RapidTranslate.org Centralizes Language Resources and Expands Certified Translation Services GloballyAP News Summary at 2:33 p.m. ESTThe Deep Blue Sea Project and the Nigerian Navy’s efforts represent one of the most ambitious national initiatives aimed at combating piracy and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. Since its establishment in 1956, the Nigerian Navy has evolved significantly. Initially a small force under British colonial rule, it became a national institution after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, tasked with safeguarding its coastal waters and maritime borders. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Navy expanded its fleet, improved training, and developed naval bases to address emerging security challenges, particularly offshore oil exploration. By the 1990s, the Navy modernized its fleet and extended its operations to tackle piracy and ensure oil security, particularly in the Niger Delta. In recent years, the Deep Blue Sea Project (2019) has further modernized the Navy, integrating advanced technology like satellites, drones, and surveillance systems, alongside specialized task forces dedicated to combatting piracy and maritime crimes. The Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in combating maritime crime and piracy, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. Its proactive approach, involving enhanced patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing, has effectively intercepted pirate attacks, reduced hijackings, and rescued kidnapped crew members. Operations like Dakatar Da Barawo have been instrumental in curbing piracy in high-risk areas. Specialized units, such as the Special Boat Service (SBS), have improved the Navy’s effectiveness in securing oil and gas installations and major shipping lanes. The Navy’s collaboration with regional and international organisations like ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and the IMO has improved intelligence-sharing and joint operations against piracy. The Deep Blue Sea Project has equipped the Navy with advanced technologies, such as satellite surveillance, drones, and vessel tracking systems, enhancing its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and security capability. The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in arrests and prosecutions of maritime criminals, with a record number of arrests in 2020. These efforts have led to a measurable reduction in piracy incidents, though challenges remain. Investment in specialised training for personnel has ensured that the Navy is well-prepared to respond to modern maritime threats. The leadership of the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, supported by advanced technology and strategic partnerships, has significantly reduced piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, setting a model for other nations facing similar challenges. The Deep Blue Sea Project has made Nigeria’s maritime security strategy a benchmark in the fight against maritime insecurity. The project’s integrated system combines air, sea, and land assets, offering a level of versatility not seen in traditional naval approaches. This integration allows Nigeria to respond swiftly and effectively to various maritime threats, ranging from piracy to illegal fishing and smuggling. By utilising cutting-edge technologies, including satellites, drones, and vessel tracking systems, the project provides a level of MDA that many navies, particularly those of smaller or less-resourced nations, cannot match. Unlike many other navies, which rely on limited assets, Nigeria integrates both sea-based responses with naval ships and air-based monitoring. Its ability to track vessels using real-time satellite data and drones places it ahead in effective detection and deterrence of maritime crime. The Nigerian Navy’s incorporation of high-tech surveillance equipment, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surveillance aircraft, and advanced tracking systems, provides it with a superior edge in combating piracy. These technologies are unparalleled in the Gulf of Guinea, where traditional naval patrols can be slow and resource-intensive. While other navies in the region may struggle with outdated equipment or lack the resources to maintain such advanced systems, the Deep Blue Sea Project ensures Nigeria’s security forces are equipped with some of the best surveillance tools available. These assets are crucial in responding to dynamic piracy tactics, such as fast-moving, smaller vessels attempting to evade traditional security measures. The Nigerian Navy has also taken a unique approach by establishing specialised task forces dedicated to counter-piracy and maritime law enforcement. These task forces, trained in advanced anti-piracy and crisis management operations, enable Nigeria to deploy specialised forces quickly in high-risk areas like the Niger Delta. Unlike other navies that may lack such specialised anti-piracy units, the Nigerian Navy focuses directly on safeguarding oil platforms, securing shipping routes, and conducting real-time counter-piracy operations. This targeted strategy has been a key factor in the Navy’s operational success, especially in the piracy-prone waters of the Gulf of Guinea. A core element of the Deep Blue Sea Project is its focus on building the capacity of Nigerian naval personnel. Through extensive training in modern maritime security techniques, including counter-piracy tactics, intelligence gathering, and emergency response, the Nigerian Navy has not only become technologically advanced but also operationally skilled. In contrast to other global navies that focus on general-purpose training, Nigeria’s counter-piracy training is tailored to address the unique challenges of its waters, ensuring personnel can respond to complex maritime threats with greater efficiency and precision. The Nigerian Navy has played a leading role in regional collaborations with organisations such as ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), and international partners like the IMO and the United States. This cooperation has allowed for greater intelligence sharing and joint operations, cementing Nigeria as a pivotal force in Gulf of Guinea security. Nigeria’s leadership in regional maritime security initiatives, such as the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Strategy, has fostered cooperation among the littoral states, which is essential to countering the transnational nature of piracy. The Nigerian Navy’s proactive measures, supported by advanced surveillance systems, have enabled it to prevent piracy attacks before they occur. This includes tracking pirate vessels prior to strikes, coordinating intelligence with regional partners, and implementing rapid response measures. Unlike some navies, which may respond reactively to piracy, Nigeria’s approach ensures swift and efficient interventions. This proactive stance, coupled with its advanced technology, has significantly improved security along one of the world’s most dangerous maritime areas. While Nigeria’s efforts under the Deep Blue Sea Project have yielded impressive results, challenges persist. Resource constraints, sophisticated piracy operations, and corruption within certain maritime institutions remain obstacles. However, these challenges are being addressed through continuous international collaboration, further investment in technology, and enhanced training programs. Despite these challenges, the Deep Blue Sea Project has proven effective in reducing piracy incidents and enhancing maritime security. Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its naval forces and safeguarding its maritime domain is evident in the project’s success. The integration of advanced technologies, specialised task forces, and personnel training has made the project a model for other nations facing similar maritime security threats. The Deep Blue Sea Project, along with the Nigerian Navy’s comprehensive efforts, has positioned Nigeria as a global leader in combating piracy and maritime insecurity. With its cutting-edge technology, specialised forces, and robust regional collaborations, Nigeria’s maritime security strategy is among the most advanced in the world. Although challenges remain, the Deep Blue Sea Project stands as a testament to the power of a well-coordinated, technology-driven, and regionally focused naval strategy in the fight against maritime crime.
The NCAA doesn't actually call it National Signing Day anymore because it isn't just one day. College football's modern version of this annual rite of passage, conducted mostly by fax machine not long ago, is the early signing period. And it begins Wednesday. This is when most of the best high school football recruits in the country will make their college choice official. The dynamic, of course, changed in recent years with the huge emphasis placed on the transfer portal and the introduction of name, image and likeness benefits for players. But there's an excitement to the end of another recruiting cycle, with commitments and recruiting flips serving as another method to take stock of where programs stand as the and college football's offseason calendar collide. There's a slew of top prospects set to announce decisions on Wednesday, as well as potential movement by top prospects who . Here's what to know about the start of the early signing period in college football: There is not a singular National Signing Day in college football anymore. The three-day early signing period will run from Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 6, one day before the Power Four conferences hold their league championship games. It's more than two weeks earlier this year when compared to 2023. There had been widespread criticism from college coaches about how condensed the sport's calendar had become with the early signing period, the opening of the transfer portal, and bowl prep occurring simultaneously in December. Here's a look at the key college football recruiting dates for the 2024-2025 offseason: Wednesday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 6 Opens Monday, Dec. 9, closes Saturday, Dec. 28 Wednesday, Feb. 5 through Tuesday, April 1. Here's a look at some of the top 2025 uncommitted football prospects planning to announce their college plans during the early signing period, according to and . (Manchester, Georgia): Georgia, Alabama and Auburn are among top choices. (New Orleans): USC, Oregon, LSU and Ohio State are among top choices. (Manassas, Virginia): Michigan and Colorado are among top choices. (San Juan Capistrano, California): Considering USC, Notre Dame, Texas, Washington and Ohio State (Durham, North Carolina): Tennessee and North Carolina are among top choices (Cocoa, Florida): Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, Syracuse and Pitt among top choices (San Antonio): Texas, Oregon and Nebraska are among top choices. (Montgomery, Alabama): Georgia, Ohio State, and Auburn among top choices (Columbia, South Carolina): South Carolina and Clemson are among top choices (Doylestown, Pennsylvania): Alabama commit. Also considering Colorado. (Charlotte, North Carolina): Tennessee commit. Also considering Ohio State. (Jacksonville, Florida): Florida State commit. Also considering LSU and Florida. (Goodland, Kansas): Kansas State commit. Also considering Oregon. (Baxley, Georgia): Arkansas commit. Also considering Georgia and Florida State. Georgia Alabama Ohio State Texas Auburn Oregon Michigan LSU Texas A&M Tennessee Florida Notre Dame Miami Oklahoma MississippiTejada scores 18, Towson beats Bryant 70-65
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Disability ministers will ‘champion’ inclusion and accessibility, says TimmsSEOUL (BERNAMA) – Earnings forecasts for South Korea’s two largest chipmakers, Samsung Electronics Co and SK hynix Inc, for the fourth quarter have been revised down largely due to a downturn in industry demand, an industry survey showed yesterday, according to Yonhap News Agency . According to the latest survey conducted by Yonhap Infomax , the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency , which polled 20 Korean brokerage houses, Samsung Electronics’ operating profit for the October-December period is estimated at KRW8.58 trillion (USD5.92 billion). While the latest forecast is sharply higher than the KRW2.82 trillion recorded in the fourth quarter of last year, it represents a drop of over KRW1 trillion compared with the previous estimate of KRW9.77 trillion made in October and November. Market observers said the deepening slump in demand for traditional information technology products, including smartphones and PCs, has contributed to prolonged weak profitability in Samsung’s core memory business. SK hynix, with its strength in next-generation AI high-bandwidth memory (HBM), is expected to post its highest quarter-on-quarter results for the fourth quarter. According to the latest Yonhap Infomax forecasts, SK hynix’s estimated operating profit for the cited period is KRW7.77 trillion, a 10.59-per cent increase compared with the previous quarter. However, the estimate is a 4.16-per cent drop compared with the KRW8.11-trillion consensus estimated in October and November. The observers said SK hynix has been defending its profitability with its high-value HBM products but has failed to avoid the impact of falling prices of general purpose memory.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 6:23 p.m. ESTThe chaos of airport travel during the holidays is unmatched. The TSA is reporting that between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2 and auto club says roughly 119 million people will travel 50 or more miles from home during about the same period. The sheer volume of people, cars and more is just one of many reasons why there are people who, no matter how many gifts someone's bringing or how much a visiting nephew is adored, they’d prefer to avoid the pickup lot — or, let’s be real, the grab-and-dash-while-illegally-idling move — at any cost. Others, however, couldn’t fathom not grabbing someone they cared about at arrivals, nor would they want to call a cab to take them to their destination postflight. For every airport-phobic individual, there’s another who relishes in the romanticism of an airport pickup. There are two sides to this debate — and honestly, it won’t be settled any time soon. Weighing whether to brave the airport traffic or leave your loved one standing out in the cold for a taxi? We looked at both sides to help you make up your mind. As an Angeleno, I try to avoid heading to Los Angeles International Airport as much as possible — which means, yes, I loathe airport pickups. Between the hour-plus drive from my house (which doesn’t even factor in ) to the stress of meeting in the correct pickup zone, fetching someone at the airport is a slog. People on TikTok, who capture and mock these too-familiar scenes, are well aware that picking up people at the airport can be hell, too, no matter where your guest is flying into. There’s the The friend who . The agonizing as you wait for your just-arrived guest to get off the plane. (Because, again, that traffic guard will NOT let you idle.) Don’t get me wrong here: I know it’s occasionally necessary — like, say, for guests who are new to their visiting city, need help with luggage/pets/babies/etc. or are heading to a place inconvenient or impossible for a taxi or an Uber to take them to. But if someone can easily call an Uber, I’d much rather cover the cost than get behind the wheel. I’m not alone in how I feel. Redditor posted their in the subreddit UnpopularOpinions, writing that people who expect to be picked up from the airport have an “insane” sense of entitlement. “Most airports are at LEAST 30-45 min (many 60 min) each way without traffic or weather delays,” they wrote. “Expecting someone you love to waste potentially 2 hours round trip (maybe more with traffic) shows you don’t value their time.” Plus, as they put it, there are various options for people of all budgets, including bus, train, airport shuttle, taxi, ride-share apps and more. “And even if you think you’re exempt because you politely ask, you’re putting that person in an awkward position and they’ll probably reluctantly say yes,” they wrote. “Just don’t ask.” Redditor , on the same thread, which has more than 1,000 comments, agreed. “I feel like it shows a lack of personable responsibility,” they said. “If you live in a metropolitan area there is little reason someone needs to be your transport to/from the airport.” And Nikki Waller at the boldly declared in 2023 that “no one should pick you up from the airport.” She pointed to many of the same reasons I do, from problematically congested airport traffic (a huge issue in American cities, especially around the holidays!) to never-quite-accurate airplane arrival times, which can leave you doing the “purgatorial wait” in the cellphone lot for far too long. “Yes, you deserve someone , as United Airlines posted online recently. But your someones deserve even more,” Waller wrote. “Seize your power and let them off the hook, this year and every year. Set a new expectation: a cold drink waiting for you when the cab drops you at home.” For everyone who complains about the airport trek, there’s another person swooning over how getting picked up at the airport is . There are dozens of videos on TikTok filed under “I will always pick the people I love up from the airport no matter how far away it is or how late they land and that pretty much sums me up as a person,” wrote TikToker , alongside footage of them doing exactly that. “Airport pickups are such a show of love,” wrote on X. “Doesn’t matter if it is romantic or platonic. Anyone who picks you up from the airport that you aren’t paying to do so, actually loves you.” Dawn Gilbertson declared in to her anti-airport co-worker Waller that if she’s free, she will “bring anyone to the airport” — including her former husband. “It saves us all money, too,” she added. “Hitching a ride with family or friends adds a personal touch the most charming Uber Black driver can’t replicate.” Washington Post advice columnist Amy Dickinson agreed with the sentiment, writing in a January 2023 piece, “After an arduous journey, seeing a familiar, loving face and then getting a big hug means your journey is over. Whew! Climbing into even the nicest hired car means you’re still traveling — sitting in the back of a car, alone, on one more leg of your journey.” “Nowadays it’s common to outsource everything,” Dickinson wrote. “Let’s not outsource love and compassion.” For others, the airport pickup can actually be a source of joy — not just for the person getting the free ride, but for the person doing the scooping. Musician Marti Purull wrote that “there is something special about taking the trouble to pick someone up.” “As a child, whenever my mum would drive to the airport to give a lift to a returning friend, I would love to join her,” he shared. “Back then, airports were palaces of possibility that I knew I would want to explore someday. However, there was something else: it felt incredible to be there for someone, to watch someone arrive and welcome them, listen to their fresh stories from whatever foreign lands they had visited.” Plus, as Kaitlyn Yarborough , it’s also polite to at least offer to grab your guest from the airport. You may be inconvenienced, but if someone is traveling to visit you, it’s also costing them “time and money,” she wrote. For that reason, “it’s disheartening not to receive an offer to be picked up from or dropped off at the airport.” I’ll be honest: It’s hard not to feel a little bit like a monster for dreading a drive all the way to the airport, and back. But if guests are already staying in your home, or you’re planning other activities with them while they are in your area, etiquette experts say it’s not to want to skip the airport trek. Instead, it’s all about the sentiment behind it. “No one talks about picking up someone at the airport with joy or anticipation,” , an etiquette expert, author and host of , tells Yahoo Life. “You think your loved one is the greatest person alive, but that admiration won't trick your brain into believing air travel pains do not exist.” Frieman says that if you’re asked by a guest to grab them at the airport (ideally, well in advance, so you can properly plan), it’s important to be transparent about the pain points. “Neither side wants to make it more annoying for the other person, on purpose, so lay out all the realistic expectations so both are on the same page,” he says. Making sure your guest knows where you’ll be located at the airport and when can help avoid at least some of the chaos. And there are alternatives, even if they do come with a heftier price tag. You don’t have to leave your guests standing on the curb in the cold, searching for their own taxi, for example: Author and etiquette coach tells Yahoo Life that one way to assist guests with their airport experience is to prearrange a private car, taxi or other service that will take them safely to their destination. While it will certainly cost more money than using your own car to grab your guest, it will save you gas — and potential peace of mind. In doing so, she says, “it is good to let the person know as to why you cannot make it yourself but would love to still care for them and arrange their smooth arrival.” If you want to go the extra mile (just not the ones to the airport) “sending a small gesture — a card or a warm welcome note with a ride — can make their arrival feel special even if you’re not present,” Musayeva explains. While the impetus is often put on the person hosting to decide whether or not they wish to pick the person up at the airport (or drop them off after their visit), , etiquette expert, lifestyle consultant and founder of EtiquetteExpert.Org, says that the guest should also practice good manners, and respect that the person hosting them for the holidays may have their own responsibilities to attend to. “If your host offers to pick you up, one can graciously accept,” she says. “But be quick to offer them an out, such as, ‘Are you sure? I’m more than happy to get an Uber.’” No matter where you stand on this airport issue, it’s not about whether or not you pick someone up, Musayeva says. Instead, it’s about the “symbolism of the act” — especially around the holidays, when “feelings of togetherness are heightened.” However, for others, “the practicality of avoiding the stress and hassle outweighs the gesture” — which is where I, personally, stand. “The tension often comes from mismatched expectations — one person sees it as a sign of closeness, while the other sees it as an unnecessary burden,” Musayeva says. At its core, the debate is less about the act itself and more about what it represents, she explains, which is “love, attention and effort balanced against practicality and personal limits.” The best way to manage all of this? Having an open, honest conversation with your loved ones about their expectations, your limits and concerns. That will make the holidays happier for everyone, whether you’re Ubering home or calling your cousin to chauffeur.Cheeky McDonald's Holiday Cup Graphic Resurfaces in Viral Tweet: 'What the Hell Is It Actually Supposed to Be?'
What Google’s quantum computing breakthrough Willow means for the future of bitcoin and other cryptosTOWSON, Md. (AP) — Tyler Tejada scored 18 points as Towson beat Bryant 70-65 on Sunday. Tejada had five rebounds for the Tigers (5-8). Dylan Williamson scored 13 points while shooting 6 for 13, including 1 for 5 from beyond the arc. Tomiwa Sulaiman went 4 of 10 from the field (0 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points. The Tigers stopped a six-game losing streak with the win. The Bulldogs (6-8) were led by Earl Timberlake, who posted 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Barry Evans added 18 points, six rebounds and two steals for Bryant. Keyshawn Mitchell also had eight points and seven rebounds. Tejada put up 12 points in the first half for Towson, who led 33-28 at the break. Towson used a 12-3 second-half run erase a six-point deficit and take the lead at 58-55 with 7:21 left in the half before finishing off the victory. Williamson scored nine second-half points. Towson plays UNC Wilmington on the road on Thursday, and Bryant visits Grand Canyon on Monday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Ghana counts ballots after tight presidential raceLefties -- unable to cope with electoral defeat and different opinions -- are leaving X and going over to Bluesky, an alternative social media platform that is really just an echo chamber for some of the most unhinged Leftists we've ever seen . Dissent and diversity of thought are labeled 'intolerance' and stating the biological fact there are only two genders gets you banned within seconds. But sometimes, it's just downright pathetically funny. Like this: New line uploaded to the NPCs. pic.twitter.com/sQNK4fVdX0 Good Lord. There are a few things to parse here, so let's get to it: For starters, the fact they're all reposting the exact same thing shows how incapable of independent thought they really are. It's like the talking points memo goes out and they all repeat it ad nauseam without thinking because Donald Trump lives rent-free in their heads. And, of course, there's the snobbery: 'Har har! Those stupid MAGA morons don't know where the library is! We're so smart!' But are they really? Nope. Their bug out plan for literal CIVIL WAR -- where resources are limited, food and water will be scarce, and things will get violent and ugly really quick -- is to go to the library. Where there's no food, no weapons, and other limited resources. Look, this writer loves the library. She takes her son once a month for a few books so he can read ( she's been told that's privileged and racist ). It's a great place. It's not where she'd go if there was a civil war. She'd stockpile food, bottled water, and ammo. Then again, these are the same people who tried to 'farm' in the Seattle CHAZ by throwing some dirt on cardboard . Survival skills are not their forte, clearly. So we're not gonna tell the Lefties what to do. If they want to go into battle by hurling copies of The Communist Manifesto at their opponents, be our guest. We suppose you can burn the books for heat so you stay warm while you starve to death. Hee hee...one of the things that undid them is the skeeters unshakeable belief (despite contradictory evidence) that they are smart. They don't even rise to the level of mediocrity - but don't burst their bubble. Let them keep doing our work for us. We agree. In advance, I want to say I appreciate the enemy all gathering in one place. Bonus: Their battle with the bums who live inside the libraries will weaken their ranks. That and the starvation. The library is down by the big crossroads. It's where early voting happened this year. All of us "they" types know where it is. Look, we're not exactly dealing with Albert Einstein here. Well the library is half a block away, & I live “on the high ground”.... You win. Sounds like they got the echo chamber up and running in record time... How long before they get bored and begin to eat each other? They already are. I know where all the libraries are. I was one of those racist parents that read to her children to give them an “unfair head start” in school. https://t.co/v4mZNBOl20 Girl, same. If Civil War breaks out, meet me at the library to point and laugh. https://t.co/go7lb1bPZ2 It's a date. If civil war breaks out, you can find all the soft, unarmed idiots at the library telling each other what their pronouns are. https://t.co/Z8P3JSDkN1 Where they're sitting ducks. This is rich because I've never seen a lefty discuss anything more complex than a marvel movie while 4chan will regular have nuanced debate of obscure medieval texts. https://t.co/08MeQPq3Dt They think they're so smart. They're not.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100Japanese gaming firm Universal Entertainment Corporation (UEC) expects to end the year with a loss, partly due to the weak VIP market hounding its Philippine integrated resort, Okada Manila, and other casinos operating in the country. In a disclosure to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, UEC said that based on the recent performance of its businesses, it has revised its full-year consolidated business results forecast for 2024, which was announced last Feb. 14, 2024. The firm said it expects its net sales to reach JPY 126 billion, down 37 percent from its earlier forecast of JPY 200 billion and lower than the JPY 179 billion generated in 2023. Because of this, the firm expects a JPY 18.3 billion attributable loss, compared to the earlier expected JPY 19.6 billion attributable profit for 2024. The firm posted an attributable profit of JPY 28.44 billion in 2023. “For the Integrated Resort Business, the uncertain situation caused by the possibility of a continuing decline in VIP customers across the entire casino market in the Philippines is expected to continue," UEC said. It added, "For the Amusement Equipment Business, our strategy was to focus on releasing and selling multiple major titles in the second half of the year, but delays in the release of these major titles occurred." Due to these factors, UEC said the progress of its strategic plan had fallen significantly behind the full-year consolidated business result forecast announced on February 14, 2024. "Considering the shortfall in net sales and irreducible fixed costs, all kinds of profit were lower than expected. We have, therefore, revised the full-year consolidated business results forecast for the fiscal year ending December 2024 downward," it added. UEC said it has also "regretfully decided to revise the year-end dividend forecast downward in line with the revision of the business results forecast. "The year-end dividend forecast is revised from 30 yen per share in the last announcement to zero yen per share, resulting in a total annual dividend forecast of 30 yen per share," it noted. Earlier this month, UEC's Philippine unit, Tiger Resort Asia Limited (TRAL), divested its majority stake in publicly-listed Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG), dashing hopes for the backdoor listing and follow-on offering of integrated resort Okada Manila. ABG said, "We were informed by our major stockholder, Tiger Resort Asia Limited, which owns 66.67 percent of the total outstanding capital stock of Asiabest Group International, Inc., that it had entered into a share purchase agreement with a consortium led by PremiumLands Corp. (PLC) today, December 5, 2024." The agreement is for the sale and purchase of 200 million common shares of ABG, representing all shares owned by TRAL in ABG. The transaction price was not disclosed.
Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut farmer who as US president struggled with a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis but brokered peace between Israel and Egypt has died, according to US media. He was 100. or signup to continue reading A Democrat, he served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 US election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor. Carter lived longer after his term in office than any other US president. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a better former president than he was a president - a status he readily acknowledged. His one-term presidency was marked by the highs of the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. But it was dogged by an economy in recession, persistent unpopularity and the embarrassment of the Iran hostage crisis that consumed his final 444 days in office. In recent years, Carter experienced several health issues including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died in November 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair. Carter left office profoundly unpopular but worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, based on the 1978 Camp David accords, ended a state of war between the two neighbours. Carter brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for talks. Later, as the accords seemed to be unravelling, Carter saved the day by flying to Cairo and Jerusalem for personal shuttle diplomacy. The treaty provided for Israeli withdrawal from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and establishment of diplomatic relations. Begin and Sadat each won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. By the 1980 election, the overriding issues were double-digit inflation, interest rates that exceeded 20 per cent and soaring gas prices, as well as the Iran hostage crisis that brought humiliation to America. These issues marred Carter's presidency and undermined his chances of winning a second term. On November 4, 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, seized the Americans present and demanded the return of the ousted shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and was being treated in a US hospital. The American public initially rallied behind Carter. But his support faded in April 1980 when a commando raid failed to rescue the hostages, with eight US soldiers killed in an aircraft accident in the Iranian desert. Carter's final ignominy was that Iran held the 52 hostages until minutes after Reagan took his oath of office on January 20, 1981, to replace Carter, then released the planes carrying them to freedom. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementOyo Judiciary, Centre collaborate on effective case management systemThe San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve. The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game. Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others. When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster. In Sunday night's loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game. McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league. --Field Level Media
Article content Every year, my family says they aren’t going to do a big Christmas celebration. It’s just my Mom, sister, and I – single adults with no children. Inevitably though, when faced with the prospect of forgoing a turkey dinner and an elaborate tree with gifts underneath it, someone says, “But what about the cat?” Our cat, Matilda, is a seventeen-year-old black shorthair who loves Christmas. Although it might be easier to skip the holiday altogether and jet off somewhere warm and sunny instead, we collectively agree that we wouldn’t want to give up watching Matilda enjoy her very own stocking (filled with catnip, naturally) and joyfully roll around in a pile of wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Seeing our cat enjoy the holiday season has become a yearly highlight. I’m not alone in this sentiment. According to new research by Woofz by nove8, a puppy and dog training app, 51% of respondents admit they prioritize buying gifts for their pets over their partners. However, this phenomenon doesn’t just apply to romantic partners. Notably, 1 in 6 pet parents also admit to spending more on their dog’s presents than on gifts for family and friends. While I could say I’m surprised, I’m not. In a world where everything feels uncertain and most dating app messages begin with “hey” and end in ghosting, many of my single and childless friends pour their love and affection into their pets. I consulted with Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer at Woofz to learn more about this shift. When asked why people prioritize their pets during the holiday season and beyond, she says it all comes down to the fact that pets give without taking. “While we live in the era of situationships and mixed signals, there’s no second-guessing when it comes to your pup’s affection. They won’t hold grudges or roll their eyes when you leave dishes in the sink,” says Levy. And unlike humans, they don’t play games (unless it’s fetch). “So that level of support makes them a reliable and stable source of love. No wonder people want to return the favor with a treat or a new toy!” she says. While I can’t speak for my married and partnered friends with pets, caring for Matilda involves a lot less drama than attempting to navigate the (very shallow) dating pool in my 40s. Levy agrees. “Relationships with humans can be a rollercoaster, especially nowadays, but dogs are the emotional comfort food of life. They’re always happy to see you, even if you’ve been gone for five minutes.” In this sense, pets are reliable. Over the past few years, I’ve experienced big life shifts, including the loss of my father and grandma. Not everyone I’ve dated or (even been friends with) has been able to sit with me in my grief. While Matilda is more mercurial than a golden retriever – a true diva in her own right – she always knows when I’m having a bad day. This is part of the appeal of pets, says Levy. “They will always protect and comfort you if you’re upset and you don’t have to say anything.” So, it makes sense that we want to give them gifts to reward them for their unwavering loyalty. Besides, buying a gift for a partner is hard. For many of us, the anxiety of shopping for a meaningful other is enough to make us break out in full-body hives (Does this “beer of the month” subscription sufficiently demonstrate my undying love? What about these socks?) Pets on the other hand are easy. As long as my gift includes catnip, Matilda won’t judge. Levy says the same is true with dogs, “They’ll love a squeaky toy or a new bone or even a carton box from the present like it’s the best thing ever, and that genuine enthusiasm is contagious.” While it’s easy to brush aside humans this time of year and focus entirely on your furry friends, let their disposition be an inspiration. “Unlike humans, dogs aren’t materialistic at all, they don’t measure love by gifts or grand gestures,” says Levy. Instead, she says, “What they truly treasure is your time and attention.” I’d argue that many humans feel that way too. While tending to your pet, show the people around you that you love them. If they don’t appreciate or reciprocate your efforts, your pet will be waiting on the couch, ready to snuggle.
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Viant Technology (NASDAQ:DSP) Shares Down 5.5% – Here’s WhyThe US dollar is gradually falling from grace in the global financial architecture on account of rising distrust and diversification efforts made by countries that are ditching the hegemony of the greenback. Simultaneously, world's population is rising; therefore international trade in other currencies may augur well. The share of the US dollar in the global foreign exchange reserves has slid to its lowest in 29 years, according to the latest data published by the International Monetary Fund. Although the dollar is slowly losing its grip, it is still strong because of liquidity, stability and the established mechanism. The greenback's long-standing status as the world's dominant currency has been jeopardised in recent years amid concerns over the soaring US debt and its sanctions on rivals such as Russia, according to the RT news channel. As part of Russia sanctions that followed the escalation of Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US cut off the country's central bank from dollar transactions. It later banned the export of dollar banknotes to the country and spearheaded a drive to freeze Russian assets abroad. Foreign Affairs magazine wrote in June that the sanctions on Russia had "undoubtedly left other central banks wondering whether their own dollar-denominated rainy-day funds would be locked up should their governments run afoul of Washington." In a speech at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Washington's weaponisation of the dollar through sanctions and denying countries access to the Western financial system was a "big mistake" that would force them "to look for other alternatives, which is what is happening." Economic and public policy expert, corporate and management consulting firm Director Qanit Khalilullah said the global economy was witnessing increasing de-dollarisation as countries diversify their trade and foreign exchange reserves. "This trend is driven by US actions to weaponise the dollar, such as imposing sanctions and freezing reserves, as seen in the case of Russia." These actions have eroded trust and raised fears of over-dependence on the dollar. Additionally, rising calls for a multipolar economic world, regional trade blocs like BRICS and technological advancements in digital currencies have created alternatives. De-dollarisation reflects a desire for greater financial autonomy and reduced exposure to the US monetary policies, signaling a shift towards a more decentralised global monetary system. Countries are moving away from the US dollar to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical risks and sanctions. The US tendency to use the dollar as a political tool has alarmed nations, prompting them to seek monetary independence. Furthermore, reliance on the dollar exposes countries to the US Federal Reserve policy actions, which impact exchange rates and trade balances. Emerging economies are forming regional partnerships and adopting alternative currencies like the yuan or euro. Digital currencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) further enable nations to bypass dollar-based financial systems, secure sovereignty and facilitate localised trade settlements. "The decline in the dollar's share in global reserves to a three-decade low reflects a broader shift in the international monetary landscape. While this signals reduced dominance, it does not necessarily mean the dollar is falling from grace. Its role as a global reserve currency will remain strong due to its liquidity, stability and established infrastructure," Khalilullah said. "However, diversification into other currencies reflects diminishing reliance on the dollar amid geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. The dollar's status may gradually decline but will remain central to the global economy in the foreseeable future," he said. Although "non-traditional" currencies are gaining ground, despite the downward trend, the dollar has so far remained the pre-eminent reserve currency. On the one hand, it highlights a structural change in the global monetary system, where non-traditional currencies like the yuan and digital alternatives are gaining ground in trade and reserves. This signals an evolving multipolar world order. On the other hand, it underscores the enduring dominance of the US dollar, which continues to serve as the pre-eminent reserve currency due to its long entrenched use in international settlements, high liquidity, global trust and the absence of comparable alternatives. The distinction lies in recognising the growing diversification versus sustained reliance on the dollar's unique advantages. Rising sanctions have coerced Russia to de-dollarise. September data shows that Moscow and its allies in the BRICS group are making a better use of national currencies, which are utilised in 65% of mutual trade settlements. BRICS' growing use of national currencies signals significant progress towards de-dollarisation. This trend shows efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar, especially in light of the sanctions and geopolitical dynamics. However, the dollar's deeply entrenched role as a global reserve currency, supported by liquid markets and historical trust, is unlikely to be displaced substantially in the short term. Instead, the global economy may move towards a diversified system where the dollar coexists with regional currencies, fostering a multipolar monetary order where no single currency dominates entirely. International trade expert and economic analyst Aadil Nakhoda said there had been several instances of de-dollarisation throughout history, starting with the yen, then the euro, the yuan and now a currency being planned by BRICs. The yen and the euro have made a little impact. The availability of an alternative currency in the global market is a key factor in de-dollarisation. Rather than ditching the greenback, countries are trying to create their own narrative for dominance in the global market. With US policies becoming more trade restrictive, this narrative will likely grow. The trade deficit generated by the US results in higher supply of the US dollar in foreign markets. As efforts are made to curtail it, it may result in lower supply and consequently its reduced dominance. An international currency must not only be easily available but also involves less government intervention through policies. The yuan is heavily state-controlled while other currencies are unlikely to reach eminence. "We may see mutual agreements becoming more common as they reduce the risk involved with a third currency. However, trade between countries not involving BRICs is likely to continue in dollars. It is when these countries adopt other currencies, will we see non-dollar-based trade becoming more eminent. Consider how the dollar is prevalent in informal trade," Nakhoda said. The writer is a staff correspondent COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourDeli Meat Market to Witness Robust Expansion throughout the Forecast By 2030
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