HEWLETT Packard Enterprise (HPE) reported better-than-expected quarterly revenue and a jump in sales of servers to power artificial intelligence (AI) work. Fiscal fourth-quarter revenue increased 15 per cent to US$8.5 billion, the company said on Thursday (Dec 5). Analysts, on average, estimated US$8.3 billion. Profit, excluding some items, was 58 US cents per share, ahead of the average of 56 US cents expected by Wall Street. Demand for high-powered computing to run AI workloads has led to a boom for hardware makers, including HPE, Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer. HPE reported that revenue from AI systems increased 16 per cent to US$1.5 billion in the quarter. Server unit sales jumped 32 per cent to US$4.7 billion. The shares increased about 2 per cent in extended trading after closing at US$21.65 in New York. The stock has gained 28 per cent this year to Thursday’s close. In January, the Texas-based hardware company announced plans to acquire Juniper Networks and orient the combined business around networking. The proposed US$14 billion deal has caught the attention of US competition regulators, who have made their concerns known to the company, Bloomberg has reported. HPE said it expects the deal to close in the “early part” of 2025. “We are working very collaboratively with the DOJ,” chief executive officer Antonio Neri said, referring to the US Department of Justice. “We have received unconditional approval from pretty much all the jurisdictions around the world including the European Union, UK, Australia, South Korea – you name it.” Revenue in Intelligent Edge, HPE’s business unit which includes networking, declined 20 per cent to US$1.1 billion in the period ended Oct 31, in line with estimates. In the quarter ending in January, HPE expects sales growth in the “mid teens”, compared with an average analyst estimate of 15 per cent. Earnings, excluding some items, will be 47 US cents a share to 52 US cents a share. Analysts, on average, estimated 48 US cents. BLOOMBERGAfter the sharp rise of Rushwin Dortley, Kaizer Chiefs are monitoring two new players who could turn out for Bafana Bafana soon. Velebayi is the real deal and so is Chiefs’ interest Cape Town Spurs winger Asanele Velebayi is a long-standing target. Thought of as a massive prospect for Bafana Bafana, the 21-year-old has winger been with Spurs for a decade and their CEO wants to get the maximum value out of a sale, should it come to that. Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr outright refuted reports that the club had directly contacted Asanele Velebayi’s parents to engineer a move for the winger. Velebayi, still only 21, was the name on everyone’s lips during the recent winter transfer window. Spurs CEO Ari Efstathiou valued the player around R12 million, while Amakhosi’s reported offer was closer to R5 million. Watch this space in January. Click for the full story Dithejane is the one who got away According to SoccerLaduma , Amakhosi are closely following Puso Dithejane’s performance with TS Galaxy. The former Chiefs academy product has thrived in the number 10 role since his acrimonious departure from Naturena. Do you remember that silly controversy around him refusing to be a ballboy? Yeah, Chiefs will regret that now and they’ll probably have to stump up a big fee to buy him back. At 20 years old, Dithejane already looks happy and confident at this level. Rushwin Dortley paves the way It’s not as if Rushwin Dortley was an unknown quantity before he signed for Chiefs, but Bafana recognition of the young central defender didn’t seem right around the corner. Now he’s a regular in Hugo Broos’ and Nasreddine Nabi’s sides. His status as a Kaizer Chiefs player has undoubtedly raised his profile and the visibility around the 22-year-old. The impressively elegant left-footer has started all five of Chiefs’ Betway Premiership clashes this term. The quality in this guy’s boots is plain to see. Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com . You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.Assistance rendered to stranded tourists by locals in Gund wins praise
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Johnson scores 21 as Portland State beats Wofford 79-74 at Cream City ChallengeAustralia's House of Representatives passes bill that would ban young children from social media
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MELBOURNE, Australia -- Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media , leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. The legislation was passed with 102 votes in favor to 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses. The platforms also could not demand digital identification through a government system. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Senate would debate the bill later Wednesday. The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will be passed by the Senate where no party holds a majority of seats. Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encountered and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.” “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament. “There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added. T he platforms had asked for the vote on legislation to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could been enforced.TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have both gone out on drone hunts, hoping for answers. The FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other agencies are investigating. Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety , but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft — and to be allowed to shoot them out of the sky. Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones statewide since mid-November, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that equipment supplied by the federal government has yielded little new information. He declined to describe the equipment except to say it was powerful and could even “mitigate” the drones, though he added that’s not currently legal on U.S. soil. The state tallied 12 sightings Saturday and just one on Sunday. Murphy urged Congress to give states more authority to deal with the drones. The growing anxiety among some residents is not lost on the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from Trump for not dealing with the matter more aggressively. White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday said the federal government has yet to identify any public safety or national security risks from reported drone sightings in the northeast, saying officials believe they were lawfully flown drones, planes or even stars. “There are more than 1 million drones that are lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration here in the United States,” Kirby said. “And there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones that are lawfully in the sky on any given day. That is the ecosystem that we are dealing with.” The federal government has deployed personnel and advanced technology to investigate the reports in New Jersey and other states, and is evaluating each tip reported by citizens, he said. The FBI received more than 5000 tips in recent weeks, he added, with only “about 100” deemed credible enough to require additional investigation. Authorities say they do not know. The Department of Homeland Security and FBI said they have no evidence that the aircraft pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” Speculation has nevertheless raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing investigations have found no evidence to support such concerns, but U.S. Rep Chris Smith, a Republican, on Saturday echoed such speculation. “The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities — or worse — by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea,” he said. On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cast doubt on the idea that the drones are engaged in intelligence gathering, given how loud and bright they are. He said about 1 million drones are registered drones in the U.S. and about 8,000 flying on any given day. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has said the aircraft are not U.S. military drones. In Boston, city police arrested two men accused of operating a drone “dangerously close” to Logan Airport on Saturday night. Authorities said an officer using drone monitoring technology detected the aircraft and the location of the operators. A third man fled police and remains at large. Authorities said the two men face trespassing charges and could face more charges and fines. Drones flying around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, forced base officials to close its airspace for about four hours late Friday into early Saturday, said Robert Purtiman, a base spokesperson. It was the first time drones had been spotted at the base, one of the largest in the world, and no sightings have been reported since, Purtiman said Monday. He said the drones had no impact on any facilities on the base. Trump has said he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social. Kim said he’s heard no support for the notion the government is hiding anything. He said a lack of faith in institutions is playing a key part in the saga. “Nothing that I’m seeing, nothing that I’ve engaged in gives me any impression of that nature. But like, I get it, some people won’t believe me, right? Because that’s the level of distrust that we face," Kim said Monday. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut last week called for the drones to be “shot down." Rep. Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to bring down one or more drones to try to figure out who deployed them. The objects could be downed over the ocean or in an unpopulated area on land, Smith said Saturday. “Why can't we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” Smith said. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said members of the public must not try to shoot down drones, as that would violate state and federal laws. Drone sightings were also reported in New York, where a permit is required. Mayor Eric Adams said the city was investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. The runways at Stewart International Airport — about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the city — were shut down for about an hour Friday night because of drone activity, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This has gone too far,” she said in a statement. The governor called on Congress to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and give more investigative authority to state and local law enforcement. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; and Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed.PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer will visit Scotland on Friday to meet John Swinney and other leaders from the devolved nations and Ireland. Financing action to tackle climate change will be the main topic at the British-Irish Council (BIC) meeting in Edinburgh . 1 Sir Keir Starmer will meet John Swinney in Edinburgh As well as Scotland’s First Minister, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill will also take part along with other ministers from the devolved administrations. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris will be present at the summit, as will Tanaiste Micheal Martin . The chief ministers of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey also attend the BIC. Alongside the Prime Minister , Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will represent the UK Government . Formed in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, this will be the 42nd meeting of the intergovernmental forum. read more politics 'RECORD FUNDING' Scots Finance Minister says 'no reason' for councils to impose tax hikes WORKERS WORRY Jobs at scandal-hit Ferguson Marine could be axed to cut costs Discussions are expected to cover the opportunity clean power presents for the economy and how to share best practice across the British Isles. Mr Swinney said: “Scotland will welcome political leaders to our capital city as we gather for the 42nd summit of the British-Irish Council - a meeting which also marks 25 years since the first council was held following the Good Friday Agreement. “As we reflect on 25 years, it is testament to the value of the British-Irish Council that the partnership conceived a quarter of a century ago has prevailed in the midst of unprecedented change and challenge. “The meeting in Edinburgh provides a forum for us to discuss the greatest challenge facing the next 25 years - that of climate change and delivering a just transition. Most read in The Scottish Sun MEAN CITY Glasgow's most dangerous areas revealed with affluent area named in top 10 CLUB TOGETHER Rangers chief hints they could join multi-club group with Man Utd & City nod 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' RIOT ACT EFL cult hero 'smashed up dressing room' after dream Celtic transfer collapsed “The need to share our knowledge, our efforts and our actions is no less urgent today than it was when the first British-Irish Council meeting was held in 1999.”
Grand Theft Auto 6 is going to cause a "global distraction event" when it launches, with millions taking time off of work and school to play it... but what about a beefed-up version on the PC? We're learning about GTA 6 on "next-gen consoles" and PC from the LinkedIn profile of a Principal Engine Programmer who has been working at Rockstar since 2020, with Grand Theft Auto 6 as the only project they've worked on over the last 4 years. The developer listed some details about working with RAGE, the in-house engine Rockstar uses for its games, with RAGE being used to power the next-generation world of GTA 6. The post teased that the developer has worked with ray tracing, ray-traced global illumination, and "procedural generation for objects and game environments". The full post on LinkedIn from the GTA 6 developer explains: "Oversee the design, development, and optimization of core engine of Rockstar's in-house RAGE engine. Including rendering, physics, AI, and memory management, ensuring the engine can handle open world environments and simulations. I collaborated with other technical leads, producers, and directors to define the technical vision and architecture of engine systems for current and future titles". The post continues: "Lead performance profiling and optimization efforts, pushing the limits of real-time rendering and processing to maintain smooth performance across multiple platforms, including next-gen consoles and PC. rrive the integration of new technologies and research into the engine pipeline, such as ray tracing, ray-traced global illumination, procedural generation for objects and game environments, and various other technical systems within the engine core".None
After starting 2-0 in its inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, SMU looks to make the month even more special on Sunday, hosting Longwood in Dallas, Texas. The Mustangs seek a seven-game win streak in their final nonconference test before welcoming No. 4 Duke to Dallas on Jan. 4. In recent victories over Alabama State, Virginia, LSU, and Boston College, SMU (10-2) averaged 85.3 points per game, allowed just 66.0 ppg, and climbed to No. 30 in the NET rankings. "We're a different team right now than we were earlier in the season," SMU head coach Andy Enfield said at the beginning of December, his words ringing even truer as the season progresses. "They'd never been under pressure together until recently, so they're starting to learn and figure things out." Longwood (11-3) enters its third consecutive road game, having won five of its last six overall. That includes a major 82-67 win at North Carolina Central on Dec. 20. It was only the sixth nonconference home loss for NCC since 2016, and Longwood head coach Griff Aldrich saw it as a result of his team's growing cohesiveness. "We got great contributions from so many players," Aldrich said. "We have been working to play more and more connected, and this team has really taken positive steps this week." The Mustangs' Matt Cross is among the biggest threats to Longwood's defense, which allows just 66.6 points per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Cross had 36 points over SMU's last two wins, including a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU. What Cross does with the ball in his hands is impressive -- he is averaging 13.5 ppg in December -- but it is also what he does off the ball that increases his value. "He's extremely tough," Enfield said after Cross' performance against LSU. "His wall up in transition, where (Corey) Chest came down, was going to dunk the ball, and he stood there and took the contact. ...That's a big-time basketball play." Longwood is paced by Michael Christmas, a veteran forward in his fourth year in the program. A hard-nosed wing who can score at all three levels, Christmas is Longwood's only returner who started at least 30 games on last year's NCAA Tournament team. He is averaging a team-high 11.9 points per game. "(He) loves this university, loves this town and community," Aldrich said of Christmas. "He opted to come back here to really invest in the program." --Field Level MediaLSU (5-1) Chest 3-4 2-2 8, Reed 7-12 7-8 21, Bailey 6-14 1-4 14, Carter 6-19 5-6 20, Sears 8-18 3-5 25, V.Miller 6-13 3-4 16, Fountain 0-2 0-0 0, R.Miller 0-0 0-0 0, Givens 2-3 0-0 5, Mike.Williams 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 38-88 21-29 109.
Issa Odeh, 18, and Antony Saleh, 17, from Palestine win NFTE's World Youth Entrepreneurship ChallengeGet your credit card ready: The Ssense Black Friday sale is finally upon us. If you’re not already familiar, this is every fashion editor’s favorite clothing sale event , bringing discounts of up to 50% off showstoppers and wardrobe essentials alike. (A few Glamour staffers even call it the absolute best Black Friday sale of the year.) The site stocks a stellar mix of high-end labels (like Jacquemus and The Row), up-and-coming designers (like Anine Bing and Loulou Studio), and consumer brands (like Reformation and New Balance), all of which are currently discounted in honor of the big day. With winter on the horizon and tons of 2025 fashion trends to pick up for the year ahead, time is of the essence—pun intended—to snag the best pieces. Get a head start on your cart with our editors’ favorite finds, including trendy coats , TikTok-approved sweatshirts , and the exact jeans Taylor Swift wore to the Super Bowl. Looking for more Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales ? Shop early discounts from Nordstrom , Aerie , Abercrombie & Fitch , J.Crew , Victoria’s Secret , and Free People . Ssense Black Friday designer deals Hello, gorgeous. Ssense specializes in brands—and, therefore, discounts—that are on the razor’s edge of coolness. TikTok-famous brand Anine Bing and culty New York label Area are just the beginning; take a deep dive into the site’s offerings and you’ll be rewarded with designer gems from the likes of Ferragamo, Ganni, Loewe, and many more. (Yes, those are the literal exact embellished jeans Taylor Swift wore to the 2024 Super Bowl , now at the lowest price we’ve ever seen.) Ssense Black Friday shoe deals Yes, Ssense is the kind of place where you can find Khaite boots and Golden Goose sneakers at alarmingly low prices. But it’s also home to brands like Adidas and New Balance, both of which make some of the trendiest shoes on the market and are much cheaper than usual right now. Why not build out your collection of white sneakers while you’re at it? Ssense Black Friday sweater deals We’ll never say no to a good knit this time of year, whether for ourselves or as a truly luxurious gift for women . Sweaters tend to go quickly when this sale rolls around every year, so act fast to get your hands on Anine Bing’s 100% cashmere beauty or Loulou Studio’s relaxed top in the perfect shade of rich, wintry red. Ssense Black Friday jeans deals Ever been curious about the designer jeans you’ve seen your favorite A-listers and influencers wearing? The Ssense Black Friday sale is the best place to find them. We’re eyeing under-$60 Levi’s denim and trendy barrel-leg jeans from Citizens of Humanity, but there are so many more pairs to discover on the site. Ssense Black Friday dress deals If your favorites are already sold out at the Reformation Black Friday sale , don’t worry—there’s plenty of discounted Ref, including this party-ready dress, at the Ssense sale. Meanwhile, a 100% silk number with chic Euro vibes is now 30% off and ready to stun the crowd at your next wedding. Ssense Black Friday accessory deals Not to play favorites, but accessories might just make up our favorite discounts at the Ssense Cyber Week sale. Where else will you find Jacquemus scarves under $150 and The Row bags at sample-sale prices? Ssense Black Friday outerwear deals Need a jacket that’s just the right weight for layering? Ssense has you covered with the coolest winter coats . This cute find from The Frankie shop and is perfect for transitional weather—exactly where we find ourselves currently. Meanwhile, a trendy faux-fur coat from Stockholm-based cool-girl brand Stand Studio will add some downtown edge to your winter looks. Related : The Very Best Gifts for Women in 2024 5 Fall Bag Trends You're About to See Everywhere in 2024 The Black Friday Shoe Deals Our Editors Are Shopping in 2024
TikTok asks Supreme Court to block ban as Jan. 19 deadline nearsKey areas, including Raj Bagh, Solina, LD Road, Mehjoor Nagar, Wazir Bagh, and Jawahar Nagar, remained inaccessible as snow clearance efforts lagged, leaving even upscale neighborhoods stranded. Interior roads in localities like Rambagh were similarly impassable, forcing residents to remain indoors. A local resident from Rambagh expressed frustration, stating that vehicles were unable to ply due to the absence of timely snow removal. Gulzar Hammad, a shopkeeper in Solina, lamented,“It's frustrating to see the authorities unprepared. We're used to snow here, but this negligence has brought the city to a standstill.” Sajad Hussain, a commuter stranded near Mehjoor Nagar, shared his ordeal:“I had an urgent appointment, but I've been stuck here for hours. This situation is unacceptable and highlights the administration's failure to act promptly.” “Snow used to be cleared from the roads shortly after Fajar prayers, but this time even after the sunrise, no snow clearance operation was seen,” wrote a netizen on social media. Officials from SMC said snow clearance machines, manpower and dewatering pumps were made operational in Srinagar city, while locals from many places in Srinagar said their lanes and bylanes have still not been cleared. Officials from the SMC said they have been working since last night and are still on the ground clearing the city's roads. They said the major roads of the city are cleared, and their priority remains hospitals and other important roads. “43 snow tractors, two BobCats (a small type of JCB used for snow clearance), 127 dewatering pumps, and six big JCBs are operational in the city for snow clearance operations,” an official said, adding that about 2,200 workers are engaged in cleaning the city's lanes and bylanes. However, many locals claimed that snow had not been cleared from their lanes and bylanes.“The snowfall has not been cleaned from our area, and the SMC officers have not arrived yet,” said Sahil, a local from Habba Kadal, Srinagar. Meanwhile, according to an official statement, Dr Owais Ahmed, accompanied by senior officials of the corporation, conducted thorough inspections across several areas on Saturday to assess the ongoing snow clearance and dewatering operations following the snowfall. During his visits, the SMC Commissioner toured areas such as CBD Lal Chowk, SMHS Hospital, and government housing colonies in Balgarden, Karanagar, Sanat Nagar, Chanapora and the Leprosy Hospital in Bahrar Lal Bazar, along with dewatering stations, the statement said, adding that he engaged with on-site officers and supervisors to evaluate the progress of these operations and identify any challenges faced. Dr Owais interacted with locals and gathered valuable insights into the effectiveness of the snow clearance and dewatering efforts. He gave on-the-spot directions for prompt snow removal and effective dewatering to safeguard public safety, facilitate transportation, and minimize disruptions to essential services, the SMC said, adding that the Commissioner appreciated the hard work of the corporation's frontline workers, who play a crucial role in these operations -(with inputs from KNT, KNO) Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now Be Part of Quality Journalism Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. CLICK FOR DETAILS MENAFN28122024000215011059ID1109038102 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.‘Three-way tie:’ Trump Treasury pick hanging in limbo
