North Korean hackers target South Korea with Internet Explorer vulnerabilities to deploy RokRAT malware
Developers and real estate professionals are responding to these changing trends by adapting their offerings to meet the evolving needs of consumers. We can expect to see more innovation in property development, with a focus on creating multi-functional spaces, incorporating technology-enabled features, and enhancing the overall living experience for residents. Properties that prioritize sustainability, wellness, and connectivity are likely to be in high demand in the coming year.
Public Works and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced that the long-awaited National Highway development project, connecting Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, will be completed by December 2025. Speaking at the inauguration of the Chulakadavu bridge construction on Sunday (December 15), the Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to expediting stalled projects through significant financial interventions. He said the six-lane National Highway project will be opened in phases, with work from Kasaragod to Malappuram nearing earlier completion. The State government, through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), allocated ₹5,580 crore for land acquisition — an unprecedented move in India’s history of National Highway development, he added. The Minister credited KIIFB for driving Kerala’s infrastructure progress, stating that over the past eight years, ₹18,445 crore has been invested in 223 roads, 91 bridges, 57 railway overpasses, 15 flyovers, and one underpass across the state. The Chulakadavu Bridge, a vital connection between Ramanthali Panchayat and Payyannur Municipality, is being constructed across the Payyannur river at a cost of ₹27.94 crore. Once completed, the bridge will reduce the current 5-kilometre travel distance between the areas to just 1.4 kilometres. Spanning 222.55 metres, the bridge features a bowstring arch in the central span and prestressed concrete girders for the remaining spans. It will include a 1.5-metre-wide footpath on both sides and auxiliary roads of 290 metres on the Payyannur side and 280 metres on the Ramanthali side. Minister Riyas called the bridge a long-standing dream of the region and urged all stakeholders to ensure its timely completion. The project is expected to be completed in two years, with technical approval granted in August 2023. Kunhithottam bridge inaugurated across Panapuzha river The Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Kunhithottam bridge, built across the Panapuzha river in the Eramam-Kuttur gramapanchayat of the Payyannur assembly constituency. The minister highlighted the government’s shift towards utilizing advanced construction technologies aimed at enhancing the longevity and durability of bridges. He stated that the state is adopting new methods to minimize the use of natural resources such as rock and sand, promoting sustainable practices in construction. The Minister emphasized the introduction of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) as a key component of this new approach. This construction technique significantly reduces the consumption of aggregates, offering enhanced durability and reliability compared to traditional concrete. According to the minister, the UHPFRC method costs only one-third of commercially available concrete while maintaining superior performance. The government’s policy focuses on reducing costs, lowering raw material usage, and ensuring longer-lasting infrastructure, thereby ensuring sustainable development in the state. This shift in construction practices aligns with the government’s broader vision of minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects, he added. Published - December 16, 2024 01:12 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Kannur / Kerala / public works & infrastructureA stark warning from Booking.com (reported by the BBC) highlights a 900 percent increase in travel scams over the past 18 months, with artificial intelligence playing a key role in promoting such nefarious deeds. In 2023, victims of travel scams in the U.S. lost a total of $265,000 , with nearly 1 in 4 travellers (24 percent) losing $1,000 or more to a single scam. In relation to this, the company AIPRM has compiled a list of the top AI-driven threats travellers should watch out for. Fake airline and hotel booking websites Many criminals create convincing websites that mimic legitimate travel booking platforms. Often advertising irresistible prices for flights and accommodations, these sites lure travellers with offers that seem too good to miss. Fraudsters also often play on urgency, using phrases like “limited-time sale” or “only 1 left” to push consumers into making quick decisions. Once you input your details, scammers can steal your personal and financial information, leaving you with a ticket to nowhere and out of pocket. The best advice is to watch out for suspicious URLs, small spelling errors or anything that feels off about the website’s design or offers. Double-check through official channels and read verified reviews before submitting your personal information. AI chatbots offering fake travel deals AI-powered chatbots can be used by scammers to impersonate customer service representatives, offering huge discounts on flights, hotels, or holiday packages. These bots may ask for sensitive personal information or prompt users to pay upfront for non-existent trips. To avoid falling victim, verify any deals or offers you find online through official travel websites and avoid providing payment information through unfamiliar channels. If something feels too rushed, it’s a red flag. Double-check all details and confirm through official customer service numbers or emails before finalizing any travel booking. Phishing emails and text messages One in five people click on AI-generated phishing emails . Scammers are using AI to craft highly convincing phishing content disguised as legitimate companies. Imagine receiving a text or email claiming your flight is cancelled, and to avoid losing your reservation, you must click a link and enter your payment details immediately. The pressure to act quickly could lead you to inadvertently put your financial information into the hands of fraudsters. AI-generated holiday reviews Fake AI-generated airline reviews have skyrocketed by 189 percent, while Tripadvisor alone flagged a record 2 million reviews as fake on its platform last year. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, scammers can now generate hundreds of seemingly genuine, glowing reviews in minutes, making it harder for travelers to distinguish between real and fraudulent content. Fake travel itineraries and AI-generated images While many travellers nowadays use AI to help plan their trips, scammers are also taking advantage of this technology to create professional-looking itineraries designed to deceive. These fake itineraries often feature attractive holiday packages that promise an unforgettable vacation at an unbeatable price, with AI-generated images used to promote false activities, making everything seem enticing. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Google reportedly breaks away from Qualcomm, opts for MediaTek modems in Pixel 10