HENNIKER, N.H. — When Hector Xu learned to fly a helicopter in college, he recalled having a few “nasty experiences” while trying to navigate at night. The heart-stopping flights led to his research of unmanned aircraft systems while getting his doctorate degree in aerospace engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Then, he formed Rotor Technologies in 2021 to develop unmanned helicopters. Rotor built two autonomous Sprayhawks and aims to have as many as 20 ready for market next year. The company also is developing helicopters that would carry cargo in disaster zones and to offshore oil rigs. The helicopter also could be used to fight wildfires . A Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter flies away from a van containing a ground control pilot/operator during a Nov. 11 test flight over Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press For now, Rotor is focused on the agriculture sector, which embraced automation with drones but sees unmanned helicopters as a better way to spray larger areas with pesticides and fertilizers. “People would call us up and say, ‘Hey, I want to use this for crop dusting, can I?’ We’d say, OK maybe,” Xu said, adding that the company got enough calls to realize it was a huge untapped market. The Associated Press reporters were the first people outside the company to witness a test flight of the Sprayhawk. It hovered, flew forward and sprayed the tarmac before landing. Rotor's nearly $1 million Sprayhawk helicopter is a Robinson R44, but the four seats were replaced with flight computers and communications systems allowing it be operated remotely. It has five cameras as well as laser-sensing technology and a radar altimeter that make terrain reading more accurate along with GPS and motion sensors. At the company's hangar in Nashua, New Hampshire, Xu said this technology means there is better visibility of terrain at night. Hector Xu, CEO of Rotor Technologies, gestures during an interview Nov. 11 at the company's hanger where unmanned semi-autonomous helicopters are assembled in Nashua, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press One of the big draws of automation in agriculture aviation is safety. Because crop dusters fly at about 150 mph and only about 10 feet off the ground, there are dozens of accidents each year when planes collide with power lines, cell towers and other planes . Older, poorly maintained planes and pilot fatigue contribute to accidents. A 2014 report from the National Transportation Safety Board found there were more than 800 agriculture operation accidents between 2001 and 2010, including 81 that were fatal. A separate report from the National Agriculture Aviation Association found nearly 640 accidents from 2014 until this month, with 109 fatalities. “It is a very, very dangerous profession and there are multiple fatalities every year,” said Dan Martin, a research engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service. “They make all their money in those short few months so sometimes it may mean that they fly 10 to 12 hours a day or more.” Job hazards also include exposure to chemicals. A Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter sprays water during a Nov. 11 test flight over Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press In recent years, safety concerns and the cheaper cost has led to a proliferation of drones flying above farmers' fields, Martin said, adding that about 10,000 will likely be sold this year alone. The size of the drones and their limited battery power means they can cover only a fraction of the area of a plane and helicopters. That is providing an opening for companies building bigger unmanned aircraft like Rotor and another company, Pyka. California-based Pyka announced in August that it sold its first autonomous electric aircraft for crop protection to a customer in the U.S. Pyka's Pelican Spray, a fixed-wing aircraft, received FAA approval last year to fly commercially for crop protection. The company also sold its Pelican Spray to Dole for use in Honduras and to the Brazilian company, SLC Agrícola. Lukas Koch, chief technology officer at Heinen Brothers Agra Services, the company that bought the Pelican Spray in August, called unmanned aircraft part of a coming “revolution" that will save farmers money and improve safety. The Kansas-based company operates out of airports from Texas to Illinois. Koch doesn't envision the unmanned aircraft replacing all the the company's dozens of pilots but rather taking over the riskiest jobs. Joao Magioni, chief flight officer of Rotor Technologies, flies a simulated unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter Nov. 11 from the company's remote operations center in Nashua, N.H. The interface also can be used as a ground control station for real-time flight operations. Charles Krupa, Associated Press “The biggest draw is taking the pilot out of the aircraft inside of those most dangerous situations,” Koch said. “There’s still fields that are surrounded by trees on all borders, or you’ve got big, large power lines or other just dangers, wind turbines, things like that. It can be tough to fly around.” Koch acknowledges autonomous aviation systems could introduce new dangers to an already chaotic airspace — though that is less of a concern in rural areas with plenty of open space and fewer people. Companies like Rotor incorporated built-in in contingencies should something go wrong — its helicopter features a half-dozen communications systems and, for now, a remote pilot in control. If the ground team loses contact with the helicopter, Rotor has a system that ensures the engine can be shut off and the helicopter perform a controlled landing. “That means that we’ll never have an aircraft fly away event," Xu said. The safety measures will go a long way to helping the company receive what it expects will be FAA regulatory approval to fly its helicopters commercially. Once it has that, the challenge, as Xu sees it, will be scaling up to meet the demand in the U.S. but also Brazil, which has a huge agriculture market but more relaxed regulatory environment. Avionics Technician John Beto installs components Nov. 11, 2024, in the cockpit of an unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter being built in a hanger at Rotor Technologies in Nashua, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press Test pilot Joao Magioni, seated left, talks with production manager Brett Worden while preparing for a Nov. 11, 2024, flight of a Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter in a hanger at Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press A Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter flies away from a van containing a ground control pilot/operator during a Nov. 11, 2024, test flight over Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press A Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter flies Nov. 11, 2024, near Pat's Peak ski area during a test flight over Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press Joao Magioni, chief flight officer of Rotor Technologies, flies a simulated unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter Nov. 11, 2024, from the company's remote operations center in Nashua, N.H. The interface also can be used as a ground control station for real-time flight operations. Charles Krupa, Associated Press A Rotor Technologies unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter sprays water during a Nov. 11, 2024, test flight over Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press With communications and control components installed where a pilot would sit, Brett Worden, production manager at Rotor Technologies, carries a spray boom following a Nov. 11, 2024, test flight of an unmanned semi-autonomous helicopter at Intervale Airport in Henniker, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press Christian Nowosiadly and his son Logan, 5, look at an autonomous helicopter Nov. 11, 2024, at a hanger at Rotor Technologies in Nashua, N.H. Charles Krupa, Associated Press( MENAFN - AzerNews) By Alimat Aliyeva In fiscal year 2025 (April 2025 - March 2026), the Japanesegovernment will allocate approximately 332.8 billion yen (about$2.1 billion) to support the research, development, and productionof semiconductors, Azernews reports. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, thesefunds have been included in the initial budget request, which willbe used in the preparation of the budget for the upcoming year. Thesubsidies are expected to be directed primarily to thesemiconductor manufacturer Rapidus. This initiative is part of Japan's broader strategy tostrengthen its domestic semiconductor industry, which has facedgrowing competition from countries like China and the UnitedStates. With global semiconductor shortages disrupting supply chains,Japan aims to enhance its capabilities in this critical sector andreduce reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring its technologicaland economic security. The support for Rapidus, a company focusedon advanced semiconductor technology, underscores Japan'scommitment to maintaining a leading role in global techinnovation. MENAFN25122024000195011045ID1109030068 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.
Chad Chronister, Donald Trump's pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position. Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Trump's pick of Chronister for the post drew backlash from conservatives, including for past comments he made that his sheriff’s office was not focused on enforcing federal immigration laws. RELATED STORY | Trump nominates South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead Homeland Security Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump's first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The DEA post requires Senate confirmation.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Planet Earth is parting company with an asteroid that’s been tagging along as a “mini moon” for the past two months. The harmless space rock will peel away on Monday, overcome by the stronger tug of the sun’s gravity . But it will zip closer for a quick visit in January. NASA will use a radar antenna to observe the 33-foot (10-meter) asteroid then. That should deepen scientists’ understanding of the object known as 2024 PT5, quite possibly a boulder that was blasted off the moon by an impacting, crater-forming asteroid. While not technically a moon — NASA stresses it was never captured by Earth’s gravity and fully in orbit — it’s “an interesting object” worthy of study. The astrophysicist brothers who identified the asteroid’s “mini moon behavior,” Raul and Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of Complutense University of Madrid, have collaborated with telescopes in the Canary Islands for hundreds of observations so far. Currently more than 2 million miles (3.5 million kilometers) away, the object is too small and faint to see without a powerful telescope. It will pass as close as 1.1 million miles (1.8 million kilometers) of Earth in January, maintaining a safe distance before it zooms farther into the solar system while orbiting the sun, not to return until 2055. That’s almost five times farther than the moon. First spotted in August, the asteroid began its semi jog around Earth in late September, after coming under the grips of Earth’s gravity and following a horseshoe-shaped path. By the time it returns next year, it will be moving too fast — more than double its speed from September — to hang around, said Raul de la Fuente Marcos. NASA will track the asteroid for more than a week in January using the Goldstone solar system radar antenna in California’s Mojave Desert, part of the Deep Space Network. Current data suggest that during its 2055 visit, the sun-circling asteroid will once again make a temporary and partial lap around Earth. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro had reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said with a thin smile. “Sooner or later other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development.” But he added, “we have this system now. And this is important.” Testing the missile will continue, “including in combat, depending on the situation and the character of security threats created for Russia,” Putin said, noting there is ”a stockpile of such systems ready for use.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia’s bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. “The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined,” he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick... there will be consequences,” he said. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He underlined that the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday’s previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations “in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who added this is not the first time such a threat has been received. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office continued to work in compliance with standard security measures, a spokesperson said. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile, whose name in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region, and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday’s attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. The stricken area was cordoned off and out of public view. With no fatalities reported from the attack, Dnipro residents resorted to dark humor on social media, mostly focused on the missile’s name, Oreshnik. Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russia struck a residential district of Sumy overnight with Iranian-designed Shahed drones, killing two people and injuring 13, the regional administration said.. Ukraine’s Suspilne media, quoting Sumy regional head Volodymyr Artiukh, said the drones were stuffed with shrapnel elements. “These weapons are used to destroy people, not to destroy objects,” said Artiukh, according to Suspilne.Keller: Why "brain rot" is Oxford's word of the year
Keeping IDF Soldiers Safe
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip. Norris, who had to score at least three points more than Verstappen to extend the championship fight, finished sixth. The race was won by George Russell who was followed by Lewis Hamilton in the first 1-2 sweep for the Mercedes drivers since 2022. Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs leaves game because of concussion
South Korea lifts president's martial law decree after lawmakers reject military rule SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The president of South Korea has lifted the martial law he imposed on the country, bending to political pressure after a tense night in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared likely to be impeached over his actions. He imposed martial law late Tuesday out of frustration with the opposition. He vowed to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against opponents who control parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote to overrule the president. The declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the DEA, withdraws name from consideration NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Drug Enforcement Administration says he's withdrawing his name from consideration. Sheriff Chad Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, made the announcement in a post on X Tuesday evening. He called the nomination “the honor of a lifetime” but said he had concluded he must “back away from the opportunity." He did not explain why. Trump's pick of Chronister for the job, which was subject to Senate confirmation, had drawn backlash from conservatives, including over immigration and law enforcement actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter spurs broader discussion on who else should be granted clemency WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has ducked questions on his decision to break his word and pardon his son Hunter, ignoring calls for him to explain his reversal as he was making his first presidential trip to Angola. Dismissing shouted questions Tuesday with a laugh, Biden said to the Angolan delegation: “Welcome to America.” The pardon has spurred a broader discussion about what else Biden should be doing with the broad clemency powers of the presidency before he leaves office in January, including whether he should be pardoning President-elect Donald Trump. Biden has largely avoided any interaction with reporters since Trump’s victory a month ago. Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to get the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Hamas and Fatah are near an agreement on who will oversee postwar Gaza CAIRO (AP) — Palestinian officials say Fatah and Hamas are closing in on an agreement to appoint a committee of politically independent technocrats to administer the Gaza Strip after the war. It would effectively end Hamas’ rule and could help advance ceasefire talks with Israel. The rival factions have made several failed attempts to reconcile since Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007. Israel has meanwhile ruled out any postwar role in Gaza for either Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, which is dominated by Fatah. China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium, antimony in response to chip sanctions BANGKOK (AP) — China has announced a ban on exports to the United States of gallium, germanium and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced the move after the Washington expanded its list of Chinese companies subject to export controls on computer chip-making equipment, software and high-bandwidth memory chips. Such chips are needed for advanced applications. Beijing earlier had required exporters to apply for licenses to send strategically important materials such as gallium, germanium and antimony to the U.S. The 140 companies newly included in the U.S. so-called “entity list” subject to export controls are nearly all based in China. Global warming fills New England's rich waters with death traps for endangered sea turtles QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — As global warming fills the plankton-rich waters of New England with death traps for sea turtles, the number of stranded reptiles has multiplied over the last 20 years. That is filling one specialized animal hospital with the endangered creatures. The animals enter areas such as Cape Cod Bay when it is warm. The director of rescue and rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium says that when temperatures inevitably drop, they can’t escape the hooked peninsula to head south. More than 200 cold-stunned young turtles were being treated at a turtle hospital in Quincy, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. Native American students miss school at higher rates. It only got worse during the pandemic SAN CARLOS, Ariz. (AP) — Years after COVID-19 disrupted American schools, nearly every state is still struggling with attendance. But attendance has been worse for Native American and Alaska Native students — a disparity that existed before the pandemic and has since grown, according to data collected by The Associated Press. Out of 34 states with data available for the 2022-2023 school year, half had absenteeism rates for Native students that were at least 9 percentage points higher than the state average. Many schools serving Native students have been working to build stronger connections with families. They must navigate distrust dating back to the U.S. government’s campaign to force Native kids into abusive boarding schools. The year in review: Influential people who died in 2024 O.J. Simpson’s “trial of the century” over the 1994 killings of his ex-wife and her friend bared divisions over race and law enforcement and brought an intersection of sports, crime, entertainment and class that was hard to turn away from. His death in April brought an end to a life that had become defined by scrutiny over the killings. But he was just one of many influential and noteworthy people who died in 2024. Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in February, was a fierce political foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin. And the music industry lost a titan in producer Quincy Jones, who died in November. 2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals NEW YORK (AP) — Did you have a “Brat summer” this year? Were you “demure,” and were you “mindful”? Did you enter a celebrity look-alike contest? All these were pop culture trends that emerged in 2024. But most of all, it seemed the theme was escapism. Whether it was the yellow brick road in “Wicked” or the beckoning seas of Oceania in “Moana 2” or adorable fuzzy animals like Moo Deng or even unlikely Olympic heroes making us proud, audiences gravitated to fantasy and feel-good moments.Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says midfielder Aaron Ramsey is "a long way off" a return from injury. The Wales midfielder has been out with a hamstring injury, and has not featured since the Bluebirds' 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on 31 August. Ramsey, who only managed nine starts for Cardiff during an injury hit 2023-24 season, is out of contract at the end of this season. And Riza would not say if Ramsey will make another appearance for Cardiff this campaign. "It is important we get him to the point where he's training consistently," said Riza. "Then we can look at whether he plays. "There have been a few reoccurrences, so it would be unfair of me to put pressure on him." Cardiff missed the chance to get out of the Championship's relegation zone on Wednesday evening, losing 2-0 at home to Preston North End. It is now six games without a win for Riza's side who find themselves in a relegation battle. In early October, Riza said the Wales star only had "three or four more weeks" of rehab, so this latest news is a huge setback. "It's frustrating for him, frustrating for me, the club and the fans," added Riza. "They are not just players, they are people as well. He will get through it and then we can assess." The Bluebirds are back in Championship action on Saturday as they look to return to winning ways against Stoke City.
The recent US imposition of sanctions on Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities (Affiliates International, Akhtar & Sons Pvt Ltd, and Rockside Enterprises) is an unfortunate and biased move. Such actions not only undermine Pakistan's efforts to maintain regional stability but also distract from more pressing global issues, such as the fight against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, often with tacit support from India, a strategic ally of the US. The sanctions come with absurd allegations, including a claim by Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, that Pakistan could use its missiles to attack the US. Such a suggestion defies logic and demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of Pakistan's defensive doctrine. Pakistan has consistently maintained that its nuclear capabilities are purely for deterrence, not aggression. Unlike India, which actively seeks regional dominance through nuclear expansion, Pakistan's policy of minimum credible deterrence serves as a stabilising factor in South Asia. Comparisons with other regional nuclear states further highlight the discriminatory nature of these sanctions. India, for instance, has faced documented instances of nuclear material theft and unauthorised diversions, raising global security concerns. Yet, it continues to escape similar scrutiny from the US and its allies. This selective accountability exposes a clear bias and undermines the credibility of non-proliferation efforts. Pakistan's nuclear programme adheres to the highest standards of safety and security, as repeatedly acknowledged by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Robust systems and measures ensure that Pakistan's nuclear assets remain safeguarded against unauthorised use or threats. Unlike speculative narratives, there has never been a documented breach of Pakistan's nuclear security protocols. Independent assessments rank Pakistan's nuclear safeguards among the best globally, surpassing many nuclear-armed states, including India. The Strategic Plans Division (SPD) oversees Pakistan's nuclear programme with unmatched efficiency and precision, ensuring strict compliance with international standards. India's nuclear ambitions pose a far greater threat to regional stability, yet the US has turned a blind eye. By rejecting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and expanding its nuclear arsenal, India undermines global non-proliferation efforts. In contrast, Pakistan has consistently offered to join international non-proliferation regimes under equitable and non-discriminatory conditions. Furthermore, while Pakistan's nuclear initiatives focus on deterrence and peaceful applications, India's aggressive posture and hegemonic aspirations fuel regional tensions. The tacit US approval of India's actions only emboldens New Delhi, creating a precarious imbalance in South Asia. The US and its allies have long opposed Pakistan's nuclear programme, viewing it through a lens of suspicion and hostility. This opposition often stems from Pakistan's refusal to accept a subordinate role in regional geopolitics, unlike India, which aligns itself with Western interests. By imposing sanctions, the US aims to curtail Pakistan's strategic capabilities, ignoring the legitimate security concerns that necessitate its nuclear deterrence. Pakistan's nuclear programme emerged as a response to India's nuclear tests in the 1970s. It has since played a vital role in maintaining a balance of power in South Asia. However, the West's narrative continues to portray Pakistan as a threat, despite its demonstrable commitment to responsible nuclear practices. Instead of perpetuating unfounded accusations against Pakistan, the US would do well to focus on addressing the scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The destabilising role of India, a US ally, in supporting proxy networks against Pakistan cannot be ignored. By shifting its focus to counterterrorism cooperation, the US can contribute to regional stability and global security. Pakistan has consistently played a crucial role in combating terrorism, often at great cost to its own stability and development. Yet, instead of supporting Pakistan's efforts, the US chooses to undermine its strategic capabilities, further complicating the security landscape in South Asia. Contrary to the narrative perpetuated by the US and its allies, Pakistan's nuclear programme has made significant contributions to energy generation, socioeconomic development and peaceful applications. Nuclear technology supports advancements in agriculture, medicine and industry, improving the lives of millions. Comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks regulate Pakistan's nuclear programme, ensuring transparency and accountability. The IAEA has consistently praised Pakistan for fulfilling its international nuclear obligations, further affirming its status as a responsible nuclear state. The US must adopt a balanced approach towards South Asia, recognising Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and contributions to global peace. Targeting Pakistan's nuclear programme, while ignoring India's destabilising actions, only exacerbates regional tensions and undermines global non-proliferation efforts. Sanctions on Pakistan's NDC and affiliated entities are not only unjust but also counterproductive. They distract from addressing genuine security threats and fail to acknowledge Pakistan's exemplary track record as a responsible nuclear state. By fostering cooperation instead of confrontation, the US can help build a more stable and secure South Asia. The path forward lies in mutual respect, equitable treatment and a shared commitment to global peace and security. Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat; it is a stabilising force in a volatile region, deserving of recognition, not condemnation. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourNone
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