV boasts Quantum Dot technology for reproducing stunning visuals and bright colors. When mounted, its AirSlim design allows it to blend seamlessly with your wall. The advanced processor automatically transforms non-UHD content into 4K and improves sound. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better TV for your home entertainment hub than this 77-inch LG smart TV. OLED technology produces accurate colors and deep blacks, and the a8 AI processor automatically fine-tunes the picture quality based on what you’re watching. Plus, it features NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR for improved gaming. This high-end smart TV boasts advanced OLED HDR+ technology, which enhances image brightness and clarity. Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite produce excellent sound quality, and the 144-hertz refresh rate delivers ultrasmooth motion for gaming and live sports. Plus, the smart Tizen OS offers streaming and gaming access. If you want a cheap smart TV for a smaller room in your home, this 42-inch Insignia Fire TV is the one for you. It’s a full HD TV with a 1080p resolution and a built-in Fire TV interface for streaming content from apps such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. The Alexa voice remote makes it easy to find your favorite movies. This Hisense 65-inch TV features advanced Mini-LED technology for reproducing dark blacks and vibrant colors. Dolby Vision delivers superior picture quality, and the dedicated game mode provides a variable refresh rate for smooth gaming. The voice remote is convenient for finding content, and the smart TV interface is intuitive. If you have the space in your home for this massive TV, you’ll love the cinematic experience it offers. QLED technology delivers dazzling visuals and rich colors, and HDR Pro+ boosts contrast, brightness and clarity no matter what you watch. It has an integrated Google TV interface and is compatible with Alexa. Amazon Fire TV 43-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV 38% OFF Amazon Fire TV 65-Inch Omni QLED Series 4K UHD Smart TV 25% OFF Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV 31% OFF Sony 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV Bravia TV 28% OFF Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K Q80D Series Quantum HDR+ Smart TV 33% OFF LG 86-Inch Class UHD Smart TV 23% OFF LG 55-Inch Class QNED85T Series LED Smart TV 13% OFF Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Kate Middleton has issued a deeply personal letter as she reflected on "difficult times." The Princess of Wales took to Instagram on Saturday to share a special message with fans. "A special letter, reflecting on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need one another in the most difficult times. This will be given to each of the guests at the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey and the fifteen Community Carol Services across the country, thanking those attending for all they do for others," she wrote in the caption. The picture showed the letter which will be handed out at Kate's Christmas Carol Service next Friday. Kate expressed her "heartfelt thanks" to guests in the letter. Kate Middleton 'feels a cloud has been lifted' as she returns to work after cancer struggles Meghan Markle reveals what she really thinks of Kate Middleton in rare interview "Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year," Kate wrote. "It is a time for celebration and joy, but it also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness." She continued, "The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects on our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy." Kate then said love is "the greatest gift we can receive." She continued, "Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times." It's the first time she has written to those attending the service at Westminster Abbey. Guests who will be at the event include Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, who has terminal cancer, and actress Michelle Dockery, whose fiancé died from the illness. Fans praised Kate for her Instagram post. "Princess Catherine is the real deal a timeless class act!" one person commented. Another said, "This is so lovely! Have a wonderful run up to the Carol Service and Christmas. It’s always wonderful to see you and your family, but this year it’s extra special." A third fan gushed, "Catherine, you are truely special and we love you." Someone else added, "Have a wonderful, magical and relaxed Together at Christmas Carol Service." Kate's Together at Christmas event will take place in Westminster Abbey in London on Friday, December 6. Prince William will also be joining his wife alongside other members of the royal family. It's currently unclear if the couple's children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - will be attending. This year's event marks the fourth time the Princess has hosted Together at Christmas . The special service aims to celebrate work being done in communities throughout the UK. There will be 1,600 people invited to the event. A Kensington Palace spokesperson recently issued a statement saying the Princess of Wales wants to celebrate those supporting people in need and who have "shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive." The statement continued: "This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy." Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
Advances in PET Recycling to Combat Global Plastic WasteThese Black Friday TV deals are still going strongAP News Summary at 10:32 a.m. EST
