Elon Musk , known for his innovative ventures and bold statements, recently addressed Singapore's declining fertility rates, calling it a sign of extinction for the island nation. His comments were a response to a post by popular X (formerly Twitter) personality Mario Nawfal, who shared an article discussing Singapore's "baby crisis" and the potential role of robots in mitigating its effects. Musk’s remarks have reignited global discussions about demographic challenges faced by developed societies. "Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct", Musk said in his post. Singapore’s Fertility Plunge Singapore has witnessed a significant decline in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) over the past three decades. In 2023, the country’s resident TFR dropped to a historic low of 0.97—the first time it has fallen below 1.0. This means that, on average, each woman is having fewer than one child. — elonmusk (@elonmusk) The primary cause of this decline lies in shifting societal norms. According to Singapore government data, a growing number of women in their prime childbearing years (25–34) are choosing to remain single. Additionally, the marital fertility rate for women in their 20s has seen a marked drop, contributing to around 32% of the overall decline in TFR. From 1990 to 2005, marital fertility rates among women aged 25–34 fell sharply, although a slight recovery was observed in 2023. Robots to the Rescue? Despite the concerning fertility trends, Singapore's technological advancements might help mitigate the demographic impact, a Newsweek article, cited by Mario Nawfal said . The city-state ranks second globally in robot density, with 770 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, according to the International Federation of Robotics. This technological edge allows Singapore to offset its labor shortages, especially given its high labor costs and small manufacturing base. Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, a company investing heavily in humanoid robots designed to perform repetitive and hazardous tasks, appears optimistic about the role of robotics in addressing such challenges. Netizens React to Elon Musk comments Musk’s comments and Singapore’s demographic trends have sparked a wide range of reactions online. While some emphasized Singapore's robust immigration policies as a buffer against population decline, others highlighted the deeper societal and economic issues underlying low birth rates. Others pointed to societal and economic factors contributing to the reluctance to have children. Rising costs of living, paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyles, and concerns about financial stability were frequently cited as barriers to starting or expanding families. The burden of ensuring a secure future for children in an increasingly competitive world appears to weigh heavily on many individuals. Singapore’s struggles with low fertility rates mirror challenges faced by many developed nations. Declining birth rates threaten long-term economic growth, social stability, and labor force sustainability.Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah
Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Thursday. flight attendants have received an early Christmas gift, scoring a $7,000 pay rise after their union arguing they were vastly underpaid. The win will see close to 1,500 workers receive a similar wage to those doing the same job for other airlines. The Woolworths strikes at distribution centres appear to be escalating with The Building Industry Group (BIG) of Unions has warned it will send in "large numbers" if the supermarket tries to break the picket line. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. Days after controversially pardoning his son Hunter Biden, outgoing US President Joe Biden appears to have fallen asleep during meetings with African leaders. During the summit in Angola, Biden held his hand to his face before appearing to wake up. It's not the first time the 82-year-old has been accused of dosing off on the international stage as his age continuing to be a major talking point as he nears the end of his four years in the White House. If you've been suffering in muggy weather recently, you're not alone. Most of the country has been dealing with humid weather with a moist airmass refusing to go away. "It’s a continuation of the recent pattern where much of the country has seen heavy downpours at times – with the exception of southern and western areas of WA and large chunks of South Australia," Weatherzone explained. The 'soupy' conditions have been triggered by a combination of features including a slow-moving high funnelling moist winds onshore from the Tasman Sea. Read the full explanation . Soupy air mass sloshing around Australia showing no immediate signs of moving on. — Andrew Miskelly (@andrewmiskelly) Check out this chilling clip from the US now. A giant alligator, aptly nicknamed 'Godzilla, was filmed in Florida dragging a giant dead Burmese python through the water at Shark Valley. "I have seen many alligators eating pythons out here....I have never, ever, ever seen a python that large," Everglades National Park tour guide Kelly Alvarez who captured the video told USA Today. I guess it's not just us with terrifying wildlife encounters. Well things are heating up. An increasingly-frustrated Woolworths has been warned "large numbers" of union members will be sent down to picket lines if the supermarket giant tries to breach them as strikes at distribution centres reach two weeks. The Building Industry Group (BIG) of Unions has told Woolworths it will not tolerate interference without a deal being struck. “The BIG Unions’ support for the UWU’s distribution centre members is unconditional and the combined unions will campaign and support the dispute industrially, politically and financially until these workers win this dispute,” they said in a joint statement. “Should Woolworths try to break the picket line, the BIG is putting all our members on notice: if the UWU members require support for the picket, we will be there in large numbers at a moment’s notice. “This is a critical fight, and the BIG unions stand with the UWU members and encourage all unions and workers to join the fight as well.” Read all about it over on Yahoo Finance. Police are investigating a third reported suspicious incident involving a man in a van approaching schoolchildren across Melbourne in recent weeks. The latest incident occurred in the eastern suburb of Boronia on Tuesday morning. This follows a similar incident in nearby Blackburn on November 18, and another suspicious incident in the northwest suburb of Tullamarine on November 27. About 8.30am Tuesday a boy on his way to school at Boronia Heights Primary was reportedly approached by a man in a white van. “Police are investigating after a boy was approached by a man driving a white van in Boronia on 3 December,” Victoria Police say. "The boy walked away and reported the matter to police. The investigation remains ongoing.” One week ago a man driving a white van approached a 14-year-old girl walking in Tullamarine, and asked her where she lived and to get in his vehicle. This incident happened on Spring St on November 27. The first in this string of similar incidents happened a few suburbs away from the latest one. On November 18 another man tried to abduct an 11-year-old boy while he was walking home on Halley St in Blackburn. Police say the description of the vehicle and men involved in the first two incidents do not match. - NCA NewsWire Jetstar cabin crew have had a big win after they scored a $7,000 pay rise. Almost 1,500 staff members across Jetstar and Altara landed the deal thanks to a push from the Transport Workers Union who used Labor's same job, same pay laws, reported. “This agreement will correct that and put all cabin crew work groups at Jetstar on a more level playing field," TWU national secretary Michael Kaine, arguing Qantas had wrongly "splintered its workforce into dozens of pieces".
FRISCO - They say they are "soft'' and they say they "suck'' and they seem like they are about done with a possible mutiny in play. No, not the Dallas Cowboys. The New York Giants. The Cowboys have for a week staved off such ominous talk with but a single win at Washington last week; that puts them at 4-7 after having ended a five-game skid. The Giants?They are 2-9 and still skidding after a tumultuous time that's included the benching and dumping of their starting QB and some nasty locker room talk from standouts like Malik Nabers and Dexter Lawrence. Next up? It's the Giants at Dallas on Thanksgiving, and our Cowboys insider Mike Fisher has the big reveals, with five winning keys and his prediction for Thursday ... 1 - Micah Parsons is being moved around upfront while new (third-string) QB Tommy DeVito over his last seven full games has been sacked an average of 5.3 times per game. Huge edge to Dallas. ... and if it's Drew Lock instead of DeVito? Same thing can work. 2 - Nabers wasn't targeted in the first half of the Week 12 defeat against the Bucs, and the rookie is griping about it. Coach Brian Daboll will surely feed him this time. The Cowboys' health at cornerback (Trevon Diggs has been ailing) is something to watch. 3 - Speaking of health : Cooper Rush has a banged-up knee but will play (subbing for the out-for-the-year Dak Prescott). But right guard Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder) and tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) are not available. Dallas' depth will be tested ... and against the lowly Giants, will be enough. 4 - The end of the committee? Indeed, as Rico Dowdle got himself 22 touches and 98 yards in the Week 12 upset of Washington. Why does this matter now? The porous Giants gibe up an ugly 5.1 yards per carry. 5 - In Ferguson’s absence last Sunday, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford stepped up. Still, this is Lamb's show . ... and the Giants match up very, very poorly. The Giants allow the NFL’s third-highest completion rate (70.8 percent), the fifth-most yards per pass attempt (7.8), and the third-highest QB rating (105.1) ... while Lamb despite playing hurt all season and despite Dak's absence - is averaging 12.8 targets and 8.7 catches over Dallas’ last six games. Cooper Rush is no dummy. CeeDee Lamb is the way Dallas wins this game ... which it will, says Fish. Score Prediction: Cowboys 24, Giants 13. Want more Cowboys? Listen and watch with the Fish Report right here! -
Commentary: Capitalism is the unsung hero of South Korean democracy
A WOMAN has claimed she fixed her thin hair with a weekly hack she swears by. Faith Drew took to social media to show off her thick, long locks while sharing her secret to healthy hair. Advertisement 2 Faith shared a before picture of how her hair looked two years ago Credit: TikTok/@faithdrew_ 2 Now her hair is luscious and thick thanks to her weekly hack Credit: TikTok/@faithdrew_ She showed a picture of her hair a few years ago, which was much shorter and thinner than the locks on her head now and revealed it was all down to looking after her scalp. The beauty fan said: "Scalp health is so important. "Your hair grows from the root. "Our scalp actually ages 12 times faster than the skin on our body. Advertisement READ MORE HAIR HACKS MANE EVENT The real reason your locks are shedding & why you should avoid growth shampoos HAIR ME OUT I'm a doctor & people dread hair loss as they age - a £4 tip is the answer "So it's no wonder that as we age, our hair can be one of the first things to go." Faith said she began to notice excess hair fallout and her hairline had started to recede. But now her hair is so full she gets asked daily if she wears extensions - which she doesn't. Her secret? She revealed it was all down to one weekly beauty treatment, scalp oiling. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous CASH VOW Nurse cancels £30k Scots fairytale wedding after 'rose-tinted glasses come off' MUM'S THE WORD 'Relatable' Coleen Rooney praised for how she deals with sons' misbehaving HEAT UP I tried 6 kinds of Primark PJ's to see which ones are warmest according to science CHOP SHOCK Mum left sobbing as 2-year-old son cuts & SUPERGLUES her hair as she sleeps "I have done weekly oil treatments now for the last two and a half years," she explained. Faith also linked the product she used in her bio, the Monat hair thinning defense oil which costs £77. The 8 everyday mistakes that are RUINING your hair - from your diet to your brush The product contains caffeine to promote new hair growth as it stimulates blood flow to the scalp - but you can also try the Plantur 39 Phtyo Caffeine Tonic from Boots for just £10.99. The clips were a hit on her TikTok account @ faithdrew_ where she boasts over 133k followers and 3.9 million likes. Advertisement People were quick to take to the comments thanking her for the advice. One person wrote: "Explain howwww." Hair loss tips We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the NHS. It is not usually something to worry about, but occasional it can be a sign of a medical concern. These include illness, stress, cancer treatment, weight loss and iron deficiency. The NHS advises to book an appointment with your GP to see if you can get to the cause of it. Experts at American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommend to eat healthy, limit curling irons and only use them for special occasions. They also recommend using a gentle shampoo, and make use of leave-in conditioners. Another commented: "Omg I need this BAD." "What did you use please," penned a third. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun LOOKING UP I'm a four-time world champ but my eyesight is going so I've made crucial change ISLE SAY Stunning home with panoramic views for sale for just £135k - but there's a catch Meanwhile a fourth said: "can you show your hair care products?" Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .Hut 8 Operations Update for November 2024
Jimmy Carter, the earnest 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 at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Centre said. He was 100. Login or signup to continue reading "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former president's son. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs". A Democrat, Carter 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's 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." A Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher since his teens, Carter brought a strong sense of morality to the presidency, speaking openly about his religious faith. Despite his difficulties in office, Carter had few rivals for accomplishments as a former president. He gained global acclaim as a tireless human rights advocate, a voice for the disenfranchised and a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty, winning the respect that eluded him in the White House. Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve conflicts around the world, from Ethiopia and Eritrea to Bosnia and Haiti. His Carter Centre in Atlanta sent international election-monitoring delegations to polls around the world. The Middle East was the focus of Carter's foreign policy. 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. In November 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini 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. Not all of Carter's post-presidential work was appreciated. In 2004, Carter called the Iraq war launched in 2003 by President George W Bush one of the most "gross and damaging mistakes our nation ever made." He called the younger Bush's administration "the worst in history" and said Vice President Dick Cheney was "a disaster for our country." In 2019, Carter questioned Republican Donald Trump's legitimacy as president, saying "he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." Trump responded by calling Carter "a terrible president." Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. 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(AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Purdy spent the bulk of the session of Wednesday's practice open to reporters as either a spectator or executing handoffs outside of one short pass to Jordan Mason. Purdy hurt his shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. He tried to throw at practice last Thursday but had soreness in his right shoulder and shut it down. He missed a loss to Green Bay but was able to do some light throwing on Monday. His status for this week remains in doubt as the Niners (5-6) prepare to visit Buffalo on Sunday night. Purdy isn't the only key player for San Francisco dealing with injuries. Left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa remain sidelined at practice Wednesday after missing last week's game. Williams was using a scooter to get around the locker room as he deals with a left ankle injury. Bosa has been out with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Bosa said the week off helped him make progress and that he hopes to be able to take part in individual drills later in the week. Bosa wouldn't rule out being able to play on Sunday. "It’s feeling a lot better,” Bosa said. “Still need to get better before I’m ready to go. This week will be big and I’ll know a lot more in the next couple of days.” Running back Christian McCaffrey has been able to play, but isn't back to the form that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after missing the first eight games this season with Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has 149 yards rushing in three games back with his 3.5 yards per carry down significantly from last season's mark of 5.4. But he is confident he will be able to get back to his usual level of play. “When you lose and maybe you don’t jump out on the stat sheet, your failures are highlighted,” he said. “I’m happy I’m out here playing football and I just know with time it will come.” Coach Kyle Shanahan said he has liked what he has seen from McCaffrey, adding that there hasn't been much room to run in recent weeks. But Shanahan said it takes time to get back to speed after McCaffrey had almost no practice time for nine months. “Guys who miss offseasons and miss training camp, usually it takes them a little bit of time at the beginning of the year to get back into how they were the year before, let alone missing half the season also on top of that,” Shanahan said. “I think Christian’s doing a hell of a job. But to just think him coming back in Week 8 with not being able to do anything for the last nine months or whatever it is, and to think he’s just going to be in MVP form is a very unrealistic expectation.” NOTES: LB Dre Greenlaw took part in his first practice since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw will likely need a couple of weeks of practice before being able to play. ... LB Fred Warner said he has been dealing with a fracture in his ankle since Week 4 and is doing his best to manage the pain as he plays through it. ... CB Deommodore Lenoir didn't practice after banging knees on Sunday. His status for this week remains in question. ... DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), OL Aaron Banks (concussion) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) also didn't practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNone
Hyderabad groups host events to deter youth from New Year parties...says youths’ll drive positive revolution African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has intensified the push for more empowerment opportunities for youths in Africa, insisting that the future and relevance of the continent in global socio-economic discussions lies in its youths. President of the Bank, Benedict Okey Oramah, stated this at the 5th edition of the youth summit organised by Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN), a pan-African non-governmental organization, in Abuja on the theme “Connecting Africa through Youth Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation”. Youth representatives from 91 countries, officials of Federal and State governments, development partners, notably, Development Bank of Africa (DBN), Afreximbank, and several others participated in the Summit. The Afreximbank President in his submissions, said Africa is home to the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, with more than 60 per cent of the continent’s population under the age of 25. “This vibrant and dynamic youth population represents not only a challenge but also an immense opportunity for growth, innovation, and transformation across the continent. “The youths of Africa are increasingly becoming the driving force of economic and social change. Their energy, creativity, and resilience are leading the charge in reimagining what is possible for the future of our nations. “Yet, while this youth population holds immense potential, they often face significant challenges which include limited access to education and skills training, a lack of job opportunities, and barriers to entrepreneurship. “With our youth population projected to double by 2050, young people are the driving force behind what we see today as Africa’s economic transformation. Our youths are creative, resourceful, energetic, innovative and resilient. “A recent empirical survey of 4,507 young Africans from 15 countries shows that 78 per cent of young Africans between the ages of 18 and 24 plan to start businesses within the next five years. They need the necessary knowledge, mentorship, and support, particularly digital infrastructure to enable them to succeed.” Ambassador Isaac Parashina, Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, in his keynote address, also highlighted the fact that Africa is home to approximately 1.4 billion people, and It is regarded as the youngest continent in the world. He said: “The theme of this year’s Summit provides us with the opportunity to critically examine the nexus between youth entrepreneurship and digital transformation for a prosperous Africa, which is more recognized as the continent of the future because of its vast natural resources, vibrant youthful population, and rapidly expanding markets. “With a rich abundance of resources and untapped potential, Africa stands at a critical juncture where strategic investments and innovations could propel it to become a global leader in various sectors. “The continent’s demographic profile, particularly its youth, offers a unique advantage that can drive the next wave of economic growth and development. But to unlock Africa’s full potential for growth and prosperity, a focused and concerted approach is required. “Undisputedly, the youths of Africa represent a tremendous resource that is currently underutilized. With over 70 per cent of the population under the age of 30, the continent has an energetic and innovative workforce, but the major hindrance to harnessing the full potential is the lack of access to the necessary resources, education, and support systems to turn their ideas into viable businesses or impactful ventures.” He insisted that deliberate policy actions must be undertaken by governments and other interlocutors to empower the youth to engage in entrepreneurship in order to create jobs, foster innovation, and diversify African economies. The Kenyan Diplomat further stated that entrepreneurship is a critical component of Africa’s economic future and by creating an environment where young people can thrive as entrepreneurs, Africa will be able to harness the full power of its youthful population. “This can be achieved by providing access to finance, mentorship, and networks that encourage innovation and risk-taking. Promoting a culture of entrepreneurship across the continent will not only address the issue of youth unemployment but also stimulate economic growth, creating new industries and business opportunities in both urban and rural areas. “Equally important is the need to invest in robust digital infrastructure across the continent. The digital revolution has transformed economies worldwide, and Africa must not be left behind. It enables connectivity, which is crucial for the success of businesses, particularly start-ups. Reliable internet, mobile technology, and digital payment systems can help young entrepreneurs access global markets, collaborate with international partners, and create scalable solutions to local problems. “With the right tools and support, the youths can drive entrepreneurship that fuels economic growth, while digital infrastructure would enhance efficiency and connectivity across the continent.” Meanwhile, Ms Chinwe Okoli, the founder of the organisation, in her remarks, said that for many years, the organization has engaged in developing and harnessing unique ideas, talents and abilities of young ones in Africa, helping them to succeed in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment. She said: “We have trained, mentored, and empowered African youths with digital, leadership, employability, and entrepreneurial skills for self-sustenance and professional growth using the limited resources available to us.” A participant, Abdullahi Musa, described the Summit as an eye-opener for him, considering the knowledge that was made available to him. He said: “I participated in previous Summits and other Masterclasses organised by GAIN. Those opportunities have helped me develop and sharpen my entrepreneurship skills, and I can see the impact in my engagements afterwards.”