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Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!CLEVELAND (AP) — Only the Cleveland Browns. Only a team beset by perpetual problems at quarterback for the better part of two decades can get a record-setting 497-yard, four-touchdown, jaw-dropping, where-did-that-come-from performance on Monday night from Jameis Winston — and still lose. History wrapped in misery. Only the Browns. Winston spoiled a high-level performance in Denver's thin air by throwing a pair of pick-sixes — the second with 1:48 remaining — as the Broncos rode big plays to a 41-32 win over the Browns (3-9), who have to wonder what their disappointing season might look like if Deshaun Watson had been benched before getting hurt. The loss ended any illusions the Browns had of making a late playoff push like they did a year ago. It also clinched the team's 22nd losing season since its expansion rebirth in 1999. In his fifth start this season, Winston provided further evidence that the Browns made a major mistake by not switching QBs long before Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against Cincinnati. Cleveland's offense has come alive behind Winston, who has thrown for over 300 yards three times, something Watson didn't do in 19 starts over his three suspension-shortened, injury-riddled seasons with the Browns. While there were some positives, Winston's turnovers were too costly. "You’re not going to play perfect at the quarterback position. He knows that," coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “I know that ultimately he wants to do anything in his power to help this team win and that’s going to be taking care of the ball. But he also had moments there where he was moving that offense and did a nice job.” Winston may not be the long-term answer for the Browns, but he's showing he can at least give them a viable option for 2025 while the club sorts through the tangled Watson situation, which continues to have a stranglehold on the franchise. In all likelihood, and assuming he's fully recovered, Watson will be back next season in some capacity with the Browns, who are still on the hook to pay him $92 million — of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — over the next two seasons. Releasing Watson would have damaging salary-cap implications, and while that would be a bitter financial pill for owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to swallow, it could the Browns' safest and easiest exit strategy. And if they needed any proof that such a strategy can work, the Browns only had to look across the field at the Broncos, who got out from under QB Russell Wilson's monster contract by cutting him, taking the financial hit and drafting Bo Nix. After some common early growing pains, Nix has settled in and the rookie has the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth. It wasn't long ago that the Browns thought their quarterback concerns were behind them. Instead, they lie ahead. Stefanski's decision to hand over the play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey has been a positive. While the move hasn't led directly to many wins, the Browns have moved the ball much more effectively and scored at least 20 points in three of five games since the switch after not scoring 20 in their first eight. Story continues below video An issue all season, Cleveland's defense was again gashed for long plays and TDs, including a 93-yard scoring pass in the third quarter. The Browns have allowed 48 plays of 20-plus yards and 12 of at least 40 yards. WR Jerry Jeudy. His return to Denver was a personal and professional triumph — except on the scoreboard. Vowing revenge on the Broncos, who traded him to the Browns in March, Jeudy had the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a TD. Since Winston took over as Cleveland's starter, Jeudy leads the league with 614 yards receiving. Jeudy just might be the No. 1 receiver the Browns have needed following Amari Cooper's trade. Jordan Hicks gets an honorable mention after recording 12 tackles. K Dustin Hopkins. He missed a 47-yard field goal to end Cleveland's first drive, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. After making 33 of 36 field goal tries in his first season with the Browns, Hopkins is just 16 of 23, with his inaccuracy raising questions why the team signed him to a three-year, $15.9 million contract in July. Stefanski had no updates from the game. ... LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains sidelined with a neck injury suffered on Nov. 2. Stefanski ruled him out again for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. 552 — Yards of total offense for the Browns, just 10 shy of the single-game franchise record set in 1989. A short turnaround before visiting the Steelers (9-3), who will be looking to avenge their 24-19 loss in Cleveland on Nov. 21. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflShare Tweet Share Share Email What if I told you this December could be the turning point for your crypto portfolio? Imagine being in on Bitcoin at $10 or Ethereum before smart contracts took off. The crypto world is buzzing again, with some projects set to deliver jaw-dropping returns. Whether it’s the game-changing potential of Qubetics ($TICS) or the proven strength of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Aave (AAVE), there’s no shortage of opportunities to capitalise on before 2024 ends. But let’s not just stick to the big names. Qubetics is leading the charge with its revolutionary real-world asset tokenisation, making it easier than ever for businesses and individuals to bridge the gap between physical assets and the blockchain. With a presale already raising millions, it’s clear people are catching on to its game-changing potential. And that’s just the beginning. Let’s break down why these projects deserve your attention and how you can make this December your most profitable month yet. 1. Qubetics ($TICS): Redefining Asset Tokenisation Qubetics isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a game-changer. Known as the world’s first Web3 aggregator, Qubetics has introduced Real-World Asset Tokenisation (RWAT) , a revolutionary application that bridges the gap between physical assets and blockchain technology. Imagine this: A small business owner in Texas tokenises their warehouse, enabling investors worldwide to own a fraction. Or consider an artist in Brooklyn tokenising their latest collection, ensuring global buyers can invest in authentic pieces without intermediaries. That’s the power of RWAT on Qubetics. Qubetics ($TICS) is turning heads, and for good reason. In its 10th presale stage, it’s already raised $4.2 million, with over 261 million tokens sold to 5,900+ holders. At just $0.025 per token, now’s your chance to jump in before a 10% price hike this weekend. Analysts are buzzing with predictions: $0.25 by presale’s end (871% ROI), $1 post-presale (3,787% ROI), and a staggering $15 after the mainnet launch (58,213% ROI). If you’ve been waiting for your moment to invest big, this might just be it. Invest $7,500 now, and you’re potentially looking at $435,975 at the $5 milestone. This is more than an opportunity; it’s a golden ticket for both early adopters and believers in innovation. Why does Qubetics top this list? Its unmatched utility, visionary roadmap, and ROI potential make it a no-brainer. 2. Bitcoin (BTC): The Resilient King of Crypto Bitcoin remains the gold standard of cryptocurrency. After nearing the $100,000 mark recently, its growth potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Analysts like Robert Kiyosaki have even predicted a $500,000 price by 2025. BTC is more than just a digital currency—it’s a hedge against inflation, a store of value, and the backbone of decentralised finance. What’s driving this growth? Institutional adoption is ramping up. Major corporations are integrating Bitcoin into their treasuries, and ETFs are paving the way for mainstream investments. With economic uncertainties looming, BTC’s scarcity (capped at 21 million) makes it more appealing than ever. For investors, Bitcoin offers stability in a volatile market. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newbie, allocating part of your portfolio to BTC isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Why does Bitcoin deserve a spot? Its unmatched market dominance and proven resilience make it the ultimate crypto asset. 3. Ethereum (ETH): The Home of Innovation Ethereum isn’t just a cryptocurrency; it’s an ecosystem powering DeFi, NFTs, and countless decentralised applications. With Ethereum 2.0 upgrades significantly reducing gas fees and boosting scalability, it remains a favourite among developers and investors alike. Recently, Ethereum faced resistance at the $3,700 mark, but analysts are confident about a breakout. A decisive weekly close above this level could propel ETH towards $5,000. This optimism stems from increasing adoption, particularly in gaming, DeFi, and tokenisation. Ethereum’s ability to host projects like Qubetics further solidifies its position as a critical player in the crypto space. Why is Ethereum on this list? Its adaptability, innovation, and massive developer community ensure it remains a powerhouse in blockchain technology. 4. Solana (SOL): The Speed Demon of Blockchain Solana has emerged as the go-to blockchain for developers looking for speed and low fees. Known for handling up to 65,000 transactions per second, it’s become the darling of decentralised apps, NFTs, and gaming. Recent ETF filings for Solana have created a buzz, with approval expected by late 2025. Globally, Solana ETFs are already available in Brazil and Canada, and their success could pressure U.S. regulators to follow suit. SOL’s price recently hit an all-time high of $264.31, up 160% this year, making it one of the best-performing assets. As a fast and scalable network, Solana is driving blockchain adoption in ways many of its competitors can’t match. Why is Solana here? Its lightning-fast transactions, rising adoption, and ETF buzz position it as a must-watch investment. 5. Aave (AAVE): The DeFi Powerhouse Aave has revolutionised decentralised lending, making it one of the most popular DeFi platforms. Its ecosystem now boasts $33 billion in deposits and $15.96 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), with active loans surpassing $10 billion in 2024. Recently, AAVE broke above the $200 resistance, signalling a bullish trend. Analysts predict a potential rally towards $260 if it maintains momentum. With whales accumulating significant amounts, Aave’s future looks bright. Aave’s success isn’t just about numbers. Its innovations in decentralised lending, such as flash loans and multi-chain support, make it a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Why does Aave make this list? Its consistent growth, innovation, and strong fundamentals ensure it stays ahead of the curve. Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now The crypto market is brimming with opportunities, but timing is everything. Projects like Qubetics are redefining industries, while stalwarts like Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to pave the way. Solana and Aave showcase how innovation can drive adoption and ROI. If you’re ready to make 2024 your breakout year, don’t wait. Qubetics, with its groundbreaking approach to asset tokenisation and potential for life-changing returns, deserves your immediate attention. Curious about the future of Qubetics? Watch this exclusive video and discover why it’s the investment opportunity of a lifetime! For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetics Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you 4 Game-Changing Altcoins to Watch This December—Don’t Miss These Opportunities! 5 Best Meme Coin Presales to Buy in December 2024 That You Can’t Ignore! Pepememe.io: Reevaluating Meme Coins – Presale in Full Swing Comments
A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also sought to be CEO and in an email outlined a plan where he would “unequivocally have initial control of the company” but said that would be temporary. He grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.
NEW YORK, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Electric vehicle tech company Ideanomics Inc. (IDEX.PK) , opens new tab filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on Wednesday to find a buyer for its wireless charging business and other technology investments. Ideanomics entered bankruptcy with over $30 million in debt and just $189,000 in cash on hand, according to documents filed in Wilmington, Delaware bankruptcy court. Ideanomics said it has lost over $800 million in the past five years. The company spent $320 million on electric vehicle technology investments between 2021 and 2023, but most of those investments were unprofitable. It has shut down all of its acquired businesses except the wireless charging company WAVE, and laid off all but 17 employees. WAVE, which Ideanomics purchased in 2021, will continue to operate during the bankruptcy, and its wireless charging technology is being used by the Antelope Valley Transit Authority in California, which serves commuters in the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, and Northern Los Angeles County. The WAVE system is built into routes on public roads and parking facilities, and it is designed to automatically charge buses during scheduled stops, according to court documents. Ideanomics has lined up an $11 million bankruptcy loan from Tillou Management and Consulting, an entity controlled by former wrestling executive Vince McMahon. McMahon is married to Linda McMahon, who U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated as education secretary in his second administration. Ideanomics plans to sell WAVE to Tillou unless another buyer steps in with a higher offer, according to court documents. Ideanomics saw its stock surge to over $600 a share in 2021 as retail investor interest in electric vehicles surged. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission later accused the company of misleading investors by overstating its financial performance. Ideanomics’ stock was de-listed from NASDAQ in July 2024, and it settled the SEC lawsuit in August. Before its pivot to electric vehicles, Ideanomics operated in unrelated markets, providing video-on-demand services in China and later providing financial technology used for trading in petroleum and electronic components. Sign up here. Reporting by Dietrich Knauth, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabThe company’s Board of Directors is actively evaluating a shift in corporate structure that could see OpenAI adopt a dual entity system comprising both non-profit and for-profit arms. The initiative aims to restructure OpenAI into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), designed to balance shareholder interests with broader societal benefits. This change is poised to enable more robust fundraising efforts while ensuring that the core mission remains the organization’s driving force. The planned structural evolution involves maintaining the current for-profit entity but transforming it to support and fund the non-profit segment directly. This strategic alignment is expected to make the non-profit one of the most well-resourced in history, enhancing its capacity to tackle significant challenges in healthcare, education, and science through charitable initiatives. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, OpenAI is not just focusing on redefining its operational model but is also committed to scaling up its technological impact. The organization has recently upgraded its popular O1 model and launched ChatGPT Pro, offering enhanced access to its advanced AI tools and models. These developments are part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to keep pace with global shifts in technology infrastructure, including changes in energy, land use, and data management. By better structuring its corporate and operational framework, OpenAI aims to more effectively advance the development of AGI—a form of AI that mimics human cognitive abilities. The organization views this transition as crucial for balancing AI’s potential benefits against the risks, ensuring a positive impact on global communities.
The world stands at the dawn of a “third nuclear age” in which Britain is threatened by multiple dilemmas, the head of the armed forces has warned. But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” The first nuclear age was the Cold War, while the second was “governed by disarmament efforts and counter proliferation”, the armed forces chief said. He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”See the potential in undocumented immigrants | Letters
If you are looking for some new additions to your portfolio in December, then the ASX shares listed below could be worth a closer look. They have been named on Australian Equities Panel for the month ahead. The broker notes that these are the shares that it believes "offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term." In addition, Bell Potter highlights that when choosing its picks it considers the current macro-economic backdrop and investment environment, focusing on quality companies with proven track records, capable management, and competitive advantages. You can read about the first two ASX shares on the list . Let's now take a look at three more of the broker's top picks for the month. They are as follows: ( ) Bell Potter continues to rate this biotechnology giant very highly and keeps it on its Australian equities panel for another month. The broker feels that now is a great time to buy given its positive earnings outlook and the lower than normal multiples its shares trade on. Bell Potter explains: CSL presents an attractive buying opportunity as we anticipate the start of a margin recovery phase for CSL, driving above-market earnings growth over the next few years. CSL trades at a 12-month forward PE of ~28x, representing a discount to its 10-year average of ~31x. Furthermore, the company will continue to deleverage the balance sheet over the next few years. Given the company's proven quality and growth prospects, we believe significant upside remains. ( ) A new addition to the Australian Equities Panel in December is energy producer Santos. Bell Potter believes that the company is a great pick right now due to its cheap valuation and positive earnings and free cash flow outlook. It also notes that Santos is well-placed with commodity prices where they are and doesn't need higher prices to drive higher levels of free cash flow. It said: One of our top value picks is Santos and we believe the market underestimates the long-term demand for oil and liquefied natural gas. In our view, Santos can continue to increase production and drive earnings growth over the next few years and should see a significant increase in its free cash flow and dividends as they pass peak CAPEX in FY24. In addition, STO does not need higher commodity prices to drive higher free cash flow and dividends. ( ) Finally, Bell Potter thinks that youth fashion retailer Universal Store would be a great ASX share to buy this month. It likes the company due to its store expansion opportunity and attractive valuation. It said: Universal Store Holdings is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 12% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a fwd P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~25%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.Save $250 on the active-focused Garmin Fenix 7X Pro today
