The Shanghai Composite Index started the day with a significant jump, reflecting the positive sentiment among investors. The index surged by more than 3%, breaking through the key resistance level and reaching a new high for the year. This remarkable performance was largely driven by the strong performance of blue-chip stocks in the financial and technology sectors.The Israeli military's ability to carry out such precise and devastating airstrikes highlights its advanced technological capabilities and military prowess. However, the repercussions of such actions are far-reaching and could have grave consequences for regional stability and peace.
Moreover, China's commitment to key structural reforms, such as opening up its financial markets, promoting innovation and technology, and enhancing regulations to protect investors, has further boosted the attractiveness of Chinese assets to foreign investors. The Chinese government's efforts to enhance transparency, strengthen corporate governance, and improve market efficiency have been well-received by international investors seeking long-term growth opportunities in the country.
The Australian sharemarket has avoided an embarrassing start to the Christmas trading week, with the market operator managing to fix its system for processing trades made by investors. On Friday, trading on the ASX was hampered by a technical issue delaying the settlement of trades on its Clearing House Electronic Subregister System, known as CHESS. The glitch forced the market operator to defer settlements scheduled for Friday to Monday, December 23, leaving brokers in a jam as billions of dollars worth of transactions couldn’t be finalised. The ASX narrowly avoided a festive fumble on Monday morning after a key system for processing trades was hampered by a glitch on Friday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The ASX said on Sunday that it had successfully resolved the technical issue, with settlement services to start as normal and will process all trades from last Wednesday and Thursday held up by the glitch. The CHESS system manages the transaction of shares between a buyer and a seller. Had the issue not been resolved, the ASX could have been forced to delay the time of market opening on Monday, or at worst cancel trading altogether. The ASX suffered a full-day trading outage in November 2020, and the market operator’s effort to upgrade the ageing CHESS system, which is 30 years old, has suffered significant delays. Loading However, investors are set to be rewarded with only a meagre rise on Monday following a grim week for both local and international stocks, despite a small rally in US markets on Friday. Local futures indicate at market open the S&P ASX200 will gain just 0.16 per cent to 8079 points. At the end of last week, the S&P500 rose 1.1 per cent for its best day in six weeks and shaved its loss for the week down to 2 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 498 points, or 1.2 per cent, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1 per cent. Superstar stock Nvidia and other big tech companies led the market, which got a lift after a report said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use, was slightly lower last month than economists expected. It’s an encouraging signal following recent reports suggesting inflation may be tough to get all the way down to the Fed’s 2 per cent goal from its peak above 9 per cent. The threat of higher inflation was one of the reasons Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave this week when the central bank hinted it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier expected. That warning sent a shock through the stock market, which had run to 57 all-time highs this year amid the widespread assumption the Fed would deliver a string of cuts to rates into 2025. Now traders are largely betting on one, two or perhaps even zero next year, according to data from CME Group. “When optimism is rising and market multiples are expanding, it just takes a little fear to take the veneer off a market rally,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management. Friday’s better-than-expected inflation data pushed traders to trim their bets for zero cuts in 2025, which they now collectively see a 16 per cent chance of. Easier interest rates would boost the economy by making it cheaper for households and businesses to borrow, but they could also provide fuel for inflation. Critics had been warning stock prices were vulnerable to drops after running so high and that the market likely needed everything to go correctly to justify its stellar gains for the year. Besides the diminished hopes for several rate cuts next year, Wall Street got another reminder late Thursday that everything may not go as expected. Loading In crypto markets, Bitcoin continues to toil under historical highs, dropping below $US100,000 at the end of last week where it remains, trading at $95,300 on Monday morning. In the bond market, Treasury yields eased. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.52 per cent from 4.57 per cent late Thursday. In stock markets abroad, indexes fell modestly across much of Asia and Europe. - with AP The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Shares Most Viewed in Business LoadingIt is also crucial for massage therapists to prioritize client safety and well-being by staying informed about best practices, maintaining proper certifications, and continually enhancing their skills through ongoing education and training. Creating a safe and supportive environment for clients should be a top priority for all massage professionals.2. Blocked vents and chimneys: Blocked or obstructed vents and chimneys can prevent proper ventilation and cause carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors. It is important to ensure that vents and chimneys are clear of debris, snow, and other obstructions to allow for the safe dispersal of combustion gases.
As the curtain draws to a close on his illustrious career, Liu Shao'ang's legacy is secure. While he may have once been the arch rival of the Chinese short track team, he has now become a crucial supporting player, a guiding light that has helped lead his team to new heights. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not always measured by individual achievements, but by the impact we have on those around us.The scope of this threat extends beyond individual users to encompass the security of entire financial institutions. With 77 international banks on its radar, DroidBot poses a significant risk to the integrity of online banking systems and the confidentiality of customer transactions. The potential repercussions of a widespread breach could be catastrophic, leading to financial losses, identity theft, and reputational damage for both banks and their clientele.
Similarly, the trend of color-changing plants has taken the indoor gardening world by storm. From chameleonic succulents to shape-shifting foliage, these plants promise to add a pop of color and intrigue to any space. However, what many consumers don't realize is that these color changes are often a stress response triggered by changes in light, temperature, or humidity. As a result, the plants may struggle to adapt and may end up shedding leaves as a sign of distress.In recent years, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the world of football. His incredible pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability have made him a household name and a key player for both the French national team and Paris Saint-Germain. However, as Mbappe's fame and stature have grown, so too has the media spotlight on his every move.In conclusion, the incident involving Grandma Green burning the mountain to collect plastic bottles serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues. It underscores the importance of holistic approaches to address complex challenges and the need for compassion and understanding in dealing with marginalized individuals. As we reflect on this event, let us renew our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world for all.
New Delhi: The year 2024 was marked by transformative achievements, with numerous path-breaking advancements and strategic milestones in the defence sector. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Armed Forces made significant strides in enhancing national security, technological capabilities, and defence exports. In a major breakthrough, India and China arrived at a broad consensus this year aimed at restoring the ground situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both sides held massive diplomatic and military dialogues to resolve the deadlock. The breakthrough was achieved based on the principles of mutual and equal security. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24, affirmed that the consensus showed how sustained dialogue can bring about solutions. Record budget and indigenous production: In the Union Budget for FY 2024-25, the MoD was allocated a historic Rs 6.22 lakh crore, the largest among all ministries. To bolster India’s self-reliance in defence, the Ministry introduced the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), which includes 346 strategically important items such as Line Replacement Units, spares, and raw materials. The Ministry also achieved a record growth in indigenous defence production, which surged to Rs 1,26,887 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a 16.7 per cent increase from the previous year. Defence exports soar: Defence exports hit a record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 32.5 per cent rise over the previous fiscal. Over the past decade, Indian defence exports have grown 31 times since FY 2013-14, driven by the concerted efforts of both the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Major defence projects and collaborations: In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the manufacturing of C-295 transport aircraft. This complex is part of a Rs 21,935-crore contract signed with Airbus Defence and Space in September 2021 for 56 aircraft, with 40 to be built in India by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Six of the 16 aircraft have already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). New Defence Capabilities: Several key indigenous defence systems made significant progress this year. The Indian Light Tank (ILT) 'Zorawar' successfully completed trials in high-altitude regions, demonstrating its operational effectiveness in challenging terrains. The INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class submarine, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024. INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, in Russia, further strengthening India’s naval capabilities. The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand was fully inducted by the IAF in February 2024, marking a significant addition to India’s defence arsenal. Significant Defence Contracts: Several strategic defence contracts were signed in 2024. A contract for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for the Su-30MKI aircraft fleet was signed in September 2024 for over Rs 26,000 crore. A procurement agreement for 12 Su-30MKI aircraft worth Rs 13,500 crore was inked in December 2024. Two contracts for 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III for the Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard were signed in March 2024 at a total value of Rs 8,073.17 crore. Other major contracts include the acquisition of BrahMos missiles worth Rs 19,518 crore and the short refit and dry docking of INS Vikramaditya for Rs 1,207.5 crore. Gaganyaan programme: In a landmark achievement, the Gaganyaan Programme, aimed at India’s first human spaceflight mission, made significant progress. Four Indian Air Force (IAF) astronauts were selected for training at NASA for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025. The astronauts were awarded the ‘Space Wings’ by Prime Minister Modi in February 2024. Defence cooperation and visits: Rajnath Singh visited the US from August 23 to 26, 2024, where he met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. The two ministers engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, regional security, and other global issues. During his visit, Singh also met with Jake Sullivan, the US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Later, from December 8 to 10, 2024, the Defence Minister visited Russia, where he co-chaired the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. Rajnath Singh also met Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two leaders deliberated on various aspects of their bilateral defence relationship. Both affirmed that the strategic partnership between India and Russia holds immense potential, and their combined efforts will lead to significant and fruitful outcomes. Rajnath Singh assumed office as the Defence Minister for the second consecutive term in June 2024. This year also saw key appointments in the Indian Armed Forces, with General Upendra Dwivedi taking over as the Chief of the Army Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi assuming the role of Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh becoming the Chief of the Air Staff. Likewise, Rajesh Kumar Singh was appointed as the Defence Secretary. Operational preparedness and security: The Indian Army maintained a high state of operational preparedness, ensuring dominance along critical frontiers, including the LAC and Line of Control (LC). It also continued counter-terrorism operations and prioritised infrastructure development in border areas. The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remained stable, with improvements despite occasional security challenges. India also advanced its technological capabilities with the Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot (UXOR), developed by the R&DE (Engr) in Pune. The robot, which can handle unexploded ordnance up to 1,000 kg, was inducted into service in August 2024. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also inducted indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems to neutralise aerial threats. Air Force innovation: The first batch of Weapon Systems branch cadets completed their Stage-I training at the Air Force Academy in June 2024. They are currently undergoing Stage-II training at the newly established Weapon Systems School at Air Force Station Begumpet. This marks the creation of the first new operational branch in the Indian Air Force (IAF) since Independence. In addition, a significant contract for the procurement of AL-31 FP Aero engines for the Su-30MKI aircraft fleet was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in September 2024, worth Rs 26,964.41 crore. Furthermore, a contract was signed with HAL on March 1, 2024, for the procurement of RD-33 aero engines for the MiG-29 aircraft of the IAF, valued at Rs 5,249.72 crore. This contract will ensure the sustained operational capability of the MiG-29 fleet for the next 15 years. Maritime power The Indian Navy, with over 133 ships and submarines built and commissioned, continues to drive the growth of India's shipbuilding industry. Of the 64 warships planned for induction, 63 are being built in India. Moreover, 62 more ships and submarines are in the final stages of approval. The Navy remains crucial to enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, focusing on increasing indigenisation in weapons, sensors, and equipment.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:29 p.m. ESTThe fine imposed on Zhong Ze serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of intellectual property infringement and deceptive advertising practices. It sends a strong message to individuals and companies alike that such violations will not be tolerated and will be met with severe penalties. This case underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in business practices and respecting the intellectual property rights of others.
Article content Windsor police are asking for help in identifying a man spotted peering into a home on the city’s west end on Christmas Day. Police were called to the 400 block of Rankin Avenue shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, for a report of a prowler in progress. Officers learned that the suspect had been seen peering into the window of a residence where the complainant was changing. Police said the suspect fled the area after being confronted by the complainant’s father. The suspect was last seen in the 600 block of Rankin Avenue, according to authorities. Police said the suspect is described as a white male, between 20-30 years old, about six feet tall with a shaved head and a brown moustache. He was wearing a black T-shirt, blue skinny jeans and black running shoes with white soles at the time of the incident. is available on the Windsor Police Service’s social media accounts. The suspect is wanted for ‘harassment by watching’ and mischief interfering with lawful enjoyment.
In conclusion, Huang Renxun's leadership in managing the world's most valuable company through a flat organizational structure has been instrumental in driving innovation, fostering creativity, and ensuring the company's continued success. By promoting open communication, empowering employees, and fostering a culture of collaboration, Huang has created a work environment where innovation thrives, and the company remains at the forefront of technological advancement. As other companies seek to emulate the global tech giant's success, Huang Renxun's approach to leadership serves as a model for driving innovation and achieving sustainable growth in the digital age.
In conclusion, Wu Qian's stellar outing against Guangzhou showcased his remarkable talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game of basketball. His standout performance not only led Zhejiang to a decisive win but also served as a reminder of his status as one of the top players in the CBA. As Wu Qian's star continues to shine brightly, fans can expect to witness more unforgettable moments and thrilling performances from this basketball prodigy in the games to come.None
Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Tech Industry Faces New Regulations California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. Social Media Restrictions Face Legal Battles New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. Related Story: Healthcare and Safety Measures Expand In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Related Story: Economic and Social Changes Take Effect Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Related Story: Transportation and Tax Changes In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. Voting Rights Expand An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said.I was fined £1,000 for silly bin day mistake ANYONE could make – Christmas is now ruined for my 5 kids