Title: "Chanting Songs to Save the World: Musical Puzzle Game 'Miao Ge' Officially Released"
The variety of new moves introduced in the continuous combat mode adds depth and excitement to the already intense gameplay of "Black Myth: Wukong". Players must not only master their own character's abilities but also learn to anticipate and counter the unique moves of each monster they face.The afternoon session saw the downward trend persist, with most sectors in the A-share market experiencing losses. Technology, consumer goods, and financial stocks were among the hardest hit, weighed down by profit-taking activities and concerns over the impact of the ongoing macroeconomic challenges.Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering climate and energy . CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Ogbomosho, Oyo state - Professor Funmilayo Nihinlola Osuolale of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo state, has said renewable energy is presently unexploited in Nigeria. Speaking on Thursday, December 5, at the institution's 61st inaugural lecture attended by Legit.ng, Prof. Osuolale said if expertly explored, the value of renewable energy is “more than enough to meet Nigeria’s demands”. Professor Razaq Kalilu, the vice-chancellor (VC) of LAUTECH, chaired the event. Legit.ng reports that Nigeria faces many challenges in its energy sector. Among others, the energy crisis is caused by various factors such as funding problems, energy loss, inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, leadership crisis, poor maintenance and neglect of projects, lack of technical skills, infrastructural decay, and gas shortages. Amid the stumbling blocks, Prof. Osuolale offered hope during the event in Oyo state . Read also NNPC takes action to crash cooking gas prices in Nigeria She said: PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! “Renewable energy is energy from natural resources that can be replenished at higher rate than they are consumed. An estimate of about two million, five hundred thousand gigawatts of renewable energy can be available in a year if judiciously harnessed from potential renewable energy sources in the country. “The projected amount of energy demand of our nation by 2030 is 45 gigawatts. The value of renewable energy left unexploited is more than enough to meet the energy demands of the country. Universal energy access in Nigeria should not be a mirage but an attainable reality.” Furthermore, the don explained that from time immemorial, renewable energy from biomass was the main source of energy generation. Noting that the country has an “abundance of biomass”, she pointed out that “the paradox” is the traditional use of biomass which is less efficient and oftentimes, injurious to human health. Prof. Osuolale added: Read also Prophet Arayomi shares 2025 prophecy as he speaks on 'God's revelation' “If Nigeria is to achieve its target of increasing energy generation capacity in the country, converting biomass to energy is one of the answers.” Born in December 1974, Osuolale earned her Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology degrees in chemical engineering from LAUTECH, in 1998 and 2006 respectively. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state . In 2015, she earned her second PhD in Chemical Engineering, with specialisation in process modelling and optimisation from Newcastle University, United Kingdom (UK). Having joined LAUTECH as a teaching assistant in 2004, she rose through the ranks to professor in 2022. She is an expert in applied thermodynamics, process modelling, and optimisation of energy systems. She has more than 60 published articles in onshore and offshore peer-review journals. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
The University of Asia and Pacific (UA&P) – vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament 2024 came to an exciting close on November 16, with Rizal Technological University (RTU) clinching the championship title in a hard-fought final match. The thrilling finale and the heartfelt awarding ceremony capped off weeks of intense competition and camaraderie at the UA&P gymnasium, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, organizers, and fans alike. The final game between UA&P and RTU was a showcase of grit, teamwork, and sheer determination. Both teams battled fiercely, keeping the crowd energized and engaged until the final whistle. RTU ultimately emerged victorious with a score of 4, securing their place as champions of this year’s tournament, while UA&P gave a valiant effort, finishing with a score of 3. Following the game, the spotlight turned to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The awarding ceremony recognized the project and committee heads whose dedication ensured the tournament’s success. These individuals were instrumental in fostering a sense of camaraderie and excellence throughout the league. Next, UA&P extended its appreciation to its valued partners, including vivo, whose support has been pivotal in bringing the tournament to life. This was followed by the awarding of teams, acknowledging their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the competition. UA&P Men’s Futsal Team Manager Angelica Ysabelle Ang expressed her gratitude for vivo’s partnership, emphasizing its impact on the tournament. “vivo played a huge role in making the UA&P – vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament a success. Their phones upgraded our streaming platform, making it easier to share the games in better quality with everyone watching online. Most importantly, their trust in the players gave everyone an extra push to do their best,” she shared. vivo Philippines’ Brand Marketing Department Head, Liu Lu, shared her thoughts on the collaboration. “At vivo, we are committed to creating meaningful connections through sports. Supporting the UA&P Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament resonates deeply with our mission to promote active lifestyles and inspire excellence. Seeing the passion and unity fostered by this event reaffirms our belief in the power of sports to bring communities together,” she remarked. As the tournament concluded, the partnership between UA&P and vivo stood as a shining example of how sports can inspire, unite, and empower. This season of the UA&P vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament will be remembered not only for its thrilling matches but also for the shared vision and commitment that made it possible. For those who missed the action, highlights and recaps are available on the UA&P Men’s Futsal Varsity Facebook page and follow vivo on Facebook , X , Instagram , TikTok , and YouTube . As vivo continues to support local sports, this collaboration serves as a testament to its dedication to uplifting communities and fostering a love for active lifestyles. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.The news came as a devastating blow to the player, his family, and fans of Fiorentina. The young midfielder had dreams of representing his country on the international stage and leading his team to glory in Serie A. Now, those dreams have been shattered, and he faces an uncertain future in a sport that he loves more than anything else.
Overall, the China Economic Roundtable's year-end discussion provided a platform for thoughtful reflection, insightful analysis, and forward-looking strategies for fostering economic growth in the year ahead. As China continues on its path towards prosperity, the wisdom and vision shared during this discussion will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country's economic trajectory in the years to come.Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov. Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95 per cent of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.
Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans
Despite the challenges posed by the fire, Alibaba Cloud has demonstrated its resilience and agility in maintaining its operations and supporting its customers during this crisis. The company's proactive response to the incident reflects its dedication to upholding the highest standards of service quality and data security, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Known for his distinctive voice and heartfelt ballads, Dao Lang has captivated audiences across China and beyond. His flowing locks have become an iconic part of his image, adding to his aura of mystery and allure. For many fans, his long hair symbolizes freedom, authenticity, and rebellious spirit. So when Xiao Hua, a self-proclaimed superfan, expressed her willingness to embrace a shaved-headed Dao Lang, it stirred up a wave of curiosity and speculation.
By Ja'han Jones Happy Tuesday. Here’s your Tuesday Tech Drop, a curated list of the past week’s top stories from the intersection of politics and the all-inclusive world of technology. Rapper Drake — who once dismissed artists who take legal action with the lyric, “a cease-and-desist is for hoes” — seems to have had a change of heart after taking a lyrical drubbing from Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar this summer. In a petition filed Monday in New York, Drake launched a legal attack against his own record label, Universal Music Group, and Spotify, which he accuses of harming him by allegedly boosting Lamar’s song “They Not Like Us,” a scathing diss track aimed at Drake and his associates. (Lamar is also signed to UMG.) Drake’s petition, which seeks information to support a potential lawsuit, claims that UMG and Spotify engaged in a high-tech “scheme” using bots, reduced licensing fees and paid influencers to boost the song illegally. A second petition , filed in Texas, alleges UMG engaged in a pay-for-play scheme with iHeartMedia to help boost the song, which the petition also claims defamed Drake. UMG provided NBC News with a pretty scathing response to the first suit: The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue. We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.” Spotify declined to comment Tuesday to NBC News, but its website says the platform has practices in place to prevent artificial streaming. As you might imagine, Drake resorting to the courts for help in the midst of a rap beef has been met with some pretty savage mockery . After all, Drake himself has put baseless claims about other artists, including Lamar , in his tracks, and he’s used social media influencers to hype his music . And he’s also taken advantage of shifts in the infrastructure of the music industry throughout his career, so in some ways, it seems Drake is raging against the machine that made him. Now it looks like a messy legal battle is on the horizon, which could shake loose all sorts of details about the inner workings of the music industry. One thing is for certain: Drake has made history as the first rapper to take legal action against Big Tech for the L he took during a beef. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a plan to counter President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to undermine investment in electric vehicles . But the plan could exclude Elon Musk, and Musk is outraged. Read more at The Daily Beast . Axios reports Trump is searching for someone to serve as his “AI czar” and lead his administration’s efforts around artificial intelligence. Musk, who seems to have his hand in every aspect of the incoming Trump administration, is reportedly involved in this decision, as well. Remember last week when Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy wrote that their “department” of “government efficiency” would rely on “advanced technology” to root out government waste? Axios suggests the AI czar is going to help with that. Read more at Axios . CNBC dropped a report on the hundreds of millions of dollars the cryptocurrency industry plunged into this year’s elections, and its success in “buying” the most pro-crypto Congress in history. Read more at CNBC . Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Committee won’t stop issuing threats. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has spent his first couple of weeks in the spotlight threatening media companies’ broadcast licenses and has vowed to end what he portrayed as governmental “lawfare” against Musk. Read more at Mediaite . Sunday night’s episode of “60 Minutes” featured a story on the disturbingly exploitative gigs, outsourced to countries across the globe, that involve employees training artificial intelligence tools to recognize items. Watch the segment below: Ja'han Jones is The ReidOut Blog writer. He's a futurist and multimedia producer focused on culture and politics. His previous projects include "Black Hair Defined" and the "Black Obituary Project."
ROCK HILL, S.C., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. Third Quarter Highlights (All numbers are unaudited and are presented in millions, except per share amounts or as otherwise noted) Summary Comments on Results Commenting on third quarter results, Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems said, "As recently shared, our third quarter revenues continued to be impacted by sluggish capital investments by our customers for new production capacity, particularly in the Industrial markets, impacting the sale of new printing systems. On a positive note however, capacity utilization for our installed printer fleet broadly increased, translating into an increase in consumable revenues, which grew nearly 10% on both prior year and sequential comparisons. While 2024 has been a challenging year for new printer system sales, we are increasingly encouraged about the future, driven in large part by customer demand for our Application Innovation Group, a group of highly skilled process specialists who assist customers in developing new applications for 3D printing. Year-to-date this group, which spans both polymer and metal solutions, has experienced a rise of over 26% in revenues derived from new application development, particularly in highly regulated markets such a semiconductor equipment manufacturing, oil & gas, aerospace & defense markets, and our medical markets. Much of this performance, and the future growth potential it implies, has been fueled by an aggressive cycle of innovation at our company, enabled by our sustained focus on new product innovation across all of our major polymer and metal printing solutions. As a result of this sustained focus, which we believe differentiates us from many others in our industry, we are on pace to deliver nearly 40 new products to market since the third quarter of last year, and 25 in calendar 2024 alone. We believe no other company in our industry has matched this output that we expect will pay dividends in growth and profitability improvements as the economy rebounds in the future.” Dr. Graves continued, "Given our strong focus on new product innovation, over the last two years we've also completely altered our manufacturing model from nearly 100% outsourced, to taking full responsibility for our integrated supply chain by in-sourcing procurement, assembly operations and logistics. This transition is now virtually complete, and, while it required short-term increases in expenses and working capital, we believe it is absolutely essential in driving smooth new product introductions, high quality product and delivery performance and, importantly, long-term customer satisfaction and gross margin improvements as factory efficiencies increase. While weakness in our end-markets over the last several quarters has muted these benefits, as volumes recover we expect to realize them increasingly over time. With our in-sourcing efforts now close to completion, our near term focus has shifted to managing working capital and capex spend to improve cash performance. This has been increasingly effective as we entered the second half of the year, as demonstrated by the stabilization of our cash reserves in the third quarter. We were also pleased to deliver a sequential reduction in operating expenses, in line with our previous expectations, and expect the benefits of restructuring actions previously taken to positively impact our cost structure in the quarters ahead.” Dr. Graves concluded, "As we look to the end of the year, the consistent fueling of our R&D engines as we moved through a tougher macro environment period is now driving an acceleration of exciting new customer applications, supported by outstanding new products spanning from new printer hardware to advanced engineering materials, to enhancement of our software capabilities. We believe this positions us well as the geopolitical and economic headwinds of the last 18 months ultimately begin to recede. Given timing uncertainties and normal quarter-to-quarter inventory management at year-end, we believe it is prudent to be conservative in our outlook for the full year. As such, we are updating our revenue expectations for the full year 2024 to be between $440 million and $450 million. From an OPEX perspective, we expect to see continued improvement consistent with our prior comments, namely that OPEX will decrease again in Q4, to below $60 million. These combined factors should yield a sequential improvement in Adjusted EBITDA and will place us on a trajectory towards profitability in the quarters ahead. We will continue our balanced view of short-term focus on cash performance and improving profitability, while meeting the longer-term needs of our customers from a technology and service perspective. In keeping our customers' production goals clearly in our sites each day, we believe that substantial long-term value will be created for all of our stakeholders in the years ahead.” Summary of Third Quarter Results Revenue for the third quarter of 2024 decreased approximately 9% to $112.9 million compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by lower printer sales, partially offset by approximately 10% growth in materials. Gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 36.9% compared to 44.7% for the same period last year. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 37.6% compared to 44.8% for the same period last year. Gross profit margin decreased primarily due to unfavorable absorption associated with lower volumes and approximately $3 million associated with an increase in inventory reserves, partially offset by favorable mix. In addition, gross profit margin from the prior year period includes approximately $4.5 million of incremental revenue recognized by our Regenerative Medicine business at 100% margin related to incremental milestone recognition which did not repeat in the third quarter of 2024. Operating expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $222.5 million compared to $68.9 million for the same period last year and includes $143.7 million associated with the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets taken during the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP operating expense of $61.4 million increased $5.6 million compared to the same period last year, while improving $2.7 million on a sequential basis. The sequential improvement was primarily driven by benefits associated with prior restructuring actions. Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation for the third quarter of 2024 was $178.6 million compared to a net loss of $11.7 million for the same period last year. The decline from prior year was primarily impacted by the previously referenced $143.7 million associated with the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets taken during the third quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $19.1 million to a loss of $14.3 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA primarily reflects lower revenue, lower gross margin and higher operating expense. As previously noted, the third quarter of 2023 also included the benefit of approximately $4.5 million of incremental milestone recognition by our Regenerative Medicine business at 100% margin that did not repeat in the third quarter of 2024. Updating 2024 Outlook Based on current macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, 3D Systems is updating its financial guidance for the remainder of 2024 as follows: At September 30, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $190.0 million, a decrease of $141.5 million since December 31, 2023. The decrease resulted primarily due to cash used in operations of $37.1 million, capital expenditures of $10.8 million, and repayment on borrowings of $87.2 million. At September 30, 2024, the company had total debt, net of deferred financing costs of $211.7 million. Q3 2024 Conference Call and Webcast The company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss these results on November 27, 2024, which may be accessed as follows: Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time Listen via webcast: www.3dsystems.com/investor Participate via telephone: 201-689-8345 A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the live presentation at www.3dsystems.com/investor . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes,” "belief,” "expects,” "may,” "will,” "estimates,” "intends,” "anticipates” or "plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions and current expectations and may include comments as to the company's beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements” and "Risk Factors” in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. Presentation of Information in this Press Release 3D Systems reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. Management also reviews and reports certain non-GAAP measures, including: non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross profit margin, non-GAAP operating expense, non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share, and Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP measures exclude certain items that management does not view as part of 3D Systems' core results as they may be highly variable, may be unusual or infrequent, are difficult to predict and can distort underlying business trends and results. Management believes that the non-GAAP measures provide useful additional insight into underlying business trends and results and provide meaningful information regarding the comparison of period-over-period results. Additionally, management uses the non-GAAP measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, including allocating resources and evaluating results relative to employee compensation targets. 3D Systems' non-GAAP measures are not calculated in accordance with or as required by GAAP and may not be calculated in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should thus be considered as supplemental in nature and not considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. To calculate the non-GAAP measures, 3D Systems excludes the impact of the following items: The matters discussed above are tax effected, as applicable, in calculating non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share. Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income, plus income tax (provision) benefit, interest and other income (expense), net, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation expense, and other non-GAAP adjustments, all as described above, is used by management to evaluate performance and helps measure financial performance period-over-period. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures is provided in the accompanying schedules. 3D Systems does not provide forward-looking guidance for certain measures on a GAAP basis. The company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP gross profit margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP operating expense to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures without unreasonable effort because certain items, including litigation costs, acquisition expenses, stock-based compensation expense, intangible assets amortization expense, restructuring expenses, and goodwill impairment charges are difficult to predict and estimate. These items are inherently uncertain and depend on various factors, many of which are beyond the company's control, and as such, any associated estimate and its impact on GAAP performance could vary materially. About 3D Systems More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction - empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems' solutions address a variety of advanced applications in Healthcare and Industrial Solutions markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com . Tables Follow Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023New contract lows in Chicago wheat futures this week are hardly indicative of global supply concerns, but traders might want to eye what’s happening in the Black Sea region more closely. Winter grains in top wheat exporter Russia are in the worst-ever condition, and Ukraine’s current shipping capabilities could soon come under threat. Russia and Ukraine accounted for a third of global wheat exports last marketing year. Ukraine’s agricultural exports have faced challenges ever since Russia invaded the country nearly three years ago as port infrastructure has been a prime target for attacks. This forced Ukrainian grain exporters to seek an alternative route through Romania’s Constanta port on the Black Sea. The frontrunner for Sunday’s Romanian presidential runoff has suggested halting Ukrainian grain exports out of his country if elected. The move could be popular with Romanian farmers, who have previously protested the transit of Ukrainian farm goods to preserve local markets. It is unclear whether this ban is likely or even possible, but Ukraine’s involvement has had some positive economic impacts. Overall traffic of goods at Constanta in 2023 surged 22.5% on the year, largely owing to ongoing European Union-funded infrastructure projects. But it could be problematic if Ukraine lost Constanta as an outlet under a worst-case scenario. Constanta handled 14 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain in 2023, accounting for roughly 30% of Ukraine’s total grain exports that year. For the 2024-25 marketing year that began July 1, Ukraine’s wheat exports are seen falling 14% from the previous year. However, Ukrainian grain exports from Constanta in the first 10 months of 2024 have dropped 52% on the year as Ukraine has increased reliance on its own seaports. This dampens the impact of a potential Constanta loss, but the continuing war with Russia means that threats to Ukraine’s seaports never completely vanish. Luckily for Ukrainian exporters, they had shipped half of the government-agreed wheat export volume for 2024-25 as of Nov. 13. A top Russian official on Thursday said the winter crops are in poor condition, just one day after Russian analysts reported winter crops in the worst-ever health, citing data not usually made public. The official also said the situation is not critical, but a deeper dive may suggest otherwise. The analysts said at least 37% of winter crops are in poor condition compared with 4% a year ago, and this is the worst rating ever recorded. On average over the last five years, just 8% of winter crops are in poor shape by this date. Further, only 31% of crops are in good condition versus 74% a year ago. The portion of crops in good condition is a 23-year low. The last time Russia’s grains were in concerning shape ahead of the winter was in 2020, when about 22% of the crops were in poor condition as of early December. At the time, it was the worst rating in seven years. Although the exact figure is not known, the share of good-rated crops four years ago was not a seven-year low, setting it apart from this season. The woes in both years were caused by dry weather during fall planting. The 2025 Russian wheat harvest may already be starting in a hole. Farmers said last month they would sow less wheat this year in favor of more profitable crops, including oilseeds. Preliminary estimates have pegged the 2025 harvest close to 2024 levels, which were down 20% from the record 2022 result. Wheat is a notoriously hearty plant that can recover from harsh conditions if weather turns favorable, so it might be difficult to drum up traders’ fears over Russia this early in the game. But once the crop breaks dormancy in the spring, satellite imagery as well as recent weather data should offer good clues as to the state of Russia’s wheat crop, regardless of whether the government chooses to share the intel. Source: Reuters (Editing by Sonali Paul)Syrian rebels seize fourth city, close in on Homs in threat to Assad's rule
Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova, Columbia's Michael Zheng win NCAA singles titlesThe National Assembly's approval of the resolution to arrest President Yoon and the enactment of the Special Prosecutor's Act have been met with both praise and criticism from the public. While some view these decisions as a necessary step towards holding leaders accountable, others have raised concerns about the potential political implications and impact on the country's stability.