No. 2 UConn falls again in Maui, losing 73-72 to Colorado on Jakimovski's off-balance layup LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn couldn’t shake the unranked Buffaloes, who shot 62.5% in the second half. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Liam McNeeley led UConn with 20 points. Rodgers says he's undecided about playing next season, but Jets are his 'first option' if he returns Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating whether he wants to play football next season. And if he does return, he said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that he prefers it to be with the New York Jets. The star quarterback, who turns 41 next Monday, denied a recent report that he wants to keep playing next year but not with the Jets. He said he needs to see how he feels physically and where the Jets stand with a new general manager and coach. He added that the Jets will also have to want him playing for them. That will all factor into his decision. Court rejects request to sideline San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that allows a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member to play in the Mountain West Conference tournament after complaints said she should be ineligible on grounds that she’s transgender. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that a U.S. Magistrate in Denver was correct in allowing her to play. The magistrate and the appeals court said the players and others who sued should have filed their complaint earlier, rather than waiting until less than two weeks before the tournament was to begin to seek an emergency injunction. Lewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in Champions League 100-goal club. Haaland nets 2 but City draws ROME (AP) — Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in Champions League history with 100 or more goals. But Erling Haaland is on a faster pace than anyone after boosting his total to 46 goals at age 24. Lewandowski’s early penalty kick started Barcelona off to a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Brest to move into second place in the new single-league format. Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring list with 140 goals and Messi is next with 129. Haaland scored a brace as City was held 3-3 by Feyenoord. Inter Milan beat Leipzig 1-0 to move atop the standings. Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0. Atalanta, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen also won. Traffic citations against Dolphins' Tyreek Hill dismissed after officers no-show at hearing MIAMI (AP) — Traffic citations issued to Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill after a September altercation with police have been dismissed after the charging officers didn’t attend a court hearing. Hill’s tickets for careless driving and failing to wear a seat belt were dismissed after the Miami-Dade Police officers failed to show up for a Monday hearing. The tickets were issued after Hill was stopped outside Hard Rock Stadium for allegedly speeding before the Dolphins' season opener on Sept. 8. The stop escalated and an officer pulled Hill from the car, forced him to the ground and handcuffed him. North Carolina football coach Mack Brown won't return for 2025 season North Carolina coach Mack Brown won’t return for the 2025 season. The school announced the move Tuesday with a statement from athletic director Bubba Cunningham. The school said Cunningham informed the 73-year-old College Football Hall of Fame member that there would be a coaching change. Brown is set to coach the regular-season finale on Saturday against rival N.C. State, though a decision hasn’t been made about whether Brown will coach a bowl game. Brown is in his second stint with the program and won a national championship at Texas. Juan Soto could decide on his next team before or during baseball's winter meetings NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto appears on a timetable to decide on where to sign either before or during baseball’s winter meetings in Dallas, which run from Dec. 8-12. Soto met with the Yankees, Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, a person familiar with the negotiations said last week, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details were not announced. Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, asked teams to submit initial offers by Thanksgiving, a second person familiar with the talks said, also on condition of anonymity because it was not announced. Dejounte Murray is rejoining the Pelicans vs. Toronto and drawing inspiration from his mother METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Dejounte Murray says he plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicans’ lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23. And Murray says his mother will be on his mind when he takes the court against the Toronto Raptors. Murray says his mother had a stroke in September and disclosed that her condition was the previously unspecified “personal matter” that took him away from the team during the final days of the preseason. Murray had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in his lone game with New Orleans. Lionel Messi has his new coach: Javier Mascherano's hiring by Inter Miami is now complete FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are together again, this time with Inter Miami. The former Barcelona and Argentina teammates have reunited, with Inter Miami announcing Tuesday that Mascherano’s hiring as the club’s new coach is complete. The sides struck a deal late last week for Mascherano to replace Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped aside for personal reasons. Mascherano most recently was Argentina’s under-20 team coach. Mascherano says he was “drawn to the organization’s undeniable ambition." Will Utah State or Boise State forfeit vs. San Jose State in the Mountain West semifinals? LAS VEGAS (AP) — A team that previously boycotted at least one match against the San Jose State women’s volleyball team will be faced with another decision whether to play the school, this time in the Mountain West Conference semifinals with a shot at the NCAA Tournament on the line. Five schools forfeited matches in the regular season against San Jose State, which carried a No. 2 seed into the conference tournament in Las Vegas. Among those schools: No. 3 Utah State and No. 6 Boise State, who will face off Wednesday with the winner scheduled to play the Spartans in the semifinals on Friday.The news about academic cheating has gone from worrying to post mortem. Colleges apparently can’t manage cheating on any level. As usual, a lot of handwringing and total lack of answers produce a sort of techno-manga doomscape. Those headlines create a bizarre set of situations from “ AI is an existential threat to colleges” from the Washington Post (paywall) to the truly alarming penalizing of a student for proofreading using Grammarly. The AI outscores the humans relentlessly at about 83%, according to Forbes . As usual, honesty gets you nowhere. See that quaint little rustic waste of time called the USA for details. Strangely, people aren’t happy with this 100% true-to-Western-cultural breakthrough into institutional incompetence and corruption. Despite the decades of noble roles of mainstream media and so many utterly futile public figures, people who can’t do their jobs aren’t much in demand. “Why not?” you enquire, grimly bolting yourself to the ridiculous shriveled lettuce of a society. Well, ‘cause: Education has become a stagnant backwater of regressive politics. They’re either scared of it or actively trying to prevent it. See Oklahoma for details. Defunding public education is actually a stated policy in the USA. If they seriously think everyone can afford private education, you can see the level of intellect in the mix. Past idiocies sabotaged education decades ago. The blame isn’t all one-way. Imbecile ideas like not teaching phonics (structuring basic words and concepts) did a lot of damage. Many people in multiple generations are functionally illiterate. The illiteracy of the system itself doesn’t exactly help in managing AI issues. Literacy isn’t just being able to read. It’s being able to understand what you read. It’s essential to critical thinking, of which we have so little lately. The future isn’t looking at all good for the skills bases required to manage new tech and things like human reality. Let’s get down to basics: 1, AI cannot replace humans. If you replace people with AI, you have to check absolutely everything. It’s actually more work. 2, AI doesn’t give you actual skills. You still need to learn and understand to know your stuff. Your overpriced education is utterly meaningless and useless if you can’t do the jobs. 3. It’s pretty easy to prove who can really do a job and who can’t. All you need is a simple competence test. See if the useless smug little brats can function. 4, Force AI providers to include AI detection capacity in their products by law. This “free lunch for fakes” stuff has to stop somewhere. Bear in mind that the present capacity is nothing like up to this task. According to the Forbes article above, the current 6% detection rate of AI is an overestimate. (Might help with scientific fraud and deranged social media bots, too.) This isn’t “artificial intelligence” yet. It’s “artificial idiocy”. It’s fixable. _________________________________________________ Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Digital Journal or its members. Editor-at-Large based in Sydney, Australia.
UK bans record number of offenders from booze for ChristmasPromising strategy leverages atomic displacements to control quantum properties of a vanadate perovskiteNone
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.Thinking about living abroad? You’ve come to the right place. International Living just released its Annual Global Retirement Index —which highlights the best places to move (or retire). It’s been a hot topic in the wake of the recent U.S. election, which has sparked a wave of frustration among Americans , with Google showing massive spikes in searches like “how to leave the U.S.,” “best countries for Americans to move to” and “where to move abroad.” Even celebs like America Ferrera, Sharon Stone and Cher have made headlines with their plans to start over in new countries. But for the average American, the question isn’t just about leaving, it’s about finding the right place to go for an affordable, fulfilling life abroad. That’s where International Living’s Global Retirement Index comes in. The report identifies the countries that offer the best combination of affordability, quality of life and opportunities for connection in welcoming communities around the globe. The report is usually released in January, but due to overwhelming demand, the company decided to release it a month early this year. “Historically, there’s a notable uptick in people exploring overseas living opportunities after elections—doesn’t matter who wins,” Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living, told me in an interview. “We wanted to provide timely, updated guidance that reflects the insights we’re hearing from our correspondents on the ground.” And even though the report has “retirement” in the name, that’s not the only audience. “One significant shift we’ve noticed is a growing interest among 35- to 45-year-olds in overseas living options,” says Stevens. “For years, our audience was primarily retirees, as they had the flexibility and savings to move abroad. But now, with the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, this younger demographic is pursuing international living while still maintaining careers.” International Living’s report takes those younger demographics into account. “Many of our correspondents are mid-career professionals and have young families themselves, so they’re evaluating destinations with a broader lens,” says Stevens. “While they may not be fully retired, they’re looking for the same qualities that retirees prioritize in a place to live—things like affordability, safety, infrastructure and vibrant expat communities.” Best Places To Move: The Methodology So how does International Living determine the best destinations for expats each year? The Retirement Index assesses countries across seven key categories: housing, visas and benefits, cost of living, healthcare, development and governance, climate and an affinity rating that reflects the ease of integration into the local community. The process begins with on-the-ground correspondents—expats themselves—who provide real-world data and insights. Housing affordability, for example, is measured by the cost of renting or purchasing in areas where expats typically live, with a focus on comfort and value. Similarly, healthcare is evaluated not only on quality but also on affordability. Cost of living is assessed through detailed questionnaires that account for everyday expenses, from groceries to utilities, to ensure a clear picture of affordability. Visas and benefits are another critical factor. Some countries offer straightforward residency options like Panama’s Pensionado Visa program. Perhaps the most unique feature of the index is the affinity rating, which looks at the human side of relocation. How easy is it to make friends, learn the language or find an English-language movie? Does the expat community feel welcoming? These factors—combined with data on infrastructure, governance and climate—create a comprehensive picture of each country’s appeal. Best Places To Move: The Winner Topping this year’s Global Retirement Index is Panama, a destination that checks all the right boxes for Americans looking to relocate. In last year’s report , Panama ranked fourth. “Panama’s rise to the top this year reflects a combination of factors, including the rising cost of living and housing availability in other popular destinations like Costa Rica, Portugal and Spain,” says Stevens. At the heart of Panama’s appeal is the Pensionado Visa, one of the most generous residency programs in the world. Retirees who can demonstrate a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month qualify for permanent residency and access to significant perks. “Panama’s Pensionado Program stands out with exceptional perks, such as discounts on medical services, utilities, transportation and entertainment,” says Stevens. “These benefits significantly reduce retirees’ living expenses while enhancing their quality of life.” But Panama isn’t just for retirees. The country also offers the Friendly Nations Visa, a flexible option for younger expats and families seeking a fresh start. It offers flexible residency through investment or business opportunities. Most couples can live comfortably on $2,500 to $3,000 a month, offerning an accessible path to an upgraded lifestyle. Besides its affordability, Panama has excellent healthcare, particularly in Panama City, where hospitals are equipped with modern technology and English-speaking doctors. The country’s reliable infrastructure includes fast internet and convenient public transportation. And Panama offers diverse lifestyle options to fit any preference, from urban Panama City to beachside Coronado to the cool highlands of Boquete. Best Places To Move: The Top 5 Portugal Coming in at number two, Portugal continues to shine as the top-performing European country in the Index: It was ranked number one for 2023. With its mild year-round climate, stunning coastal landscapes and rich culture, Portugal appeals to retirees and expats alike. “The D7 visa makes it easy to establish residency,” contributor Terry Coles said in the report. “And the cost of living here remains competitive, even in popular areas like the Algarve.” According to International Living, expats typically find their expenses in Portugal run about one-third of what they were in the States. Plus, the country has an excellent public healthcare system and private insurance is also affordable. Costa Rica Costa Rica—last year’s winner—ranks third. The country draws expats with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse climates and the welcoming “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Whether you prefer the beaches, the mountains or a mix of both, Costa Rica offers an incredible quality of life. “There’s a warmth to the people here, and the natural beauty is unmatched,” Bekah Bottone, International Living’s Costa Rica correspondent, said in the report. Costa Rica is also a haven for those looking for eco-friendly living and community. From sustainable tourism to organic markets, it’s a destination that values environmental conservation as much as a laid-back lifestyle. Mexico Mexico, ranked fourth, has a well-established expat community. “Mexico gives you a taste of adventure with the comfort of familiarity,” Bel Woodhouse, International Living’s Mexico correspondent, said in the report. Affordability is a major draw. A one-bedroom apartment near the waterfront in Cozumel rents for just $500 a month, while a larger two-bedroom option near the beach starts at $1,000. Inland, those prices drop even further. Mexico’s low cost of living extends to everyday expenses, such as fresh produce, dining out and travel. “Everything is more affordable, so I can dine out more and travel more,” said Woodhouse. Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. is another big advantage. English is widely spoken in popular expat hubs like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca, and comforts from home—from products to cultural touchstones—are readily available. France France, ranking fifth on this year’s list, is one of Europe’s most appealing countries for expats. Whether you’re drawn to France for its cuisine, its culture or its combo of country mountains and beaches, it’s a destination that offers a balance of quality and affordability. Healthcare in France is world-class, ranking among the best globally. According to International Living, Southwestern France is emerging as a top retirement spot: Pyrenees-Atlantiques towns like Oloron-Sainte-Marie and Pau offer affordable housing and natural beauty. Best Places To Move: The Rest Of The List Rounding out the top 10 countries on the International Living list are Spain, Malaysia, Greece, Italy and Thailand, each offering unique benefits for expats. Spain combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with excellent healthcare, affordable living and cultural treasures. Malaysia—the highest-ranked Asian country—has exceptional affordability, a welcoming multicultural society and modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for both retirees and digital nomads. Greece offers breathtaking landscapes, a relaxed pace of life and a low cost of living, with islands like Corfu providing a serene escape. Italy’s major appeal is its focus on the slow life, where good food and good company are at the heart of daily living (and it doesn’t hurt that many places in Italy are trying to lure foreigners with great offers for cheap housing and even paying you to live there). Finally, Thailand draws expats with its ultra-low cost of living, excellent healthcare and mix of cities and beaches. Best Places To Move: The Downside While the idea of Americans moving abroad is enticing, it’s not always welcomed with open arms. In some areas, locals have raised concerns about gentrification and its impact on housing markets and communities. “We’re aware of the pushback regarding gentrification, and it’s a valid concern,” says Stevens. “Our role is to present information responsibly, helping people integrate into communities respectfully and sustainably, while highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges of moving abroad.” Some countries have already begun addressing the unintended consequences of expat-focused policies. Portugal’s Golden Visa program, for instance, once allowed foreigners to gain long-term residence by purchasing property for as little as $250,000 while only needing to be in the country two weeks a year. “Lots and lots of people took advantage of that program,” Stevens explains. “They rent their homes out as short-term rentals—or just leave them empty—and so, of course, that served to drive up the cost of housing for locals. Now, in response, Portugal has adjusted its policies to put an end to that.” Stevens emphasizes that being a respectful and responsible expat goes a long way in fostering goodwill. “We believe strongly here at International Living that you should learn the local language where you go—you don’t have to be 100% fluent to be integrated into a community,” she says. “Not only is it respectful (after all, you’re a guest in this other country), but you’ll have a better, richer, easier experience if you speak at least a basic amount of the local language.” Ultimately, it’s up to the expats to be responsible and to make an effort to connect with their adopted communities, and in return they are often warmly welcomed. “We don’t typically see communities pushing back on the modest-income individual who goes to a town they like, rents a place for the local going rate, employs a housekeeper and gardener, hires drivers a few times a week, shops in the local markets, eats out in locally owned restaurants and volunteers at the local animal shelter or the local elementary school,” says Stevens. “That person is more integrated and is usually perceived as a welcome member of the community.” Now read on for the list of the best places to move (or retire). For a deeper dive into the best places to move, you can check out International Living’s original report . Ranked: The World’s Best Places To Move (Or Retire) MORE FROM FORBES:
( MENAFN - Gulf Times) The 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), slated for Sunday in the sisterly State of Kuwait, is expected to make many recommendations that align with the serious challenges facing the Arab region, including the situation in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, as well as the difficult political, economic and security circumstances that cast their shadows over many countries, Political analysts said. In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), analysts expected the discussions to focus on economic challenges and pushing the wheel of development towards achieving more accomplishments. In this context, they stressed the importance of exploring means to promote the GCC Common Market and Customs Union, given the great importance of this file for the countries of the region. Nasser Al Otaibi, political analyst and editor-in-chief of the Kuwait's Al-Jarida newspaper, said the upcoming GCC Supreme Council Summit is being held at a critical time while the entire region is facing devastating wars and conflict, fateful issues and a crossroads. These critical circumstances cast their shadows on the GCC countries, making them a main focus on the Summit's agenda. Al Otaibi added that joint defense and security cooperation will also occupy a prominent place on the agenda in light of the tense conditions sweeping the Middle East. He also expected that the discussions will include ways to address the continued Israeli aggression, violations and crimes, while calling on the international community to support the steps of the International Court of Justice that condemns the violations of the Israeli Prime Minister and his former Defense Minister. The GCC summit will also address all pending issues for the member states with other countries outside the council, such as the maritime borders issue between Kuwait and Iraq, which still needs to be resolved by the Iraqi government, he added. Among the most prominent issues that will be addressed at the upcoming GCC Summit is navigation security in the Arabian Gulf and oil tankers protection, in order to ensure the stability of global markets and protect the vital energy artery, Al Otaibi emphasised. The Summit will confirm the cohesion of the GCC states in addressing new developments, emphasizing the unity of the Gulf house, based on deep-rooted common ties, he indicated. As for the expected recommendations, Al Otaibi said the Summit may call on the international community to assume its responsibilities and acheive a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and to put an end to the ongoing Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. In addition, the recommendations may call for building on the two arrest warrants issued by the International Court of Justice against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, sending a decisive message to countries supporting Israel that Arab countries, including the GCC countries, are exasperated by the systematic attacks and ongoing bloodshed under the pretext of "self-defense." Dr. Ahmed Qasim Hussein, a researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and editor-in-chief of Arab Policies journal, said the upcoming GCC Summit is being held amid complex security and political challenges, including the regional situation in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, and the ongoing unrest in the region. He indicated that these conditions combined cast a shadow over the security of the Arab region in general, and the security of the GCC in particular. He indicated that the repercussions of the Israeli war on Palestine and Lebanon will be one of the pivotal issues that will be addressed at the GCC Supreme Council Summit. He also expected that economic challenges, including strengthening the GCC Common Market and Customs Union, will receive special importance, given their vital role in supporting economic integration among the GCC countries. The Summit is expected to pay special attention to technology and digital development, with a focus on the rapid transformations in the artificial intelligence sector. Such issues require effective responses and joint strategies to enhance the capabilities of the GCC countries in dealing with these developments, in a way that achieves sustainable economic growth and contributes to consolidating the region's position as a global center in the field of innovation and technology, Hussein said. Hussein pointed out that strengthening joint GCC action is pivotal to confronting the current security and economic challenges facing the region. To this end, he expected the recommendations to include the establishment of effective mechanisms to deal with emergency crises, in light of the increasing military escalation between Iran and Israel. Hussein called on the GCC states to adopt a pioneering role by launching a regional initiative aimed at mobilizing international support to end the suffering of the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples as a result of the Israeli aggression. He stressed the importance of investing the diplomatic and political capabilities of the GCC states and their leaders to influence the course of events and stop this aggressive war, in order to realize regional peace and stability. Dr. Tarek Hamoud, Professor of Political Science at Lusail University, said the Gulf Cooperation Council reflects the most successful Arab experience in terms of joint regional cooperation, which highlights the importance of its meetings in general; stressing the significance of the upcoming GCC Supreme Council Summit in Kuwati in light of the current circumstances that the region is going through. The current session is being held at a time when two Arab countries, Palestine and Lebanon, are being subjected to a brutal Israeli war, in addition to the political, economic and security crises suffered by other countries such as Syria, Sudan, Iraq and Yemen, which represent a great geopolitical importance for the GCC states, Hamoud said. These regional issues will occupy a prominent place on the summit agenda, in addition to internal issues specific to the GCC countries, such as enhancing cooperation in areas of strategic connectivity, whether in employment or facilitating movement between the GCC countries, he added. MENAFN30112024000067011011ID1108941655 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Matt Gaetz Goes Off on Ethics Report in Emotional Tweetstorm: 'Giving Funds to Someone You're Dating Is Now Prostitution?!?'Global HR Leader Partners with CyberCX to Achieve Prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification, Showcasing Commitment to Advanced Cyber Security Standards MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / December 11, 2024 / HireRoad , a global leader in HR solutions, is proud to announce that its Australia-based recruitment platform, Acendre Recruit, has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. This prestigious certification demonstrates HireRoad's unwavering commitment to robust information security practices, giving its customers and stakeholders the confidence that their data is managed with the highest levels of protection. The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification process was completed in October 2024, with an external audit finding zero non-conformities - a testament to HireRoad's dedication to information security. The certification was officially issued in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing cybersecurity journey. "This achievement underscores HireRoad's commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving cyber security landscape," said Liam Ackland, Managing Director of Acendre. "It is a testament to our team's hard work and to the strong partnership we've forged with CyberCX in building and executing a comprehensive security roadmap." Partnering with CyberCX to Elevate Security CyberCX, a leading provider of professional cyber security services, played a pivotal role in HireRoad's certification journey. Over the course of six months, CyberCX worked closely with the Acendre team to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that meets the rigorous standards of ISO/IEC 27001:2022. This collaboration included defining security roadmaps, applying risk-based approaches to information security, and providing ongoing leadership through Virtual CISO support. "Acendre has made incredible strides in enhancing its cyber security capabilities," said Paul Kemp, Executive Director, CyberCX. "CyberCX is proud to support Acendre's commitment to safeguarding customer data, leading the way for security within their industry." Case Study Highlight: Acendre and CyberCX To provide further insights into this successful partnership, Acendre and CyberCX have released a detailed case study showcasing their collaboration and outcomes. The case study highlights the strategic approach and tangible results achieved, including strengthened customer trust and improved security posture. The full case study is available on the HireRoad website: https://acendre.hireroad.com/acendre-cybercx . Looking Ahead: Building on Success Following HireRoad's latest milestone of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the Acendre team is preparing for an independent IRAP assessment in 2025, inclusive of Essential Eight ML2 controls. This next phase will provide additional assurance to HireRoad's Australian government customers, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a competitive and secure platform. For more information about HireRoad's cyber security initiatives or to request a copy of the ISO certification audit report, please visit acendre.hireroad.com . About HireRoad HireRoad is a leading global provider of HR solutions spanning recruitment, onboarding, learning, and analytics software. Acendre is a HireRoad entity out of Australia with over 25 years of expertise in recruitment technology for government and other highly regulated organisations. Acendre Recruit is a leading applicant tracking system and trusted partner for Australian government agencies and beyond, providing a comprehensive and configurable process to help organisations recruit and onboard talent efficiently. About CyberCX CyberCX is the leading provider of end-to-end cyber security and cloud services across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and U.K. With a workforce of over 1,400 cyber security professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations, helping customers confidently manage cyber risks, respond to incidents, and build resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment. Media Contact: Evan White Evan@EvanWhitePR.com 509.995.9105 SOURCE: HireRoad View the original on accesswire.comShockwave in Tech Stocks! TSMC Surges with New Predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has "no structural damage" to his back following a scary fall on Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to the Los Angeles Times ' Dan Woike . The 26-year-old is on the flight to Salt Lake City with the team ahead of their game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday despite dealing with some soreness, per Woike. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .
The Senate took another positive step towards improving the country’s agricultural sector as the Agricultural Extension Service Bill, 2024 (SB. 646), sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha, passed its first reading. The (WOFAN-ICON-2) and agricultural extension stakeholders sponsored Agricultural Extension Service Bill, (SB.646) has passed the first reading at the floor of the Nigerian Senate. The bill aims to strengthen agricultural extension services that will support smallholder farmers to improve productivity and ensure food security in the Nation. Furthermore, the bill targets to strengthen the capacity of extension workers to deliver advanced, technology-driven, and demand-oriented services. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central at the National Assembly while speaking with journalists on the objectives of the bill, said it aims to ensure the effective implementation of the National Agricultural Extension Policy and Strategy and to establish a legal framework for sustainable agricultural extension services in Nigeria. The Lawmaker further noted that the bill will further create a sustainable, harmonized, pluralistic, and demand-driven e-agricultural extension system that will ensure efficient service delivery across the agricultural value chain. Recall that the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi during a technical update meeting held in Abuja recently, commended the efforts of WOFAN-ICON2 project, NAERLS and other stakeholders in putting the draft bill together. Senator Abdullahi who contributed effectively during the meeting also noted that with about 70 per cent of the population are involved in agriculture and further emphasized that it is important to ensure they receive the kind of technical support they need to be able to achieve optimal outputs and good income. “Extension Agents don’t just show farmers Good Agronomic Practices, they step down successful research results and new innovative techniques to farmers for improved outputs. “So, Extension Agents are very positive additions to how farmers are supposed to operate. And so, to me the proposed bill will be a game changer.’’ READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowAaron Rodgers found his 'perfect gift' this holiday season: A new girlfriend
Ormat Announces Public Offering of Common Stock on Behalf of Stockholder ORIX CorporationORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Cornerback Taron Johnson is still agitated over the dud the Buffalo Bills defense produced in giving up season worsts in points and yards, while melting down on third down in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams last weekend. There’s no better time or opportunity to show how much better they are than this Sunday. That’s when the Bills (10-3) travel to play the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1), who just happen to lead the NFL in scoring and feature the same dynamic style of offense as the Rams. “I think our mindset is just going to be attack,” Johnson said after practice Wednesday. “We can’t wait to play Sunday just to prove people wrong and prove to ourselves that how we played wasn’t who we are.” The Bills acknowledge having several excuses to lean on for why they unraveled in a 44-42 loss — riding a little too high after a division-clinching win, a cross-country trip and facing a more driven opponent in the thick of a playoff race. What’s unacceptable is the hesitancy their usually reliable defensive backs showed in coverage and the lack of pressure applied by their defensive front. The bright side is the substandard performance potentially serving as a late-season reminder of this not being the time to let their foot off the gas. “A lot of teams have scars on their way to having a darn good season. And we’re having a darn good season,” coach Sean McDermott said. “So what has to be in front of us this week is the opportunity that’s in front of us, quite frankly, to challenge that team,” he added, referring to Detroit. “You better bring your heart, you better bring your guts, you better put it on the line.” With a little bit of added fire, the Bills are going back to the basics on defense following an outing in which very little went right. The defense was off-balance from the start in being unable to stop the run, before eventually being picked apart in the passing game while allowing the Rams to score on each of their first six drives (not including a kneel-down to close the first half) in building a 38-21 lead. The most frustrating part was Buffalo’s inability to get off the field while allowing the Rams to convert 11 of 15 third-down chances. LA’s 73.3% third-down conversion rate was the third highest against Buffalo — and worst since Miami converted 75% of its chances in 1986 — since the stat was introduced to NFL gamebooks in 1973. “The recipe to lose a football game is what we did (Sunday) and it starts with me, first and foremost,” defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Monday. “Move on and let it not happen again. Let it be a learning lesson. Failure is the best teacher.” The challenge is preparing for an exceptionally balanced Lions offense that ranks fourth in the NFL in both rushing and passing, and averaging 32.1 points per outing. The objective, McDermott said, is to not overcorrect but stick to the fundamentals that led to Buffalo winning seven straight before losing to Los Angeles. He placed an emphasis on winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing takeaways, something Buffalo failed to do last weekend for the first time this season. A little more urgency, would help, too. “It is a mentality. It is an attitude, and if you want to play good defense, that’s where it starts,” McDermott said. “There’s not a lot of shortcuts or ways around it. It’s got to be a mentality.” The message resonated even on offense, where quarterback Josh Allen nearly rallied the Bills to victory while becoming the NFL’s first player to throw three touchdown passes and rush for three more scores. “It was a case of you saw a team that’s fighting for their lives to try to make the playoffs in the Los Angeles Rams, and they came out ready to play. And maybe we didn’t have that type of urgency,” Allen said. “It forces us to know that we’ve got to be better. We know that.” NOTES: LB Baylon Spector (calf) and DE Dawuane Smoot (wrist) returned to practice Wednesday, opening their 21-day windows to be activated off IR. ... Starting CB Rasul Douglas did not practice and could miss time after hurting his knee on Sunday. ... Buffalo has until this weekend to determine whether to activate OL Tylan Grable (groin) off IR. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflGerman-Ghanaian defender Christopher Braun sees red in Rapid Bucurestiâs stalemate with Dinamo