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Corporations must brace for heightened regulatory scrutiny in 2025 with various regulators preparing to enforce stricter oversight and actions. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Competition Commission of India (CCI), Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), and tax authorities are expected to tighten their stance, forcing businesses to enhance compliance, streamline processes, and adapt to evolving governance standards. Transparency, sustainability, and accountability will remain key priorities in the coming year, top legal experts told Mint. “The increase in the volume and complexity of transactions, coupled with India’s integration into global markets, has kept regulators busy," said Alok Sonkar, partner at law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. “Regulatory scrutiny is strict, focusing on public policy, investor protection, and long-term market impacts. However, challenges persist around compliance costs, misalignment with global norms, and overlapping frameworks." Akhil Chowdary Unnam, partner at Unnam Law, added: “In 2025, corporations and investors should expect greater emphasis on sustainability, technology, and financial transparency. Corporations must invest in robust compliance mechanisms, while stricter regulations on cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and data mining markets are inevitable as these sectors grow." As for investors, Sameena Jahangir, partner at Kochhar & Co., emphasized that they “should diversify portfolios and closely monitor regulatory developments, especially in technology-driven sectors." The markets and Sebi In 2024, Sebi led significant changes, including enforcing rigorous ESG (environmental, social, and governance) guidelines, introducing , and revamping disclosure rules to include objective criteria for material events. Sebi also streamlined processes for initial public offerings of shares by mandating quarterly results publication within 21 days of listing to ensure timely disclosures and stabilize market conditions. It took proactive steps to protect retail investors by cracking down on unregistered bond platforms, (ODI) and enforcing detailed ownership disclosures for ODI subscribers. “Regulators have raised the governance bar with stricter due diligence for AIFs and performance evaluations for market infrastructure institutions, ushering in greater transparency," said Kaushik Mukherjee, partner, IndusLaw. CCI’s actions India’s competition watchdog introduced the , simplifying filing procedures, strengthening confidentiality, and permitting external agencies to monitor merger orders. CCI raised its thresholds for merger approvals, , particularly in the digital market. Key enforcement actions included a over WhatsApp’s privacy policy, and investigations into Flipkart, Amazon, Zomato, and Swiggy for anti-competitive practices. Additionally, CCI reduced the merger review timeline from 210 days to 150 days, expediting regulatory processes. Tax authorities’ crackdown Tax authorities took proactive measures in 2024, issuing significant compliance notices. Goods and services tax (GST) authorities , while . Initiatives like the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas scheme, revised compounding guidelines, and operationalization of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) aimed to ease litigation burdens and enhance compliance. “Businesses can anticipate heightened scrutiny, increased audits, and broader use of technology by tax authorities. This is likely to include a stronger focus on GST reconciliations, cross-border transactions, and sector-specific compliance in areas such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and automotive industries," said Sandeep Sehgal, partner-tax, AKM Global, a tax and consulting services firm. CCPA’s investigations India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority was highly active in 2024. It ordered an despite the company claiming a 99% resolution rate. The CCPA also introduced guidelines to combat misleading environmental claims, banning vague terms like “eco-friendly" or “sustainable" unless supported by reliable scientific evidence or third-party certifications. “Transparency and compliance are critical," said Lalit Kumar, partner at JSA, a law firm. “Investor sentiments are severely affected when corporate governance norms are compromised." Challenges and missed opportunities Despite the progress, some experts believe Indian regulatory activity in 2024 had notable gaps. According to Sameena Jahangir, partner at law firm Kochhar & Co., while Indian regulators adopted a stricter stance, their approach in several instances lacked flexibility. Sebi’s crackdown on insider trading and fraudulent IPOs and the CCI’s investigations into global tech giants improved corporate transparency, offering long-term stability for investors. However, key issues such as the Hindenburg-Adani controversy and inefficiencies in Debt Recovery Tribunals received limited attention. Jahangir also noted that the CCI imposed relatively small fines on e-commerce and tech companies while avoiding deeper scrutiny of major market players. Away from regulators, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which is essential for corporate governance in India, has been the focus in 2024. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2024 paved the way for major resolutions such as Jaypee Healthcare Ltd, Lanco Amarkantak Power Ltd, and Coastal Energen Pvt Ltd, resulting in significant recoveries for creditors. With 51 businesses revived under IBC in the September quarter, 109 businesses struck deals in the first half of 2024-25. While this is slightly lower than the 130 resolutions approved in the same period of the fiscal year prior, a record 271 businesses received a fresh lease of life under the IBC in FY24, show data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). “2024 was a lively year for insolvency law in the country," said Anoop Rawat, partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. “While there were no changes to the parent legislation, the IBBI implemented key reforms, particularly in real estate insolvencies and voluntary mediation." However, the efficiency of IBC came under question, especially in airline insolvencies. Jet Airways and Go First failed to revive, with the former being sent to liquidation and the latter unable to secure a resolution plan. Vacancies in the National Company Law Tribunal also hindered the process, with 19 out of 63 sanctioned positions, including the president’s post, lying vacant.MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Clean-Lasersysteme GmbH (cleanLASER), a leader in laser cleaning systems. The purchase of cleanLaser strengthens IPG’s global position in high-precision laser systems for cleaning applications by bringing additional know-how, complementary market exposure, and product and technology synergies. “The acquisition of cleanLaser aligns with IPG's strategic focus on expanding into promising new markets and applications. This move further differentiates our business by enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions that provide customers with cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional industrial processes,” said Dr. Mark Gitin IPG Photonics’ Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of the entire IPG team I want to welcome the cleanLaser team to IPG Photonics and look forward to working closely with them.” Founded in 1997 and based in Herzogenrath, Germany, cleanLASER is a leader and pioneer in expanding the usage of lasers for industrial cleaning, with an installed base of approximately 2,000 systems worldwide and approximately $30 million in annual revenue. The company serves a broad range of customers across the automotive, industrial, aerospace, medical, food, and other markets. Contact Eugene Fedotoff Senior Director, Investor Relations IPG Photonics Corporation 508-597-4713 efedotoff@ipgphotonics.com About IPG Photonics Corporation IPG Photonics Corporation is the leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers used primarily in materials processing and other diverse applications. The Company’s mission is to develop innovative laser solutions making the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with other types of lasers and non-laser tools, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease costs. IPG is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and has more than 30 facilities worldwide. For more information, visit www.ipgphotonics.com.
Samsonov stops 31 shots as Golden Knights earn sixth straight win, 3-0 over the Flames
Brazil’s federal police last Thursday formally accused Mr Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. “The evidence collected throughout the investigation shows unequivocally that then-president Jair Messias Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organisation aiming to launch a coup d’etat and eliminate the democratic rule of law, which did not take place due to reasons unrelated to his desire,” the document said. At another point, it says: “Bolsonaro had full awareness and active participation.” Mr Bolsonaro, who had repeatedly alleged without evidence that the country’s electronic voting system was prone to fraud, called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, according to the police report, signed by four investigators. The decree would have launched an investigation into suspicions of fraud and crimes related to the October 2022 vote, and suspended the powers of the nation’s electoral court. The navy’s commander stood ready to comply, but those from the army and air force objected to any plan that prevented Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Mr Bolsonaro never signed the decree to set the final stage of the alleged plan into action. Mr Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or awareness of any plot to keep him in power or oust his leftist rival and successor. “No one is going to do a coup with a reserve general and half a dozen other officers. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup,” Mr Bolsonaro told journalists in the capital Brasilia on Monday. “If someone came to discuss a coup with me, I’d say, that’s fine, but the day after, how does the world view us?” he added. “The word ‘coup’ has never been in my dictionary.” The top court has passed the report on to prosecutor-general Paulo Gonet. He will decide whether to formally charge Mr Bolsonaro. Rodrigo Rios, a law professor at the PUC university in the city of Curitiba, said Mr Bolsonaro could face up to a minimum of 11 years in prison if convicted on all charges. “A woman involved in the January 8 attack on the Supreme Court received a 17-year prison sentence,” Mr Rios told the Associated Press, noting that the former president is more likely to receive 15 years or more if convicted. “Bolsonaro’s future looks dark.” Ahead of the 2022 election, Mr Bolsonaro repeatedly alleged that the election system, which does not use paper ballots, could be tampered with. The top electoral court later ruled that he had abused his power to cast unfounded doubt on the voting system, and ruled him ineligible for office until 2030. Still, he has maintained that he will stand as a candidate in the 2026 race. Since Mr Bolsonaro left office, he has been targeted by several investigations, all of which he has chalked up to political persecution. Federal police have accused him of smuggling diamond jewellery into Brazil without properly declaring them and directing a subordinate to falsify his and others’ Covid-19 vaccination statuses. Authorities are also investigating whether he incited the riot on January 8 2022 in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in Brasilia, seeking to prompt intervention by the army that would oust Mr Lula from power. Mr Bolsonaro had left for the United States days before Mr Lula’s inauguration on January 1 2023 and stayed there for three months, keeping a low profile. The police report unsealed on Tuesday alleges he was seeking to avoid possible imprisonment related to the coup plot, and also await the uprising that took place a week later.
Mom worries about care for disabled son after she’s goneInnovation guidelines to boost tech-based investmentsWhat is Twitter Wrapped 2024 How does a Twitter Wrapped tool work How can I use Twitter Wrapped 2024 How safe it is to use third-party Twitter Wrapped tools The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity. Read More Latest Mobiles Samsung Galaxy A16 5G ₹17,999 Lava O3 Pro ₹6,999 Vivo X200 5G ₹65,999 Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 5G ₹54,999 Lava Yuva 4 ₹6,999 Poco C75 5G ₹7,999 Tecno POP 9 4G ₹5,999 Itel Color Pro 5G ₹9,199 Vivo Y18T ₹9,499 Lava Blaze 3 5G ₹10,999
Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”From Astro Bot to Prince of Persia: 15 best video games of 2024Lewandowski scores 100th Champions League goal. Man City draws Feyenoord but Haaland nets 2
NEW DELHI: E-commerce company Snapdeal has managed to cut down its loss to Rs 160.38 crore in FY24 from Rs 282.20 crore in FY23. Apart from this, the company's Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) loss declined by 88 per cent to Rs 16 crore in FY24. It was Rs 144 crore in FY23. The reason for the reduction in the company's loss is the decline in expenses. The company's total expenditure in FY24 was Rs 540.76 crore. It was Rs 687.93 crore in FY23. The employee benefits expenditure of the company in FY24 declined by 48.5 per cent on YoY (year-on-year) basis to Rs 158.4 crore. It was Rs 307.53 crore in FY23. During this period, the company's advertising expenditure was reduced by 23.5 per cent on YoY basis to Rs 70.37 crore. Snapdeal's operating income increased by 2.1 per cent to Rs 379.76 crore in FY24 from Rs 371.96 crore in FY23. Market services have the biggest contribution of Rs 252.55 crore to the company's revenue. However, it decreased by 9.6 percent on YoY basis as compared to FY23. The company's enablement income increased by 14.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 103.36 crore in FY24. The company's income from other items has increased 8 times to Rs 23.85 crore in the last financial year. According to the stock exchange filing, Snapdeal has reduced its stake in Unicommerce. The company had raised Rs 33 crore from the secondary sale of 3.4 per cent stake during May-June 2024 ahead of the IPO and Rs 81 crore from the sale of 9.2 per cent stake under the offer for sale in the IPO that came in August 2024. Snapdeal is one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms. Founded in 2010, Snapdeal focuses on the value commerce market in India and has served more than 10 Crore online shoppers over the past 14+ years.King and PM honour former US president Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100Locals: Put politics aside at Thanksgiving
GT investigates: How will American special operations team intervene in S.China Sea?
Why does someone risk their life, their freedom, to fight for the rights of others? That kept going around my head while on a video call on December 19 with eight women Nobel peace laureates, brought together by the temporary release from prison of 52-year-old Narges Mohamm edi, Nobel Peace Prize, Iran , 2023. Hello, I’m Maria Ressa, and I’m one of the 4 co-founders of Rappler . I received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 , making Rappler the only fully functioning Nobel newsroom today. During this emotional call, Rappler was having our Christmas party, and I actually showed Narges and the Nobel women our office and our team, who at that moment were singing “Defying Gravity” (the theme of the night). Which is exactly what Narges has been through: “arrested 13 times, convicted five times and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes,” said the Nobel committee . Jailed in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, she was released for 21 days in December for an operation to remove a tumor. When she was wheeled out, she carried a picture of Mahsa Amini , and yelled, “Women. Life. Freedom.” Despite the looming end of her freedom, Narges was smiling and resolute. We spoke about gender apartheid , mass executions , protests , wars — how could we not with Jody Williams (1997, United States), Shirin Ebadi (2003, Iran), Leymah Gbowee (2011, Liberia), (Tawakkol Karman (2011, Yemen), Malala Yousafzai (2014, Pakistan), and Oleksandra Matviichuk (2022, Center for Civil Liberties, Ukraine) on the call. BUT we also spoke about perseverance, about helping each other, about commitment, about love. When you’re on the front lines, you celebrate every win. World is worse than you think It almost seems like these qualities underlying the courage of the women on the call — hard work, empathy, the values behind the world’s major religions (in Christianity, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”) — have gone out of style. Everyone wants quick rewards, the dopamine high of popularity (leading to populism at scale). The world is turned upside down by the perverse incentive structure of the technology that connects us all: when lies laced with fear, anger and hate pound open the sensitive fracture lines of our societies, for profit. That system of “engagement” and microtargeting is the most powerful tool of manipulation of those seeking and maintaining power. When politicians use it, it’s information operations; when nations use it, it’s information warfare — and it is reshaping the world. It’s worse than you think: the new “axis ” — Russia, China, Iran and North Korea — are united by their grievances against the West, especially after sanctions largely failed after Russia invaded Ukraine , and helped bring them together. With the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and our ongoing near-daily confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, it’s increasingly clear that conflicts around the world are interconnected. Look at Syria, Serbia, Venezuela, or North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Another complication: Russia, China, and North Korea already possess nuclear weapons, while Iran may only be weeks away from a nuclear breakthrough if it were to aggressively pursue it. Are we already in World War III ? Elections are manipulated My latest book, How to Stand up to a Dictator , has been translated into about 25 languages, including Mongolian, Georgian and Romanian. I was in Tbilisi, Georgia, earlier this year and listened to its citizens prepare to fight a Russian-style foreign agents law. As I write this, more than 200,000 Georgians have been out on the streets for nearly a month demanding new elections, protesting for its democratic values. (Add Venezuela , Mozambique , and many others in these electoral protests.) Shortly before that, in Romania, its Constitutional Court voided elections after a little known candidate without a political party and supported by the Kremlin’s information operations on TikTok took first place in its run-off elections. This is the first and most decisive move any nation has taken against the information warfare social media has enabled since 2016. As I have said repeatedly for years now, we cannot have election integrity with the manipulation of our emotions enabled by social media. Nerve’s latest report before the US elections shows exactly what can happen: the manipulation of the youth, the weaponization of race and gender, among them. This new “axis” — what Anne Applebaum called Autocracy, Inc — is not united in any political ideology – only pulled together in its thirst for power and money. It begins in the public information ecosystem. The global trend in 2024, the super-election year (74 national elections globally , with the last one taking place December 29 in Chad) shows democracy losing: we started the year with 71% of the world now under autocratic rule, and while some in media see election results as a failure of incumbents in 10 major countries (the first time this has ever happened in almost 120 years), those of us who have lived through this (and survived) see this as the success of insidious voter manipulation on social media . What Rappler is doing Over the last decade, we at Rappler have dealt with and become frustrated by analysis paralysis. The attacks we lived through and our data analysis since 2014 pushed us to the forefront of the fight for information integrity. Our journalism remains the same: investigative reports that hold power to account. Read and watch our best in 2024 . We learned that the form and substance of journalism is not enough. It needs to be coupled with the best of what technology has to offer — to reimagine what technology could do without surveillance capitalism. What would a public interest tech stack look like that brings trusted information to our communities, the citizens in our democracy? If we succeeded, could we stitch together a global community — with news organizations as tent pegs in a global federation? In 2020, we launched Lighthouse : its movements feature allowed us to bring some partners and NGOs into our tech stack. In 2022, we began creating a PH-wide data lake with an ontology, knowledge graph, and vectorDB to allow generative AI to automate creation of pages anchored on facts. In mid-2023 after OpenAI launched its chatbot, we zoomed GPT-4 onto each story page and created a 3 bullet-point summary of every Rappler story. Around that time, we were one of 10 from 1000 global groups selected by OpenAI to use its chatbot for democratic consultation (aiDialogue) . Working with the Quezon City local government, we began to finetune AI use for public consultations . It was exciting to think of the ability to widen democratic participation in a more systematic manner. Finally, a year ago, we launched Rappler Communities , a matrix protocol chat app that allows real people to have real conversations in a shared reality essential for any democracy. At this existential moment for news, we’ve created an MVP not only for survival but which we believe will allow news to thrive with a sustainable business model in a global public information ecosystem anchored in facts. Don’t be overwhelmed Our times demand you act. Choose and build the world you want. We can’t begin to work on solutions for climate change unless we agree on the problem. Leaders can’t govern until we begin to bring nuance and complexity back into the public domain. The good in each of us can’t emerge until we restore an environment of trust. That can’t happen if each of us is being insidiously manipulated. So download and join our community: first in the Philippines, followed by Indonesia, South Africa, and Brazil. Try our new RAI — what generative AI looks like if you want to anchor in facts! If you’re a news group that wants to join, let us know. If you’re a funder who wants a systemic solution, help us build. I’ve learned a lot in the years we’ve been under attack. In 2019, we created the International Fund for Public Interest Media to help bring new money to news groups. In 2021, we created a whole of society distribution system for facts — #FactsFirstPH in partnership with the Google News Initiative (parts of which were replicated in other parts of the world). In 2022, I became the vice chair of the leadership panel of the UN’s Internet Governance Forum to try to understand the multilateral system, and in 2023, I accepted the chair of the World Movement for Democracy to understand how human rights and civil society groups work together. Each of these taught me lessons in governance as well as showing me why our world today is broken. The year ahead We’re at a global inflection point, and 2025 will push us to a tipping point for violence, for fascism. Or not. It depends on what each of us does now. So don’t be overwhelmed. Don’t be depressed. Don’t disengage. Instead, take the four action points I recommend from the last speech I gave in 2024, my first in a Jewish temple in front of Muslims, Christians, Palestinians — a truly interfaith and diverse community of young and old alike. Religion and faith are crucial parts of our world views. It’s why I will return to the Vatican in January to help Pope Francis kick off the Jubilee, which happens once every 25 years. Hope for a better future comes from action, from perseverance. And faith. That’s what the Nobel Women showed me. That’s why we risk our freedom and dedicate our lives to fighting for all our rights. – Rappler.com
Josh Norris scores late power-play goal in the Senators' 3-1 victory over the Wild
Canada didn't live up to its values on immigration over the last few years as it allowed more people into the country than it could absorb, said former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Carney, who is a special adviser to the Liberal party, made the comments at an event on Wednesday in Ottawa held by Cardus, a Christian think tank. "I think what happened in the last few years is we didn't live up to our values on immigration," Carney said. "We had much higher levels of foreign workers, students and new Canadians coming in than we could absorb, that we have housing for, that we have health care for, that we have social services for, that we have opportunities for. And so we're letting down the people that we let in, quite frankly." Earlier this fall, the Liberal government announced a plan to significantly reduce its immigration target for permanent residents and to dramatically scale back the number of temporary residents in Canada. Those changes came about after a period of strong population growth and mounting criticism of the government's immigration policies. Statistics Canada recently reported that the population on July 1 was three per cent higher than a year earlier. Between 1998 and 2018, annual population growth was less than 1.5 per cent. With the planned changes to immigration targets, the federal government now estimates Canada's population will decline slightly by 0.2 per cent in 2025 and 2026, before returning to growth of 0.8 per cent in 2027. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged that his government did not get the balance right on immigration after the COVID-19 pandemic. Carney also pointed to the pandemic as he dug into what went wrong on immigration policy. He said Canada chose to loosen its rules in response to pressure from businesses facing a labour shortage to allow more temporary foreign workers into the country, but he said the government ended up "losing track" in the process. He also blamed provinces for underfunding higher education, which pushed institutions to turn to foreign students to make money. "Do we value higher education in this country or not? Well, if we value higher education, maybe we should start funding our universities," he said. "On the foreign student side, it's more on provincial policy, on squeezing universities, in a sense."The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
Olivia Miles notched a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists) and Sonia Citron added 25 points and 11 rebounds as No. 3 Notre Dame dominated Virginia 95-54 in an Athletic Coast Conference matchup Sunday in South Bend, Ind. Hannah Hidalgo scored 28 points and Liatu King chipped in eight points and 12 rebounds as the Fighting Irish (11-2, 2-0) jumped out to a 37-9 lead behind a 28-0 run, easily winning the battle of the boards (54-31), points in the paint (44-26) and fastbreak points (39-10). Winning its sixth straight game, Notre Dame shot 51.4 percent from the floor and 38.5 from 3-point range while dishing out 32 assists on 38 made baskets. For the Cavaliers (8-6, 0-2), Kymora Johnson led the way with 12 points on a day the visitors shot just 29.7 percent from the floor, including 23.8 percent on 3-point attempts. No. 2 South Carolina 93, Wofford 47 Joyce Edwards scored 16 points off the bench to lead five players in double figures as the Gamecocks trounced the Terriers in Columbia, S.C. Tessa Johnson added 14 points, Raven Johnson had 13, Te-Hina Paopao tallied 12 and MiLaysia Fulwiley netted 11 for South Carolina (12-1), which rattled off 17 straight points in the second quarter to open up a 36-14 lead. The Gamecocks never trailed and scored the game's final 22 points to win their seventh straight. Wofford (6-5) got 20 points from Rachael Rose but shot just 21.1 percent as a team and suffered its third straight loss. Evangelia Paulk managed five points on 1-of-18 shooting, though she did grab a game-high 11 rebounds. No. 6 LSU 83, Albany 61 Aneesah Morrow tallied 10 points during the Tigers' game-ending 25-2 run that helped them pull away from the pesky Great Danes in Baton Rouge, La. LSU trailed 59-58 before Morrow's three-point play with 7:41 left sparked the decisive surge. She finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, including 10 of each in the fourth quarter alone. Mikaylah Williams scored 18 points, while Flau'Jae Johnson bundled 15 points with nine rebounds as the Tigers (15-0) wrapped up an unbeaten nonconference slate. Kaci Donovan notched 17 points to lead Albany's upset bid before fouling out with 4:15 left in the game. Kayla Cooper and Lilly Phillips each had 14 points for the Great Danes (10-3), who led by as many as 12 in the second quarter but missed their final 11 shots in the fourth. No. 7 UConn 67, Providence 41 Paige Bueckers scored 14 of her game-high 23 points during a dominant first quarter that propelled the Huskies to a blowout win over the visiting Friars in Hartford, Conn. Bueckers shot 5-of-5 from the floor in the first period and contributed eight points to a 15-0 run that helped UConn build a 28-6 lead after one. The All-American finished 8-of-12 overall, while Sarah Strong chipped in 14 points as the Huskies (11-2, 2-0 Big East) rebounded from a two-point home loss to then-No. 7 Southern California on Dec. 21. Grace Efosa had 11 points and seven rebounds and Olivia Olsen paired eight points with 11 boards for Providence (7-8, 0-2), which surrendered 40 points off 31 turnovers. No. 8 Maryland 72, No. 19 Michigan State 66 The Terrapins narrowly avoided their first loss of the season, thanks in part to Kaylene Smikle's team-high 19 points in a hard-fought Big Ten Conference victory over the Spartans in College Park, Md. Maryland (12-0, 2-0 Big Ten) led by nine entering the fourth period, but Michigan State (11-2, 1-1) staged a 9-0 run to tie the game at 57. Saylor Poffenbarger (14 points, 10 rebounds) halted the run with a 3-pointer as the Terrapins -- who shot 42.9 percent from the field -- took the lead for good with 5:06 left. Theryn Hallock (20 points) and Julia Ayrault (17 points, 12 rebounds) kept the Spartans in it, but the visitors shot just 32.4 percent from the field, including 25 percent from 3-point range. No. 10 Ohio State 77, Rutgers 63 Cotie McMahon and Ajae Petty each posted a double-double to help the Buckeyes earn a conference road win over the Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, N.J. McMahon recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Petty added 16 points with 10 boards before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Chance Gray chipped in 15 points for Ohio State (13-0, 2-0 Big Ten), which racked up 22 takeaways and held a 29-7 advantage in points off turnovers. Rutgers (8-5, 0-2) fell despite getting 31 points and 17 rebounds from Destiny Adams, who also had five steals and two blocks. The Scarlet Knights trailed 46-25 at halftime and never got closer than nine the rest of the way. Rutgers visits No. 8 Maryland next before hosting No. 4 USC. No. 13 Georgia Tech 100, Pitt 61 Freshman Dani Carnegie poured in a season-high 24 points to help the Yellow Jackets pummel the Panthers in Atlanta. Kara Dunn racked up 28 points for Georgia Tech (14-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which shot 50.7 percent and hit triple digits for the first time this season. Chazadi Wright had 16 points and Tonie Morgan contributed 15 with eight assists. Khadija Faye led Pitt (8-7, 0-2) with 22 points, while Brooklynn Miles scored 11 and Aislin Malcolm chipped in 10 off the bench. The Panthers finished 39.3 percent from the floor and committed 21 turnovers. No. 20 Alabama 93, Jacksonville 46 Aaliyah Nye poured in 30 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, including a scorching 8-for-10 from 3-point range, as the Crimson Tide throttled the Dolphins in Tuscaloosa, Ala. In its final tune-up before opening Southeastern Conference play on Thursday against visiting Florida, Alabama (13-1) only led by two after the first quarter but outscored Jacksonville 32-11 in the second quarter. Three other Crismon Tide players -- Eris Lester (14 points, eight rebounds), Zaay Green (13 points) and Sarah Ashlee Barker (12 points) -- scored in double figures as the team shot 54.2 percent from the field and a red-hot 53.8 percent from beyond the arc. For the Jaguars (6-6), Saniyah Craig scored a team-high 11 points as the visitors struggled from the field, shooting just 29.5 percent. --Field Level MediaReport: Why 53.9% Of Nigerian Children Are Multi-Dimensionally Poor
Home Equity Loan Platforms for Smart Investments: Making Equity Work for YouTechnology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid mixed trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Monday after closing November at an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared after saying an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or the company’s board. Retailers were mixed coming off Black Friday and heading into what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. On Monday: The S&P 500 rose 14.77 points, or 0.2%, to 6,047.15. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128.65 points, or 0.3%, to 44,782. The Nasdaq composite rose 185.78 points, or 1%, to 19,403.95. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 0.59 points, or less than 0.1%, to 2,434.14. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,277.32 points, or 26.8%. The Dow is up 7,092.46 points, or 18.8%. The Nasdaq is up 4,392.60 points, or 29.3%. The Russell 2000 is up 407.06 points, or 20.1%.
EASTON, Pa. (AP) — Louie Semona scored 15 points off of the bench to lead Stonehill over Lafayette 70-65 on Sunday. Semona had six rebounds for the Skyhawks (8-7). Hermann Koffi scored 13 points, shooting 4 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Josh Morgan had 13 points and shot 4 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line. The Leopards (5-8) were led by Caleb Williams, who recorded 15 points. Lafayette also got 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks from Justin Vander Baan. Alex Chaikin also recorded 12 points, two steals and two blocks. Stonehill went into the half leading Lafayette 28-27. Semona put up seven points in the half. Stonehill used a 7-0 second-half run erase a five-point deficit and take the lead at 47-45 with 11:20 remaining in the half before finishing off the victory. Todd Brogna scored nine second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Apple continues to push boundaries with its iOS updates , and the upcoming iOS 18.2 is no exception. Currently in its fourth beta stage for developers, this version introduces refinements to user interfaces, enhanced accessibility options, and advanced AI-powered features. The public release, expected in December, promises a host of innovative tools that cater to both casual and professional users. This article explores the standout features in iOS 18.2 and their potential impact on the user experience. Refinements and Enhancements in iOS 18.2 Beta Apple's beta releases are designed to give developers and public beta testers a sneak peek at the new functionality while providing time to address bugs and fine-tune the system. The iOS 18.2 beta brings several noteworthy improvements: For the i Phone 16 series , Apple introduces accessibility settings for Camera Control , simplifying access to advanced camera features. By integrating these settings into the standard Camera Control options, Apple ensures a more intuitive experience for users with varying levels of expertise. The Photos app now supports millisecond timestamps for videos, a highly requested feature among creators and videographers. This update makes it easier to identify precise moments in video content, catering to professionals who require high accuracy in editing and analysis. The updated profile picture icon in the Mail app reflects Apple's commitment to small yet impactful design changes that improve the overall aesthetic and usability of its apps. Beyond these specific updates, iOS 18.2 beta features subtle interface tweaks across multiple apps and settings, enhancing navigation and creating a more cohesive user experience. Apple Intelligence: Advanced AI Features in iOS 18.2 iOS 18.2 represents a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence integration, providing users with tools that enhance creativity, productivity, and interactivity. Below are the major AI-driven features set to debut in iOS 18.2: A standalone app called Image Playground is making its debut, allowing users to create custom images from text prompts and themes . Whether for professional projects or personal use, this tool empowers users to generate stunning visuals effortlessly. Integration : The app is also embedded in native apps like Notes , enabling seamless use of custom images within documents. Applications : Ideal for creating social media content, presentations, and personalized artwork. The Image Wand feature transforms rough sketches into polished, professional-grade images. This tool is especially useful for designers, artists, and professionals in need of quick visuals without compromising on quality. How It Works : Users sketch an idea, and the app refines it with precision and detail. Impact : Encourages creativity while saving time and effort. Apple introduces Genmoji , a dedicated editor for creating custom emojis. This feature is embedded directly into the emoji keyboard , making it easy for users to design personalized emojis for fun or branding purposes. Customizability : Users can tweak facial expressions, colors, and accessories to create unique emojis. Use Case : Adds a personal touch to messages and enhances communication. Two standout updates to the Writing Tools feature include: Compose : Leveraging OpenAI’s ChatGPT , this tool generates high-quality text based on user prompts. It is ideal for drafting emails, writing essays, or creating professional content quickly. Describe Your Change : This allows users to specify precise text modifications rather than relying on preset options, offering unparalleled control and accuracy in content editing. Apple takes Siri to the next level by integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT . This enhancement enables Siri to process more complex requests, such as generating detailed reports or answering in-depth queries. Privacy : Users must grant explicit permission to enable this feature, ensuring privacy remains a priority. Applications : From scheduling tasks to providing tailored recommendations, Siri becomes more versatile and intelligent. Exclusive to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro , Visual Intelligence introduces a cutting-edge feature that allows users to gather environmental information quickly. Quick Viewfinder : Holding the Camera Control button on the lock screen opens a rapid photo viewfinder that analyzes the surroundings for relevant data. Applications : Useful for identifying landmarks, scanning QR codes, or retrieving contextual information in real time. Why These Features Matter The features in iOS 18.2 are more than just updates; they represent a shift toward enhancing creativity, accessibility, and intelligence in everyday use. By refining existing tools and integrating AI seamlessly, Apple ensures that users spend less time navigating and more time creating. The accessibility updates reflect Apple’s commitment to inclusivity, making its technology more approachable for users with varying needs. Tools like Image Playground , Compose , and Describe Your Change empower users to complete tasks faster and with greater precision, making iOS 18.2 a valuable update for professionals. Features such as Genmoji and Visual Intelligence set Apple apart from competitors, showcasing the company’s ability to blend innovation with practicality. Device Compatibility and Availability iOS 18.2 will be available for all iPhones starting from the iPhone 12 series and later, ensuring a broad user base can benefit from these enhancements. However, features like Visual Intelligence will remain exclusive to the latest iPhone models. The final version of iOS 18.2 is expected to roll out in December 2024. Users enrolled in the public beta program can access these features early. The iOS 18.2 update is a game-changer for Apple users, bringing a mix of practical refinements and cutting-edge AI capabilities. From Genmoji for personalized emojis to advanced tools like Image Playground and Visual Intelligence , this update caters to a diverse range of needs. Whether you're a creative professional, a productivity enthusiast, or simply someone who values seamless functionality, iOS 18.2 offers something for everyone. As Apple continues to innovate, it solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry, delivering features that enhance usability, creativity, and connectivity. With its anticipated release just around the corner, iOS 18.2 promises to set new benchmarks for smartphone operating systems, ensuring Apple remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
A Russian opposition political activist has blasted Vladimir Putin claiming the war leader as "utterly failed" in his aims for the invasion of Ukraine and "already lost the war". During a fascinating debate on German broadcaster DW's Conflict Zone show , presenter Tim Sebastian asked Mr Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has been exiled from Russia , what would happen if Putin won the war. Mr Kara-Murza replied that "of course, in the most important sense Putin has already lost the war in Ukraine ", but Mr Sebastian countered that "some people would say he had already won". Doubling-down on his assessment Mr Kara-Murza continued: "No, he has already lost, because let's not forget his original aims in February 2022; he was taking Kyiv in five days, he was destroying Ukraine as a sovereign independent country that was able to make its own decisions in foreign and domestic policy, and on both of those counts very clearly, Vladimir Putin has utterly failed." Mr Sebastian pointed out Russian forces hold around 20% of Ukrainian territory, to which Mr Kara-Murza replied that the "goal was 100%". He added: "The goal was the destruction of Ukraine as a sovereign, independent state, of course what you're saying, that's exactly how the Putin propaganda machine will try to present it. "But he must not be allowed to get away with this because the only way to judge the outcome is to compare it with the original goals, he didn't take Kyiv in five days, he did not destroy Ukraine as a sovereign independent country, and it's very clear that he will not be able to." Tensions in the war between Russia and Ukraine have ratcheted up in recent weeks after President Biden lifted a ban on Ukraine to using Western-supplied longer range missiles to strike inside Kremlin territory. Britain's formidable Storm Shadow missiles are also now thought to have been used to strike inside Russian territory, but this has not been confirmed by the Ministry of Defence or Number 10. The UK is believed to have allowed its Storm Shadow missiles to be used by Ukrainian forces within the Kursk region of Russia , while the US has given permission for its ATACMS weapons to be fired at targets in Mr Putin's country. Meanwhile, Mr Putin confirmed Russia has tested the new intermediate-range weapon in an attack on Dnipro in Ukraine in response. The US said the weapon is an experimental, intermediate-range missile based on Russia 's existing RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile has a range which could easily bridge the 1,500 miles between Moscow and London.