MILAN, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Hackers targeted around ten official websites in Italy on Saturday, including the websites of the Foreign Ministry and Milan's two airports, putting them out of action temporarily, the country's cyber security agency said. The pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16) claimed the cyber attack on Telegram, saying Italy's "Russophobes get a well deserved cyber response". A spokesperson for Italy's cyber security agency said it was plausible that the so-called "Distributed Denial of Service" (DDoS) attack could be linked to the pro-Russian group. In such attacks, hackers attempt to flood a network with unusually high volumes of data traffic in order to paralyse it. The spokesperson said the agency provided quick assistance to the institutions and firms targeted and that the attack's impact was "mitigated" in less than two hours. The cyber attack has not caused any disruptions to flights at Milan's Linate and Malpensa airports, a spokesperson for SEA, the company which manages them, said. While the websites were inaccessible, the airports' mobile apps continued to function, the SEA spokesperson added. Sign up here. Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari. Editing by Jane Merriman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabAfter withdrawing from AG consideration, Gaetz says he won't return to Congress
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GOEDFA Announces Ambitious $5 Billion Plan for Nibiru Smart City in Accra, Ghana
Unamused 49ers GM: Cool it with Kyle Shanahan 'hot seat' talkClara Strack and Georgia Amoore each scored 21 points on Saturday to help No. 16 Kentucky beat visiting Western Kentucky 88-70 in Lexington. Teonni Key netted 15 points, Amelia Hassett paired nine points with 12 rebounds and Saniah Tyler scored 11 off the bench for the Wildcats (11-1), who won their fourth straight game. The Lady Toppers (9-3) got 18 points from Alexis Mead, 14 from Acacia Hayes, 11 from Destiny Salary and 10 from Josie Gilvin. Western Kentucky has lost three of five following a 7-0 start. Kentucky used a 9-0 run in the second quarter to take a double-digit lead that it held for the rest of the game. Strack bookended the surge with a layup and a 3-pointer that pushed the hosts ahead 36-22 with 1:01 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats' lead peaked at 23 points after Amoore scored five straight late in the fourth quarter to make it 88-65. Saturday marked the final nonconference game for both teams this season. Kentucky hosts Mississippi State to begin Southeastern Conference play on Thursday, while Western Kentucky starts its Conference USA slate by hosting Liberty the same night. --Field Level Media
AI Stocks: Tech Giants, Cloud Titans Face 'Show Me' Moment. Nvidia Mojo Gone?A new chapter in the city of Lagos’ architectural landscape is about to unfold with Veritasi Homes, a brand synonymous with innovation and excellence in the Nigerian real estate market, set to launch its newest masterpiece – Tinuola Towers, on December 1st, 2024. Situated in one of the most sought-after locations in Lagos, the towers promise to redefine what it means to live in luxury. The strategic positioning offers more than just spectacular views of the city’s vibrant horizon; it places residents at the pulse of convenience, proximity to top-notch amenities, and a lifestyle that few will be fortunate enough to experience. Developed by Veritasi Homes, a name that needs no introduction to those familiar with the luxury real estate sector. With a proven track record of delivering world-class developments, Veritasi has earned its reputation as a trusted builder and visionary in the Nigerian property market. Their commitment to quality, precision, and sustainable design has made them a trusted partner for discerning homeowners. Tinuola Towers is set to take this legacy to new heights, offering an unmatched living experience in Lagos. From fixtures to fittings, every piece of the development reflects the meticulous attention to detail that Veritasi Homes is known for, combining opulence with modern functionalities that speak to the discerning tastes of high-end buyers. In a groundbreaking move, Veritasi Homes have seamlessly integrated environmentally conscious design elements into the towers, setting a new benchmark for upscale developments in Nigeria. This fusion of luxury with sustainability marks a significant turning point in the Nigerian real estate sector. With energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and eco-friendly building materials, Tinuola Towers is not just about living in style, but living responsibly. The sustainability features of Tinuola Towers are a first for luxury residential developments in Nigeria. It’s a bold step forward in a country that is increasingly aware of the need to reduce its carbon footprint while embracing modern comforts. This initiative is bound to resonate with those who desire the best of both worlds — a prestigious address that aligns with their values and priorities. As the countdown to the official launch of Tinuola Towers continues, the excitement surrounding this exceptional development is palpable. With only a limited number of units set to be released in this first phase, this is an opportunity for those who value true exclusivity, luxury and privacy, to own a piece of a future-forward living space that combines impeccable design, sustainable living, and the legacy of a trusted real estate developer. As December 1st, 2024 approaches, will you be among the few to call Tinuola Towers home? The opportunity is rare, the offering exclusive, and the lifestyle—extraordinary. Keep your eyes on the horizon as Veritasi Homes unveils a new era in luxury living in Nigeria. —- Veritasi Homes & Property is Africa’s fastest-growing real estate development company, recently recognized by Financial Times as one of the continent’s fastest-growing businesses. This prestigious ranking positions Veritasi as the only Nigerian real estate company to make the list. Additionally, Veritasi is the first Indigenous African real estate company to receive the coveted B/stable global investment rating from the respected European credit rating agency, Scope Ratings. A true disruptor in the real estate industry, Veritasi Homes is transforming the market by delivering world-class, innovative, and value-driven properties. The company focuses on creating exceptional living spaces in prime locations across Nigeria, all while prioritizing customer satisfaction at every step.Herman E. Bulls Acquires 10,000 Shares of Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) Stock
Social and economic inequalities remain stark. Welfare delivery is uneven and often inefficient, and a policy encouraging bigger households could exacerbate these issues On December 1, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat reignited the debate on India’s population policy with his recent call for parents to consider having three children instead of the current norm of two. Although he did not explicitly state it, Bhagwat was likely alluding to the relatively lower total fertility rates (TFRs) among Hindus compared to Muslims. Bhagwat’s comments have undoubtedly prompted a national conversation about India’s demographic future, highlighting the complex interplay between population growth, economic stability, and societal well-being. As the country grapples with its evolving demographic landscape, the question remains: should India shift its population policies to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all? India can take pride in its significant demographic achievement: the reduction in the TFR from over five births per woman in 1965 to 2.01 in 2022. This drop is notable because it has been achieved without resorting to the harsh civil rights abuses seen in China, where the government imposed a one-child policy for 36 years. India’s family planning success is remarkable, given that it has managed to reduce its fertility rate while maintaining a relatively democratic approach—bar the 21 months of Emergency rule in the 1970s. However, this decline in the TFR brings with it both positive and negative consequences. While a TFR below the replacement rate of 2.1 may seem like a sign of progress in controlling population growth, it also signals potential challenges. According to a study by The Lancet, India’s TFR is projected to fall to 1.29 by 2050, which could have serious long-term implications. If this trend holds, India could face the possibility of an ageing population—growing old before it grows rich. This demographic shift presents a set of complex challenges, including the potential for labour shortages, rising healthcare costs, and a shrinking working-age population. Today, as India faces the prospect of demographic stagnation and a falling growth rate, Bhagwat seems to view population expansion as a solution to the problem. While encouraging population growth might seem like an easy fix to accelerate economic growth, this approach overlooks several crucial issues. For one, the economic and social conditions in India are vastly different from those in Scandinavia and other European nations, where policies to encourage childbearing have been successful. In countries such as Sweden and Norway, the welfare state is highly developed, with robust systems of support for families, including equal parental leave, subsidised childcare, and generous social benefits. These policies have been able to balance the demographic goals with social progress, without regressing on gender equality. In contrast, India’s social and economic inequalities remain stark. The country’s welfare delivery is uneven and often inefficient, and a policy encouraging larger families could exacerbate these issues. A three-child norm could undermine the hard-won gains in women’s rights and gender equality in India. Women, particularly those from poorer and more conservative communities, would disproportionately bear the burden of such a policy. In many parts of the country, women are already responsible for the majority of childcare and domestic duties, and increasing family sizes would likely deepen this imbalance. This could have long-lasting consequences for women’s participation in the workforce, which remains low at just 37% – a figure that has been a persistent cause for concern. The trend towards smaller families, which has been led by women, particularly in urban and educated sectors, has been a key driver of their increasing educational and economic empowerment. Any policy that burdens women with additional children is unlikely to improve their labour market participation or their ability to advance in the workforce. The proposal for a three-child norm also raises concerns in specific states that have made significant progress in population control. States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which have already seen the scrapping of two-child restrictions for local elections, may now consider incentivising larger families. This could potentially undermine the progressive policies that have been implemented in southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which have been more successful in reducing fertility rates compared to the more populous states of northern India. These southern states, having seen demographic stabilisation, are now concerned that such a national policy would dilute their gains. In the context of Finance Commission awards, population-based resource distribution, and the upcoming delimitation of constituencies, these states may see their relative political power diminished. These concerns are valid and should be addressed at the policy level. Encouraging larger families could thus result in a major step backwards in India’s development trajectory. Rather than focusing on boosting population numbers, the emphasis should shift to strengthening the nation’s education and healthcare systems across the board. This would not only help improve quality of life and life expectancy but would also ensure that India’s workforce is better prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy. In conclusion, while demographic challenges such as a falling fertility rate need to be addressed, the solution does not lie in draconian policies like a three-child norm. Instead, India’s focus should be on improving public services, empowering women, and ensuring that the benefits of development are equitably distributed across the country. It is through these measures—rather than pushing for higher birth rates—that India can truly ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for its people. (Shivanand Pandit is a tax specialist, financial adviser, author, and guest lecturer based in Goa.)NoneChinese Air Force vs Indian Air Force: This week, China unveiled two fifth-generation fighter jets, sending shockwaves not just through India but also across the United States. Indian Air Force vs Chinese Air Force: Two months ago, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh drew a comparison between the Indian and Chinese air forces. Speaking during a media interaction in October, Singh acknowledged that China has recently gained a technological edge over India. However, he emphasized that the Indian Air Force remains far superior to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in terms of training and the skill of its personnel. This week, China unveiled two fifth-generation fighter jets, sending shockwaves not just through India but also across the United States. With advanced aircraft carriers and state-of-the-art fighter jets, many social media users believe China has secured a significant edge over India. The dramatic debut of these new fighter jets has sparked a frenzy on Indian social media platforms. Criticism has mounted against successive Indian governments and defence research organizations, with users highlighting their inability to deliver a fully indigenous, cutting-edge fighter jet system. "While Tejas was dissed for years, HF 24 was cancelled, Kaveri never tested even for low and high-speed taxi trials, here is a 3-minute video on the underperforming stuff that the IAF got from abroad," said a defence enthusiast. While Tejas was dissed for years, HF 24 was cancelled, Kaveri never tested even for low and high speed taxi trials, here is a 3 minute video on the underperforming stuff that the IAF got from abroad (edit from my Youtube video) pic.twitter.com/s3FZAXj56D "This new Chinese jet has really thrown people for a loop. A lot are pushing this as a “6th Gen Fighter” b/c it shares a lot of vague commonalities with the NGAD artistic depictions. I don’t believe this to be the case, but there’s still a lot to be inferred from the pics so far," said another user. This new Chinese jet has really thrown people for a loop. A lot are pushing this as a “6th Gen Fighter” b/c it shares a lot of vague commonalities with the NGAD artistic depictions. I don’t believe this to be the case, but there’s still a lot to be inferred from the pics so far— pic.twitter.com/utqItKfsyy — Prez (@PrezGHz) December 26, 2024 A Chinese journalist posted, "As early as at the 2022 Airshow China, China’s 6th-generation fighter jet made an appearance. The model was placed in a corner and did not attract much attention. The Chinese state media has already hinted that this is China’s next-generation fighter jet." As early as at the 2022 Airshow China, China’s 6th-generation fighter jet made an appearance. The model was placed in a corner and did not attract much attention. The Chinese state media has already hinted that this is China’s next-generation fighter jet. pic.twitter.com/AHHPKlBsB3 — Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) December 27, 2024 "China is testing prototype of a revolutionary tailless stealth fighter. Meanwhile Indians are racing to overtake the Chinese by digging for our famed pushpaka vimana. Indians very smartly realised that's the only way we can beat or confuse the Chinese!" said another Indian user. China is testing prototype of a revolutionary tailless stealth fighter. Meanwhile Indians are racing to overtake the Chinese by digging for our famed pushpaka vimana. Indians very smartly realised that's the only way we can beat or confuse the Chinese! pic.twitter.com/cIZEXqGBjS — JD (@jillsdaniel) December 27, 2024 India relies on Russian and French fighter jets for air-to-air combat. The country is importing Rafale jets from France to help its air force be prepared for eventualities. The homegrown Tejas aircraft relies on Israel, Russia and Ukraine for several components. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
