A US federal appeals court on Friday upheld a law requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to divest its popular short video app TikTok in the United States by early next year or face a ban. The decision is a win for the Justice Department and opponents of the Chinese-owned app and a devastating blow to ByteDance. The ruling now increases the possibility of an unprecedented ban in just six weeks on a social media app used by 170 million Americans. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court. Free speech advocates immediately criticized the decision. The American Civil Liberties Union said it sets a "flawed and dangerous precedent." "Banning TikTok blatantly violates the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans who use this app to express themselves and communicate with people around the world," said Patrick Toomey, deputy director of the ACLU's National Security Project. But the appeals court said the law "was the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and by successive presidents. It was carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary, and it was part of a broader effort to counter a well-substantiated national security threat posed by the PRC (People's Republic of China)." US appeals court Judges Sri Srinivasan, Neomi Rao and Douglas Ginsburg considered the legal challenges brought by TikTok and users against the law that gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell or divest TikTok's US assets or face a ban. The decision -- unless the Supreme Court reverses it -- puts TikTok's fate in the hands of first President Joe Biden on whether to grant a 90-day extension of the Jan. 19 deadline to force a sale and then President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20. But it's not clear whether ByteDance could meet the heavy burden to show it had made significant progress toward a divestiture needed to trigger the extension. Trump, who unsuccessfully tried to ban TikTok during his first term in 2020, said before the November presidential election he would not allow the TikTok ban. TikTok said it expected the Supreme Court would reverse the appeals court decision on First Amendment grounds. "The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok said in a statement, adding the law will result "in outright censorship of the American people." The Justice Department did not have an immediate comment on the decision. The decision upholds the law giving the U.S. government sweeping powers to ban other foreign-owned apps that could raise concerns about collection of Americans' data. In 2020, Trump also tried to ban Tencent-owned WeChat, but was blocked by the courts. Shares of Meta Platforms, which competes against TikTok in online ads, hit an intraday record high following the ruling, last up over 3%. Google parent Alphabet, whose YouTube video platform also competes with TikTok, was up over 1% following the ruling. TIKTOK BAN LOOMS The court acknowledged its decision would lead to TikTok's ban on Jan. 19 without an extension from Biden. "Consequently, TikTok's millions of users will need to find alternative media of communication," the court said, which was because of China's "hybrid commercial threat to U.S. national security, not to the U.S. Government, which engaged with TikTok through a multi-year process in an effort to find an alternative solution." The opinion was written by Ginsburg, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, and joined by Rao, who was named to the bench by Trump, and Srinivasan, an appointee of President Barack Obama. The Justice Department says under Chinese ownership, TikTok poses a serious national security threat because of its access to vast personal data of Americans, asserting China can covertly manipulate information that Americans consume via TikTok. U.S. officials have also warned TikTok's management is beholden to the Chinese government, which could compel the company to share the data of its American users. TikTok has denied it has or ever would share U.S. user data, accusing American lawmakers in the lawsuit of advancing "speculative" concerns. TikTok and ByteDance argue the law is unconstitutional and violates Americans' free speech rights. They call it "a radical departure from this country's tradition of championing an open Internet." ByteDance, backed by Sequoia Capital, Susquehanna International Group, KKR & Co, and General Atlantic, among others, was valued at $268 billion in December 2023 when it offered to buy back around $5 billion worth of shares from investors, Reuters reported then. The law prohibits app stores like Apple and Alphabet's Google from offering TikTok and bars internet hosting services from supporting TikTok unless ByteDance divests TikTok by the deadline. Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a concurring opinion, Srinivasan acknowledged the decision will have major impacts, noting "170 million Americans use TikTok to create and view all sorts of free expression and engage with one another and the world. And yet, in part precisely because of the platform's expansive reach, Congress and multiple Presidents determined that divesting it from (China's) control is essential to protect our national security." He added that "Because the record reflects that Congress's decision was considered, consistent with longstanding regulatory practice, and devoid of an institutional aim to suppress particular messages or ideas, we are not in a position to set it aside." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
I’m a fashion stylist and I can NEVER shop at TK Maxx after spotting a major problem – you won’t un-see it eitherWill Levis, Titans make big plays late to shock TexansSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologised for his attempt to impose martial law this week and bowed during a televised speech to the nation, only hours head of a planned impeachment vote. Yoon said he would not seek to avoid legal and political responsibility for his decision, which he said was born of desperation. The speech was the embattled leader's first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order early on Wednesday, just six hours after it was declared and after parliament defied military and police cordons to vote against the decree. "I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked," Yoon said. "I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilise the political situation in future, including the issue of my term in office," he said. South Korea's ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon said after Yoon's address that the president was no longer in a position to carry out public duty and his resignation was now unavoidable. On Friday Han said Yoon was a danger to the country and needed to be removed from power, increasing the pressure on Yoon to quit even though his People Power Party (PPP) members later reaffirmed a formal opposition to his impeachment. Lawmakers will vote on the main opposition Democratic Party's motion to impeach Yoon later on Saturday. Yoon shocked the nation late on Tuesday when he gave the military sweeping emergency powers in order to root out what he called "anti-state forces" and overcome obstructionist political opponents. Some PPP members urged Yoon to resign before the vote, saying they did not want a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, who left office following months of candlelit protests over an influence-peddling scandal. Her downfall triggered the implosion of the party and a victory by liberals in presidential and general elections. In scenes reminiscent of those protests, thousands of demonstrators holding candles assembled outside parliament on Friday night demanding Yoon's impeachment. More demonstrations are expected on Saturday ahead of the vote. Prosecutors, the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have all launched probes into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Online auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbons
Penguins acquire Philip Tomasino from Nashville for 2027 draft pickArticle content Vancouver police board vice-chair Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba resigned Friday after she made several social media posts alleging that Canada’s culture and values are being undermined by minority groups. Screenshots of Sakoma-Fadugba’s Instagram stories, shared on Reddit, show her raising concerns over mass immigration, the erosion of Christian values, gender transitions, “woke culture” and the legacy of slavery. “I’m going to get very vocal about things happening in Canada, and it’s OK if it upsets some people,” Sakoma-Fadugba wrote. The diversity and inclusion strategist joined the Vancouver police board, which provides civilian oversight of policing, in January 2022. While acknowledging Sakoma-Fadugba’s contributions to the board, chair Frank Chong said in a statement Friday: “Recent statements posted on social media by the vice-chair of the Vancouver police board do not reflect the values of the board and are inconsistent with our code of conduct.” “This afternoon, I requested and received Comfort’s resignation.” In the social media posts, Sakoma-Fadugba described herself as a Nigerian-Canadian mother and shared a personal experience to illustrate her views on multiculturalism in Canada. She claimed that her son’s participation in a Diwali celebration at school made her realize that the “push for secular education wasn’t about religion,” but about “erasing Christian values from the lives of our children.” Sakoma-Fadugba also expressed concern that Hindu values might become “the dominant cultural influence” in Canada, replacing what she claimed were traditional Canadian values. “The reason Canada is such a tolerant society is because Christianity, the dominant religion here, is inherently tolerant, and our society reflects those values.” She also criticized what she described as “woke culture,” claiming it has led to the removal of Canadian figures like Terry Fox from passports and the erasure of veterans, and arguing that it “pits children against their parents by creating a judicial system where parents can be incarcerated for refusing to let their minor child undergo gender transitions.” Upon Sakoma-Fadugba’s appointment, the board praised her for having an “impressive background in business, community service, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of life.” She is the founder of Avunze Advisory, a Canadian consulting firm that specializes in equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, working with organizations to create more inclusive and equitable environments. According to her now deleted LinkedIn page, Sakoma-Fadugba worked as a manager at MOSAIC Centre for Diversity, a Vancouver-based non-profit supporting immigrants, refugees and diverse communities, for four months in 2024. Following her resignation from the police board, Sakoma-Fadugba’s Instagram account was also deleted. Postmedia News reached out to Sakoma-Fadugba for comment but did not hear back by deadline. sgrochowski@postmedia.comFresh rallies in Georgia after PM said 'won battle' with pro-EU protestersTravis Kelce appears to get frustrated with Patrick Mahomes after missed catch in Chiefs vs Panthers
Shipping Container Market: USD 10.34B in 2023 to USD 26.16B by 2031 11-25-2024 09:48 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Group Shipping Container Market Market Scope: Key Insights : Shipping Container Market size was valued at USD 9.21 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 10.34 billion in 2023 to USD 26.16 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.3% in the forecast period (2024-2031). Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report : https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/shipping-container-market Access the full 2024 Market report for a comprehensive understanding @ https://www.skyquestt.com/report/shipping-container-market In-Depth Exploration of the global Shipping Container Market Market: This report offers a thorough exploration of the global Shipping Container Market market, presenting a wealth of data that has been meticulously researched and analyzed. It identifies and examines the crucial market drivers, including pricing strategies, competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and regional growth trends. By outlining how these factors impact overall market performance, the report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders looking to navigate this complex terrain. Additionally, it features comprehensive profiles of leading market players, detailing essential metrics such as production capabilities, revenue streams, market value, volume, market share, and anticipated growth rates. This report serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market. Trends and Insights Leading to Growth Opportunities The best insights for investment decisions stem from understanding major market trends, which simplify the decision-making process for potential investors. The research strives to discover multiple growth opportunities that readers can evaluate and potentially capitalize on, armed with all relevant data. Through a comprehensive assessment of important growth factors, including pricing, production, profit margins, and the value chain, market growth can be more accurately forecast for the upcoming years. Top Firms Evaluated in the Global Shipping Container Market Market Research Report: CIMC Group (China) Singamas Container Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong) China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd. (China) Maersk Container Industry AS (Denmark) Textainer Group Holdings Limited (Bermuda) Seaco Global Limited (Bermuda) CXIC Group Containers Company Limited (China) Dong Fang International Asset Management Ltd. (China) W&K Container Inc. (US) CARU Containers B.V. (Netherlands) Hoover Container Solutions (US) UES International (Singapore) Storstac, Inc. (Canada) TLS Offshore Containers International (UK) CIMC Silvergreen AB (Sweden) Port Containers USA LLC (US) BSL Containers Ltd. (China) Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd. (China) Titan Container Sales Ltd. (UK) Sea Box Inc. (US) Key Aspects of the Report: Market Summary: The report includes an overview of products/services, emphasizing the global Shipping Container Market market's overall size. It provides a summary of the segmentation analysis, focusing on product/service types, applications, and regional categories, along with revenue and sales forecasts. Competitive Analysis: This segment presents information on market trends and conditions, analyzing various manufacturers. It includes data regarding average prices, as well as revenue and sales distributions for individual players in the market. Business Profiles: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the financial and strategic data for leading players in the global Shipping Container Market market, covering product/service descriptions, portfolios, geographic reach, and revenue divisions. Sales Analysis by Region: This section provides data on market performance, detailing revenue, sales, and market share across regions. It also includes projections for sales growth rates and pricing strategies for each regional market, such as: North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc. Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa This in-depth research study has the capability to tackle a range of significant questions that are pivotal for understanding the market dynamics, and it specifically aims to answer the following key inquiries: How big could the global Shipping Container Market market become by the end of the forecast period? Let's explore the exciting possibilities! Will the current market leader in the global Shipping Container Market segment continue to hold its ground, or is change on the horizon? Which regions are poised to experience the most explosive growth in the Shipping Container Market market? Discover where the future opportunities lie! Is there a particular player that stands out as the dominant force in the global Shipping Container Market market? Let's find out who's leading the charge! What are the key factors driving growth and the challenges holding back the global Shipping Container Market market? Join us as we uncover the forces at play! To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/shipping-container-market Table of Contents Chapter 1 Industry Overview 1.1 Definition 1.2 Assumptions 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Market Analysis by Regions 1.5 Market Size Analysis from 2023 to 2030 11.6 COVID-19 Outbreak: Medical Computer Cart Industry Impact Chapter 2 Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries 2.1 Market (Volume and Value) by Type 2.3 Market (Volume and Value) by Regions Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis 3.1 Worldwide Production Market Analysis 3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis Chapter 4 Medical Computer Cart Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2023-2023) Chapter 5 North America Market Analysis Chapter 6 East Asia Market Analysis Chapter 7 Europe Market Analysis Chapter 8 South Asia Market Analysis Chapter 9 Southeast Asia Market Analysis Chapter 10 Middle East Market Analysis Chapter 11 Africa Market Analysis Chapter 12 Oceania Market Analysis Chapter 13 Latin America Market Analysis Chapter 14 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Medical Computer Cart Business Chapter 15 Market Forecast (2023-2030) Chapter 16 Conclusions Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. This release was published on openPR.
Black Friday is almost here, and that means incredible deals on all things PlayStation! Whether you’re looking to snag a PS5 console, stock up on games, or grab an extra controller, this is the perfect time to save big. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop are slashing prices, with discounts of up to 40% on popular titles, bundles, and accessories. Get ready to level up your gaming experience without breaking the bank! What’s the hype about? Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, offering massive discounts and promotions across various product categories. For gamers, it’s a golden opportunity to grab those wishlist items they’ve been eyeing. Why PlayStation? Sony’s PlayStation consistently ranks as a top gaming platform, boasting exclusive titles, immersive gameplay , and cutting-edge technology. With the PS5 still relatively new, Black Friday deals make it more accessible than ever. When is it happening? Black Friday officially falls on November 24th this year, but deals often start rolling out earlier in the week, both online and in stores. Where can I find the deals? Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop, along with the PlayStation Store itself, will be offering enticing discounts. Deals to Watch Out For: Tips for Snagging the Best Deals: My Black Friday Gaming Adventures: I’ve been a Black Friday warrior for years, and scoring amazing deals on games is always a thrill. One year, I managed to snag a PS4 Pro bundled with “Red Dead Redemption 2” for a steal. Another time, I snagged a whole stack of PS4 games for under $20 each! The key is to be prepared, do your research, and act fast. Don’t Miss Out! Black Friday is the ultimate opportunity to elevate your gaming experience without emptying your wallet. With incredible deals on consoles, games, accessories, and more, you’re sure to find something to enhance your PlayStation journey . So, mark your calendars, prepare your shopping strategy, and get ready to score epic savings! Possible Deals at Specific Retailers: Beyond the Deals: Remember, Black Friday is not just about the discounts. It’s about the excitement of the hunt, the thrill of scoring a great deal, and the joy of expanding your gaming horizons. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the savings, and happy gaming!RBI cuts CRR 50 bps, trims FY25 GDP forecast to 6.6%JERUSALEM — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.DOHA: Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice for Al Nassr as they continued to thrive in the AFC Champions League Elite, with the Saudi champions defeating Al Gharafa 3-1 in Qatar on Monday. The 39-year-old helped move Al Nassr to the brink of the last 16 in Asia’s premier continental club competition, needing just two points from their final three group games. Only Al Shorta, who have two points with four games to play, can deny Ronaldo’s side a place in the next round, after Persepolis drew 1-1 at Al Rayyan. Al Nassr captain Ronaldo had looked destined to endure a hugely frustrating game following a series of missed opportunities in the first half at Al Bayt Stadium. However, the Portugal star finally opened the scoring little more than 50 seconds into the second half, when he headed home Sultan Al Ghannam’s cross from close range. Al Nassr then doubled their advantage through Angelo Gabriel, a summer signing from Chelsea, on 58 minutes, before the Brazilian turned provider six minutes later to tee up Ronaldo for his second. The goal took the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward to four goals in this season’s rebranded competition before he was replaced on 74 minutes. Al Gharafa did pull one back through Joselu, a former team-mate of Ronaldo at Madrid. Yet their hopes of an unlikely late rally disappeared when Seydou Sano was sent off six minutes from the end of normal time for a second bookable offence. The win ensures Al Nassr remain unbeaten through five matches in the Western side of the draw, and move second in the 12-team table. The top eight in the standings go into the last 16 knockout stages along with the top eight from the 12-team East Zone table. The Riyadh club now sit behind only Saudi Arabian counterparts Al Ahli, who maintained their 100 percent record thanks to a double from substitute Ivan Toney to see off Asian champions Al Ain 2-1 in the UAE and reach the knockouts for the first time. The England international was left on the bench for the match at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, however having been introduced on 65 minutes, he scored within five minutes. First, he headed home Riyad Mahrez’s deep free-kick. — AFP A late window signing from English Premier League club Brentford in August, Toney struck what proved to be the winner four minutes later. This time, he met a superb long pass from former Manchester City winger Mahrez to finish past Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa. Al Ain, who in April defeated Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds to win the title, pulled one back late on through Kaka’s sublime volley. Al Ahli have won all five matches in the rebranded competition and lead the Western standings on 15 points. Also in that section, Iran’s Esteghlal were held to a goalless draw by Uzbekistan side Pakhtakor Tashkent in Dubai. — AFP
The experts have declared that we are leaving the age of digital transformation and entering a new era of AI transformation . The good news is that the groundwork from earlier digital change programs , from cloud computing implementations to forays into machine learning, will provide a strong bedrock to build new AI transformations. Also: 4 ways to turn generative AI experiments into real business value However, the shift to an age of AI will involve overcoming significant technological and cultural challenges . Here are five ways business and digital leaders can embrace those challenges and deliver successful AI transformations. 1. Don't work in a silo Helene Kollnig, Freshworks global applications lead at recruitment specialist Hays , advises professionals to seek advice from as many experts as possible. "Look at what other people are doing," she said. "Never work in a silo and prepare to be wrong in terms of how you've set the technology up." Kollnig and her colleagues have implemented the Freshworks Customer Service Suite, an omnichannel support software with AI-powered chatbots and ticketing. Also: AI-driven software testing gains more champions but worries persist She told ZDNET that working closely with the technology partner has helped her team to deliver a successful AI transformation. "So, for one of our AI projects, we established our basic set-up and said, 'Freshworks, come in and audit it. Tell us, are we doing this right? Would you do it differently?'" she said. "They came in, looked at our set-up, and said, 'This area is great, but you need to consider these things.' That type of support helped us. So, my advice to other professionals is to ask for help." 2. Build the confidence of others Nick Woods, CIO at airport group MAG , said leading an AI transformation isn't straightforward, and executives must ensure their organization makes a successful cultural shift. "There's a big hearts-and-minds piece to this work," he said. Woods explained to ZDNET how he's working with startups and combining insight with sensor data to develop the AI-enabled future of air travel. Also: 5 ways AI is changing the future of air travel He's exploring how the group's technology can assist with seasonal planning for the airfield. This task is traditionally a manual process, so employees must be shown how automation benefits staff, the organization, and passengers. "People have worked in this area for many years and done things in a certain way for a long time. We must take the internal customer on a journey and prove the benefits," he said. "The journey is about building their confidence and showing them how this technology can help improve their jobs and deliver outcomes. We're making good progress." 3. Get the business to generate ideas Anastasiia Stefanska, data analyst for analytics and AI at travel giant TUI , recognizes anyone can suggest great ways to exploit emerging technology. "Everybody at TUI, not just everybody in IT, is enabled to work with AI at the level their role expects," she said. "We've been working on that approach for the past year. We want to bridge the gap between the business professionals and our technological knowledge in the data team." TUI uses generative AI (gen AI) for data analysis and chatbots in training programs. The company also uses Cortex AI , Snowflake's large language model (LLM). Also: Gen AI could speed up coding, but businesses should still consider risks Stefanska told ZDNET that TUI had run cross-business initiatives in a gamified format to help surface new use cases. She said the best ideas from these sessions have been selected to be implemented and will produce significant time savings for the organization. "As part of the project, I was astonished to see how deeply the business users have thought their ideas through -- they just needed to be asked," she said. "When we asked them, and they were comfortable answering, the ideas started popping up like mushrooms in the rain. It was hard to choose what to prioritize." 4. Be sensible Dave Moyes, partner for information and digital systems at architecture firm SimpsonHaugh , said every business and digital leader must prepare for AI transformation. "It's coming," he told ZDNET. "You can't bury your head in the sand and ignore AI." Moyes said professionals in all sectors should take some sensible steps, including working with people who know more about AI. Also: Think AI can solve all your business problems? Apple's new study shows otherwise "Within every organization, there are groups of technology leads who are interested and want to innovate, evolve, and push," he said. "Lean on them. Learn from those at the coal face who want to do AI. There are no guarantees that the technologies you introduce will be the next best thing, but at least you'll be aware of the potential." Moyes said SimpsonHaugh is looking at how AI can reduce time-intensive tasks, such as summarizing text, and help staff find images to create early-stage design proposals. The firm also is considering how gen AI can support the production of parametric designs, where buildings are shaped using algorithmic processes. Across all these areas, the security of client data will be key. "For us as an organization with sensitive data, the use of any tool needs to be framed in terms of, 'Actually, that project is covered by an NDA, so don't put it anywhere near the public cloud,'" he said. "We're going to manage the sensitive information carefully. We'll set the boundaries rather than throw a model in and let it sniff everything." 5. Work within your constraints Roger Joys, vice president of enterprise cloud platform at Alaskan telecom company GCI , said his organization is eager to explore AI in the right circumstances. "It's everything from simple use cases, such as using chatbots to help reduce our call center costs by helping people self-serve, to more sophisticated data analysis in customer demographics, merging many different pieces of data, and being able to answer questions about, 'Who are the best candidates to throw a marketing campaign at?'" However, Joys told ZDNET, it's important not to rush into AI transformation. Yes, the benefits can be great, but so are the risks if you don't prepare for data-led change. Also: Google survey says more than 75% of developers rely on AI. But there's a catch Joys is using VMware Cloud Foundation private cloud technology and a host of other services to create a scalable and safe platform for business innovation. "The data scientists have moved some of the data that is OK to be in the public cloud into Databricks on Azure, but we can't upload all our customer information," said Joys. "There are regulations about the data we can store in the public cloud safely, securely, and privately." Joys said his organization faces many regulations, particularly regarding call data and customer information. Any decisions on AI must be made with these concerns in mind. "Those are things that will be determined," he said. "Where is public AI okay? We'll be working on that issue over the next 18 months." Google's new AI tool could be your new favorite learning aid - and it's free The best open-source AI models: All your free-to-use options explained I changed 5 ChatGPT settings and instantly became more productive - here's how The best AI search engines of 2024: Google, Perplexity, and more