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Dow Dips Over 500 Points; US Goods Trade Deficit Widens In November( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Photo Printing And Merchandise Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 16, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The growth in the global Photo Printing and Merchandise market is slated to rise strongly in the upcoming years, ticking up from $20.39 billion in 2023 to $21.54 billion in 2024. This spike with a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 5.6% will be spurred by rising consumer demand for personalized gifts, increasing adoption of digital devices like smartphones and digital cameras, the burgeoning interest in do-it-yourself DIY and creative crafts, the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms, and rising disposable incomes. What does the future hold for the Photo Printing and Merchandise market? The surge in the photo printing and merchandise market is expected to continue into the next decade reaching $26.91 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 5.7%. Anticipated advancements in printing technology will enhance product quality and customization options, while the growing popularity of social media will drive demand for photo prints and personalized merchandise. Other factors influencing this uptick include, an increasing use of augmented reality ar in photo products adding a new layer of interactive experiences, a rising trend of home decor personalization fueling demand for custom photo prints, and the expansion of online and mobile printing services increasing the accessibility of photo merchandise. Discover more comprehensive analysis and future growth prospects of the Photo Printing and Merchandise market in the sample report: What are the key driving factors of this market? A major propeller for this markets' growth is the increasing adoption of online shopping platforms. These digital platforms allow consumers to browse, purchase, and receive products and services over the Internet, providing a convenient way to compare goods, choose from a wide selection of products, and even have items delivered right to their doorstep. The penetration of online shopping platforms into the photo printing and merchandise market acts as an enabler, providing accessible and customizable options for customers to create and purchase customized products. With e-commerce sales already crossing the $1,118.7 billion mark in 2023 and predicted to see an 8.5% increase in the first quarter of 2024, its influence in driving the growth of the photo printing and merchandise market is undeniable. Dive deeper into the key market drivers and other relevant market analysis in the full report: Who are the major industry players operating in the market? Key players operating in this market include Amazon Inc., Walgreens, Tesco plc, Cimpress plc, Shutterfly Inc., American Greetings Corporation, Eastman Kodak Company, Cewe Stiftung & Co KGaA, Card Factory plc, Printful Inc, FUJIFILM Corporation, Photobox Ltd, District Photo Inc, Zazzle Inc, Minted LLC, Miller's Professional Imaging, Mpix, Moo Print Ltd, Blurb Inc, Printique, Bay Photo Lab, Snapfish LLC. What emerging trends are shaping the market? With the rapid digital transformation, companies are focusing on technological advancements like spatial computing to stay competitive. Spatial computing facilitates immersive and interactive photo experiences by melding digital and physical elements. For instance, Pictarine, a France-based photo management web app, partnered with Walgreens Photo in February 2024 to revolutionize the photo printing experience through an innovative app called Picta Studio, designed specifically for the Apple Vision Pro. This improved photo printing experience aligns perfectly with extant market trends like personalization and technological integration. A Detailed Look at Market Segmentation The photo printing and merchandise market is broken down into different segments and product offerings including: 1 By Product: Calendars, Cards, Mugs, Photo Books, Photo Gifts, Prints, T-Shirts, Wall Arts, Other Products 2 By Mode: Desktop, Mobile 3 By Distribution Channel: Instant Kiosk, Over The Counter, Retail, Online Which Region Leads the Global Photo Printing and Merchandise Market? In 2023, Europe was the leading region in the photo printing and merchandise market. However, Asia-Pacific region is predicted to experience the fastest growth in the coming years. Other significant regions covered in the report include Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse Through More Similar Reports By The Business Research Company: Printing And Related Support Activities Global Market Report 2024 Printing Global Market Report 2024 Oil-Based Printing Inks Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. 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One of the most enduring myths of humankind is that pertaining to giants. In almost every major civilization and culture in the world, there are tales of ancient giants, enormous and powerful, credited with the construction of many great sites. But for the most part, the myths about giants remain only that - myths. For generations, scholars and historians tried to bring these myths to reality, to find some evidence that giants really existed. Their efforts are shrouded in enigma. There are stories of giant skeletons being excavated, and many oral legends that point to their existence. But they all somehow, “mysteriously” disappear, or are placed “under the rug”. So what is the truth? Did the giants really live in ancient history? Nibelungs – Germanic Race Of Elves Or Giants? The Relic of Bir Hooker - Proof of a Race of Giants? - Part 1 The Quest for Giants Across millennia, the notion of these colossal beings of immense power and stature had fascinated societies. Many people from all corners of the globe had folklore and myths centered on these beings, and even religious texts mentioned them to a great extent. So much so that scholarly inquiry was needed: were these legends simple allegories, or were they based on actual facts from some ancient time in history? To answer this question, scholars had to navigate through heaps of ancient texts, through myths and cultural lore, and plenty of archeological finds that all point out towards the existence of giants . Perhaps the best place to start the quest was by examining ancient texts and religious accounts. Many of them specifically mention giants as being an actual part of our shared history. One of the best known such mentions come from the Hebrew Bible, which mentions beings known as the Nephilim . A passage from the Bible’s “Book of Genesis”, mentions them as follows: “There were giants (Nephilim) in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” -Genesis, 6:4 This verse, combined with other references such as those in the Book of Enoch - an apocryphal Jewish text - suggests that beings of considerable size and power once walked the earth. This book takes things even further, describing them as the offspring of certain angels who descended to earth and mated with human women. The resulting offspring were beings of giant stature and great strength, whose mere existence led to corruption and violence across the world. This state ultimately prompted the biblical divine flood - a way to cleanse the earth and start anew. The Relic of Bir Hooker & The Giants of the Past - Part 2 Giants In Canaan: Anakim, Rephaim And Nephilim Norandino and Lucina Discovered by the Ogre’ (1624) by Giovanni Lanfranco. Galleria Borghese ( Public Domain) The Oldest Legends of the Oldest Civilizations This would sound like a mere legend, if it didn’t closely align with a myth from an altogether different civilization. This civilization was Mesopotamia , which left to posterity the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, one of the world’s oldest surviving literary works. Gilgamesh himself is described as a giant of extraordinary power, possibly hinting at a long-lost connection to a race of oversized beings. Similarly, the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures mention beings of gigantic proportions, known as , who played significant roles in cosmic battles. These giants were said to have superhuman strength and were often depicted as guardians of powerful secrets or treasures. Statue of Ravana from the 18th century AD, British Museum (Claire H./ CC BY-SA 2.0 ) However, it is very important to note that the theme of giants is not confined to a single culture; it is a global motif . For example, in the famed Greek mythology, there existed Titans . These were primordial giants who ruled the Earth before the arrival of the “normal” gods of the Olympus. Due to their sheer size and great strength, they were difficult enemies to overthrow. Nevertheless, the gods eventually defeated them, ending their existence in a climactic battle known as Titanomachy . A very similar story exists in Old Norse mythology, which speaks of the Jötnar, a race of giants who dwelled in Jotunheim. Much like the Titans, they too were embroiled in a bitter conflict with the human Gods of the Asgard. But not all of them were evil, the myths say, and many formed alliances and even married with the Gods. Scene from Richard Wagner's opera Das Rheingold , illustrated by Arthur Rackham (1910). The giants Fasolt and Fafner abduct Freia after Wotan fails to pay them for building Valhalla. ( Public Domain ) Amongst the Celtic peoples there are stories of the Fomorians , an ancient race of giants which were the infamous enemies of Ireland’s very first settlers. In the extensive Irish myths, these giants were eventually defeated by the Tuatha de Danann, a more advanced race of beings - the Gods of the pre-Christian Irish. The existence of megalithic structures such as Newgrange and Stonehenge has fueled speculation about whether such giant beings could have had a hand in their construction. The Fomorians. ( Public Domain ) And far from the lands of the Norse or the Celts, amongst the Native American Indians, there also existed tales of giants. The Paiute Native American tribe has an extensive oral history that speaks of the Si-Te-Cah . These were a race of red-haired giants that inhabited an area that is today the state of Nevada. Settling in the area, the very first natives warred with these giants, who were cannibals. The giants eventually met their bitter end in this war. Their numbers constantly dwindled, and they finally disappeared when the Paiute trapped the last of them in a cave and set it ablaze, suffocating them. This tale gained further intrigue with the discovery of Lovelock Cave in the early 20th century, where gigantic skeletal remains were purportedly found, leading some to believe that the legend was actually based in truth. However, the remains mysteriously “disappeared” under the care of the Smithsonian Museum. The Giant Hidden History Archaeological findings often become a point of heated debate when giants are discussed. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, there were numerous reports of giant skeletal remains unearthed in various parts of the world. For instance, in the United States, newspapers such as the New York Times published articles claiming that giant skeletons were found during digs in places like Wisconsin, Ohio, and the Appalachian region. Some reports mentioned skeletons ranging from 7 to 12 feet tall (2.1 to 3.6 m tall), complete with robust bone structures that appeared to support a human form of that magnitude. In fact, there were hundreds of such finds in America, many documented with photographs. However, virtually all of them were discredited, and many allegedly destroyed by the Smithsonian Museum, where many ended up. Why? No one really knows. The Smithsonian, in fact, has been at the center of what were termed “conspiracy theories” that claim it actively suppressed findings related to giants to align with prevailing views of human history. However, the institution has repeatedly denied these claims, maintaining that no verified remains of giant humanoids have ever been recovered. And thus, ultimately, skepticism prevailed in academic circles. Modern archeologists usually attribute these claims to simple mistakes: misidentified animal bones and ancient fossils, hoaxes, and simple exaggerations. One of the more important archeological finds often brought into discussion about giants was found in the ancient city of Baalbek, situated in modern-day Lebanon. Discovered were some of the largest stone blocks that were ever used in construction, with the heaviest (known as the “Stone of the Pregnant Woman”) weighing well over 1,000 tons. Modern historians attribute these megaliths to the craftsmanship and advanced abilities of the Roman Empire, but there are those that argue that they are the evidence of an ancient race of giants. In fact, they state that only giants could carve, move, and arrange such stones - ultimately creating many megalithic structures across Europe. Stone of the Pregnant Woman pictured with Ralph Ellis standing on it, at Baalbek, Lebanon (Ralph Ellis/ CC BY-SA 4.0 ) Giants, or Giant Mistakes? There are those scholars who argue that the ancient stories of giant beings were simply metaphors and exaggerations, and not actual descriptions of them. They state that ancient peoples, not familiar with very old megalithic structures, or having lost certain technologies, simply ascribed them to mythical giants. And in ancient myths, these same giants were used to symbolize chaos, primal forces, or the boundary between order and disorder. As such, their defeat at the hands of human gods or heroes usually represents the triumph of civilization over nature or barbarism, and the very old ways of existence. Anthropologists also have a say in this, claiming that ancient stories of giants could be connected to large fossils. When ancient peoples would uncover, for example, bones of mammoths or prehistoric creatures, they would liken them to bones of humans - only much larger. Not realizing otherwise, they would envision a race of giant men. This hypothesis is supported by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned in his “Histories” that the Egyptians pointed to large bones as proof of a race of giants. Additionally, psychological interpretations consider the stories of giants as expressions of human fears and desires. The idea of a larger-than-life being embodies power, intimidation, and the unknown. These attributes may have been incorporated into oral traditions as cautionary tales or as explanations for natural phenomena that were difficult for ancient people to comprehend. A good example is the mythology of the Aztecs. They mention Quinametzin, the Giants that dwelt in the world before them. According to the Aztecs, it was giants who created their foremost city, Teotihuacan (transl. “The Place Where Men Become Gods”). But since the giants did not venerate the gods, they were all ultimately defeated. Aztec Giant Quinametzin (Giggette/ CC0 ) Too Many Similarities? Secrets, myths, and inexplicable things - these are all that surround the notion of giants in ancient history. Whether or not giants really roamed the Earth is a question that remains unanswered to this very day. Ancient texts, cultural stories, and speculative archaeology suggest a rich tradition that spans continents and centuries. Yet, conclusive physical evidence is lacking, leaving room for both skepticism and belief. And on top of it all, there are those that seemingly put all their efforts to repeatedly shove this story under the rug, and to portray all those who believe in it as conspiracy theorists. But nevertheless, the tales of the giants - be they metaphorical or literal - remain the foremost symbols of the mysteries that surround most ancient human history. And they also highlight the power of the stories that are passed down through generations. Whether these tales are born from an overactive imagination, allegorical storytelling, or faint recollections of a forgotten chapter in human history, they continue to captivate and provoke thought either way. In the end, however, they are urging us to always explore the dark unknown. Because in that darkness could hide the answers for which humanity is not yet ready. Top image: A huge great statue of the greek god titan atlas holding planet earth in his hands. dark sky in the background. Source: MVProductions /Adobe Stock By Aleksa Vučković References Dewhurst, R. J. 2013. The Ancient Giants Who Ruled America: The Missing Skeletons and the Great Smithsonian Cover-Up. Simon and Schuster. Ettington, M. K. The History of Antediluvian Giants. Martin K. Ettington. Haze, X. 2018. Ancient Giants: History, Myth, and Scientific Evidence from around the World. Inner Traditions/Bear. News Folklore Giants Greek Mesopotamia Titan Who are the Nephilim and what do they represent? Are they biblical giants? What does the term literally translate to, and why does the brief mention of them in the Book of Genesis show resemblance to... In the shadowy recesses of human imagination, mythical humanoid monsters have long lingered. Since the dawn of language, creatures of a repellent nature have existed in all their abhorrent splendor... Modern h umans evolved between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago, spreading across the globe around 100,000 years ago and developing diverse cultures. Despite these cultural differences, many myths share... The Nibelungs are one of the most mysterious peoples of the ancient world. Some scholars regard them as a race of dwarfs or elves. On the other hand, their close identification with giants suggests... Ancient Origins Part 1 of the relic of Bir Hooker outlined the true account of Swiss club owner Gregor Spörri and his encounter with an elderly farmer in Egypt, Nagib, a descendant of an ancient... In April 1988 the Swiss club owner Gregor Spörri traveled to Egypt armed with a number of books recommended by a friend to learn about the ancient Egyptian culture. It was a journey that would change...

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said there must be “a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat” given a changing landscape. In his address at the launch of India’s World magazine here, he also said, “When we speak about changing foreign policy, if there is talk of a post-Nehruvian construct, it should not be treated as a political attack.” Jaishankar said that on the world stage, India is increasingly becoming “a player of consequence.” He said the number of Indians working abroad is going to “grow dramatically” in the coming years. “We are going to see an explosion in mobility,” he added. “My sense for a foreign policy ahead would be to think big, think long, but to think smart,” he said. At the event, the Union minister later also engaged in a brief conversation with foreign policy expert C Raja Mohan, who chairs the editorial board of the magazine. In his address, the EAM said India is planning “at least a generation ahead” and trying to “expand its footprint, however, lightly.” “So, if we visualise the world in a much more focussed way, in a much more actionable way, if we learn to play the world stage more adeptly, which is not without its risks and anxieties, and actually look over the horizon, I think you have the makings here of what would be in a sense, a multi-generational foreign policy,” he said. The EAM said India has moved to a foreign policy that is much more directly tasked with advancing national development. “(The) defensive crouch, into which we had, for a variety of reasons, got into, that era is decisively behind us.” Jaishankar said there are “four big factors” that should cause people in India to ask themselves what changes are necessary in foreign policy. “One, and I happened, by coincidence, to speak about it yesterday, for many, many years, we had what someone else very pithily summed up as the ‘Nehru development model’. That was a book released yesterday by Dr Arvind Panagariya,” he said. A ‘Nehru development model’, inevitably produced a ‘Nehru foreign policy’ and “we seek to correct that abroad,” just as efforts are being made to “reform” the consequences of the model at home, Jaishankar said on Saturday, in his virtual address at the launch of the book ‘The Nehru Development Model’. In his address at Sunday’s event, he reiterated the view. “I mean, it was obvious. And, it wasn’t just what was happening in our country, there was an international landscape in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s which was bipolar. Then there was a unipolar landscape. And, both those landscapes have also changed,” the EAM said. On top of it, in the last two decades or so, there has been a “very intense globalisation,” a strong interdependence with countries, he said. “In a way, the relationship, the behaviour of states towards each other have changed,” he said. Finally, “technology in our daily existence, that too has changed,” he added. “So, if the domestic model has changed, if the landscape has changed, if the behavioural patterns of states have changed, and if the tools of foreign policies have changed, how can foreign policy remain the same,” he argued. He said his batting for a change in foreign policy must not be treated as a political attack. “I mean, it didn’t require Narendra Modi to do it, Narasimha Rao started it,” he said. On India’s aspiration to become a developed nation, he said, India must think about, “How to be more ambitious, how to plan ahead.” Most of it is about positioning, the minister said, in terms of having “minimal baggage.” “And in that positioning the concept of ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ came about,” he added. “Because the global landscape for a variety of reasons, has become very volatile, become very turbulent, very uncertain,” the EAM said. The task is “cut out for us, because ‘Viksit Bharat’ means India’s rise.” The vision, wrought by the presiding Narendra Modi government, seeks to make India a developed nation by 2047. “We cannot not rise, we have to continue to rise, we have to just plan it for a very difficult circumstance in which the world is going to be...How do you do that, some mixture of offence, defence, of hedging, prudence, of joining in rebalancing, of participating in re-globalisation, of accelerating multi-polarity, utilising the impact of technology,” Jaishankar said. In his address, the EAM also touched upon the aspects of various tracks of diplomacy. “Our public space discourse should not be theological, it should not be polemical, it should not come as a defence of the past versus a compulsion to move beyond the past,” he said. “Just like the economic debates and the economic model of this country became more open, I think foreign policy, foreign policy thinking of this country has to keep pace with what is happening in this country and needs to be more open. And, for that it’s important to have an integrated outlook,” the EAM asserted. The minister said the world order “no longer encourages fixed-point collaboration.” India today in the world is “a player which other turns to, even when we are bashful at times, and to get the best, we need to have a multi-vector foreign policy,” he said. On the idea of India as a first responder to crises, he said, “I can predict, it will get more and more frequent.” PTI KND VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

2024 Winners and losers: Motorola

Louise Haigh's photo of stolen phone 'taken after alleged theft'DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian state news agencies are reporting that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment. RIA also cited an anonymous Kremlin source that Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. The report did not give further details. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country and the wider region. Joyful crowds gathered in squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Others gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and residence after President Bashar Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. Russia, a close ally, said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the sprawling Umayyad Mosque and called Assad's fall “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he told hundreds of people that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and still split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in some remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement early Sunday saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They called on people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The rebels later announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The rebels said they freed people held at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing dozens of female prisoners, many of whom appeared shocked. At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi later appeared on state TV and sought to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Revelers filled Umayyad Square, where the Defense Ministry is located. Some waved the three-starred Syrian flag that predates the Assad government and was adopted by the revolutionaries. Elsewhere, many parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. Soldiers and police left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Videos showed families wandering the presidential palace, some carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” At the Justice Ministry, where rebels stood guard, Judge Khitam Haddad said they were protecting documents from the chaos. Outside, some residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements, saying it “only carried out the instructions.” A statement from the Alawite sect that has formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office and to the Four Seasons hotel on Sunday. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad, 59, took a flight early Sunday from Damascus. A senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, which had sought to rehabilitate Assad's image and has welcomed high-profile exiles in recent years, declined to comment on his whereabouts. Anwar Gargash said Assad's destination at this point is a “footnote in history,” comparing it to the long exile of German Kaiser Wilhelm II after World War I. The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which provided crucial support to Assad throughout the uprising, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran, which had strongly backed him throughout the civil war, said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel's military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall occupy more territory. The rebels are led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS , which has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations. Al-Golani, has sought to recast the group as a moderate and tolerant force. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group. "But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead.” The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday. They included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed.New Age of Robots! 2025: The Year to Watch

UK study warns of perils in AI-driven 'intention economy'

NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global sports tourism market size is estimated to grow by USD 771.4 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Domestic sports tourism is a significant segment in the global sports tourism market, with a large number of tourists traveling within their countries to attend various sports events. This includes both participation and spectating, as well as expenditures on hospitality and merchandise related to the sports event. The popularity of domestic sports tourism is due to several factors, such as the ease of transportation within regions, the use of a uniform regional currency, and the familiar cultural and regional backgrounds. Many domestic sports leagues are held across the world, and governments and sports teams are facilitating fan travel between venues, as seen in Qatar with free shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis, and cab services, and dedicated lanes for fans. The growth of domestic sports tourism is also driven by the strong growth in developing economies, offering economic opportunities and regional benefits. The global domestic sports tourism market is expected to experience a steady YoY growth rate during the forecast period due to the familiarity it provides with a country's tourism policies, government rules, and adventure sports risks. Analyst Review The sports tourism market is a dynamic and growing sector that brings together the excitement of sports and the allure of travel. Motorsport, cricket, tennis, and soccer are just a few of the popular sports that attract fans and travelers from around the world. Major events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League draw massive crowds, while Formula 1, NASCAR, marathons, and triathlons offer unique experiences for participants and spectators alike. The sports industries have recognized the potential of this market and have initiated strategic partnerships to host events in premier travel destinations. The destination appeal and visitor experiences are crucial for sustained growth in sports tourism. Leisure travelers and fans seek authentic and memorable experiences, making sports events an integral part of their travel plans. The Olympics, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer are other sports that contribute significantly to this thriving market. Market Overview The sports tourism market encompasses various segments, including Motorsport, Cricket, Tennis, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, NASCAR, Marathons, Triathlons, Adventure races, and more. Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality chains, event management companies, and Olympics are key players in this industry. Partnership initiatives between these entities and sports industries have led to the hosting of world-class sports events, making destinations premier travel attractions. Sports tourists seek adrenaline-fueled, experiences, driving sustained growth in the market. However, challenges include seasonal fluctuations, infrastructure limitations, and financial challenges for event organizers. The market caters to fans and travelers alike, offering leisure travel and live entertainment. Historical data shows a significant increase in visitor numbers, with top-tier athletes and host cities generating regional tourism revenues and economic growth. Sustainable practices, eco-friendly initiatives, and environmental awareness are becoming increasingly important to ensure long-term profitability and overall sustainability. Despite these challenges, the sports tourism market continues to be a captivating frontier, with safari tourism and travel & outdoor activities adding to its allure. Event organizers must address infrastructure limitations and carbon footprints while maintaining visitor experiences and overall sustainability. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sports-tourism-market-to-grow-by-usd-771-4-billion-2023-2028-segmented-by-type-product-area-and-geography-with-ai-powered-market-evolution--technavio-302331099.html SOURCE Technavio

Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.Fortinet has unveiled its new cloud-delivered platform, FortiAppSec Cloud, a cutting-edge solution designed to address the escalating complexities of securing modern web applications across multiple cloud environments. The launch marks a significant step in the cybersecurity provider’s ongoing efforts to offer a unified approach to web application security, ensuring businesses can safeguard their digital infrastructure in an era of rapidly evolving threats. The FortiAppSec Cloud platform is an essential response to the increasing shift toward multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures, which have expanded the attack surface for businesses globally. As more organizations deploy web applications across a mix of on-premises and cloud infrastructures, the challenges associated with securing these applications—ranging from sensitive data breaches to malicious attacks—have grown more sophisticated and frequent. FortiAppSec Cloud integrates web application and API security with cloud-native capabilities, providing protection against the most common types of cyberattacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and application layer DDoS attacks. Fortinet’s new offering comes at a time when security has become a major concern for enterprises embracing digital transformation. According to a recent report by the Cloud Security Alliance, the increased adoption of multi-cloud strategies has outpaced the ability of many organizations to implement adequate security measures, leaving gaps that cybercriminals are quick to exploit. FortiAppSec Cloud aims to bridge these gaps, offering a holistic, scalable solution that helps businesses manage risk while reducing the complexity of their security operations. A key feature of FortiAppSec Cloud is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing security infrastructures, leveraging Fortinet’s broad cybersecurity ecosystem. It allows for a unified security approach across different cloud environments—be it public or private—and enhances visibility and control over applications running in distributed cloud environments. The platform uses advanced machine learning and automation to detect and mitigate security threats in real-time, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling faster response times to potential security breaches. As cybersecurity threats become more targeted and sophisticated, Fortinet is positioning FortiAppSec Cloud as a critical tool for businesses of all sizes. In an era where application vulnerabilities are often the entry point for attackers, Fortinet’s solution aims to deliver comprehensive security by ensuring that every layer of the application stack is protected, from the web server to the database. By offering deep insights into application traffic and anomalies, the platform enhances threat detection capabilities, providing businesses with the agility they need to safeguard sensitive data and comply with regulatory requirements. Fortinet’s extensive reputation in the cybersecurity field adds weight to the launch of FortiAppSec Cloud. The company’s FortiGate firewall technology is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, and this latest innovation builds upon that foundation. Fortinet’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into FortiAppSec Cloud helps automate tasks such as traffic inspection and threat intelligence, improving the efficiency of security operations teams. Additionally, the platform’s ability to quickly scale with business growth makes it an attractive option for organizations that are expanding their digital footprint. FortiAppSec Cloud addresses the growing concerns around web application security in the wake of several high-profile breaches. In a notable 2023 survey conducted by the cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, nearly 60% of IT decision-makers identified web application security as one of their primary concerns for the year ahead. With its advanced threat protection and proactive security measures, FortiAppSec Cloud aims to provide businesses with the necessary tools to stay ahead of cybercriminals and ensure their web applications remain secure. In terms of deployment, FortiAppSec Cloud is designed to be simple to integrate, requiring minimal disruption to existing operations. Its cloud-native approach means that businesses can adopt it without needing significant hardware investments or extensive on-premises infrastructure. The platform is designed for organizations of all sizes, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution for enterprises looking to enhance their security posture. Fortinet’s decision to focus on multi-cloud security is part of a broader industry trend, with other major cybersecurity providers also developing solutions tailored to complex cloud environments. However, FortiAppSec Cloud differentiates itself with its ability to deliver end-to-end security that spans both traditional on-premises networks and cloud environments. By providing a singular security framework that encompasses both, FortiAppSec Cloud helps reduce the complexity of managing disparate security tools across different platforms. The platform’s deep integration with Fortinet’s existing security solutions further bolsters its capabilities. For instance, it works seamlessly with FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager for centralized management, and FortiSIEM for enhanced event management. This integration streamlines security workflows and improves the overall effectiveness of an organization’s security infrastructure. It also provides organizations with the ability to manage their entire security portfolio from a single dashboard, which can be a significant advantage for teams operating under tight resource constraints. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, Fortinet is doubling down on its commitment to providing innovative, integrated security solutions that address the unique challenges posed by modern web applications and cloud environments. With the launch of FortiAppSec Cloud, Fortinet aims to provide businesses with the confidence to scale their digital operations while maintaining a high level of security.

HUMBOLDT – The Humboldt and District Museum is excited to announce Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be coming to Humboldt on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. “Everyone’s favourite power couple, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, have carved some time out of their busy holiday schedules to make sure that every child in Humboldt has a chance to get face-time with the big guy, and that every parent can take the perfect holiday pic,” states a Humboldt Museum press release. Santa will be at the Humboldt Museum from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, as well as on Thursday, Dec. 12 and 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The museum will also be hosting unique Christmas crafts, a tricky snowflake scavenger hunt, card making, a new exhibit about winter sports in Humboldt, and free candy canes for all who attend.

The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. US captain Lindsey Horan had the ball in the net after the break but the flag was up, while Hayes’ side had a penalty award for a handball reversed after a VAR check determined substitute Yazmeen Ryan’s shot hit Alex Greenwood’s chest. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. “You’ve got two top teams now, Sarina is an amazing coach, I thought it was a good tactical match-up, and I just enjoy coaching a high-level football match, to be honest with you. I don’t think too much about it.” Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”The University of NSW has signed an Australian-first deal with ChatGPT to roll out a special version of the technology on campus, as universities increasingly embrace AI and acknowledge bans are no longer viable despite fears of a “new wave” of cheating. The deal with ChatGPT would allow students, academics, and staff to use the tool securely, ensuring any information shared with the chatbot remained private and was not used to train AI models. UNSW students Matthew Kuk and Gemma Ahearne have found benefits in using AI to enhance their study. Credit: Rhett Wyman It comes after the University of Sydney overhauled its cheating policy to allow the use of AI in all assessments not held in exam-like conditions, in a sign institutions were conceding they could not control students’ use of the rapidly evolving technology. UNSW’s deal with ChatGPT – a chatbot widely used to answer questions, generate ideas and write content – will start with a pilot across about 500 staff and students with the view of rolling it out more widely. It is the first Australian university to introduce ChatGPT Edu – a tool specifically built for higher education – joining other institutions including Arizona State, Oxford and Columbia. UNSW has paid the US company behind the chatbot, OpenAI, to deploy the tool, but would not reveal how much. Third-year UNSW law and commerce student Matthew Kuk welcomed the move, saying it could make the technology more accessible by eliminating the need for students to pay for the premium version, ChatGPT4. He regularly uses it to summarise papers he doesn’t have time to read in full and to help understand difficult ideas. UNSW student Gemma Ahearne. Credit: Rhett WymanIn a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, leadership transcends traditional paradigms. It requires adaptability, foresight and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities shaping our country’s socioeconomic landscape. As the Philippines navigates the crossroads of technological innovation, environmental sustainability, workforce transformation and geopolitical shifts, leaders must guide their organizations and communities toward a resilient and prosperous future. The Philippines has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in East Asia and the Pacific. With a growth rate of 6 percent in the first half of this year, it is among the top performers in the region. Rapid technological advancements, reshaping industries and creating new growth pathways underpin this robust economic performance. The integration of artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital platforms has revolutionized sectors, such as finance, health care, education, transport and logistics, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, the swift pace of technological change also presents challenges, particularly in terms of workforce readiness and digital infrastructure sufficiency. Leaders must invest in upskilling initiatives to enable employees to survive and thrive in a digital economy. Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is essential to navigate the complexities of technological transformation. The Philippines is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Frequent typhoons, rising sea levels and environmental degradation pose significant threats to communities and economic stability. Recognizing this, the government and the private sector must increasingly prioritize sustainability initiatives to mitigate environmental risks and promote resilience. Leaders are now tasked with integrating sustainable practices into their organizational strategies, aligning business objectives with environmental stewardship. Such action involves adopting renewable energy sources, implementing eco-friendly supply chain practices, and engaging in corporate social responsibility programs that address environmental concerns. By championing sustainability, leaders contribute to preserving natural resources and enhancing their organizations’ reputations and long-term viability. The Philippine workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by its youthful demographics. With 28 percent of the population aged 10 to 24, our country enjoys a considerable labor market advantage. This demographic profile offers both opportunities and challenges, compelling leaders to unlock the potential of a young and rapidly evolving workforce. The rise of remote work, the gig economy and the integration of multigenerational teams necessitate reevaluating traditional management approaches. Leaders must cultivate inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and foster collaboration across generational divides. Adopting flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance and investing in employee well-being are critical strategies for recruiting and keeping top talents. The Philippines’ strategic location in Southeast Asia is at the center of complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The government’s efforts to balance relations with major powers, including the United States and China, require astute leadership to navigate diplomatic intricacies while safeguarding our national interests. Economic uncertainties, such as global trade tensions and fluctuating commodity prices, further underscore the need for resilient and adaptable leadership. Leaders must develop robust risk management frameworks, diversify markets and foster innovation to mitigate external shocks and sustain economic growth. The pressures of modern work, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have brought mental health and well-being to the forefront of organizational priorities. Leaders in the Philippines are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being. Implementing mental health programs, providing access to counseling services and promoting a culture of openness and support are essential steps in addressing this critical issue. By prioritizing mental health, leaders enhance employee satisfaction and productivity and contribute to their organizations’ overall resilience and sustainability. To address these multifaceted challenges effectively, Philippine leaders are adopting new approaches that emphasize agility, inclusivity and purpose-driven strategies. Agile leadership: In an environment marked by rapid change, agile leadership enables organizations to adapt swiftly to emerging trends and challenges. This approach involves iterative decision-making, encouraging a continuous improvement culture and giving teams the freedom to innovate. Inclusive leadership: Embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity are vital for driving innovation and organizational success. Leaders must actively seek diverse perspectives, promote equitable opportunities and create environments where all employees feel valued and empowered. Stakeholder capitalism: Beyond shareholder-centric models, stakeholder capitalism considers the needs and interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities and the environment. This holistic approach aligns business success with societal well-being. Servant leadership: By prioritizing the needs of others and focusing on the growth and well-being of employees and communities, servant leaders build trust and foster a sense of purpose within their organizations. In the contemporary Philippine context, success is redefined to encompass financial performance, social impact, environmental sustainability and human development. Purpose-driven leadership: Organizations with a clear mission that aligns with societal values are better positioned to inspire loyalty and drive long-term success. Purpose-driven leaders articulate a vision that resonates with employees and stakeholders, fostering a shared commitment to meaningful goals. Sustainable growth: True success entails achieving economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Leaders must balance short-term gains with long-term objectives, ensuring that their organizations contribute positively to society and the planet. Employee engagement and well-being: Leaders must recognize that employees are the organization’s backbone and must invest in their development, well-being and engagement. They must also provide growth opportunities, promote work-life balance and establish an inclusive and encouraging work environment. Reputation and trust: In an era of transparency and accountability, an organization’s reputation is critical. Leaders must uphold ethical standards, demonstrate integrity and build stakeholder trust to sustain long-term success. As the Philippines continues to navigate the complexities of the modern era, leaders across sectors are called upon to embrace transformative approaches that align with the nation’s unique challenges and opportunities. By fostering innovation, championing sustainability, prioritizing employee well-being and navigating geopolitical dynamics with strategic insight, leaders can drive progress that benefits their organizations and society. The journey ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability and a steadfast dedication to creating value that transcends traditional metrics of success. By leading with purpose, empathy and integrity, Philippine leaders have the opportunity to shape a future that is resilient, inclusive and prosperous for all. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The author is former president of the Management Association of the Philippines and former secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. Feedback at [email protected] and [email protected] .

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Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reports on possible replacements for Trump’s SecDef pick Pete Hegseth as some lawmakers send mixed messages about his fate on 'Special Report.' President-elect Donald Trump’s allies are expected to ramp up criticisms against Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst as she stalls on offering support to Trump’s secretary of defense pick, Pete Hegseth. "It's really this simple: If you oppose President Trump's nominees, you oppose the Trump agenda and there will be a political price to pay for that. We are well aware that there are certain establishment Senators trying to tank the President's nominees to make him look weak and damage him politically, and we're just not going to allow that to happen," a top Trump ally told Fox News Digital. ​​Trump nominated Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, as secretary of defense last month , saying "with Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down." Hegseth was a host on "Fox & Friends Weekend" before Trump's nomination. Hegseth has since been on Capitol Hill meeting with Republican senators to rally support as he battles allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing. CONSERVATIVE GROUP COMPILES LIST OF 'WOKE' SENIOR OFFICERS THEY WANT PETE HEGSETH TO FIRE WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 17: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) speaks to reporters following a closed-door lunch meeting with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol October 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spoke on a range of issues including the United States support for Israel following the Hamas terrorist attacks. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) ( Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Ernst sits on the ​​Senate Armed Services Committee, which will hold the secretary of defense nominee’s confirmation hearing, and met with Hegseth last week. Ernst, however, has withheld committing to voting in favor of Hegseth. ​​"Pete Hegseth and I will continue our constructive conversations as we move forward together in this process. We plan to meet again next week. At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing," Ernst said last week after meeting with Hegseth. Hegseth added in his own comment on the meeting with Ernst, that he had a "substantive conversation with Senator Ernst, I appreciate her sincere commitment to defense policy, and I look forward to meeting with her again next week." DOZENS OF PROMINENT VETERANS SIGN ONTO LETTER SUPPORTING 'OUTSTANDING' HEGSETH NOMINATION AMID CONTROVERSIES Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet, as they walk through the basement of the Capitol, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Reports surfaced last week alleging Trump had lost faith in his nominee as Democrats slammed the choice and some Republicans, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, remarked the allegations against Hegseth were "disturbing." Trump bucked the claims last week when he doubled down on his support of Hegseth in a Truth Social post, while Vice President-elect JD Vance also said the Trump team is "​​not abandoning this nomination." ​​"Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. "He will be a fantastic, high ​​energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" Ernst is a ​​retired Iowa National Guard lieutenant colonel,​ and spoke before the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday where she addressed her advocacy for survivors of military sexual assault. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) talks to reporters following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon in the U.S. Capitol on February 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) "I am a survivor of sexual assault, so I have worked very heavily on sexual assault measures within the military, so I’d like to hear a little more about that, and I’d like to hear about the role of women in our great United States military," Ernst said, according to Politico. PETE HEGSETH SAYS HE WILL BE 'STANDING RIGHT HERE IN THIS FIGHT' AFTER MEETING WITH SENATORS She added that she was "excited" to meet with Hegseth, "but there will be a very thorough vetting before he moves forward." Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) Hegseth will head back to Capitol Hill this week to rally support for his nomination as conservatives and Trump supporters intensify their criticisms against Ernst and other colleagues who have stalled on supporting Hegseth despite voting to confirm Biden nominees nearly four years ago. "If you’re a GOP Senator who voted for Lloyd Austin, but criticize @PeteHegseth, then maybe you’re in the wrong political party!" Don Trump Jr. wrote on X. "Joni Ernst sucked as a Senator long before this . The rest of the country is just now finding that out. However, defeating an incumbent US Senator takes high name ID, connections, and funding potential," talk show host Steve Deace wrote on X. "I'm one of the few people in Iowa with all three. I don't want to be a Senator, but I am willing to primary her for the good of the cause if I'm assured I have Trump's support going in. Or I am willing to throw my support and network behind someone else President Trump prefers to primary Joni Ernst instead." A conservative nonprofit, Building America’s Future, told the Daily Caller it is spending half a million dollars in ads supporting Hegseth as SecDef, while calling on voters to rally their respective senators to support the nominee. "America needs a Defense Secretary who knows what it means to fight, and understands the price of freedom. Pete Hegseth is a patriot, a decorated combat veteran and a warrior who will stop at nothing to keep America safe," the ad says. "The Deep State is trying to stop his nomination, but Pete isn’t backing down. Call your senator today and urge them to confirm Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense," the ad continues. PETE HEGSETH RAMPS UP PENTAGON PITCH WITH BACK-TO-BACK MEETINGS ON CAPITOL HILL Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena on August 23, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The rally, held in partnership with Turning Point PAC and Turning Point Action, comes come two weeks after Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Harris held a rally at the same location. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Ernst has previously found herself at odds with the Republican Party and Trump, including in comments both during the first Trump administration and over the summer where she spoke favorably of transgender individuals serving in the military. Under the Trump administration in 2018, the 45th president officially authorized the Pentagon to ban transgender individuals from joining the military, with limited exceptions, after making the pledge to do so in 2017. Fox News Digital reached out to Ernst's press office on Sunday but did not immediately receive a response. Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson contributed to this report.