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F.P. Report ISLAMABAD: Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, to publicly declare that he does not recognize Israel. Speaking at the Solidarity with Palestine Million March on Sunday at Jinnah Avenue, New Blue Area, Hafiz Naeem criticised the prevailing political system, stating that whenever a government is ousted or takes power, they seek support from the United States (U.S). He also pointed out that this trend extends to those who are imprisoned or those seeking release, highlighting the tendency to seek approval from the U.S. for such matters. He specifically urged Imran Khan to show solidarity with Hamas and publicly denounce the state of Israel. The JI supremo further stated that while the U.S. possesses thousands of missiles, it continues to impose sanctions on Pakistan’s missile technology. He emphasised that the nation had sacrificed to develop nuclear weapons, which are vital for the protection of both Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah. He criticised political parties that seek approval from the U.S. to imprison and release individuals, highlighting the need to ensure democratic freedoms for the people. Hafiz Naeem also condemned the U.S. as a “terrorist nation” and argued that Pakistan could never achieve prosperity while under America’s influence. He pointed out that the U.S. labels those who resist its imperialism as terrorists and imposes its own version of democracy. He further stated that Israel could not fight groups like Hamas, as it targets innocent children, and that Israel’s expansionist goals now reach beyond Palestine, with plans involving Syria, Lebanon, and even Medina. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader referenced Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had described Israel as an illegitimate child of the West.” He also expressed his support for the oppressed Palestinian people, noting that Gaza faces harsher cold conditions than Islamabad, with two million people living in camps. He condemned Israel’s actions as genocide, having killed 46,000 people, and criticised the U.S. for supporting this “open terrorism.” Hafiz Naeem pointed out that the indifference of most Muslim countries, except a few, towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict further strengthens Israel’s position. He concluded by reaffirming that Israel cannot stand against the resistance of Muslim fighters, adding that Israel’s aggression would eventually be defeated.Romanian far-right candidate says democracy 'cancelled' along with electionLast week, Joel Bray turned 44. “That’s pretty old for a dancer,” he reflects. Over the past 12 months Bray has toured works across Australia and Europe, taken up a new role as associate artist at Geelong Arts Centre, and begun the creative process on a yet-to-be-announced project. Choreographers and dancers Alisdair Macindoe, Tra Mi Dinh and Joel Bray Credit: Arsineh Houspian “I’ve had a big dancing year, and my body’s quite tired – it doesn’t bounce back like it once did.” Instead of trying to hold onto something that is slipping away, however, he’s leaning into the changes to his body through a new work, Swallow . “I’ve really been exploring how I can work with ease and kind of with my age, rather than against my age – rather than trying to replicate how I once used to dance when I was younger and fitter.” Swallow is a means for Bray to explore a few different threads of his life. “A lot of my work is interested in the intersection of my identity as a Wiradjuri man with my identity as a queer man.” Joel Bray. Credit: Arsineh Houspian In his previous work, Homo Pentecostus , he explored how he adopted the Welcome Swallow as his totem – a thread he has picked up here. “She’s flirty and she darts around and she’s super social,” he explains. “ Swallow is really an exploration of birds, and the movement of birds, and my affection for this animal. But also I love a double entendre,” he adds with a laugh. “So I also enjoy the other meaning of swallow – and the work is very, very queer.” Bray’s work is one of three commissioned by Lucy Guerin Inc and UMAC (University of Melbourne Arts and Culture) for Pieces , an annual series where choreographers are given three weeks to come up with a 20-minute work. Pieces has been running since 2005, and over 19 years has grown from a program that originally only had space for 20 audience members, to being performed this year in Melbourne University’s Union Theatre. Lucy Guerin started Pieces in 2005. Credit: Arsineh Houspian “It’s one of my favourite programs that we do in the year,” says renowned Australian choreographer Lucy Guerin. One of the key things she highlights is not just the strength of the individual works, but the way they interact and connect with each other. “Each year the three works sit together, and sometimes they’re really, really different,” she says. “This year, it does feel like they’re a little more connected. So it’s always a surprise as to what the whole evening will be like, and what the kind of impression that the whole evening will give to the audience.” This year, Bray’s work is joined by “OK, bye!” by Alisdair Macindoe, a meditation on death and the afterlife, and Seven dances for two people by Tra Mi Dinh, an exploration of the significance behind the number seven. “OK, Bye!” began as a collaboration between Macindoe and his mother, concert harpist xanya mamunya, and is dedicated to her. “I grew up listening to her practicing in the lounge room my entire childhood,” Macindoe explains. “I think I became a dancer partly due to waking up in the morning to someone playing concert harp music.” The work marries music, dance and technology in surprising ways, perhaps most so through the self-playing instruments featured on stage. “[They] are all acoustic instruments that are played mechanically by some sort of, like, robotics or electronic mechanics that I’ve built myself in collaboration with a friend of mine who does the firmware,” explains Macindoe. Seven dances for two people , meanwhile – a duet with dancer Rachel Coulson – initially sprung from Dinh being drawn to the number seven. “It just comes up so many times again and again, across cultures, across place and time,” she says, pointing to constellations, musical notes and the number of colours in the spectrum. “It’s my favourite number, and I was really keen to have a bit of a play around with what the rhythmic structures of a seven can do to movement.” All three dancers are recipients of the Chloe Munro Bequest , which offered funds to 20 dancers and choreographers to use however they see fit. The impact of the funds can be seen in both overt and more quiet ways. For both Dinh and Bray, the funds meant that when faced with the crossroads of whether to keep pursuing dance as a career, they were given both the means and the confidence to continue. “It was an incredible boost for my own self-confidence in my practice,” says Dinh. “It’s almost impossible to describe how deeply the Munro fellowship has impacted my practice, and it does directly relate to this, because to build those acoustic instruments and robotics was something I was able to do,” says Macindoe. “What it means is I can dream bigger.” Pieces is at Melbourne University’s Union Theatre from November 28 to 30. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it every Friday .50jili about us 。

Benfica's Comeback Stuns AS Monaco in Champions League ThrillerMeet the Stock-Split Stock That Soared 10,610% Over the Past 15 Years. It's Poised to Join Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta in the $1 Trillion Club by 2025.

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Colorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo BowlA staff member demonstrates using an uncrewed aerial vehicle control panel and flight simulator at the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology Aeronautical Systems Research Division in Taichung yesterday. TRAINING DAY: The group said it created eight types of training simulators, including a virtual reality system designed to prepare remote pilots in takeoffs and landings By Wu Che-yu and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA 請繼續往下閱讀... The Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology received an order from the navy for a domestically developed exploding drone, the state-owned defense technology research group said yesterday. The institute is conducting the final certification tests before delivering Loitering Munition 1 to the navy, institute aeronautics systems research division director Yeh Chia-fan (葉嘉範) told a news conference unveiling training simulators in Taichung. The institute’s Teng Yun 2 (騰雲二型, “Cloud Rider”), Albatross II (銳鳶二型) and Cardinal (紅雀) uncrewed aerial vehicles have been presented to the armed forces after completing all tests, he said, adding that the drone systems are being fielded in batches as the budget permits. Loitering Munition 1 features an electro-optical infrared camera system, a tablet-based controller and a launcher that uses compressed air, the institute said. It utilizes a high-explosive warhead and can be deployed against personnel, vehicles and other high-value targets at a range of more than 100km, with a loitering time of 15 minutes, it added. The institute is developing Loitering Munition 2, an optionally autonomous weapon that uses radar and infrared guidance, and has foldable wings, pods for installation in vehicles and ships, and a hybrid gas-diesel-electric power source. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source said the performance of Loitering Munition 1 suggests that the system is intended for use by ground forces, meaning the navy is probably buying the weapons for the Marine Corps. Loitering Munition 1’s procurement is likely listed in the classified portion of the defense budget, as the nonclassified part contains no reference to it, they said. Separately, Yeh said the institute has completed eight types of training simulators, including a virtual reality-based system for training remote pilots to perform takeoffs, landings and other skills. Another drone simulator — designed to train remote pilots and payload operators in advanced tasks — would feature realistic instrument panels, high-definition camera feeds and simulated links with the drone intelligence center, he said. 新聞來源: TAIPEI TIMES A prototype of the Loitering Munition 1 drone developed by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology is pictured on March 14 last year.Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times 不用抽 不用搶 現在用APP看新聞 保證天天中獎 點我下載APP 按我看活動辦法Who are the oldest living US presidents?

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MONACO - Canadians Alex Tessier, Sophie de Goede and Laetitia Royer have been named to World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. Canada sevens captain Olivia Apps, meanwhile, was selected to World Rugby’s Women’s Sevens Dream Team. The women’s 15s world all-star squad also featured six players from top-ranked England and three from No. 2 New Zealand. The other three came from the U.S., Ireland and France. Tessier was also a finalist for the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award won by England fullbackEllie Kildunne.France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus and England’s Alex Matthews were the other finalists. Tessier won her 50th cap in 2024 and, playing at inside centre alongside fly half Claire Gallagher, led the Canada women to a historic first-ever victory over New Zealand to win the 2024 Pacific Four Series in May. The 22-19 comeback victory lifted Canada into second place in the women’s world rankings, its highest position since November 2016. Tessier’s strong kicking game was also key for Canada. The 31-year-old from Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., scored 27 points in starting all six matches for Canada in 2024 to up her career total to 48 points (including five tries) in 54 appearances. Tessier plays professionally in England for the Exeter Chiefs. De Goede made the all-star team despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in training in June. A finalist for the Women’s Player of the Year award in 2022, the Victoria back-rower plays in England for Saracens. Royer, from Loretteville, Que., is a second-row forward who plays in France for ASM Romagnat. Top-ranked South Africa dominated the men’s 15s all-star squad with seven players represented. Ireland had four players with New Zealand three and Argentina one. —- World Rugby’s 15s Dream Teams of the Year Women 1. Hope Rogers (U.S.); 2. Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand); 3. Maud Muir (England); 4. Zoe Aldcroft (England); 5. Laetitia Royer (Canada); 6. Aoife Wafer (Ireland)’ 7. Sophie de Goede (Canada); 8. Alex Matthews (England); 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France); 10. Holly Aitchison (England); 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand); 12. Alex Tessier (Canada); 13. Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand); 14. Abby Dow (England); 15. Ellie Kildunne (England). Men 1. Ox Nche (South Africa); 2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa); 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand); 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa); 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland); 6. Pablo Matera (Argentina); 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa); 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland); 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); 10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand); 11. James Lowe (Ireland); 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa); 13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa); 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa); 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand). World Rugby Sevens Dreams Team of the Year Women Olivia Apps (Canada), Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Kristi Kirshe (U.S.), Maddison Levi (Australia), Ilona Maher (U.S.), Jorja Miller (New Zealand), Séraphine Okemba (France). Men Selvyn Davids (South Africa), Antoine Dupont (France), Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (France), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Nathan Lawson (Australia), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fiji), Matías Osadczuk (Argentina). This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.WASHINGTON — Jimmy Carter lived longer than any other U.S. president in history and was the first of any of them to turn 100 years old. Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. With his passing , the person that's now the oldest living president — current or former — resides in the White House. Who are the oldest living presidents? President Joe Biden turned 82 last month, further cementing his status as the oldest serving U.S. president. But it's a record that Donald Trump could break in a few years. President-elect Trump will become the oldest person ever sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025. That's a milestone previously held by Biden when he was sworn in at age 78 back in 2021. On Inauguration Day , Trump will be six months from his 79th birthday. When Biden's presidency ends on Jan. 20, 2025, he will be 82 years and 2 months (or 30,012 days) old. Trump would break that record of being the oldest U.S. president toward the end of his second term on Aug. 15, 2028. We're a ways away from any other living U.S. president even coming close to Carter's record. Biden wouldn't celebrate his 100th birthday until Nov. 20, 2042. How many former U.S. presidents are still alive? After Biden and Trump, the next oldest living presidents are George W. Bush (78), Bill Clinton (78) and Barack Obama (63). How old is Bill Clinton? Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. President, is 78 years old (Aug. 19, 1946) How old is George W. Bush? George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. President, is 78 years old (July 6, 1946) How old is Barack Obama? Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, is 63 years old (Aug. 4, 1961) How old is Donald Trump? Donald Trump, the 45th and soon-to-be 47th U.S. President, is 78 years old (June 14, 1946)

Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreSAN ANTONIO — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. "We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft," Sanders said Monday. "We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football." While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. People are also reading... "It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. "So, we worked together on that. We're excited about it. We think it's great that all our players are playing in the game. That's what all bowl games should be like." Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. "It's more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State)," Colorado linebackers coach Andre' Hart said. "They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it's beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it's going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that's excellent." Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. "They've taken care of us, everybody," Colorado running back Micah Welch said. "It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they're taking care of us." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Funding supports trauma-informed mental wellness programs that empower individuals through entrepreneurship and personal development MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LegalZoom (Nasdaq: LZ) is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Defy Ventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing career readiness, personal development, and entrepreneurship training to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. The expanded partnership will include funding for mental health and wellbeing programs, reinforcing LegalZoom's commitment to creating pathways to economic opportunity for underrepresented communities that face significant challenges due to employment history, race and ethnicity, gender identity, and incarceration. With LegalZoom's support, Defy Ventures will be able to expand its mental health and wellbeing initiatives for its clients, focusing on trauma-informed care that addresses the unique challenges they face. By helping to fund Defy Ventures' mental wellness programs, LegalZoom is helping to ensure that these individuals have access to crucial mental health resources, empowering them not only to build businesses but also to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. "Defy Ventures exemplifies the incredible power of resilience and the potential for true transformation. We are honored to extend our partnership to support their mental health initiatives, which are essential for giving people a real second chance,” said Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom and Board Member of Defy Ventures. "Our ongoing investment in Defy Ventures' impactful programs reflects our commitment to social equity and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities.” Defy Ventures offers a range of holistic programs, including CEO of Your New Life , Entrepreneur Bootcamp , and Business Accelerator , which equip individuals with the business and confidence-building skills they need to succeed. The mental health and wellbeing program, first launched in 2023 with funding from LegalZoom, integrates trauma-informed principles into the full suite of Defy's programs, offering a critical layer of support for participants facing past trauma and the challenges of reintegration. These combined efforts had allowed Defy to maintain a three-year recidivism rate of less than 15%, far below the national average. In 2025, LegalZoom will deepen its commitment to Defy Ventures' mental health and wellbeing programs, providing $100,000 in funding to support and expand critical mental health resources. This funding will allow Defy Ventures to: Since the beginning of its partnership with Defy Ventures in 2021, LegalZoom has made a meaningful impact through funding, volunteer support, and product donations, helping Defy transform the lives of individuals re-entering society. Previous contributions from LegalZoom have enabled Defy to: About LegalZoom LegalZoom is a leading online platform for business formation in the United States. Driven by a mission to unleash entrepreneurship, LegalZoom delivers comprehensive legal and compliance products and expertise for small business owners through easy-to-use technology. From free business formations to business management solutions and professional advisory services, LegalZoom supports millions of small business owners and their families throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Founded on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to legal and financial expertise, LegalZoom empowers entrepreneurs to make their dream a reality. For more information, please visit www.legalzoom.com. Contact: [email protected]

The country’s citizens are lucky, with uninterrupted electrical power supply met from large and small hydro power plants, thermal power stations owned by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and private, also to a lesser degree with bio-energy, solar and wind power. The situation could be improved with moving over to more solar and wind power. Electricity generated from hydro-power, wind, solar and bio-energy are referred to as renewable energy. The country’s hydro power sources are almost exhausted. Wind and solar power have enormous potential, initial investments are slightly higher then thermal, but running costs are low, without imports. Solar is only during the day with intensity reducing with clouds, wind throughout the day and night, but wavering over the time and months. The country’s highest electricity demand is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thus solar could only contribute towards meeting the day time demand with hydro contributing throughout. Today, balance is met with thermally generated power. Recently pumped water storage is proposed, using excessive solar power during the day time to pump water to higher levels and using the same to generate electricity during the peak hours (more later). Biomass projects generate power by burning tree branch cuttings or paddy husk under controlled conditions. Branch cuttings of plants (mostly grilicedia) are collected from rural farmers and paddy husk produced during milling of paddy, that are normally disposed by burning. Gliricedia plant roots known for its nitrogen fixing abilities and improve soil fertility, whose leaves are generally used as animal feed, rots easily is an excellent manure. Most dendro-power plants located in the dry rural sector, provide employment and income opportunities to growers and transporters. Wind and solar power are highly acclaimed throughout the world, with energy produced causing least pollution and free, neither available uniformly nor throughout the day. Solar power is popular in Arab countries with massive investments. Technologies and equipment for solar and wind are imported from developed countries and are expensive, but with low running costs. Currently, Hambantota wind farm owned by CEB has a production capacity of 3 MW and the Puttalam farm with a capacity of 10 MW. A wind farm consisting of 30 towers generating 100 MW (Phase 1 – Thambapawani) was established on the southern coast of Mannar Island in 2021, with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Buruthakanda Solar Park in Hambantota by Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), first commercial scale solar power station completed in 2012, producing 737 KW in the first stage and 500 KW in the second stage. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, officially handed over Sri Lanka’s first-ever floating solar photovoltaic power plant located at Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibban Wewa reservoirs. The $ 5 million project, with floating solar photovoltaic power plant capable of generating 1MW, uses the reservoir surface, conserving land resources while reducing environmental impact. A World Bank report of August 2007 identified nearly 5,000 sq. km with good-to-excellent wind resource potential of 24,000 MW. About 4,100 sq. km of land and 700 sq. km in lagoons, largely concentrated in the north western coast from Kalpitiya Peninsula north to Mannar Island, Jaffna Peninsula, also central highlands. A strong stream of wind passes through the Strait of Mannar. The high speed winds moving from south to north and vice versa between central mountains of Sri Lanka and South Indian mountains through Strait of Mannar, allows generation of electricity power. Using the same, State of Tamil Nadu has installed six wind power projects, with a capacity of 7,450 MW becoming the leader in India. The largest is the Muppandal Wind Farm with a capacity of 1,500 MW, making it the world’s forth largest onshore wind farm. CEB installed a 103 MW wind power plant in Mannar Island with ADB assistance, costing $ 135 million and commissioned on 18 May 2021, named “Thambapavani”. The plant with 30 wind turbine generators located along the southern coast of Mannar Island. The produced electricity generated by the wind plant cost less than 4 US Cents a kWHr. But the proposed project located on the narrow ‘movement corridor’ where millions of migratory birds moving from north to south and back are severely objected by the environmentalists. CEB’s Long Term Generation Expansion Plans (LTGEP) prepared for 2023-2042 proposes: In addition, the plan allows pumped storage of 300 MW each for years 2029 and 2030, also are 1,400 MW Pumped Hydro Storage development by 2032 and 3,365 MW Battery Energy Storage development by 2042, requiring an average annual investment of $ 1.4 billion for generation and storage capacity additions. As per CEB generation statistics on 21 November, the combined output from the Laxapana, Mahaweli, and Samanala hydro complexes, along with CEB and Small Power Producer (SPP), wind energy and SPP solar, biomass, and mini-hydro sources, amounted to 27.22 GWh. Considering total energy generated was 47.47 Gwh, renewable energy amounts approximately to 57.35% of total energy generation. Thus achieving 70% target by 2030, Sri Lanka needs to increase its RE contribution by 27% within the next five years. Up to now, CEB showed reluctance to connect small and medium renewable plants, claiming the connection will destabilise their distribution system. But, recently, ADB agreed to provide a loan of $ 200 million to Sri Lanka to upgrade the power sector infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of transmission and distribution facilities of renewable energy, which will enable CEB to connect the renewable systems. The Phase II of the Mannar Wind Energy Park of capacity 200 MW, similar to Phase I with a 5 km 132 kV transmission line. The proposed turbines located 2 km away from the existing wind turbines and production costs would be similar. In 2022, the billionaire Indian businessman Gautham Adani visited Sri Lanka and met the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and visited the proposed wind power project site. Subsequently, the Ministry of Power and Energy, received an unsolicited proposal for the construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II), as Build, Own and Operate project for a 25-year period with an investment of $ 500 million. But with a lawsuit filed in New York court, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Adani family are facing serious allegations of bribing personnel in implementing projects. Thus offering a project to Adani family would no longer feasible. Sri Lanka being close to the equator, receives an abundant supply of solar radiation year around without a marked seasonal variation. Roof-top solar is possible throughout the country except in higher elevations. Solar-parks are possible in the western coastal belt from Kalpitiya to Jaffna, Northern Province, also Hambantota and Monaragala districts due to flat dry terrain and low rain. In addition, parts of lagoons, lakes and reservoirs could host solar-parks. Thus the country’s solar and wind production capacity is beyond imagination, only needs implementation. SLSEA introduced rooftop solar power units in 2010 which became a success, and led to Surya Bala Sangramaya or the battle for solar energy in 2016. New program targets adding 1,450 MW by 2025. Currently 20,000 solar systems supply 215 MW to national grid, dominated by small roof-top solar installations. Thus rooftop solar needs to be promoted vehemently. Under the current system, rooftop solar producers up to 500 KWs are paid a Rs. 37 flat rate for 20 years, while systems above 50 KWs are paid Rs. 34.50 per unit. Sri Lanka’s first and the largest power station implemented as a joint venture by CEB with aid from EXIM Bank of China. It was constructed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation at a cost of $ 1.35 billion. The contract was signed in 2006 and the first phase of 300 MW was commissioned in 2011, including the construction of 115 km transmission line connecting the plant to the national grid through the Veyangoda substation. The Norochcholai Coal Power Plant located in Puttalam District, on the West Coast of the Kalpitiya Peninsula. The power plant proposed as 3 phases, each phase adding 300 MW, making the total power generated as 900 MW. A 300 MW unit of the Norochcholai plant would use between 650,000 to 700,000 tonnes of coal a year. There are large number of small and medium scale industries, who are occupied during daytime (when the sun is shining) with large roofs. Also are large number of supermarkets, all with large roofs. These roofs could be utilised effectively by installing solar power systems. Solar panels on the roof will reduce the sun-light on the roof, reducing the air-conditioning load below. Some Supermarkets already have solar panels on their roofs, others too could follow and owners cannot claim to be short of funds. I have installed a 14 kW solar system on my roof-top, costing Rs. 2.1 million, the system consisting of 34 solar panels. I have paid all requirements to CEB and am awaiting them to connect the solar power system. Now that Adani’s wind power proposal is no longer acceptable, the Governments need to call for expression of interest world-wide for future installation wind power systems in Mannar, Jaffna regions as well as up on the hills. In the hilly areas, most grounds are Government owned and there would be no objection for the locals. A pumped storage hydro-electric plant generally consists of two water reservoirs at different levels, connected with each other. During low electricity demand, excess generation capacity (excessive solar power) is used to pump water into the upper reservoir. With the high demand in peak hours, water is released back into the lower reservoir through a turbine (usually a Francis turbine), generating electricity. Pumped storage plants, usually use reversible turbine/generator assemblies, acting both pump and as a turbine generator at variable speed operation, further optimising the efficiency in pumped hydro storage tanks. For pumping of water, also for power generation, the same pump is used by changing rotational direction and speed. Pumped storage power plants (PSPPs) have been identified as a viable solution for power generation for Sri Lanka. Wewatenna was identified in the Electricity Sector Master Plan Study of Sri Lanka conducted in 2018 as a suitable site. This study develops the basic design configuration and calculates the peaking energy of the proposed PSPP at Wewathenna using the methodologies employed in previous studies conducted in 2015. The proposed Wewathenna project uses existing Victoria reservoir as the lower pond. The catchment area of the existing “Victoria” is 6.64 km2 and to construct an artificial dam on the eastern side of Victoria Lake serving as the upper pond of capacity 0.33 km2. The net head and maximum discharge are planned as 686 m and 240 m3/s respectively, with a potential capacity of 1,400 MW. However, due to various restrictions, Wewatenna was based on 500 MW. But adhering to manufacturing limit of pump-turbines, the unit capacity was set at 350 MW. The regulator PUCSL requested CEB a revised plan for tariff reduction starting 1 January 2025, and set a deadline for submission by 6 December 2024. But CEB refused any reductions of rates, claiming excess water in reservoir need to be saved to cater till April, end of dry period. Failure will require power generation through oil and coal. Former PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake added that the generation cost of electricity has decreased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 28, and electricity tariffs should be reduced by at least 30% passing relief to the public. The consumers have noted that recent heavy rains have significantly boosted hydropower generation and would allow reduction of electricity charges. Meanwhile, CEB unions called for bonuses, highlighting that the CEB recorded a profit of Rs. 43 billion in 2023 and Rs. 161 billion in 2024. But CEB rejected the demand for bonus. Also no reduction in electricity prices during the next six months, due to lack of low cost energy sources. The country has almost exhausted its cheapest power hydro-electricity. Only possibility is major movement towards solar power, especially by small and medium scale industries and house owners. Most convenient new solar users would be factories and offices, who normally work during day-light hours. Also, most schools have fans in the classrooms. They could install solar panels on the roofs, eliminating electricity bills. The parents who installed the fans in classrooms could also install solar panels. Meanwhile, it was reported that Orion City, the nation’s premier IT and business park has invested in a 700 kW solar power at its Colombo 9 complex, ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted power supply to its customers, would be an example to others. Thus, the Government needs to submit a plan to encourage installation of solar power by individual homes and the industry, with reduced interest loans from commercial banks. Recently, delegates from Japan and Qatar met the President and have offered assistance for renewable energy. Also, a number of European countries have offered low interest loans for renewable power. If the Government takes initiative to get their assistance, new solar investors could be offered low interest loans, will be a great support to the new investors, and will improve the solar power industry and the country.Syria latest: Russian state news agencies report Assad has arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum

After 149 shows, an estimated US$2 billion in revenue and countless outfit changes, Taylor Swift takes to the stage tonight in Vancouver for the final show of her record-smashing Eras Tour. It’s the superstar’s third sold-out night at BC Place, where she has received a delirious welcome from Swifties both local and international. Swift has reciprocated the feeling, telling the audience on Friday night that she chose Canada and Vancouver to close out the tour because the fans not only know the lyrics, they “scream them.” Swifties have been planning something special to end the tour, with Swift forums abuzz with suggestions to surprise her by singing “Happy Birthday” at tonight’s show, ahead of Swift’s 35th birthday on Dec. 13. Fan projects like this have been a big part of the Eras Tour, with chants and patterned clapping breaking out during various songs. University of Kansas sociology professor and “Swiftologist” Brian Donovan says such moments of joyous social solidarity are known as “collective effervescence.” “What is interesting about the Eras Tour is that it also brought about unique cultural things like the trading of friendship bracelets,” he said, noting such practices were fan-driven and were not organized by Swift or her team. Swiftie Jenny Fox got tickets to Saturday’s show after seeing daughter Avery’s reaction to the Eras Tour movie. “I texted my husband in the theatre and said that if this is how it is in a movie theatre, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to see and experience this in real life in a massive stadium and to see the joy on Avery’s face,” she said. University of British Columbia philosophy professor Kimberley Brownlee said Swift’s concerts and the fans’ involvement have provided something “glorious,” and a “joy we get to share in collectively.” Before Swift’s Vancouver dates, she performed six shows in Toronto last month. Canada was announced as a late addition to the tour last year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously pleaded with the star on social media to visit Canada, telling her “don’t make it another cruel summer.” Trudeau and family members were among Swifties at the Toronto shows, as were former U.S. president Bill Clinton and wife Hillary. For Fox, attending the tour in Vancouver with her daughter has special meaning. Fox is the primary caretaker for her own mother, who has late-stage Alzheimer’s. Music, she said, has become the last connection to the person her mom once was. “As soon as we put certain music on, mom comes back,” she said. “So music is very near and dear to us. We play a lot of music, and a lot of Taylor Swift with her, so there is that love and memory and special tie to it.” She says music endures, and attending The Eras Tour together will be something she and Avery can hold on to. “It’s something that we will forever remember,” she said.

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