( ) shares are catching the eye on Monday morning. In early trade, the ASX tech stock is up almost 13% to 13.5 cents. This means that its shares are now up 67% since the start of the year. Why is this ASX tech stock surging today? The catalyst for today's strong gain has been the release of an from the betting technology company in relation to the acceleration of its transformation strategy. According to the release, BetMakers has announced several key initiatives designed to generate further operational efficiencies and further improve operating leverage. This includes further reductions in staff costs, the centralisation of corporate functions for streamlined operations, and the upgrades of customers and products to its advanced Next Gen technology platform. Management notes that these initiatives and the recent progress of its transformation strategy are expected to put the company in a position to achieve operating cash-flow break-even during the third quarter of FY 2025. After which, it expects to deliver positive operating cash flow for the six months ending 30 June 2025. In addition, the company has strengthened its balance sheet further with a new US$3 million debt facility with Tekkorp Holdings, which is a company controlled by its chair, Matthew Davey. This will support its transformation strategy, provide additional financial flexibility, and further bolster funding capacity for any future strategic initiatives. It has an interest rate of 12% per annum, with interest to accrue daily. The company notes that interest will not be capitalised. Trading update The ASX tech stock has released a brief trading update with today's announcement. Management revealed that it currently expects revenue in second half of FY 2025 to be higher than first half. Commenting on today's update, the ASX tech stock's executive chair, Matt Davey, said: I am excited to see the impact our transformation strategy is already having on the business, and importantly, that management have been able to accelerate this strategy. We are extremely pleased with the technology upgrades and the benefits this is delivering through both performance and lower costs. Coupled with other cost reduction initiatives, we have a clear line of sight to profitability. Executing the new debt facility provides us with the added flexibility to implement some of these initiatives. BetMakers is on a financial transformation journey, which is designed to deliver long term value for shareholders. We are making strong early progress in this endeavour.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George will miss the team's next two games due to a bone bruise in his left knee before he'll be re-evaluated on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 76ers also revealed that George underwent an MRI on his left knee that revealed no structural damage (h/t Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports). The 34-year-old exited in the third quarter of Philadelphia's 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night after hyperextending his knee. It's concerning that George suffered the injury to the same leg that caused him to miss the first five games of the regular season due to a previous hyperextension, but it's still a relatively encouraging sign for his long-term outlook that there wasn't any structural damage. The nine-time All-Star has dealt with inconsistency to open his first year in Philadelphia, averaging just 14.9 points and 5.4 rebounds to go along with 4.8 assists per game. He's also shooting a mere 38.3 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from behind the arc. It's been a disappointing start for George, especially after signing a four-year contract worth $212 million to join the organization in July. The 76ers currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 2-12, as injuries have defined the early portion of their 2024-25 campaign. George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have all missed at least six contests due to their respective injuries and the team hasn't been able to rally in their absence. Philadelphia has struggled to score with the star trio's lack of availability, owning the worst offensive rating in the association (via NBA.com ). George has now been ruled out of the 76ers' matchups with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, meaning that his earliest chance to return will come against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
LANDOVER, Md. — The losing streak is done. Feel better? A Dallas team that went into Northwest Field as a 10.5-point underdog to Washington left with a 34-26 victory. The win stopped a five-game losing streak, the franchise’s longest since it lost seven straight in 2015. The Cowboys swept Washington last season, outscoring the Commanders by 63 points in the two games. What Dallas did this gorgeous afternoon wasn’t nearly as dominant, but it got the job done in a wild finish that saw 38 points scored in the final five minutes and 16 seconds. This team now turns around and faces the New York Giants in four days on Thanksgiving. But remember, the Cowboys haven’t won a game at AT&T Stadium this season. So that losing streak is also five games this season. Here are our five takeaways from Cowboys-Commanders: Defense rises to the occasion Dan Quinn molded the Cowboys into one of the league’s best defensive units before leaving to coach the Commanders. The transition to Mike Zimmer has been anything but smooth. But as the Cowboys start to get some players healthy on that side of the ball, this group is making strides. The Cowboys’ defense played one of its best games in a long time in the win over Washington. Defensive end Chauncey Golston intercepted a screen pass. The Cowboys came away with a fumble recovery in the second half and tormented rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout the afternoon. Dallas came away with four sacks and allowed the Commanders to convert only 4 of 12 third-down attempts. Nothing special, until the end Brandon Aubrey has stood above his teammates with his performance in this disappointing season. Even he stumbled in this one. Aubrey had a field goal blocked and had a 41-yard attempt hit the right upright before the first quarter was done. Uncharacteristic? Yes. Everywhere but here. Aubrey has missed two field goals in a game only one other time in his brief career in Dallas. That came on this field last season, when he also had a field goal blocked and missed a 32-yarder. But the special teams issues didn’t stop with Aubrey. Bryan Anger had a punt deflected at the line and it traveled only 22 yards. This comes after the Cowboys faked a punt twice in recent weeks and failed to pick up the first down both times. And then? When the Commanders pulled within three points late, KaVontae Turpin fumbled the kickoff, picked it up on the 1-yard line then went 99 yards for a touchdown. The Cowboys then allowed the Commanders to score one play later, an 86-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin that closed the gap to one after Washington missed the extra-point attempt. The miss forced the Commanders to try an onside kick, which Juanyeh Thomas scooped up and returned 43 yards for a touchdown to ice the game. Money pit Money isn’t everything. A team can win without its highest-paid player on the field. But its top five? That’s the position the Cowboys found themselves in entering Sunday’s game. None of the top five players on their payroll took the field, leaving the team $105.8 million light in terms of talent. The list: Dak Prescott ($44.6 million), DeMarcus Lawrence ($20.4 million), Zack Martin ($15.5 million), Trevon Diggs ($15.3 million) and Brandin Cooks ($10 million). Line dance The Cowboys traveled to our nation’s capital knowing Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin wouldn’t play. Before they kicked off Sunday they were without left guard Tyler Smith as well. Smith was a limited participant in Friday’s practice and was listed as questionable. The club hoped he was trending toward being able to go in this game. He didn’t. That means T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman were the starting guards. And it didn’t stop there. Rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton and Asim Richards were part of a rotation system, with Guyton getting the first two possessions of each half. It appeared to work fairly well. But Guyton, as he has for much of the season, struggled with penalties. He was called for holding in the third quarter, an illegal formation penalty on the next possession and had another illegal formation penalty declined. And then he was hit with a false start, resulting in Richards taking his place. Another corner Injuries have had an undeniable impact on the Cowboys’ fortunes. Corner has been hit particularly bad. When DaRon Bland made his regular season debut on Sunday, he became the sixth different corner to start this season. The list: Diggs, Bland, Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, Andrew Booth and Amani Oruwariye. ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Smodin Unites Powerful Domains to Deliver an All-in-One AI PlatformEthan Taylor scores 21 as Air Force takes down Mercyhurst 82-48
NoneOn Which Channel WPL 2025 Auction Live Telecast in India Will Be Available? How To Watch Women's Premier League Players' Bidding Event Free Live Streaming Online?
Costco ( COST 0.88% ) is a store I frequent almost weekly, thanks to the good prices and the shockingly fresh produce. That said, I've never owned the stock, even though it has the type of impressive dividend record that attracts my attention. Sometimes I wish I had bought it, though, because paying full price for a great company can often lead to strong returns. But what about buying it today? Would adding Costco to your portfolio right now set you up for a lifetime of strong returns? Costco's business model is strong The first thing that investors have to get their heads around when it comes to Costco is the business. It is not your typical retailer -- it is a club store. Customers, like me, pay a yearly fee for the privilege of shopping at Costco. Those membership fees, which basically have no costs associated with them, make up around half of the retailer's operating income. That changes the retail game in a very important way. Basically, Costco looks at its business in a totally different way because it isn't earning all of its money from product sales. Thus, keeping customers happy becomes the core objective, so it can keep those membership fees rolling in. The three primary ways it does this is by having cheap prices (membership fees allow it to accept lower margins), creating an enjoyable shopping experience, and having a great selection of products. The long-term success of the business tells you that it has succeeded quite well overall. The numbers speak for themselves. Over the past decade, revenues have grown at a compound annual rate of around 8.5%, while earnings have expanded at a 13.5% clip. As noted, the dividend has been increased every year for two decades, with the past decade's annualized dividend growth a very impressive 12%. Costco is the kind of retailer you'd want to own, but... I'm leery of retail stocks because, in general, retailers tend to go in and out of favor. When people move on to a different retailer, the financial effect on a now out-of-favor retailer can be very hard (think bankruptcy). It's why I prefer to own retail-focused real estate investment trusts (REITs), which can collect rent no matter what retailer occupies a well-located property. But Costco is one of those retailers that has bucked the trend because of its strong business model. The problem is that Wall Street knows just how good the company is, and it doesn't go on sale very often. COST PE Ratio data by YCharts. That's why investors looking at Costco will probably want to keep it on the wish list and not the buy list today. Using traditional valuation metrics is all you need. The price-to-sales ratio is around 1.6x today, versus a five-year average closer to 1x. The price-to-earnings ratio is 56x right now, versus a longer-term average that is just under 41x. Its price-to-cash flow and price-to-book values are both notably above their five-year averages, too. The dividend yield, my preferred valuation tool, is a tiny 0.5%, compared to a five-year average of around 0.7%. Almost any way you cut it, Costco is an expensive stock today. To be fair, I expect Costco to look expensive relative to the broader market just about all the time. The problem is that Costco looks particularly expensive relative to its own history right now. To paraphrase famed value investor Benjamin Graham , paying too much for a good company can be a bad investment. The current call on Costco Overall, Costco is a very well-run company with an advantaged business model. There are a lot of things to like about it, and it should probably be on most investors' wish lists. But right now, given the lofty valuation, it probably shouldn't be on your buy list. Buying it at the right price could set you up for life ... overpaying just to own it could leave you with "dead money" for years to come.
Bucks snap a 2-game skid with a 118-113 victory over the NetsAnchored by next-generation IBM Quantum System Two in Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, new initiative will advance useful quantum applications as industries move towards quantum-centric supercomputing YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. and CHICAGO , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM ) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a collaboration to establish the new National Quantum Algorithm Center in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago . Anchored by IBM and other quantum computing pioneers including the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , the center will be fueled by IBM's next-generation quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, which the company plans to deploy in Chicago in the coming year. IBM Quantum System Two within the IQMP will be powered by IBM Quantum Heron, which can execute utility-scale algorithms beyond the capabilities of brute-force, classical simulation methods. Users will be able to leverage this system with Qiskit, IBM's performant quantum software, which is designed to be able to extend the length and complexity of quantum circuits to extract accurate results for problems of scientific and research value. These capabilities will enable Illinois' growing ecosystem of quantum innovators across academia, national labs, and industries to discover how quantum-centric supercomputing could be used for complex industry challenges. As the next evolution of high-performance computing, IBM's vision of quantum-centric supercomputing will integrate quantum and classical computers with performant software to break apart problems, allowing each architecture to solve parts of a complex algorithm for which it is best suited. Ultimately, this is engineered for users to run applications that are inaccessible or difficult for each computing paradigm on its own. "We are proud of the progress we have made to bring useful quantum technology to the world, and this new partnership with the State of Illinois and its thriving innovation ecosystem brings us one step closer to defining the future of computing," said Arvind Krishna , Chairman and CEO, IBM . "With IBM's best performing quantum hardware and software in the heart of Illinois' innovation network, together we can truly unlock the potential of quantum computing to solve the world's hardest problems." "We're making Illinois the global quantum capital and the center for job growth in the quantum industry – a true center of innovation with the power to solve the world's most pressing and complex challenges and create jobs and investment for our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The groundbreaking National Quantum Algorithm Center in Illinois represents a transformative step forward, whose impact will reverberate throughout the tech industry and beyond. I'm grateful to the leadership at IBM and our university and other industry partners for their ongoing efforts to accelerate quantum computing across our state." Within the National Quantum Algorithm Center, quantum information experts, experimentalists, and domain experts across industries will share a unified objective to uncover yet unknown algorithms that leverage quantum-centric computing, including those which combine quantum and classical supercomputing resources across workflows. These teams will explore rigorous experimentation to determine how to execute workloads for complex, industry challenges and within future hybrid supercomputing architectures. To help drive new algorithm discovery, IBM will leverage its leadership as a pioneer in bringing useful quantum computing to the world with its existing relationships with Illinois academic and industry leaders, including long-standing collaborations with the University of Chicago , the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , and members of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated Bloch Quantum Technology Hub. "IBM's decision to engage more deeply with our vibrant Illinois quantum ecosystem marks a new phase in the development of quantum information technologies," said Paul Alivisatos , President of the University of Chicago . "UChicago faculty and students will be able to deepen and expand their work in this area in collaboration with IBM scientists, colleagues from other universities, and many interested companies. The development of new algorithms is the next step to demonstrating effective quantum computations across a wide range of important problems and sectors." "We're thrilled to partner with IBM to bring the National Quantum Algorithm Center to life and look forward to hosting its state-of-the-art Quantum Computer as part of the IQMP," said Harley Johnson , Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and Founder Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering, U. of I . "The IQMP is building upon Illinois' strong existing ecosystem of top-tier talent, research centers, universities and more to further establish our state as a global hub for quantum, and all of the economic growth and technological advancement that comes with it. The National Quantum Algorithm Center will be a place where innovators can realize the potential quantum computing holds to solve some of our most complex problems, and we're grateful to have IBM as a part of our campus." "The great promise of quantum innovation is being realized through powerful partnerships with industry leaders like IBM connecting further to our universities, national labs, and state government," said Rashid Bashir , Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign . "Our collaborative ecosystem is perfectly positioned to lead the National Quantum Algorithm Center through world-renowned faculty and students, and an entrepreneurial spirit that answers the most pressing questions of our time." "The announcement of the National Quantum Algorithm Center in collaboration with IBM and some of our brightest higher education institutions is a pivotal moment in Illinois' trajectory toward becoming a world leader in quantum research and development," said John Atkinson , Chairman of Intersect Illinois. "Thanks to the planning, foresight and execution of our Team Illinois partners — including Governor JB Pritzker and his administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the state's unmatched quantum ecosystem — we are well positioned to ensure the investment and job creation generated by this industry stays right here in Illinois ." About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit ibm.com for more information. Media Contact Chris Nay IBM Research cnay@us.ibm.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-and-state-of-illinois-to-build-national-quantum-algorithm-center-in-chicago-with-universities-and-industries-302330657.html SOURCE IBMIn Hollywood, a land known for marquees and famous signs, there's probably no sign that's more on the nose than the store Just Food For Dogs. There, four-legged customers sample today's offerings, while their owners stock up on the food. Sarah Rector and her French bulldog, Lulu, are buying her regular order, including beef with russet potato, and venison with squash. Rector says she feels better buying the store's food for Lulu rather than commercial dog food: "I just know that she's getting the best possible, like, ingredients and health and overall wellness." She and her husband don't have children, yet, but they have another French bulldog, "so I feel like we have kids." It's tempting to write this off as a trendy L.A. fad, but Just Food For Dogs president Carey Tischler says this store is here because of a permanent shift in the roughly $50 billion U.S. pet food industry. "The last year of research shows that 82% of families think of pets as family, or as children, and that's up significantly," he said. Joe Ovalle is Just Food's guest experience manager. He says all of their pet food is approved by the USDA for human consumption. "It is human-grade food, something you and I could eat," he said. He sampled one of their recipes, for fish and sweet potato. "Oh my God, it's like ceviche," he smiled. It may seem a bit indulgent, and can cost double the price of Kibbles, but some say that feeding our dogs natural food is what we should have been doing all along – and making it yourself can cost the same as buying food from the store. "It's about going back to what is biologically appropriate, that they ate for tens of thousands of years," said pet nutritionist Christine Filardi. "They ate prey animals and table scraps. So, I'm just educating people on how to go back to what they ate for tens of thousands of years prior to commercial pet food." Filardi is author of "Home Cooking For Your Dog," a cookbook offering recipes with what she says are the three necessities: animal protein, a carb, and a veggie, as well as a few extravagant treats, like her bacon and cream cheese muffins. Filardi says whether it's store-bought or home-cooked fresh food, the results are the same: well-fed animals live longer, have cheaper vet bills, and are happier ... which makes the owners happy, too. "They take such good care of us," she said. "We should take good care of them." RECIPE (FOR DOGS): Hearty Hamburgers RECIPE (FOR DOGS): Friday Playdate Pizza RECIPE (FOR DOGS): Bacon and Cream Cheese Muffins RECIPE (FOR DOGS): Ground Turkey, Quinoa, and Carrots For more info: Just Food for Dogs , Hollywood, Calif. "Home Cooking For Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes For a Healthier Dog" by Christine M. Filardi, with Dr. Wayne Geltman, DVM (Stewart, Tabori & Chang), in Hardcover and eBook formats, available via Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org Christine Filardi (BowMeowRaw) Story produced by John Goodwin. Editor: Joseph Frandino. "Sunday Morning" 2024 "Food Issue" recipe index Delicious menu suggestions from top chefs, cookbook authors, food writers, restaurateurs, and the editors of Food & Wine magazine. Dogs Pets Nancy Giles is a "CBS News Sunday Morning" contributor, voicing her opinions on everything from politics and race to pop culture and the conspiracy of high heels.
Somewhere over the rainbow there exists a magnificent movie version of Gregory McGuire’s 1995 wonderfully revisionist, not to mention delightfully feminist, fantasy novel “Wicked.” Alas, Jon M. Chu’s big, bland, and bloated journey through the glittering land of Oz is not it, my pretties. The two-part, $320 million film adaptation thoroughly lacks the pluck and spirit of the blockbuster Broadway musical, which made its debut in San Francisco in 2003. As a longtime theater critic, I hate to pour a bucket of water on this almost-three-hour movie adaptation. But despite its undeniable star power. this empty-headed screen adaptation melts in the imagination. Pop singer Ariana Grande does indeed sparkle as Galinda, the soon-to-be Good Witch, and she’s certainly a superb hair flipper, but she lacks sassiness and there’s zilch chemistry between her and the green goddess Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as two college frenemies who grow into the mythical witches of lore. Erivo is suitably likable as the hated Elphaba but there’s no sign of a formidable power lurking within. A lot of the plucky numbers sputter. Grande’s cutie-pie wardrobe is a real stunner, a cheeky cross between Elle Woods style and Barbie couture that fills you with an inexplicable and deep yearning to wear more pink. For all the film’s weaknesses, Paul Tazewell’s gorgeous costumes are so sharply on point they draw blood. Let’s not even talk about Glinda’s obsession-worthy assortment of shoes. The feminism may fall flat here but the fashion truly soars to new heights. Many a stocking will surely be stuffed with “Wicked” bling this Christmas. For the record, the campy cameo spotlighting Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original marquee stars, only serves to remind us how much their deeply-felt camaraderie buoyed the musical back in the day. Those two Broadway divas had a visceral girl-power vibe that almost made you jealous of their BFF bond, onstage and off. Their buoyant chemistry is much missed here. It should be noted that this Fiyero, the delish Jonathan Bailey, of “Bridgerton” fame,” looks as dashing as ever astride a horse and that’s no small delight. Bailey also seems more adept with a song and dance number than some of the other stars here. He imbues “Dancing through Life” with an elan and effortlessness that makes some of the other musical interludes, such as pithy hit “Popular,” come off as a tad forced. The labyrinthian revolving library set (production designer Nathan Crowley outdoes himself), which takes a page from the Hogwarts aesthetic, is also a dazzler. Sadly, however, the stalwart Michelle Yeoh, who seems like such inspired casting as Madame Morrible, the haughty headmistress of Shiz University, gets thoroughly overshadowed here and the estimable Jeff Goldblum, who should be stealing the show, as the suitably smarmy snake oil peddler turned politician, his wonderful Ozness himself, doesn’t have that much to do in the lumbering part one. Chu seems to be going for a sense of existential ennui when a good old-fashioned shake-the-rafters mood would be more fitting. It’s also unfortunate that the sluggish pacing undercuts the cautionary tale here. Look past the flying monkeys and malapropisms and there is a chilling warning about the danger of charlatans who seize political power by stoking bigotry and eroding civil rights until all but the bravest are scared into silence. L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 fable has sharper special and political resonance now than ever before. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, indeed. Perhaps the movie would cast a more bewitching spell if it weren’t dragged out into two parts. The first installment ends just as Elphaba is coming into her power, in a duly high-flying “Defying Gravity” interlude, and before any real romance can blossom. Stretching out the Broadway narrative to twice its length, while adding no discernible depth, casts the film’s flaws into high relief. The irresistible pacing and tempo that powered the stage musical have all but vanished. Die-hard “Wicked” fans may not mind but casual YA fantasy fans, like my 14-year-old, may well miss what all the fuss is about. To be sure, the real magic here comes from the marvelous special effects. Chu, deservedly beloved for “Crazy Rich Asians,” creates a glittering visual fantasia that delights the eye, from the splashy underwater wonders of the ballroom to the glittering turrets of Emerald City, but often leaves the heart and mind rather bored. Lest you think I’m far too jaded to judge this “Wicked” because I’m old enough to remember the 2003 world premiere, suffice to say my kiddo was also less than impressed by the cinematic spectacle and has informed me that she will not be accompanying me for Part 2. I’ll have to ease on down the road without her. Contact Karen D’Souza at karenpdsouza@yahoo.com.Data science is a dynamic field that evolves with every technological advancement and its integration into business decision-making across diverse industries. In 2024, the demand for data professionals has created tens of thousands of career opportunities. This article explores some of the top data science jobs to apply in 2024, detailing their key responsibilities, required skills, and potential for career growth. Hottest Data Science Jobs 2024 Location : Gurugram, Haryana Employment Type : Full-time Lead projects focused on Generative AI , Data Science , and advanced analytics , ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business goals. Develop and implement data-driven solutions to optimize processes and improve decision-making across organizational functions. Collaborate with marketing, IT, and customer service teams to integrate AI and data science solutions into operations effectively. Perform advanced data analysis using Spark and Python , develop AI/ML models, and implement machine learning algorithms to address complex business challenges. Create clear presentations using Excel and PowerPoint to communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders. Design impactful visualizations using tools like Tableau or Power BI (optional). Mentor junior team members, fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and proactively addressing issues. Proficiency in Spark , Python , and machine learning algorithms . Strong communication and presentation skills. Familiarity with visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI . Leadership skills to manage teams and projects. This role offers opportunities to work on high-impact projects, develop leadership skills, and advance to senior management positions in data science. Apply Here Location : Delhi Employment Type : Full-time Design, develop, and deploy Generative AI models , leveraging expertise in data science, machine learning, and statistics. Develop NLP techniques , Lang Chain , and Large Language Models (LLMs) to create conversational chatbots and advanced language models tailored to client needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement advanced AI models and algorithms. Provide thought leadership in Generative AI and NLP , guiding clients toward AI-driven solutions. Conduct data analysis, preprocessing, and modeling to extract actionable insights. Stay updated with advancements in AI technologies, frameworks, and tools, adopting innovations to enhance offerings. Deploy AI applications on cloud platforms like GCP or AWS . Build deep learning models using techniques like CNN , GAN , Transformers , and encoder-decoder algorithms. Develop web applications using frameworks such as Flask , Django , and FastAPI . Expertise in Python , machine learning , deep learning , and data science frameworks like TensorFlow , PyTorch , and scikit-learn . Advanced knowledge of NLP techniques , Generative AI , and LLM frameworks. Proficiency in deploying AI models on cloud platforms like AWS and GCP . Strong problem-solving abilities and technical documentation skills. This role provides exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and offers pathways to leadership positions within Deloitte’s technology and transformation teams. Apply Here Explore Different Data Science Roles in Various Industries Responsibilities: Data scientists analyze complex datasets to derive meaningful insights that inform business strategies. They build predictive models by applying statistical and machine learning techniques. Skills Needed : Python and R programming, statistical analysis, machine learning, and Tableau or Power BI for data visualization. Package: US$127,000 to US$206,000 per year Responsibilities: Machine learning engineers design and build the algorithms that allow machines to learn from data. They typically work hand in hand with data scientists to deploy models into production environments. Skills Needed: They need strong programming skills, knowledge of the most common machine learning frameworks, and experience with cloud platforms. Examples include Python, Java, TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS, and Azure. Package: US$112,000 to US$139,000 per year Responsibilities: Data architects design and architect the infrastructure needed in generating and processing data. They ensure that the data flows are seamless from the source systems to the analytics platforms. Skills Needed: SQL fluency, familiarity with ETL tools, big data technologies such as Hadoop, and Spark familiarity, database management system knowledge. Package: US$100,000 to US$130,000 per year Responsibilities: Data architects design the architecture of the data systems of an organization. They create blueprints of data storage and keep the data accessible yet safe. Skills Needed: Expertise in designing databases , data modeling tools, and cloud storage experience. Package: US$120,000 to US$160,000 per year Responsibilities: The business intelligence developers design tools that help organizations with analysis; thus, they empower the organizations to make the correct decisions. They also develop dashboards and reports that convey key performance indicators. Skills Needed: BI tool knowledge, Tableau, Power BI; SQL skills and analytical skills Package: US$90,000 to US$120,000 per year Conclusion: A career in data science offers not only lucrative pay but also the chance to make meaningful contributions across diverse sectors by transforming raw data into actionable insights. Whether beginning a journey in data science or seeking specialization in this versatile field, 2024 and beyond promise abundant opportunities for growth and innovation.
Governors under siege as rivals start early campaignsTua Tagovailoa's TD pass to Jonnu Smith gives Dolphins 32-26 overtime win over Aaron Rodgers, Jets
Nov 24 protest call 'end of PTI's political saga' : Muqam(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sefa Secen , Nazareth University (THE CONVERSATION) The brutal 54-year reign of the Assad family in Syria looks to be over . In a matter of days, opposition forces took the major city of Aleppo before advancing southward into other government-controlled areas of Hama, Homs and finally, on Dec 7, 2024, the capital, Damascus . The offensive was all the more astonishing given that the 13-year civil war had largely been in a stalemate since a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Reports suggest President Bashar al-Assad has resigned and left the country . But what has he left behind and what happens next? As an expert on Middle East security , I believe the opposition forces’ ability to maintain unity will be critical in the transition to a post-Assad Syria. Since the civil war started in 2011 , the many opposition factions in Syria have been fractured by ideological differences and the interests of external backers – and that remains true despite their current victory. Meanwhile, the rapid change of fortunes in Syria’s civil war poses serious questions for those countries that have backed one side or the other in the conflict. For Iran and Russia, the fall of their ally Assad will damage regional aspirations. For the backers of elements of the opposition – notably Turkey but also the U.S., both of which maintain a military presence in Syria – there will be challenges, too. Fears of a ‘catastrophic success’ Iran, the U.S., Russia and Turkey have been crucial players throughout Syria’s civil war. The recent opposition offensive came as Assad’s three key allies — Russia, Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah — were stretched thin. Russia’s focus on Ukraine and Iran’s setbacks from Israeli strikes have limited their ability to provide Assad robust support, while Hezbollah appeared hesitant to commit additional fighters, as it had done previously. Then, on Dec. 2, as opposition forces were on the move, Russia began withdrawing naval assets from its strategic Mediterranean base at Tartus, Syria. This erosion of external backing substantially undermined Assad’s capacity to regroup and mount an effective counteroffensive. The U.S. will no doubt welcome this diminished Russian and Iranian influence in Syria. But concern in Washington has already been aired over a scenario of “ catastrophic success ” in which Assad is replaced by an Islamist group that many in the West see as terrorists. It was members of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that spearheaded much of the opposition gains in Syria, fighting alongside the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. And while Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has not directly targeted the U.S. troops stationed in the northeast – which is under the control of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces – instability and the potential for clashes between opposition factions and U.S. allies could increase the risks for the 900 Syria-based American personnel. A fragmented landscape The fact that different opposition groups have taken control of various once-government-held areas points to a crucial fact: Syria is de facto partitioned. The northwest is controlled by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. The northeast is under the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States. Despite a shared goal of ousting Assad and the joint offensive on Aleppo, conflicts between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian National Army are frequent. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Mohammad al-Golani aims to assert control over opposition-held areas, including those currently managed by the Syrian National Army. And the Syrian National Army and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham maintain complex, often conflicting relationships with the Syrian Democratic Forces, shaped by ideological, territorial and strategic differences. The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army frequently engages in direct clashes with the Syrian Defense Forces, which Turkey views as a terrorist organization and an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party it has been fighting in southern Turkey for more than four decades. The opposition’s internal fragmentation may weaken its ability to bring stability to Syria in the long run. Adjustment problems Assad’s fall will have major implications for those countries that have a stake in the region. Iran’s grand strategy of preserving the “ Shia Crescent ” — connecting Tehran to Beirut through Baghdad and Damascus and in the process countering Sunni Islamist factions — has failed. For Washington, Assad’s departure doesn’t necessarily fit any hoped-for outcome. The U.S. has prioritized balancing, containing and potentially diminishing Russian and Iranian influence in Syria. But until recently that did not mean the removal of Assad. The Biden administration had even hinted in early December that it would be prepared to lift sanctions on Syria if Assad severed ties with Iran and Hezbollah. There was also talk of Assad’s government allying with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces . But as city after city fell to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, it became increasingly unlikely that the Kurdish group would align with the weakening Assad forces – especially as Kurdish forces themselves made significant territorial gains . Syrian Democratic Forces will need to adapt in response to the fall of Assad. This will be doubly true if, as many anticipate and President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at , the U.S. withdraws from Syria. Currently, the 900 U.S. troops are in eastern Syria, alongside a military base in Al-Tanf, located near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders. Should American forces withdraw, the Syrian Democratic Forces and the autonomous region it administers — known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria — would need to negotiate their autonomy with both different factions of the opposition and Syrian neighbor Turkey. A Kurdish and Islamist alliance? The precarious role of Syrian Democratic Forces in the transition to the post-Assad era could make for a significant foreign policy headache for the U.S. Given Turkey’s history of military incursions and campaigns against the Syrian Democratic Forces in northern cities like Afrin and Kobani, the Kurdish group may need to align with some factions of the opposition, likely Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, should the U.S. eventually withdraw. Of late, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has largely avoided antagonizing the Syrian Democratic Forces. Indeed, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s efforts to rebrand and moderate itself are notable , especially given its origins as a Salafist group with ties to al-Qaida. By adopting a range of policies like issuing an amnesty for Syrian army personnel, facilitating evacuation agreements and using the language of building an ethnically and religiously diverse governance structure, the Islamist group has attempted to soften its hard-line image and gain favor – or at least neutrality – from international stakeholders, like the U.S. Yet skepticism about Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s ultimate objectives persists. Strategic calculations for Turkey Turkey’s position on Syria now is equally complex. Turkey is home to 3.6 million Syrian refugees — the largest refugee-hosting country globally. A prolonged economic downturn and rising anti-refugee sentiment had pressured Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to signal a willingness to engage with Assad prior to the opposition offensive. Turkey’s hope was that normalized relations with Syria would help facilitate refugee return and address concerns about a potential Kurdish state in northeastern Syria. But Assad dismissed such overtures, and he intensified airstrikes on Idlib – triggering new waves of displacement near the Turkish border. Turkey’s Syria policy is also closely linked to its renewed peace process with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. These talks reportedly include discussions about the potential release of imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Öcalan – whose influence runs deep in Kurdish-led regions in northern Syria. The chance for a new Syria The apparent end of the Assad family’s rule after half a century of brutal oppression signifies a pivotal moment for Syria – offering an opportunity to rebuild the nation on foundations of inclusivity, pluralism and stability. Achieving this vision depends on the opposition factions’ ability to navigate the immense challenges of transition. This includes fostering unity among diverse groups, addressing grievances from years of conflict and establishing governance structures that reflect Syria’s ethnic, religious and political diversity. That will be no easy task. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/assad-leaves-behind-a-fragmented-nation-stabilizing-syria-will-be-a-major-challenge-for-fractured-opposition-and-external-backers-245541 . Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity: 1 Supercharged Growth Stock to Buy After a Recent 10% Pullback4th annual Nativity Blessing brings theme of hope, not in government, but in God
Is infrastructure demand stealing tradies from housing? This CEO says yes
OTTAWA — Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump is brushing off Ontario's threat to restrict electricity exports in retaliation for sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, as the province floats the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol. On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York state and Minnesota if Trump follows through on a threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada. "That's OK if he that does that. That's fine," Trump told American network CNBC when asked Thursday about Ford’s remarks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. “The United States is subsidizing Canada and we shouldn’t have to do that," Trump added. "And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country," he said, claiming this amounts to more than US$100 billion annually in unspecified subsidies. Meanwhile, an official in the Ford government says it's considering restricting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario from buying American-made alcohol. The province says the Crown agency is the largest purchaser of alcohol in the world. The province also says it could restrict exports of Canadian critical minerals required for electric-vehicle batteries, and bar American companies from provincial procurement. Ford doubled down Thursday on the idea of cutting off energy exports. The province says that in 2013, Ontario exported enough energy to power 1.5 million homes in those three states. "It's a last resort," Ford said. "We're sending a message to the U.S. (that if) you come and attack Ontario, you attack livelihoods of people in Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool in our tool box to defend Ontarians and Canadians. Let’s hope it never comes to that." Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the province would rather have co-operation with the U.S., but has mechanisms to "end power sale into the U.S. market" the day Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruled out following suit. "Under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports," she said. "Our approach is one of diplomacy, not threats." Michael Sabia, president and CEO of Hydro-Québec, said "it's not our current intention" to cut off Quebec's exports to Massachusetts or New York state, but he conceded it might be possible. "Our intention is to respect those contracts, both because they're legally binding, but also because it's part of, in our view, a sound relationship with the United States," he said. "It's a questionable instrument to use in a trade conflict." Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew would not directly say whether Manitoba would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports. "We are preparing our list and starting to think through what those options should look like," he said. "I'm not going to make specific news today about items that we're looking at." Kinew added that some premiers felt retaliatory measures wouldn't work in a call Trudeau held Wednesday. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said "we have no interest in stopping" the export of energy to the U.S., adding that a trade war would hurt both countries. "We hope it is just bluster; we're preparing as if it is not," he said. Canada supplies more oil to the U.S. than any other country. About 60 per cent of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85 per cent of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada sold $170 billion worth of energy products last year to the U.S. It also has 34 critical minerals and metals the Pentagon is eager for. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tax on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs. Canadian officials have said it is unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canada since has promised more border security spending to address Trump's border concerns. Ford said that will include more border and police officers, as well as drones and sniffer dogs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press, Liam Casey in Toronto, Lisa Johnson in Edmonton and Steve Lambert in Winnipeg. Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press
