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As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that opens doors that lead to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let’s consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, DNA found in 30,000-year-old permafrost was used to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering techniques such as CRISPR facilitate extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI developments, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic techniques, which will allow researchers to embark on exploratory journeys — and at the same time, add urgency to already-existing ethical issues. AI companies are also most interested in the scientific implications of this technology. We see this demonstrated in a recent interview between Harvard Business School officials and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In response to the question, “What are the pieces of AI that you are most excited about?” Altman said: “Greatly increasing the rate of scientific discovery is what I’m most excited about.” However, given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived until about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNA and genome editing methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal’s genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, since they are closely related. Then, scientists could use CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon, but based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less effort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many new research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed, but the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers’ time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation?The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw a decline of 21.12 points (0.80%) on Sunday, closing at 2,609.58 points. The Sensitive Index, which tracks the performance of class 'A' stocks, also dropped by 0.54%, while the Float Index, which measures the performance of actively traded shares, posted a decline of 0.80%. The daily turnover reached Rs. 5.47 billion, with a total of 11,099,239 shares traded across 316 scrips in 66,774 transactions. Sectoral indices mostly exhibited negative performance. Microfinance (1.12%), Others (0.29%), and Mutual Fund (0.18%) sectors were the only ones to record gains. On the other hand, the Finance sector led the losses with a significant 4.47% drop, followed by Development Banks (-2.65%), Hydropower (-1.73%), and Trading (-1.03%) sectors. Among individual stocks, only 69 advanced, while 172 declined, and two remained unchanged. Mahila Lagubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MLBSL) emerged as the day's top performer with a 10% increase in its share value. Conversely, Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SMB), Narayani Development Bank Limited (NABBC), Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd. (SAPDBL), Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL), and Sindhu Bikash Bank Ltd. (SINDU) were the worst performers, each registering a 10% decline. By the end of the trading session, the total market capitalization stood at Rs. 4.328 trillion.
WITH the solemn rite of opening the Porta Sancta (the "Holy Door") — much simplified from earlier, more elaborate but richly symbolic ceremonies — Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Year in Rome. It has for its theme "Pilgrims of Hope." It is categorized as an "ordinary" Jubilee Year — although there is nothing ordinary about a Jubilee Year. In fact, it is a very special year, one marked by pilgrimages and, Catholics believe, a particular outpouring of Divine favor! As an "ordinary Jubilee Year," the next one will be 25 years hence — I shall no longer be around for it. The last ordinary Jubilee Year was at the turn of the Millennium, 2000. The 2015 Jubilee Year of Mercy was an extraordinary one, which means that we should not expect one such celebration at regular intervals. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.In a significant move, the Football Association has revised their historic FA Cup competition ahead of the third round ties inked-in for early January. English football's governing body announced the implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) starting from the fifth round onwards. Until now, VAR has been in use only at Wembley Stadium and Premier League venues - in that cup competition - due to the infrastructure and costs involved. Aiming for fairness across the board, though, the FA thinks that this step was taken to ensure a uniform refereeing standard for all competing teams. Their statement clarified: "Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024/2025 Emirates FA Cup from the fifth round onwards." ALSO READ: United take aim at Arsenal and release statement over FA Cup tickets ALSO READ: Gary Neville aims six-word dig at Pep Guardiola after City draw Salford Further explaining the newly adopted structure, it detailed: "It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the fifth round of the competition through to the final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the third and fourth rounds. VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for games at Wembley Stadium - and at Premier League grounds - owing to certain infrastructure, workforce and costs which are required for its operation." The decision has been highlighted as a way to make sure each club is afforded the same level of refereeing when they are competing at any particular round of the world-famous competition. Fans from different teams across the nation have voiced their frustration at the decision - arguing that VAR should be completely removed from the competition. The technology has been a contentious issue in the Premier League since its introduction in the 2019/2020 season. In this year's tournament, as the top teams get ready to join, Manchester United are due to head to Arsenal in the third round, while neighbours Manchester City have been pitted against Class of 92 -owned Salford City. Those ties are scheduled for next month - and will not include VAR.
UConn announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Jim Mora on Saturday, just before the team took the field for the Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora’s contract extension will run through 2028 and will pay him $10 million through the remaining four years, with the opportunity to earn more in incentives. The 63-year-old coach is set to make $1.7 million next season, $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.3 and $2.4 million in 2027 and 2028, respectively. UConn then went out and thrashed North Carolina, 27-14, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. “I am forever grateful. I’m grateful to (athletic director) David (Benedict) and (school president) Radenka (Maric) and the Board of Trustees, but this is about what the (UConn players) did today,” Mora said when asked about the extension in the postgame press conference. In a statement released by UConn ahead of the game, Mora said: “I’d like to thank David Benedict, Radenka Maric and the University of Connecticut leadership for their trust in me and their commitment to our football program. When I first got here, I talked about where we wanted this program to go and we have shown great progress but we still have plenty of work to do. The commitment and dedication from the university and the athletic department has me excited about the future for our football team.” “Three years ago, I tasked Jim Mora with the challenge of leading our football team back to success and through his experience, energy and leadership he has done just that,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a statement. “He has taken our program to post season bowl games twice and just guided our team to one of the best seasons in UConn football history, building a momentum to keep this program moving forward. I look forward to his leadership of our football team in the years ahead.” Mora is coming off one of the most successful seasons in UConn football history, having led the team to an 8-4 record and an appearance in the Fenway Bowl. It’s the Huskies’ second bowl appearance in three years. UConn’s eight wins is the most for the program since 2010, and the Huskies had their first winning season since that year, too. A win Saturday would give UConn nine wins for just the third time in program history, with the last two such seasons coming in 2003 and 2007. UConn quarterbacks coach Brad Robbins is heading to Tulsa as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, according to a report from CBS Sports. Robbins was part of a coaching staff that helped the offense produce its most prolific attack since the 2009 season and fifth-most in program history (32.3 points per game). Robbins worked at FCS Tennessee Tech and Division II North Greenville before joining Jim Mora’s staff in spring 2023. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Israel's defence minister has for the first time acknowledged that Israel killed Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Israel Katz made the comments in a speech vowing to target the heads of the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been firing missiles and drones at Israel. Haniyeh was killed in a building where he was staying in the Iranian capital in an attack widely attributed to Israel. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said some progress had been made towards agreeing a ceasefire in Gaza with Hamas, but he could not give a timeline for when a deal would be reached. It comes after a senior Palestinian official told the BBC that talks between Hamas and Israel were 90% complete , but key issues remained. In his speech, Katz said Israel would "strike hard" at the Houthis and "decapitate" its leadership. "Just as we did with Haniyeh, [Yahya] Sinwar, and [Hassan] Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon, we will do so in Hodeida and Sanaa," he said, referring to Hezbollah and Hamas leaders who have all been killed this year. Haniyeh, 62, was widely considered Hamas's overall leader and played a key role in negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. After his assassination, Hamas named Yahya Sinwar, its leader in Gaza and one of the chief architects of the 7 October attacks, as the group's overall leader. Sinwar was killed by the Israeli military in a chance encounter in Gaza in October and the group is still in the process of choosing a new leader. Hassan Nasrallah meanwhile was the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah - he was assassinated in Beirut in September as Israel dramatically escalated its military campaign against Hezbollah, with which it had been trading near daily cross-border fire since the day after the 7 October attacks. The Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group that controls north-western Yemen, began attacking Israeli and international ships in the Red Sea shortly after Israel began targeting Hamas in Gaza last October. The group has vowed to continue until the war in Gaza ends. On Saturday, Israel's military said its attempts to shoot down a projectile launched from Yemen were unsuccessful and the missile struck a park in Tel Aviv. A Houthi spokesman said the group hit a military target using a hypersonic ballistic missile. Last week Israel launched strikes against what it said were Houthi military targets, hitting ports as well as energy infrastructure in the Yemeni capital Sanaa. The US and UK have also attacked Houthi targets as part of an operation to protect international shipping. Hamas attacked Israel in October last year, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign to destroy Hamas in Gaza which has continued for more than a year and has killed 45,317 people according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the Strip. That figure includes 58 people killed by Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours, Hamas officials said. Local medical officials said that at least 11 people were killed in three separate strikes on the al-Mawasi area, which had been designated a "safe zone" by the Israeli military. Israel said it was targeting a Hamas fighter. On Monday Israel said three of its soldiers had been killed in the northern Gaza Strip. Humanitarian and rights groups have warned of a catastrophic situation for civilians in Gaza. On Sunday Oxfam said just 12 trucks had distributed food and water in northern Gaza over the past two-and-a-half months and blamed the Israeli military for "deliberate delays and systematic obstructions". "For three of these, once the food and water had been delivered to the school where people were sheltering, it was then cleared and shelled within hours," Oxfam added. The Israeli authorities said the report was "deliberately and inaccurately" ignoring the "extensive humanitarian efforts made by Israel in the northern Gaza Strip". Israel insisted that specific shipments "including food, water, and medical supplies" had been sent to northern areas of Gaza, including Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and Jabalia, where the Israeli military has for several months been carrying out a military operation that it says is targeting Hamas fighters who had regrouped there. The Oxfam report comes after rights groups Amnesty accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" by deliberately depriving Palestinian civilians in Gaza of adequate access to water. Israel's foreign ministry described the Amnesty report as "entirely false and based on lies" while the Israeli foreign ministry's spokesman said Human Rights Watch was "once more spreading its blood libels... The truth is the complete opposite of HRW's lies".
Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world.( MENAFN - GetNews) Millimeter wave (mmWave) innovation and a small float spark investor excitement as Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) captures attention in the drone tech space. Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) , a leader in millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, is making headlines with its cutting-edge innovations in wireless connectivity, specifically for surveillance drones. Leveraging high-speed, low-latency links, Peraso's technology is ideal for drones that require real-time data transfer, making it a game-changer in sectors like security, logistics, and remote monitoring. With a remarkably low float of just 3.9 million shares , Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) has become a high-potential stock to watch. To put this in perspective, the float is nearly 20 times smaller than that of Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) , which recently experienced a massive rally, climbing from $0.80 to $1.50 in a matter of weeks. This kind of volatility could signal a similar breakout opportunity for Peraso. The global drone market continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, driven by demand for advanced applications in both civilian and military sectors. Peraso's mmWave technology is uniquely positioned to serve this booming market, as it provides the ultra-fast data speeds and minimal latency essential for drones used in real-time surveillance, precision delivery, and beyond. Investors are Taking Note The combination of a small float, advanced technology, and growing market demand has led to increased interest from retail and institutional investors alike. Stocks with a limited float like Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) often see significant price movements when demand spikes, offering the potential for sharp gains in a short timeframe. Analysts Are Watching the Drone Boom The adoption of mmWave technology is becoming a cornerstone of the next generation of drone communication systems. With industries increasingly turning to autonomous solutions, companies like Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) are set to ride the wave of this transformation. As Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) continues to innovate and expand its influence in the drone tech sector, all eyes are on Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) as a potential breakout stock. With its affordable price point , compelling technology, and bullish market indicators, this is one ticker investors won't want to miss tuned for updates as the drone mystery unfolds and Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO makes its mark in the world of advanced mmWave technology stocks in the drone sector, including Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO), Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), Unusual Machines Inc. (NYSE: UMAC), Mobilicom Limited (NASDAQ: MOB), and Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) , have demonstrated notable momentum and deserve a spot on every investor's radar. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors with a safe harbor with regard to forward-looking statements. 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KUALA LUMPUR: When Syrian refugee Somar Hukaima learnt about the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month , he had mixed feelings. While Somar was pleased that the country’s former president had been ousted by rebel forces , he could not shake off worries about who might succeed a leader accused of tyrannical rule for more than two decades. “In my mind, I am worried about who would rule Syria. Would it be better or worse? I am worried about the future of my country. It is still in a complete mess now,” he told CNA in an interview. The 34-year-old musician from the city of Suwayda in the south of Syria has been living in Malaysia since 2017. Somar is one of 2,680 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Malaysia as of November this year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The fall of Assad's regime in Syria has sparked mixed emotions among the millions of Syrian refugees scattered across the globe. For those residing in Malaysia, the news has similarly brought both hope and uncertainty. While many rejoiced at the end of the oppressive regime, concerns about the future of their homeland persist. NOT TIME TO GO HOME YET Syrian rebels seized control of the capital Damascus on Dec 8, forcing Assad to flee to Russia after more than 13 years of civil war, which claimed over 580,000 lives and displaced 12 million others and led to the rise of the Islamic State terror group. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), known for its roots in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch, had led the offensive that resulted in Assad’s downfall. The United Nations (UN) Security Council as well as many countries have designated the HTS as a terrorist group although its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - who is also now considered the de facto leader of Syria - has been saying that their jihadi past is behind them. Meanwhile, the United States’ top diplomat for the Middle East Barbara Leaf was reported to have said on Dec 20 that it was scrapping a US$10 million bounty for Ahmed’s arrest, and welcomed "positive messages" from their talks - including a promise to fight terrorism. Somar, the refugee living in Malaysia, however, does not believe that the time is right for him to return to his homeland yet, pointing to concerns about the group’s leanings. “I am scared that Syria might move from the hands of a dictatorship to one that is jihadist, which might be worse ... It’s the calm before the big storm,” said Somar, who is an artist, and fled Syria due to the ongoing civil war then. While most Syrian refugees - which number in their millions all around the world - are concentrated across Europe and Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia plays host to a small number of them. Malaysia has almost 200,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, with the majority from Myanmar. Syrians make up just about 1.4 per cent of them. But in the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia has the highest number of Syrian refugees. In 2015, the then prime minister Najib Razak told the UN General Assembly in New York that Malaysia would welcome 3,000 Syrian refugees into the country over a period of three years. When someone crosses an international border seeking safety, they often need to apply to be legally recognised as a refugee, which in Malaysia’s case is indicated by the possession of a UNHCR card. Those who want to seek asylum in the country typically arrive on social visit passes though there are some who enter Malaysia illegally. Asylum-seekers are those who intend to request for international protection, or are awaiting a decision on this request. Not every asylum-seeker will ultimately be recognised as a refugee. According to Refugee Malaysia - an information website for refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia - those who want to register with UNHCR Malaysia will need to submit a new registration form on its website. They will then be contacted by UNHCR Malaysia with an appointment date at the UNHCR Reception Centre where they will be interviewed by staff members. Information on the Refugee Malaysia site is officially provided by UNHCR Malaysia as a service to refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its related 1967 protocol, meaning refugees cannot work legally and are considered undocumented or illegal migrants under the Immigration Act. Many of them however work in the informal sectors. The Malaysian government does however issue temporary work permits - also known as IMM13 - to Syrian refugees, allowing them to work. Meanwhile, another Syrian refugee who only wanted to be known as Ammar also expressed his joy at Assad's ouster. “He killed countless numbers of people, forcing many to flee the country including me,” the 29-year-old told CNA, as he showed this reporter photos and videos of Syrians in Kuala Lumpur celebrating at its embassy the fall of Assad’s regime. Also observed in the media shared were people stepping on images of Assad that were laid on the ground. A check at the embassy in mid-December saw a much quieter and calmer situation, although there was a mobile police station outside. According to the Human Rights’ Watch, the Syrian government under Assad committed countless atrocities and other abuses, including systematic arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, use of chemical weapons, as well as indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians. The UN has said in the past that government officials - including Assad - had authorised war crimes and human rights abuses. In November 2023, the International Court of Justice ordered the Syrian government to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Ammar said he had left Syria in 2012 to avoid mandatory military conscription and is still afraid that he might be punished for his decision not to enlist with the army. In Syria, military service is mandatory for a period of between 18 and 21 months. But conscripts were forced to serve for much longer as a result of the civil war in the country. Arriving alone in Malaysia back in 2012 as a teenager, Ammar said he had to survive on just one meal a day as he hardly knew anyone. He eventually found his way around, and even worked at a restaurant on the resort island of Langkawi for a few years before the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to go back to Kuala Lumpur. “You can see the people are happy now. For far too long, (Syrians) have been crying. Of course it isn’t 100 per cent now, only about 30 per cent. I want to return one day, but not yet,' said Ammar. “IT’S NOT GOING TO BE ANY WORSE” Similarly Adnan Hadad, 29, who hails from Damascus but now resides in Penang, told CNA that he fled Syria in 2017 as it was time for him to serve the army, something that his brother was forced to do. Adnan recounted that his brother had tried to evade military service but was put in prison and later placed on the frontlines. Bribes had to be paid to the army later on so that his brother could avoid fighting, Adnan claimed, further adding that his taxi driver grandfather was also shot dead in a separate incident for unknowingly entering a road used by Assad’s army. “I was really happy the day the regime fell, and I couldn’t sleep all night just watching the news. The mob had been running the country for 53 years, and we are extremely happy to get rid of them,” he said, referring to Assad and his family. Hafez al-Assad - who is Assad’s father - had seized power in 1971 via a military coup, and was the president of the country until his death in 2000. Assad then took over his father’s place. Adnan said that during his seven years in Malaysia thus far, he had time to reflect on everything that happened, and now wants to study psychology so that he can help rebuild his country in the future. “Whatever that is going to happen, it’s not going to be any worse than it has been, after their brutal ways of ruling the people,” he said, adding that while he believed that the new rulers might not be ideal, the public would not allow the country’s painful past to repeat itself. Adnan - who is working as a perfumer in Penang - said that he is planning to visit Syria in March when his work commitments are lighter. “I would like to spend a few months back home at least. I don’t care about politics, as long as I have the freedom to express what I want and say what I think without the fear of being arrested. “In Syria, we have a saying that the walls have ears and people have been brainwashed not to speak against the government. Even now, people are afraid to speak up,” he said. Somar, meanwhile, said that his family are just simple people who want a peaceful life and hope for a leader who is able to rule just and fairly. He experienced war for about six years, and recalled times when he could not step out of the house because of bombs and fighting that happened everywhere. “Hopefully the people of Syria will finally come to a time where they'll use love language instead of weapons,” he said. “I would like to go home, if it’s safe and I can get a good life. All I seek is hope, the most important driver for any human being.” REPATRIATION "WILL TAKE TIME" According to Refugee Malaysia’s website, refugees can leave the country through voluntary repatriation, although they would have to inform UNHCR first. The UNHCR would then arrange for a counselling session to make sure the refugees have made an informed decision to return to their homeland. In a position paper published this month after Assad’s fall, UNHCR said that in view of the many challenges facing Syria’s population, it was not promoting large-scale voluntary repatriation back to Syria. Separately, Rema Jamous Imseis - who is UNHCR director for the Middle East and North Africa - said on Dec 17 that the regime change in Syria does not mean the humanitarian crisis there has ended. “Syrians inside and outside the country still need protection and support.” She added: “It is important to maintain protection for those who have already found refuge in host countries and that they are not forced to return to Syria. Any refugee returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified.” M. Ramachelvam, chairman of the Malaysian Bar Council Committee on Migrants and Refugees, said that the situation in Syria is still fluid and that the refugees in the country should not be forced to go back home just yet, echoing UNHCR. “What we have is a situation where the old regime is gone but as far as the new government is concerned, there is no clarity yet. It remains to be seen if the country will descend into civil chaos again,” he told CNA. Ramachelvam added that while there would be those who would want to go back to their homeland, the Malaysian government could not forcefully repatriate those who still wanted to remain in Malaysia. “We cannot forcefully repatriate the rest until there is more clarity. That will take time. Even repatriation must be done in an orderly fashion with the agreement of the countries and the individuals concerned. You need to get their informed consent,” he said. CNA has reached out to the Syrian embassy in Kuala Lumpur for its comments on what it is doing to help its citizens who want to return home. Meanwhile, Ammar - who has been away from Syria for 12 years - said that while Malaysia has been good to him and was where he met his first love and where he learnt to drive among other milestones, he still pines for home. “I want to go back. My sister was a baby when I left. Now she is studying and can even tell me when an M16 (rifle) or any other weapon is being fired just by listening to the sounds of gunfire. “I need to go back to know my country and see my family. I can’t be at peace until then,” he said.
EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ:EDRY) Short Interest Up 928.6% in December
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Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week
Today's fortune: Dec. 30, 2024 Published: 30 Dec. 2024, 07:00 Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 (Nov. 30 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: west 1936: Familiarity brings comfort. 1948: Treasure traditions and the old ways. 1960: Like good wine, people and experiences age well. 1972: The old is often better than the new. 1984: Sync your actions with your superiors. 1996: Work might teach you valuable lessons. Ox Wealth: average Health: average Love: understanding Lucky direction: east 1937: Experience might turn into wisdom. 1949: The morning may be more productive than the afternoon. 1961: Focus on planning rather than execution. 1973: Speak less and listen more. 1985: A chance to start something new may arise. 1997: Keep going — don’t give up. Tiger Wealth: excellent Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: east 1938: Family bonds run deep. 1950: More is often better. 1962: Opportunities may arise where they are most needed. 1974: Harmony is the key to success. 1986: Teamwork will be more effective than solo efforts. 1998: Conversations may lead to mutual understanding. Rabbit Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: north 1939: Keep things simple. 1951: Let go of attachments and obsessions. 1963: Avoid phrases like “Back in my day...” 1975: Don’t wield authority irresponsibly. 1987: Learn from other people's strengths. 1999: Laziness leads directly to failure. Dragon Wealth: average Health: average Love: forgiving Lucky direction: west 1940: Instincts may guide you well. 1952: Strive to understand the younger generation. 1964: Accept suggestions and make them your own. 1976: Pinpoint the key focus areas in your work. 1988: Grasp the core of what others are saying. 2000: Think from the other person’s perspective. Snake Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: fleeting Lucky direction: north 1941: Don’t dwell on past mistakes. 1953: Avoid being stuck in old ways. 1965: Maintain your current progress. 1977: Control your schedule instead of letting time control you. 1989: Nothing comes for free — be prepared to give. 2001: Expect little and you won’t be disappointed. Horse Wealth: fair Health: good Love: happy Lucky direction: south 1942: Aging is about becoming complete, not growing old. 1954: Joy and fulfillment might fill your day. 1966: Luck might favor you. 1978: Every day is the best day. 1990: Happiness might permeate your life. 2002: Cherish the small but sure sources of joy. Sheep Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: west 1943: Age doesn’t define you. 1955: Pursue the things you’ve always wanted to do. 1967: Gains may outweigh losses. 1979: Choose gifts that are genuinely useful for the recipient. 1991: You may receive a gift or experience something meaningful. 2003: Embrace a spirit of adventure and boldness. Monkey Wealth: fair Health: good Love: social Lucky direction: east 1944: Connect with relatives or exchange greetings. 1956: You may give or receive gifts. 1968: A productive or meaningful day with acquaintances. 1980: Use past experiences to shape your future. 1992: Gatherings or meetings may arise. 2004: Look forward to enjoyable interactions. Rooster Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: east 1945: People are your assets. 1957: Everything you see might seem appealing today. 1969: Your hard work may start bearing fruit. 1981: Expect valuable insights or uplifting moments. 1993: Opportunities may spark enthusiasm and hope. 2005: A profitable idea or venture might arise. Dog Wealth: average Health: average Love: passionate Lucky direction: south 1946: Avoid meddling and trust others to handle their tasks. 1958: Handle your responsibilities personally. 1970: Confidence is good, but avoid overcommitting. 1982: Passion is a gift. 1994: Approach challenges with sharp focus and determination. 2006: Youth is a privilege. Pig Wealth: average Health: average Love: romantic Lucky direction: west 1935: A day full of kindness and connection. 1947: Giving and receiving affection defines the day. 1959: Compliments and kind words can work wonders. 1971: Prioritize your family above all else. 1983: People or things might capture your heart today. 1995: A perfect day for romance or new love. 2007: Cupid’s arrow may strike.
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Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (NYSEARCA:BTCO) Shares Gap Down – Time to Sell?SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy took part in some light throwing on Monday after missing his first career game because of an injury and the 49ers are hoping he can return this week. during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. Purdy underwent two MRIs last week that showed no structural damage. But Purdy he felt discomfort after making a few throws at practice on Thursday and was shut down for the game at Green Bay on Sunday that . Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy made it through the session without pain and will rest on Tuesday and hopefully be able to return to practice on Wednesday as the Niners prepare to play at Buffalo this coming week. “We rested it throughout the weekend hoping that would help,” Shanahan said. “He threw lighter today to see if that rest helps and the rest did help him. So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week. Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.” went 17 for 29 for 199 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in his first start since the 2021 season. Allen would play once again if Purdy is unable to go on Sunday at Buffalo. Purdy wasn’t the only star player missing for the 49ers on Sunday with defensive end Nick Bosa missing the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique and left tackle Trent Williams out with an ankle injury. “Just waiting to see how they respond,” Shanahan said. “They didn’t respond great last week. That’s why they weren’t able to go. Nick and Trent are both in the same boat. ... We’ll evaluate as this week progresses and hopefully it turns a better corner than it did last week.” In other injury news, linebacker Dre Greenlaw will return to practice this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl last season. Greenlaw will likely need at least a couple of weeks of practice before being able to return to play. Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano will be shut down for the rest of the season after his knee injury didn’t fully heal. Feliciano’s three-week practice window ended Monday and the Niners decided to keep him on injured reserve instead of activating him. Left guard Aaron Banks, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and receiver Jacob Cowing all remain in concussion protocol to start this week and their status is unknown. Right guard Dominick Puni (shoulder) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee) underwent MRIs on Monday and the team is waiting for results. Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) are day to day. Defensive tackle Kevin Givens is expected to return to practice this week after missing the past four games with a groin injury. ___ AP NFL:Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.
Videomapping show in Pueblosol
The Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie had a busy and successful 2024 with many projects being completed in the area. Acting Reeve Roy Tufford outlines some of the accomplishments. “Looking back on 2024 the RM had a busy year and completed quite a few projects in addition to our regular road maintenance and drainage program,” Tufford said. Tufford notes one of the most significant projects was the completion of the new water reservoir and pumping station just east of Roquette. This multi-million dollar project was jointly funded by the province (through the Water Services Board), the RM, the city, and the Yellowhead water co-op. The new reservoir provides extra storage and backup as well as capacity to service more industrial development in our industrial park. Fans of the Portage Terriers can look forward to a night of excitement as the team hosts a skills competition sponsored by Simplot on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. The event, held at Stride Place, will feature players competing in events such as hardest shot and fastest skater. After the competition, fans can meet the players during an autograph session and join them on the ice for a free skate. Tickets are $2 at the door, but admission is free for season ticket holders and kids club members. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the team and enjoy an evening of fun on and off the ice. As the holiday season approached, the Salvation Army was once again at the heart of the community, ensuring families in need receive much-needed support through their annual Christmas hamper program. Major Brenda Hammond oversees the operation, which has been a lifeline for many struggling families in Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas. This year, the Salvation Army distributed hundreds of hampers, providing not just food, but also toys and stockings for children. “Toys and hampers are prepared in advance, carefully packed, and delivered on carts to families’ vehicles. We use green garbage bags to ensure the children can’t see what’s inside — that’s important you know,” said Hammond, about maintaining a sense of Christmas magic for the kids. Over 370 families signed up for holiday hampers this year. The Lions Den, long a cornerstone of community activity, was torn down on Dec. 17, marking the end of an era for the Portage la Prairie Lions Club. The beloved building, once a hub for events, meetings, and fundraisers, was returned to the City of Portage la Prairie by the Lions Club due to the club’s struggle with an aging membership and a lack of younger volunteers. According to Arishya Aggarwal, Chief of External Affairs for the Portage Lions Club, the decision to give up the Lions Den was a difficult one. With fewer members and the inability to secure new volunteers, the club faced the daunting prospect of disbanding. Despite losing the physical space, Aggarwal emphasized that the spirit of the Lions is far from gone. “We’ve faced challenges, but we’re not giving up. With a dedicated team of just 10 members, we’ve revitalized the club and successfully completed three community projects this year,” said Aggarwal. “The Lions Den may be gone, but we’ve not lost our Lions.” However, the club’s ability to reclaim the building from the city remains uncertain. The city now owns the Lions Den, and Aggarwal shared that the decision to demolish it was made by city officials.Letters: Potash tax threat exposes meagre return for Sask. resource