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China has unveiled its next-generation high-speed train, the CR450 prototype, which has set a new global benchmark by reaching test speeds of 450 km/h. The train surpasses the current CR400 Fuxing trains, which operate at 350 km/h, making it the fastest train in the world, according to state media reports. About the High-speed train The CR450 was developed following extensive research and development that began in 2021, focusing on safety, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort. It features significant advancements, including a streamlined design that reduces energy consumption by over 20% and an optimized braking system to ensure stability and safety at high speeds. Two prototype models, the CR450AF and CR450BF, have been revealed, each featuring an eight-car formation with advanced technologies such as water-cooled permanent magnet traction systems and high-stability bogies. These innovations improve the train’s energy efficiency and performance. According to the China State Railway Group, the CR450 is expected to shorten travel times significantly. For example, the Beijing-Shanghai journey, which currently takes 4.5 hours, could be reduced to just over three hours. Further testing and refinement are underway to ensure the train’s readiness for commercial service, with a launch anticipated as early as next year. In addition to speed and efficiency, the CR450 prioritizes passenger experience with features such as increased cabin space, noise reduction technologies, and adjustable storage for bicycles and wheelchairs. Advanced materials like carbon fiber contribute to its reduced weight and superior energy efficiency, aligning with China’s sustainability goals. The unveiling of the CR450 reinforces China’s position as a global leader in high-speed rail technology. The country currently boasts the world’s largest high-speed rail network, with 47,000 kilometers of operational tracks connecting major cities. While not all routes are profitable, the network has significantly boosted economic and social development. China’s high-speed rail expertise has also been exported globally, with projects in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Serbia. ALSO READ: Mysterious Water Flow In Jaisalmer Forces Evacuations As Tubewell Digging In Taragarh VillageiPhone 16 Pro available at Rs 1,02,500 after a Rs 16,000 discount and bank offers during Vijay Sales' Apple Days. iPhone 16 gets a Rs 9,000 price cut, now priced at Rs 66,900 with additional bank discounts. Customers can also get bank offers, EMI options and more. iPhone 16 Pro price in India: Apple’s flagship devices are rarely discounted, but customers can get massive discounts on the iPhone 16 Pro during Vijay Sales’ Apple Days sale. For the unversed, the Vijay Sales Apple Days sale is already live and will conclude on January 5. During these 5 days, customers can save big on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro along with other Apple products. So, if you are planning to buy a new flagship iPhone for yourself, this can be the best time. Check iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro price deals here. iPhone 16 Pro price, offers, and discounts The iPhone 16 Pro is listed at a Rs 13,000 price cut. Customers can buy the device at Rs 1,06,900 without any bank offers on the platform. Launched at Rs 1,19,900 in India, the device is available in four different colours. Additionally, the customers can get up to Rs 4,500 bank discounts on using select bank cards including HDFC or RBL bank cards, bringing down the price to Rs 1,02,500. Customers can also trade in their old devices and get significant price reductions. Customers can opt-in for the no-cost EMI options. READ: iPhone 15 now available for under Rs 50,000 on Flipkart: Here’s how the deal works iPhone 16 price, discounts and offers Along with the iPhone 16 Pro, the customers can also save big on the iPhone 16. The vanilla trim is currently listed at Rs 70,990, a massive Rs 9,000 price cut. The customers can also get Rs 4,000 off on using select bank cards bringing down the price to Rs 66,900. However, only Ultramarine colour is available for the customers, and the rest are tagged as ‘Out of Stock’. It is worth noting that the above-mentioned deals and prices are for the base variants and the customers can choose storage options as per their requirements and avail discounts as listed on the platform. Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. Previously, he worked as a Senior Sub-Editor with Jagran English from 2022, and has been a journalist since 2020, with experience at Times Internet. Ashish specializes in Technology. In his free time, you can find him exploring new gadgets, gaming, and discovering new places. View Full Profile

Asian shares were mixed on Monday after stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. U.S. futures were lower while oil prices were little changed. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.6% to 2,418.80. But shares of Jeju Air Co. lost 8.8% after one of the company’s jets skidded off a runway , slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames Sunday in South Korea as its landing gear failed to deploy. 179 people died in the crash. Political turmoil continued as South Korean law enforcement officials requested a court warrant on Monday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. They are investigating whether his martial law decree on Dec. 3 amounted to rebellion. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost 0.9% to 39,914.21 as the dollar gained against the Japanese yen, trading at 157.83 yen, up from 157.75 yen. The Tokyo market will wrap up trading for 2024 with a yearend ceremony as Japan begins its New Year holidays, the biggest festival of the year. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong shed 0.3% to 20,030.63 while the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.3% at 3,408.72. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.9% to 8,191.50. On Friday, the S&P 500 fell 1.1% to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.8% to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 1.5%, to 19,722.03. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. In other dealings early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil picked up 1 cent to $70.61 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, lost 1 cent to $73.78 per barrel. The euro fell to $1.0427 from $1.0433.

Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiastsSA vs PAK, 1st Test: South Africa beats Pakistan by two wickets, reaches WTC finalA couple has been accused of stealing nearly $1m worth of Lululemon products from its stores across the US. Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on 14 November in Minneapolis-St Paul and have each been charged with one count of organized retail theft, according to a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota and reviewed by multiple outlets . On the day of their arrest, the couple reportedly was stopped by store employees after a security alarm went off as they were leaving a Lululemon store in Roseville, Minnesota . Richards accused the store employees of racially profiling him, according to the complaint. The couple allegedly denied any wrongdoing and was eventually allowed to leave. They were later arrested at a separate Lululemon store in Woodbury, Minnesota, per the complaint. The couple has been accused of stealing from Lululemon stores across multiple states including Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York and Connecticut since September, the complaint said, citing a Lululemon investigator. The couple allegedly employed various methods of stealing including distracting store employees while the other person hid the products in the clothes they were wearing, according to the investigator. Another method involved one of them buying several cheap items while the other carried more expensive items with security sensors attached to them. Upon exiting the stores at the same time and setting off the security alarms, one person would stay behind and show a receipt of the purchased products while the other person would walk on with the other stolen products. Following their arrest, police obtained a search warrant for a hotel room that Richards booked at a JW Marriott in Bloomington, Minnesota. Upon entering the room, officers discovered 12 suitcases, including three that were filled with Lululemon products that still had the tags attached. The products were estimated to be worth more than $50,000, according to the complaint. In a statement to NBC following the couple’s arrest, Lululemon’s vice-president of asset protection, Tristen Shields, said: “This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable.” “We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue,” Shields added. The couple had reportedly stolen up to $1m worth of Lululemon products in total. If convicted, the couple can face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years, a $35,000 fine or both.

Vikings right guard Dalton Risner says he’ll continue to get better at new positionJimmy Carter has died at 100; longest-lived U.S. presidentNone

How Jimmy Carter became the first rock’n’roll presidentAn archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on

A butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2 million seeks to share them for the future NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa’s largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya’s capital. Steve Collins has a collection of 4.2 million butterflies representing hundreds of species. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. One expert familiar with Collins and his work suggests that the collection should be digitized for global access. Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the New York Knicks and New York Rangers sports franchises. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately.Recognising a record-breaking year in women’s football never gets old — 2024 has been no different. The last 12 months have seen the largest attendance at a Women’s Super League (WSL) game in history as 60,160 bought tickets to watch Arsenal beat Manchester United at the Emirates in February. There was also the first weekend (November 16-17) when all matches in the top two divisions were played at the home side’s main stadium, attracting a cumulative 65,485 in WSL attendances. Advertisement On the pitch, Chelsea’s league dominance was threatened by Manchester City, who remain the champions’ biggest challengers. Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion have shown signs they can compete, too. Matt Beard’s Liverpool finished in fourth — and above Manchester United — in their second season back in the WSL and Brighton will end the year in fifth. Familiar issues persist, however, including the gulf between the predictable top three and the lower end of the table, and the worryingly incessant frequency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Chelsea alone have seen Sophie Ingle, Mia Fishel and Sam Kerr sustain the injury. Here, The Athletic looks back at the weird and the wonderful of this year. Highlight It is not a singular moment but it was encouraging that all the domestic trophies were won by different teams for the first time since 2017, when the League Cup wasn’t contested. Chelsea lifted the WSL, Arsenal the League Cup and Manchester United the FA Cup . After putting eight goals past Bristol City two weeks before, Chelsea dismantled Manchester United 6-0 in their final game to win the league ahead of Manchester City, who only beat Aston Villa 2-1. It was the second time the title was decided on goal difference, with Chelsea seven goals better off. Disparity lingers between the sides at either end of the table but the league still boasts evidence of a growing competitiveness. Lowlight Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apathetic stance on Manchester United’s women’s team has generated an uncomfortable atmosphere. “There’s only so much you can do,” as he reminded us in the United We Stand fanzine, adding that his priority is the men’s team , who generate more revenue. Yet with their forced move into portable cabins in June to modernise the training ground and dismissal of women’s football advocate and sporting director Dan Ashworth after only five months at the club, it would take a bold person to predict a bright future for them. Advertisement Biggest surprise – Brighton Conversely, there is nothing surprising about this answer for anyone watching the WSL this season. Brighton’s summer recruitment, which included Euro 2022 winners Nikita Parris from Manchester United and Fran Kirby from Chelsea, has sparked a dramatic upturn in form. Their only league losses have come against the dominant top three of Chelsea, City and Arsenal. Their top-four goal might still be aspirational but Dario Vidosic’s side sit six points above sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and look well set to improve on their ninth-place finish last season. The former Australia winger is building something on the south coast. Best game – Liverpool 4 Chelsea 3 Seven goals (six of which were in the second half), Liverpool toppling the champions, a stoppage-time winner from Gemma Bonner, and then-Chelsea manager Emma Hayes claiming that “the title race is done”. Ignore how Hayes ended up winning her seventh league title at Chelsea anyway — what more could you want? It sent her off to the United States in perfect fashion. Gemma Bonner has done it again! She heads Liverpool 4-3 in front in the 92nd minute. A crazy game at Prenton Park. 🎥 @SkySportsWSL pic.twitter.com/RkEf9m7CMF — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 1, 2024 Best player – Khadija Shaw, Manchester City Not even close. Shaw finished the 2023-24 season eight goals above the second-placed Elisabeth Terland (then Brighton) and Lauren James (Chelsea), both on 13, despite suffering a foot injury that ruled her out of the title challenger’s last three games. Her goals and performances earned her the PFA Player of the Year award. Since coming back from injury, Shaw is leading the Golden Boot race once more, with nine goals, three clear of her nearest rivals. She will be integral to City’s hopes of ending Chelsea’s WSL dominance. Advertisement Standout stat of 2024 Women’s football figures for streaming live on YouTube have more than tripled. The biggest live audience last season, when matches were streamed on the FA Player, was the 78,050 that watched Arsenal vs Bristol City. This season there has already been an audience of nearly 200,000 more as 271,502 watched Manchester United beat Leicester City in November in real time. Greater demand meets greater accessibility and it is brilliant to see. Best quote – ‘Women are not small men’, Emma Hayes “Comparison is the thief of joy” is a phrase that has rarely been more apt. Beyond the often reductive comparisons between the men’s and women’s game, a study has indicated that boots designed for men are contributing to the ACL crisis. While football is football regardless of sex, as the injury crisis continues to grow with the game, Hayes’ call for a female-specific approach to recovery and athlete support seems pertinent. Did that really happen? Arsenal wearing Chelsea socks during their March fixture at Stamford Bridge to avoid the colour clash with the hosts’ kit was a surreal and embarrassing situation . It is an almost hilarious anecdote, trying to picture Arsenal’s kit man sprinting around to Chelsea’s club shop to buy 25 pairs of socks before their heavyweight clash against the reigning champions. Almost funny, until you remember it actually happened. Player to watch in 2025 – Grace Clinton The PFA Young Player of the Year has enjoyed a flying start on her return to Manchester United. After a successful loan at Tottenham, Clinton has scored three goals in 10 games at United. She has also scored three England goals (from five games) since her debut in February . She is not exactly unknown to WSL fans but at 21, her best is yet to come. What we’d like to see in 2025 Chelsea’s five-season dominance at the top of the WSL is a streak begging to be broken, for the good of the league. Manchester City came close last season but under new manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea won their first nine league games of the 2024-25 season. The last time this feat was achieved, the team went on to win the league (Arsenal 2018-19). Bompastor’s Chelsea have also excelled in Europe, winning their six group games, begging the question — can they do what Hayes couldn’t and win the Champions League ? (Top photo: Getty Images)

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will leave for China tomorrow (Sunday) on an eight-day (December 8-15) official visit, on the invitation of International Development Department of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). Maryam Nawaz will be accompanied by a 10-member high-level delegation, including Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb during the visit. During the trip, the Punjab CM will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou for which special arrangements have been made. The chief minister will meet Mr Liu Jianzhou, Minister of International Department of CPC while Deputy Minister Ms Sun Haiyan will host a luncheon in her honor. She will also meet the central leadership of CPC, including Minister of Environment. According to the itinerary, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will visit Shijiazhuang Hospital, and will be briefed on the public health system in China. She will also visit Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, the Science Park, environmental improvement technology, IT and institutions related to the use of modern scientific methods during her visit. Maryam Nawaz will participate in the exhibition of imported goods, will visit the CPC Central Congress and the museum. She will also visit a primary school, and will be briefed on the education system in China. Punjab China Dinner and Punjab Investment Conference are also included in the visit schedule. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will visit the Jiangdong Renewable Energy Facility, and will review the renewable energy system of China. She will also visit the Hawaii Technologies Factory. Discussions are also scheduled on increasing mutual cooperation between China’s ruling party and Pakistan Muslim League (N), besides a discussion on increasing mutual cooperation and economic ties between China and the Government of Punjab. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Fijian COP29 delegates trade blows on social media

Village townships to curb rural migration in Bhagalpur district

After a tough year for oil prices, and look like interesting passive income opportunities. But I’m looking outside the when it comes to . ’s ( ) the largest independent oil producer in the Williston Basin. And it has a different approach to the big oil majors. Investor returns Based on $70 oil prices, the company anticipates returning $13 per share to investors in 2024 via dividends and . With the share price currently at $119, that’s a return of almost 11%. Investors should note a couple of risks though. A similar outcome in 2025 is absolutely not guaranteed – lower taxes in the US might well increase oil supply and this could send prices lower. On top of this, Chord doesn’t specify the break-even price of its assets in its investor materials. This makes it difficult for investors to assess what the effect of lower oil prices might be. This makes it a riskier investment than I usually go in for. But I think the opportunity might be unique and it’s a risk I’m willing to take as part of a diversified portfolio. What makes Chord different? What makes Chord – potentially – unique is it doesn’t invest heavily in exploration projects. Unlike the likes of and , it focuses on returning profits to shareholders. The obvious limitation to this strategy is that oil wells don’t last forever. And when they run out, the company needs to find ways to replace them, otherwise its profits will dry up. Rather than funding speculative projects, Chord prefers to do this by with established assets. The most recent example is its $4bn purchase of Enerplus in May. Growing like this can put the firm’s balance sheet at risk. But the company’s actually in a very strong position, with a leverage ratio around a third of the level of its peers and a fifth of the average. UK oil Both Shell (4.5%) and BP (6.1%) have attractive at the moment. And as a UK investor, I’m set to pay a 15% withholding tax on distributions I receive from Chord. On top of this, I strongly suspect both the UK oil companies have lower production costs. And this gives them a clear advantage over the firm I’ve been buying shares in. Despite this, I think the higher windfall taxes BP and Shell are going to have to deal with next year – and beyond – is likely to offset this. These got tougher in the Budget and look pretty durable to me. By contrast, Chord’s (along with other US companies) likely to face lower taxes in 2025. And this should mean its production costs – whatever they are – come down. I’m buying I see Chord as one of the riskiest investments in my , but I’m still buying gradually. What happens if oil prices fall is unclear. From a passive income perspective though, I think the potential reward means the risk’s worth it. If oil prices just stay above $70, this is an investment that could turn out extremely well for me.How the Nissan GT-R was developed by Isuzu truck engineers

The world has become a touchscreen phenomenon and youngsters these days are fuelled by instant fame and money, but such a desire is not sustainable, philanthropist and author Sudha Murty said on Saturday. Addressing an event at a private university here, Murty urged the graduates not to chase instant fame but instead develop a mind of curiosity and learn from mistakes while trying new things ethically and legally. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results "The whole world, for that matter, has become a touch screen phenomenon or syndrome. You touch the screen, you get something, you play or you read... touch the screen, you get the reply. All of you think life is a touch screen. "No, it is not true. Youngsters like you are always fuelled by instant fame and instant money. That is not sustainable. Instant fame, nobody gets," the Rajya Sabha MP said. She advised the student to remember that life does not run on Facebook likes and dislikes, or followers or influencers. "You have to make your mind healthy along with your body," she added. 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The philanthropist said she failed miserably many times but learned a lesson from every failure. "As long as it is right legally and ethically, try new things, and from failure learn new things," she said. Murty recalled that she learnt the greatest philosophies in life from the poorest people who did not know English. She also observed that children today are not connected to the people, especially the poor. "India does not mean software, it does not mean Bollywood, it is not only money. India means those people who will perish without your help. And you are the catalyst in this improvement of our country," she said. "Your life after here should be guided by your own conscience. But life is not that difficult. It will not be that easy either. It will somewhere be in the middle," Murty told the graduating students at the 6th convocation ceremony of Anant National University . Murty, who is married to the co-founder of tech giant Infosys N R Narayana Murthy, observed that creativity is a basic sign of progress and helps cut the boredom of the mundane world. "For creativity, you require great imagination... Imagination should be built up with children, and you can imagine as much as possible depending on your strength. And that you should do at home as parents," she said. She said there was no shortcut to success other than hard work. Disappointments are also needed in life as one becomes a "soft" person without resistance, she added. Murty urged the graduates to help others saying it gives tremendous happiness. She also said that one should know technology, otherwise one will perish. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

By Alexander Cornwell MANAMA, Bahrain (Reuters) - The U.S. believes that an alleged sweeping Chinese cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon targeted and recorded telephone calls of "very senior" American political figures, a White House official said on Saturday. The comments by Anne Neuberger, the U.S. deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, to reporters at the Manama Dialogue regional security conference in Bahrain's capital revealed new details of the campaign. While a large number of Americans' metadata likely has been stolen, U.S. officials understand that "the purpose of the operation was more focused," Neuberger said. "We believe ... the actual number of calls that they took, recorded and took, was really more focused on very senior political individuals," she continued. She did not elaborate, including revealing the identities of those who were targeted. Chinese officials previously have described the allegations as disinformation and said that Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms." "We're still investigating the scope and scale" of the hacking campaign, Neuberger said. The New York Times in October reported that members of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's family and Biden administration officials were among those targeted by China-linked hackers who broke into telecommunications companies. A senior U.S. official this week said dozens of companies worldwide have been struck by the hackers, including at least eight telecommunications and telecom infrastructure firms in the U.S. U.S. officials have alleged the hackers' targets included Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Lumen, and others and that telephone audio intercepts along with a large tranche of call record data were stolen. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Writing by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Paul Simao)Washington recovers from upset, rolls past NJIT

ISLAMABAD - South Asia, home to over 1.8 billion people, is facing escalating environmental challenges, with marine pollution emerging as a critical threat. Coastal ecosystems, reliant on fishing and tourism, are suffering from rising levels of plastic waste, industrial runoff, and untreated sewage. Immediate action is needed to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. The region’s heavy reliance on agriculture is a key driver of marine pollution, as excessive use of chemical fertilizers causes nutrient-rich runoff that contaminates rivers and oceans. Despite efforts to improve farming practices, countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continue to see rising fertilizer use, aggravating the environmental crisis. A recent World Bank report reveals that six South Asian countries contribute to cross-border pollution, including plastics, industrial waste, and untreated sewage, through the 20 major rivers in the region. The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Indus River basins are major sources of pollution. This environmental degradation is severely impacting coastal economies, with declining fish stocks, polluted beaches, and damaged marine habitats leading to significant economic losses. 2-day Kashmir Jannat Nazeer festival concludes Plastic waste, one of the most persistent threats to marine life, exacerbates the problem. Improper waste management and storm-driven littering result in plastics — such as bags, bottles, and fishing gear —entering the oceans. The long decomposition time of plastic leaves lasting damage to coastal ecosystems. Pakistan, for instance, faces significant marine pollution challenges, especially in its coastal cities like Karachi and the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin in Sindh. The country generates approximately 20 million tons of waste annually, with 10% consisting of plastic. While Pakistan has taken steps, such as banning single-use plastic bags in major cities, much more needs to be done. Local governments can extend these bans to coastal areas and organize cleanup projects to promote sustainable practices. Professor Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, a Sustainable Development Expert, talking to APP emphasizes that effective wastewater management is crucial in mitigating marine pollution. He advocates for the installation and upgrading of wastewater treatment plants to prevent untreated industrial and domestic waste from reaching the sea. He also suggests converting waste into energy as a sustainable alternative. ITP tackle over 800,000 traffic violations, issues 64,395 new licenses in 2024 Dr. Kumbhar stresses the importance of stricter enforcement of environmental laws, particularly in Sindh, to prevent industries from discharging untreated waste into the sea. He also advocates for educating local communities and stakeholders about the harmful effects of marine pollution and promoting eco-friendly practices. Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the Sindh coastline would also contribute to conserving vital marine ecosystems, he says. Marine pollution is not only a threat to biodiversity but also to the health of coastal communities. The pollutants in the oceans, such as heavy metals, microplastics, and chemicals, accumulate in fish, posing serious health risks including cancer and neurological disorders. Poor sanitation and untreated sewage discharge further exacerbate waterborne diseases like cholera, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal infections in coastal areas. Moreover, the declining fish stocks due to pollution threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen in Sindh and other regions. Shakrial post office: a lifeline amidst adversity The destruction of coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and coastal protection, further complicates the situation. Pollution, including oil spills, significantly damages these ecosystems, weakening natural defenses against cyclones and rising sea levels. Mangroves, another crucial barrier against coastal erosion, are also suffering from unchecked industrial activities and pollution. As a result, coastal areas are becoming more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Addressing marine pollution in South Asia requires concerted efforts at both the regional and global levels. Dr. Kumbhar stresses the importance of international collaboration to tackle transboundary marine pollution effectively. Drawing inspiration from initiatives in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, he advocates for shared knowledge and joint actions to reduce ocean pollution. Indonesia, for example, plans to cut marine plastic debris by 70% by 2025 through public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Similarly, Vietnam aims to reduce marine plastic by 50% by 2030, focusing on eliminating single-use plastics in coastal tourist areas. Azerbaijan cuts Russian citizens' stay from 180 to 90 days Meanwhile, in China, the “Blue Circle” initiative, started in 2020, uses digital technology to manage marine plastic waste, with impressive results. This model has helped recycle over 10,000 tonnes of marine waste, including 2,200 tonnes of plastic, with plans to expand the effort nationwide. The threats facing South Asia’s marine ecosystems are undeniable. Acidification, overfishing, and pollution are all factors contributing to the rapid decline in ocean health, impacting food chains and the income of those reliant on fishing. Immediate action is required to safeguard marine biodiversity, protect local economies, and ensure long-term sustainability. Governments, industries, and local communities must collaborate to enforce stricter environmental laws, promote sustainable practices, and invest in cleanup initiatives. Only through combined efforts can South Asia hope to reverse the damage and preserve its coastal resources for future generations. CTP issue 40,985 challan slips to unfit PSVs Tags: marine pollution a

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels and finished second to Judge in 2022 voting. He didn't pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery and signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Ohtani joined Frank Robinson for Cincinnati in 1961 and Baltimore in 1966 as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He was the first player to twice become an unanimous MVP. He had combined with Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for the first year both MVPs were unanimous. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs exclusively as a designated hitter, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title, playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. "The ultimate goal from the beginning was to win a World Series, which we are able to accomplish," he said through a translator. "The next goal is for me to do it again and so right now I'm in the middle of rehab and working out and getting stronger." When Ohtani returns to the mound, could he win MVP and the Cy Young Award in the same year? "That would obviously be great, but right now my focus is just to get to get back healthy, come back stronger, get back on the mound and show everybody what I can do," Ohtani said. Ohtani became the first primary DH to win an MVP in a season that started with the revelation his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen nearly $17 million from the star to fund gambling. Ohtani is the 12th player with three or more MVPs, joining Barry Bonds (seven) and Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout (three each). Balloting was conducted before the postseason. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and '21. "I was telling him, `Man, I'm going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,'" Judge recalled. "He'd say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he'll do." When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees' 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. "March and April were not my friend this year." Judge said. "Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can't mope. You can't feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody's going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?" ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course Thursday on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark, initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course. The reversal on fixing Tropicana Field came after the council voted to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion Rays ballpark. Just two days before, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, leaving that project in limbo. “This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed,” council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders said. “We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The Rays say the lack of progress puts the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field in jeopardy. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. The initial vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The subsequent vote reversing funding for the roof repair essentially means the city and Rays must work on an alternative in the coming weeks so that Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to fix the roof. BRIEFLY PIRATES: Pittsburgh hired Matt Hague as its hitting coach, bringing him back to the team that drafted him in 2008. Hague replaces Andy Haines, who was fired after Pittsburgh finished in the bottom 10 in the majors in every significant statistical category last season, including runs (24th) and home runs (25th), while also striking out a club-record 1,504 times, second-most in the National League behind Colorado. The 39-year-old Hague spent last season as an assistant hitting coach with the Toronto Blue Jays. Get local news delivered to your inbox!SZA Co-Signs Ice Spice’s On The Radar Freestyle With Fire EmojisPHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 on Sunday. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a career third-stringer, entered the game and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal. McKee later threw two TD passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. Brown and a 25-yarder to DeVonta Smith, in front of a roaring crowd delighted to watch the Eagles dominate their fiercest rival to wrap up the division title and at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Hurts was injured in last week’s loss at Washington and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol — he didn’t practice all week — which opened the door for Pickett to start. VIKINGS 27, PACKERS 25: Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as host Minnesota hung on to beat Green Bay for its ninth consecutive victory, putting the V Vikings one win from the NFC’s top seed for the playoffs. Darnold hit Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison and Cam Akers for scores to raise his passing touchdown total to 35, the fourth-most in NFL history by a player in his debut season with a team. The Vikings set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the NFC North title and the first-round-bye-plus-home-field-advantage package that comes with the best record in the conference. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left, a 3-yard toss to Malik Heath that trimmed their deficit to two points and reignited the “Go Pack Go!” chants from the green-clad fans mixed in among the purple in another classic edition of this divisional rivalry. BUCCANEERS 48, PANTHERS 14: Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns to help Tampa Bay keep its division title and playoff hopes alive with a home blowout over Carolina. Tampa Bay’s fifth win in the past six weeks nudged the first-place Bucs a half-game ahead of Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, with the Falcons set to play on the road later Sunday night at Washington. Atlanta holds the tiebreaker in the division race and can end Tampa Bay’s three-year reign as NFC South champions by beating the Commanders and winning again next week at home against the last-place Panthers. Mayfield threw TD passes of 2 and 1 yards to Mike Evans, and Tampa Bay produced points on five straight possessions to build a 27-7 lead. Jalen McMillan scored on receptions of 10 and 16 yards, linebacker J.J. Russell returned a blocked punt for a TD, and rookie Bucky Irving had another big game against Carolina with 120 yards rushing on 20 carries and four receptions for 77 yards. GIANTS 45, COLTS 33: New York snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended Indianapolis’ slim playoff hopes as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan’Dale Robinson in leading the Giants to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. RAIDERS 25, SAINTS 10: Aidan O’Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records, and Las Vegas won for just the fourth time this season, beating struggling New Orleans at the Superdome. Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders — the journeyman running back’s first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons. BILLS 40, JETS 14: Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score, and host Buffalo clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a rout of unraveling New York. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. JAGUARS 20, TITANS 13: Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes, including one to standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and host Jacksonville beat Tennessee in the rain to sweep the season series for the fourth time in 30 years. Jones completed 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, with most of them going to Thomas. The first-round draft pick from LSU finished with seven receptions for 91 yards. His 11-yard TD catch with 7:05 remaining gave him his eighth game with at least 60 yards and a score, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most by a rookie in NFL history. DOLPHINS 20, BROWNS 3: Tyler Huntley scrambled for a touchdown and threw for one while starting for Tua Tagovailoa, and Miami stayed in the playoff race heading into its season finale with a road victory over Cleveland. Miami needs to win next weekend at the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to Kansas City to get a wild-card berth. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many of the top-seeded Chiefs’ starters are expected to rest. Get local news delivered to your inbox!