One of the key benefits of having clear standards for evidence of domestic violence is the increased credibility and validity of victim testimonials. Often, victims of domestic violence face skepticism and disbelief when recounting their experiences, especially if there is a lack of physical evidence or witnesses to corroborate their claims. With standardized criteria for evaluating evidence, victims are more likely to be taken seriously and their accounts given due consideration in legal proceedings.The STEM Exploration Camp (STEC) 2024, hosted by Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Menumbok, Sabah, Malaysia, brought together 180 students from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Held from November 29 to December 2, the three-day co-curricular activity was organised by the Sabah State Education Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah; Keningau Campus Teacher Education Institute; Kent Campus Teacher Education Institute; Universiti Malaysia Sabah; and the Malaysian Headmasters’ Association (PGMB) Sabah, under the management of Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Menumbok for 2024. Representing Brunei, participants comprised two officers from the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education (MoE) along with six teachers and 30 students from Rataie Primary School; Mentiri Primary School; Rimba II Primary School; Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School; Lamunin Primary School; and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Primary School in Kuala Belait. INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES: A FUSION OF LEARNING AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES STEC 2024 offered an array of hands-on activities designed to engage and inspire students, including ice-breaking activities that highlighted scientific skills and concepts, inquiry-based science education (IBSE) competitions to boost critical thinking, Micro:Bit challenges fostering creative communication and problem-solving through digital technology, and engineering design process (EDP) projects that nurtured creativity and collaboration. The camp not only provided valuable learning experiences but also celebrated participants’ achievements. A standout moment of international collaboration saw a team of students from Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Kumpulan 2) emerge as the overall champions of STEC 2024, securing first place. Students during the STEM Exploration Camp 2024. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Participants from Brunei Darussalam in a group photo. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Additionally, another team from the three countries clinched second place in the IBSE competition, underscoring the importance of collaboration and critical thinking fostered throughout the camp. Reflecting on the EDP activity, lecturer from Kent Campus Teacher Education Institute Dr Chiam Sun May, who led the session, said, “Through their EDP projects and the use of science notebooks, the students from Brunei demonstrated a solid foundation in the EDP approach and were able to apply it effectively in problem-solving. “They were also skilled in using science notebooks, documenting their observations and findings like real scientists.” A POSITIVE IMPACT The event garnered glowing reviews from both students and teachers alike. Abas bin Haji Ali, a teacher from Lamunin Primary School, shared his enthusiasm about the camp’s impact, “The students participating in the STEM Camp Exploration at Kuala Penyu are exposed to a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that encourages them to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through interactive activities and problem-solving challenges. “Collaborating with international delegates broadens their perspectives, fosters a global mindset, and deepens their appreciation for STEM fields.” For Mohamad Syahril bin Norudin, a teacher from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Primary School, the experience was equally inspiring. He was particularly moved by watching a teacher from Kota Kinabalu guide his students through fun and interactive STEM activities. A student, Nur Arisya Syifa binti Muhd Norzairi from Rimba II Primary School, also reflected on the enriching experience, “We were grouped with participants from different countries, which taught us teamwork and the importance of diversity. “Activities like experimenting with water pressure and building light and temperature-sensing robots were not only fun but also educational. Being awarded ‘Best Female Participant’ was the highlight of my journey.” Another first-time participant, Nur Hazarena Alina binti Abdullah from Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School, expressed her excitement at meeting new friends from the region, “We learned a lot of new things such as Micro:Bits. For Micro:Bits, I learned that if the car doesn’t work or move, we must never give up. We can think, find out what’s wrong, and try again. This experience motivated me to keep striving and learning more about STEM.” A PLATFORM FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The camp was not just beneficial for students. Teachers had the chance to engage with peers from other countries, exchanging best practices and gaining insights into diverse teaching methods. The experience, described as a “valuable platform for professional growth”, allowed educators to return to their classrooms quipped with fresh ideas to inspire the next generation of STEM talent. Ultimately, STEC 2024 highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping young minds. By combining academic challenges with cultural exchange, the programme inspired students to view STEM not just as subjects, but as tools to make a meaningful impact on society. As the world continues to evolve, programmes like STEC will remain essential in equipping the youth to respond to and overcome tomorrow’s challenges. – James Kon
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement and tension are palpable among the fans of Real Madrid. They are counting on their €200 million superstar to deliver a performance for the ages and lead the team to a memorable victory. With the hopes and dreams of an entire fanbase resting on his shoulders, he is ready to embrace the challenge and showcase his immense talent on the grand stage of the Champions League.In the fast-paced world of stock trading, fortunes can be made or lost in the blink of an eye. One day trader recently made headlines when he raked in an astonishing $1.38 billion profit in a single day by making a bold bet on Chinese exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Even more impressive, this trader leveraged his position to maximize gains, showcasing the potential rewards of taking calculated risks in the stock market.
The recurrent nature of these system failures has raised questions about the underlying infrastructure and technology that power Guosen Securities' digital services. Many users have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from the firm regarding the root cause of the problem and the timeline for resolution. Some have even resorted to venting their grievances on social media platforms, further amplifying the negative publicity surrounding the incident.
In conclusion, the Taiwan authorities' close monitoring of the PLA's activities in the Taiwan Strait reflects the region's complex and volatile security environment. With mainland naval activities drawing attention and concerns mounting over potential conflict, a concerted effort must be made to promote peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomatic channels. Only through mutual respect and understanding can the tensions be defused and a peaceful resolution be achieved.
In the midst of a raging civil war and a humanitarian crisis, Syria is facing its most urgent and critical issue yet. The recent events have highlighted the dire need for immediate attention and action to address the escalating situation. While the world watches in shock and horror, it is clear that the time for decisive intervention is now. The "Outreach Research Bureau" has conducted an in-depth analysis of the current state of affairs in Syria, revealing a bleak outlook for the country's economic recovery.
In a recent news event that has captured public attention, a man participated in a self-discipline challenge for a cash prize, only to end up losing a significant amount of money in the process. This legal dispute surrounding the challenge has sparked controversy and raised questions about personal responsibility and the limits of competition.One of the more surprising foreign policy ideas the Trump team has proposed on the eve of its ascension to power is military intervention in Mexico to go after drug cartels and possibly stop migrants headed to the United States. The idea seemed so wild and provocative — siccing U.S. troops on a peaceful neighbor — that Mexican officials figured it was nothing more than Trump bluster aimed at revving up his base. But now President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Ronald D. Johnson to serve as ambassador to Mexico has them wondering if he is serious . Johnson is both a former U.S. military officer — a Green Beret — and a former CIA official. And in his previous post as U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, Johnson was an enthusiastic enforcer of Trump’s policies in support of its president, Nayib Bukele , an authoritarian widely accused of human rights abuses in a massive crackdown on gangs and in silencing dissent. Trump has already threatened Mexico with 25% tariffs on many of its exports to the U.S. — including tomatoes, avocados, tequila and car parts — if the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum does not “do more” to stop the entry of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S. over its southern border with Mexico. Many economists say such an action would not only blow up prices for U.S. consumers but also probably send the Mexican economy into a free fall , which in turn could spur more migration to the United States. “Mexico can expect enormous pressure,” Maureen Meyer, programs vice president at the Washington Office on Latin America, said in an interview. The focus will be almost exclusively on immigration and law enforcement, she predicted, while “issues of concern to the human rights community — reproductive rights, climate, democracy — will all take a step back.” She and others said that will probably be true across Latin America as a Trump government fortifies common cause with right-wing governments and parties in Argentina, Brazil and elsewhere, but will have the most impact in Mexico because of its 2,000-mile border with the United States and its close economic and cultural ties. Johnson, not to be confused with the Republican Wisconsin senator of the same name, has resided in Florida since stepping down as ambassador to El Salvador at the end of the first Trump administration. He is an Alabama native, married with four grown children and five grandchildren, and spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of his CIA duties. He also worked on counter-insurgency operations during El Salvador’s civil war in the 1980s, when the U.S. supported the right-wing government against leftist guerrillas. “Ron will work closely with our great Secretary of State Nominee, [Florida Sen.] Marco Rubio, to promote our Nation’s security and prosperity through strong America First Foreign Policies,” Trump said on Truth Social in announcing the nomination this month. “Together, we will put an end to migrant crime, stop the illegal flow of Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our Country and MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!” Trump wrote. This week, Trump added a plan to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorists, a step that might be used as authorization for deploying U.S. troops. In his campaign platform, Trump said he would order the Pentagon to use “special forces, cyber warfare, and other covert and overt actions to inflict maximum damage on cartel leadership, infrastructure, and operations.” But it remains unclear how many of these steps Trump could take unilaterally. Terrorist designations usually require action by other agencies, such as the State Department, and some members of Congress who advocate a tougher approach to Mexican drug trafficking are nevertheless reluctant to send U.S. troops into the fray without approval by the Mexican government. In Mexico, news of Johnson’s nomination was greeted warily, with many seeing a clear signal of the Trump administration’s intended, narrow focus. Johnson’s “resume is the message,” Jorge Castañeda, a former foreign minister in Mexico, said in an essay for the Nexos news website. “Johnson has no experience in economic, commercial or financial matters. He is not coming to Mexico for that.” Where Johnson does have ample experience is in counter-insurgency. Johnson probably “will demand a change in the security strategy in Mexico,” said Mexican commentator León Krauze. “Trump likes spectacle, and has long considered the possibility of delivering to his electorate images of unilateral incursions into Mexican territory to arrest major drug lords, Hollywood-style.” Many in Mexico are weary of U.S. intervention in security matters and blame the U.S. in part for backing former President Felipe Calderon’s military assault on drug cartels beginning in 2006, which sparked devastating levels of violence that persist to this day. Still others, just as exhausted by high murder and kidnapping rates, and having lost confidence in Mexican law enforcement often bought off by criminals, have started to lean toward welcoming U.S. troops. Security cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico diminished greatly during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who accused U.S. forces of “abusive meddling” in 2020 when the former Mexican defense secretary, Salvador Cienfuegos, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of drug trafficking. López Obrador forced the Trump administration to return Cienfuegos to Mexico, where he was awarded a major military decoration. The damage strained U.S.-Mexico relations and hampered work in Mexico by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Sheinbaum, who took office Oct. 1, is similarly likely to be reticent in cooperating with Trump. After his initial threats about military attack and tariffs, she telephoned him at his resort in Mar-a-Lago and then posted on X that Mexico would cooperate with the U.S. on relevant topics, but that the country would not bend to the will of the U.S. as it had in drug war that began in 2006. “We are going to collaborate .. but without subordinating ourselves,” she wrote. “We will always defend Mexico as a free, sovereign and independent country.” Eschewing the military-heavy approach of some of her predecessors could set Sheinbaum on a collision course with Trump and Johnson. Sheinbaum “is not a Bukele type,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat who specializes in Latin America and has been highly critical of the Salvadoran leader. “She wants good relations with Mexico ... but is not looking to kiss Trump’s ring.” Another major question is how Johnson would treat human rights issues in Mexico. In El Salvador, where he was ambassador from 2019 to 2021, Johnson refrained from criticizing Bukele as the government rounded up tens of thousands of people in an effort to reduce gang crime. Some had gang affiliations, but many did not. According to human rights organizations, most were denied due process, innocents including children were detained, and hundreds were tortured in jail and died. Homicide rates declined substantially, although there is dispute over by how much . Johnson also failed to sound the alarm over Bukele’s attempts to stack the country’s Congress and the Supreme Court with loyalists in what critics have described as a power grab that eroded El Salvador’s hard-fought democracy. Bukele frequently spoke of his warm friendship with Johnson. The two were photographed yachting together in the Pacific off El Salvador’s coast. In June, long after Johnson had left his posting as ambassador, he joined Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson and Rep. Matt Gaetz to attend Bukele’s inauguration to a questionably legal second term. It is highly unlikely Johnson will have a similar relationship with Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, a climate scientist by training, and representative of a leftist political party. Wilkinson reported from Washington and Linthicum from Mexico City. A special correspondent in San Salvador also contributed.Elon Musk spent a quarter-billion dollars electing Trump, including financing mysterious ‘RBG PAC'In a recent incident that has stirred up controversy in the workplace, an employee was terminated for sending an email to their supervisor requesting a salary increase. The termination came as a result of the employee violating the company's salary confidentiality policy, raising questions about the boundaries of communication between employees and management when it comes to discussing compensation.
Even New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks it's amusing that owner Woody Johnson's teenage sons could have a say in his future with the franchise. "I've never been released before," Rodgers said Monday on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Being released would be a first. Being released by a teenager would also be a first. ... I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, it would be a great story." Is that a Brick Johnson decision #PMSLive https://t.co/NAYixvQYwR pic.twitter.com/HpUumfgI8f Rodgers was probably referring to a recent report by The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt. The report revealed Johnson's sons, Jack and Brick, likely influence roster decisions. For example, the 77-year-old owner reportedly nixed a trade for then-Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy because his rating in the "Madden NFL" video game was too low. That has looked like a foolish choice. Jeudy has career highs in receptions (72) and receiving yards (1,072) through 15 games with the Cleveland Browns. Whether Johnson's sons support the decision or not, the Jets will likely move on from Rodgers this offseason. Through 15 starts, the 41-year-old is 4-11 and has completed a below-average 62.8% of his passes for 3,511 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has also tossed eight interceptions. Per Spotrac, the Jets would incur $49M in dead cap in 2025 and 2026 if they release Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation. While it would be expensive, Rodgers' comments suggest it's possible. They also signal that his relationship with the franchise could be souring. Until then, the Jets will try to win their last two games. On Sunday, they face the Buffalo Bills (12-3) in a road game at 1:00 p.m. ET. Ending the season on a positive note will be challenging, especially as questions about who is running the team linger.Tsunami warning cancelled after California coast quakeAt just 23 years of age, Rashford finds himself at a pivotal stage in his career, balancing the need for regular playing time and the desire to achieve success at the highest level. As he navigates this crucial juncture, the support and endorsement from a Manchester United icon like Sir Alex Ferguson could serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for Rashford to fulfill his potential and leave a lasting legacy at the club.
New Hampshire's Scribby's Junk Removal Offers Multiple Dumpster Sizes for Residential and Commercial Projects
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A PNG team will enter NRL in 2028Mia Khalifa's nasty comment about the murder of United Healthcare's CEO that isn't funny
The sharp increase in oil prices on the 9th has raised concerns among consumers and businesses alike. For consumers, higher oil prices mean increased costs for transportation and heating, which could in turn lead to higher prices for goods and services. Businesses, especially those that rely heavily on oil for production and transportation, will also feel the pinch as their operating costs rise.Social Media Has Beef With a Black Man Set to Play Snape in New ‘Harry Potter’ TV SeriesMoving forward, the Education Bureau vowed to conduct a review of the graduation form templates used by schools to ensure that they align with official guidelines and policies. It also emphasized the importance of proper training and communication with school staff to prevent similar misunderstandings from occurring in the future.TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press
Yatnal holds protest against ‘encroachments’ by Waqf
(CNN) — Over the weekend, I came upon a hilarious post from a good ol’ social media influencer titled “ Before Wicked vs After Wicked ,” showing him doubting all the initial praise for the new movie – with people telling him, “It’s going to win best picture!” and him exclaiming, “Can we all just calm down please?” – only to find him in tears in the theater at the film’s end, shocked and even annoyed by how much he enjoyed it. Well, that made me feel stupendiferously seen, as it completely mirrored my trajectory over the past few weeks – many in my world, including a prescient and very clued-in member of my team at work, repeatedly told me how significant and marvelous this movie was going to be, and I resisted. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before spreading it online. In today's digital age, false news and misinformation can spread rapidly, causing confusion and misunderstanding among the public. It is crucial for individuals to critically evaluate the sources of information they encounter and rely on official statements from relevant authorities to confirm the accuracy of news reports.