NoneUnion gunboats didn’t just attack rebel military sites – they went after civilian property, too
Mumbai: The BMC plans to appoint Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) to conduct a thorough technical audit for the construction of the twin tunnel and box tunnel under the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project. This third party audit will assess the design, construction, and safety standards of the tunnels, ensuring that the project meets the highest technical and environmental benchmarks. The 4.7-km-long underground twin tunnels, set to be constructed in the third phase of the ambitious GMLR project, will pass beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). This vital infrastructure initiative is designed to ease traffic congestion across the city's existing east-west corridors. The twin tunnels will each extend 4.7 km, while the box tunnel will span 1.6 km. These tunnels are designed with a diameter approximately 13 meters and will be dug to depths ranging from 20 to 160 meters. "The construction of the twin tunnels faced challenges when two tribal hamlets, Habale Pada and Nagar Mudi Pada, located within Film City, raised objections," said a senior civic official. "So we decided to realign the tunnels by 600 meters to bypass the tribal farmlands. Additionally, a survey was conducted recently to assess the number of trees that will be affected, as many are situated along the original alignment of the tunnels. We have also consulted VJTI for a third-party technical audit to ensure the project meets the highest safety and environmental standards," he added. The realignment of the twin tunnels in the GMLR project, necessary to bypass tribal farmlands in Film City, will increase the original project cost by Rs 250 crore, bringing the total to Rs 6,551 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the project on July 13, with excavation set to begin using a TBM. Civic officials assure that construction will not harm the environment of the SGNP, including its flora, wildlife, Aarey, and Tulsi lakes. The, GMLR project, expected to cost Rs 14,000 crore, will be completed by 2028, cutting travel time between Mulund and Goregaon from 75 to 25 minutes and easing congestion on key city routes. The 12.2 km road will seamlessly connect the Western Express Highway at Goregaon the Western Express Highway at Goregaon to the Eastern Express Highway at Mulund, improving connectivity. The GMLR project is expected to play a crucial role in reducing traffic bottlenecks on key routes like the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road, and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, offering a smoother, faster commute for residents and commuters.Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 American Athletic Conference) fired Biff Poggi on Monday and Tim Brewster took over. FAU (2-9, 0-7) fired Tom Ferman, also on Monday, with Chad Lunsford taking charge. After Blake's third touchdown catch of the game that came with 5:25 left, the 49ers extended their lead when Tyriq Starks was strip-sacked by Ja'Qurious Conley and 335-pound Katron Kevans carried it 22 yards into the end zone. Blake made five catches for a career-high 205 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown. Purdie was 16 of 30 for a career-best 396 yards passing with the three scores plus an interception. The 49ers only rushed for 46 yards. Stephen Rusnak kicked four field goals. Starks was 12-of-23 passing for 179 yards including a 65-yard score to Omari Hayes in the final minute of the third quarter to get FAU within six of the 49ers. CJ Campbell rushed 58 yards to score early in the fourth quarter and the Owls had a 27-26 lead. Campbell finished with 150 yards on 21 carries. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Class 3A No. 1 Greensburg traveled to Evansville for the North Basketball Showcase Saturday. In the Lady Pirates’ opener, Greensburg faced No. 2 Silver Creek. The Lady Dragon battled to the end, but Greensburg made the plays and free throws at the end to hold off Silver Creek 66-59. After a 4-4 tie in the first quarter, Greensburg outscored the Lady Dragons 11-5 to lead 15-9 after the first eight minutes of action. In the second quarter, Greensburg increased the lead to 10 points on three occasions at 19-9, 26-16 and 28-18. With Greensburg leading 30-22, Silver Creek closed the second quarter on a 6-0 run to close the half trailing by just two points, 30-28. Silver Creek was able to keep that momentum in the early part of the third quarter. The Lady Dragons took a 3-point lead at one point. Leading 46-45, Greensburg went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter with the Lady Pirates leading 53-45. Greensburg scored the first two of the fourth quarter to make it a 9-0 run and a 10-point advantage. The Greensburg lead was at 10 at 55-45, 57-47 and 59-49 before Silver Creek made a final push. The Lady Dragons cut the deficit to 59-57 and then to 61-59 before three free throws and a late bucket by Greensburg sealed the 66-59 victory. For the Lady Pirates, Claire Larrison scored 23 points to go with seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Mylie Wilkison added 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Leah West finished with 11 points and three rebounds. Aly Powers had six points, six rebounds and three assists. Mary Harmon finished with four points one rebound and a team-high five assists. Emma McQueen had two points two rebounds and three assists. The Lady Pirates took on Princeton Saturday evening and moved to 10-0 with a 68-52. Greensburg led 16-7 after the first quarter and 30-17 at the half. The lead was stretched to 49-32 after three quarters. Greensburg shot 56 percent from the field and 74 percent from charity stripe. Greensburg scored 36 points in the paint and dished out 21 assists as a team. For the Lady Pirates, Larrison stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Wilkison tallied 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. West added 14 points, two rebounds one assist and one steal. Harmon had eight points, three assists and four steals. Powers added eight points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. McQueen had two points, four rebounds and one steal. Kahlen Adams scored two points and Emma Kuntz had one rebound and one assist. Oldenburg 45 South Decatur 27 The Lady Twisters picked up a road win at South Decatur 45-27 to improve to 7-1 on the season. The Lady Cougars drop to 5-5 heading into Thursday’s game at Hauser. Makayla Somers led the Lady Cougars in scoring with seven points. Paige McQueen and Makayla Puckett were next for South with six points each. Raegan Benge scored four points. Taylor Somers and Dalilah Martin both had two points. Taylor Somers grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Makayla Somers added six rebounds. Puckett and Martin both had two rebounds. Puckett dished out a team-high three assists. McQueen and Makayla Somers both had two assists. Makayla Somers led South with three steals. Batesville 50 Shelbyville 43 The Lady Bulldogs picked up win No. 7 on the season with a 50-43 win at Shelbyville. Batesville led at every quarter break en route to the victory. For the Lady Bulldogs, Marlee Obermeyer tallied 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kaylin Kathmann finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Madely Haskamp added a double double: 10 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Sydney Campbell had eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Sophie Gesell contributed six points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Nora Wiedeman added two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Lydia Haskamp had one rebound and one steal. Batesville hosts Lawrenceburg Tuesday. Bishop Chatard 44 Rushville 30 The Lady Lions traveled to Bishop Chatard Saturday and were defeated 44-30. Both teams are 4-4 on the season. Trisha Morgan led the Lady Lions in scoring with 10 points and added three rebounds and two steals. Carly Senour finished with eight points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Leonie Boyer tallied seven points, eight rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal. Charlotte Caviness had two points, two rebounds and one assist. Kelsey Morgan added two points, one rebound and one assist. Makenna Ripberger had one point, three rebounds, one block and one steal. Mikayla Herbert had one rebound and one assist. Gracie Buzzard had five rebounds and one steal. Audrey Angle grabbed two rebounds. The Lady Lions host Whiteland Wednesday. EIAC Friday Lawrenceburg 37, Richmond 21 Saturday Batesville 50, Shelbyville 43 Connersville 61, Hamilton Heights 38 Greensburg 66, Silver Creek 59 Greensburg 68, Princeton 52 Bishop Chatard 44, Rushville 30 Jac-Cen-Del 60, South Dearborn 53 MHC Friday Englewood 82, Southwestern 14 Triton Central 75, Waldron 45 Saturday Hauser 53, Crothersville 30 Knightstown 47, Edinburgh 40 Oldenburg 45, South Decatur 27
( MENAFN - Gulf Times) Qatar University (QU) will host the Gulf-wide“Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)” competition, sponsored by ConocoPhillips on Nov 28. The event, the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region, will take place at the QU campus. The competition will feature graduate students from various higher education institutions across the GCC. Participating alongside QU are several prominent universities, including King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Kuwait University, Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Bahrain, and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) in partnership with Northumbria University. QU's Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof Aiman Mahmoud Erbad, stated,“Since 2019, QU has successfully organised this competition at the national level. This year, the event has expanded to the Gulf level, with participation from nine GCC educational institutions and a significant increase in student involvement.” Prof Erbad also highlighted the diversity of academic fields represented in this year's competition, which spans humanities, social sciences, and other scientific disciplines. Dean of Graduate Studies at QU, Prof Ahmad Al-own remarked on the significance of the Gulf-wide competition, saying,“This inaugural GCC edition seeks to create a unified graduate studies community that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise while promoting research excellence at national, regional, and global levels. The competition will showcase the exceptional research capabilities of graduate students across the Gulf.” Prof Al-own added,“The competition started as a local initiative and has now expanded to the Gulf level. Future plans include collaborating with the University of Queensland, the originator of this competition, to extend it to the Arab and global stages.” MENAFN23112024000067011011ID1108918864 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Perhaps this is due to an unwillingness to believe that an upset will occur, or perhaps it is an unwillingness to recognise that the political system in the country, and the material outcomes it delivers for the public at large, matter and should matter to all Namibians. Problems of unemployment, social inequality, housing, access to services, foreign policy and beyond, are national problems. As much as some of us wish to be left alone as individuals, the reality is that even if nothing else, our political and legal system bind us all together. Thankfully, however, for the vast majority of Namibians it is a lot more than just the political and legal systems that bind us together. IGNORANCE Despite the efforts of small groups that seek to divide us, to most Namibians it is unconscionable that within our nation, children go to bed without sufficient food or a roof over their heads, that grandmothers don’t have access to basic medical care, that young people graduate without hope of a job, and that wealth and prosperity is a mere dream for so many. However, similarly, most Namibians do not really know how to get in the ring and fight for change. Politics is a no-go for many, as it is painted as unpatriotic to suggest that a certain policy proposal may cause more harm than good, and that being even vaguely critical of the status quo is somehow sacrilegious, as if the status quo is working well and only naysayers and the inherently bearish can find even mild signs of failure. Moreover, a perception (probably reality) exists that criticising the status quo, however well intended, will be treated harshly by the powers that be, and in a heavily regulated economy, those powers are both plentiful, and plenty powerful. And so, while many do see the challenges our country faces – close to 50% unemployment, a third of the population living in shacks, half the population without access to electricity – most keep their head down. It is but a few of us fools that tilt at policy windmills to try and change things for the better. The sane put on their blinkers and play the game, languish in the status quo, or at best quietly start or operate businesses and create jobs – an enormous and thankless challenge in this hyper-overregulated and strangulating business environment. But even if one casts aside the altruism and care for fellow man espoused above (I do not recommend this, but let’s do the thought experiment), a generally underperforming economy with high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality is not a stable environment. There is an old saying that explains that the people you should fear are those with nothing and everything to lose. With close to 50% of the population unemployed, many for decades, we certainly have a lot of Namibians with nothing to lose. Thus, why anyone is surprised when radical demagogues get support for radical reform promises, however unrealistic, is the real question. LACK OF DIALOGUE A common issue in Namibia is that we lack places of dialogue and engagement. Development is nuanced, and a lack of trust and engagement is all too common. Add to this that dissent is equated to disloyalty or worse, and you have a recipe for failure. So we look for ways, but sometimes inefficient and not always constructive ways, of debating in the public square. I, like many, am guilty of the 280-character social media battles, which massively constrain the ability to discuss nuance. Rent-control debates are a relevant example here. I have disagreed with members of parliament on this on Twitter (I am too old to call it X), as it is an economically illiterate “solution” to a real problem. However, this disagreement can easily be misinterpreted to suggest that one doesn’t see or care about the underlying problem – this couldn’t be further from the truth. High property prices (rental and ownership) are largely driven by supply-side issues, with the main issue being access to serviced land, and addressing this underlying issue will address a large portion of the problem. Another consideration, however, and all roads tend to lead back to this, is unemployment. It doesn’t matter how cheap houses are – if you have no income, they will be unaffordable. Both of these are issues we have been very public about, and recommended real solutions to, for literally decades. The very same applies to my engagements with Job [Amupanda]. While I have no time for his racial lens and outdated political ideology, I appreciate that he shines a light into a number of the county’s darkest areas, areas which need be illuminated in the public and policymaker’s minds. The issues he identifies around housing, corruption, education and inequality, are real issues and need to be addressed. However, where we fundamentally disagree is on the method of resolve – the solutions. In this regard, I can be unequivocal in saying that the solution to these real problems is not an omnipotent government ruled by an autocrat – that model has been tried and has failed, repeatedly. SOLUTION The solution to most of these problems is a highly focused government that provides a small number of specific services well, and a flourishing entrepreneurial sector creating jobs and paying tax. Not state mega-projects, as these have a record of failure the world over. In this regard, government should support all business activity, but purely through provision of public infrastructure, a good business climate and enabling/catalytic measures. Being dependent on one or two sectors, hand-picked by a subset of the (perhaps smart) people in the country, will always be limiting. Hydrogen is a great example of this. The great exception I take with green hydrogen is simply that its proponents have created a distraction by pretending they will create far more jobs than they will. The example I give is this: if a friend tells you they will bring the meat for a braai, you stop thinking about it because someone else has it covered. If they pitch up with no meat, you have a problem. The green hydrogen crowd has promised us meat (jobs), and now pitched up with nothing but yesterday’s salad. Thus, it is far more sensible to have a large number of contributors to the national pot, than to focus on one to two chosen contributors. MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY But enough of why our political system matters, and on-to the ‘upset’. Any sensible assessment of Namibia’s socio-economic data makes it clear that Namibia, like most of the region, is headed for a more legitimate multi-party democracy. In South Africa, the ANC has fallen below 50% in the National Assembly, while in Botswana, 58 years of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rule have just come to a peaceful end. Our nationally representative polling on Namibia, the only such polling that exists, has repeatedly shown that Swapo will fall well below 50% in the National Assembly election, possibly as low as 35%, and that Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will likely be marginally less popular than the party, meaning a run-off election between the top two candidates is likely. A run-off will be a first for the country, and based on our data, would result in significant changes. Firstly, a large portion of those that voted for candidates that didn’t make it through the first round will shift their vote to Itula (the other front runner). Secondly, so too would a number of first-round Nandi-Ndaitwah supporters, especially if her first-round result is weak. While we can’t be sure why this is, and can only backfill the data, it makes sense to us that a number of voters are, like elsewhere in the world, voting against the status quo. At the same time, a number of those that appear to support the status quo are likely to be more loyal to the powerbase than they are to a party or candidate, and thus a clear change in majority direction will likely result in a significant swing in “powerbase supporters” to Itula. We don’t see much, beyond election interference (which we see as unlikely but not impossible), that can change this at this point, as most voters seem to have made up their minds as to where to place their cross. As a result, the relevant question is not how to avoid or change this outcome (given the socioeconomic issues in the country, it is hard to see why you would want to if not for self-serving reasons alone), but how do we make a new dispensation work and how do we use this change to improve the lives of all Namibians, especially those most left behind. ‘INSURMOUNTABLE CHALLENGE’ Frankly, for a nation with a small population and plentiful resources, to turn things around is not an insurmountable challenge. It does, however, require some unity and interest in the common good. Politicians will need to work across the political aisle with a focus on the nation first, but businesses and the government too will have to improve their working relationship, as will government and the public. In this regard, there’s a long overdue admission needed from the government that every job creator and every taxpayer is a national asset, and their contributions to making Namibia a better place are vital. The business sector needs to raise its head and stop being apologist for all the good we do, but at the same time develop a spine and stop pretending that bad policy isn’t bad, or isn’t our problem, for fear of reprisal. At the same time, we should (obviously) conduct our business ethically, and call out bad actors amongst ourselves, while helping new businesses to establish and thrive. Finally, as hard as it is to hear, some patience is needed from young people who have been left behind for so long. Turning the ship in the right direction can be done and done quickly, but reaching the destination will take a bit of time. However, shortcuts to utopia never actually lead there, and there is a legitimate road to walk to ensure a successful Namibia for all. The key message, however, remains that Namibia has many challenges, and to put one’s head in the sand and hope that others address them, is no solution. Change is coming, and all Namibians should be looking to use this change to better the country. We all have a role to play. – Rowland Brown is the co-founder of Cirrus Capital.( MENAFN - GetNews) Throughout history, medical technology has been a driving force behind societal progress. According to a 2019 World health Organization (WHO) report, the global health industry accounts for 10% of the global GDP. However, despite ongoing advancements in medical technology, critical challenges such as workforce shortages, inefficiencies in healthcare services, and the growing burden of complex diseases persist. These issues urgently call for innovative solutions. Against this backdrop, international medical conferences are fostering global collaboration in healthcare policy and technology, driving the development of more efficient and inclusive healthcare systems. Today, global healthcare stands at a crossroads of uncertainty and potential. Technological innovation, from artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to gene editing and regenerative medicine, is viewed as the pivotal solution to reshaping modern healthcare and transforming human health on an unprecedented scale. This silent revolution in life sciences marks a profound shift. Traditional medical models are increasingly constrained while emerging technologies redefine our understanding of diseases, aging, and life. The Silent Revolution in Life Sciences Traditional healthcare models often fall short in addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern health. These models, rooted in treating isolated diseases, frequently overlook psychological, social, and environmental factors. As a result, they struggle with chronic non-communicable diseases and complex conditions. Reliance on pharmaceutical interventions can create a dependency loop, sidelining preventive strategies and long-term health management in favor of acute care. Emerging biotechnologies, however, are opening new frontiers in health. Gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 enable precise gene modifications to correct genetic defects, offering hope for inherited diseases. Regenerative medicine and cell therapy, including stem cell injections, hold promise for tissue and organ repair, potentially addressing global organ shortages. Additionally, gene analysis and big data are empowering doctors to tailor treatments to individual patients, significantly enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The true value of medical innovation lies not in isolated technological breakthroughs but in integrating these advancements into a cohesive health ecosystem. Gene editing, regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and telemedicine should operate like an interconnected system-collaborative and synergistic. BioV Foundation is dedicated to translating molecular innovations into personalized, life-cycle health solutions for individuals worldwide. BioV: Pioneering the Boundaries of Life Sciences BioV Foundation, at the forefront of life sciences and regenerative medicine, is committed to advancing quality of life through groundbreaking innovations, particularly in cancer, immune disorders, and chronic diseases. Guided by the vision to transition“from reactive treatment to proactive management, from standardized processes to personalized interventions,” BioV combines a global perspective with interdisciplinary expertise to build a borderless healthcare platform. The Foundation's core technologies focus on precision medicine and biopharmaceuticals, with particular emphasis on breakthroughs in stem cell regeneration, immunotherapy, and gene editing. Its proprietary Adult Small Embryonic-Like (ASEL) stem cell technology, immune enhancement platforms, and advanced gene therapies aim to revolutionize disease treatment. Leveraging a robust research foundation and a highly skilled team, BioV continuously drives clinical development and technological translation, offering efficient, safe treatment options worldwide. With a comprehensive healthcare industry presence, BioV operates over 30 research laboratories globally and collaborates with leading hospitals to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Its product portfolio spans six key health sectors: biomedical materials, synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, targeted stem cell technologies, anti-aging and anti-cancer therapies, and natural health care. Recognizing that transformative global healthcare requires cross-boundary exploration, BioV actively collaborates with leading research institutions and experts to deliver efficient, precise medical solutions for patients worldwide. Bangkok International Life Sciences Summit In pursuit of fostering global collaboration and dialogue in life sciences, BioV Foundation, in partnership with AVZ Foundation, is hosting the BioV International Summit on Life Sciences and Regenerative Medicine in Bangkok. This prestigious summit will convene world-renowned scientists, experts, and industry leaders for a transformative dialogue on life sciences and medical innovation. Event Details: BioV International Summit on Life Sciences and Regenerative Medicine Date: December 22, 2024 | 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM Venue: Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada Address: 204 Ratchadaphisek Rd., Huai Khwang Subdistrict, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok 10320 The summit will feature Nobel Laureates such as Professor George F. Smoot, Professor Edvard Moser, and Professor Thomas C. Südhof, among others. Highlights include cutting-edge discussions on gene editing, cell therapy, tissue regeneration, and health management. Key Speakers: . H.R.H. Prince M.L. Pawarit Kittiyakorn : Opening remarks representing Thailand's royal support for advancements in life sciences. . Professor Thomas C. Südhof : Insights into cellular transport and its medical applications. . Professor George F. Smoot : Cross-disciplinary analysis of physics in stem cell research and biomaterial innovation. . Professor Edvard Moser : Exploration of neural networks and their implications for cognitive functions. Other distinguished speakers include Dr. Chen Lin (Boston University), Dr. Ma Lixin (Tongji University), and Dr. Sun Xin (Chairman, Zhongjian Group). A Commitment to Humanity and Innovation At its core, the BioV Foundation emphasizes corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. By bridging global healthcare disparities and championing innovation in underserved regions, BioV aims to democratize healthcare access. Initiatives include health insurance products integrated with charity, investments in global health projects, and efforts to improve healthcare accessibility worldwide. Through global cooperation and technological innovation, BioV is committed to advancing equitable and compassionate healthcare for all. Conclusion: The Dawn of Life Sciences The BioV International Summit represents not only a convergence of scientific excellence but a bold step toward reshaping global healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with a people-centric approach, BioV is pioneering a new era of proactive health management and life sciences innovation. Together, we move closer to a world where health is not just a privilege but a fundamental right. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. MENAFN20122024003238003268ID1109018472 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Jammu, Dec 20: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, inaugurated an IT Exhibition here today. The event, aimed at showcasing the latest IT products, was participated by more than 40 top brands which are displaying their products and services. This event is meant for students, the common public and GeM buyers (Govt Departments) as well. It also envisages promotion of local traders so that government IT purchases are done through local traders. While interacting with the organisers, the Deputy Chief Minister said organising these types of Expo gives an opportunity to the companies to showcase the latest innovations in the Information Technology field. Besides, these also serve as a medium of exchange between local companies and national players as well, he added. “We have to be aware of the latest technological interventions as it is imperative in the present age to be competitive and being relevant”, maintained the Deputy Chief Minister.
Every facet of AI feels like it's advanced by a decade in the last year, and in the whirlwind of new releases and capabilities, you may have missed something important: interactive video chatbots that can see, hear and converse with you in real time. Look, don't mind me, I'm over here still blown away by how good ChatGPT's advanced voice mode is. Multimodal AIs are proving themselves every bit as capable at expressing themselves in audio and video form as they have in the written word. A couple of years ago, the idea of having a video chat with a fairly lifelike, photorealistic AI would have seemed ridiculously futuristic. Yet here we are in 2024, I've just spoken to five of them, and I'm now so conditioned to immediately accepting new breakthrough technologies that it already feels completely normal. The Good Indeed, I'm about to complain about their current shortcomings. But first, let's talk about what they do well. Speed, for me, has to be top of the list here. You speak, and the video avatar responds with no more lag or latency than you'd get with a voice chat – around 600 milliseconds, according to Tavus. Indeed, I've had plenty of video chats with other actual humans where there's been more lag than this. Of course, the avatars look and sound fantastic – and naturally, their conversational abilities make last-gen models like Siri and Alexa feel like black and white TVs. It's truly stunning how much these models can do in real time – never mind the conversation, the voice, the body language – they can also look back at you through your laptop or device camera, taking stock of your surroundings and incorporating them into the conversation. "I see you've got some guitars and keyboards behind you, Loz," AI agent 'Carter' tells me. "And those sound absorbing panels on the roof ... Looks like you've got a serious music production space there, loving those creative vibes!" These agents can be given personalities, memories, scenarios, habits, tasks, boundaries, interaction goals, scripts, and access to whatever information they'll need to do their job – jobs like automated sales, customer service, information assistants, whatever human-facing tasks can be done over a video chat interface. They can converse comfortably in a range of languages, without losing the essential tone of their voices. They can appear in a range of different environments; walking down the street, driving a car, hanging out at a cafe, or sitting in whatever office you can dream up. And they can look and sound just like you. A single two-minute video upload is all Tavus needs to capture your look and your voice, which it'll then turn into a programmable "digital twin" conversation agent that's your own spitting image. The Bad These things are still very early versions of what's coming steaming down the line at us. The Carter bot doesn't always get its lips perfectly synchronized with its voice. The facial expressions aren't always in the right places. He glitches a little; the eyes seem to reposition themselves on his head now and then, and the video or audio occasionally stutters to reveal his digital nature. And, as with ChatGPT, the conversation is still a bit stunted. You need to take turns, and if you stop to think too long in the middle of a sentence, he'll start replying when a human would (ideally) give you a little more space. AIs are yet to master the art of gentle interruption, prompting, these sorts of things. It doesn't matter. The speed at which this tech advances is truly staggering. In a few months Carter will be old news, and all these gaps will close rapidly. Most of the world only learned about ChatGPT last year – now you're looking at the AI, and it's looking at you, in real-time video conversations. The Ugly Indeed, part of what this thing needs to do to improve is to become better at reading body language, which might help it work out, say, the difference between somebody trailing off, or pausing for thought, or having finished their sentence. And then, of course, it needs to learn how to adjust its own body language in response to yours, and to advance its goals in the communication. And here, for those of you that have followed my thoughts on AI over the last couple of years, you'll start to see some of the scary potential here. Forgive me as we take off into the realm of speculation – but the rapid convergence of technologies in this space makes some things pretty clear to me. Back in April, a study found that – and at the same time, we started seeing the first , capable of reading the tone of your voice and responding to the emotional content as well as the words. Oh, and here's some light reading if you're wondering how much an AI might be able to learn about you from your body language ... Back in 2021, a research review absolutely floored me by outlining So when I look at Carter looking back at me, I'm amazed by the progress and blown away by the technology, but I also see the embryonic form of the most powerful persuasive tool in history. This one might just beat religion, friends. Given just a short scrap of video, a scammer could have an agent video-call you as your own mother, and cold-read you like no human expert ever could, constantly monitoring your facial expressions, tone of voice and body language to keep tabs on whether it's fooling you or not. If you start to cotton on, it could notice almost before you do, and start deploying all sorts of distraction or refocusing techniques to bypass objections, create a sense of urgency, and move you toward its ultimate goal, whatever that is. That's just the criminal side of things ... Imagine trying to get a refund when the customer service agent you're talking to is a master conversational tactician, a superhuman body language expert and voice tone analyst all rolled into one. Imagine how powerful the sell's going to be when you're talking to a galaxy-brained super-salesman who can read you like a book. That's not to mention how effective these things will be as misinformation vectors, virtual girlfriends, divisive political tools ... Perhaps even police detectives or interrogators. They'll be incredibly believable one-on-one interactions, weaponizing our in-built physical tendencies to make our bodies betray us. The balance of power here will be incredibly one-sided, if they can just keep us on the line. In a positive sense, they'll become incredible therapists, doctors, assistants, coaches, mentors, trainers, teachers and probably friends. But it'll be more important than ever to bear in mind the base truth: if you don't own an AI, somebody else does, and it's working for them first, and you second. So be very careful what you choose to reveal, and only deal with companies that you trust ... ... or not. There might be no real way of protecting yourself from this stuff. We, as a species, might just have to adapt to a new reality. You can have a two-minute demo chat with Carter yourself at the . Tell him I said hi. Oh, and you can take a look at what HeyGen is doing in this space as well if you want to see some similar alternatives, although I was less impressed by . Source:
Struggling Syracuse looks to climb back above .500 when it hosts Albany on Tuesday night. The Orange (4-4) are coming off a conference loss to Notre Dame where they failed to make a 3-pointer in a game for the first time in more than 10 years, going 0-for-9 from behind the arc. They will be without leading scorer J.J. Starling, who broke his hand in practice last Monday. Orange coach Adrian Autry said there was "no timetable" for Starling's return after the loss to the Fighting Irish and lamented his team's struggles with turnovers and free-throw shooting in the defeat. "Too many blown opportunities," Autry said. "We're not shooting the ball well. We have to adjust and go game by game now. Our front court has been pretty secure, but we have to keep working and getting better." Starling was averaging a team-high 19.8 points before his injury. The Orange may need to lean more on freshman Donnie Freeman, who has been a standout for Syracuse this season. He's averaging 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds and already has four double-doubles. He was co-ACC Rookie of the Week last week. Defensively, the Orange have struggled. They rank No. 329 in scoring defense, giving up 79.4 points per game. Albany is scoring 77.2 ppg so far this season. The Great Danes (6-4) were downed by Boston University 80-74 in overtime on Saturday. They started the season 5-1 but have lost three of their last four. Senior guard Byron Joshua, a transfer from Alcorn State, is the Great Danes' leading scorer at 13.6 ppg. Amar'e Marshall was an All-America East Conference pick last season after averaging 16.7 points, but his field goal shooting has dropped from 43.4 percent last season to 34.5 percent this season. He is scoring 11.7 ppg. "I think we're learning how to compete at the right level," Albany coach Dwyane Killings said after a loss to Georgetown on Nov. 30. "I think the one thing that troubles us a lot is that our identity and our energy comes when the ball goes in the basket. When it doesn't, I don't think we have the grit that we need right now." Albany has been one of the best teams in the country in terms of steals. The Great Danes average 10.2 steals per game, which is tied for No. 12 in the nation. Syracuse is 8-0 against Albany all-time with the teams last meeting in 2011. Syracuse is 4-0 at home and 4-0 against non-power-conference opponents. --Field Level MediaNoneThe European Commission has approved a Romanian state aid measure worth €790 million (approximately RON 3.9 billion ) to address the exceptional costs associated with the closure of four uncompetitive coal mines in the Jiu Valley — Lonea , Lupeni , Livezeni , and Vulcan . This decision aligns with the European Union’s state aid rules and supports Romania’s efforts to phase out coal production by 2032, in accordance with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Territorial Plan for a Just Transition . The beneficiary of this measure is Societatea Complexul Energetic Valea Jiului S.A. , the operator of the four mines and the Paroșeni power plant . The allocated funds will cover social costs for workers affected by the mine closures, as well as safety and environmental rehabilitation measures. This includes securing mine shafts, repairing environmental damage, and reclaiming land for future use. The aid will be allocated for eligible costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032 . To ensure transparency and compliance, an independent consultant will be appointed to monitor coal extraction, ensuring it is limited to public safety needs, such as preventing spontaneous combustion. Annual reports will be provided to maintain oversight. “This measure will help Romania carry out the necessary safety and rehabilitation work to facilitate mine closures while mitigating the social impact of the transition. It ensures that no one is left behind in the green transition,” said European Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager . The European Commission evaluated the measure under Article 4 of Council Decision 2010/787/EU , determining that the aid strictly covers the exceptional costs arising from the mine closures, with no link to current production. Based on these findings, the Commission deemed the measure compatible with EU internal market rules.
TikTok Faces Crucial US Supreme Court Ruling Over National Security Concerns
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Market to grow by USD 2.32 Billion (2024-2028), driven by demand for AI-based customized learning, report highlights AI trends - TechnavioFor a wholesome and easy dinner, try this carrot noodle soup. This recipe comes from Chloe Wheatland’s new cookbook Chloe’s Vegan Kitchen . Read more: 10 Recipes That Use In-Season Vegetables For Fall Carrots, the star ingredient, are packed with beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts immunity. Blended with coconut milk and vegetable stock, the carrots create a velvety, comforting soup base. Chickpeas bring a hearty texture and plant-based protein, while the red curry paste adds warmth and spice. Rice vermicelli noodles make the dish more filling and add a satisfying chew to each bite. This soup pairs perfectly with a dollop of coconut yogurt , fresh coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch. Serve it with warm, toasted bread for an extra hearty meal. You can also drizzle chili oil for extra heat, making it customizable to your spice preference. Ideal for chilly evenings, this carrot noodle soup is a quick, tasty option that’s sure to become a go-to dinner. Read more: 30 Fall Recipes To Warm Up Your Evenings Carrot noodle soup Ingredients 5 large carrots (325 grams) chopped into roughly 2 cm chunks 100 g rice vermicelli noodles 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable stock 400 ml can full-fat coconut milk 1 tablespoon olive oil 1⁄2 brown onion finely diced 1 clove garlic finely chopped 2 1⁄2 tablespoons vegan Thai red curry paste 400 g can chickpeas drained and rinsed 4 slices bread of your choice toasted Coconut yoghurt Coriander leaves Chili oil Crushed peanuts Instructions Place the carrots into a saucepan and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Remove from heat and drain. Meanwhile, place the rice vermicelli noodles into a large heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Combine the carrots, vegetable stock, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic, red curry paste and chickpeas and sauté for a further 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the carrot mixture and vermicelli noodles and mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring regularly, or until the soup has thickened. Remove from heat. To serve, ladle into bowls and serve with the toast. If you like, top with coconut yoghurt, coriander, chili oil and crushed peanuts. Edited extract of Chloe’s Vegan Kitchen (Penguin, $39.99) by Chloe Wheatland. Photography by Sammy Green. Available now. Read more: There’s More To Chickpeas Than Hummus, Try These 6 Creative Vegan Recipes
STUART, Fla. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, Inc., an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock, at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. In addition, Health In Tech has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 345,000 shares of its Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 23, 2024 , under the ticker symbol "HIT". The offering is expected to close on December 24, 2024 , subject to customary closing conditions. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. is acting as the sole book-running manager of this offering. Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering towards system enhancements, the expansion of service offerings, expansion of sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital and other general corporate purpose. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech, Inc. ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-inc-announces-pricing-of-initial-public-offering-302337631.html SOURCE Health In TechWhat we can VERIFY about Trump’s plan to use the military to support mass deportations
