Apple iOS 18.2 New iPhone Software With Apple Intelligence: Should You Upgrade?'Quite a debate': Alabama, Miami first teams out of CFP fieldPaigham-i-Pakistan seminar hosted A view of the ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ seminar held at the National University of Modern Languages on Dec 23, 2024. — Facebook@NUMLOFFICIALPAGE Islamabad:The Pakistan Studies Department of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National University of Modern Languages organized a one-day seminar titled ‘Paigham-i-Pakistan’ at the university's Islamabad campus. Renowned religious scholars shed light on the critical importance of religious tolerance, patience, and peaceful co-existence as pillars of a progressive and prosperous Pakistan. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman, former president of Islamic International University and the former head of the Seerat-un-Nabi chair at Allama Iqbal Open University; and Sahibzada Ali Raza Bukhari, a former member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and a permanent delegate at the United Nations.

EU rules requiring all new smartphones, tablets and cameras to use the same charger came into force on Saturday, in a change Brussels said will cut costs and waste. Manufacturers are now obliged to fit devices sold in the 27-nation bloc with a USB-C, the port chosen by the European Union as the common standard for charging electronic tools. "Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port," the EU Parliament wrote on social media X. The EU has said the single charger rule will simplify the life of Europeans and slash costs for consumers. By allowing consumers to purchase a new device without a new charger, it will also reduce the mountain of obsolete chargers, the bloc has argued. The law was first approved in 2022 following a tussle with US tech giant Apple. It allowed companies until December 28 this year to adapt. Makers of laptops will have extra time, from early 2026, to also follow suit. Most devices already use these cables, but Apple was more than a little reluctant. The firm said in 2021 that such regulation "stifles innovation", but by September last year it had begun shipping phones with the new port. Makers of electronic consumer items in Europe had agreed on a single charging norm from dozens on the market a decade ago under a voluntary agreement with the European Commission. But Apple, the world's biggest seller of smartphones, refused to abide by it and ditch its Lightning ports. Other manufacturers kept their alternative cables going, meaning there were about half a dozen types knocking around, creating a jumble of cables for consumers. USB-C ports can charge at up to 100 Watts, transfer data up to 40 gigabits per second, and can serve to hook up to external displays. At the time of its approval, the commission said the law was expected to save at least 200 million euros ($208 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year. "It's time for THE charger," the European Commission wrote on X on Saturday. "It means better-charging technology, reduced e-waste, and less fuss to find the chargers you need."Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.

EU Universal Charger Rules Come Into ForceSEN. Mark Villar has introduced Senate Resolution (SR) 1265, directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation regarding the illegal trade and smuggling of depleted uranium and other radioactive materials in the Philippines. In filing his resolution, Villar said the Constitution establishes the Philippines' nuclear-free policy and the country has signed and ratified several treaties reflecting its commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, while advocating for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.The Masked Singer fans don't have to wait for the new year to tune into the popular singing competition. On Boxing Day, the family can gather together to unwind and watch the Christmas special on the ITV programme. Of course, there will be festive-themed costumes as viewers try to guess the celebrity behind the masks. Although Love Island star Maya Jama has been announced as a new judge on the main show, she won't be present for the special. The special will see judges Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan come together to solve the mystery behind the costumes. Like every series, the judges will have to guess who is singing by following clues, listening to the songs and watching the mystery celebrities dance. This year, fans will be treated with performances from Christmas Cracker, Star, Turkey Crown and a Nutcracker. Here's everything we know about the Christmas special, including all the costumes... The celebrity behind the Christmas Cracker could be seen rocking an elaborate costume that resembled a Christmas Cracker. It looked like the cracker was already half pulled open as gadgets were spilling out of the cracker to resemble all the fun gifts we get in a cracker every Christmas. Meanwhile, Star is a much simpler costume featuring lots of different patterns and colours. To make it even more adorable, two giant eyes are emblazoned on the top. Meanwhile, one celebrity is rocking a full-roasted Turkey costume, complete with a giant crown where the turkey's head would have been. You can't have a Christmas event without turkey! We also have Nutcracker ready to perform, but it's not ordinary Nutcracker. Instead of a normal human, the star is dressed as what looks like a Fox in a Nutcracker costume. ITV teased the show on their Instagram Stories with a short clip they captioned: "id you REALLY think we'd make you wait for series 6!? As if!" Meanwhile, Maya Jama has replaced Rita Ora as a judge on the main competition. Speaking about joining the programme, Maya said in September: "I'm such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo — and of course working with Joel— is going to be so much fun! "I can't wait to figure out who's underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings. I've watched the show for a long time, so I'm definitely bringing my A-game to the panel!" Maya responded to The Masked Singer's social media announcement adding: "So excited." The Masked Singer: Christmas Special will air on ITV1 at 7.30pm on Boxing Day Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksNEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE: LFT ) ("LFT" or the "Company") announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock with respect to the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company also announced the declaration of a one-time special cash dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock due to real estate investment trust tax considerations. These dividends are payable on January 15, 2025 , to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024 . The Company also announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.4921875 per share of 7.875% Cumulative Redeemable Series A Preferred Stock. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2025 to preferred stockholders of record as of the close of business January 2, 2025 . About LFT LFT is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments. The Company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans with an emphasis on middle-market multi-family assets. LFT is externally managed and advised by Lument Investment Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Additional Information and Where to Find It Investors, security holders and other interested persons may find additional information regarding the Company at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company website www.lumentfinancetrust.com or by directing requests to: Lument Finance Trust, 230 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10169, Attention: Investor Relations. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," "will," "seek," "would," "could," or similar expressions or other comparable terms, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company on the date of this press release or the date on which such statements are first made. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release and should consider carefully the factors described in Part I, Item IA "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 , which is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , and in other current or periodic filings with the SEC, when evaluating these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control. Except as required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lument-finance-trust-inc-declares-quarterly-cash-dividends-for-its-common-and-preferred-stock-and-announces-special-cash-dividend-distribution-302330846.html SOURCE Lument Finance Trust