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Chelsea's attacking prowess has been a sight to behold this season, with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, and Kai Havertz causing havoc for opposition defenses. The fluidity, creativity, and clinical finishing of Chelsea's attackers have ensured that they are a force to be reckoned with in front of goal. However, as the old adage goes, "defense wins championships," and having a dependable goalkeeper is essential for any successful team.
Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold riseDon't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of "Desolate Zone Zero" with the S-Class Super Handsome Male Character PV by your side. Log in now and immerse yourself in a world where beauty, power, and mystery collide in an epic battle for supremacy. Are you ready to join the ranks of legends? The time is now!Ruling on Monday after an emergency hearing at Belfast High Court, judge Mr Justice McAlinden rejected loyalist activist Jamie Bryson’s application for leave for a full judicial review hearing against Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. The judge said Mr Bryson, who represented himself as a personal litigant, had “very ably argued” his case with “perseverance and cogency”, and had raised some issues of law that caused him “some concern”. However, he found against him on the three grounds of challenge against Mr Benn. Mr Bryson had initially asked the court to grant interim relief in his challenge to prevent Tuesday’s democratic consent motion being heard in the Assembly, pending the hearing of a full judicial review. However, he abandoned that element of his leave application during proceedings on Monday, after the judge made clear he would be “very reluctant” to do anything that would be “trespassing into the realms” of a democratically elected Assembly. Mr Bryson had challenged Mr Benn’s move to initiate the democratic consent process that is required under the UK and EU’s Windsor Framework deal to extend the trading arrangements that apply to Northern Ireland. The previously stated voting intentions of the main parties suggest that Stormont MLAs will vote to continue the measures for another four years when they convene to debate the motion on Tuesday. After the ruling, Mr Bryson told the court he intended to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Any hearing was not expected to come later on Monday. In applying for leave, the activist’s argument was founded on three key grounds. The first was the assertion that Mr Benn failed to make sufficient efforts to ensure Stormont’s leaders undertook a public consultation exercise in Northern Ireland before the consent vote. The second was that the Secretary of State allegedly failed to demonstrate he had paid special regard to protecting Northern Ireland’s place in the UK customs territory in triggering the vote. The third ground centred on law changes introduced by the previous UK government earlier this year, as part of its Safeguarding the Union deal to restore powersharing at Stormont. He claimed that if the amendments achieved their purpose, namely, to safeguard Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, then it would be unlawful to renew and extend post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. In 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are lawful. The appellants in the case argued that legislation passed at Westminster to give effect to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement conflicted with the 1800 Acts of Union that formed the United Kingdom, particularly article six of that statute guaranteeing unfettered trade within the UK. The Supreme Court found that while article six of the Acts of Union has been “modified” by the arrangements, that was done with the express will of a sovereign parliament, and so therefore was lawful. Mr Bryson contended that amendments made to the Withdrawal Agreement earlier this year, as part of the Safeguarding the Union measures proposed by the Government to convince the DUP to return to powersharing, purport to reassert and reinforce Northern Ireland’s constitutional status in light of the Supreme Court judgment. He told the court that it was “quite clear” there was “inconsistency” between the different legal provisions. “That inconsistency has to be resolved – there is an arguable case,” he told the judge. However, Dr Tony McGleenan KC, representing the Government, described Mr Bryson’s argument as “hopeless” and “not even arguable”. He said all three limbs of the case had “no prospect of success and serve no utility”. He added: “This is a political argument masquerading as a point of constitutional law and the court should see that for what it is.” After rising to consider the arguments, Justice McAlinden delivered his ruling shortly after 7pm. The judge dismissed the application on the first ground around the lack consultation, noting that such an exercise was not a “mandatory” obligation on Mr Benn. On the second ground, he said there were “very clear” indications that the Secretary of State had paid special regard to the customs territory issues. On the final ground, Justice McAlinden found there was no inconsistency with the recent legislative amendments and the position stated in the Supreme Court judgment. “I don’t think any such inconsistency exists,” he said. He said the amendments were simply a “restatement” of the position as set out by the Supreme Court judgment, and only served to confirm that replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol with the Windsor Framework had not changed the constitutional fact that Article Six of the Acts of Union had been lawfully “modified” by post-Brexit trading arrangements. “It does no more than that,” he said. The framework, and its predecessor the NI Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. Advocates of the arrangements say they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022, when the DUP withdrew then-first minister Paul Givan from the coalition executive. The impasse lasted two years and ended in January when the Government published its Safeguarding the Union measures. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are likely to oppose the move. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support, which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists, then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely.
In conclusion, Gu Ailing's triumphant weekend and her swift return to the university exemplify the epitome of a true champion. Her ability to seamlessly navigate between her athletic and academic pursuits with grace and determination is a source of inspiration for all who follow her journey. As she continues to break barriers and defy expectations, Gu Ailing stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when one dares to dream big and never gives up on their aspirations.Cardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to SeahawksThis week, social media was abuzz with controversy surrounding the qualifications of certain politicians within the ruling party and Opposition. The Opposition emphasised the importance of transparency and honesty in leadership, arguing that openly sharing qualifications is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. They assert that this underscores a core principle of democratic governance: honesty as the foundation of public trust as highlighted by the NPP. However, less than a month after the last General Election, this very principle seems to have backfired on the NPP, following the Speaker’s debacle. It is worth noting that educational qualifications are not a requirement to serve as a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka. The eligibility criteria are limited to citizenship and being over 18 years of age. At this critical juncture, what matters far more is charting a viable pathway out of the ongoing economic crisis. Sri Lanka faces significant debt payments due by 2027, and as the new year approaches, the focus must shift toward recovery and reform. Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, has consistently emphasised that while the country has made commendable progress in its recovery efforts, it is still not out of the woods. Safeguarding the hard-won gains remains imperative. To fully overcome the man-made crisis of 2021, the nation must prioritise the following five key areas: 1. Stabilisation of the economy and debt management Sri Lanka must restore economic stability through disciplined fiscal management and sustainable debt restructuring. Debt of Sri Lanka is unsustainable, the roots of the crisis, was commercial borrowing for development. Therefore it is important to restore debt sustainability. Continued engagement with international financial institutions, such as the IMF, will help build investor confidence. Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors like manufacturing, tourism, logistics, power and technology is vital for recovery and long-term growth. 2. Strengthening energy security Addressing the energy crisis is critical. Transitioning toward renewable energy sources—solar, wind, and hydropower—will reduce dependence on costly fuel imports while aligning with global sustainability trends. Investments in infrastructure and energy policy reforms can transform Sri Lanka into a more energy-resilient nation, lowering costs for low income households and industries. 3. Skill development Reforming the education system to match global standards is essential. Emphasising digital literacy, technical skills, and critical thinking will prepare the youth for a competitive regional economy. Public-private partnerships for vocational training and entrepreneurship development can bridge the gap between education and employment, addressing both skill shortages and unemployment. 4. Agricultural productivity and food security Boosting agricultural efficiency, distribution and ensuring food security remain crucial. Modernising farming techniques, improving supply chains, and incentivising innovation can reduce dependency on imports while strengthening rural economies. Policies that empower farmers and promote sustainable business practices will ensure long-term agricultural resilience. 5. Poverty reduction Poverty reduction is a critical priority, particularly after the economic crises that have widened income inequality and worsened living conditions. Expanding and strengthening social safety nets to reach vulnerable populations is vital. Transparent and efficient delivery of subsidies, cash transfers, and food assistance can directly alleviate poverty while fostering inclusivity. Therefore the authorities need to keep an eye on this vulnerable sector. Focusing on five key areas—economic stability, energy security, education reform, agricultural productivity, and poverty reduction—will be critical for Sri Lanka to navigate 2025 successfully. Addressing these priorities with urgency and unwavering commitment will not only drive recovery but also lay the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive future. While current headline-grabbing issues such as eliminating corruption, recovering stolen assets, rightsizing the public service, and curbing wasteful Government expenditure are very important, they represent longer-term structural changes to the national fabric. These initiatives, though crucial, primarily serve as short-term optics and will not deliver substantial national benefits in the immediate or medium term. They also demand sustained political commitment and determination to achieve tangible outcomes. In reality, focusing on these issues full time now risks consuming valuable bandwidth that is urgently needed to address the key priorities articulated in this article. By concentrating on what matters most, Sri Lanka can channel its human and financial resources and efforts toward building resilience and ensuring a stronger economic trajectory. References: https://slguardian.org/imf-exposes-critical-failures-in-sri-lankas-debt-management/amp/ https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2024/11/23/imf-approves-third-review-of-sri-lankas-2-9bn-bailout-but-warns-of-risks https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-imf-program-review-what-can-happen-next-181847/ Chandrasekhar C. P,, J. Ghosh and D. Das (2023): “Paying with Austerity: The Debt Crisis and Restructuring in Sri Lanka”, Working Paper, https://peri.umass.edu/publication/item/1776-paying-with-austerity-the-debt-crisis-and-restructuring-in-sri-lanka https://slhcs2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HC-Summit-Report-2024.pdf
One of the key pillars of the discussion was the imperative of expanding domestic demand. Participants underscored the need to stimulate consumer spending, boost household income, and promote the consumption of domestic goods and services. By empowering consumers and strengthening their purchasing power, China can create a virtuous cycle of economic growth that benefits both businesses and consumers alike. The emphasis on expanding domestic demand aligns with China's broader strategic goal of rebalancing its economy towards greater consumption-led growth.THERE used to be a division between the energy company’s information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks. However, the digitalisation of generation-transmission-distribution-retail systems has seen the convergence of these ecosystems. While making the organisation more efficient and responsive to stakeholder expectations, it has a downside. The integration of the ecosystems presents a significantly enlarged playground for cyberthreat actors to play hit-and-run games that are nefarious in intent and outcomes. What is alarming is the rise in the frequency and intensity of such cyberthreats and attacks in recent years. This has required the energy sector to scrutinise its readiness in the face of potential cyberattacks, or in some unfortunate cases, in the wake of one. While every part of the value chain is vulnerable, what is of concern is the OT space, which is not as secure as IT. This has now become the focus of energy companies. Energy Malaysia spoke to Rahayu Ramli, Head of Cyber Strategy & Architecture, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS), who provided insights on how PETRONAS and the energy sector as a whole are securing themselves against existing and oncoming cyberthreats. “The energy industry has been a geo- and socio-political tool for decades, highlighting the influence of the industry on the economy, society and way of life. “The rise of cyberwarfare as a component of national and private arsenals has only amplified the issue, moving from field wars such as in the Gulf States in the nineties to guerrilla tactics in cyberspace today due to pervasive industry digitalisation,” said Rahayu. In the complex energy sector, technology can be divided primarily into IT (for example, laptops, mobile devices, servers, cloud and similar) and OT (for example, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and similar. Historically, these environments were kept mostly separate. However, the industry is seeing the lines blurring between IT and OT with the increased reliance on digital tools, the cloud, and the growing use of remote operations. There is a definitive increase in the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics, the sharing of OT data, the implementation of ruggedised mobile devices and personal wearables – all extending beyond what used to be a relatively static OT security perimeter. Unfortunately, the convergence of IT and OT ecosystems is also potentially a wonderland of attack vectors and entry points into systems of varying criticality and importance. Cyberthreat actors can range from nation-state adversaries, who seek to disrupt the critical infrastructure of their foes (and allies), to hacktivists who seek to make political statements about the environment, economics or society in general. OT space vulnerability In many energy companies, there is a re-examination of the segregated approach by which OT landscapes have been previously designed and protected. “IT security has been an aspect of technology operations for decades. On the other hand, OT cybersecurity as a specific practice is a relatively new focus,” said Rahayu. “As such, there is renewed interest to ramp up security in the OT space, with new startups, products and investment channelled towards mitigating existing and oncoming cyberthreats. It is an exciting but also an unpredictable space to be in at the moment.” Besides external factors, internal ways of working may also contribute to the vulnerabilities within the connected IT and OT ecosystem, where system availability is critical and downtime avoidance is paramount. While digital transformations have spurred innovation and accelerated technological advances, the speed of application and pressure of delivery has often caused system security to take a back seat. “Eventually, it is addressed but often after a system is live and operational, and in some unfortunate cases, only after a breach or incident has occurred,” pointed out Rahayu. Additionally, increased digitalisation across a supply chain of vendors and partners is creating flexibility and options in products and services. The flip side is that it expands the exposure to unfortunate breaches or incidents, starting at one supplier and cascading down the network of companies and users. Polycrisis scenario The “Global Risks Report 2023” published by the World Economic Forum introduced the term “polycrisis”, which translates to “a cluster of related global risks with compounding effects, with an overall impact that exceeds the sum of each part”. The energy industry is no stranger to this scenario, given its volatility and uncertainty in recent years resulting from the energy transition and rapid digitalisation. The global risk scenario also includes cyber risks that are borderless. The industry as a whole expects cyberthreats to continue to increase against IT and OT assets and operations, as energy companies become more reliant on connected digital technologies to operate. Individual companies have embarked on their own journey to reevaluate and improve their security posture, acknowledging that the support required to do so is not purely driven by technology, but more importantly, must also be supported by education of the entire organisation, and a continuous review and revamp of its security capability and requirements. The work cannot be done in silo either. It requires support and collaboration across the industry to minimise blind spots that may affect everyone in the industry and the communities that interact with them. Rahayu said, “At PETRONAS, we have various cybersecurity memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with vendors to help us better focus our efforts in designing a more secure OT technology. “We also engage with other industry players for knowledge exchange and upskilling. In addition, we work closely with non-profits and academia to raise awareness on the importance of cybersecurity, of how it applies to our daily lives and to also scout for potential talent. “The general aim of these types of collaboration is that the integration of the IT and OT ecosystem across people, processes and technology will eventually lead to an equilibrium of a hybrid-skilled cybersecurity workforce (within and beyond PETRONAS), creating a more sustainable loop to manage and respond to any cyberthreat that may appear on the immediate horizon,” she added. Securing the cyberspace environment From the onset of its digital transformation journey in 2017, PETRONAS recognised the importance of establishing a cyber secure environment across the entire organisation. “It was the prerequisite for PETRONAS going digital,” said Rahayu. “As the organisation became more data-driven in decision making and needed to incorporate new and different technologies more rapidly into various portfolios, it made sure that every move was made securely. This approach became one of the cornerstones of the PETRONAS digital transformation strategy. “It saw the establishment of the PETRONAS cybersecurity function as a single point of accountability to oversee IT and OT – to govern, steer and shape the minimum requirements to sustain the targeted level of cybersecurity maturity,” she added. PETRONAS embraces OT security through the secure-by-design approach, with cybersecurity-related requirements as part of the PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS). It began with a focused project known as the real-time OT (RTOT) programme, to design and implement a new standard, architecture and roadmap to manage its IT and OT patch management and OT asset management in near real-time. “Our OT footprint is large, thus we focused on assets considered to be the crown jewels of the organisation and continue to deploy this programme across our local and international sites,” said Rahayu. When PETRONAS completes the initial RTOT programme, it will continue to expand secure capability into other aspects of OT. “Identity is a complex area within OT,” added Rahayu. “It is an area of particular concern given the distributed nature of our OT systems. “While IT has always had the advantage in establishing more robust identity and access management, we are exploring ways to do the same for our OT environment and are working towards eliminating the use of shared accounts, establishing proper identity governance and ensuring secure remote access.” There is also emphasis on having a robust all-encompassing cybersecuritygovernance structure. The launch of the organisation-wide Enterprise Cyber Security Governance Framework (ECSGF) was followed by a customised OT programme in early 2023, underscoring its importance as well as its vulnerability. As a result, cybersecurity risk assessments are now part of the Management of Change (MOC) process for both greenfield and brownfield projects to guide design in the OT environment. These initial steps have laid the foundation for the real-time visibility of PETRONAS’s assets and cyber vulnerabilities in order to remediate based on the business criticality. Meanwhile, employees and other stakeholders are continuously kept up to date on secure behaviours through the Human Firewall programme, which emphasises the need for staying alert at work, home and play. This programme is run through a combination of training, communication and community engagements, and supported by an extensive network of cybersecurity change agents who champion the message and awareness across our business and sites. There is also continuous staff training to ensure they have the appropriate cybersecurity knowledge to support their day-to-day work. For example, business system owners are required to attend training on cyber risk management for the systems they oversee; lead OT focals at site are assigned training on OT cybersecurity upon joining and refreshed every two years to ensure they have the latest cybersecurity knowledge with respect to the systems that they work with. Protecting hotspots PETRONAS uses a risk-based approach to cybersecurity that allows it to identify critical systems effectively, thus enabling “hotspots” to be more rigorously protected, while ensuring that there are safeguards in place at every level of the company’s technological (defence-in-depth) and organisational landscape. This involves organisation-wide governance and policies as well as continuous education and awareness across the employee population. A primary concern is the OT environment, where complex systems have a much longer lifespan and maintenance/ updates require meticulously scheduled downtimes in very specific parts of the year. This is one of the main reasons why PETRONAS has deployed the RTOT programme as a priority to enhance security practices, address potential vulnerabilities and minimise the impact of cyberthreats. At the other end of the spectrum, it has been consistently shown that people remain one of the biggest weak points in any organisation. Social engineering through methods such as phishing remains a primary way into a company’s systems. According to the Cofense Phishing Report 2022, 67% of all phishing attempts are meant to steal login and password details from their victims. This is so prevalent that it is estimated that more than 90% of company networks around the world can be penetrated by cybercriminals. Breaches can occur in IT or OT in this manner, and while threat actors may not gain immediate access to a given critical system, gaining a foot in the door through an employee’s login credentials may be sufficient to drop malware, trigger a ransomware attack, or stage a long-term reconnaissance programme by lurking in their victim’s environment, an example of what’s known as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), which can lead to even more malicious activity like data theft. Rahayu added, “I can tell you that phishing attempts remain a constant. ‘Think before you click’ is one of PETRONAS’ main cybersecurity taglines, and we also regularly see threats through potentially exploitable vulnerabilities in both new applications and older systems. “Part of being secure is accepting that threat actors have a lot of patience and creativity when it comes to planning attacks, which now is even simpler with the use of AI-augmented tools. “They also have no shame in sharing their methods, for example, entire businesses have been set up around ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS). So, one type of safeguard is never enough, and it is crucial that security is designed and applied through an enterprise lens and as an integrated part of the organisation’s strategy and operations.” Reality checks by government and industry In Malaysia, the National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) has been a codified priority since 2006, when the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) was initially developed. The energy sector features prominently among the 11 sectors identified in the NCSP. In recent years, there have been specific events that have triggered more immediate actions to re-examine the security posture of complex cyber-physical systems. These are wake-up calls, urging both proactive and defensive actions against the evolving threat landscape. While attacks such as Stuxnet on Iran’s nuclear centrifuges and the NotPetya ransomware attack may no longer be considered part of recent memory, Governments and businesses around the world are constantly kept alert by the continuous wave of cyber incidents. Among the recent newsmakers are the Solarwinds supply chain breach in 2020; the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident and Kaseya supply chain breaches in 2021; and the MOVEit data breach in 2023 that affected hundreds of organisations and millions of individuals. The energy sector has moved towards deeper conversations regarding cybersecurity to better understand the threats that the community may face collectively. Organisations have become more open to collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing experiences and lessons learnt to conversations across critical infrastructure forums such as those led by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the US National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE). In 2022, the World Economic Forum launched the initiative “Cyber Resilience in the Oil and Gas Industry” as a collaboration with more than 50 companies and Government Agencies, with the goal of establishing a blueprint for governing and managing cyber risk and unifying its approach to safeguard digital infrastructure and assets. The Energy Benchmarking Group (previously known as Oil & Gas Benchmarking Group, or OGBG), provides an avenue for energy companies to review their operational benchmarks against others in the industry, while hosting strategic conversations around key topics such as safety and security. In Malaysia, there are ongoing discussions and planning to protect the country’s National Cybersecurity Information Infrastructure (NCII). There is also close collaboration with the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence for upskilling and knowledge sharing of regional talent and capabilities. Operationally, NCII stakeholders work closely with the relevant Government Agencies to ensure accurate and timely incident reporting, and to establish and maintain organisational certifications such as the ISMS ISO 27001. Malaysian energy companies are also known to collaborate with the Department of Standards Malaysia to adopt the IEC 62443 Standards to be part of the Malaysian Standards (MS). The aim of this initiative is to ensure that the standards are more accessible and affordable to local industry players, not just the end users but system integrators and vendors as well. “In the event of a cyberattack, the ability to respond and recover quickly is heavily dependent on the strong fundamental capability to identify, detect and protect the target,” adds Rahayu. The Energy Commission’s Perspective “Our regulator to ensure a secure, uninterrupted, and reliable power supply ecosystem as stipulated by the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Act 2015 that governs the Malaysian electricity supply industry,” says Khairol Fahami, Senior Deputy Director of the Information Management and Technology Unitof the Energy Commission. “The Commission expects industry players to follow proper guidelines where cybersecurity is concerned but on the whole it is up to the them to decide what works best. Companies are strongly encouraged to follow global best practices for cybersecurity,” says Khairol. “Unfortunately, the rapid convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks have given rise to unprecedented challenges,” he points out. “Many in the energy sector feels that cyberattacks can just strike upon them without any prior warning. What can energy companies do to protect themselves from cybersecurity attacks? The mostcrucial step is to identify areas that are vulnerable to attack and strengthen them. “From the Commission’s perspective, organisations must make the right investments to strengthen theirsecurity ecosystems. They should also have in place the correct policy and strategy to ensure the agility and flexibility to recover quickly in the event of an attack. Among their priorities should be institutional cyber hygiene. Poor cyber hygiene includes weak passwords or the lack of passwords, outdated software or poor physical security,” says Khairol. Institutional cyber hygiene is a priority at the Commission, which undergoing its digitalisation programme. As a standard practice, the Information Management and Technology Unit has a strict schedule to remind staff to change passwords and to monitor and check their emails for the slightest aberration. Regular education and engagement sessions are also held to ensure everyone plays a role in cybersecurity and befully aware of the threats that are lurking in cyberspace. “As a policy, the Commission adopts a ‘Zero Trust’ approach where cybersecurity is concerned. Anyone, willing or unwilling – or, in some cases, unknowing – could be the weak link in the cybersecurity chain,” he says. Rahayu Ramli, Head of Cyber Strategy & Architecture, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS),In conclusion, the swift arrest of Yoon Seok-yeol by the South Korean National Assembly has plunged the country into a political crisis, with President Moon Jae-in facing mounting pressure and uncertainty. The decision has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country. The outcome of this crisis will have far-reaching implications for the future of South Korea's political landscape and the preservation of democratic values.
Investment casting, often known as the “lost-wax process,” is a manufacturing technique that has been honed over centuries, delivering precision-engineered components with unparalleled accuracy and finish. This article delves into the intricate world of investment casting manufacturing, shedding light on its processes, benefits, and the role of a trusted in delivering quality results. Investment casting is a highly versatile process used to create intricate metal parts with complex geometries. The process involves creating a wax model (or pattern) of the desired part, which is then coated with a ceramic material to form a mold. Once the mold hardens, the wax is melted away, leaving a cavity that is filled with molten metal. After cooling, the ceramic shell is broken away, revealing the finished component. This process is widely employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy, where precision and material quality are paramount. The process begins with creating a wax replica of the desired component. High-quality wax is injected into a mold to form the pattern, ensuring accuracy in dimensions. Multiple wax patterns can be assembled onto a single sprue to create a “tree,” optimizing production efficiency. The wax patterns are dipped into a ceramic slurry and coated with fine sand. This process is repeated multiple times to build a robust shell capable of withstanding high temperatures. The assembly is heated, melting the wax and leaving behind a hollow ceramic shell. Molten metal is poured into the shell, filling the cavity left by the wax. The metal is allowed to cool and solidify. The ceramic mold is broken away, revealing the cast part, which is then cleaned and finished. Components undergo rigorous inspection to ensure dimensional accuracy and adherence to specifications. The process allows the production of parts with intricate designs that would be impossible with other casting methods. Investment casting can work with a wide range of alloys, including stainless steel, aluminum, and superalloys. With minimal machining required, investment casting delivers parts with tight tolerances and smooth surfaces. By producing near-net shapes, the process minimizes the need for additional material removal, reducing waste. Selecting a reliable is critical to achieving high-quality results. A reputable manufacturer brings: Assistance with optimizing designs for manufacturability. Advanced equipment ensures consistent quality and precision. Comprehensive testing and inspection procedures to meet industry standards. Tailored solutions to meet specific requirements, no matter how complex. The flexibility of investment casting makes it suitable for various applications, including: High-strength, lightweight turbine components. Precision parts like gears and exhaust systems. Surgical instruments and implants with exacting standards. Heat-resistant components for power generation. Investment casting manufacturing is a blend of artistry and engineering precision, offering unmatched flexibility and quality. By partnering with a skilled , businesses can achieve components that meet their exact specifications, paving the way for innovation and performance in their respective industries. If you’re seeking to bring your designs to life with the reliability and precision of investment casting, look no further than the expertise of an industry-leading manufacturer. Digital marketing enthusiast and industry professional in Digital technologies, Technology News, Mobile phones, software, gadgets with vast experience in the tech industry, I have a keen interest in technology, News breaking.In response to the accusations, Haidilao Store has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that they have strict guidelines in place to protect the rights and well-being of their employees. They have launched an internal investigation into the matter to address the concerns raised and ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future.
LIPHOOK, United Kingdom, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumi Global, a global leader in technology-driven meeting solutions across Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member meetings, proudly announces the acquisition of Assembly Voting, a technology company specializing in end-to-end verifiable, cloud-based elections and voting solutions via its proprietary platform, Electa. This strategic acquisition reinforces Lumi Global’s commitment to innovation while expanding its capabilities beyond the live meeting environment to new market opportunities. Key Highlights of the Acquisition Leadership Perspectives “This acquisition marks a bold step forward for Lumi Global, as we extend our product capabilities beyond the meeting day and into the wider elections market,” said Richard Taylor, CEO of Lumi Global. “The integration of Assembly Voting’s innovative technologies with Lumi’s Global platform will unlock new opportunities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technology-driven meeting, election and voting solutions in Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member organization worldwide.” “We are thrilled to join Lumi Global, a company whose vision and innovative approach align perfectly with ours,” said Jacob Gyldenkaerne, CEO of Assembly Voting. “This partnership not only expands the reach of our technology but also enhances our ability to serve an even more diverse, global client base with end-to-end verifiable election solutions.” Supporting Lumi Global’s Strategic Goals Lumi Global’s acquisition of Assembly Voting underscores its dedication to powering the meetings and elections that matter for trusted decisions worldwide. As live meetings and general assemblies transition to increasingly digital formats, elections have similarly evolved from traditional paper ballots to more secure and reliable digital platforms. This digital transformation creates the opportunity for a unified platform that seamlessly serves both needs. Lumi Global’s clients are increasingly seeking a comprehensive solution that delivers this integration. About Lumi Global Lumi Global powers the meetings and elections that matter for the world’s most trusted decisions, ensuring seamless, engaging experiences for in-room and online participants. Lumi Global’s cutting-edge technology and unique global presence empower informed decision-making across annual meetings, elections, member meetings, legislative meetings, IR meetings, and earnings calls. For over 30 years, Lumi has driven industry innovation, co-creating solutions with customers to simplify the complex and deliver stress-free, flawless meetings that foster accountability and meaningful engagement. For more information, please contact: Sylvie Harton Chief Business Strategy Officer sylvie.harton@lumiglobal.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b52aaa2-db1a-4f84-b5a9-de6d0e1e94b3Heidrick & Struggles Appoints Chief Financial OfficerIn Suarez's view, Emery's approach to man-management was a key factor in Arsenal's decline during his tenure. Suarez recounted instances where players felt undervalued and marginalized by Emery, leading to a lack of unity and team spirit within the squad. This toxic environment ultimately eroded the players' confidence and contributed to their underwhelming performances.
Medicare Costs to Rise in 2025One key highlight of the October report is the sustained positive momentum observed across a wide range of industries. This consistent trend suggests that Chinese businesses are successfully managing risks, optimizing operations, and maintaining a solid financial position, despite the uncertainties and disruptions caused by both domestic and global factors.
The shadow of grief looms large over Herb Valley as the death toll rises and the first "rejoice" patient hovers on the brink of death. In this trying time, may unity, compassion, and perseverance be the guiding lights that lead the community through the darkness towards a brighter tomorrow.The Arizona Cardinals were rested, relatively healthy and had been playing some of their best football in years. That's why Sunday's was so surprising. “Frustrating day offensively, especially the way we’ve been playing to come out here and lay an egg and get physically dominated in a sense,” quarterback Kyler Murray said. The Cardinals (6-5) had their four-game winning streak snapped. Murray completed 24 of 37 passes for 285 yards, but made a brutal mistake, throwing an interception that was returned 69 yards by Seattle's Coby Bryant. The running game never got going, gaining just 49 yards. James Conner, the team's leading rusher, had just 8 yards on seven attempts. “There were a lot of things where it felt like the flow of things just wasn’t in our favor,” receiver Michael Wilson said. "Some games go like that. And then we didn’t execute enough to make up for the game sort of not going our way.” Arizona's still in decent playoff position, tied with the Seahawks on top of the NFC West with six games to play. But after all the good news and winning over the past month, Sunday's loss was humbling. “We’re going to learn a lot from this game,” Gannon said. Arizona's defense continued its remarkable midseason turnaround, giving the team every opportunity to win Sunday. The front seven doesn't have any stars, but continues to cobble together a respectable pass rush. The Cardinals finished with five sacks, all by different players. Second-year cornerback Garrett Williams intercepted a pass by Geno Smith on the first play of the fourth quarter, briefly giving the Cardinals some momentum as they tried to fight back. Williams — a third-round pick out of Syracuse in 2023 — is growing into a steady starting corner that the Cardinals have missed for years. “I thought that they hung in there and battled, forced a bunch of punts, kept points off the board,” Gannon said. “I thought the interception by Garrett was fantastic, kept us in the game there, kept points off the board. We made some mistakes. We made some mistakes, starting with me.” The Cardinals aren't going to win many games with a rushing performance like Sunday's. Conner, held to a season low in yards rushing, did have 41 yards receiving. Rookie Trey Benson had four carries for 18 yards, while Emari Demercado broke a 14-yard gain. Getting Conner going is key. Arizona has a 5-1 record this season when he has at least 100 total yards from scrimmage. Gannon said falling into an early hole affected some of the things the Cardinals could do, particularly in the second half. “I thought there was plays there, but again, where you get down in that game, you’re not really playing normal ball there for a good chunk of the game,” Gannon said. “So we’ve got to do a better job earlier in the game to make sure we’re not playing left-handed.” Fourth-year edge rusher Zaven Collins isn't necessarily the star fans hoped for when he was selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 draft, but he has quietly had a productive season leading the team's no-name front seven. Collins picked up his fourth sack of the season Sunday and put consistent pressure on Smith. Murray's still having a great season, but the quarterback's MVP credentials took a hit with Sunday's mediocre performance. He played pretty well at times, but the interception that turned into a pick-6 was a backbreaker. The sixth-year quarterback had largely avoided those types of plays this season, which is a big reason they're in the playoff hunt. “Can't give them seven points, especially when our defense is playing the way that they’re playing,” Murray said. “I feel like if I don’t do that, we’re in the game four quarters because that’s the way it was trending.” The Cardinals came out of Sunday's game fairly healthy. Gannon said starting safety Jalen Thompson (ankle) should be back at practice Wednesday. He missed the last two games. 12 and 133 — Tight end Trey McBride continued his breakout season with a career-high 12 catches for 133 yards. The Cardinals have another difficult road game against the Vikings (9-2) on Sunday. AP NFL:
Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissedSmartphones have evolved beyond sleek designs and extended battery life. Artificial intelligence (AI) integration has revolutionized how smartphones interact with users. By leveraging AI capabilities, smartphones can now learn user habits, optimize performance, and simplify tasks like photo editing. As AI technology continues to advance, here are some of the most promising AI features poised to transform the smartphone experience in the years to come. Photography is a prominent feature of smartphones that many users prioritize. Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted how smartphones handle photography. AI-enhanced mobile technology can analyze photos and automatically adjust settings to ensure that each picture turns out perfectly. Example: Google's Pixel series is known for its impressive AI photography. Using AI, these phones can produce vibrant pictures in low-light situations, something traditionally difficult for smartphones. Virtual assistants powered by AI —like Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung's Bixby—are constantly improving to become more helpful and intuitive. The best AI features in smartphones help these virtual assistants get the right context, get quick responses, and predict what the user needs. They can also help users set reminders, read texts out loud, or answer queries. AI assistants can help with everything to get the job done faster. Statistics: According to a report from Voicebot.ai, 36% of adults use voice assistants at least once a month, which continues to rise as smart assistants become more sophisticated. AI features also enhance the performance of smartphones . Through techniques like predictive modeling, users' phones can recognize what apps they use most often and ensure they load quickly. AI also plays a significant role in battery optimization, adjusting power usage based on users' habits to improve battery life. Example: Apple's A16 Bionic chip uses AI to optimize smartphone performance in real-time, saving power while keeping everything running smoothly. AI is helping enhance smartphone security. AI is at the heart of users' secure login systems, from face recognition to fingerprint scanning. These systems don’t just rely on static information—they continue to learn, adapting over time to offer more accurate and reliable protection. Example: Apple's Face ID uses AI to recognize users' faces and unlock their phones. It's not just based on a snapshot but on intricate mapping, ensuring more reliable access even in varying lighting conditions. Gaming on smartphones is rapidly evolving, and AI is definitely a big part of it. It is driving transformation and creating a need for AI-enhanced mobile technology. Smartphone AI features are crucial, whether it's optimizing the graphics, gameplay enhancement, or load speed improvement. They are set to offer a smooth and even more immersive experience. Statistics: According to a survey by Newzoo, up to 2.8 billion people worldwide prefer playing games. This enormous number clearly depicts the growing use of the best AI features for smartphones . These are some of the best AI features in smartphones that are becoming increasingly common. These features range from enhancing daily tasks to providing more advanced functionalities. AI-enhanced mobile technology is here to stay and is sure to capture everyone's interest. If you're considering purchasing a new device, be sure to check whether it includes the best AI features available .
As the world tries to make sense of this senseless act, one thing remains clear: the need for understanding, empathy, and proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. By addressing the root causes of violence, promoting mental health awareness, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, we can strive to create a safer and more harmonious world for all. The road ahead may be challenging, but by standing together and seeking solutions, we can work towards a future free from fear and violence.The group split on the vote for final approval following decision-making meeting in Strasbourg. Co-chair Bas Eckhout says new executive is 'good on content', but several colleagues set to vote against. The Green/European Free Alliance group in the European Parliament is split over whether to support the next European Commission, it emerged following a meeting in Strasbourg today. The European Parliament will vote at midday on Wednesday to approve the coming EU executive all 26 commissioners with a backroom deal among centrist groups. An absolute majority of the votes cast is required to secure the green light, and abstentions do not count as votes against. The Greens voted for the of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last July, welcoming her commitments to develop a climate-neutral industrial policy and boost just transition funding. But support for von der Leyen's new commission has now thinned out within the group. “We took a vote, and the outcome was that a small majority of the Green group is going to support the European Commission,” said Greens/EFA Dutch co-chair Bas Eickhout after a meeting on Monday evening in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. “We had a very long discussion, and I think what was very clear is that we all share arguments in favour or against very clearly. On our analysis and our assessment, we have the same conclusions: [the EC is] good on content.” The Greens appreciated the political guidelines put forward by Ursula von der Leyen and her in support of cooperation. “For me, the Greens/EFA group is part of the pro-European majority in the European Parliament, like the platform that I want to continue working with,” von der Leyen said in a press note released the same day. However, pro-environment MEPs also expressed concerns about the composition of the new Commission, which includes Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi as commissioner for health and animal welfare and Italy’s Raffaele Fitto as executive vice president for cohesion and reforms. The Greens voted against both picks in their hearings. Eickhout said the choice of Fitto as an executive vice president "is a big problem for us”, citing his membership of a radical right-wing party. This could be read as a clear shift rightwards for the Commission, he said, in view of the fact that the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group will vote in favour of the new college. Nonetheless, Green leaders still consider a “four-group majority” in the European Parliament (Europe’s People Party, Socialist and Democrats, Renew Europe, and Green/EFA, without the ECR) to be possible. They believe this majority could pivot the next legislature’s policies toward a pro-environment approach and push forward the green transition. They stated that they want to “work constructively” while “opposing the far right”. “Closing the door now when von der Leyen is trying to build a bridge would make it impossible to build this majority. Whereas now, if we are saying we want again to give it a shot, there is still a possibility,” said German MEP Terry Reintke, who co-chairs the group with Eckhout. On Monday, the Commission the hiring of former co-leader of the Green/EFA Philippe Lamberts as an advisor to President von der Leyen on the transition to a climate-neutral economy. The move was sharply criticised by the right-wing group Patriots for Europe as a naked attempt to co-opt Green votes. Eickhout denied this. “The name of Philippe Lambert has not been mentioned at any time during these two hours,” he said, referring to the lengthy meeting where the decision was made. Sources said discussion between the Green representatives was very intense. “It’s gonna be a mess,” one Green MEP said, leaving the room halfway through the meeting. Eickhout and Reintke did not specify how many members of the group were for and against, but said that several colleagues remained undecided. A Green/EFA source told Euronews that the German delegation (the largest in the group) would vote for the college, while Croatia's Gordan Bosanac, Austria's Thomas Waitz and Lena Schilling would vote against, along with Italians Cristina Guarda, Ignazio Marino, Benedetta Scuderi, and Leoluca Orlando, who previously opposed the election of Ursula von der Leyen. The Greens/EFA group comprises 53 MEPs, and with the vote on the Commission to be cast openly on Wednesday, the split will become evident.
The battle of the cold air has arrived, and the nationwide temperatures have hit a new low. As winter tightens its grip on the country, the chilling winds and frosty air have brought about a dramatic drop in temperatures, setting new records for cold weather across the nation.
Moreover, with the introduction of the Huawei AppGallery, users of the Pura 70 series can access a wide range of apps and services tailored to their needs. The Huawei AppGallery offers a curated selection of high-quality apps, ensuring that users have access to the latest and most popular applications. This, coupled with the advanced features of HarmonyOS, makes the Huawei Pura 70 series a truly compelling choice for tech-savvy consumers.In response to the escalating tensions surrounding the handling of the Hong Kong situation by the United States, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it would be imposing visa restrictions on certain US individuals who have exhibited a negative and disruptive attitude towards China's sovereignty over Hong Kong.The success of "Story of Yanxi Palace" in South Korea is a testament to the universal appeal of well-crafted storytelling, memorable characters, and high production quality. As Korean audiences continue to embrace Chinese dramas and explore diverse narratives beyond their own cultural borders, dramas like "Story of Yanxi Palace" serve as shining examples of the power of storytelling to transcend language and cultural barriers.In a historic turn of events, the National Assembly of South Korea has passed a resolution to arrest President Yoon Seok-hyue following mounting allegations of corruption and abuse of power. The decision, which came after days of heated debates and discussions, marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape and has triggered a wave of reactions both domestically and internationally.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have achieved a major breakthrough in the production of clean hydrogen energy. The team research team has successfully developed and certified a groundbreaking “Zero-Gap” technology for bio-electrochemical cells (BECs). It has the potential to pave the way for large-scale, cost-effective hydrogen production from organic waste. This breakthrough addresses two critical challenges: the growing need for clean energy sources and the effective management of organic waste. “This technological development not only addresses the environmental and economic challenges of processing organic waste in Korea but also represents a significant breakthrough in the high-efficiency production of clean hydrogen energy,” said Dr Jwa Eunjin, the lead researcher. BEC technology harnesses the power of microorganisms to convert organic waste into valuable hydrogen fuel. The microorganisms consume the organic matter in the waste, and this process releases electrons and hydrogen ions, which then combine to produce hydrogen gas. BEC suffers from limitations This approach offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels and generate significant carbon emissions. “By operating at low temperatures and emitting significantly less carbon dioxide, BEC technology aligns with global decarbonization goals,” said the scientists in a press release. However, as BEC systems increase in size, the longer pathways for electrochemical reactions lead to higher internal resistance and reduced efficiency . “This limitation poses a significant barrier to large-scale commercialization, highlighting the need for further technological advancements to improve system efficiency and scalability,” added the press release . The research team has introduced a groundbreaking “Zero-Gap” technology to overcome this limitation. This innovative design minimizes the distance between the cell’s electrodes and separator, optimizing reaction efficiency and electron transfer. “This advancement resolves longstanding power loss challenges in conventional processes, offering a transformative pathway toward large-scale, cost-effective hydrogen production,” read the press release. Confirmed effectiveness and pilot-scale success What sets KIER’s Zero-Gap technology apart is its unique design, which ensures consistent performance even in large-scale systems. Conventional zero-gap structures often struggle with pressure imbalances as systems grow larger. This can create gaps between components and lead to drops in efficiency. KIER’s design avoids this problem, maintaining optimal performance regardless of system size. Rigorous testing conducted by the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) has confirmed the effectiveness of this new technology. “The process utilizing the newly developed cell achieved 1.2 times higher hydrogen productivity and more than 1.8 times higher electron production compared to existing bio-electrochemical hydrogen production processes,” explained the team. “The same performance was maintained in pilot-scale experiments, a critical step toward large-scale implementation.” The model can benefit countries seeking sustainable waste management and clean energy solutions. “The commercialization of the high-performance bio-electrochemical cell we developed is expected to make a substantial contribution to achieving carbon neutrality and transitioning to a hydrogen-based society,” Dr Eunjin concluded.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Monday dismissed the federal criminal case accusing Donald Trump of attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat after prosecutors moved to drop that prosecution and a second case against the president-elect, citing Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. The order from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan puts an end to the federal effort to hold Trump criminally responsible for his attempts to hold onto power after losing the 2020 election, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters. The move came after Special Counsel Jack Smith, the lead prosecutor overseeing both cases, moved to dismiss the election case and end his attempt to revive a separate case accusing Trump of illegally retaining classified documents when he left office in 2021 after his first term as president. It represents a big legal victory for the Republican president-elect, who won the Nov. 5 U.S. election and is set to return to office on Jan. 20. The Justice Department policy that the prosecutors cited dates back to the 1970s. It holds that a criminal prosecution of a sitting president would violate the U.S. Constitution by undermining the ability of the country's chief executive to function. Courts will still have to approve both requests from prosecutors. The prosecutors in a filing in the election subversion case said the department's policy requires the case to be dismissed before Trump returns to the White House. "This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant," prosecutors wrote in the filing. Prosecutors in the documents case signaled they will still ask a federal appeals court to bring back the case against two Trump associates who had been accused of obstructing that investigation. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung hailed what he called "a major victory for the rule of law." Trump had faced criminal charges in four cases - the two brought by Smith and two in state courts in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in the New York case while the Georgia case, which also relates to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, is in limbo. In a post on social media, Trump railed on Monday against the legal cases as a "low point in the History of our Country." The moves by Smith, who was appointed in 2022 by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, represents a remarkable shift from the special prosecutor who obtained indictments against Trump in two separate cases accusing him of crimes that threatened U.S. election integrity and national security. Prosecutors acknowledged that the election of a president who faced ongoing criminal cases created an unprecedented predicament for the Justice Department. Chutkan left open the possibility that prosecutors could seek to charge Trump again after he leaves office, but prosecutors would likely face challenges bringing a case so long after conduct involved in the case happened. Trump pleaded not guilty in August 2023 to four federal charges accusing him of conspiring to obstruct the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump, who as president will again oversee the Justice Department, was expected to order an end to the federal 2020 election case and to Smith's appeal in the documents case. Florida-based Judge Aileen Cannon, who Trump appointed to the federal bench, had dismissed the classified documents case in July, ruling that Smith was improperly appointed to his role as special counsel. Smith's office had been appealing that ruling and indicated on Monday that the appeal would continue as it relates to Trump personal aide Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, a manager at his Mar-a-Lago resort, who had been previously charged alongside Trump in the case. Both Nauta and De Oliveria have pleaded not guilty, as did Trump. In the 2020 election case, Trump's lawyers had previously said they would seek to dismiss the charges based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution over official actions taken while in the White House. Trump denied wrongdoing in all cases and argued that the U.S. legal system had been turned against him to damage his presidential campaign. He vowed during the campaign that he would fire Smith if he returned to the presidency. Trump in May became the first former president to be convicted of a crime when a jury in New York found him guilty of felony charges relating to hush money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election. His sentencing in that case has been indefinitely postponed. The criminal case against Trump in Georgia state court involving the 2020 election is stalled. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward. Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis, Will Dunham and Bill Berkrot)Letter: Who's going to take your job?