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NAIROBI (XINHUA) – China’s economic growth has benefited the world, and its pursuit of comprehensive reforms and modernisation will create many opportunities globally, said a Kenyan expert on China-Africa relations. In a recent interview with Xinhua , Stephen Ndegwa said he expects China’s commitment to high-quality development and wider opening-up to chart a new chapter in international relations and cooperation. China is promoting the development of a digital economy and boosting high-quality infrastructure development globally, said the Nairobi-based expert, adding that its products, whether in industries, infrastructure, technology, or digital and scientific fields, are constantly improving in quality. Ndegwa expressed his optimism that the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Leaders’ Summit would be key in sustaining global stability, particularly in the economic sphere. He underscored that economic stability is essential for development and that addressing broader global challenges becomes more feasible when the economic foundation is solid. “China’s presence at the APEC meeting and the G20 summit will have a positive impact on the world. There will be more discussions on how to promote multilateralism and broader prospects for global trade and development,” Ndegwa said. The expert said through the Belt and Road Initiative and other initiatives, China has strengthened economic ties with many countries and significantly boosted regional and global economic growth. With its robust economic growth and the rise of a consumer-driven economy, China offers new opportunities to increase bilateral trade with other countries, Ndegwa said, adding that this dynamic exchange is set to strengthen further, serving as a model for future regional cooperation. Ndegwa also highlighted China’s contribution to the economic growth of Kenya and the larger African region, noting that China has done a lot of work in Kenya, from stadiums to roads and various infrastructures. “China’s construction has contributed to Kenya’s economic growth, especially through the roads built by China, which have opened up markets that were previously inaccessible and allowed producers to transport products throughout the country,” Ndegwa said. Ndegwa noted that he has visited China multiple times, saying that he believes China’s cooperation with its partners is sincere. “China’s development is a blessing for the world,” Ndegwa added.Chandigarh: The Congress party will sweep the municipal elections in Punjab and win all five municipal corporations and 42 municipal committees, said Alok Sharma, AICC secretary and co-in charge of Punjab. Sharma alleged that AAP had mastered the art of winning elections by hook or by crook, and added that AAP failed to deliver on the tall promises it made before coming to power. Ravinder Dalvi, AICC secretary and co-in charge of Punjab Congress, expressed confidence that Congress would dominate the MC elections in Punjab. He asserted that Congress is the only opposition party raising issues of common people. “BJP has little base in the state, while Shiromani Akali Dal is plagued with infighting and has lost its vote bank completely,” he said. Rashendra Singh Mahar, AICC secretary and in-charge of Punjab Youth Congress, alleged that the AAP govt forced farmers to sell their crops at rates lower than MSP. TNN We also published the following articles recently AICC yet to name Cong legislature party leader Two weeks after Maharashtra's election results, the Indian National Congress is yet to appoint key legislative positions, including the party leader, group leader, and chief whip. This delay contrasts sharply with the swift appointments made by the ruling alliance. Rahul Gandhi attends AICC leadership training camp Rahul Gandhi, Lok Sabha Opposition Leader, participated in a Congress leadership training camp at Jaipur's Khedapati Balaji Ashram. The 8-day program included self-defense training and sessions on Gandhian principles. Gandhi also visited the Khedapati Balaji temple. A 30-minute flight delay allowed him to interact with passengers and party officials at the airport, including former CM Ashok Gehlot. AAP considers BIP, Congress turncoats as winnable candidates Several veteran Congress and BJP politicians are anticipated to switch to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Delhi elections. AAP aims to leverage their experience and established voter base, especially as the party considers replacing some sitting MLAs to address anti-incumbency. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments, according to authorities. Molly Quell, The Associated Press Dec 7, 2024 8:47 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Firefighters stand by a building destruction at the site of an explosion which destroyed several apartments and injured multiple people, at The Hague, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Phil Nijhuis) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments, according to authorities. The cause of the disaster was unclear. Mayor Jan van Zanen said investigators were looking into “all possibilities.” Police said they are looking for a car seen leaving the scene in case that helps with the investigation. Van Zanen said three bodies were pulled from the rubble. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, given that the ‘’slim chance of survival'' under what's left of the apartments. He could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. One woman told local media that she thought an earthquake had happened. Dutch authorities deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to the scene, with four dogs trained to find victims. The team was previously used during the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023. Soon after the explosion, a line of ambulances could be seen waiting nearby in anticipation of more victims. The spokesperson for the local hospital said that they were on standby to deal with injuries. The mayor called it “an extremely heavy day." “I had expected a different Saturday,'' van Zanen told a news conference. Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a statement he was shocked by the images of the disaster. “My thoughts go out to the victims, all other people involved and the emergency services who are now working on the scene,” he said. The Dutch royal family expressed similar sentiments. “Our thoughts are with those affected in The Hague after the explosion and fire this morning,'' including those "who are afraid of the fate of their loved ones,” King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said in a statement. ___ Associated Press journalists Aleksandar Furtula and Ahmad Seir contributed to this report. Molly Quell, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks Dec 7, 2024 9:29 AM Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies Dec 7, 2024 9:22 AM South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law Dec 7, 2024 7:02 AM Featured Flyer
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A woman has died and two people were injured after a single-vehicle crash in Lanark Highlands on Saturday afternoon, according to Ontario Provincial Police. Police say the crash happened in a rural area on Black Creek Road near Loves Road, about 100 kilometres west of Ottawa at around 3:20 p.m. A small sedan-type vehicle was found to have rolled over onto its roof and one of the occupants was trapped inside. Emergency services at the scene found a 41-year-old woman with serious injuries who was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Two others were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The investigation into what led to the crash is ongoing by OPP and the Chief Coroner of Ontario. Roads in the area were closed for about seven hours on Saturday and have since re-opened. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad in 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories Members who served in peacekeeping mission in Sarajevo gathering at Canadian War Museum Ottawa driver hits the road impaired despite winter driving conditions: OPP Woman dead, 2 injured in Lanark Highlands crash Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Slushy road conditions, rain showers or flurries in the forecast for Ottawa this Sunday Ottawa gets in the festive spirit with residents flocking Christmas markets What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Dec. 6-8 Man suffers critical injuries after crash during snowstorm in Ottawa's south end CTVNews.ca Top Stories Russian state news agencies say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad is in Moscow and given asylum Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday, Russian media reported, hours after a stunning rebel advance took over the capital of Damascus and ended the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule. Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton. Trump calls for immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as U.S. president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Quebec Premier meets with Trump, Zelenskyy and Musk during Paris trip Quebec Premier François Legault met up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while visiting Paris this weekend. A man, a bike and a gun: Police search for evidence to solve the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on the streets of New York As the investigation into the fatal shooting of a health care executive in Manhattan enters its fifth day, New York City police are missing key pieces of evidence. After $80 million Lotto Max, another lucky Lotto 6/49 ticket sold in Quebec Lotto-Québec announced on Sunday that "the classic jackpot of $5 million, offered in yesterday's (Saturday) Lotto 6/49 draw, was won thanks to a ticket sold in Quebec." Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly focused on re-election, doesn’t explicitly rule out future Liberal leadership bid Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly insisted she supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and is focused on her own re-election, but wouldn't explicitly rule out a future Liberal leadership bid, in an interview on CTV's Question Period airing Sunday. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and US$600 million globally The Walt Disney Co.'s animated film 'Moana 2' remained at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theatres as it brought in another record haul. 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Actor visits Halifax mission with socks for those in need Canadian actor and singer Tom Jackson delivered socks to the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission on Friday as part of a campaign to save lives this Christmas. Toronto Ontario saw the highest number of whooping cough cases in the last 17 years: report The number of whooping cough cases in Ontario this year has reached a level that hasn't been seen in 17 years. Car crash sends at least 2 to hospital and leaves debris on Mississauga Road At least two people were taken to the hospital after their vehicle crashed into a pole near Winston Churchill Boulevard at Derry Road overnight. Hwy. 401 westbound shut down in Ajax due to police investigation The westbound lanes of Hwy. 401 have been closed in Ajax due to a police investigation. Montreal Quebec Premier meets with Trump, Zelenskyy and Musk during Paris trip Quebec Premier François Legault met up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while visiting Paris this weekend. Just for Laughs founder’s sexual assault retrial starts Monday Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon will be back in court on Monday for accusations of sexual assault and rape. Rosemont family event Shake La Cabane cancelled after pricing policy backlash A community centre in Montreal's Rosemont neighbourhood cancelled a family event that was meant to take place Sunday after its pricing policy sparked a heated debate. Northern Ontario Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023. How the combination of diapers and splash pads led to 10K illnesses New research is raising concerns about the safety of splash pads, which can be ground zero for germs and greatly increase the risk of spreading disease. Windsor What’s lowering Detroit River water levels? If you’ve noticed the current along the Detroit River sitting lower than usual, you’re not alone. Ontario saw the highest number of whooping cough cases in the last 17 years: report The number of whooping cough cases in Ontario this year has reached a level that hasn't been seen in 17 years. Windsor police continue search for fugitive Windsor police are still searching for 34-year-old Phillip Grant, who is now ranked as Canada's fifth most wanted fugitive. London Hotel roof collapses in Bayfield The roof of the Albion Hotel in Bayfield has collapsed. On the Bright Side with Julie Atchison To brighten your week with good news, CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison is showing us the sunny side of things. Digging themselves out: With Santa Claus parade cancelled, Londoners make best of snowy situation Londoners continue to dig themselves out from this week’s massive snowstorm. Kitchener Police looking for missing 16-year-old Waterloo Regional Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 16-year-old. Hotel roof collapses in Bayfield The roof of the Albion Hotel in Bayfield has collapsed. Wet week ahead with rain and snow in southern Ontario's forecast You’ll want to bundle up and bring along an umbrella when heading out the door this week. Barrie Driver charged after passing snow plow in front of oncoming OPP vehicle A driver was pulled over and charged after passing a snow plow in front of an oncoming OPP vehicle. Pair of sleeping drivers charged in drug bust Two drivers are facing charges after they were allegedly found sleeping in their respective vehicles and possessing a quantity drugs Saturday afternoon in Waubaushene. Driver charged after sliding onto someone’s lawn: OPP Caledon OPP charged a driver after they allegedly slid their vehicle onto someone’s front lawn earlier this week. Winnipeg Wintery weather warnings in effect for southern Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued several snowfall, winter storm and freezing rain warnings for much of southern Manitoba. Manitoba legislative building holds annual holiday open house The provincial legislative building opened its doors to Manitobans Saturday, inviting everyone to get a glimpse of where major decisions are made. Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024. Calgary Kiwanis Club and Toys ‘R’ Us team up to give hundreds of kids Christmas gifts Northmount Kiwanis Club of Calgary invited 500 kids to Toys "R" Us for its annual Toy Project Sunday. Calgary police stage checkstop on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day Calgary police launched their first holiday checkstop Saturday night on Stoney Trail. Calgarians flocking to markets with local vendors for Christmas Shopping As Christmas is on the horizon, Calgarians headed to the markets across the city on Saturday to get some shopping done while also supporting local businesses. Edmonton Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton. McDavid, Skinner help Oilers beat Blues 4-2 Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist and Leon Draisaitl had two helpers as the Edmonton Oilers won their second game in a row, defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Saturday. 2 arrested in connection with Friday killing of 20-year-old security guard Two people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old security guard at a downtown apartment building on Friday. Regina Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large. Updated advisory urges Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria, leave if possible Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so. Regina holiday market booming as vendors encourage local shopping amid postal strike The holidays are the busiest time of year for countless businesses, but many Regina vendors are hoping Christmas shoppers will come to them this year amid ongoing job action at Canada Post. Saskatoon Saskatoon under winter storm warning with freezing rain, heavy snow forecasted A winter storm warning has been issued for the city of Saskatoon and parts of west central Saskatchewan by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large. Sask. RCMP investigating homicide on Onion Lake Cree Nation Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a homicide on Onion Lake Cree Nation after a 37-year-old man died early Friday morning. Vancouver End of the Eras Tour, with Taylor Swift to take final bow in Vancouver After 149 shows, an estimated US$2 billion in revenue and countless outfit changes, Taylor Swift takes to the stage tonight in Vancouver for the final show of her record-smashing Eras Tour. Do you recognize these men? RCMP seek Metro Vancouver grandparent scam suspects Mounties in Metro Vancouver have released photos of two men alleged to have been involved in “numerous” so-called grandparent scams earlier this year, hoping the public can help identify them. Updated advisory urges Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria, leave if possible Ottawa is urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Syria and to consider leaving the country if it's safe to do so. Vancouver Island B.C. NDP provincial director hospitalized after 'serious medical emergency' The former B.C. NDP MLA for Chilliwack and newly appointed provincial director, Dan Coulter, is in hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency,” according to the party. Prince George Taylor Swift fans rent car after flight to Vancouver cancelled A diehard Taylor Swift fan who lives in Prince George, B.C., says a flight cancellation forced her and a group of other Swifties to rent a car and make the near 800-kilometre journey to Vancouver to catch the last dates of the Eras Tour. Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay Connected
DALLAS — Willy Adames makes the San Francisco Giants a better baseball team. He fills a position of need. He provides power and defense . In Buster Posey’s estimation, Adames and Matt Chapman, who signed his own lucrative deal , represent the best left side in baseball. But Adames, alone, does not elevate the Giants to contention status. Adames, alone, doesn’t guarantee they’ll be a playoff team. So, when Posey was asked if it was fair to say that the team still has multiple holes to fill — that one player alone doesn’t solve everything — Posey didn’t entirely disagree. “I think baseball is unique in the sense that that’s probably true for any team,” Posey said. Posey has repeatedly emphasized his desire to build a team with strong defense and strong pitching. Adames, one of baseball’s better defensive shortstops, addresses the former. With Adames in place, Posey and general manager Zack Minasian can turn their attention to addressing the latter. San Francisco’s rotation , as constructed, features Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong (Posey stated on Monday that Hicks will be in the rotation). Mason Black, Landon Roupp, Keaton Winn and Carson Whisenhunt could contribute innings as well. The Giants have options, yes, but after Webb, their rotation features a lot of variance. Ray has only pitched 34 innings over the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Hicks battled fatigue in his first season as a full-time starter. Harrison experienced a velocity dip as he threw a career-high 124 1/3 innings. Birdsong flashed excellent stuff but struggled with command. The best way for the Giants to reduce that variance, then, is by acquiring external talent. The list of available free agents thinned out a bit during the Winter Meetings as left-hander Max Fried and right-handers Nathan Eovaldi and Alex Cobb signed deals, but plenty of arms remains unsigned. That list Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, among others. With Fried receiving an eight-year, $218 million deal from the Yankees, Burnes stands to sign a deal in the $250 million range. “Anytime there’s players available, we’re going to look at them,” Minasian said on Monday. “I think most players who get to free agency have earned it through their career, so usually they’re pretty good. And just continuing to look at those options and balancing the cost and our internal opportunity that we can offer. Just continuing to look at every option out there.” Another one of those options is right-hander Roki Sasaki , whose agent, Joel Wolfe, held court on Tuesday . The Dodgers and Padres are the favorites to land “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” but Wolfe outlined that the process will be open-ended with Sasaki willing to consider different options. “My advice to Roki is to go in with an open mind,” Wolfe said. Minasian, who has spent time scouting the NPB and KBO, has had Sasaki on his radar dating back to Sasaki’s amateur days, describing the right-hander as a “special arm” with “huge, raw stuff.” When Minasian was asked what would make San Francisco an alluring destination, Minasian cited Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions; direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka; the culture of the city and organization; and a fan base “hungry for the star player.” “With the rules, we haven’t gotten to know him personally, but certainly done a lot of homework,” Minasian said. “We feel like we have a good sense of what makes him tick and we feel like it’s a situation we can make very comfortable for him, just give him the best chance for success as a big-league pitcher.” Along with the rotation, the Giants will continue to explore their options in the outfield. San Francisco can currently roll out an outfield of Heliot Ramos in left, Jung Hoo Lee in center and Mike Yastrzemski, who agreed to a one-year, $9.25 million deal to avoid arbitration , in right. Despite having those three in place, San Francisco reportedly expressing interest in right fielder Kyle Tucker, who will become a free agent after next season. Over the last five seasons, Tucker has earned three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award, posting an .883 OPS and totaling 121 home runs. The Giants would likely need to package multiple prospects to acquire Tucker, and Minasian believes San Francisco has young talent that would be alluring other teams. “I think we feel pretty good about what we have, and if there’s players out there, I do believe we have the minor-league talent to entice a team to consider us in a trade,” Minasian said. Circling back to the infield, LaMonte Wade Jr. is currently slated as San Francisco’s starting first baseman, but Posey and Minasian both said the Giants will continue looking at other options. Wade has the 11th-best on-base percentage in baseball since 2023 (min. 900 plate appearances), but the soon-to-be 31-year-old has dealt with multiple injuries during his time in San Francisco. “LaMonte’s a special player,” Posey said on Monday. “LaMonte’s ability to get on base is, I don’t know specifically where he is, it’s like top 10 in the league. A lot of value there. He plays solid defense. I think we’re just trying as much as anything to keep options on the table.” Bryce Eldrige, the Giants’ top prospect per MLB Pipeline, could also see time at first base next season as well. The 20-year-old skyrocketed through the Giants’ system, hitting .291/.374/.516 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs across four levels and ending the season with Triple-A Sacramento (eight games). For as well as Eldridge played, he isn’t a lock to make his debut next season. “You never want to say never, but I think it is somewhat fair to temper expectations from my end just because — whether is this is right or wrong — I’m looking at it like he should be entering his sophomore year of college,” Posey said. “That doesn’t mean that we (haven’t) seen players before that could get to the big leagues at that age. ... We see the upside for this guy being tremendous and (want) to make sure that he gets the experience that he needs before he’s thrown into the fire. So that when he is called upon, he’s in the best place he possibly can be to just take off when the time is right.” Worth notingArtificial Intelligence: A Game Changer in Gaming As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one of the most exciting technological advancements taking center stage is Artificial Intelligence (AI) . While AI in gaming is not a completely new phenomenon, its current applications are breaking new ground, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. Dynamic Storytelling and Smart NPCs One of the most compelling applications of AI in gaming is the development of dynamic storytelling , where narratives are no longer linear and predetermined. AI can generate unpredictable and customized storylines based on each player’s actions and choices. This leads to a more immersive and personal gaming experience, ensuring no two playthroughs are identical. Additionally, non-playable characters (NPCs) are becoming smarter and more responsive. Modern AI enables NPCs to learn from players’ behaviors, adapt their strategies, and offer a more challenging and engaging interaction. Procedural Content Generation Another significant advancement is procedural content generation , where expansive, intricate worlds are created in real-time using AI algorithms. This technology not only enhances the gaming experience by providing endless exploration opportunities but also significantly reduces the time and resources traditionally required for game development. The Future of AI in Gaming Looking forward, AI holds the potential to transform gaming even further. From realistic physics and animations to developing advanced AI-driven companions and opponents, the possibilities are virtually limitless. AI is not just enhancing games; it is redefining the essence of gaming itself. As these technologies mature, the line between the virtual and real worlds will continue to blur, promising a thrilling future for gamers worldwide. AI Revolution in Gaming: What’s Next? Innovations in AI: Revolutionizing Player Interaction Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the gaming industry, breathing new life into how games are developed, played, and experienced. Moving beyond traditional functions, AI is now being harnessed for innovations that redefine both player interaction and game mechanics. Pros and Cons of AI in Gaming Pros: – Enhanced Personalization: AI-driven algorithms tailor gaming experiences based on player behavior and preferences, delivering unique and personalized adventures. – Efficient Development: Developers can leverage AI to automate complex tasks, from world-building to character animations, resulting in faster production cycles and reduced costs. – Smarter Gameplay: By using AI to create more sophisticated NPCs and procedural worlds, developers enhance player engagement and game longevity. Cons: – Ethical Considerations: As AI becomes more autonomous, ethical challenges arise concerning player data privacy and AI decision-making processes. – Technical Limitations: Despite advancements, AI systems can sometimes fail to deliver seamless experiences due to technical glitches or limitations in understanding complex human emotions. Predictions for AI in the Gaming Market The future of AI in gaming forecasts several trends: – Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: AI will play a pivotal role in creating more immersive AR experiences, further merging the physical and virtual worlds. – Biometric Feedback: Games may start to incorporate biometric data inputs, allowing AI to adjust difficulty and content in real-time based on players’ heart rates and stress levels. – Social AI Platforms: AI-powered platforms will facilitate more social and collaborative gaming experiences, allowing for community-driven content creation and sharing. AI Security and Sustainability As AI integrates deeper into gaming, security concerns grow. Ensuring robust protection against AI-driven cheating and hacking is paramount. Additionally, the sustainability of AI operations, in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact, is under scrutiny. Future innovations may focus on greener AI solutions, balancing performance with ecological responsibility. Tutorials: Getting Started with AI in Gaming Development For aspiring developers, venturing into AI-powered game development involves understanding core machine learning concepts and integrating them into game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Practical tutorials and comprehensive resources are essential for gaining skills in crafting intelligent gaming experiences. Compatibility and Market Analysis The rise of AI-driven games necessitates compatible hardware standards. Emerging gaming systems are being engineered to handle complex AI computations without sacrificing performance. A market analysis reveals a steady growth trajectory, with more investors and technology companies investing in AI gaming ventures. For further exploration of how AI continues to reshape the gaming landscape, check out International Game Developers Association .
Bitcoin smashing the $100,000 barrier raises the prospect of the cryptocurrency going mainstream, U.S. inflation data will show how much pressure there is on the Fed to adjust rates and central banks in Europe, Australia and Brazil meet. Here’s what to look out for in the week ahead from Marcela Ayres in Brasilia, Kevin Buckland in Tokyo, Ira Iosebashvili in New York, and Dhara Ranasinghe and Amanda Cooper in London. For ECB policymakers, their last meeting in October must seem a lifetime ago. Since then, Donald Trump’s U.S. election win means the euro area faces renewed economic pain with likely tariffs, and governments in heavyweight Germany and France have collapsed, with the latter engulfed in its second political crisis in six months. All that has dealt a blow to sentiment in a bloc where business activity is deteriorating – and the euro has slid EUR=EBS. The ECB, also no stranger to hard times, is expected to deliver its fourth quarter-point rate cut on Thursday, with more cuts anticipated. A pick-up in inflation means a bigger rate cut is unlikely. And yes, you guessed it, ECB chief Christine Lagarde will likely stress caution and data-dependency. Australia’s central bank, which meets on Tuesday, is in a tight spot. The economy is sputtering, the currency is at four-month lows and yet inflation is sufficiently persistent to make repeated rate cuts unlikely. The chances of a quarter-point reduction are below 15% and rates are expected to take until July to fall even 50 bps. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, looks set to answer investors’ wishes for more cuts. It has said inflation is a thing of the past and more cuts could be in the offing, leaving the market split on whether its Dec. 11 meeting will yield a 25- or even a 50-bps cut. Enter the most dovish of the G10 central banks – the Swiss National Bank. With inflation at 0.7%, it is expected to cut rates by 50 bps on Dec. 12. Markets gaming out the trajectory for Federal Reserve policy in the months ahead get a U.S. inflation reading on Wednesday. The Fed has shaved 75 basis points (bps) off interest rates since September, following months of cooling inflation – expectations are towards another 25 bps cut later in December. But the path ahead is less clear. The economy has proved stronger than expected, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said there is little reason to hurry the pace of cuts. A strong number could bolster that view, potentially reigniting a bond selloff and strengthening the dollar if investors decide to further unwind bets on how much the Fed will cut next year. Economists polled by Reuters expect consumer prices to have risen 0.2% in November – matching the October rise. There was something inevitable in Bitcoin’s record surge past $100,000 after Trump’s election promises to make America “the crypto capital of the planet”. But it did so in resounding fashion, vaulting from below $99,000 to as high as $103,619 in the space of two hours before catching its breath. The catalyst may have been confirmation of Trump’s choice of crypto veteran Paul Atkins to run the SEC. Of course, $100,000 is just a number – but one the faithful and the sceptical regard as a major milestone in Bitcoin’s 16-year journey towards legitimacy. Recall though that its history is written in breathless rallies and white-knuckle reversals. While numbers like $150,000 are already being mentioned for 2025, the token is flashing overbought on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly charts. Brazil’s central bank holds its final meeting under Governor Roberto Campos Neto on Wednesday, with bets on a sharper 75 bps hike after two raises that brought rates to 11.25%. Campos Neto, set to hold a news conference on Dec. 19, said a positive fiscal shock could relieve pressure on the exchange rate and long-term yields in Latin America’s largest economy. But the government’s widely anticipated fiscal package disappointed markets, driving up risk premiums on major assets. Brazil’s real has weakened some 20% against the dollar year-to-date, and strong economic resilience – on display in the third quarter – is fuelling inflation worries. As policymakers grapple with mounting challenges, Congress debates measures to curb spending and contain debt growth. Source: Reuters (Graphics by Sumanta Sen, Kripa Jayaram and Prinz Magtulis, Compiled by Karin Strohecker, Editing by Barbara Lewis)Texas Supreme Court overturns ruling that state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in lawsuit
The beloved Donkey Kong Country Returns is making a triumphant comeback, this time on the Nintendo Switch! Originally released on the Wii in 2010, this critically acclaimed platformer brought Donkey Kong back to his side-scrolling roots with a vengeance. Now, with updated HD graphics, a new playable character, and all the challenging levels you remember, Donkey Kong Country Returns is ready to delight a whole new generation of gamers. Get ready to swing, jump, and roll your way through Donkey Kong Island when the game launches on June 15th, 2018. This isn’t just a simple port, though. Nintendo has polished the game with a fresh coat of HD paint, making the vibrant jungle environments and expressive character animations pop like never before. But the biggest addition has to be Funky Mode, a new difficulty option that lets players experience the game as Funky Kong. This cool dude comes equipped with a surfboard that lets him hover over dangerous terrain, infinite rolls, and even underwater breathing! This makes Funky Mode perfect for younger players or those who want a more relaxed experience. Of course, for the hardcore platforming veterans, the original game’s challenging difficulty is still available. A Classic Returns Donkey Kong Country Returns was a huge hit on the Wii, capturing the spirit of the classic SNES Donkey Kong Country games while adding modern gameplay mechanics. Developed by Retro Studios, the team behind the Metroid Prime series, the game was praised for its tight controls, creative level design, and stunning visuals. Now, with the Switch’s portability, you can take this classic adventure on the go. I remember playing Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii with my younger brother. We spent hours working through the challenging levels, sharing the Wii Remote and taking turns whenever one of us lost a life. The game’s difficulty provided a real sense of accomplishment when we finally conquered a particularly tough section. I’m excited to revisit this game on the Switch and experience it with a whole new generation of gamers. I’m especially curious to try out Funky Mode and see how it changes the gameplay. What Makes Donkey Kong Country Returns So Special? New Features in the HD Version Diving Deeper into Funky Mode Funky Kong isn’t just a cosmetic change. He plays significantly differently from Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Here’s a breakdown of his unique abilities: These abilities make Funky Mode a great option for players who are new to platforming games or those who found the original game too challenging. It also adds a new layer of replayability for experienced players who want to experience the game in a new way. Why This Re-release Matters In a world of constant new releases and ever-evolving technology, it’s easy to forget about the classics. But Donkey Kong Country Returns proves that some games are timeless. This re-release gives a new generation of gamers the chance to experience a true platforming gem. It also provides a great opportunity for longtime fans to revisit a beloved game with updated visuals and a fresh new way to play. Nintendo has a knack for breathing new life into its classic franchises. Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Switch is a perfect example of how to do a re-release right. By adding meaningful new features like Funky Mode and HD graphics, Nintendo has made this game even more appealing than before. Whether you’re a seasoned platforming pro or a newcomer to the genre, Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Switch is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So grab your banana hoard and get ready to swing into action!David Bonderman, co-founder of private equity firm TPG and co-owner of Seattle Kraken, dies at 82
If you were educated in the United Kingdom, it's quite likely that you have some degree of knowledge about the Tudors. As a nation, we seem to have a special place in our hearts for this tumultuous dynasty – arguably, to the detriment of more recent and relevant periods of history – with the six wives of King Henry VIII being perhaps its defining characteristic. Of the unfortunate bunch, none has been given less respect than fourth wife Anne of Cleves, whose brief marriage to the monstrous monarch is often boiled down to "she was too ugly for him". This narrative was first put forward by Henry himself and later repeated by men throughout history, including the charming Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, who dubbed Anne as almost indistinguishable from a "Flanders mare" in 1679. It's quite the PR victory that Henry and his cronies managed to convince a nation that a gracious 25-year-old woman was the problem in a blind marriage to a man double her age, who suffered from morbid obesity, a rancid leg wound, gout and boils. Keep up to date with all the dramas - from period to crime to comedy By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . You can unsubscribe at any time. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light goes some way to correcting the record in its fifth episode, which recounts the stranger-than-fiction story of Anne and Henry's first meeting, flipping the script on a man whose glass house shattered many years earlier. Stunningly, it is true that the king discarded carefully laid plans for Anne's ceremonial introduction to London, by instead riding out to meet her en route – and even donning a disguise in a deranged attempt at a grand romantic gesture. As depicted in Wolf Hall, it is a matter of historical record that this ploy initially went over Anne's head; she largely ignored the strange fellow who wandered into her temporary accommodation to deliver a gift "from the King". When it turned out that this man was, in fact, her husband-to-be, she was certainly surprised – success! – but also struggled to hide her repulsion from an ailing King who was, to put it politely, "not as reported". The problematic notion of "conventional beauty" notwithstanding, Anne clearly wasn't the grotesque figure that Henry's complaints make her out to be, with the pride lost during this catastrophic first meeting potentially colouring his view. In fact, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light begs the question of how different the marriage might have been if Thomas Cromwell 's initial arrangements had been followed, giving Anne sufficient time to master a look of feigned admiration for her groom. Of course, that's secondary to the overdue restoration of dignity and agency that Hilary Mantel's historical saga affords Anne, depicting her as an intelligent, respectful and level-headed woman, albeit one from an especially sheltered upbringing. This is far from fan fiction too, with the obvious indicator of Anne's affable personality being how she remained a welcome presence at the Royal Court long after her marriage to Henry was annulled. Clearly not thrilled with her experience on the original Married at First Sight , she accepted the dissolution of their partnership with no protest and was rewarded handsomely with land and property. Anne of Cleves was subsequently referred to as the "King's Beloved Sister" and attended events alongside Henry, his children, and his fifth wife Catherine Howard, becoming a close friend of then-Princess Elizabeth. Alas, this eventually landed her in some hot water during the reign of Queen Mary I , but nevertheless, she outlived all of Henry's other wives and did so comfortably for the most part – until succumbing to an unknown illness in her final year. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light doesn't have time to delve into the full story of Anne of Cleves, but even from this brief fragment, it's clear that her legacy should not be the dismissive, misogynistic "ugly wife" insults passed down through history. It's quite remarkable that, in a period of such regular, ongoing upheaval, a woman arrived from a remote land without fluent English to wed a mad and ghastly monarch with a penchant for beheadings – and made it work for her! She was quite clearly a gregarious and amiable diplomat, with an ability to charm almost everyone, from her ex-husband (in a strictly platonic sense) to the servants of her household, who praised her for being a kind and generous boss. If the Tudors are to remain a cornerstone of our school curriculum here in the UK, let it take a cue from Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light in re-contextualising Anne of Cleves; no longer the "ugly wife", but the immigrant Queen who survived – and thrived! Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light continues Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .North Macedonian political party demands ban on TikTok after at least 17 students injured
Ludhiana: With BJP preferring new faces in the list of 93 candidates it released on Tuesday night for the MC elections on Dec 21, disgruntled leaders of the saffron party who did not get a chance started looking for alternative parties on Thursday. Some of them had even started planning to contest as independent candidates. BJP did not give the tickets to many ex-councillors who joined the party recently, while some were denied ticket to settle core workers who had been working hard for long. The party is contesting from all 95 seats of Ludhiana MC for the first time. That is why it took the party long to finalise names. Senior most ex-councillor Sunita Rani got the ticket from Ward 88, while party worker Sunil Moudgil was successful in getting the ticket from Ward 62. Vishal Batra, who joined the saffron party recently, was overlooked. Throughout Wednesday, there was speculation of Batra joining another party. The party also did not give a ticket to ex-councillor Parvinder Lapran’s wife from Ward 51. Instead, BJP picked a Hindu face in Neeru Sharma. Lapran had joined saffron party before Lok Sabha elections as he is close to Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu. Despite this, he did not get the ticket. Now, Lapran is planning to field his wife as an independent candidate. Ex-councillor and senior leader Davinder Jaggi, who has been given the ticket from Ward 82, had sought it from Ward 83. He has decided to leave the party and contest as an independent because he has no base in Ward 82. Some other ex-councillors and leaders have also announced to go independent. Ex-councillor Mintu Sharma joined Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday as he was not given the ticket. Ex-councillors Rashi Aggarwal, Chaudhary Yashpal and Varinder Sehgal could not make it to the list. Other past councillors or their kin who have got a BJP ticket include: Pallavi Vinayak from Ward 3, Neeraj Verma from Ward 84, ex-councillor Gurdeep Neetu’s wife Gurmeet Kaur from Ward 75, and Manju Aggarwal from Ward 81. The party also gave a ticket to Rajni Arora from Ward 65. She is wife of late Ravinder Arora, who once served as the district president of BJP. We also published the following articles recently Ex-councillor petitions CCMC to remove encroachments In Coimbatore, a former council member has petitioned the city corporation to address encroachments on public land in Velandipalayam. The encroachments, including a temple and individual residences, occupy over 3,899 square meters of prime property valued at 25 crore. Originally designated as a graveyard, the land has been occupied for over 50 years, with some residents even establishing utilities. BJP braces for GMC bypolls in 2 wards Ghaziabad gears up for crucial bypolls in two municipal wards on December 17th. These elections were necessitated by the deaths of two sitting councillors. With nine candidates vying for the seats, including representatives from BJP, Congress, and SP, the BJP aims to bolster its existing 77-member majority in the 100-member council. Former AAP councillor Hussain joins AIMIM Former AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, has joined AIMIM and will contest the upcoming assembly elections from Mustafabad. Currently in jail, his family met with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi to formalize the decision. Hussain received bail in one riots case but remains incarcerated in others. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Geothermal aquifers offer green potential but quality checks required