skygaming
India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92
Hundreds pack Union Station for 9th annual tree lighting ceremony
NASA's 2 stuck astronauts face more time in space with return delayed until at least late March
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. FDA proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a rule that cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos. The rule was proposed Thursday and is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products. The rule follows years of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies alleging links between talc-based baby powder and cancer. Research has found mixed evidence of a potential link between cancer and talc, although the possibility has been recognized for decades because of how it is mined.
In a Sudanese school turned makeshift hospital, a volunteer doctor hooks up a patient lying on a desk to an intravenous drip while nurses hand out medicines donated by neighbors. As war has raged for six weeks and shuttered or destroyed many clinics, this school building in Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile, has become an emergency healthcare centre. Theirs is a story of an unbreakable bond that helped them reach new heights out of the challenges of life in a part of the world torn apart by war. Originally from Sudan, Osman Mukhtar and his wife Rua Mohamed, recently reached significant milestones, with Osman earning his masters of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Dec. 14, following Rua completing her medical residency at Advocate Masonic Illinois Medical Center last summer. Together, they were determined to reach their shared dream of building a better life for their family. In May 2021, the couple made the difficult decision to leave Sudan, a country torn by political instability and war. Rua received an opportunity to pursue her medical residency in the United States in May 2021, a moment that would change their lives forever. “My wife, a dedicated doctor, had long envisioned coming to the United States to pursue her residency,” Osman said. “Rua received her match result, which became a pivotal moment for us. We made the difficult decision to leave Sudan and pursue opportunities in the United States.” While Rua arrived in the U.S. in July 2021 to begin her residency, Osman remained in Sudan to deal with a deeply personal loss. His mother had passed away from COVID-19 that summer. “Her loss was devastating and one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Osman said. “It was a challenging period, as I grappled with grief while ensuring that I stayed focused on our family’s plans for a better future.” In January 2022, Osman and their son, Yassin, reunited with Rua in the United States. They started a new chapter, facing the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. “A few months after arriving, I shared with Rua the idea of furthering my education,” he said. “She liked the idea and began encouraging me to take a bold step and return to school. Her unwavering belief in my potential motivated me to navigate the unfamiliar academic system.” Osman, a seasoned engineer, pursued an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics at UW-Parkside. Despite adapting to an online education system, he found inspiration and strength in Rua’s own determination. “I used my technical skills to assist her in organizing Excel data and preparing PowerPoint presentations, while her discipline and focus inspired me to tackle my studies with greater determination,” he said. “She found many of the case studies in my MBA classes, particularly those exploring the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, very engaging and relevant to her own work in healthcare.” As Osman navigated his MBA coursework, his first experience at UW-Parkside left a lasting impression. “My most memorable moment was my first day of class at UW-Parkside. As I logged into the online platform, I realized I was beginning an exciting journey of personal and professional growth. It set the tone for the rest of my time at Parkside,” he said. The Mukhtar family’s journey was further tested by the war that began in Sudan on April 15, 2023. “The war reduced our home and city to ruins and impacted nearly 80% of Sudan,” he said. “It uprooted millions, leaving families torn apart and futures uncertain. For us, it meant not only losing the physical place we called home but also a profound emotional loss. The conflict made it clear that the decision to leave had been the right one.” Despite the challenges, Osman found academic growth at UW-Parkside, particularly in a key class. “Dr. Xue Ning had a significant impact on me,” Osman said. “The course ‘Technologies for Data Analytics’ was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to refine my skills. Dr. Ning’s teaching style and guidance helped me build confidence in applying these tools to solve real-world data challenges. “UW-Parkside provided me with a strong foundation,” he said. He cleared the final hurdles and received his degree at the college’s fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 14. “This year, we both achieved our dreams,” Osman said. “Graduating together in the same year is a testament to our love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond that guided us through this journey. It’s about the power of partnership and the belief that together, we can overcome any obstacle. “Celebrating our achievements this year is a moment we’ll cherish forever — proof that with determination, love, and resilience, even the most ambitious dreams can come true.” Holly Boyce and Jade Webb take their photo before the ceremony. Susan Podlogar was the commencement speaker during the Dec. 14 ceremonies at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Laurel Marcinkus gives the thumbs up sign during her chancellor’s award ceremony during the 2019 Winter Commencement at the University of Wisconsin Parkside. A variety of messages were featured on the caps of UW-Parkside graduates during Saturday’s winter commencement. Michael Connolly grins as he is congratulated by Dr. Suzanne Swiderski after graduating during the Dec. 14 winter commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He was the physics and mathematics outstanding graduate. Students enter Saturday’s winter graduation ceremony past a University of Wisconsin-Parkside sign. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Local Editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
The five-part series will debut globally on December 10. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will bring a new series to Netflix in December, revealing the “grit behind the glamour” in the high-stakes world of polo. The five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.
Monport Laser Unwraps the "Christmas Laser Bonanza" - Spark Your Creativity with Unbeatable Festive Offers
Before the advent of television in India, cricket lovers had to rely on the radio to get the latest news about the action within the stadiums. Ball-by-ball commentary on the radio had its own charm although there were no visuals. Some of the commentators described the action so well that listeners felt that they were watching the proceedings with their eyes. One of the pioneers of cricket commentary on the radio was Ardeshir Furdorji Sohrabji Talyarkhan, a very well known sports journalist of those days. He was famous for his commentary as well as newspaper articles. He belonged to the Parsi community and was popularly known as Bobby Talyarkhan. He was one of the earliest cricket commentators in India. His radio commentaries played an important role in popularising the game among the laymen. Back then hockey was India’s most popular sport because the Indian hockey team was acknowledged as the best in the world. India’s footballers were also hogging the limelight. But the cricketers were losing most matches. However, Talyarkhan’s cricket commentary was so erudite and descriptive that it drew the people towards cricket. His very first commentary was heard in the year 1934 when the Bombay Quadrangular tournaments used to be played between teams made up of players from different religious communities. The teams were named Hindus, Muslims, Parsees and Europeans. Talyarkhan had a superb command of the English language and his vocabulary was extensive. He was never at a loss to describe the players and their actions. But he had a drawback too. He disliked sharing the microphone and did the commentaries all by himself throughout the day. Usually, commentators find it very stressful to do this. Harsha Bhogle once narrated the problems of commentators who had no partners to share the job. “If you felt thirsty, or your throat dried up after speaking non-stop, you would naturally want to take a break and sip some water or tea. Or perhaps you may need to go to the washroom. But if a commentator is all alone, then he cannot leave his seat. Only AFS Talyarkhan was capable of doing it all alone.” Historian, author and cricket fan Ramachandra Guha has written that Talyarkhan brought to cricket broadcasting a rich, fruity voice and a fund of anecdotes. His self-control was superhuman, for he would speak without interruptions. His career with All India Radio ended when AIR insisted on having a team of three commentators to which Talyarkhan disagreed and then he walked out of the commentary box forever. There were several other famous commentators too such as Pearson Surita, Balu Alaganan, and Anant Setalvad who became household names. Parliamentarian and quiz expert Derek O’Brien has written that radio commentary used to compel the listeners to use their imagination. Derek’s favourite commentators were Berry Sarbadhikari, Dicky Rutnagur and Kishore Bhimani. Commentators Balu Alaganan and Anant Setalvad were good cricketers when they were young. Balu Alaganan captained the Tamil Nadu (then called Madras) Ranji trophy side. He led the star-studded team to its maiden Ranji trophy victory in 1955. But apart from commentators, also in the commentary box would be a few ex-players to provide the expert comments. This correspondent remembers one occasion when Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was the expert. The situation in the match was that India was struggling and the case was hopeless. Defeat was certain for India. But each of the commentators gave their own opinion about what tactics would be best for India to follow. One said all the fielders should be placed on the boundary line, and another talked of bowling only on the leg side. After a while, one commentator turned to Pataudi and asked, “If you were the captain today, what would you have done in this situation?” Pataudi gave him a very brief reply. “I would have prayed to God,” he said. Every time Pataudi was a member of the commentary team, his sense of humour, quick repartee, and keen observations made listening to radio commentaries a wonderfully enriching and rewarding experience.The PGA Tour announced its schedule of seven post-season tournaments for the fall of 2025 on Tuesday with no Las Vegas event on the calendar for the first time since 1983. The lineup is one fewer than this year and tees off with the Procore Championship in Napa, California, on September 11-14, two weeks after the 2025 Tour Championship. Absent from the schedule is the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas. After the Ryder Cup next September at Bethpage Black, the PGA Tour events resume with the Sanderson Farms Championship on October 2-5. The PGA Tour's Japan stop, the Baycurrent Classic, will be October 9-12 at Yokohama Country Club followed by the Black Desert Championship on October 23-26 in Utah. The World Wide Technology Championship at Los Cabos, Mexico, will be November 6-9 followed the next week by the Bermuda Championship and the RSM Classic on November 20-23 at Sea Island, Georgia. "With events in four US states, Japan, Mexico and Bermuda, the conclusion to the 2025 golf calendar promises to be exciting for our fans worldwide," said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour chief competitions officer. Under tighter qualifying rules for the 2026 PGA Tour approved by the Player Advisory Council last month, only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will secure exempt status with the 50 who reach next year's BMW Championship being exempt into signature events for 2026. Those ranked 51st and beyond will take FedEx Cup points into the fall to try and accumulate eligibility points for the 2026 campaign. Three PGA Tour Challenge season events will be played next December -- the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas hosted by Tiger Woods, the LPGA-PGA mixed-team Grant Thornton Invitational and the PNC Championship parent-child event. Tour commissioner Jay Monahan also announced Tuesday that the PGA is searching for a new chief executive officer whose job would be to grow the business side of the operation in light of the $1.5 billion investment in PGA Tour Enterprises by Strategic Sports Group, a set of team sports owners. js/bbNatixis Advisors LLC lifted its position in Assurant, Inc. ( NYSE:AIZ – Free Report ) by 10.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,253 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after buying an additional 1,456 shares during the quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC’s holdings in Assurant were worth $3,033,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Assurant in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. raised its position in shares of Assurant by 62.1% in the second quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 201 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Huntington National Bank boosted its stake in Assurant by 509.4% during the third quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 195 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 163 shares during the period. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new position in Assurant during the second quarter worth about $51,000. Finally, Capital Performance Advisors LLP bought a new position in Assurant in the 3rd quarter worth about $56,000. 92.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Assurant Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE AIZ opened at $226.15 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.13, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.57. Assurant, Inc. has a one year low of $160.12 and a one year high of $227.16. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $200.13 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $184.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.42 and a quick ratio of 0.42. Assurant Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is a boost from Assurant’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 9th. Assurant’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.54%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on AIZ. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Assurant from $220.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of Assurant from $194.00 to $212.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Assurant from $217.00 to $224.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, September 23rd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Assurant from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Assurant from $228.00 to $233.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $225.20. Get Our Latest Report on Assurant Insider Transactions at Assurant In other Assurant news, EVP Biju Nair sold 3,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.18, for a total value of $627,540.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 20,658 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $4,321,240.44. This trade represents a 12.68 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Company insiders own 0.53% of the company’s stock. Assurant Profile ( Free Report ) Assurant, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides business services that supports, protects, and connects consumer purchases in North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through two segments: Global Lifestyle and Global Housing. The Global Lifestyle segment offers mobile device solutions, and extended service contracts and related services for consumer electronics and appliances, and credit and other insurance products; and vehicle protection, commercial equipment, and other related services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Assurant, Inc. ( NYSE:AIZ – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Assurant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Assurant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
At some point in Durango’s future, let’s say the end of 2049, the downtown’s several blocks will be vehicle-free, negotiated solely by foot, on bicycle and an electric-powered trolley. Even electric-powered cars and those still powered by fossil fuels will be in outlying parking lots. In the meantime, the need for downtown vehicle parking will continue to exist. With parking comes meters, and the need to feed them with cards and quarters. That there are meters at all is because without them, retail and professional office employees would prevent their use by shoppers, restaurant-goers and tourists; that’s human nature. It’s also a source of income for the city’s transit fund, almost $1.1 million in 2023. Durango has a vibrant small business, office and government located downtown, which is wonderful, both staffed and enjoyed by many. We don’t want this to change. The city’s transit fund is under water and additional supporting revenue is needed. That’s not surprising, as for a city of this size, operating the transit center, circulating trolleys and neighborhood on-call transit for seniors and people with disabilities is a lot. Likely stretching transit to its edges. Council is currently considering the possibility of adding what are now two park-for-free days, Saturday and Sunday, to the five that now require meter payment. Let’s look elsewhere, we say. To have two days without having to reach into our pocket and purse just feels good, as in the West we live in. Wide open spaces, a place to explore and to get lost, all under blue skies. That may be a bit of exaggeration, but spare us the need – even briefly – to constantly fund a social enterprise. Two out of seven days should remain no-charge. As should the hours fees are assessed, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., remain unchanged. As to the needed revenue, let’s look to increasing the rates a bit. And perhaps increasing the summer season rates a lot. Tourists coming from the big cities are used to paying for their parking. And, relying on data and new technology, perhaps there is a way to create service efficiencies and reduce costs? Philanthropy can – and is – playing a small role. An anonymous donor, who is a veteran, is funding transit rides for veterans for several months into 2025. We don’t pretend that local giving can do much for the transit budget, but other supporters may want to aid some groups. We look forward to what the city’s leadership decides about how to reduce the transit fund’s red ink, but let’s not make the meters operational on Saturday and Sunday. ************* Two hundred sixty-six city employees and councilors whose vehicles have a sticker allowing no-need-to-feed-the-meter ( Herald , Dec. 15); that number should be reduced to zero. There’s revenue in those parkers. In place of stickers, when on city business that requires a vehicle, the city could make hang tags available for parking at the transit center, meters off Main Avenue and/or city parking lots. Better yet, give them a helmet and e-bike for day use. An answer to the possibility of a reduced benefit, as for everyone, there’s the transit center’s $5 per day rate. The revenue from city employees’ parking is important, as is that they may experience what everyone else does. The occasional $25 ticket – the city does a thorough job of meter monitoring – and the risk, however slight, of being one of those who are booted. Boots can come with the third unpaid ticket, and has a hefty charge. Rule makers make better decisions when they’re experiencing what their subjects are. Twenty-five years from now all this could be moot.
Delta shares dip 18% on SET measure
( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) MACAU, December 22 - The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, said that at present and for a period of time in the future, studying, upholding and implementing the spirit of President Xi Jinping's speeches during his visit to Macao is the prioritised and foremost task for all sectors in Macao and the administration team. It is also the top and most important Political mission of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government. President Xi's insightful and profound remarks during his visit to Macao, from 18 to 20 December, have set the direction for the future development of Macao, Mr Sam added. The MSAR Government held a symposium on Saturday (21 December) regarding studying, promoting and implementing President Xi's important speeches for all sectors in Macao to study. The symposium, held in the afternoon at the China–Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex, was attended by about 650 participants, including: Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Zheng Xincong; former chief executives, Mr Chui Sai On and Mr Ho Iat Seng; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Liu Xianfa; Commander of the Macao Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Mr Yu Changjiang; and personnel from the representative offices of the Central Government in Macao, persons-in-charge of the executive, legislative, and judicial authorities of the MSAR Government, and members of various sectors in Macao. The Chief Executive said embarking on a new trajectory, the new-term Government will unite and lead all sectors in Macao based on the valuable experience of the successful practice of“One country, two systems” principle. Regarding President Xi's important speeches during his recent visit to Macao as the direction to follow, the MSAR Government will seize opportunities, reform with determination and fulfil its responsibilities, to better leverage its institutional advantages of“One country, two systems”, and continue forging ahead for quality development of“One country, two systems”. President Xi has attached great importance to the development of Macao and cares about Macao people. The 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland marks a crucial moment for Macao to start a new stage of development. President Xi once again visited Macao in person amply demonstrating his close attention to and solicitude for Macao and its people. During his visit to Macao, President Xi cordially exchanged views and interacted with people he met, impressing upon the community and the public the national leader's compassion for the people and noble demeanour. He also encouraged people to have more confidence and hope for the future of Macao under the principle of“One country, two systems”. Mr Sam reviewed the important speeches delivered by President Xi in Macao that the speeches connected the history, the present reality and the future, scientifically addressing major theoretical and practical issues in the new stage of fully and accurately implementing the principle of“One country, two systems”, which has pointed out the way forward for better leveraging the advantages of“One country, two systems” and continuously forging ahead for quality development of“One country, two systems” with Macao characteristics. Therefore, the MSAR Government shall adhere to the spirit of President Xi's important speeches in guiding Macao's future development and the administration of the sixth-term Government. The Chief Executive pointed out that it is necessary to take into account the actual situation in Macao and strengthen coordination to ensure that the spirit of President Xi's speeches to be implemented. First, to fulfil the mission of safeguarding national security with a stronger sense of responsibility, to be well prepared and equipped for adverse situations, and to make the best effort to safeguard against all kinds of risk, thereby maintaining Macao's prosperity and stability. Second, the MSAR Government will enhance its administrative effectiveness by deepening reform and innovation. Third, the Government will adhere to the principle of putting people first, and make every effort to improve people's livelihoods. Fourth, the Government will take actions more diligently to promote appropriate economic diversification. Fifth, the Government will take a more proactive approach to integrate into and facilitate overall national development. Sixth, the Government will focus on youth work. Also delivering a speech at the symposium was a the Director Mr Zheng Xincong, shared his six learning experiences on studying, promoting and implementing the spirit of the series of speeches made by President Xi. First, to draw the spiritual strength from President Xi's love and care for Macao to achieve continuous progress. Second, to take President Xi's high recognition of the successful implementation of“One country, two systems” in Macao as an encouragement and a spur, and to strengthen our commitment to our mission. Third, to deeply understand the values, concepts and contemporary significance of“One country, two systems”, and to hold strong confidence in the principle of“One country, two systems”. The concept of“One country, two systems” embodies peace, inclusiveness, openness and sharing, which applies to China as well as to the world. Fourth, to firmly grasp the four important experiences in implementing the principle of“One country, two systems”, and to uphold the correct direction for implementing“One country, two systems”. Fifth, to continuously open up new horizons for quality development of“One country, two systems” in accordance with President XI's high expectations and specific requirements for the future development of Macao. Sixth, to deeply understand President Xi's great concern and care about the youth, and to continue to provide an arena and create conditions for young people to succeed and grow. Mr Zheng expressed his hope that all sectors in Macao could treat studying, promoting and implementing the spirit of President Xi's series of speeches as their long-term commitment, integrate it into the real life and deepen and broaden the interpretation and promotion, to turn President Xi's speeches into a strong spiritual strength for promoting continuous development of the practice of“One country, two systems”, and to continuously make new achievements on“One country, two systems” in Macao. During the symposium, seven distinguish speakers were invited to share their insights and learnings: the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Cheong Weng Chon, spoke on the spirit of President Xi's speech on Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone; member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Kou Hoi In, spoke on the spirit of President Xi's speech on“One country, two systems”; member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Chui Sai Cheong, focused on the“three aspirations”,“four practical experiences” and“four expectations” put forward by President Xi. Other speakers included the President of Macau Federation of Trade Unions, Ms Ho Sut Heng; the President of Macao General Neighbourhood Associations Union, Ms Ng Siu Lai; the President of Women's General Association of Macao, Ms Lau Kam Ling; and President of the Macau University of Science and Technology, Mr Joseph Hun-wei Lee, shared their experiences in studying the spirit of President Xi's speeches. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN22122024003118003196ID1109021484 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.