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In response to the controversy, regulatory bodies and consumer advocacy groups have called for greater oversight and transparency in the airline ticket resale market. Measures such as price caps, mandatory disclosure of markups, and stricter regulations on ticket resellers could help protect consumers from being exploited and ensure a fair and competitive marketplace for air travel.The decision to fly opposition flags at the Syrian Embassy in Moscow came amidst the escalating conflict in Syria, where opposition forces have been waging a fierce battle against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The move, which was reportedly made without the approval of the Syrian government, has been interpreted by many as a sign of dissent within the ranks of the Syrian diplomatic corps, reflecting a growing disillusionment with the Assad regime.Delhi Transport Commissioner refutes Kejriwal's claims of inquiry against CM Atishi
Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (NASDAQ:WGMI) Sees Significant Increase in Short InterestSatellite Phone Store Steps in to Support Malibu Wildfire Recovery with Lifesaving Communication ToolsIn the end, it was not the glitz and glamour of the silver screen that defined Lin Jing'en, but rather the quiet strength and unwavering dignity that illuminated his path through the darkest of nights. And in that silent testament to the human spirit, the tale of the beggar with the strange gaze and the clean heart found its rightful place among the legends of the city, a whispered reminder of the transient nature of fame and the enduring legacy of compassion and kindness.
Year Ender 2024: Looking Back At The Top AI Stories This Year That'll Take Us ForwardSyrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. - 'Shuffle the cards' - One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. - Deadly crackdown - But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb
President Jimmy Carter’s work making the world a better place will continue because of his faith, a dogged determination to leave a mark on the planet and a curious late-night dream. He left the White House in bitter disappointment and frustration in early 1981 at not having a second term because of the ascendance of Ronald Reagan. The ambitious Carter was not content to build a presidential library and rest on the laurels of a Mideast peace treaty, a nuclear arms deal with the Soviet Union, expanding national parks and reemphasizing human rights in American foreign policy. There was much left undone, in his estimation, but how to go about it now that he was out of the bully pulpit? He and his wife Rosalynn decided to leverage the prestige of his being a former president into opening doors and continuing work addressing poverty, illnesses and democracy around the world. Carter said in a 2009 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that they realized there could be advantages in working without the shackles of congressional approvals, presidential protocols or inter-party politics. He and Rosalynn would later talk about whether he was able to accomplish more in the world through the Carter Center than he would have as a second-term president. “I think yes,” Carter told the AJC. He reemphasized his satisfaction with his decision during an August 2015 press conference. He said, in retrospect, given the choice between winning a second term or founding the Carter Center, he would have chosen the Carter Center. The well-funded and globally respected nonprofit will carry his work and ideals well into the future. The Carters dived — freelance and sometimes to the chagrin of the White House — into brokering peace between warring groups, addressing global health, shoring up human rights, freeing hostages, spreading democracy and increasing food production. It led to a passel of recognitions and awards — including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. The idea for the center came to him in a night-time dream of cabins built on a patch of wooded land, incongruously, within the shadows of Atlanta’s skyline, Carter told the AJC. His center was to be a re-creation of the wooded presidential retreat at Camp David, the location where he orchestrated, through stubborn refusal to accept “no” from either side, the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. He found a patch of land east of downtown, but he had to plead with his former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, who was then mayor of Atlanta, to spare the land from a proposed highway project. The Israel-Egypt peace deal was a foreign-policy coup in the Mideast that no one has come close to replicating, and Carter’s hopes of re-creating the highlight of forging peace between implacable enemies grew into the ever-evolving Atlanta institution. The Carters wrestled with what the center’s other roles should be before turning to their personal experiences with poverty in south Georgia during the Great Depression. They recalled small-town values of neighborly help and their deeply held Christian values and applied those to Carter Center work. At the center’s founding, his work focused on mediating peace between warring groups, such as helping end a conflict between Ethiopia and its breakaway region of Eritrea. “And we still do some of that,” Carter said, but the focus of the center’s work changed and shifted with world need. They looked for causes few others were working on and used their status to leverage donations and attention, ultimately tipping the balance in battles against various human ills. The Carters’ work moved into fostering democracy by monitoring national and village level elections. Carter and his staff monitored more than 113 elections in 39 countries. As president, he helped normalize relations with China, and its government invited him in the 1990s to help standardize the vast array of electoral procedures in rural areas. The Carters adopted mental health issues, something Rosalynn had worked on since their days in the Georgia governor’s mansion, as well as press freedoms, human rights and government transparency. They threw themselves into food production programs in African villages, something Carter had worked on as president. But it was a visit from an old Georgia friend and former White House staffer Dr. Peter Bourne that opened the former president’s eyes to the issues on which a lion’s share of Carter Center money is spent: the eradication of little-known but devastating diseases. Bourne continued working on world health issues after leaving the White House, but the former president had him come to the Carter Center in May 1985 to talk about Guinea worm disease. Bourne and others believed it could be wiped out, which would make it the second human disease in history to be eliminated, after smallpox. Later that year, Bourne and the Carters were together in Wales indulging in one of their favorite pastimes, fishing. Bourne told them that others had some success eradicating Guinea worm at local levels in Africa and south Asia, where about 3.5 million people were affected. They knew that once the parasitic, water-born cycle was broken, it would be wiped from the earth. But those working on it didn’t have the political clout to convince countries to get involved at the highest levels. Carter could bring that, Bourne told them. Carter thought about it a few weeks, then called Bourne to say he was in. “He has been the driving force in getting the political will necessary ever since,” Bourne said. With Carter raising the profile of the illness and money — the center’s assets were more than $925 million according to its 2020 annual report — governments and nonprofits got behind it. Guinea worm was down to 14 reported cases in 2021 in four African countries, the center said. “We analyzed every human illness on earth to ascertain which ones of those might theoretically be ... eradicated,” Carter said. And they chose four others in addition to Guinea worm. River blindness was found in Africa and parts of Central and South America. By 2015, the center’s work coordinating nonprofits and governments pushed the disease into a few isolated deep-jungle spots in Venezuela and Brazil. With a great deal of optimism, the center moved in 2014 to declare a war on eradication of river blindness in Africa, where more than 100 million people are at risk. The center also began programs for trachoma, an infectious eye disease causing blindness; two diseases carried by parasitic worms, elephantiasis and schistosomiasis; and malaria in the Caribbean. The center will carry the couple’s work well past their demise. “I think 100 years from now we will still have the Carter Center as an independent entity,” Carter said. “I hope they are still doing the kinds of good things we have done so far.”
Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire brokered by US and France, to take effect Wednesday
As we mourn the loss of a bright young talent, let us also reflect on the fragility of life and the preciousness of every moment we have. May justice be served, and may we strive to create a safer, more compassionate world for all.
In conclusion, the interpretation of the December Political Bureau meeting by institutions has underscored the significance of the policy decisions taken and the direction in which the economy is set to move. The confirmation of a policy turning point and the government's commitment to implementing targeted and effective measures have been welcomed as key drivers of economic revitalization. With a focus on stability, innovation, and reform, the Chinese economy is poised to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for sustained growth in the upcoming period.
Today in Beijing, the weather is cold both in the morning and evening. The highest temperature will reach 6℃, making it a chilly day for the capital city. Despite the cold weather, it is still an ideal time to go out during the midday and to open windows for ventilation. However, it is crucial to remember to dress warmly and protect oneself from the cold.With the global economy facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world are working tirelessly to develop effective economic policies to mitigate the impact of the crisis. In light of this, the economic policy for the upcoming year has been delineated with a focus on enhancing extraordinary countercyclical regulation.In a groundbreaking development for gamers, the much-anticipated “Monster Hunter Wilds” is now available on Game Pass, marking a significant evolution in gaming accessibility and technology trends. This news is a game-changer for both the franchise and its fan base, ensuring that millions can dive into the immersive world of monster hunting without the barrier of additional costs. Game Pass and Monster Hunter: A Perfect Duo The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass is not just about wider accessibility; it signifies a strategic partnership that brings enormous value to subscribers. Game Pass, known for its expansive library and cost-effective model, is reinforcing its position as the go-to service for gamers seeking variety and innovation. Meanwhile, for Capcom, this collaboration introduces “Monster Hunter Wilds” to a potentially vast new audience, ensuring a fresh influx of players ready to explore, battle, and strategize in the untamed wilderness. Advanced Technology and Future Prospects “Monster Hunter Wilds” leverages cutting-edge technology to create rich and dynamic ecosystems, pushing the boundaries of what players can experience. With the power of modern consoles and the convenience of Game Pass, the game offers a seamless and breathtaking journey. Looking ahead, this move heralds a future where major releases will increasingly be accessible through subscription services, reshaping the landscape of the gaming industry. In essence, the inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass underscores a future where accessibility and innovation coalesce, setting a new standard for how games can reach players worldwide. “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass: A New Era for Subscription Gaming The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” in Microsoft’s Game Pass is more than just an expansion of game libraries—it’s a strategic pivot that reflects broader trends within the gaming industry. This move caters to a growing demand for flexible, cost-effective gaming solutions, laying the groundwork for a transformation in how gamers access top-tier titles. Pros and Cons of Game Pass for Gamers and Developers From the gamer’s perspective, Game Pass offers unparalleled value. For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a vast array of games, including “Monster Hunter Wilds,” which would otherwise require a large upfront investment. This model reduces the financial barrier to accessing new games and encourages players to try titles they might not have purchased outright. For developers, however, the subscription model presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for immediate exposure to a large audience, which can significantly boost initial engagement and word-of-mouth promotion. On the other hand, the revenue generated through subscriptions can be lower compared to traditional sales, making the financial outcomes uncertain. Comparing Game Pass to Other Subscription Services Game Pass stands out in the competitive landscape of gaming subscriptions with its extensive catalog and integration across Xbox and PC platforms. It offers more than just access—it includes exclusive discounts and bundled content, enhancing the overall user experience. When compared to Sony’s PlayStation Plus or EA Play, Game Pass consistently broadens its appeal by featuring first-day releases and big-name titles like “Monster Hunter Wilds.” Market Insights and Trends in Subscription Gaming The gaming industry is witnessing a shift as more consumers prioritize convenience and value over ownership. Subscription services like Game Pass are expected to dominate the market, with analysts predicting significant growth in the coming years. This model aligns with broader trends in digital consumption, similar to platforms like Netflix or Spotify, suggesting a move towards a future where gamers access rather than own. Sustainability and Innovations in Gaming Access With sustainability becoming an integral concern, the digital nature of Game Pass and similar services offers an eco-friendly alternative to physical copies, reducing packaging waste. Additionally, innovations in cloud gaming, such as enhanced streaming capabilities, are poised to further revolutionize how content is delivered, offering seamless play without hefty downloads. Security Aspects and the Future of Game Distribution Security remains paramount in digital gaming, and services like Game Pass employ robust mechanisms to ensure user data is protected. As gaming communities grow and evolve, maintaining secure platforms will be crucial to fostering trust and reliability. The partnership between “Monster Hunter Wilds” and Game Pass not only enriches the gaming experience but also showcases the evolving dynamics of game distribution. This collaboration sets the stage for future innovations in accessibility and game delivery methods, underscoring the vital role subscription services will play in shaping the gaming world.