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80jili net It was a story good enough for a Hallmark movie, and it came just in time for Christmas. Last week, space news site Payload Space told the heartwarming tale of a small Ukrainian company, "Promin," and its quixotic quest to build a new rocket by joining some of the best Soviet-era rocket scientists with American corporate know-how. Based in Dnipro, not far from the front lines in war-ravaged southeastern Ukraine, Promin was working toward its first rocket launch when Russia invaded in 2022. Putting those plans on hold, the company decided to try to set up shop in the United States instead, and finally opened its doors in Brunswick, Maine in December. There, the Maine Space Corporation has helped the Ukrainian start-up find U.S. partners -- including tech giant Alphabet ( GOOG 1.72% ) ( GOOGL 1.54% ) -- and establish a development and testing site at a former Naval Air Station. As Payload tells it, Promin plans to run project management and research and development out of Dnipro, while a team of U.S. engineers builds the company's first "Promin 1" rocket and conducts tests in Maine. There's just one problem: I think this project looks doomed from the start. Light that candle It's not (necessarily) technical issues that I see causing Promin to fail, although the company's plan is a bit on the esoteric side. Utilizing "autophagic technology," Promin plans to build a solid fuel rocket in which both fuel and fuel tank are made of the same combustible stuff. Thus, both tank and core will burn -- like a candle that consumes wick, wax, and holder all together. Disposing of the tank's weight in this manner should result in a lighter-than-usual rocket, enabling Promin to lift picosat and nanosat payloads of 3 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit for as little as $100,000 per launch. But dedicated space fans will spot the first problem right here: Even within the smallsat launch market, there's a clear trend of "small" satellites getting larger, as companies like Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace build more efficient launchers, with more boost to orbit. Promin's decision to go ultra-small on its own payloads appears to go against the grain of where the rest of the space launch market is moving. And from where I see it, that's not even Promin's biggest problem. Uncle Sam wants you ... to stay out of his business The biggest problem I fear Promin will encounter, as it attempts to build a business in the U.S., is that the U.S. government acts downright hostile to foreign rocket firms trying to do U.S. space work. In When the Heavens Went on Sale , space journalist Ashlee Vance described the skepticism with which the U.S. government viewed both Rocket Lab's and Firefly's initial attempts to marry foreign tech to U.S. rocket launches. Against all logic, the U.S. government worried that what these companies' New Zealand and Ukrainian (respectively) backers really wanted to do was steal U.S. rocket technology to sell it to terrorists. Rocket Lab ultimately won over its U.S. customers by signing contracts with NASA and the U.S. military, setting up multiple research, production, and launch locations across the U.S., and demonstrating strict adherence to U.S. export control regulations. But Firefly Aerospace failed -- spectacularly -- to allay U.S. concerns. As Vance describes it, the U.S. government repeatedly "passed over" Firefly for NASA and military launch contracts. Firefly wasn't just lagging established U.S. space firms like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. Firefly was losing out to "mom-and-pop" start-ups, which received "tens of millions of dollars" of government support, while Firefly got zilch. Adding insult to financial injury, on visits to Vandenberg Air Force Base in late 2020, where Firefly was building a launch pad, its Ukrainian financier Max Polyakov was assigned "escort only" status -- only allowed on base with an Air Force minder. To ratchet up the pressure, the government then informed Firefly that unless its Ukrainian backer gave up his board seat and sold his controlling interest in Firefly to a "more acceptable" investor, the FAA would not grant Firefly a license to launch its Alpha rocket. (By this point, Polyakov had invested $200 million in funding Firefly's development.) Ultimately, Firefly had to bow to the government's demands. First, Polyakov sold his majority stake in the company to win a launch license in 2021. (The rocket launched, but did not reach orbit.) Then, Firefly was informed that it would not receive any further launch licenses, and would lose access to Vandenberg until its Ukrainian connection was completely severed. Polyakov sold his entire stake in the company and left Firefly completely in 2022. The lesson for investors Today, Firefly is doing just fine . Now under new management, it's actually gearing up for its sixth rocket launch, and preparing to send a spacecraft to the moon . But that's small consolation to the Ukrainian investor who got the company off the ground in the first place. I worry that investors in Ukrainian Promin will eventually face the same challenges that convinced Polyakov to divest his holdings in Firefly. Should this company undertake an IPO, or even simply attempt to attract private market investment among small investors thinking "if Google invests in it, it must be safe," think again. I wouldn't see it as a safe investment at all.'Unidentified' Drones Spotted Over US Air Force Bases In UK- What We Know

After fires on Staten Island, elsewhere, Schumer, Gillibrand, Torres announce law to regulate ‘very dangerous China-made’ lithium-ion batteries

By JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated , conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate . President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Friday’s 61st anniversary is expected to be marked with a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy’s motorcade was passing through when he was fatally shot. And throughout this week there have been events marking the anniversary. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas , they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they had gone to Texas on political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Oswald and, two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn’t quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. The collection In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he’d allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden’s administration, some still remain unseen. The documents released over the last few years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what’s been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Withheld files Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone’s Social Security number. There are about 500 documents where all the information is redacted, Posner said, and those include Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. Trump’s transition team hasn’t responded to questions this week about his plans when he takes office. A continued fascination From the start, there were those who believed there had to be more to the story than just Oswald acting alone, said Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the building where Oswald made his sniper’s perch. “People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime,” said Fagin, who said that while there are lingering questions, law enforcement made “a pretty compelling case” against Oswald. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century,” Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.”The Seattle Seahawks placed leading rusher Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and signed George Holani off the practice squad on Thursday afternoon. Walker had been ruled out earlier in the day ahead of Thursday's game against the host Chicago Bears. He returned from a two-game absence due to an ailing calf on Sunday before injuring his ankle in the Seahawks' 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Zach Charbonnet is set to shoulder the load in the backfield for the Seahawks (8-7), who have lost two in a row heading into Thursday's game against the Bears (4-11). Seattle is in a must-win situation. Even if the Seahawks can top Chicago and beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, they still might miss out on the postseason because of the strength-of-victory tiebreaker. Walker, 24, leads Seattle in carries (153) and rushing yards (573) to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. Charbonnet, 23, has a team-best eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 106 carries for 453 yards. Holani, who turned 25 on Dec. 16, has three carries for 10 yards in three games this season. He is an undrafted rookie out of Boise State. The Seahawks also ruled out tight end Brady Russell (foot) and safety K'Von Wallace (ankle) for Thursday's game. Cornerback Artie Burns was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the contest. The Bears will be without defensive backs Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot) and Tarvarius Moore (knee), running back Travis Homer (hamstring) and offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (calf). --Field Level MediaThe West Yellowstone Police Department has announced the death of one of its officers, adding that an investigation is underway. West Yellowstone Police Officer Ashlee Stoneburner “The West Yellowstone Police Department, along with the town of West Yellowstone, is deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of Officer Ashlee Stoneburner,” the department posted Dec. 25 on its Facebook page. “Officer Stoneburner was a dedicated member of our department and community, and her loss has left a profound impact on all who knew her.” The circumstances surrounding her death is still under investigation by the Madison County Sheriff's Office/Coroner's Office, officials said, adding “we are committed to providing further information as it becomes available.” Officials said updates will be posted on the West Yellowstone Police Department’s official social media at https://www.facebook.com/Westyellowstonepolice/ . West Yellowstone officials said they appreciate “the community’s support and understanding as we work through this ongoing process.” “We kindly ask that you keep Ashlee’s family, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” officials said in the post. They also asked for “privacy and respect for Officer Stoneburner’s loved ones as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.” The police department is staffed by 13 people, including a police chief and five officers: with one being a school resource officer, the department's webpage states. The department has seven 911 telecommunicators, one serving as the 911 center manager. Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Assistant editor/reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

NoneThe gaming world is abuzz with the upcoming release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 , promising to take virtual flying to unprecedented heights. This next installment in the iconic series isn’t just a game—it’s an expedition into the future of simulation technology. Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology One of the key highlights of MSFS 2024 is its integration of advanced technologies, enabling players to experience flight with hyper-realistic environments and dynamic weather systems . Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the game will dynamically adjust scenarios, ensuring that no two flights are ever the same. Embracing the Future of Simulation Microsoft has hinted at incorporating Next-Gen Virtual Reality (VR) compatibility, providing serious aviation enthusiasts with an opportunity to step into the virtual cockpit and evoke sensations akin to real-world flying. The game also promises to leverage cloud computing to offer a continuously updated and evolving world map, reflecting real-time changes. A Leap Towards Educational Gaming With its immersive detail, MSFS 2024 is set to become more than just entertainment; it is anticipated to be a valuable tool for educational institutions. It will offer players a chance to learn actual flight principles , explore geography, and gain insights into weather patterns. As the release date draws closer, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will redefine simulation experiences. With these exciting advancements, the game is not just a sequel but a pioneering leap into the future of virtual aviation. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Revolutionizing Virtual Aviation with Unmatched Realism As the gaming world eagerly awaits the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the anticipation is building around the game’s promise to revolutionize the norms of simulation technology. This release is not simply another iteration; it represents the cutting edge of virtual aviation, underpinned by technological innovations designed to deliver an experience that is as close to real-world flying as it gets. Advanced Features and Innovations One of the key advancements in MSFS 2024 is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic environments and dynamic weather systems. This ensures a unique flying experience every time, as the scenarios adapt dynamically to various factors. Microsoft is also pushing the envelope by incorporating next-gen Virtual Reality (VR) compatibility. This allows aviation enthusiasts to sit in a virtual cockpit, making the flying experience incredibly immersive. With the integration of cloud computing, players can expect a world map that is continuously updated and evolves in real-time, accurately reflecting changes in the world’s geographical and meteorological conditions. Educational Value and Use Cases Beyond just a gaming experience, MSFS 2024 is anticipated to be a significant educational resource. It aims to teach players real flight principles, making it a useful tool for learning in aviation-related educational programs. Players can explore global geography and understand complex weather patterns, which enhances both learning and gameplay. Market Trends and Predictions The release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected to set new trends in the gaming and simulation market. Its potential use in educational contexts broadens its appeal beyond just gamers, extending to academicians and hobbyists interested in flight and simulation technology. Security and Compatibility Considerations With its cloud-based features, security has been a point of focus for developers. The continuous updates from cloud computing propose challenges that Microsoft is addressing to ensure safe and reliable gameplay. Compatibility with current gaming hardware and next-gen VR devices ensures users have multiple avenues to experience the game at its full potential. Sustainable Gaming Innovations The game’s architecture also hints at a lean towards sustainability. By utilizing cloud computing, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 reduces the dependency on local hardware resources, potentially lowering energy consumption and extending the lifespan of consumer devices. As we edge closer to the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, its blend of technological prowess and potential educational applications is set to redefine virtual aviation. Stay tuned for its release and see how the future of flying unfolds with Microsoft’s groundbreaking simulation technology. For more information, visit the Microsoft official website.

Bobby Das’ brother arrest: Complainant takes U-turn under pressure?

John Dias, a 42-year-old IT professional in Bengaluru, had been saving for months to buy a new car. His budget was tight and all he wanted was a reliable, fuel-efficient car with basic features like Bluetooth connectivity, rearview cameras and adequate safety ratings. However, at the showroom, Dias was taken through the features of higher models, with the salesperson highlighting advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. Initially hesitant, Dias was eventually tempted. “The thought of driving a car with cutting-edge safety technology, improved comfort and a luxurious feel outweighed my concerns about staying within the budget,” says Dias, who finally drove out with a higher model. Rohit Shah, a 35-yearold entrepreneur in Mumbai, too, paid about `4 lakh more for a fully loaded version, with the latest features. “The technology makes it worth it,” he says. Car buyers like Dias and Shah are driving a change in India ’s automotive industry. They are stretching their budgets to buy upgraded versions, hoping the long-term value of premium features is worth the extra cost. This has led to a shift in the automotive market. While overall industry volumes grew only modestly by 4% in the 11 months of CY2024 over the same period last year, it has generated about 7% more revenue. The data from Jato Dynamics India , an automotive business intelligence agency, shows that top seven personal vehicle (PV) manufacturers, accounting for three-quarters of India’s auto market, achieved 10.4% revenue growth while their volumes increased by only 6%. This divergence between revenue and volume growth signals a structural evolution in what has long been considered a pricesensitive market. Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Maruti Suzuki ’s volume growth was only 1.4%, but its revenue growth was 4%. Tata Motors, which is currently seeing a slowdown in sales, is seeing a demand uptick in features like panoramic sunroof, automatic transmission and ADAS. This is reflected in the numbers. Its volume growth was 2% while the revenue growth was 4%. For BYD, the volume growth was 20.6% and revenue growth was 37%. As growth in mass-market segments slows down, the automotive industry’s future appears to be tethered to premiumisation. With cars becoming more technologically advanced, premium features are becoming crucial for car buyers. These features, once the preserve of luxury models, are now being offered in more affordable trims. Among fuel types, CNG vehicles had a 46% revenue growth and a 38.5% volume growth, demonstrating value creation in what has traditionally been a cost-driven segment. It is a pointer to commercial users and private buyers opting for higher trims. “The Indian auto industry is demonstrating remarkable maturity,” says Ravi Bhatia, president, Jato Dynamics India. “Automakers, whose revenue has grown strongly, have seen average sales prices rise by 25%, particularly in SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), which have grown faster than sedans and hatchbacks. Within each model, premium variants now account for 40% of sales, driving revenue growth.” Revenue growth is exceeding volume growth in specific segments like MPVs, which include BYD eMax, Kia Carens, Innova Crysta and Maruti Ertiga, and mini vans. Force Motors’ volume growth was 131% and the revenue growth was 162.5%. The story is, however, different in other segments such as sedans and hatchbacks which are seeing negative growth in both volumes and revenues. Meanwhile, in the SUV segment, volume has grown by 16.3% while revenue has grown at a lower 12.9%. “This isn’t a failure of premiumisation,” says Bhatia. “SUV manufacturers are successfully expanding the market while maintaining premium positioning in higher segments.” Automakers are focusing on expanding their SUV line-up to capitalise on the segment’s popularity. Feature comforts Premiumisation is still the name of the game. Auto dealers say there is a higher offtake of feature-rich cars. “With not many options at the lower end, even firsttime car buyers are opting for premium, feature-rich variants,” says Sai Giridhar, VP, Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations, and dealer of MG, Volvo and Skoda cars. The upward-pricing gradient is reshaping market dynamics in an industry dominated by a handful of players. Market leader Maruti Suzuki has strategically expanded its presence in the Rs 15-30 lakh segment. Its recently launched new-generation Dzire, which was earlier more of a no-frills, entry-level sedan, comes in the Rs 7-10 lakh price band and packs in features the modern car buyer would demand, says Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Maruti Suzuki. Mahindra has posted the strongest growth among major players through its premium SUV offerings. “We are enthused by the broad-based demand across our portfolio with a healthy preference for top-end variants, indicating a wider acceptance of our premium offerings,” says Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, automotive division, Mahindra and Mahindra. It offers products in the Rs 8-25 lakh price range. The UV major maintains a guidance to deliver volume growth in the mid- to highteens for SUVs in FY25. Its recently launched XUV 3XO and the Thar Roxx could help it keep the growth momentum. Similarly, Hyundai Motor India , which recently listed on the Indian stock market in the biggest initial share sale, is also seeing a shift toward higher trims in its lineup, with the premium segment forming a larger portion of its overall sales. “For the Indian customer, aspirations are taking precedence over functionality. Sunroof penetration in Hyundai models has gone up to 53% in the first six months of FY25, as against 47.4% in the same period last year,” says Tarun Garg, chief operating officer and whole-time director, Hyundai Motor India. When it comes to ADAS, which Hyundai offers in 8 out of 13 models, the penetration went up from 3.3% in H1FY24 to 14.4% in H1FY25. At the same time, penetration of automatic transmissions has gone up from 23.2% in H1FY24 to 25.3% in H1FY25. The Korean automaker’s SUVs continue to capture a significant portion of the market. Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the makers of Innova and Fortuner, is looking to drive in more premium models, with diverse powertrains, including hybrids and battery electric vehicles, as customers move towards bigger-sized and hi-tech vehicles. The Japanese auto major, which is expanding its production capacity to cater to growing demand, thinks bringing in more premium cars is essential. In 2024, India became the third largest automobile market in the world. “There is a lot of interest now in the passenger vehicle space and this will see investments, too, flowing in,” says Kavan Mukhtyar, partner and leader–automotive at PwC 2025 could be an inflection year for the Indian automotive market, with new launches and investments resulting in alltime high volumes. Further, the geopolitical scenario will also lead to more sourcing of automotive and EV components from India, says Mukhtyar. Industry observers say 2025 could be the reset year, with more hits than misses. In 2024, commodity prices have been more or less stable, with no major disruptions in supply. With high stock levels across the network and factories, discounts have been at an all-time high. Despite this continuous market pressure, CY2025 could see PV volumes touch 42-43 lakh units, a record high in sales, says an industry veteran who did not wish to be named. Between January and November 2024, the PV segment clocked sales of 39.83 lakh units. In 2023, it recorded 41.09 lakh units. 2025 could then be the year of revving up for the auto industry Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year

Girls soccer photos: Group 3 final - Northern Highlands vs. Shawnee, Saturday, Nov. 23

FRANKFURT: German third-quarter growth was downgraded Friday with official data showing it expanded even more weakly than previously thought, in a new blow for Europe’s top economy as it battles multiple headwinds. The final reading of 0.1 percent growth confirmed the eurozone’s traditional growth engine had narrowly dodged a technical recession, following a contraction in the previous quarter. But it was down from a preliminary figure of 0.2 percent growth quarter-on-quarter, representing more bad news as the economy struggles with challenges from a slowdown in its crucial manufacturing sector to weak demand for key exports. The downgrade went against predictions from analysts surveyed by financial data firm FactSet, who had expected no change. “The data once again emphasizes the extent of the current crisis in Germany,” said LBBW bank analyst Jens-Oliver Niklasch. “Economic output in Germany is treading water — at best.” ING economist Carsten Brzeski warned that, while a summer recession had been avoided, a sharp downturn in the winter may be coming. The economy was hit in the third quarter by a 1.9-percent fall in exports compared to the previous quarter, as well as weaker investments in areas such as machinery, equipment and construction, according to statistics agency Destatis. Consumption, however, rose by 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter, providing vital support, according to Destatis. The growth data laid bare how far Germany is lagging behind other major economies. Destatis noted that Germany’s economic growth was behind that of the European Union as a whole in the third quarter, with Spain, Italy and France all notching up better performances. And it was even further behind when compared to the United States, which has put in a robust performance in recent times, the agency noted. The German economy was hit hard after food and energy costs surged in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and amid post-pandemic supply chain woes. Germany was the only major advanced economy to shrink in 2023 and the government has previously said it expects another mild contraction in 2024, before a recovery begins the following year. But while inflation has eased from highs, a strong rebound has failed to materialize amid weak demand from key trading partners, particularly China. The crisis has been illustrated by a string of poor results from Germany’s corporate titans, from carmakers like Volkswagen — which is threatening to shut factories in Germany for the first time — to those in the chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. Long-standing structural challenges have deepened Germany’s woes, including complex bureaucracy, under-investment in infrastructure, an ageing workforce and a costly green energy transition. Political uncertainty at home and abroad is adding to the challenges. Germany is headed for elections in February, seven months earlier than initially scheduled, after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition earlier this month. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory presents a headache for German businesses, as the United States is a major destination for “made in Germany” goods. Joachim Nagel, head of the German central bank, warned last week that if Trump pushes ahead with his pledge to impose tariffs on all imports, it could knock one percent off German output. ING’s Brzeski warned about the impact of Trump’s looming return as president. “Whether it’s the prospects of tariffs or US tax cuts and deregulation indirectly undermining German competitiveness, it’s hard to see how US economic policies will not be negative for the German economy,” he said. — AFP

Tech News Today Live Updates: In an era dominated by rapid technological evolution, staying informed with the latest technology news is essential. This segment offers a comprehensive look at the newest advancements and breakthroughs shaping our world. From cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing to updates on consumer electronics and cybersecurity, our coverage spans a broad spectrum of tech-related topics. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional in the field, or simply curious about how technological changes affect your daily life, our updates are designed to keep you informed and ahead in the ever-changing world of technology. Tech Reviews Today Live: DOR TV 43-inch review: Ambitious Subscription model with a few rough edges

T he world is reeling from the chaos of disasters, pandemic, war, conflicts, political unrest, hunger, and deprivation, for the people and children who are trying to restart and rebuild their lives and communities. We pray for spiritual grace, healing, love, forgiveness, and lasting world peace. We count our blessings and release all negative vibes. Here’s my annual list of wishes for the children. They are future citizens, and they deserve to inherit a better world. 1. A home with loving parents who will guide and care for them. That all parents will lead by example and teach their kids good manners, family and spiritual values. That all children will be safe from domestic violence and abuse. 2. Good health. That all children, especially those in the rural areas and the marginalized communities, will have proper nourishment and medical and dental care in order to grow strong and healthy. That the essential vaccines to combat diseases will be available to all children in remote and devastated areas. 3. A pollution-free environment — clean air, pure drinking water, open fields, and parks with trees and flowers. That they may appreciate nature and learn how to protect the rivers, seas, lakes, and forests. 4. Quality education. That the public school system will be upgraded with dedicated teachers, more classrooms equipped with internet facilities, and books for students. That all kids will be given the opportunity to study and have the chance to excel. 5. Mental health care. That there will be enough psychologists and guidance counselors to help and protect adolescents with their issues such proper mental health care. Many children suffer from depression and anxiety. Some are desperate and take extreme risks. There should be a holistic psychospiritual treatment program to address this growing situation. 6. A comprehensive sports program for national and international competitions. That kids will learn the values of friendly competition, and the art of winning and losing gracefully. 7. A gender discrimination-free society that will encourage girls and boys to become leaders in school and later in their chosen professions. That they would have the resources from government and the private sector to fulfill their goals. 8. A progressive national arts and culture program and outreach projects to elevate and enhance the consciousness of children. 9. More education grants and financial stipends for good scholarships for deserving students. The appropriate work opportunities and support, both local and international, graduates. 10. Quality and balanced programming on television with more educational and entertaining shows. That producers will not exploit aspiring young performers. That there be proper protection for minors and performers who come out in shows. That all children and adolescents be protected. That social media content would be elevated to a higher level. 11. An accelerated science, math, and technology educational program to equip all future graduates with the necessary IT skills to compete in the international markets. 12. A stable economy. Jobs and livelihood opportunities for parents so that their children can go to and stay in school. Children should not be made to work in sweatshops or beg on the streets. Illegal child labor factories and armies are forbidden. 13. A country with visionary national and local leaders. An efficient, transparent government that is free from corruption. Integrity, compassion, and delicadeza (a sense of pride, honor, propriety, decorum, and/or decency) are some of the best qualities the officials should have. 14. A safe, crime-free, drug-free, abuse-free environment. That all kids be protected from the menace of incest, physical and emotional abuse, and the scourge of drugs. The internet is now being used by predators to exploit children and expose them to sexual abuse. 15. That children not be used as soldiers in areas of armed conflict. 16. Freedom of expression. That children have the right to be themselves. That adults realize that children need respect, and they are entitled to be heard. That there be open communication with parents and teachers or mentors. 17. Innocence. That they have a happy childhood and the chance to enjoy being a child. That they have time to play, study, rest, and heal. Above all, time to grow up at their own pace. A Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year to all! Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer, and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions. mavrufino@gmail.com

It’s almost that time of year: Spotify is gearing up to release its annual Wrapped, personalized recaps of users’ listening habits and year in audio. Spotify has been giving its listeners breakdowns of their data since 2016. And each year, it’s become a bigger production — and internet sensation. Spotify said its 2023 Wrapped was the “biggest ever created,” in terms of audience reach and the kind of data it provided. So, what will 2024 have in store? Here’s a look at what to know ahead of this year’s Spotify Wrapped. It’s the streaming service’s annual overview of individual listening trends, as well as trends around the world. Users learn their top artists, songs, genres, albums and podcasts, all wrapped into one interactive presentation. The campaign has become a social media sensation, as people share and compare their Wrapped data with their friends and followers online. Past iterations have provided users with all kinds of breakdowns and facts, including whether they’re among an artist’s top listeners, as well as a personalized playlist of their top 100 songs of that year to save, share and listen to whenever they’re feeling nostalgic. Spotify also creates a series of playlists that reflect national and global listening trends, featuring the top streamed artists and songs. In 2023, Taylor Swift was Spotify’s most streamed artist , unseating Bad Bunny who had held the title for three years in a row. Each year has something new in store. In 2019, Wrapped included a summary of users’ streaming trends for the entire decade. Last year, Spotify matched listeners to a Sound Town based on their artist affinities and how it lined up with those in other parts of the world. So far, the streaming platform has kept the highly anticipated release date of Wrapped under ... er, wraps. In past years, it’s been released after Thanksgiving, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6. Each year, rumors tend to swell on social media around when Spotify stops collecting data in order to prepare their Wrapped results, and this year was no exception. Spotify quickly squashed those presumptions , assuring on social media that “Spotify Wrapped doesn’t stop counting on October 31st.” A representative for Spotify did not respond to a request for comment on when the company stops tracking data for Wrapped. When Wrapped is released, each user’s Spotify account will prompt them to view their interactive data roundup. It can be accessed through the Spotify smartphone app, or by logging on to the Spotify website . Wrapped is available to users with and without Premium subscriptions. There are a handful of third-party sites that you can connect your Spotify account to that will analyze your Wrapped data. How Bad is Your Spotify is an AI bot that judges your music taste. Receiptify gives you your top songs on a sharable graphic that looks like, yes, a receipt. Instafest gives you your own personal music festival-style lineup based on your top artists. How NPRCore Are You assesses how similar your music taste is to NPR Music’s. Other major streaming platforms such as Apple Music and YouTube Music have developed their own versions of Wrapped in recent years. Apple Music’s Replay not only gives its subscribers a year-end digest of their listening habits but monthly summaries as well — a feature that helps differentiate itself from the one-time Spotify recap. That’s released at the end of the calendar year. YouTube Music, meanwhile, has a similar end-of-the-year release for its listeners, as well as periodic seasonal releases throughout the year. It released its annual Recap for users earlier this month.Afraid of losing U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts

How to watch Nebraska volleyball vs. Wisconsin (11/23/24) | FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel for Big Ten gameU.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade. The proposed breakup floated in a 23-page document filed late Nov. 20 by the Justice Department calls for sweeping punishments that would include a sale of Google's industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions to prevent Android from favoring its own search engine. A sale of Chrome "will permanently stop Google's control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet," agency lawyers argued in their filing. Although regulators stopped short of demanding Google sell Android, too, they asserted the judge should make it clear the company could still be required to divest its smartphone operating system if its oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct. The broad scope of the recommended penalties underscores how severely regulators operating under President Joe Biden's administration believe Google should be punished following an August ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta that branded the company as a monopolist. The Justice Department decision-makers who will inherit the case after President-elect Donald Trump takes office next year might not be as strident. The Washington, D.C. court hearings on Google's punishment are scheduled to begin in April, and Mehta is aiming to issue his final decision before Labor Day. If the judge embraces the government's recommendations, Google would be forced to sell its 16-year-old Chrome browser within six months of the final ruling. But the company certainly would appeal any punishment, potentially prolonging a legal tussle that has dragged on for more than four years. Besides seeking a Chrome spinoff and a corralling of the Android software, the Justice Department wants the judge to ban Google from forging multibillion-dollar deals to lock in its dominant search engine as the default option on Apple's iPhone and other devices. It would also ban Google from favoring its own services, such as YouTube or its recently-launched artificial intelligence platform, Gemini. Regulators also want Google to license the search index data it collects from people's queries to its rivals, giving them a better chance at competing with the tech giant. On the commercial side of its search engine, Google would be required to provide more transparency into how it sets the prices that advertisers pay to be listed near the top of some targeted search results. Kent Walker, Google's chief legal officer, lashed out at the Justice Department for pursuing "a radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America's global technology." In a blog post, Walker warned the "overly broad proposal" would threaten personal privacy while undermining Google's early leadership in artificial intelligence, "perhaps the most important innovation of our time." Wary of Google's increasing use of artificial intelligence in its search results, regulators also advised Mehta to ensure websites will be able to shield their content from Google's AI training techniques. The measures, if they are ordered, threaten to upend a business expected to generate more than $300 billion in revenue this year. "The playing field is not level because of Google's conduct, and Google's quality reflects the ill-gotten gains of an advantage illegally acquired," the Justice Department asserted in its recommendations. "The remedy must close this gap and deprive Google of these advantages." It's still possible that the Justice Department could ease off attempts to break up Google, especially if Trump takes the widely expected step of replacing assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, who was appointed by Biden to oversee the agency's antitrust division. Although the case targeting Google was originally filed during the final months of Trump's first term in office, Kanter oversaw the high-profile trial that culminated in Mehta's ruling against Google. Working in tandem with Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan, Kanter took a get-tough stance against "Big Tech" that triggered other attempted crackdowns on industry powerhouses such as Apple and discouraged many business deals from getting done during the past four years. Trump recently expressed concerns that a breakup might destroy Google but didn't elaborate on alternative penalties he might have in mind. "What you can do without breaking it up is make sure it's more fair," Trump said last month. The new administration's antitrust stance became muddled Thursday when former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, the president-elect's embattled nominee for U.S. Attorney General, withdrew his name from consideration for the position. This latest filing gave Kanter and his team a final chance to spell out measures that they believe are needed to restore competition in search. It comes six weeks after Justice first floated the idea of a breakup in a preliminary outline of potential penalties. But Kanter's proposal is already raising questions about whether regulators seek to impose controls that extend beyond the issues covered in last year's trial, and — by extension — Mehta's ruling. Banning the default search deals that Google now pays more than $26 billion annually to maintain was one of the main practices that troubled Mehta in his ruling. It's less clear whether the judge will embrace the Justice Department's contention that Chrome needs to be spun out of Google, and the recommendation that Android should be completely walled off from the company's own search engine. "It is probably going a little beyond," Syracuse University law professor Shubha Ghosh said of the Chrome breakup. "The remedies should match the harm, it should match the transgression. This does seem a little beyond that pale." Google rival DuckDuckGo, whose executives testified during last year's trial, asserted the Justice Department is simply doing what needs to be done to rein in a brazen monopolist. "Undoing Google's overlapping and widespread illegal conduct over more than a decade requires more than contract restrictions: it requires a range of remedies to create enduring competition," Kamyl Bazbaz, DuckDuckGo's senior vice president of public affairs, said in a statement. Trying to break up Google harks back to a similar punishment initially imposed on Microsoft a quarter century ago following another major antitrust trial that culminated in a federal judge deciding the software maker had illegally used his Windows operating system for PCs to stifle competition. However, an appeals court overturned an order that would have broken up Microsoft, a precedent many experts believe will make Mehta reluctant to go down a similar road with the Google case.