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Furthermore, financial experts and pundits have been advocating for greater financial literacy and awareness among the general public. Educational campaigns and workshops on budgeting, investing, and retirement planning have been launched to empower individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.Cooperation between the EU and China has become increasingly important in addressing shared challenges such as climate change, global health crises, and economic development. In recent years, both sides have recognized the need to work together to promote sustainable development and stability in the international system. Through initiatives such as the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), they have sought to deepen their economic and diplomatic ties for mutual benefit.Celebrities who had the worst year in 2024
US auto giant General Motors announced Tuesday it will abandon its robotaxi development efforts after a highly publicized incident last year stymied its progress in the autonomous vehicle field. The Detroit-based manufacturer plans to merge the Cruise robotaxi vehicle unit with GM's technical teams to concentrate on developing advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles, a statement said. The company said it abandoned the Cruise project "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market." It marks a major turnaround for GM, which bought the Cruise startup in 2016 and has since spent billions of dollars to make the operation viable. "A robotaxi business is not General Motors’ core business," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a call with analysts. But Barra said GM's commitment to autonomous technology "is unwavering." The halt of operations comes a year after Cruise was forced to suspend all operations in San Francisco after one of its self-driving cars dragged a woman who had first been hit by a hit-and-run driver in the city. Cruise lost its operating permits from regulators, paused expansions into other states and laid off 900 employees -- a quarter of its workforce. Shortly before the incident, California authorities had allowed for expanded driverless taxi services in San Francisco, giving the go-ahead for Alphabet-owned Waymo and Cruise. Cruise's exit confirms Waymo as the dominant player in the business, which was valued at $45 billion after a fundraising round in October, according to Bloomberg. The company has been expanding its reach and currently runs robotaxi fleets in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. And in a team-up with Uber, the company is planning to offer Waymo robotaxi rides in Atlanta and Austin. Amazon's Zoox meanwhile is conducting robotaxi testing in California and Las Vegas, while Elon Musk recently unveiled what he said was a robotaxi capable of self-driving, predicting it would be available by 2027. GM's strategic pivot comes as embattled automakers worldwide face mounting pressure to balance investments in emerging technologies with near-term profitability. The auto giant said that the restructuring is expected to generate annual savings exceeding $1 billion once completed in the first half of 2025. GM's share price was up by more than three percent in after hours trading on Wall Street. arp/dwIn a stunning turn of events, the English Premier League Golden Boot winner has expressed his desire to join Barcelona, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. The talented winger, known for his blistering pace and scoring prowess, has caught the attention of Barcelona's new head coach, Xavi, who has quickly moved to secure his signature.None
When Guangli Xu's phone started buzzing with thousands of notifications, he realised he had "gone viral". The 28-year-old shared a video to social media platform Douyin — the Chinese version of TikTok — titled "Challenging the world's longest commute to classes". The video documents the 8,800km journey Xu takes weekly from his hometown Dezhou, in China’s Shandong province, to Melbourne for face-to-face classes. "A round trip takes about 72 hours. One way is about 10 to 13 hours on the plane," he tells SBS Mandarin. Xu first came to Melbourne eight years ago and in that time has completed his undergraduate studies in game design and a master's degree in arts management at RMIT University. For his final semester this year, he decided to move back to his hometown and become an 'international commuter'. Source: Supplied "I usually leave for Melbourne on Monday mornings and can be back home [in China] by Wednesday evenings," Xu says. Between August and October, he made the commute 11 times, with each round trip costing around $1,500. He says the expense is comparable to his typical monthly living costs in Melbourne. Xu says the main reasons he wanted to become an "international commute student" were to spend more time with his family and girlfriend, who are based in Dezhou, and to prepare for a career in China post-graduation. Before committing to the plan, Xu read up on China's overseas degree recognition and recruitment timelines and assessed the feasibility of managing his coursework remotely. Why international students like Huzaifa say they feel 'like a scapegoat' "I found that the flight routes between China and Australia are frequent, with multiple airlines operating, so I gave it a try ... It turned out to be quite feasible and I haven't encountered any major issues," he explains. "I prefer the environment and convenience in China. After living abroad for so many years, I also wanted to spend more time with my family." Cross-state commuting Alongside international commuting, some domestic students are travelling interstate for their studies. Hunter Huang, a Chinese international student at the University of Adelaide, moved to Sydney in February and began a four-month journey of "cross-state commuting" to complete his postgraduate studies in marketing. The 27-year-old had been living in Adelaide since 2016, where he completed his foundation and undergraduate studies. Source: Supplied Speaking to SBS Mandarin, Huang says he would typically fly from Sydney to Adelaide once a month, returning the same day. "I usually arrive at Sydney Airport around 6am and take the earliest flight to Adelaide, arriving just in time for my 10am class. Like Xu, Huang’s move was in part motivated by love — his girlfriend lives in Sydney. He also cited Sydney’s lower shared accommodation costs and greater job opportunities as primary reasons behind his decision to commute between states. "After calculating the costs, I found that living together [with my girlfriend] in Sydney is cheaper than living apart, with me staying in Adelaide to study. We're saving nearly a month's rent, around $2,000," Huang says. "Also, it's not easy to find a marketing job in Adelaide but there are more opportunities here in Sydney." There are new restrictions for student visas in Australia. Here's what you need to know Could international commuting become mainstream? Xu isn't the only one adopting the international commute lifestyle. On Chinese social media, it is not unusual to see international students from other countries posting videos tagged "China-Japan commute", "China-Korea commute" and "China-Russia commute". Dr Qian Gong, a scholar of Chinese media and popular culture at Perth's Curtin University, believes that short-term international commuting could become "a more common practice" among international students in the near future. "Particularly for countries that are geographically closer, like South Korea, Japan, Malaysia or Singapore, I think it's highly possible that some students might opt for a period of international commuting," she says. Source: Supplied Gong explains that compared with earlier generations of Chinese international students, the new generation places a higher value on staying connected with their families. Additionally, an increasing number of students now choose to return to China after graduation. "I've seen students mention that one reason they choose Australia is the [smaller] time difference between Australia and China. Whereas in the US, for instance, it's less convenient to call or video chat with family," she says. "Over time, international commuting might become a practice that no longer stands out as unusual." These uni students are working 'extreme hours' to make ends meet, but a crackdown is looming International commute not for everyone As Xu's international commute videos gained traction online, he started facing criticism. Some comments posted on Douyin label him a "wealthy kid" and questioned the value of his degree. Dr Hongzhi Zhang is a senior lecturer in education at Monash University and says the decision to undertake international commuting is tied to a range of social, economic and lifestyle factors international students have to consider. "If there were more job opportunities and better living conditions here in Australia, I believe [Xu] would be more inclined to invite his family to live in Australia, rather than flying back to China every week," Zhang says. Source: SBS News Despite the considerable time spent travelling and associated costs, Zhang says international commuting does not necessarily diminish the quality of learning. "What affects the quality of learning is whether the student has adequately prepared before attending class," he explains. Zhang points out that since the pandemic, universities have embraced more flexible teaching methods to meet diverse needs. "For instance, many reading materials are now provided online in advance. Whether students are in Australia or elsewhere, they can prepare for class ahead of time." International students face major mental health barriers. Are universities doing enough? In early December, Xu returned to Melbourne to prepare for his graduation ceremony later this month. Reflecting on his three-month journey as an international commuter, Xu described it as a "bold" experiment that not only enriched his life experience but also made him more confident about planning for his future. But he says international commuting is "not a good fit for everyone". "But if your time and energy abroad are already limited, I'd recommend focusing on integrating into local life as soon as possible. I think that will have greater meaning for your future." This story was written by Nicole Gong from SBS Mandarin .
In light of this incident, it is crucial for consumers to exercise caution and due diligence when seeking out massage therapy services. Before booking a session, it is advisable to research the qualifications and credentials of the therapist, inquire about their experience and training, and ensure that they adhere to proper safety protocols and ethical standards.
The bench strength for Real Madrid is equally formidable, with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo all waiting in the wings to make an impact if called upon.New imaging shows virus invading the body and lingering for years, potentially explaining Long COVID
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn , the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X . “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont , last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’" AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Additionally, the psychological aspect of the matchup cannot be overlooked. The pressure of a title race can weigh heavily on a team, and a slip-up against a direct rival like Lazio could have long-term consequences for Inter Milan's season. The mental fortitude and resilience of both teams will be put to the test in this crucial showdown.In conclusion, as the A-share market undergoes significant changes, investors must be proactive in assessing and adjusting their investment strategies to align with the evolving market dynamics. By striking a balance between embracing market opportunities and adopting a defensive approach, investors can navigate the shifting landscape and secure long-term success in the A-share market.
Beyond gaming, Sony's diversified portfolio of products and services, including electronics, music, and movies, has also contributed to its financial success. The company's focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience has helped it weather economic uncertainties and emerge as a resilient and forward-thinking corporation.The Central Political Bureau meeting is always closely watched by the public and experts for insights into the economic policies of the government. The recent meeting that took place provided a glimpse into the new economic direction for 2025. With the global economy constantly evolving, it is crucial for a country like China to adapt and innovate in order to stay competitive and sustain growth. Here are some key takeaways from the meeting that shed light on the economic work priorities for the year 2025.
TEHRAN – Since Hamas launched its surprise offensive against Israel in October 2023, the face of West Asia has been changing. The operation brought the Palestinian cause back to the forefront of media coverage and became a key topic of discussion in elite circles. Although the "two-state solution" remains a distant prospect, it has gained renewed public support in the West as a potential resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a recent article for The Hill, Mark Toth and Jonathan Sweet argue that "Iran's nuclear phoenix may yet rise from the ashes of Gaza, Lebanon, Syria." However, their argument is unsupported by the facts on the ground. The authors' suggestion that Iran has been completely defeated by Israel in the region is inaccurate. Since October 2023, Israel has targeted Hezbollah facilities and fighters across Lebanon, without significant success. Hezbollah operations continued in northern occupied Palestine and even into Haifa and Tel Aviv until a ceasefire took effect last month. Israel's operations in southern Lebanon failed to gain significant territory, and Hezbollah successfully repelled those attacks. The Lebanon ceasefire, largely mirroring UN Resolution 1701, offers no substantial changes. Hezbollah retains its weaponry and maintains its capacity to resume operations against Israel at any time. In Gaza, Israel appears to lack a clear plan, and occupying the territory and building settlements is not a viable option due to several factors, including international pressure. The Israeli Prime Minister has actively blocked ceasefire efforts, a move viewed by many as an attempt to evade legal challenges he faces. Furthermore, installing the Palestinian Authority as Gaza's governing body is impractical; the PA lacks popular support and is unlikely to govern effectively without Hamas's cooperation. While the fall of the Assad government in Syria was undoubtedly a setback for the Resistance Axis, it was not catastrophic. The Axis was not solely dependent on Syria; Hezbollah was a significant force long before Damascus became a logistical hub, and Ansarullah in Yemen demonstrates the viability of independent resistance movements. The country has been under siege by the Saudi-led coalition, however, it managed to foil attempts to overthrow the government in Sana’a. Yemenis have been launching attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waters against U.S.-Israeli interests. It has also launched missiles and drones on occupied Palestine successfully despite being constantly under attack by a U.S.-led coalition. Toth and Sweet suggest Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons; however, Tehran's continued cooperation with the IAEA and adherence to the NPT render these comments irrelevant. Iran's actions were reactive measures taken in response to escalations against the country. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA initiated Tehran's retaliatory measures, which included a gradual increase in uranium enrichment. Moreover, even if Israel could destroy Iranian nuclear sites, such an attack would eliminate any basis for negotiations and leave Iran's existing expertise intact. Furthermore, such an operation might trigger further escalation, potentially including attacks on U.S. military sites in the region. The authors criticize the previous U.S. administration for its perceived leniency toward Iran and praise Israel's decision to launch large-scale attacks on Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, despite the significant loss of life. They claim Iran received $10 billion due to sanctions relief; however, the fact is that the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" policy, continued under Biden, proved ineffective. Biden's administration attempted to pressure Iran back to the negotiating table, but these efforts have so far failed. Toth and Sweet defend Israeli actions in West Asia and portray Iran negatively; however, the reality on the ground is far different. The Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, over 107,000 injuries, and thousands unaccounted for. A similar situation, though less severe, occurred in Lebanon and cannot be described as "self-defense." Israel has also repeatedly attacked Syrian infrastructure since the fall of the government and occupies parts of Syria, seemingly intending a permanent presence, in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Iran’s ties with Russia and China have been growing throughout recent years yet, it can’t be called a “strategic partnership” due to several factors. Iran and Russia share interests on several issues. For example, while their ultimate goals differ, their presence in Syria and the fight against terrorism represent a shared objective. Moscow sought to maintain air and naval bases, while Iran aimed to protect Shia holy shrines and establish a new supply route to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite the article's claims, these factors do not indicate Russia's willingness to provide Iran with nuclear detonation technology. Moscow has historically been cautious about Iran's nuclear program, even supporting anti-Iran resolutions in the UN Security Council and elsewhere. Similarly, China's economic interests in West Asia facilitated the normalization of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.CAGAYAN DE ORO—Two teams of Mindanao-based game developers dominated the first game development competition in the country’s electronic sports (esports) industry that was held during the recent National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Team NinetySix from General Santos City won in the professional category, while EMC: Excelsior Mapuan Creatives from Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao bagged the student category in the“Level Up Esports Game Dev Challenge” during the NSTW celebration in this city. Kendrick Villaruel, the engineer and developer of Team NinetySix, whose winning game was inspired by the Filipino childhood game “Langit Lupa,” told the BusinessMirror that the initiative by the DOST played a crucial role in showcasing the talents of Filipino developers, especially in Mindanao, who rarely have access to such events and opportunities. Villaruel, along with teammates Mark Aeron Jay Ducoy and Russele John Berami, shared that the national competition allowed them to connect not only with individuals from the National Capital Region (NCR) but also with influential industry figures who could open doors for them to bigger opportunities. The EMC: Excelsior Mapuan Creatives team consisting of Abdul Adzis Abpey, Guillan Fredd Perecho, and Debbie Shane Getigan triumphed over nine other teams of university student game developers. The team’s winning entry, “Cordillera Chronicles,” is a top-down fantasy role-playing game (RPG) that immerses players in the mystical Cordillera mountains. The game is based on an ancient belief warning children not to curse their elders, for fear of angering the “anito,” the spirits that protect the land. The EMC: Excelsior Mapuan Creatives took home P50,000 and a plaque as the first-place winner, while the second-place award went to Mesheerableos from Cebu Institute of Technology University (Region VII), earning P25,000 and a plaque. The third-place winner was Sinawali Showdown from Caraga State University (Region VIII), receiving P15,000 and a plaque. Team NinetySix claimed the top cash prize of P75,000 and a plaque. Urianus secured second place with P50,000 and a plaque, while Katakata Creative finished third, winning P30,000 and a plaque. The participants were challenged to create an original esports game that blends traditional sports, such as boxing, arnis, volleyball, and basketball, or delved into themes connected to science, technology, culture, and the creative arts. In his speech, Cezar R. Pedraza, director IV of Planning and Evaluation Science, highlighted the rapid and growing global expansion of the esports industry, noting that the sector has already taken off and continues to thrive worldwide. He said esports is no longer just a hobby—it’s a significant economic force. There are 43 million active gamers in the Philippines a number, according to Pedraza, that highlights the nation’s strong passion for this dynamic and competitive industry, with Filipino players mainly participating in international modern games and online competitive gaming. He emphasized that the Philippines has become an attractive destination for investors in esports tournaments and events. “Beyond gaming itself, the game development industry has generated numerous economic opportunities,” Pedraza said. These include jobs in event organization, tourism, venue and equipment rentals, technology development and innovation, among others. Meanwhile, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, echoed Pedraza’s sentiments. He said that the esports industry is poised for further growth, driven by the widespread accessibility of smartphones and mobile internet, which reach users across all age groups and demographics. With projected revenues of $25.1 billion from 2024 to 2029, the user base continues to expand steadily. “We know that continuous innovations and technology will only make the industry bigger and more competitive, and we are committed to providing solutions and creating opportunities through STI,” he said. Mabborang highlighted that, through their partnership with the eSports World Federation (ESWF), the initiative will continue to offer training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at recruiting and nurturing aspiring mentors. The efforts are designed to promote and market the development of local talent, he added. Looking ahead, Mabborang emphasized that the collaboration with ESWF will play a crucial role in helping Philippine developers gain recognition and attract foreign investments, ultimately enhancing the country’s reputation in the global eSports and gaming industry
US auto giant General Motors announced Tuesday it will abandon its robotaxi development efforts after a highly publicized incident last year stymied its progress in the autonomous vehicle field. The Detroit-based manufacturer plans to merge the Cruise robotaxi vehicle unit with GM's technical teams to concentrate on developing advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles, a statement said. The company said it abandoned the Cruise project "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market." It marks a major turnaround for GM, which bought the Cruise startup in 2016 and has since spent billions of dollars to make the operation viable. "A robotaxi business is not General Motors’ core business," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a call with analysts. But Barra said GM's commitment to autonomous technology "is unwavering." The halt of operations comes a year after Cruise was forced to suspend all operations in San Francisco after one of its self-driving cars dragged a woman who had first been hit by a hit-and-run driver in the city. Cruise lost its operating permits from regulators, paused expansions into other states and laid off 900 employees -- a quarter of its workforce. Shortly before the incident, California authorities had allowed for expanded driverless taxi services in San Francisco, giving the go-ahead for Alphabet-owned Waymo and Cruise. Cruise's exit confirms Waymo as the dominant player in the business, which was valued at $45 billion after a fundraising round in October, according to Bloomberg. The company has been expanding its reach and currently runs robotaxi fleets in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. And in a team-up with Uber, the company is planning to offer Waymo robotaxi rides in Atlanta and Austin. Amazon's Zoox meanwhile is conducting robotaxi testing in California and Las Vegas, while Elon Musk recently unveiled what he said was a robotaxi capable of self-driving, predicting it would be available by 2027. GM's strategic pivot comes as embattled automakers worldwide face mounting pressure to balance investments in emerging technologies with near-term profitability. The auto giant said that the restructuring is expected to generate annual savings exceeding $1 billion once completed in the first half of 2025. GM's share price was up by more than three percent in after hours trading on Wall Street. arp/dwMoreover, Xiaomi has also prioritized the comfort and convenience of passengers inside the YU7. The interior cabin is designed to provide a luxurious and spacious environment, with premium materials, ergonomic seating, and customizable options to suit individual preferences.As the investigation into this horrific crime continues, questions arise about the safety and security of online personalities and the need for increased awareness and protection measures. The case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability that comes with living a public life, and the potential risks that individuals face when sharing their personal stories and experiences with a global audience.
In the evening, as temperatures drop, it is advisable to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the harsh cold. If you need to go outside, make sure to bundle up in multiple layers to prevent heat from escaping your body. Keeping your extremities warm, such as your hands and feet, is especially important in cold weather.