bet 8 India’s successful test of its newly inducted nuclear-powered INS Arighaat, equipped with a K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), marks a significant milestone in its defence capabilities. The K-4 missile boasts an impressive range of 3,500 kilometres, significantly enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence strategy and bolstering its second-strike capability (SSC). This achievement, achieved just months after INS Arighaat’s commissioning in August 2024, underscores India’s growing military prowess in general and naval strength in particular in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Indo-Pacific and IOR are becoming increasingly important in the global geopolitical arena, with competing interests from the international powers. India’s growing naval capabilities, particularly in the domain of nuclear-powered submarines and SLBMs, offer significant leverage in the ongoing balancing act between these powers while enhancing India’s deterrence capability and ensuring strategic stability in the region. The K-4 Test and Its Strategic Significance India’s nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat, which carries the K-4 missiles (developed by DRDO), is now the second vessel in India’s fleet to be equipped with these advanced ballistic missiles, following INS Arihant (commissioned in 2016). The successful test of the K-4 missile off the Visakhapatnam coast is crucial because it demonstrates India’s ability to conduct full-range tests of its strategic weapons from operational submarines, not just from submersible pontoons or other platforms. The missile, capable of striking targets up to 3,500 kilometres away, significantly enhances India’s nuclear triad , which comprises land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), air-launched weapons, and now, sea-based SLBMs. The K-4 missile system is key in India’s strategic deterrence doctrine. By providing India with a credible SSC, the K-4 ensures that the country can maintain a nuclear deterrent even in the face of a first strike by an adversary. This is crucial for India’s no-first-use (NFU) policy, which commits the country to using nuclear weapons only in retaliation to a nuclear attack. With a more extended range and the ability to be launched from a submerged submarine, the K-4 increases India’s atomic deterrent’s survivability and operational flexibility. It allows Indian nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) to remain in secure waters, such as the northern Bay of Bengal, far from potential adversaries’ detection and counter-strike capabilities. The K-4’s range expands India’s strike potential across large parts of both China and Pakistan, ensuring that the country can target high-value assets in these nuclear-armed neighbours while maintaining the operational advantage of its sea-based assets. By boosting the reach of its SSBN fleet, India significantly improves its ability to respond in the event of a nuclear conflict, reinforcing the credibility of its deterrence. Global Peers As India builds and refines its nuclear deterrence capabilities, its growing strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific and IOR intersects with the interests of other global powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia. Each nation maintains a unique approach to its respective defence postures and regional influence (Russia has zero or less influence in this region). Still, they also share some common objectives, such as ensuring regional stability and maintaining a robust naval presence in the strategically critical maritime routes that pass through the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea (SCS). The United States, as a global superpower with extensive naval capabilities, has long maintained a strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific. It views the region as critical to its broader geopolitical objectives, particularly in countering China’s increasing influence. The US Navy’s fleet is heavily deployed in this region, and its focus on freedom of navigation and the preservation of regional security has often put it in direct competition with China’s growing maritime assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea. India and the US share common interests in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly as both nations seek to counterbalance China’s rising power. The US has been a vital partner in India’s defence modernisation efforts, with increased cooperation in naval exercises, arms sales, and technology sharing. The US recognises India’s burgeoning nuclear deterrence as a pivotal stabilising force in the region, serving as a counterbalance to China’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Nevertheless, the development of India’s K-4 missile and expanding submarine fleet underscores India’s growing independence in defence matters, even as it fortifies its security ties with the US. On the other hand, China perceives India’s advancements in submarine-launched missile systems as a direct challenge to its regional and global ambitions. China has invested heavily in its naval and missile capabilities, including developing its SSBN fleet equipped with long-range SLBMs capable of reaching deep into Indian sea territory. The K-4 missile’s range of 3,500 kilometres is especially significant because it extends India’s reach into China, including critical sites like Beijing , which are within striking distance from secure positions in the Bay of Bengal. This operational advantage significantly alters the security calculus in the region. China’s naval activities in the Indian Ocean have grown in recent years, driven partly by its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and increasing presence in crucial maritime chokepoints. With Chinese naval vessels frequently operating in the Indian Ocean, India views its growing nuclear capabilities as essential for ensuring its strategic autonomy and maintaining a balance of power in the region. India’s successful test of the K-4 missile from INS Arighaat has solidified its position as a critical player in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The test not only strengthens India’s nuclear deterrent but also enhances its ability to project power and influence in an area where the interests of the major powers, such as the US and China, are intertwined. By ensuring its ability to launch nuclear strikes from the sea, India has bolstered its second-strike capability, making it a formidable force in regional security dynamics. As the security environment in the Indo-Pacific continues to evolve, India’s strategic autonomy, coupled with its growing defence capabilities, will ensure that the country remains an important and influential actor in the region. The K-4 missile test is just one of many steps India takes to safeguard its position as a regional power capable of deterring any adversary and maintaining peace and stability in the face of emerging challenges from global powers like China and the US. The author is a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

Michael Owen names ‘the sad thing about Man Utd these days’ as ex-Old Trafford hero slams ‘stupid’ new signingIn November, posts connecting The Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025 , and Hobby Lobby were shared across social media platforms. Project 2025 is an initiative launched in April 2022 to provide a roadmap for the next conservative president to transform the government in favor of conservative social policies and ideals. The social media posts claim The Heritage Foundation’s Director of Finance David Green also owns Hobby Lobby, a retail chain that specializes in crafts and home décor. Hobby Lobby has a history of advocating for various conservative causes. “The Heritage Foundation is behind Project25. Their Director of Finance is David Green. Owner of Hobby Lobby. You know what to do,” one of the posts says . THE QUESTION Does The Heritage Foundation’s director of finance own Hobby Lobby? THE SOURCES Bio for David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, on the company’s website Photo of David Green, the director of finance at The Heritage Foundation, on the think tank’s website Ellen Keenan, a spokesperson for The Heritage Foundation THE ANSWER No, The Heritage Foundation’s director of finance does not own Hobby Lobby. WHAT WE FOUND Claims that The Heritage Foundation’s finance director owns Hobby Lobby are false. The founder and current CEO of Hobby Lobby and The Heritage Foundation’s director of finance both have the name David Green, but they are two different people. However, both of them do have ties to conservative causes. “No, they are not the same person,” Ellen Keenan, a spokesperson for The Heritage Foundation, wrote in an email to VERIFY addressing the false online claims. Photos of both David Greens on the Hobby Lobby and The Heritage Foundation websites also show they bear no resemblance to one another. The men are not the same age, either. Hobby Lobby’s David Green was 83 years old as of April 2024, according to Forbes . VERIFY couldn’t confirm an exact age for The Heritage Foundation’s David Green, but he appears to be much younger. The Heritage Foundation’s David Green The Heritage Foundation’s website only includes David Green’s job title and his photo. Alongside his role as the director of finance, Green serves as the think tank’s controller for finance and accounting. According to his LinkedIn profile , he graduated from Virginia Tech in 1994 and worked in the finance industry for more than two decades before joining The Heritage Foundation. He has worked at The Heritage Foundation for just over three years. Hobby Lobby’s David Green In 1970, David Green, the founder and current CEO of Hobby Lobby and his wife began selling miniature picture frames out of their home. Two years later, the first official Hobby Lobby store opened in Oklahoma City, according to the company. All of Green’s children also work for Hobby Lobby. His son, Mart, serves as the ministry investment officer; his son, Steve, is the company’s president; and his daughter, Darsee Lett, is the vice president of art/creative, according to the company. His son-in-law, Steve Lett, is the executive vice president of Hobby Lobby. Green said in October 2022 that he was giving away ownership of Hobby Lobby. At the time, he said 100% of the company’s voting stock was moved to a trust. The confusion online may stem from the fact that Hobby Lobby’s Green and his family have aligned themselves with conservative Christian causes over the years. In 2014, Hobby Lobby was the lead plaintiff in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that centered around the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) mandate that employers provide health insurance coverage for birth control. Green and his family argued that the mandate violated their religious beliefs since it required them to cover certain forms of contraception they considered morally objectionable. In a 5-4 decision , the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby on June 30, 2014, affirming that certain types of companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in the ACA. Hobby Lobby has also donated tens of millions of dollars to religious groups over the years and the company, which is known for closing stores on Sundays, funded the creation of a museum dedicated to the Bible that opened in Washington, D.C., in 2017. The Associated Press contributed to this report.The golf driver I just bought is over 50% off right now — grab a Cobra Aerojet for a steal

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HOUSTON — Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell will miss the remainder of the season after dislocating a knee and tearing an ACL in a loss to Kansas City on Saturday. Coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the details of his injury Monday before announcing that Dell would have season-ending surgery for a second straight year. He fractured his fibula in Week 13 against the Broncos as a rookie last season and had surgery on it the following day. “He dislocated the knee, he tore the ACL, other things there he’ll have to get repaired," Ryans said. “So he’ll be out for the year.” Ryans didn't have a date for Dell's surgery for this injury, but said it would be soon. Dell was injured on a 30-yard touchdown catch in Houston’s 27-19 loss Saturday. He was coming across the back of the end zone and made the spectacular catch on a pass from C.J. Stroud before colliding with Houston teammate Jared Wayne on the way to the ground. Dell immediately grabbed at his knee and Wayne signaled for team trainers, who spent several minutes working on the wide receiver while teammates waited anxiously. Dell was eventually placed on a stretcher and driven in a covered medical cart off the field, and then he was taken to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital overnight before flying back to Houston on Sunday. Stroud, who is so close to Dell that he considers him a brother, cried the entire time the receiver was down on the field and for a while after he was taken away. “It was just not easy for me to sit there and be emotional,” Stroud said Monday. “But it’s something that we all go through in life and it’s easy to be a fake tough guy. It’s easy to go through life acting like everything doesn’t affect you, but deep down we all know we’re going through something.” Some criticized Stroud for crying. But he believes a display of emotion such as that was important to remind people of the human aspect of this game and the toll it can take on players. “It’s good for young men and women out there, kids who are brought up — and I was taught this too as a kid, not from my parents but just from the world, don’t let anybody see you emotional,” he said. “Don’t let anybody see you down and yeah there’s some truth to that in in certain aspects, but there’s also life and I think it was good for people to see me in that light and knowing that there is still a human factor to me and I’m a normal person.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Costco to stop selling books at most US locations starting next yearForeign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is not escalating a war of words with Mexico, after the Mexican president criticized Canada’s culture and its framing of border issues. “I fundamentally believe that many conversations, when it comes to diplomacy, are always better when they remain private,” Joly said Monday during a teleconference from Brussels. The rift between the two trading partners started with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s declaration that he plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods from both countries unless they stop the flow of migrants and illegal drugs into the U.S. Several federal and provincial officials in Canada responded by saying the issues at the Canadian border are vastly different from the Mexican border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for example, has voiced concerns that the level of Chinese investment in Mexico goes against the economic-security goals of Ottawa and Washington. Some premiers have called on Canada to negotiate a trade deal with Washington independent from Mexico, ahead of the 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s last tenure in the White House. In a Monday press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico “must be respected, especially by its trading partners.” She also noted that Canada has “a very serious problem with fentanyl consumption,” more than Mexico, and possibly as a result of some drug-decriminalization measures. “We are not going to fall for a provocation of which country is better,” she said, chalking some criticism from Canada up to political pandering. “Mexico should not be used as part of (Canadian) electoral campaigns,” she said. Yet Sheinbaum also said Canada “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has,” saying her country has civilizations dating back thousands of years. Asked to respond, Joly said she is reaching out to Mexican officials after speaking with the U.S., including about the “very important trade agreement” that includes all three countries. “I know there has been many conversations in Canada about how we can work together and how we can, at the same time, protect our interests,” she said. “We have a positive relationship with Mexico, and we need to work with the country; that’s definitely my goal.” Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, said tensions between both countries played out in the NAFTA renegotiation, when there was limited communication between Ottawa and Mexico City. “The Canada-Mexico relationship has always been the weakest part of the triangle of North America,” he said. “There was a lot of feeling during the (CUSMA) negotiations that Mexico was willing to go it alone, and that Canada particularly toward the end was on the outside looking in, and had to fight its way back to the table.” He said Washington would rather have a trade pact with all three countries so it can limit the time and attention it needs on continental issues. “The U.S. is probably the most trilateral of all three countries,” he said, with a caveat. “I think Donald Trump looks at this going into 2026 and says, ‘Great, divide and conquer.’” Sands added that Sheinbaum and her predecessor have implemented nationalist policies that have been at odds with Washington. “The Mexican government has been moving in a direction which is antithetical to the North American project (through) nationalizing parts of the economy, by reversing energy reforms, by doing deals with the cartels. (They are) sometimes working co-operatively with the Americans in the borders, and sometimes not.” Sheinbaum indicated a week ago that she would be writing a letter to Trudeau. That has not been made public, although she did release a letter she had sent to Trump.

Schneider To Acquire Cowan Systems For $390 MillionThe Managing Consultant at Apex Law Consult, Mrs Sheila Minkah-Premo is advocating for the strengthening of legal frameworks and provision of adequate survivor services in order to eliminate Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Delivering a keynote address at the ‘Women Speak’ event held in Accra on Wednesday, in commemoration of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against BGV by the European Union(EU) Delegation to Ghana, she stressed the need for the government and international community also reaffirm their commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls. The event was held under the theme, “Beyond Beijing+30: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Women’s Rights.” Madam Minkah-Premo added that ultimately, a collective effort, both legal and social would be required to create a world free from violence against all women and girls. “Despite the progress we have made globally, gender-based violence remains a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality,” she stated. GBV, she noted, included physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, which excessively affects women and girls worldwide. She emphasised that the 1995 Beijing Declaration, which first recognised violence against women as a human rights violation and a major obstacle to equality and development, provided a crucial foundation to address the canker. “The Platform advocates for comprehensive legal frameworks, victim support services, and preventive measures such as public education and awareness,” she added. However, she said, much work and collaborations must be enhanced to fully address the issue across board. In Ghana, for example, she disclosed that studies had shown persistent high rates of domestic violence, with laws like the Domestic Violence Act (2007) and the Labour Act (2003) criminalising GBV. “However, enforcement remains a challenge, with insufficient resources and poor coordination between stakeholders,” she stated. “At the national level, it is crucial to complete reviews of the Domestic Violence Act and fully implement laws, such as the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act of 2024, which seeks to increase women’s representation in leadership roles. Additionally, more shelters for victims of violence should be established, and resources should be allocated for women’s rights programmes and economic empowerment,” she added. On his part, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Ghana, Mr Massimo Mina reiterated that, the 16-Day of Activism served as an opportunity to remind everyone of the elements of gender equality especially violence against women. “Women are fundamental to the growth and transformation of society. Protecting them is the best way to unlock the potential of our communities,” she stated. He highlighted the EU’s strategic commitment to integrating gender equality into all its external actions, which include ensuring that 85 percent of EU activities by 2027 prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment. He lauded the recent passage of Ghana’s Affirmative Action Bill, as a significant step in promoting gender equality in leadership positions across the country. BY MIKE ABAYATEYE

Why Marvell Technology (MRVL) Stock Is SkyrocketingOne Bio Secures $27 Million in Series A Funding to Revolutionize Nutrition with Launch of Breakthrough Technology Making High-Dose, Anti-Inflammatory Plant Fiber Imperceptible in Food and Beverage for the First TimeWith his ambitious 16-part sci-fi supernatural thriller, Dr Aamton Alias is crafting a saga that seamlessly blends Bruneian folklore with eerie, otherworldly intrigue. Could this local author be the one to carve a place for Brunei in the realm of epic storytelling? The scale of The BU NI AN Conspiracy Series is nothing short of monumental. Even Dr Aamton, a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience spanning genres from children’s literature to horror, acknowledges the challenges of this undertaking. “I began writing in 2014 but officially left my government job in 2018 to focus on it. For a few years, especially during COVID-19, I couldn’t write because my work relies heavily on meeting people – it’s an integral part of my process,” he shared. For Dr Aamton, inspiration doesn’t come from isolation but from everyday interactions with the people around him. “To me, being a doctor and a writer are interconnected: I need to be a doctor to write, and I need to write to be a good doctor,” he explained. Despite these challenges, Dr Aamton’s literary contributions are nothing short of prolific. With over 30 books to his name, his horror anthology series is a standout success, now in its seventh instalment. Yet, his current endeavour – a re-imagination of Brunei’s mythical orang bunian – is pushing his creativity to new limits. “The series reinterprets orang bunian, often seen as ghostly entities in local folklore, as people from an alternate dimension,” he said. Dr Aamton Alias signs one of his books. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL PHOTO: ENVATO Dr Aamton Alias shows his books. PHOTO: WARDI WASIL “It explores their society, politics, and technology, imagining how these dynamics might intersect with Brunei’s context.” So far, three books in the series have been published. Initially, Dr Aamton had hoped to release the fifth book by now, but balancing the demands of being a full-time physician and author has proven to be an unpredictable journey. “Life has been full of unexpected twists,” he admitted with a laugh. “The challenge now is, how can I live long enough to complete all 16?” He admitted to feeling pressure from his readers – a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s rewarding to know that his work resonates with an audience. On the other hand, being largely self-published means that the release of a book involves much more than just writing – it requires manageing every step of the process. Even so, he stressed, staying consistent as a writer is definitely a challenge. “I guilt-trip myself when readers ask about delayed books – like Gergasi’s Wrath, which had a three-year gap before publication. The writing was done, but the polishing took longer than expected. “Getting feedback from readers, though, is incredibly motivating. Knowing people are reading your work, even asking for sequels, drives me to continue.” For Dr Aamton, being an author is about more than just putting his imagination to paper. It’s a way for him to take pride in Brunei’s local heritage while also inspiring more writers to share their stories about the country. “Over the past decade, more Bruneians are writing books. Each person’s success inspires others to share their stories.” This, according to the seasoned author, is invaluable, especially when considering the many tales that may have been lost due to the modern world’s pace and the erosion of oral traditions. He believes our folklore is rich with layers of meaning, shaped by periods of colonisation. “Parents are less likely to pass down fables and folklore, perhaps because today’s children find them irrelevant.” Given this decline, it’s more crucial than ever for locals to document and share our histories and myths, pushing them to the forefront for readers. “As Bruneians, we are loving, family-oriented people, and the world could learn from our way of life. That’s why it’s important to write our stories – not just for ourselves, but to share with the world.” Citing Iceland as an example, where the country has more writers per capita than anywhere else in the world, Dr Aamton noted: “Their Viking mythology is now part of global culture. I dream of Brunei fostering a similar literary legacy, where our unique perspectives shape the world’s understanding of us.” “With the BU NI AN Conspiracy, I want to build a universe inspired by Brunei but relatable on a global scale.” – Wardi WasilThe Incredible Numbers Behind Netflix’s ‘Senna,’ Its Most Ambitious Brazilian Production to Date

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Aston Villa scored three first-half goals as they recorded their first win since October with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford at Villa Park. Villa's last win came against Fulham 46 days and eight games ago and they jumped back into the top half of the Premier League table with a scintillating performance in the opening 45 minutes. Unai Emery has never gone nine matches without a win as a manager but Brentford never posed a threat to prolong that run as Villa cashed in on a dominant first period with goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash. Brentford have only managed one point away from home all season and Mikkel Damsgaard's effort after the break proved to be in vain as their miserable run on the road continued. Tyrone Mings made his first start in the Premier League since August 2023 in place of Pau Torres while Leon Bailey was brought into the side following their heavy loss to Chelsea. Bees boss Thomas Frank opted for Vitaly Janelt and Yehor Yarmoliuk over Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen. Kevin Schade completed his first career hat-trick at the weekend and showed his confidence six minutes in when his drilled shot was deflected narrowly behind. It took a quarter of an hour but Villa began to knock the ball about and Watkins bent an effort towards goal but Mark Flekken was brought into action for the first time to collect. The tension inside Villa Park alleviated as the hosts took the lead in the 21st minute. Boubacar Kamara's beautiful turn in the middle of the park set Watkins on his way and he teed up Rogers outside the box who whipped into the far corner in magnificent fashion. The hosts almost added a second straight away as Bailey got in behind the Bees back line but blasted straight at Flekken. Villa had another opportunity to go two in front when Ethan Pinnock dragged Watkins down inside the area and the penalty was eventually given by referee Lewis Smith. And England striker Watkins dusted himself down and snuck his spot-kick into the bottom right corner from 12 yards. Emery's side showed no mercy and added a third 11 minutes before the break as Lucas Digne's cross fell to Cash who was waiting at the back post to slam home. Things threatened to get worse for Brentford after the interval when Flekken came to punch Youri Tielemans' corner away but almost diverted it into his own goal before he got back to push behind for a corner. The Bees got themselves on the scoresheet in the 54th minute as Bryan Mbeumo's cross was diverted into the path of Damsgaard who cut back and lashed high into the net. Watkins wasted an opportunity to restore Villa's three-goal advantage as he pounced on a loose pass but aimed straight at Flekken. The visiting goalkeeper was again called on to deny substitute Jhon Duran but Villa settle dfor three goals as they returned to winning ways.Dubai, UAE, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The WikiEXPO Dubai 2024, hosted by WikiGlobal , successfully concluded on November 27, attracting wide attention from the global financial technology sector. The event was co-organized by WikiFX and the Australian Computer and Law Association (AUSCL), with strong support from the Mauritius Financial Services Institute (FSI) and the government of Liberland. Through an innovative hybrid model of online and offline participation, WikiEXPO Dubai 2024 achieved an impressive 1,267,886 online views and gathered 3500+ on-site participants, bringing together 550+ industry leaders and attracting close coverage from over 1300+ global media outlets. Focusing on Fintech Frontiers, Discussing Safe Trading Practices This expo centered around the theme “Seeing Diversity, Trading Safely,” attracting 3500+ industry decision-makers, innovators, and investors from around the globe. Key discussions included new forms of financial crime and cutting-edge practices in anti-money laundering, the financial derivatives market in the UAE, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the financial technology landscape in the UAE. The content covered a wide range of topics including financial regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, forex, digital currency, blockchain, DeFi, Web3, RWA, artificial intelligence, ESG, climate risk, banking, and digital assets CBDC, providing attendees with a unique platform to gain insights into future trends in financial technology. Industry Leaders Gather to Discuss New Industry Trends The event featured several industry leaders and speakers, including Braden Perry from Kennehertz Perry, Dr. Mohamed Damak from S&P Global Ratings, Justin Sun from TRON, Naushad Khadun from FSI Mauritius, John Riggins from BTC Ltd., Reeve Collins from WeFi and Tether (EX), Kamran Khan from FinTech Professional, Hasnae Taleb from Minultiy Capital, Gustavo Antonio Montero from Carter Capital, Hafedh Ajmi from PwC Middle East, and Myriam Ben Sayeh from Mastercard. These respected guests shared their insights on hot topics such as financial regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, and blockchain trends. Guests expressed that WikiEXPO Dubai 2024 provided them with a rare platform for exchange. Mr. Naushad Khadun noted that he learned about the perspectives of experts and investors from around the world regarding future investments and expectations for forex investment regulation. Dr. Mohamed Damak believed that the expo built a bridge for global financial investors, contributing to maintaining safety in financial trading and promoting robust development in financial technology. Mr. Braden Perry emphasized that the expo not only connected global financial investors but also established a safety barrier for forex trading. Top Forex Influencers Selection Announced, Leading Industry Trends Additionally, the expo revealed the results of the WikiEXPO 2024 Top Forex Influencers Selection, honoring the most popular 30 influencers in the forex sector. These industry leaders, recognized for their exceptional contributions and wide influence in the financial technology field, have earned the trust and recognition of over 1,000,000 global investors, making them some of the most prominent figures in the industry. In the context of diversified investment development trends, WikiGlobal launched several events focused on trading safety, bringing together renowned influencers and industry elites in the global investment community to share professional insights and experiences within the WikiFX Business community, helping investors better grasp market dynamics and investment opportunities. Since its launch, the WikiFX Community has garnered significant attention from industry professionals. The successful conclusion of WikiEXPO Dubai 2024 is not the end; the community will continue to host a variety of enriching online and offline activities, providing participants with more business opportunities and channels, creating a more open industry ecosystem, and jointly building a healthier and more trustworthy financial market environment. WikiEXPO: A Communication Platform in the Fintech Field WikiEXPO Dubai 2024 not only provided industry participants with a platform to gain deeper insights into future trends in financial technology but also facilitated exchanges and collaborations on cutting-edge technologies. Through this event, attendees could delve into the latest developments in financial technology and explore new opportunities for win-win cooperation. The successful hosting of this expo marks a significant milestone in the financial technology sector. In the future, WikiEXPO will continue to leverage its leading role in the Fintech field, providing more opportunities for exchange and cooperation for global industry participants, jointly promoting the robust development of the Fintech industry and enhancing the safety of the trading environment. About WikiEXPO WikiEXPO , established in 2019, is a fintech expo focused on trading environment safety. By creating a leading global fintech expo and integrating various industry resources, it promotes healthy competition and orderly development. It is a grand event that combines authoritative information, industry wisdom, networking, and business opportunities. To date, WikiEXPO has successfully hosted dozens of expos across more than ten countries.

Netflix Stock Gets Price-Target Hikes As Shares Surge To Record HeightsNoneBiden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden said he couldn't allow a new administration to resume executions. Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. The president-elect has talked subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames. Police on Monday said the man, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, had been taken into custody as a person of interest in the case hours after the woman died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018. Transit police apprehended the man hours after the fatal fire. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.

Tweet Facebook Mail The family of Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman who went missing in early November after arriving in Los Angeles on a flight from Maui, insists their search for Hannah is not over despite police saying she is a voluntary missing person. "My heart is still broken, and my worry for Hannah has not lessened," Kobayashi's aunt Larie Pidgeon said in a statement Tuesday. "It has been 21 days since I last heard from her — 21 days of silence, of fear, and of questioning what could have led to this." READ MORE: A missed flight, strange texts and a father's death: How Hannah Kobayashi's mysterious disappearance has played out Hannah Kobayashi has not contacted her family for three weeks. (Nine) Police say the 30-year-old was spotted on video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection "crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico" on November 12. "She was alone, with her luggage, and appeared unharmed," Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Monday in a news conference. Kobayashi had arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui on November 8, but did not board her connecting flight to New York, her sister previously said. The family last heard from her on November 11 and police created a missing person poster for her on November 15. Video and photos show Kobayashi at various locations around Los Angeles between November 8 and 11, police said. "To date, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play. She is also not a suspect in any criminal activity," McDonnell said. "She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her." Tragedy struck the family during their search for Hannah when her father Ryan Kobayashi, who had travelled from Hawaii to Los Angeles to help look for her, was found dead Sunday near the airport, having taken his own life , the family and authorities say. Pidgeon said that he "died of a broken heart." Ryan Kobayashi, centre, during an interview. The father of a Hawaii woman was found dead after taking his own life. (CNN via CNN Newsource) Hannah's family is raising red flags on what they say is aberrant behaviour leading to the Hawaiian native's decision to travel to Mexico. "They say that they've seen her alone but that doesn't discount the fact that someone could be watching her from afar, knowing how big this case has gotten and kind of like maybe controlling her or like telling her what to do," Hannah's sister Sydni Kobayashi told CNN affiliate HawaiiNewsNow on Tuesday. "Now that she's there (Mexico), it feels like they're kind of washing their hands clean of the situation," Kobayashi said. When asked, the LAPD said they had no further comment or information to provide on Hannah's case. The father of a Hawaii woman who went missing two weeks ago was found dead on November 24. The father of a Hawaii woman who went missing two weeks ago was found dead on Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department said.Ryan Kobayashi had traveled to Los Angeles to help find his daughter, Hannah Kobayashi. (Courtesy Sydni Kobayashi via CNN Newsource) Hannah's aunt expressed the family's appreciation for the Los Angeles Police Department who "worked tirelessly" to track down her niece saying, "Their efforts have brought us to this new piece of the puzzle." However, Pidgeon noted that her usually communicative niece "never mentioned any plans to travel to Mexico, and no one in her life knew she intended to go there." Attorney Sara Azani tells CNN the family is shocked and frustrated because Hannah is still in the missing person's database and now the family has to take the investigation into their own hands. "They're very concerned because Mexico is not a safe place, at least not near the border," Azani says. "Even if Hannah was safe as of November 12, there's no telling that she's safe today." "What alarms me even more is her complete disconnection from her phone, her social media, and her world—this is not who she is," Pidgeon said. Azani said her team and members of the Kobayashi family are hoping to engage the US State Department and plan on traveling to Mexico soon where they feel like they will have to start all over with the campaign to find Hannah. "Everything I've done, every plea I've made, every step I've taken—it's all been out of love," Pidgeon said. "I will not stop until I can confirm, face-to-face, that she is safe and making these decisions of her own accord. "

Shares of StepStone Group LP ( NASDAQ:STEP – Get Free Report ) have been given a consensus recommendation of “Hold” by the seven research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $64.36. Several research firms have recently weighed in on STEP. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of StepStone Group from $64.00 to $70.50 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. Oppenheimer raised their price target on StepStone Group from $56.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. UBS Group increased their price objective on StepStone Group from $55.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on StepStone Group from $56.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of StepStone Group from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Get Our Latest Report on STEP StepStone Group Price Performance StepStone Group Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 29th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. StepStone Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 160.00%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CAO Anthony Keathley sold 729 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.85, for a total transaction of $50,191.65. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,158 shares in the company, valued at approximately $148,578.30. This represents a 25.25 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, CFO David Y. Park sold 3,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.21, for a total value of $204,630.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 20,251 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,381,320.71. This represents a 12.90 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders own 18.44% of the company’s stock. Institutional Trading of StepStone Group Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in StepStone Group by 150.0% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 850,463 shares of the company’s stock worth $30,396,000 after purchasing an additional 510,283 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in StepStone Group by 12.4% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,401,034 shares of the company’s stock worth $136,451,000 after buying an additional 265,240 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in StepStone Group by 991.1% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 291,530 shares of the company’s stock valued at $13,378,000 after acquiring an additional 264,811 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of StepStone Group by 25.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,115,384 shares of the company’s stock worth $51,185,000 after acquiring an additional 225,201 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of StepStone Group by 17.4% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,457,690 shares of the company’s stock worth $82,856,000 after acquiring an additional 216,029 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 55.54% of the company’s stock. About StepStone Group ( Get Free Report StepStone Group Inc is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in direct, fund of funds, secondary direct, and secondary indirect investments. For direct investment, it seeks to invest in private debt, venture debt, incubation, mezzanine, distressed/vulture, seed/startup, early venture, mid venture, late venture, emerging growth, later stage, turnaround, growth capital, industry consolidation, recapitalization, buyout investments in mature and middle market companies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for StepStone Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for StepStone Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .