As fans eagerly await news of the future of The Witcher series, the warning issued to Doug Cockle serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities of developing and maintaining a successful gaming franchise. While CDPR's decision may disappoint some fans, it is a testament to the company's dedication to protecting its intellectual property and ensuring the success of its future projects.
Smartsheet Announces Results of 2024 Special Shareholders’ MeetingRecently, DJI, the well-known drone manufacturer, found itself in an unexpected situation as details about its upcoming product, the DJI Flip, were leaked by Amazon. The DJI Flip is a lightweight and compact drone that is designed to cater to the needs of aerial photography enthusiasts and professionals. What sets the DJI Flip apart is its unique feature of weighing only 249 grams, making it one of the lightest drones in its class.Vietnamese journalist Pham Chi Dung marked a grim milestone this week: five years in a prison cell. The journalist, blogger and VOA contributor is now one-third of the way through a 15-year term after being convicted of “propaganda against the state.” He was arrested for promoting media freedom, for cooperating with foreign media to deliver “distorted information,” and for his criticism of the Communist Party’s control of the media. The journalist’s lawyers and supporters are pushing the international community to help free him. For Pham, life in Xuan Loc Prison, in Vietnam’s Dong Nai province, is tough. Prison authorities allow a one-hour visit every month, when visitors can bring in essential food items that have to be screened. And he is allowed an unannounced 10-minute home phone call every month, according to a family member who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation. Despite his situation, Pham remains resolute, the family member said. “Maybe because the time spent in prison was quite long, his spirit seemed full of endurance and acceptance of fate as he is going to mark five years in jail, out of 15 years of the difficult and challenging journey that he has to go through,” the family member told VOA. Pham is experiencing health issues that are worsened by prison. He has insomnia, tinnitus and knee pain. The family asked for private medical care but prison authorities denied the request. Because he is classified as a political prisoner, Pham is restricted within the prison. “Pham is not allowed to use common areas or write letters home. Any note he writes to family is screened by the prison authorities before being handed over to family during prison visits,” the relative said. Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City arrested Pham on Nov. 21, 2019, days after he sent a petition to the European Union urging it to postpone a signed but not-yet-ratified EU-Vietnam free trade agreement. The petition recommended the deal be delayed until Vietnam improves its press freedom and human rights records. Grace Bui, an American activist in Thailand who met Pham before his arrest, remembers the journalist as a “nice, placid and calm man.” “He was arrested just because he raised his voice over human rights violations and social issues,” Bui told VOA. Bui was in Geneva lobbying the EU over the trade deal when Pham was detained. At the time, Pham was already under a travel ban so the petition was the only way he could raise his concerns, Bui said. Bui said she believes the case against him is “ridiculous.” “Pham is a person who dares to stand up for press freedom and tell the truth. The government of Vietnam fears such a free press and they arrested him and his group members to shut down people’s voice and any independent outlets,” Bui said. Pham is the founder and president of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam, IJAVN. Established in July 2014, the group of independent bloggers, journalists and authors promotes a free press. Vietnam’s government has said that the organization is “illegal” and that Pham’s role in it was one of the reasons for his arrest. Two other members of the IJAVN — Radio Free Asia contributor Nguyen Tuong Thuy and freelancer Le Huu Minh Tuan — are also serving 11 years each on anti-state charges. All three are accused of creating the IJAVN to “fight and change the current political institutions of Vietnam.” Pham’s work with the association and his writing for foreign outlets including VOA were cited in the indictment. Pham also reported for independent websites including Dan Luan and Dan Lam Bao, covering economics, social stories, human rights violations, and government corruption. He promoted democracy, freedom of the press, political pluralism, the rule of law, and the development of an independent civil society. Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has accused Pham of “dangerous” anti-state actions, including “fabricating, storing, and disseminating information, as well as other materials opposing the Vietnamese government.” State media said that he carried out “anti-regime activities such as producing anti-state articles [and] cooperating with foreign media.” But others see the case as part of Vietnam’s control over media. “There are three main reasons for Pham's arrest,” Annie Nguyen, a member of the IJAVN who is based in the Netherlands, told VOA. “His articles touched many people and many walks of life, including the articles he wrote on VOA Vietnamese; he is the president of a journalist association, a professional association,” she said, and he “wrote a letter to the EU to postpone the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.” Vietnam’s National Assembly ratified the deal on June 8, 2020, following ratification by the European Parliament on Feb. 12, 2020. The deal entered into force in August 2020. Manh Dinh Dang, a lawyer who represented Pham before going into exile in the United States, said the journalist decided not to appeal his prison term “because he wouldn’t believe in any positive change in his verdict.” “The authorities did not allow any visit to Pham during his long investigation period. They only gave me limited time to counsel my client because the authorities claimed this was a national security case,” Manh said. Manh added that the journalist denied the charges and said he did not violate any laws. Vietnam has one of the worst records globally for jailing journalists. The country ranks 174th out of 180th on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 signifies a good media environment.Ulster coach Richie Murphy says Juarno Augustus signing is a statement of intent
Title: The Unraveling of a 26-Year-Old Tech Prodigy: What Drove the Ivy League Engineer to Open Fire on an Insurance Giant CEO
AUTODESK, INC. ANNOUNCES FISCAL 2025 THIRD QUARTER RESULTSThe National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has inaugurated a 32-man Screening and Aviation Monitoring Committee for 2025 Hajj air-carriers and cargo conveyers, as well as a six-man Secretariat for the Committee. The Commission has also opened Application Forms for the Issuance of Hajj Licence for airlift of the 2025 pilgrims from Nigeria. This was contained in a statement signed and released by NAHCON’S Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Tuesday According to the statement, the inauguration of the committees would set the pace “for a series of activities that will culminate in the selection of pilgrims’ air carriers as well as excess luggage freighters for the 2025 Hajj exercise”. “The NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman described the inauguration as an important activity that demands commitment due to the magnitude of work involved and its significance to successful operations He urged the members to work within the terms of reference towards providing excellent services to pilgrims, “the statement added. Usara said the Committee, chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspection and Licensing, Anofi Elegushi, draws membership from several aviation industry managers, and stakeholders from the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and representatives from the Presidency, Security Agencies and NAHCON staff. The Committee members nclude five representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau. Similarly, one member each was drawn from the Nigerian Customs’ Service and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Others are NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties, as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry. Related News NAHCON to provide N90bn Hajj subsidy documents Reps committee slams NAHCON's ‘dirty’ operations during 2024 Hajj NAHCON warns against unauthorised contracts for 2025 Hajj Usara also said eleven airlines, including two from Saudi Arabia, had already sent in application, indicating interest to airlift pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. “Eleven airlines, including two from Saudi Arabia sent applications indicating interest in the airlift of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. From Saudi Arabia under the airlift bilateral agreement are FlyNas and Flyadeal. Nine applications are from Nigerian airline companies; they are Air Peace, GYRO Air Limited, Max Air Ltd, Nahco Aviance, Tarco Aviation, Umra Airline Limited standing for Ethiopian Airlines, UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Value Jet and Trebet Aviation Ltd”. “Meanwhile, five cargo companies applied for excess luggage transportation. They are Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargo Zeal Technologies, Qualla Investment, Kiswah Logistics Services Limited, and Sokodeke Global Travels and Cargo, “the statement read. The Commission also stated that the Terms of Reference for the Airlines Screening Committee included screening prospective carriers for the 2025 or declining the screening of applicants whose status were at variance with the conditions of application. The Committee will also have the authority to recommend minimum standards of operation in accordance with industry best practices by the prequalified companies, recommend appropriate pilgrim airfare and excess luggage rate for the specified departure zones, and submit a comprehensive report at the completion of the exercise for consideration of the EXCO of the Commission For the Aviation Monitoring Committee, the terms of reference include constituting a subcommittee to review and evaluate all documents to be submitted by applicant Airlines in respect of 2025 Hajj, inspecting and assessing the readiness of the airports being considered for the 2025 Hajj Operation, and liasing with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on abscondment of pilgrims in order to provide support where needed. The Committee Chairman, Anofi Elegushi, called on members to be ready to work day and night in order to conclude their assignment within the timeframe allotted. He reminded them of the crucial place aviation occupies in the operation of Hajj. He described last year’s Hajj airlift as successful having concluded both the outbound and inbound flights earlier than slated, and gave assurances of replicating the feat and even better.Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print First
One of the most intriguing aspects of any new smartphone release is its design. With the Xiaomi YU7, there are whispers of a sleek and modern design, possibly featuring a metal and glass construction for a premium look and feel. It is also rumored that Xiaomi may opt for a punch-hole display to maximize screen real estate and deliver a more immersive viewing experience.Panthic leaders: Sikh clergy’s punishment for Sukhbir is mild
Dong Jie's storytelling prowess shines through as he delves deep into the psyche of Sun Yang, portraying his inner conflicts and external challenges with sensitivity and insight. Through a nuanced narrative and visually captivating imagery, the film offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of contemporary youth existence.The young woman, whose name has not been disclosed for privacy reasons, was described as a talented and promising student who had secured a prestigious scholarship to study in Japan. However, her social media posts revealed a deep sense of despair and frustration, as she expressed feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.
‘Low-fat’ Christmas decor is a Scrooge-like craze, garland everything & add sparkle, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen begsJonathan David Eager to Join Barcelona, but Tottenham Hotspur has Made a Significant OfferA businessman, identified as N.M. Paaris, has been sentenced to six months of imprisonment, suspended for five years, after being found guilty of spreading a misleading voice clip about former Minister Cader Mastan on various social media platforms. In addition to the suspended sentence, Paaris was fined Rs. 5,000 for the offence by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage. The Court also directed him to remove all defamatory content he had posted against Mastan from all social media platforms. The judgment was issued following a case filed by Mastan under the provisions of the Online Safety Act 2024. Previously, the Court had imposed an unconditional gag order on Paaris. Former State Minister Mastan was represented in Court by President’s Counsel Mohamed Ali Sabry.
AUTODESK, INC. ANNOUNCES FISCAL 2025 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
(Note: This is a fictional article created for the purpose of demonstration.)There’s a buzz around Rahm Emanuel — the former Bill Clinton adviser, former Illinois congressman, former chief of staff to President Barack Obama, former mayor of Chicago — possibly becoming the next head of the Democratic National Committee. The progressive left despises his pragmatism and liberal centrism. He has a reputation for abrasiveness. And his current job, as ambassador to Japan, has traditionally served as a posting for high-level political has-beens like Walter Mondale and Howard Baker. But he also has a gift for constructing winning coalitions with difficult, unexpected partners. More on that in a moment. When I met him for breakfast this week at a New York City hotel, what he wanted to talk about is a looming crisis in Asia. “What started as two wars in two theaters is now one war in two separate theaters,” he said of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “We need to ensure that it does not expand into a third theater.” How soon might that happen? I mention 2027, a year that’s often seen as China’s target date for reunification with Taiwan, if necessary by force. “I think it’s actually 2025,” he said. What Emanuel has in mind are Asia’s other flashpoints, including along the 38th parallel that divides North and South Korea, where Russia is “poking” Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, “to do something” and where South Korea’s president briefly declared martial law, and also in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines are coming to blows over Beijing’s illegal maritime claims. Unlike with Taipei, to which America’s obligations are deliberately ambiguous, with Manila and Seoul our defense commitments are ironclad. That could mean war for the United States on multiple unexpected fronts. Emanuel’s tenure as ambassador was distinguished by his role in engineering two historic rapprochements — last year between Japan and South Korea and this year between Japan and the Philippines — that, along with the AUKUS defense pact with Britain and Australia, form part of a broad diplomatic effort by the Biden administration to contain China. The Chinese, Emanuel said, “have a theory of the case in the Indo-Pacific. We have a theory of the case. Their attempt is to isolate Australia, isolate the Philippines and put all the pressure on that country,” often through abusive trade practices. “Our job is to flip the script and isolate China through their actions.” That seems like a tall order now that Donald Trump is returning to Washington promising to impose exactly the kinds of abusive trade practices that drive allies and potential allies away. That topic provides an opening for me to change the subject to how Democrats might repair their fortunes. “I was waiting,” he wisecracks. “I knew that was foreplay.” Emanuel recognizes the anti-incumbent mood along with missed messaging chances by Kamala Harris’ campaign. But there was a larger mistake by Democrats, he said, many years in the making. In 2006, when as a congressman Emanuel was recruiting veterans to help flip Congress to the Democrats, the party was “anti-Washington, anti-establishment.” It opposed the war in Iraq, and it later channeled some of the outrage Americans felt toward the bankers who never paid a price for the 2008 financial crisis. (Emanuel, who had his own stint in investment banking, said he argued for “Old Testament justice” for those bankers when he was in the Obama White House.) Then came the pandemic. “In COVID, the Democrats put on the outfit of the establishment. ‘We’re going to close schools, you’re going to close these jobs, you listen to the scientists, listen to the science,’” he said. “As both a child of a doctor and a brother of a doctor, sometimes you need a second opinion.” So how do Democrats reclaim their old advantages? “From ’68 to ’88, a 20-year run, you had ‘law and order,’ ‘welfare queens,’ Willie Horton — that was the Republican message,” Emanuel recalls. “Bill Clinton comes around and takes the equation of crime, immigration, drugs, welfare, the whole basket of cultural issues, and gets them off the table.” All of these required Clinton to pick at least as many fights with his party’s left as he picked against Republicans, and even now there are parts of the Democratic Party that are still sore about it. “As I always say to the left, what part of the peace and prosperity were you most upset with?” he asked. “Which part did you hate? Was it the income growth, the employment growth, the drop in welfare rolls, the drop in crime, the fact that America was respected around the world, peace in the Middle East? Which part did you hate most?” Emanuel doesn’t think it’s impossible for Democrats to repeat Clinton’s feat, though whether it will take one bad election or more remains to be seen. As in his views about the geopolitics of Asia, where Chinese blundering and bullying should play to America’s advantage, so too in domestic politics. Trump “is going to turn the Oval Office into eBay,” he predicts. It will be the Democrats’ challenge to illuminate the fact. The trick in both cases is not to undermine your own side as you try to defeat the other. “I think Democrats prefer losing and being morally right to winning,” he said. “Me, I’m not into moral victory speeches. I’m into winning.” — This article originally appeared in . c. 2024 The New York Times CompanyPlug Power Inc. (PLUG) Management presents at Jefferies Renewables & Clean Energy Conference 2024 (Transcript)
The Nigerian All-Share Index (ASI) wrapped up the trading session on November 26, 2024, in positive territory, inching up by a modest 13.61 points to close at 97,639.88. This marked a slight gain of 0.01%, reflecting a subtle but steady uptick in the market. However, despite this upward movement in the index, trading volume saw a dip, falling by 17.75% from the previous day’s total of 671 million shares to 552 million shares on Tuesday. Related Stories Market Wrap: All-Share Index slips 0.21% as HMCALL and SUNUASSUR lead gainers Weekly Market Wrap: All-Share Index rises by 106.74 points as John Holt gains 42.49%, Multiverse tops losers Market capitalization remained unchanged at N59.1 trillion, and the total number of trades executed stood at 9,305, indicating a steady level of activity despite the decrease in volume. Among the top gainers, HMCALL emerged as the standout performer, surging by 9.98% to take the top spot. SUNUASSUR followed closely with a 9.80% jump, while JAPAULGOLD rounded out the top three with a gain of 9.72%. On the downside, MULTIVERSE led the decliners, shedding 9.92% of its value, while TANTALIZER trailed just behind, dropping by 9.30%. Notably, HMCALL and TANTALIZER were the most actively traded stocks of the day, underscoring sustained investor interest despite the overall drop in trading volumes. Current ASI: 97,639.88 points Previous ASI: 97,626.27 points Day Change: +0.01% Year-to-Date Performance: +30.58% Volume Traded: 552 million shares Deals: 9,305 HMCALL: up 9.98% to N6.17 SUNUASSUR: up 9.80% to N3.81 JAPAULGOLD: up 9.72% to N2.37 PRESTIGE: up 9.64% to N0.91 NEIMETH: up 9.55% to N2.18 MULTIVERSE: down 9.92% to N5.90 TANTALIZER: down 9.30% to N1.17 UPDCREIT: down 9.01% to N5.05 UNIVINSURE: down 5.88% to N0.32 RTBRISCOE: down 5.67% to N2.66 The Nigerian equities market experienced a decline in trading activity, with trading volume falling by 17.75%. A total of 552 million shares were exchanged, down from 671 million shares in the previous session. HMCALL led the day’s trading with a dominant 177.1 million shares changing hands, securing its position as the most actively traded stock. TANTALIZER followed closely with 36.9 million shares traded, while UBA recorded 29.5 million shares. Other notable contributors included PRESTIGE with 28.5 million shares and FBNH, which completed the top five with 21.5 million shares traded. In terms of trading value, HMCALL again took the lead, driving transactions worth an impressive N1.0 billion. WAPCO followed with N978.6 million in trade value, signaling ongoing investor interest in the stock. UBA and MTNN also attracted significant attention, contributing N947.3 million and N781.7 million to the day’s total value, respectively. FBNH rounded out the top five, generating N536.2 million in transactions. Among the SWOOT stocks, which have market capitalizations above N1 trillion, OANDO stood out as the only decliner, advancing by 3.46%. The FUGAZ group, consisting of FBNH, UBA, GTCO, ACCESSCORP, and ZENITHBANK, saw a mixed performance. ACCESSCORP and UBA declined by 1.74% and 1.55%, respectively, while ZENITH and GTCO posted gains of 0.93% and 0.47%. FBNH remained unchanged, showing no price movement during the session. Despite a modest 0.01% uptick in the market, optimism for a rebound remains strong. With solid third-quarter earnings from various sectors and sustained investor interest, the Nigerian equities market is expected to maintain upward momentum in the coming sessions.The news of Tang Renjian's arrest has sent shockwaves through the agricultural and rural development sector, sparking concerns about the integrity and transparency of government officials tasked with managing crucial areas such as food security, rural poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. The lack of effective deployment in identifying and addressing corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has eroded public confidence in the government's ability to effectively govern and manage vital sectors of the economy.Harris' campaign leaders say there was a 'price to be paid' for shortened campaign against Trump
China International Barter Trade Center (CIBTC) is a leading barter trade service platform in China that facilitates trade through the exchange of goods and services without using traditional currency. Founded in 2005, CIBTC has been at the forefront of promoting barter trade as a means to foster international business cooperation and economic development.Key points from 5 who want to be the next governor of NJ