Last year, it seemed like all anyone could talk about was how big tech was going to change the world with artificial intelligence (AI). Among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks -- Nvidia , Microsoft , Apple , Alphabet , Meta Platforms , Amazon , and Tesla -- it quickly became clear that AI would be the next megatrend, and these companies have been among its biggest influences. However, smaller players have emerged and given big tech a run for its money. Data-analytics specialist Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 3.92% ) might just be the newcomer that will actually hold its own over the long run as it competes with larger companies. As of this writing, Palantir is the top-performing stock in the S&P 500 for 2024. Much of these gains stem from investor enthusiasm around Palantir's newest software suite -- the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). However, despite AIP's rapid adoption over the last year, many investors focus on its use cases in the private sector. But below, I'll explore a lesser-known opportunity that Palantir is quietly dominating, one that will likely be the company's biggest catalyst in 2025. Military AI is an enormous opportunity For the last two years, investors have been told ad nauseum how AI will lead to higher productivity levels in the workplace and be the impetus for game-changing technologies, such as humanoid robotics or self-driving cars. But one area that consistently gets overlooked is how AI is playing a role in the defense sector -- specifically, in military operations. Analysis from Mordor Intelligence suggests AI applications in the military include data analytics and robotics automation, which combine for a total addressable market size of over $60 billion. Below, I'll detail some of Palantir's major wins so far in this space. Palantir is dominating this niche What I find encouraging about Palantir's public sector operation is that the company works with both government agencies and partners with other technology companies looking to get involved with defense operations. Earlier this year, Palantir and Microsoft joined forces for a campaign that integrates AIP into Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure, specifically in secured environments across the Department of Defense (DOD). More recently, Palantir forged another alliance with a major cloud provider, Amazon Web Services (AWS). The partnership represents another use case for Amazon's large language model (LLM) Claude and how it can now integrate with AIP across defense agencies . Lastly, Palantir recently partnered with Meta . Similar to the deals with Microsoft and Amazon, Meta will be leveraging Palantir's capabilities across its LLM (called Llama) as the company looks to make a splash across the public sector in its own right. A bevy of new opportunities Outside of partnering with big tech, Palantir has also secured a number of lucrative federal contracts over the last few months. Some notable examples include a multiyear deal worth up to $100 million as part of Palantir's Maven contract , as well as a deal worth nearly $1 billion with the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC). On top of the deals won directly from the government, Palantir has also struck partnerships with interesting players outside of big tech. For example, the company just announced an alliance with Anduril -- a start-up that develops autonomous systems, such as underwater drones. In addition, the company also partnered with government consulting leader Booz Allen Hamilton . The bottom line While Palantir has long enjoyed a foothold in the public sector (and specifically with U.S. government agencies), the many deals and partnerships it has signed recently highlight the company's continued momentum. They also signal that the government is increasing its investment in AI with Palantir being a consistent beneficiary of such work. The company's U.S. government business could show significant acceleration trends next year as its various partnerships and contracts bear fruit.
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Egypt and China issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the fourth round of their strategic dialogue. The round was held in Beijing on Friday 13/12/2024, headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two sides exchanged views in a profound and comprehensive manner on Chinese-Egyptian ties and a host of regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also reviewed the development achievements made by the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties between them, most particularly since the elevation of their relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership 10 years ago. The two sides stressed in their joint statement the dire need to implement the important consensuses reached by the presidents of the two countries during their talks in May 2024. They called for strengthening bilateral relations to realize an ultimate goal of establishing the Chinese-Egyptian community for a not-too-distant future towards the new era, by seizing the opportunity of the 2024 Egypt-China year of partnership as a new starting point. The two sides lauded the organization of many joint diplomatic, economic, trade, investment, cultural and tourism activities during the current year, with the aim of fostering bilateral cooperation in all domains. They affirmed the continuation of exchanging support on issues related to the broad interests of each of them. The Chinese side pledged to continue support for Egypt’s legitimate right to preserve its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and reject external interference in its domestic affairs, under any pretext. It also expressed support for Egypt’s legitimate right to maintain its security and stability in the face of real challenges besetting the country and protect its water and food security and development interests. For its part, the Egyptian side asserted its continued commitment to the one-China principle and reaffirmed that it considers Taiwan as an integral part of China. Also, it confirmed its support to the Chinese side’s stances on issues related to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the complete reunification of China, and expressed rejection of external interference in China’s internal affairs. According to the statement, the two sides will continue to activate the cooperation mechanisms in the fields of diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, productive use of energy, and others with the view to speeding up the implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Egypt’s Vision 2030. The Egyptian side also expressed its appreciation for the Chinese side’s keenness on continuing to contribute to the economic development and national construction of Egypt, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, science and technology, aviation and space. The two sides agreed on boosting coordination and cooperation to implement the outcomes of the first BRICS summit after expanding its membership, preserve the common interests of developing countries and enhance solidarity and cooperation of the “Global South”. The two sides agreed that the just settlement of the Palestinian issue is the main pillar of restoring stability in the Middle East region. In this regard, the two sides called for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of the Palestinian state based on the border lines of June 4, 1967, with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital. They stressed the necessity of reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from it, calling for ensuring the safe, immediate and sustained access of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Strip. The two sides condemned acts of violence and the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, which constitute blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. They agreed on supporting the return of the Palestinian National Authority in the Gaza Strip, which will enable it to undertake the responsibility for any future arrangements in the enclave after the war ends within the framework of inter-Palestinian consensus. They reiterated that implementing the “two-state solution” is the only way to settle the Palestinian issue, expressing their categorical rejection of attempts to displace Palestinians from their land and stressed their firm support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including obtaining full membership in the United Nations as soon as possible. The two sides pledged to enhance communication and coordination on this score. The Chinese side also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s mediation efforts between the two parties since the outbreak of the crisis, and its humanitarian efforts, highlighting Egypt’s holding of the Cairo Ministerial Conference to enhance humanitarian response to Gaza on December 2, 2024. The Egyptian side expressed appreciation for China’s genuine efforts to push the Palestinian political factions to engage in a Beijing-hosted dialogue on national reconciliation and sign the Beijing Declaration on ending the division and strengthening the Palestinian national unity. The two sides said they are closely following the developments in Syria, asserting their support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and the importance of preserving the capabilities of the state and its national institutions. They also underlined the need for coordination to provide a helping hand to the Syrian people to put an end to their suffering and achieve stability in the country. The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, stressing the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution No. 1701 (2006) with all its elements and without selectivity. The two sides also stressed the key importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, not interfering in its internal affairs, and supporting the national institutions of the Lebanese state, in a way that contributes to exercising its sovereignty over its entire national territory.
The Whanganui motor sport community is paying tribute to Eugene Robbemond who, according to media reports, has been killed during a robbery in South Africa . Local media outlet The Daily Voice reported a man was trying to stop a robbery in Monte Vista and shot dead. Police spokesman Malcolm Pojie confirmed to The Daily Voice the man was 49-years-old and died around 1.30pm on Friday on Mostert Street in Monte Vista. "We have reason to believe that it was a bank-following-robbery as the motive, even though the suspects fled the scene without any loot," the outlet reported Pojie as saying. "The vehicles of the suspects were traced and recovered in a parking lot in Parow." The Daily Voice reported the dead man's parents were the intended victims of the robbery - having returned from shopping mall N1 City with a large amount of money and followed by the offenders. A local resident told the media outlet the offenders shot the man after he threw a large sledgehammer at their vehicle. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular officials were "providing advice to the family of a New Zealander who died in South Africa". "For privacy reasons, no further information will be provided." Reon Greaves, who ran the Whanganui Superstock Team Racing's Facebook page, said he had known Robbemond for 16 years. "Eugene was a truly one-of-a-kind person who could brighten even the toughest days with his smile and laughter. "He was the heart of our team, always refusing to give up and fighting to the end, both on and off the racing track. I feel honoured to have had him by my side in countless battles, and I'll always cherish the memories of our time together." An announcement on the group's Facebook page acknowledged Robbemond's family. "Eugene was a beloved dad to Landon but also a very special friend, buddy, teammate and partner whose kindness, generosity, and laughter touched the lives of all who knew him." Greaves said the South African - who's race number was 33 - would not be forgotten. "I'll deeply miss my brother Eugene's warm welcomes, our long conversations, and our problem-solving sessions together. Rest easy, buddy." He said he would personally see that a memorial trophy was created so his mate's legacy would live on into the future. Sam Dixon also posted on the page. "Eugene Robbemond gone to soon buddy I will miss our long calls, our small arguments about who gets to smash who on the track. All the jokes that sometimes none of us really understood because of your wicked sense of humour "At least you can be reunited with our mate Darren Stephens and I'm sure the both of you will be up to no good upstairs at the big race track in the sky I hope they have enough beer and Camrys for you. Until we meet again, buddy. RIP 33." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.MOF focusing on progressive taxation, sustainable budgeting to prioritise critical sectorsMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.Satellite images appeared to show Russian forces packing up and dismantling military equipment at one of their key bases in Syria on Friday, suggesting that it may be preparing for a military withdrawal after former president and Russian ally Bashar Al-Assad was overthrown by Syrian rebels last week. It remains to be seen what the final arrangement may be between Russia and Syria's new government, but the movements reflect the profound shift in the country's post-Assad power dynamics, as Moscow grapples with losing a key ally and the potential erosion of its influence in the Middle East . Maxar Technologies, a U.S. defense contractor, released imagery on Friday showing transport movements at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, both located south of Latakia on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. At Hmeimim, two An-124 heavy transport aircraft were observed on the airfield with their nose cones raised, ready to load equipment. Nearby, a Ka-52 attack helicopter was seen being dismantled, likely in preparation for transport. Other forces, including Russian military convoys, appear to be heading toward the airbase. Footage verified by NBC News captured a Russian convoy traveling north toward Homs along the highway connecting Damascus in the south to Aleppo in the north. “May God never return you,” the person filming the video says, noting it was the second such convoy he had seen. Another video shows Russian military vehicles driving in Jableh, near Hmeimim airbase. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitoring group, also reported that Russian forces were withdrawing from the Hassia area south of Homs, with plans to regroup later at Hmeimim. Similar movements of Russian forces on the move have been observed across the country. Another verified video showed Russian military vehicles driving through what appears to be Syria as by s tanders waved their shoes at the cars. A separate video , posted by the prominent Russian military-themed Telegram channel "Military Informer," purportedly showed a Russian military column crossing through Kurdish-controlled territories in Syria. The fall of Assad has dealt a significant blow to Russia, which is already engaged in a protracted land war in Ukraine . Russia’s military presence in Syria has been central to its strategy in the Middle East, with Hmeimim and Tartus serving as critical hubs for projecting power across the region and safeguarding Moscow’s influence in the Mediterranean. When Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War in 2015, its support shifted the balance decisively in Assad’s favor, but Moscow has not prevented his downfall this time, and any significant withdrawal from the country would mark a major blow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov played down the damage last week, saying that while Russia had expended significant effort in stabilizing Syria in the past, its current priority lies with the conflict in Ukraine. He said that Moscow is now in discussions with the new Syrian leadership to address issues related to its military presence and the security of Russian citizens and diplomats in the country. “You know, of course, that we are in contact with those who are currently in control of the situation in Syria,” Peskov told reporters, as translated by Reuters. In a notable shift, Russian state media has begun referring to the Syrian rebels as “rebels” rather than “terrorists,” signaling Moscow’s intention to engage diplomatically with the new authorities in Syria as it seeks to maintain its strategic military foothold on the Mediterranean. However, there is no indication that a specific agreement has been reached to secure Russia’s continued presence. Meanwhile, Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations sent two identical letters to the U.N. and the U.N. Security Council on Saturday, containing an official complaint after Israeli forces moved into Syrian territory last week, while launching a massive wave of airstrikes into the country. “Syria renews its demand that the United Nations and the Security Council assume their responsibilities and take firm and immediate measures to compel Israel to immediately cease its ongoing attacks on Syrian territory, ensure that they are not repeated, withdraw immediately from the areas into which it has penetrated over the past days,” the letter said. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said last week that he had ordered the military to establish a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria as Israeli forces seize control of the demilitarized, U.N.-patrolled buffer zone, established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israel says its airstrikes and actions on the ground are aimed at preventing Assad’s arsenal of rockets and chemical weapons from falling into the hands of extremists who could threaten its borders or people. But its advance has raised alarm when the international community is already nervous about further instability as Syria navigates its transition away from 53 years of Assad rule.
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