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Reopening India’s Pyongyang embassy brings strategic opportunitiesBEIRUT — During his first term as president, Donald Trump took a bold if controversial approach to the Middle East. He moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, forged landmark deals between Israel and some Arab states and tore up the international nuclear deal with Iran. He imposed his will using a transactional style of diplomacy and the muscle of American power, even when it meant defying international consensus and brushing aside Palestinian concerns. But experts say that blunt strategy may not work this time around, particularly as international attention has refocused on the plight of Palestinians and criticism of Israel is rising. The Middle East is a vastly different place since Trump left office in 2021. Wars are now raging in Gaza and Lebanon as Israel presses on with its attempts to destroy Hamas and Hezbollah. Those conflicts are threatening to trigger a wider war that would pit the United States and Israel against Iran and its proxies. Israel and Iran have fired rockets into each other's territory in recent months amid a buildup of U.S. troops in the region. The multitude of crises proved too thorny for President Joe Biden to resolve. His diplomatic ineffectiveness has led some Middle East countries to find room for solace in a Trump Presidency 2.0. "For the Gulf, everybody is saying 'Welcome back, Trump. We've been waiting for you for the past four years,’ ” said Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a political scientist from the United Arab Emirates. He added that Biden's inability to contain and stop the war in Gaza and now Lebanon made Gulf governments see him as weak. "They want a strong president in Washington whom they can trust, and who can deliver," he said. "The feeling here is 'We know who Trump is, we know how to deal with him. And he knows us.’ ” As president the first time, Trump found common cause with many Middle Eastern potentates, forgoing criticism of their human rights records. He and his family members have also deepened business ties with the Gulf, sometimes through real estate deals. Saudi Arabia has invested $2 billion into Affinity Partners, a private equity firm run by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The centerpiece of Trump's foreign policy achievements in the Middle East is the Abraham Accords, the historic agreement he brokered in 2020 that established diplomatic relations between Israel and the Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan — without conditioning them on Palestinian statehood or Israeli concessions to the Palestinians. Trump has said he intends to expand the accords, and the main prize would be Saudi Arabia, which at one time appeared open to a deal with Israel that would also include a defense pact with the U.S. and support for the oil-rich kingdom to build a civilian-use nuclear reactor. But then on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and spurring an Israeli invasion of Gaza that authorities there say has killed nearly 44,000 people. The war has made the prospect of a deal considerably harder. Though Saudi Arabia is not a democracy, its leaders cannot afford to ignore public sentiment, which has turned sharply against Israel. "The horror of Gaza and Lebanon has inflamed public opinion, and made any normalization much more difficult," said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator close to the royal court. Saudi Arabia now insists that any agreement would be contingent on "an irreversible track" toward the creation of a Palestinian state. "The kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without one," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is viewed as the country's de facto ruler, said in an address to his advisory council in September. In a speech during a summit of Arab and Islamic nations this month in Riyadh, Bin Salman delivered his harshest remarks yet about the Gaza war, castigating Israel for what he described as its "collective genocide" against "the brotherly Palestinian people." At the same time, Israel may be less willing to bargain, especially with Trump in the White House, if his first time is any indication. Besides moving the U.S. Embassy and recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, he pushed for the so-called "Deal of the Century," a peace plan that would have left the Palestinians without a state and allowed Israel to annex wide swaths of the occupied West Bank. He also took a more belligerent tack with Israel's regional nemesis Iran, pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal, levying wide-ranging sanctions and assassinating the country's top general, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Israeli leaders appeared jubilant when Trump won the U.S. election this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who dismisses the notion of a Palestinian state, now appears poised to consolidate control over Palestinian territory. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich celebrated Trump's win and ordered preparations for the annexation of the West Bank, declaring on X that 2025 would be "the year of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria" — the biblical name Israel uses for the occupied territory. Meanwhile, Trump has chosen hard-line pro-Israel figures to key diplomatic posts that would deal with the Middle East. His pick for ambassador to Israel, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, rejects Palestinian claims to land and sovereignty. Nevertheless, Palestinians may have room for hope compared with Biden, said Mouin Rabbani, an analyst and fellow at the Doha, Qatar-based Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. He pointed out that Biden didn't reverse any of Trump's Israel policies or manage to bring about a lasting cease-fire — and that Trump might try to wield his leverage with Netanyahu in a more forceful fashion to bring an end to the fighting. A peace deal with the Palestinians would go some way in undercutting the influence of Iran, which has funded and armed groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen while competing for regional supremacy with Saudi Arabia. The equation, however, has changed in another important way. Arab leaders once welcomed Trump's more aggressive stance toward Iran. But China recently brokered detente between Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and Iran. Bin Salman — in the same speech in which he condemned Israel's war on Gaza — called on the international community to "compel Israel to respect Iran's sovereignty and not to attack [Iranian] territories." Gulf leaders are also wary of relying too much on the U.S. to defend against any Iranian attack. Paramount in their thinking is Iran's 2019 drone and missile attack on Abqaiq, the Saudi oil refinery complex. The Trump administration responded by increasing economic sanctions on Iran but did little else. "Nobody minds American pressure to make Iran give up its nuclear weapons," Shihabi said. "But they don't want America to provoke Iran and then lose interest." Trump has repeatedly expressed his aversion to foreign adventures, claiming that his first administration did not embroil the U.S. in conflicts abroad and that neither the war in Ukraine nor Gaza would have started under his watch. Experts said he will be reluctant to enter an all-out conflagration in the region. "Yes, he has donors from Israel and an evangelical constituency," Rabbani said. "But he doesn't want to be the president who — after Iraq and Afghanistan — is the one who gets the U.S. involved in another land war in the Middle East with Iran."
Daily Post Nigeria Olufemi Soneye: Setting the record straight: Meritocracy and milestones at NNPC Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sponsored Olufemi Soneye: Setting the record straight: Meritocracy and milestones at NNPC Published on December 28, 2024 By Daily Post Staff It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise. This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team. The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable. It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances. Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry. These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi. Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy. President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors. It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives. Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development. We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine. He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation. The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector. We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation. Olufemi Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd. Related Topics: NNPC Olufemi Soneye Promoted Don't Miss Preye celebrates husband, Prince Yellowe in grand style on his 60th birthday You may like Preye celebrates husband, Prince Yellowe in grand style on his 60th birthday Chivita|Hollandia spreads love to Nigerian homes with Blue Santa campaign Is realme a top contender for Nigeria’s smartphone market in 2025? 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TORONTO (AP) — Britta Curl-Salemme and Michaela Cava each scored twice and the Minnesota Frost beat the Toronto Sceptres 6-3 on Saturday in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Curl-Salemme gave Minnesota a 4-3 lead at 6:29 of the third period. Cava scored the final two goals, the last into an empty net. Claire Butorac and Dominique Petrie also scored and Maddy Rooney stopped 21 shots to help Minnesota improve to 2-0-1. Daryl Watts, Victoria Bach and Jesse Compher scored for Toronto. The Sceptres are 1-2-0. Minnesota beat Toronto for the fourth straight game dating to last season’s playoffs. The Frost won the final three games of a best-of-five semifinal after dropping the first two. Takeaways Frost: Defender Maggie Flaherty served the first game of a two-game suspension for a headshot on Boston’s Alina Mueller, with Mae Batherson taking her place for her PWHL debut. Batherson is the younger sister of Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson. Sceptres: Rylind MacKinnon is one of only two Canadian university players in the PWHL, with New York's Emmy Fecteau from Concordia the other. MacKinn, a former University of British Columbia defender, has two assists this season. Up next Toronto is at New York on Wednesday night. Minnesota host Ottawa on Thursday night. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports The Associated Press
Most Pennsylvania counties were done or almost done with the U.S. Senate recount by the time incumbent Democrat Bob Casey conceded to incoming Republican Dave McCormick on Thursday evening. And when the Department of State told counties to stop work on the recount Friday morning, election officials across the state were finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Elections offices have been working non-stop since September and will finally put the 2024 election in the rear view mirror with Monday’s certification deadline. Lebanon County’s election director Sean Drasher says he and his staff put in 90 hours of overtime in multiple two-week pay periods. “We’ve never had anything like anything even close to this. There’s nothing even to compare it to, with that many hours going in.” Every presidential election pushes counties’ elections staff to exhaustion, but interest in the state’s version of early voting option added even more to the workload. In many counties across the state, voters lined up to request, fill out, and return on-the-spot by-mail ballots, an approach not seen in large numbers in previous elections. “Everyone knew it was coming, and even though we all knew it was coming, it still hit us like a truck.” Now, counties are submitting their final, certified election results to the state and wrapping up a few additional reports. Many counties, like Columbia and York, have already finalized, audited and reported their vote totals. Election officials also have to finalize voter history, precinct-level vote totals, and a few other reports before starting in December to prepare for next year’s judicial retention and municipal elections. Electoral votes will be cast on Dec. 17, new state and federal legislators will be sworn into office in early January, and President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. Recount canceled Twenty-one counties had finished and reported their recount numbers for U.S. Senate by Thursday night. Several others, like Columbia, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill and York had finished the work but not yet submitted their official numbers to the state. Others still, like Cumberland County, said they were all but done. Per state law, the state reimburses counties for costs incurred to conduct the recount. The Department of State told election directors it still expects to pay recount-related costs even with the cancellation, according to Perry County Election Director Sarah Geesaman. The formal paperwork for the reimbursements have not yet been shared, she said. The counties that already submitted their recount numbers will use those as the final, official vote totals, while other counties will use the numbers they had before the recount, according to multiple county election directors. The differences between the pre- and post-recount numbers are marginal. Perry County had no change in results. In Columbia County, Casey gained 90 votes in the recount to McCormick’s 70, a consequence of finding additional marks on ballots that machines didn’t read the first time through. Those include check marks or other ways of filling out a ballot that aren’t always detected by machines, according to election director Matthew Repasky. In the end, McCormick beat Casey by less than a quarter of one percent of the vote, a margin of 16,000 votes out of seven million votes cast. Read more from our partners, WITF .TORONTO (AP) — Britta Curl-Salemme and Michaela Cava each scored twice and the Minnesota Frost beat the Toronto Sceptres 6-3 on Saturday in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Curl-Salemme gave Minnesota a 4-3 lead at 6:29 of the third period. Cava scored the final two goals, the last into an empty net. Claire Butorac and Dominique Petrie also scored and Maddy Rooney stopped 21 shots to help Minnesota improve to 2-0-1. Daryl Watts, Victoria Bach and Jesse Compher scored for Toronto. The Sceptres are 1-2-0. Minnesota beat Toronto for the fourth straight game dating to last season’s playoffs. The Frost won the final three games of a best-of-five semifinal after dropping the first two. Frost: Defender Maggie Flaherty served the first game of a two-game suspension for a headshot on Boston’s Alina Mueller, with Mae Batherson taking her place for her PWHL debut. Batherson is the younger sister of Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson. Sceptres: Rylind MacKinnon is one of only two Canadian university players in the PWHL, with New York's Emmy Fecteau from Concordia the other. MacKinn, a former University of British Columbia defender, has two assists this season. Toronto is at New York on Wednesday night. Minnesota host Ottawa on Thursday night. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportsIs investment about timing? It is not about timing of course, but timing can be very important. The same share can be a brilliant performer or a total dog for an investor, depending on when they buy or sells it. So when looking for shares to buy, I consider how attractive the business is – but also at what point I would be happy to invest. Here are two shares on my watchlist that I think are excellent businesses. I would be happy to buy shares next year if their price comes down to what I see as an attractive level. Dunelm At face level, ( ) might not even seem expensive. After all, its of 14 is lower than that of some shares I bought this year, such as . However, I have been burnt owning retailers’ shares before (such as my stake in ). Retail tends to be a fairly low profit margin business, so earnings can fall significantly for relatively small seeming reasons. Last year, for example, Diageo’s was 19%. Dunelm’s was less than half of that, at 9%. Dunelm’s business is run efficiently, it has a large shop estate, and growing digital footprint and thanks to many unique product lines it can differentiate itself from competitors. Sales have grown considerably in recent years. Dunelm is a solid dividend payer too. The yield from ordinary dividends is around 4.1%. But the company has often paid special dividends, meaning the total yield has often been higher than the ordinary dividend yield alone. Still, the Dunelm share price has risen 57% since September 2022. That looks steep to me given that sales growth in the most recently reported quarter was 3.5% — perfectly respectable in my view, but not spectacular. A weak economy and increasingly stretched household budgets could eat into sales and profits in 2025, I reckon. If that happens and the share price falls enough, my current plan would be to buy some Dunelm shares for my portfolio. Nvidia I reckon it is easy to look at the ( ) price chart and immediately think “ ” Indeed, the P/E ratio of 53 offers little or no margin of safety for risks such as a pullback in AI spending once the initial round of big installations currently underway has run its course. That helps explain why I have not bought the shares this year. Still, that P/E ratio is despite Nvidia stock in the past five years alone. The price has soared, but so too have earnings. Nvidia is not some meme stock without a long-term future. It is a hugely profitable, successful company with a proven business model. Its competitive moat is also huge in my view – rivals simply cannot make many of the chips Nvidia does even if they want to. The valuation alone is why I have not bought Nvidia stock this year. It is a share I would be happy to buy (in spades) in 2025 if the price looks more reasonable to me.Massive Demand Poised to Propel Taiwan Semiconductor Forward Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s premier third-party chip producer, is no stranger to booming growth cycles. Echoing the setup it experienced back in 2020, TSMC is once again poised for a potential breakout, driven by the evolution of its chip technology and surging market demands. Strategic Technological Advancements Back in 2020, TSMC launched its groundbreaking 5nm chips, leading to a significant uptick in demand. In a parallel scenario, the company is now developing its highly anticipated 2nm chips, expected to debut by the end of 2025. This advancement will markedly enhance chip density and processing power, aligning perfectly with the increasing need for advanced technology in AI-driven applications. Surging Demand for AI Chips As the demand for AI technologies skyrockets, TSMC plans to capitalize on this trend. Management previously projected the AI chip segment to grow at a compound annual rate of 50% over five years. Astonishingly, actual growth is outpacing projections, with AI revenue expected to triple in 2024 and capture a significant share of the company’s earnings in 2025. Valuation and Market Performance The stock’s valuation is drawing comparisons to its levels in early 2020, setting the stage for potential gains reminiscent of its past performance. Although the stock price nearly doubled in 2024, TSMC now finds itself trading in a range familiar to investors from 2020, attracting attention as it seeks to maintain robust growth momentum. The question remains: will TSMC repeat its past success? While a doubling in stock price isn’t guaranteed, the current landscape suggests that the company is positioned to outperform the market in 2025. Is TSMC Unstoppable? Insights into Taiwan Semiconductor’s Strategic Conquests and Future Outlook In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) stands on the brink of transformative growth, powered by its strategic advancements and surging demand in the AI technology sector. As the world’s leading third-party chip producer, TSMC has harnessed strategic advancements, setting the stage for a promising future defined by its prowess in cutting-edge chip technology. Innovations in Chip Technology: Tapping into Unseen Potential TSMC’s commitment to innovation is underscored by its groundbreaking transition to 2nm chips anticipated by 2025. This technological leap is expected to enhance processing power and chip density, pivotal for meeting the growing demands of AI-driven applications and the Internet of Things (IoT). These chips are poised to deliver unprecedented efficiency, setting new standards in the semiconductor industry and cementing TSMC’s role as a technology leader. Pros and Cons of TSMC’s Technological Leap Pros: – Enhanced Performance: The 2nm chips will provide greater processing power, catering to the demands of next-gen AI applications. – Market Leadership: Continual innovation keeps TSMC at the cutting edge, reinforcing its market leadership. Cons: – High R&D Costs: Developing such advanced technology demands significant R&D investments. – Production Challenges: Scaling up production for new technology presents logistical and technical hurdles. AI Chip Demand: An Unstoppable Surge With AI technologies gaining rapid traction across industries, TSMC is expected to capitalize on this wave like never before. The AI chip segment is projected to triple its revenue by 2024, far exceeding initial forecasts. TSMC aims to capture substantial earnings in 2025 from AI applications, which could significantly boost the company’s profitability and market share. Reviews and Market Resilience TSMC’s market performance draws intriguing comparisons with its dynamics in early 2020, a period marked by robust growth. While stock prices experienced substantial gains in 2024, TSMC is currently navigating familiar trading ranges reminiscent of those past highs. Investors are watching to see if the company will maintain its growth trajectory, with market analysts largely optimistic about its performance in the coming years. Predictive Trends and Industry Insights Industry experts predict that TSMC’s advancements in chip technology are a harbinger of further growth, potentially outpacing other players in the semiconductor domain. The move towards more efficient and powerful chips is not only a response to market demand but also a strategic positioning that will likely yield substantial long-term benefits. Conclusion: TSMC’s Path Forward In conclusion, TSMC’s strategic advancements in chip technology and its ability to harness the booming AI demand are setting the company on a promising path. While the challenges are substantial, so too are the opportunities. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, TSMC’s innovations position it well to potentially outperform the market. For more information on TSMC, visit the official website here .
They have seen him smiling on a hostel security camera, but don’t know his name. They found the backpack he discarded while fleeing, but don’t know where he's gone. As the search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ’s killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it, though they are confident it was a targeted attack instead of a random act. “The net is tightening,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday. Hours after he spoke, police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any possible clues and found his bag there Friday. Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask. Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone. Police provided no updates on the hunt Saturday, but investigators are urging patience — even with a killer on the loose. Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed. “This isn’t ‘Blue Bloods.’ We’re not going to solve this in 60 minutes," Kenny told reporters Friday. “We’re painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across.” The shooter paid cash at the hostel, presented what police believe was a fake ID and is believed to have paid cash for taxi rides and other transactions. He didn't speak to others at the hostel and almost always kept his face covered with a mask, only lowering it while eating. But investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment in which he briefly showed his face soon after arriving in New York on Nov. 24. Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven't been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said. On Friday evening, investigators found a backpack in Central Park that had been worn by the gunman, police said. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed. Another potential clue, a fingerprint on an item he purchased at a Starbucks minutes before the shooting, has so far proven useless for identifying him, Kenny said. Aided by surveillance cameras on nearly every building and block, police have been able to retrace the shooter’s movements. They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by insurance industry critics. Kenny said the fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client. Investigators know from surveillance video that the shooter fled into Central Park on a bicycle and ditched it around 7 a.m. near 85th Street. He then walked a couple blocks and got into a taxi, arriving at 7:30 a.m. at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, which is near the northern tip of Manhattan and offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington. Investigators don't know what happened next. They are searching through more surveillance video but have yet to locate video of the shooter getting on a bus or exiting the station. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told CNN on Friday. Police have determined from video that the gunman was in the city for 10 days before the shooting. He arrived at Manhattan’s main bus terminal on a Greyhound bus that originated in Atlanta, though it's not clear whether he embarked there or at one of about a half-dozen stops along the route. Immediately after that, he took a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton and was there for about a half hour, Kenny said. At around 11 p.m. on the night he arrived, he went by taxi to the HI New York City Hostel. It was there, while speaking with an employee in the lobby, that he briefly pulled down the mask and smiled, giving investigators the brief glimpse they are now relying on to identify and capture a killer.None
A 15-year-old girl’s courageous stand against child marriage recently has initiated reforms in her village in Rajasthan’s Karauli district. Tula Ram, the father of Shivika (name changed), burdened with debt and joblessness, had planned to marry off his four daughters, aged 17, 15, 14, and 13, on the same day. The four were in school and wanted to continue their education, but when their father expressed his helplessness due to poverty, they seemed to have no choice. Ram had found the “perfect match” for the eldest and was on a mission to fix the marriages of his three other daughters. Shivika, however, was not ready to accept this fate. Ram’s house would earlier ring with the infectious laughter of the four girls, who shared dreams and made their modest home feel alive. Their laughter disappeared with pressure building up for marriage. High prevalence For Ram, getting his daughters married on the same day would have meant saving a lot of money. He was planning four marriages in a single ceremony in the village of Karauli district, where the prevalence of child marriage is 33.5%, far exceeding the national average of 23.3%, as per the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), released in 2022. NFHS-5 showed that 28.3% of women in the 20-24 age group in rural areas of Rajasthan were married before 18 years; the figure in urban areas was 15.1%. Though child marriage in the State is a traditional custom that enjoys religious and cultural sanction, children often find such alliances mismatched when they grow up. Desperate for a solution, Shivika turned to her teachers, who, though unsure how to intervene directly, directed her to an NGO that had recently conducted an awareness session in their school. When Shivika called the group’s representatives, they promptly responded and asked her to visit their office. They sensed that she was extremely disturbed and needed help. Accompanied by a friend almost her age, Shivika visited the office of Gramrajya Vikas Evam Prashikshan Sansthan a week before the planned marriages. The office, lined with posters on child rights and against child marriage, felt like a sanctuary. Shivika clutched her friend’s hand, her voice barely above a whisper as she explained her plight. ‘Unexplainable relief’ “We assured Shivika that no one would know about her visit or that she had informed us about it. We also told her that we would take up the matter from here. The relief on her face was unexplainable when we said from here on stopping the marriages was our responsibility, not hers,” Sansthan director Chhail Bihari Sharma told The Hindu . Sansthan is a partner of the Just Rights for Children Alliance and has been working in various districts of the State to protect child rights. It was instrumental in getting a direction from the Rajasthan High Court recently, which stated that panchayats and village heads would be held responsible for any child marriages in their villages. The group’s members, accompanied by Child Line officials, met Shivika’s parents immediately. “When confronted, the parents denied the information. But the daughters mustered the courage to stand up to their father. They told the officials that the marriages were fixed and would take place in less than a week,” Sharma said. The team explained to Ram the legal and social consequences of child marriage. He conceded and signed an undertaking that he would not allow the marriages of his daughters before they turned 18. The girls are back in school now. Shivika wants to become a social worker and save other girls from unwanted marriages. Sansthan also helped Ram find a job so that he is not swayed by circumstances to marry off his daughters. Shivika’s fight is a reminder to the villagers that knowledge, courage, and community support can rewrite the future of girls. “Her dream to save her sisters is proof that even one voice can spark a revolution,” Sharma said. Holistic approach Just Rights for Children Alliance convener Ravi Kant said its partners are tirelessly working at the grassroots level in the State to combat child marriages. By collaborating closely with the State government and district authorities, they are also connecting vulnerable families with government schemes. According to Kant, this holistic approach will ensure immediate prevention and long-term safeguards against child marriage. Published - December 29, 2024 01:43 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit children / parent and child / marriage / social issue / poverty / family planning / family / right to education / higher education / RajasthanThe standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "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?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketball
The technology sector of Bangladesh is facing critical bottlenecks due to data inaccuracy, experts said at the 9th edition of the BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards held last Friday. Addressing a panel discussion during the event at the Le Méridien hotel in Dhaka, they emphasised that policy reforms and trust-building will be crucial for unlocking the sector's full potential. Adnan Imtiaz Halim, founder and chief executive officer of Sheba Platform Limited, identified inaccurate data as the sector's primary hurdle. "The biggest problem for the country is that our data is not accurate," he said. Halim questioned that if previous stats placing the number of tech-savvy and device-equipped individuals in Bangladesh at around 50 million are to be believed, then how come the country is still unable to monetise technology. Against this backdrop, he highlighted the need for precise data to avoid misguided forecasts and called for increasing the affordability of mobile devices and data. Also, he urged relevant regulatory authorities to replicate the rapid digital transformation seen in India by being bold in policymaking. Besides, there is the issue of highway elements, such as the lack of mobile phone penetration and availability of associated technologies, which represent a choking point in the technology sector. "These need to be made completely accessible so that people in rural areas can afford them too," Halim said while stressing how data costs need to be made even cheaper. "In India, what was forecasted to take 40 years to achieve was unlocked in just six years because of some key policy decisions," he added. The discussion moderated by AKM Fahim Mashroor, cofounder and chief executive officer of Bdjobs.com Limited, explored peoples' trust issues with technology and healthcare as well. Sylvana Quader Sinha, founder chairperson and chief executive officer of Praava Health, stressed that technology alone cannot solve healthcare challenges. "The real problem is trust. Patients don't trust healthcare in Bangladesh even if technology improves the service quality," she said. Sinha emphasised the importance of having well-trained doctors and reliable lab tests in building trust. Raisul Kabir, chief executive officer of Brain Station 23, said clients in Bangladesh are more willing to pay foreign companies higher fees for technology solutions instead of engaging local providers. "Local entrepreneurs must break through this reluctance in order to achieve sustainable growth," he said. The technology sector of Bangladesh is facing critical bottlenecks due to data inaccuracy, experts said at the 9th edition of the BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards held last Friday. Addressing a panel discussion during the event at the Le Méridien hotel in Dhaka, they emphasised that policy reforms and trust-building will be crucial for unlocking the sector's full potential. Adnan Imtiaz Halim, founder and chief executive officer of Sheba Platform Limited, identified inaccurate data as the sector's primary hurdle. "The biggest problem for the country is that our data is not accurate," he said. Halim questioned that if previous stats placing the number of tech-savvy and device-equipped individuals in Bangladesh at around 50 million are to be believed, then how come the country is still unable to monetise technology. Against this backdrop, he highlighted the need for precise data to avoid misguided forecasts and called for increasing the affordability of mobile devices and data. Also, he urged relevant regulatory authorities to replicate the rapid digital transformation seen in India by being bold in policymaking. Besides, there is the issue of highway elements, such as the lack of mobile phone penetration and availability of associated technologies, which represent a choking point in the technology sector. "These need to be made completely accessible so that people in rural areas can afford them too," Halim said while stressing how data costs need to be made even cheaper. "In India, what was forecasted to take 40 years to achieve was unlocked in just six years because of some key policy decisions," he added. The discussion moderated by AKM Fahim Mashroor, cofounder and chief executive officer of Bdjobs.com Limited, explored peoples' trust issues with technology and healthcare as well. Sylvana Quader Sinha, founder chairperson and chief executive officer of Praava Health, stressed that technology alone cannot solve healthcare challenges. "The real problem is trust. Patients don't trust healthcare in Bangladesh even if technology improves the service quality," she said. Sinha emphasised the importance of having well-trained doctors and reliable lab tests in building trust. Raisul Kabir, chief executive officer of Brain Station 23, said clients in Bangladesh are more willing to pay foreign companies higher fees for technology solutions instead of engaging local providers. "Local entrepreneurs must break through this reluctance in order to achieve sustainable growth," he said.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 23 points as Creighton beat Villanova 86-79 on Saturday night. Kalkbrenner had five rebounds for the Bluejays (8-5, 1-1 Big East Conference). Neal Jamiya added 20 points while going 7 of 11 (6 for 7 from 3-point range) while they also had six assists. Steven Ashworth shot 6 for 11 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 20 points, while adding 11 assists. The Wildcats (8-5, 1-1) were led in scoring by Eric Dixon, who finished with 27 points. Wooga Poplar added 19 points and 10 rebounds for Villanova. Jhamir Brickus finished with 16 points and four assists. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for the Wildcats. Creighton took the lead with 16:12 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 40-38 at halftime, with Kalkbrenner racking up 10 points. Creighton turned a three-point second-half lead into a 10-point advantage with a 7-0 run to make it a 56-46 lead with 14:40 left in the half. Neal scored 14 second-half points in the victory. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
NoneHormel Foods Corp. stock falls Wednesday, underperforms market
TTM Technologies, Inc. Introduces Innovative Radio Frequency Components for Telecom Band n104 to Enhance 5.5G ApplicationsMILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Antonio Calanni, Associated Press Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. Top stock photos // Shutterstock In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. New Africa // Shutterstock When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. Tatiana Buzmakova // Shutterstock The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Followtheflow // Shutterstock Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." New Africa // Shutterstock Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. rokosvisualvibes // ShutterstockRomania far-right candidate urges voters to turn up for scrapped election
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he was focusing on outlining his election pitch to help people with disabilities instead of dwelling on his encounter with a care worker in Cork . Mr Harris spoke to Charlotte Fallon, a disability worker with St Joseph’s Foundation, after a clip of an exchange between them on Friday went viral. RTE footage posted to the social media site X shows Mr Harris on a canvass in Kanturk when Ms Fallon tells the Taoiseach carers “were ignored” and the Government has “done nothing for us”. Mr Harris responds by saying: “No, not at all”, and “that’s not true”, several times before shaking her hand. When asked whether he thought the clip would overshadow the Fine Gael campaign, Mr Harris said people would vote for the best plan on offer. “I hope people like to see humility in politics and if you get something wrong, you come out and you own it,” he said. “I’m human, I make mistakes. But you know what I do when I make a mistake? I own it. “There’s been far too many occasions during general elections in this country and abroad where something goes wrong on the campaign trail and people dilly dally and debate for days. You know what? I put my hands up. “I got it completely wrong. I was wrong, simple as. Spoke to Charlotte. But much more importantly to me now, in my engagement with Charlotte and my engagement with people right across this country, it’s what I’m going to do for people with disabilities.” Asked about the encounter, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that Ms Fallon had spoken “truth to power”. “The unfortunate thing is, in this case, power didn’t want to hear the truth, and that’s hugely, hugely problematic. You hear all sorts of things out on the campaign trail, and I think a wise leader, a person who would wish to be Taoiseach, listens and accepts that when somebody is telling you that your policies are hurting, hurting them, hurting the people that they represent and work for – you should hear that lesson. “If you’re not hearing that lesson, you’re not going to change your approach and in that meeting that happened in Kanturk, I think people just got a glimpse of actually what it would mean for Fine Gael to be back in government with Fianna Fail, because that’s their approach. They don’t listen, they don’t respond, and they seem to think, astonishingly, that people ought to be grateful for their efforts, rather than hearing, reflecting and changing.” For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage . Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
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When the clock strikes midnight and the year turns over, celebration is sure to ensue, but it’s the moments leading up to the ball drop that can make the evening truly special. Make your New Year’s Eve celebration unforgettable with these countdown party ideas. Choosing a theme for your party can add a unique twist to the celebration. Whether it’s a “Roaring ’20s” party with flapper dresses and jazz music or a cozy “Pajama Party” where guests can relax and enjoy comfort foods, a theme can set the tone for a memorable evening. More ideas include a “Masquerade Ball” theme to add an air of mystery and elegance or a “Decades Party” where guests dress up from their favorite decade. Whatever theme you choose, make sure to incorporate it into your food, decorations and music. Impress your guests with a menu of unique and delicious food and drink options. Consider a variety of appetizers and finger foods that are easy to eat while mingling. Mini sliders, gourmet popcorn and charcuterie boards are crowd-pleasers. For drinks, create a signature cocktail, such as a sparkling champagne punch or festive mocktail for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Also remember to have a champagne toast ready for the countdown to midnight. Leading up to the countdown, arrange a series of interactive activities such as a quiz about events from the past year, a game of charades with New Year’s Eve-themed prompts or a resolution-writing station where guests can share their goals for the upcoming year. Another fun idea: set up a photo booth with props. These activities can encourage mingling and laughter while keeping the energy high until the ball drops. Festive props Set the scene for your New Year’s Eve party with decorations that sparkle and shine. Use metallic and glittery decor to add a festive feel and don’t forget balloons and streamers. Countdown clocks or timers placed around the party area can also help build anticipation as midnight approaches. Don’t forget props like party hats, noisemakers and confetti poppers. Technological experience Make your celebration more exciting and inclusive by leveraging technology to set up a live stream of a famous countdown, such as the one in Times Square. For a more personalized touch, create a slideshow or video montage of memorable moments from the past year. Interactive apps that allow guests to send New Year’s messages or participate in virtual games can also add a modern twist to your celebration. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more ideas to make this New Year’s Eve memorable. — Family Features
