Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who sign up to fight in Ukraine , in a bid to boost military recruitment. Under the legislation, people who sign up for a one-year contract can have bad debts of up to $96,000 written off. It also applies to the spouses of new recruits. The move highlights Russia’s needs for more troops in its war with Ukraine , which began nearly three years ago and has strained the country’s resources. Putin 'facing civil war' in Russia if he attacks US or UK, expert warn South America's only English nation is a hidden paradise with largest waterfall In September, Putin urged the military to increase its troops by 180,000. In a bid to lure in recruits, Russia has also offered several times the average salary to people who enlist to fight in Ukraine . The US, South Korea and Ukraine have said that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia in October. Earlier this month, reports emerged that some of the North Korean troops had already begun engaging in combat on the front lines. Moscow and Pyongyang have not responded directly to the reports. It marks North Korea’s first participation in a large-scale conflict since the end of the Korean War. Ukraine ’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously warned that a third nation wading into the hostilities could turn the conflict into a “world war.” NATO issued warning as 'nuclear dice' thrown with 'Zelensky fatigue' setting in Russia's disturbing 'kill list' points to genocide plot before Ukraine invasion Vladimir Putin 'trapped' after making disturbing nuclear threat South Korea and the European Union have raised concerns that Moscow could send sensitive technology to Pyongyang to boost its nuclear program in return for its troop dispatch. In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a defense pact stipulating mutual military aid if either country is attacked. It marked the strongest link between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. Last week, the upper house of Russia ’s parliament ratified the treaty. On Thursday, Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine . Putin said it was in response to Ukraine ’s use of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russia . Moscow launched 73 drones into Ukraine on Sunday. Ukraine ’s air force said 50 drones were destroyed and four lost. Meanwhile, Russia said it shot down 34 Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday in the county’s west.
I'm A Celebrity star's baby son sends fans wild as he's seen dancing on set in Australia
The site for an is carefully selected, considering various factors to enhance energy production and reduce environmental and social effects. Discover the factors that determine the optimal sites for offshore wind farms. Offshore wind energy is a type of renewable and clean energy produced by harnessing the wind's power at sea through offshore wind farms, where wind speed is more stable and greater due to the absence of physical barriers. Additionally, it must be considered that the space at sea is more abundant and that vessels allow for the transportation of larger blades and towers. This implies that these offshore wind farms, fitted with the latest technical innovations, can efficiently harness this limitless and clean energy source. However, what criteria do you use to determine the locations for offshore wind farms, and how do you decide if they ought to be offshore or floating wind installations? This procedure includes evaluating several essential elements to maximize the opportunities for wind energy production in regions with robust and steady winds, all while considering logistical and environmental practicality. Discover the important factors needed to determine the ideal site for renewable energy production in marine settings. Choosing the Location for Offshore Wind Farms A primary factor to consider when determining where to place offshore wind farms is the evaluation of the wind resource. An ideal site should experience persistent and robust winds; thus, gathering historical information on wind velocity and direction at the desired offshore location is essential. This information can originate from land-based weather stations, sea-based weather buoys, or readings collected at the precise site. These data are examined to establish average wind speed, annual wind variability, or seasonal patterns, and models are created to consider orography, sea temperature, and other local factors that might affect the wind. Another significant concern is the depth necessary for wind farms, as this affects the kind of foundation needed for wind turbines. Stable structures like monopiles or gravity and jacket foundations can be employed in shallow waters, which are secured to the ocean floor. In deeper waters, floating solutions are necessary and are currently being developed; thus, early projects must consider the higher costs and technical challenges relative to fixed foundations, which have nearly 20 years of development and experience. Floating vs. Fixed Offshore Wind: Which Is the Best Choice? A consideration linked to the choice of where to place offshore wind farms is the kind of technology to implement. The decision between floating and fixed offshore wind relies on various factors that must be thoroughly assessed within the context of a particular project. The depth of water has been highlighted as a key factor because floating wind farms are required in deeper waters, where anchored foundations cannot be used. Nevertheless, the potential for power generation must also be considered, as floating wind farms can utilize locations with stronger and more consistent offshore winds, which enhances the generation capacity compared to shallow water bases. Regarding environmental effects, floating wind farms may have a negligible environmental impact. Additional specific factors, including geology, ocean currents, climate, and navigation, need to be evaluated, as they can be vital for ensuring the project's safety and feasibility. It is important to recognize that merging both types of technologies can be a feasible choice in specific situations. Leveraging their individual advantages can enhance renewable energy production in marine settings. How to Minimize the Environmental Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms Another aspect to think about when determining where to locate offshore wind farms is how to lessen their environmental impacts on marine life and the surrounding ecosystem. When designing offshore wind farms, it is essential to reduce the environmental impact on marine species and ecosystems, accomplished via advanced technologies and intentional strategies. Site selection emphasizes regions with high wind potential while minimizing environmental and visual impacts by steering clear of fragile habitats and shipping routes. Bigger turbines with increased power generation lower the required units, hence lessening construction-related disturbances. Environmental evaluations direct the installation and operational stages, considering potential effects on wildlife, habitats, and the seabed using methods such as cable burial, noise reduction, and strategic anchoring design. Ongoing monitoring, accountable decommissioning, and inventive floating platforms guarantee that these initiatives are effective and ecologically mindful. Bottom Line The offshore wind industry presents considerable opportunities for renewable energy but needs careful planning to address multiple challenges. Optimal sites combine robust wind potential, low environmental effects, and availability of grid connections, guaranteeing technical, financial, and legal viability. Choosing strategic sites facilitates the development of efficient, sustainable offshore wind farms, promoting advancement toward a cleaner energy future.
Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated WASHINGTON (AP) — Wholesale costs in the United States picked up sharply last month, signaling that price pressures are still evident in the economy even though inflation has tumbled from the peak levels it hit more than two years ago. The producer price index — which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers — rose 0.4% last month from October, up from 0.3% the month before. Measured from 12 months earlier, wholesale prices climbed 3% in November, the sharpest year-over-year rise since February 2023. Higher food prices helped fuel the November wholesale inflation reading, which was higher than economists had expected. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. From a 10-year-old to a Muppet to a president-elect, NYSE bell-ringers range from famous to obscure The first guest invited to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 1956 wasn’t a company executive, a politician or a well-known celebrity. It was a 10-year-old boy, Leonard Ross, who received the honor by winning a television quiz show.Since then, business titans, political giants and global film stars have all been among those ringing the opening bell at the NYSE. Ronald Reagan rang the bell as president in 1985. Billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. - have also rung the bell. The list includes famous Muppets: Miss Piggy was once a bell ringer. Trump is named Time's Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange after being recognized by Time magazine as its person of the year. The honors Thursday for the businessman-turned-politician are a measure of Trump’s remarkable comeback from an ostracized former president who refused to accept his election loss four years ago to a president-elect who won the White House decisively in November. At the stock exchange, Trump was accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump, daughters Ivanka and Tiffany and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Trump grinned as people chanted “USA” before he opened the trading day and raised his fist. Ontario to restrict electricity exports to US and bar American-made alcohol if Trump tariffs applied TORONTO (AP) — A senior official in Canada’s most populous province says that Ontario could bar American-made alcohol and restrict electricity to three U.S. states if President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products. The states are Michigan, New York and Minnesota. An official in Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government said Thursday that it's contemplating restricting Ontario's liquor control board from buying American-made alcohol. Ontario is also considering restricting exports of Canadian critical minerals required for electric vehicle batteries. ECB cuts rates a quarter point amid concerns of tepid growth, impact of Trump trade policies FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank is cutting interest rates by a quarter percentage point amid signs of weakening growth and concern about the impact of political chaos in France and the possibility of new U.S. import tariffs. The bank’s rate-setting committee made the decision Thursday at its skyscraper headquarters in Frankfurt to lower the benchmark rate from 3.25% to 3%. Lower rates should support growth amid signs that the post-pandemic recovery is slowing in the 20 countries that use the euro currency and concerns that U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump might impose new tariffs, or import taxes, on goods imported to the US after he is inaugurated Jan. 20. YouTube TV is hiking its monthly price, again. Here's what to know NEW YORK (AP) — Are you a YouTube TV subscriber? Your monthly bills are about to get more expensive again. YouTube has announced that it’s upping the price of its streaming service’s base plan by $10 — citing rising content costs and other investments. The new $82.99 per month price tag will go into effect starting Jan. 13 for existing subscribers, and immediately for new customers who sign up going forward. YouTube TV has rolled out a series of price hikes over the years. When launched back in 2017, the going price of its streaming package was $35 a month. By 2019, that fee rose to $50 — and has climbed higher and higher since. Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor The head of the Federal Aviation Administration says he will step down next month to let President-elect Donald Trump name his choice to lead the agency. Mike Whitaker announced his pending resignation in a message to FAA employees on Thursday. Since taking the helm at the FAA in October 2023, Whitaker has dealt with challenges that include a surge in close calls between planes, a shortage of air traffic controllers and antiquated equipment. He has led a tougher enforcement policy against Boeing since a panel blew off a jetliner in January. The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Thursday it's capping overdraft fees at $5 with a rule set to take effect in October 2025, if it isn't overturned by Congress or altered under a Trump administration. President Joe Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35, “exploitative,” while the banking industry has lobbied extensively to keep the existing fee structures in place.AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:22 p.m. EST