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By Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Giri Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Kuwait on the invitation of the Emir. It was a historic event inasmuch as the Indian Prime Minister was visiting the country after a long gap of 43 years; Indira Gandhi was in Kuwait in 1981. Second, during this visit, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a strategic partnership. Third, the Indian Prime Minister was conferred with the highest honour of Kuwait, ‘The Order of Mubarak AL-Kabeer’. A visit by the Head of State to a country indicates the importance attached to the host country by the visiting Head. The visit by Modi was significant as it came after 43 years by his predecessor. And it’s like the Prime Minister visiting Poland after a gap of 45 years that showed the priority India attaches to Poland. The strategic heft of Warsaw grew considerably after it joined the European Union and NATO. Poland was under the ‘Soviet/Russian sphere of influence’ and it borders Ukraine and Russia. Now it assumes the Presidency of the European Union, which, of course, is a rotating position. Likewise, Kuwait holds the Chair of six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India is negotiating an FTA Agreement with GCC. Modi impressed upon the Emir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait for moving towards an early conclusion of an FTA with GCC. Notably, GCC countries hold 1/6th of India’s total trade, one third of India’s Diaspora, about 9 million Indians. A close cooperation with GCC is essential for India’s growth. Among GCC countries, Kuwait has been friendly with India, barring a downturn in ties during the Gulf War, to be more precise, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. More on that, a bit later. Kuwait remains important to India. It has 6.5 per cent of world oil reserve, sixth largest crude oil and LPG supplier to India, meeting 3.5 per cent of India’s energy needs. Indians constitute 21 per cent of Kuwait’s population and 30 per cent of its work force. Indians are the largest expat group in Kuwait. While meeting with the Indian Diaspora in Kuwait, Modi lauded their contribution in talent, technology and traditions to the growth and development of Kuwait. He called them a ‘mini Hindustan’. In addition to one-to-one meeting with the Emir and at a delegation level with the Kuwait Prime Minister, he attended the inauguration of the Arabian Gulf Club football tournament. This was part of a cultural diplomacy allowing time for informal exchange of pleasantries between Heads of States. It is a popular tournament among eight countries, Kuwait having won the trophy more than any other teams. People-to-people exchange and cultural diplomacy enrich bilateral relations. Also, an MoU was signed for 2025-28 to promote cooperation in sports between the two countries. The strategic partnership, signed during the visit, aims at enhancing bilateral relations in all possible and potential sectors. This includes defence, wherein it would translate into joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, and joined development and production of defence equipment. It will also include counter terrorism operations, sharing of intelligence and information, anti-money laundering and drug-trafficking. The cooperation will deepen in pharmaceuticals, IT, Fin-tech, infrastructure, solar energy, health, digital, innovation, and textiles etc. It was decided to gradually move the focus from fossil fuel to trading in renewable energy, wherein it will be easier to step up cooperation as Kuwait is a member of the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Modi appreciably noted that ‘Made in India’ products were finding their way into Kuwait including automobiles, electrics, mechanical and telecom etc. He suggested that the petrochemical sector could be another big trade bridge between both countries as it is likely to grow up to 300b USD by 2025. The leadership of both countries agreed to promote business delegations from both countries and greater institutional linkages. Kuwait could explore more opportunities for investment in India. At the same time, Modi stressed that India has the technology and skills to contribute to making of a New Kuwait. On international politics, both leadership discussed Gaza and Ukraine. Modi reiterated his commitment to finding a negotiated solution to the war. On Gaza, he reaffirmed India’s commitment two-state solution by recourse to dialogue and diplomacy. He said ‘No’ to terrorist action that provokes retaliation causing deaths and destruction. It is necessary to recall that relations between India and Kuwait go back to millennia, as evidenced by discovery of the artifacts of pottery and jewellery from the Kuwait Island of Failaka. Before the oil was found in Kuwait, trade between India and Kuwait consisted of dates and pedigreed horses. After trading on horses stopped at the end of the Second World War, Pearls and teak wood were the items traded. As Kuwait got independence in 1961, India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic contacts. In 1962, Kuwait supported India in its war with China. Ever since, the relations between both countries remained friendly. Kuwaitis concentrated in Bombay for their trade and commerce. Emir of Kuwait even had a house in Marine Drive in Mumbai. The bilateral relations plummeted by India’s pro-Iraq stance during Gulf War. New Delhi refused to condemn Iraq for invading and annexing Kuwait. India was the first country to shift her embassy from Kuwait to Basra, Iraq. It was surly bad diplomacy by New Delhi. It has often fumbled in condemning the aggression in balancing the principle of international law and national interest. It faltered in condemning Soviet occupation of Hungary in 1956, Afghanistan in 1979, Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait in 1990 and Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi gets away with such diplomatic faux pas as it has not attacked any country, nor has it incurred into territories of other countries. Talking of Kuwait, New Delhi almost repeated the mistake in Afghanistan. One statement, made during the Gulf War, indicates its confusion, “We regret that it had not been possible for Iraq and Kuwait to resolve their differences, we hope for Iraqi withdrawals (instead of calling for them)”. And in the same sentence, noted Iraqi statements in this connection. There was not a word of disapproval of Iraqi action. It is perhaps India’s policy of non-alignment in the past and strategic autonomy now that makes India tentative and vulnerable and thus New Delhi does not want to provoke enmity with anyone, even if it is an invader. The demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 had thrown another spanner into the fragile relationship. However, that is history. Prime Minister Modi’s visit and Kuwait’s highest honour to him have put those two bad patches into the dustbin of history. Let it be said and realised that India, in quest for a world role and a big power status, should stand up for international law in keeping with her tradition for peace, non-violence, and non-aggression, unless it endorses a Darwinian world and lives by the logic of survival. —INFA
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts’ expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models. AI has been a big source of growth that’s helped many companies’ stock prices skyrocket. Oracle’s stock had already leaped more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday’s report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year’s third cut to interest rates . The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to take pressure off the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January. Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.2% after raising its forecast for profit in the current quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul . Boeing climbed 4.5% after saying it’s resuming production of its bestselling plane , the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world’s second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Better AI Stock: Nvidia vs. Palantir?Davis scores 32 as Old Dominion defeats UL Monroe 80-75 in OT
Like a football off McBride's helmet, the Cardinals aren't getting many lucky bounces these daysThere's no denying that 2024 has been a banner year for . The company cemented its position as the gold standard for graphics processing units (GPUs) that underpin , and the future continues to look bright. Since the AI revolution kicked off in early 2023, the stock has gained more than 850%, with 182% gains this year alone. But this doesn't tell the entire story. Over the past six months, even as its business has continued to ramp up, Nvidia's stock has stalled. Concerns about the future adoption of AI, the specter of competition, and a lofty valuation have sent some investors to the sidelines, wondering if the company's best days are behind it. Let's look at what lies ahead for Nvidia and if the stock still represents a compelling opportunity for investors heading into the new year. Catalysts abound There are a number of catalysts that could move Nvidia stock in the early part of 2025, so investors should mark their calendars. CEO Jensen Huang is something of a rock star in the investing community. The popular chief executive tends to generate excitement that has the potential to move Nvidia's stock price whenever he makes public addresses. One such appearance is the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as Huang is scheduled to give the keynote address on Jan. 6. Huang has his finger on the pulse of the technology industry and is expected to provide his views on the pace of AI adoption and the state of the technology in general. Perhaps more importantly, it's likely he will also give an update on demand for Nvidia's Blackwell platform. The next-generation processor, which is purpose-built for AI applications, was scheduled to begin shipping earlier this month. Huang has previously described demand for the chips as "insane," so expectations are high, and any positive update will likely give the stock a boost. In fact, analyst Atif Malik put Nvidia on a "positive catalyst watch" ahead of Huang's appearance. The analyst maintains a buy rating and a price target of $175, which suggests potential upside of 25% compared to Tuesday's closing price. Malik believes an update on the sale of Blackwell and the potential for increasing margins could send the stock higher. It's worth taking a moment to review investor concerns regarding Nvidia's margins. The company's gross profit margin hit an all-time high of 78.4% during its fiscal 2025 first quarter (ended April 28). However, in the two quarters that followed, those margins slid to 75.1% and 74.6%. Management chalked those declines up to "inventory provisions" related to its upcoming Blackwell launch and is guiding for a gross profit margin of 73% in the current quarter. In some cases, declining profit margins can be a red flag over the longer term, but a decline over two quarters is too small a sample size for investors to be concerned -- particularly on the heels of a record-breaking performance in Q1 and an upcoming product launch. The most significant potential catalyst on the horizon is Nvidia's fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter financial report, which is scheduled to be released on Feb. 26. Management is guiding for revenue of $37.5 billion, which would represent growth of about 70%, though Nvidia has a long history of issuing conservative guidance. For example, after issuing a forecast for 79% growth in Q3, Nvidia delivered growth of roughly 94%. If Blackwell shipments end up being more robust than expected -- and history suggests it could -- the company could blow past Wall Street's expectations, which could also push Nvidia stock higher. Finally, investor fears that the adoption of AI could stall appear overblown. A study by Big Four accounting firm PwC estimates that AI has the potential to add as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. In fact, the data suggests that as much as 45% of all economic gains during the period could be the result of product enhancements from AI, sparking additional consumer demand. Should investors buy Nvidia before 2025? There's one final reason investors should consider buying Nvidia stock before 2025 -- its valuation -- but that requires some context. Early this year, when excitement regarding AI had reached a crescendo, Nvidia stock was selling for 83 times earnings. Over the course of the past year, however, that multiple has fallen steadily, and the stock is currently selling for 55 times earnings. While that might still seem expensive at first glance, it's worth putting into historical context. Over the past decade, Nvidia has had an average of 59, which shows its current multiple is historically cheap. Furthermore, Nvidia is expected to generate of $4.43 in fiscal 2026, according to Wall Street. That works out to just 32 times next year's expected earnings, which is an appealing valuation for a company with such a sterling track record of growth. Taken together, Huang's upcoming appearance at CES, the blockbuster potential for Nvidia's next-generation Blackwell AI processor, the potential for improving margins, a compelling valuation, and the company's pivotal role in recent AI advances suggest there's potential upside over the near term. That said, investors looking to make a quick buck should exercise care. Any one of the aforementioned catalysts could go the other way, sending the stock , at least temporarily. Here's the thing: If you believe, like I do, that AI has the potential to transform industries and that Nvidia is one of the principal beneficiaries of this trend, then buy Nvidia stock and hang on for the wild ride to come. It doesn't matter if you buy the stock before 2025 -- as long as you buy it.China's top legislature on Saturday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including law drafts and reports. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 13th session. Lawmakers reviewed a draft value-added tax law, a draft national park law, a draft law on the publicity and education regarding the rule of law, a draft private sector promotion law and a draft hazardous chemicals safety law. They deliberated a draft amendment to the law on people's congress deputies, a draft amendment to the supervision law, a draft revision to science and technology popularization law, a draft revision to the anti-unfair competition law and a draft revision to the fisheries law. Lawmakers also reviewed a draft decision on convening the third session of the 14th NPC, reports on the handling of the suggestions, criticisms and comments submitted by lawmakers at the second session of the 14th NPC, a deputy qualification report and personnel-related bills, among others.SriLankan Airlines’ frequent flyer programme, FlySmiLes, has gone live with a reimagined website that introduces several standout features, offering seamless access and reward redemptions alongside many other intuitive functionalities for its nearly 800,000 global members. Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution of SriLankan Airlines, Dimuthu Tennakoon, stated, “this marks a significant step forward in how we engage with and reward our loyal customers. With its enhanced, user-friendly features, the website empowers members to access exclusive rewards and personalised offers anytime, anywhere.” Group Head of Information Technology of SriLankan Chamara Perera, added, “Developed entirely in-house, this project reflects the remarkable talent and innovation within our airline. The collective efforts of our teams ensured that every detail and feature of the website met the specific needs of our frequent flyers.” “By integrating cutting-edge technology, the website strikes the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics, serving as a comprehensive digital front for FlySmiLes and providing solutions for nearly every member requirement.” Members can now effortlessly navigate their personalised dashboard, check their FlySmiLes miles balance and track their membership tier progress. “Even buying, transferring and gifting miles are possible.” The platform also offers a seamless user experience with social login, enabling members to sign in using their Google or Facebook accounts. For added security, an OTP (One-Time Password) has been enabled for transactions, all integrated smoothly with a range of payment options, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard. The website makes managing redemption vouchers a breeze, by making it possible to request, redeem, modify or cancel with just a few clicks. It also offers easy access to a variety of other vouchers, such as lounge access vouchers for co-branded cardholders, excess baggage vouchers and vouchers from non-airline partners. FlySmiLes offers Platinum, Gold, Classic and Blue membership levels, while Silver membership is exclusively available for SriLankan Airlines’ co-branded credit card holders. As a member of the oneworld Alliance, FlySmiLes is part of an elite group of the world’s leading airlines working as one to give frequent international travellers a superior travel experience. The new website is at www.flysmiles.com
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He had worn No. 45 with the Chicago White Sox since his major league debut in 2020 and the pitcher was dealt Wednesday to a team that retired the number for Pedro Martínez in 2015. “Yeah, that's one of the first things that I realized after the trade went through," Crochet said Friday. His next few choices also were unavailable. “I wore 34 in college, so that one was retired,” he said, thinking back to his time at Tennessee. "Other than that, I never really picked a number since high school, and in high school I wore number 14, which I also believe was retired.” Boston retired No. 34 for David Ortiz in 2016 and No. 14 for Jim Rice in 2009. Crochet settled on No. 35, unused this year and worn most recently with the Red Sox by Richard Bleier (2023), Eric Hosmer (2022), Matt Andriese (2021) and Josh Osich (2020). Its last multiyear user was Steven Wright from 2013-19. Martínez is a Red Sox special assistant and works for the team as a spring training instructor. “Having any sort of conversation with Pedro would be my ideal world," Crochet said, "but I’m kind of going in with low expectations, hoping to bump into guys when I can.” Crochet was acquired at the winter meetings for catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez and outfielder Braden Montgomery. “It's a big relief,” Crochet said. “It takes a lot of stress out of the way of, I suppose, in spring training being curious where we’re going to be living, the housing situation is tough to figure out, so it’s nice to kind of be ahead of the game in that regard." Crochet was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for a White Sox team that went 41-121 , the most losses for any club since 1900. The 25-year-old was picked for the AL All-Star team in his first season as a starter. “The opportunity to play for the market of Boston, the fan base that’s representing the Red Sox is about as great of an opportunity as you can come by in this game,” he said. “Especially growing up that’s what you imagine it to be, is Major League Baseball, playing in the AL East, Boston, New York, the whole thing like that. And I grew up watching Big Papi, so it’s going to be a very surreal moment to play where he played.” Crochet is eligible for arbitration this offseason and next and unless he signs a long-term deal can become a free agent after the 2026 World Series. “I really haven’t had much time to give it a lot of thought,” he said. “For me this time of year the main thing that I'm focused on is my training and getting ready for spring training.”A teenage West Ham academy goalkeeper has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer. Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.
Let’s face it, the ultra-rich have it pretty rough these days. How are the millionaires and billionaires of the world expected to choose what exclusive limited-run special edition cars to add to their collections? Those folks really just can’t catch a break, because now Mercedes-AMG’s first Mythos series model, the windshield-less PureSpeed , is ready to take on the world after being revealed as a prototype earlier this year. 250 of the SL-based PureSpeed will be built, and while Mercedes still hasn’t told the world how much money each one will cost, it’s bound to have a lot of zeroes in its price tag. Mercedes unveiled the PureSpeed concept earlier this year at the Monaco Grand Prix, and the official production model thankfully doesn’t look much different. This time Mercedes chose the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to unveil the production car, and there’s logic to the model’s F1 debut. Like every single Formula 1 car since 2018, the PureSpeed may not have a windshield, roof, or A-pillar, but it does have a Halo system to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The PureSpeed’s Halo is oriented differently than in F1 cars, as it bisects the two seats and extends from the firewall straight back between the two rigid roll bars behind each seat. The Halo in the PureSpeed also features ambient lighting on the underside, which must look awesome, but sadly there are no photos that show it. What does it all add up to? A truly unique design that looks like no other car on the road, even when put against other windshield-free supercars. For a special edition car that’s a tribute to racing, the PureSpeed ought to have serious performance chops, and while it does, it’s not much different from a normal SL63 . It uses AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, producing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed transmission that feeds torque to all four wheels. Mercedes-AMG claims the PureSpeed will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. In today’s crazy world, those numbers are solid if not all that impressive, but the proletariat won’t be able to ogle you very well if you’re driving too fast so who cares. Also, certainly that top speed is only really achievable with a helmet on. Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe says the PureSpeed is “the most direct way to experience performance and fun at the wheel,” though, so it ought to be good. A symphony of electronic and mechanical wizardry come together to keep the PureSpeed on the road, including semi-active hydraulic roll stabilization, ceramic composite brakes with six-piston front calipers, rear-axle steering, an extendible rear spoiler, and underbody aero that creates a Venturi effect to reduce lift at the front axle. Each car comes with two aerodynamically optimized helmets specially made for the PureSpeed that include a smartphone-compatible intercom system to allow driver and passenger to communicate with each other, listen to music or make calls. An available two-tone paint scheme is a tribute to past race cars, and the PureSpeed’s interior features unique performance bucket seats and a two-tone steering wheel to bring some visual flair. And what’s a limited production model without a fancy clock? Buyers can rest easy knowing that IWC Schaffhausen designed an ornate, custom-made analogue clock that sits atop the center of the dashboard. There will only be 250 Mercedes-AMG PureSpeeds produced, and neither pricing nor expected availability dates have been announced yet. It is the first model in Mercedes-Benz’s limited production Mythos series of cars, which means we have more special edition models to look forward to from the three-pointed star. Daring designs like the PureSpeed are important as they keep automakers on their toes and push the limits of what’s possible, and it’s encouraging to see more F1 technology integrated into road cars, especially lifesaving technology like the Halo system.
DETROIT — China will soon see a massive expansion of electric vehicle battery swapping, as global battery maker CATL said Wednesday it is investing heavily in stations there next year. Battery swapping is not new — but it's had a challenging journey. Adoption of electric vehicles has varied in regions across the globe over the past several years, and that doesn't always bode well for building new infrastructure. While the technology could do well in China, it's uncertain whether it could work in other countries. What is battery swapping? Battery swapping allows EV drivers to pull into a station on a low battery and receive a swapped, fully-charged battery within minutes. An EV has to be equipped with the right technology to receive a swap — and not many models around the world currently have it. Automakers have to buy into the idea, and EV adoption among consumers also has to grow, so that investing in new infrastructure seems worthwhile. Consumers also have to be comfortable not owning their battery. Why could it work in China? China is much further along in adopting EVs than other countries. Not only is it the world's largest auto market, but in July, the country hit a milestone with 50% of new sales electric — and it accounts for most of this year's global EV sales. China supports EV growth through government subsidies and mandates. So it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure there because that's more likely to be needed. What other attempts at battery swapping have occurred? The most notable example might be Israeli startup Better Place, which tried its hand at swapping in 2007. But the company shut down a few years later after investing a lot of money and coming up against roadblocks with logistics. EV adoption was especially low at the time. Could it work in the United States? Europe? Startup Ample, for example, has a modular battery swapping station that it says can complete a swap in 5 minutes. That’s important as charging time remains a point of concern for prospective EV buyers. Even the fastest fast chargers could take at least 15 minutes for a decent charge. But in the U.S., pure EVs only accounted for 8% of new vehicle sales as of November. Meanwhile Nio, a rival Chinese EV brand, has about 60 swap stations in northern Europe, and the EV adoption is higher there than the U.S., but the same challenges remain. Different automakers put different batteries in their various EV models, so a station would need all of those available if the industry didn't agree to a standardized battery, and not all of those models are out yet in volume. This is something that really needs scale. Swapping could help with EV cost — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery. Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan Battery Lab, said with proper framing and education, people might like the idea of battery swapping. To him, it's not unlike buying a propane-fueled grill and purchasing a refilled tank every so often. But it would require a rethinking of car ownership. "Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less added. “I don’t think we’re there yet.” What vehicle uses might be best for swapping? Battery swapping might make most sense for ride-sharing or other fleet vehicles. Drivers of buses, taxis, Uber or Lyft vehicles want to spend as much time on the road as possible, transporting customers and making money. If battery swapping can shorten the time needed to charge EVs, that makes driving one less disruptive to their business. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at ast.john@ap.org .Unwrap the latest AI features with Amazon Fire TabletsUnwrap the latest AI features with Amazon Fire TabletsPhoto: Timothy Schafer CUPW members continue with job action outside of the Nelson Post Office. When Sherry answered the door two weeks ago and found a hand delivered income assistance cheque from the province she felt she had won the lottery. Like many affected by the Canada Post job action that stretches across the nation, the Nelson resident was planning for life without the monthly cheque and scrambling to make other arrangements to provide for her and her eight-year-old daughter’s needs in the face of a stalemate in contract negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW. But Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) staff, including community integration specialists, were delivering cheques to vulnerable populations who are unable to sign up for direct deposit or attend an office. “I really don’t know what I would have done if that cheque had not been delivered,” she said, her real name being withheld by request. Like Sherry, thousands of families in Nelson and across B.C. rely on assistance to meet their basic needs, to pay for food and rent each month, but don’t have direct deposit set up to receive the cheques automatically. So when the job action began three weeks ago it put people like Sherry into a bind. Income and disability assistance payments are necessary for many people in the province and cause additional challenges when there are delays, even though the SDPR said 85 per cent of people receive their monthly payments through direct deposit already — which means they received their payments on schedule despite the strike. Last week the B.C. Ombudsperson issued a statement saying it was investigating the province for “ineffective” distribution of income and disability assistance clients during the current Canada Post strike. The Ombudsperson claimed around 40 per cent of the ministry cheques had not been delivered in the Nelson region and across the province — to vulnerable Nelsonites during the Canada Post strike — and began the investigation. But cheques that aren’t being directly deposited are being mailed to the closest ministry or Services B.C. office for pick up. And as of Nov. 30, 98 per cent of the ministry’s November payments have been distributed. The ministry noted there are people who leave the system every month without notifying the ministry — whether they find employment, move to another province, or become deceased — and make up the remaining two per cent of cheques. “This is the normal monthly amount of cheques being distributed every month, considering the regular flow of people in and out of provincial assistance,” the ministry noted in an email to Castanet (Nelson). “For the small amount of the remaining cheques the ministry has attempted to connect with clients to arrange for distribution ... to get assistance cheques to people who cannot use direct deposit, including hand delivery by ministry staff and couriers in some situations.” With no resolution in sight for the contract negotiations, the SDPR said staff are available to help people in need to sign up for direct deposit to avoid any future delays. "The ministry is prepared for the Dec.18 cheque date should there be a need to manually distribute cheques normally delivered by Canada Post,” the ministry spokesperson said. Anyone concerned about not receiving their cheques can contact the ministry at 1-866-866-0800 to discuss options.
BILLINGS, MONT. — The University of Jamestown women’s basketball team sailed to a comfortable 85-47 win over the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada) on Sunday, Dec. 29, at Rocky Mountain College’s Fortin Education Center. The Jimmies held the Trojans to 2-for-14 from three and 3-for-13 from the free throw line while the Jimmies shot 16-for-41 from three and 19-for-27 from the free throw line. ADVERTISEMENT The Trojans (8-2) started the game taking a 4-0 lead before the Jimmies’ Jailyn Martinson hit two at the stripe to give her team a 5-4 lead. The Jimmies never trailed again taking a 19-9 lead into the second quarter. The Jimmies (11-1) took their largest lead of the day to that point midway through the second quarter when Kate Cordes hit a layup to make it 34-19. The Jimmies kept it up from there taking a 39-25 lead into the half. Late in the third quarter, the Jimmies were able to take a 24-point lead into the final quarter of play. With 34 seconds to go in the game, the Jimmies’ Jessica Oberlander hit a free throw to give her team an 85-45 lead. The Jimmies' lopsided margin meant they could go down their bench with 14 players making an appearance and 12 players scoring. The Jimmies are back in action at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, when they go to Valley City State University. UJ 85, SAIT 47 UJ: 19 20 21 25–85 ADVERTISEMENT SAIT: 9 16 13 9–47 Points leaders: UJ: Jayden Wiest 21, Kate Cordes 16, Reagan Johnson 11 SAIT: Brook Baker 11, Kitawna Sparks 11, Macy Mulholland 6, Keneisha Nepinak 6, Addison Lybbert 4 Assists leaders: UJ: Hali Savela 3, Jessika Lofstrom 3, Kate Busek 3, Wiest 2, Sarah Lenz 2, Cordes 1, Johnson 1, Jailyn Martinson 1 SAIT: Baker 4, Lauren Bailey 2, Kyler Varga 2, Mulholland 1, Nepinak 1, Jaida Wells 1 ADVERTISEMENT Leading rebounders: UJ: Hannah Hagel 7, Jessika Lofstrom 6, Martinson 6, Busek 5, Megan Oswald 5, Hali Savela 4, Cordes 4, Johnson 4, Jessica Oberlander 2 SAIT: Baker 12, Sparks 6, Lucia Monroe 2, Nepinak 2, Wells 1, Varga 1, Mulholland 1, Shelby Dean 1
A teenage West Ham academy goalkeeper has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer. Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.
ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — Nick Johnson had 22 points in Winthrop's 102-97 win over Mercer on Saturday. Johnson had five rebounds for the Eagles (10-4). Kasen Harrison shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 8 from the line to add 20 points. Kelton Talford shot 4 of 9 from the field and 10 of 14 from the free-throw line to finish with 18 points. The Bears (6-6) were led in scoring by Ahmad Robinson, who finished with 27 points and seven assists. Tyler Johnson added 19 points for Mercer. Angel Montas finished with 17 points. Winthrop plays Sunday against Indiana on the road, and Mercer visits Georgia State on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Annual Career Horoscope 2025: Best job and money prospects for each Zodiac Sign in the new year
