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BRUSSELS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an upcoming EU Reporter interview , M. Shigeo Katsu , Founding President of Nazarbayev University (NU) and a key architect of Kazakhstan's education reforms, will address the escalating scandal surrounding financial mismanagement at the country's flagship higher education institution. The crisis gained public attention following the announcement of the state audit results of Nazarbayev University. The revelations have sparked widespread concerns about transparency and oversight at one of Central Asia's most prestigious universities. Adding to the controversy are allegations of financial mismanagement involving the New Generation Foundation, the Jusan Group — entities originally established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of NU and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). Questions have also been raised about the state of affairs at NU's Social Development Fund. Reports suggest that funds may have been misappropriated, triggering outrage from students, educators, and civil society. In response, a student initiative group from Nazarbayev University issued an open letter demanding the release of both the state audit and NU's internal audit of the Social Development Fund. The letter also calls for greater accountability, enhanced transparency, and the protection of students' rights. This appeal reflects mounting frustration with the university's leadership and a growing demand for immediate corrective action. Shigeo Katsu's interview will shed light on these unfolding developments. As a former leader of NU, Katsu is uniquely positioned to analyze the root causes of the crisis, critique the university's response, and discuss the broader implications for Kazakhstan's education sector. The full interview can be found here: https://www.eureporter.co/kazakhstan-2/2024/12/23/the-battle-for-nazarbayev-universitys-future-shigeo-katsu-on-financial-mismanagement-and-accountability/ The Battle for Nazarbayev University's Future: Shigeo Katsu on Financial Mismanagement and Accountability In light of recent controversies surrounding the financial governance of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), an open letter from concerned students has surfaced, addressing the troubling mismanagement of funds and alleged conflicts of interest. The letter highlights a series of financial decisions that led to the unraveling of key institutions meant to ensure the long-term stability of NU and NIS. The students are particularly concerned about the fate of the Jusan Group and the Nazarbayev Fund (NGF), which were once positioned to secure the financial future of these two leading educational institutions. Instead, they allege that significant funds were misappropriated and whole organizations lost, leading to the collapse of what was once a promising financial structure. In response, Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, has also written an open letter , received by EU Reporter, addressing the ongoing crisis and providing his perspective on the unfolding situation. In his letter, Katsu outlines the rationale of engagement in the financial sector and the erosion of the initial vision for NU, highlighting the role of key financial institutions like Jusan Bank and the NGF in securing a stable future for the university and NIS. He draws attention to the series of decisions that led to the loss of the former and calls for urgent remedial actions to prevent further damage to the institutions' credibility and financial stability . In this exclusive interview with EU Reporter , Shigeo Katsu , the Founding President of Nazarbayev University, sheds light on these pressing issues. He discusses the audit findings, the role of Jusan Bank , and what must be done to restore trust and secure the future of NU and NIS. Bio: Mr. Shigeo Katsu is the Founding President of Nazarbayev University. He held the position of President from December 2010 until June 2023 . He was Chair of the Board of Trustees of an affiliated secondary school system, the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and of the University's hospital system. Prior to the assignments in Kazakhstan , over the course of a 30-year career at the World Bank, Mr. Shigeo Katsu held various positions including leading financial sector reform support for China , Director for Cote d'Ivoire , and Vice President for Europe and Central Asia . After his retirement from the World Bank, he served for a few years on the US board of a youth-oriented international development NGO. Between 2011 and 2015 he was an Advisory Panel member of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Questions: - We have exclusively published your open letter and anticipate that it will generate a significant response. What drove you to write it, particularly in light of the misuse of funds intended to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS)? The decision to write the open letter was not made lightly. It was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to the students, faculty, and broader community of Nazarbayev University (NU) and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS). These institutions were established with a vision to create world-class educational hubs in Kazakhstan and establish a center of excellence for academic research. Ensuring their financial independence and long-term stability is a core requirement to achieve the two institutions' mission. However, recent developments revealed through state and internal audits have exposed serious breaches of trust. The misuse of funds from entities like the University's Social Development Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group directly threatens the sustainability of NU and NIS. These funds were meant to build up and guarantee the financial security of the institutions. Instead, we now see signs of embezzlement, mismanagement, and a concerning lack of accountability. The role played by key figures like the directors and executives of NGF, of Aslan Sarinzhipov (Executive Vice President of NU, a former Minister of Education) and Kadisha Dairova (Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation, Nazarbayev University) only adds to the gravity of the situation. By writing the letter, my goal was to bring transparency to the issue and to mobilize public attention and international scrutiny. NU and NIS were founded on principles of meritocracy, transparency, and academic freedom. If we allow these values to be compromised, we risk undoing more than a decade of progress. The letter serves as a call for accountability, reform, and most importantly, protection of the future of Kazakhstan's youth. - Many students and alumni of NU have expressed their concern over the lowering of admission standards and the shift away from international standards. How do you assess these changes, and do you see them as diverging from the original vision for NU? NU was conceived as a model of excellence , designed to meet international standards in research, teaching, and governance. One of its founding principles was merit-based admission , which ensured that students were selected solely based on their ability and potential. This meritocratic foundation was not only an academic principle but a reflection of NU's mission to transform Kazakhstan's education system. Students, alumni, faculty and staff have worked hard to build NU's name. Now students, alumni and parents are rightly concerned that the lowering of admission standards undermines this mission and risks eroding the university's reputation both domestically and internationally. Such changes create the perception that NU is moving away from its original vision of being a world-class institution. To restore confidence, NU must reaffirm its commitment to international standards, transparency, and academic rigor. Reverting to merit-based admissions and prioritizing excellence will send a clear message that the institution remains steadfast in its mission. In the Open Letter, I stated that in theory, a policy of opening the entry door wider, but then be resolutely strict in terms of progression and graduation based on academic integrity and merit could work. There are some cases globally. However, it can only work if there is a full commitment to integrity and merit, openness and transparency, and NU's original values are upheld. But unfortunately, what I have observed and heard about recent developments at NU does not make me optimistic. While administration is supposedly in a belt-tightening mode, new senior positions were created and filled with scant regard for a proper hiring process and qualification. Conflict of interest and restrictions on hiring family members have been discarded. These are just a few of the institutional changes that will inevitably bleed over into the academic fabric as well. Is this the example that senior management wants to present to our students? - Do you believe the current situation, where the financial foundations like the Social Development Fund and New Generation Foundation were mismanaged, reflects a broader crisis within Kazakhstan's governance and democracy? Absolutely, but to be fair, this corporate governance crisis is not just limited to Kazakhstan . The findings of the internal audit conducted by NU on the Social Development Fund (SDF) reveal a systemic absence of check and balances and accountability that extends beyond these institutions. Mismanagement and theft, such as those involving Aslan Sarinzhipov , have not only undermined NU and NIS but also shaken public trust in Kazakhstan's leadership. The financial institutions linked to NU and NIS—Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group — were designed to guarantee long-term financial stability for education in Kazakhstan , securing the futures of NU and NIS for decades. However, NGF and Jusan Group's systematic depletion and dismantling highlight the country's struggle with accountability and the need for deep structural reform. This mismanagement reflects broader governance failings—particularly a lack of oversight, transparency, and mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. I cannot pronounce myself on the current status of the NF, but I would not be surprised if one discovers similar shortcomings there as well. I had called for an audit for some time until my departure but was not successful. The impact extends beyond education, affecting the economic and social fabric of Kazakhstan . Addressing these issues requires not just reforms within these organizations but also a renewed commitment to governance, accountability, and emphasis on establishing the rule of law. - With the financial stability once promised by entities like the NGF now in jeopardy, how do you envision NU's future without those foundational guarantees? The original intent of the Nazarbayev Fund, New Generation Foundation, and Jusan Group was to provide NU and NIS with long-term financial stability. These entities were carefully designed to ensure that Kazakhstan's leading educational institutions could eventually operate in a manner less affected by state budget fluctuations. However, as the audits reveal, these institutions have been systematically mismanaged and looted, jeopardizing the financial future of NU and NIS. NU's survival and success now depend on a bold and transparent strategy. The first step is to rebuild trust with the public, students, and alumni by publishing the findings of both the state audit of NU and the internal audit of SDF. Then, those responsible are held accountable. Financially, NU must re-establish a diversified funding model. This includes rebuilding its endowments and enhancing additional revenue streams, such as a logical and sound tuition policy, executive education and collaboration with industry and business in the form of contract research. Transparency and governance reform will be key to attract donors and investors who believe in NU's mission and potential. - The Supreme Audit Chamber of Kazakhstan , in its state audit, reported the mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge at Nazarbayev University , as well as allegations of half a billion tenge being used illegally. What is your opinion on this, and how should the university address governance and corruption issues? I have not had the opportunity to access the state audit report, thus it is difficult to comment. If the cited amount in mismanagement of 73.5 billion tenge over six years is true, it is scandalous. However, we do not know what the auditors' definition and criteria of mismanagement is. So, let's first find out what the report actually says. What is clear, however, is the outcome of a 2023 internal audit of NU's Social Development Fund (SDF) , and it is sobering. This SDF audit reveals a blatant disregard of corporate governance principles, where individuals entrusted with university resources prioritized personal gain over the mission of NU. The audit revealed that SDF management led by current NU Executive Vice President Aslan Sarinzhipov constructed an intricate web of subsidiary entities, including abroad, to systematically evade the oversight and control of the University. Funds ( over 14 billion tenge ) meant to assist students and faculty were used for personal gains of Aslan Sarinzhipov and questionable deals. Unfortunately, NU senior officials such as Vice President Kadisha Dairova participated in such schemes. When I voiced my concern earlier over the developments at NU, it is largely because of the track record of senior officials there. For NU to move forward, it must adopt zero-tolerance policies for corruption, demand accountability from those responsible, and reform its governance structures to ensure transparency. - Why do some claim there is a lack of funds for NU and NIS, despite the promises of financial stability from their endowment funds? The claim of a lack of funds is a direct consequence of the systematic looting of resources from the New Generation Foundation and Jusan Group. These entities were explicitly designed to contribute to NU and NIS' long-term financial sustainability against the backdrop of reduced state funding. However, as I described in my Open Letter, these innovative financial structures have been undermined by mismanagement, and outright theft. For instance: Rebuilding financial stability will require recovering stolen assets, reforming governance structures, and restoring public trust through full transparency and accountability. - Given the scale of financial mismanagement, what steps are necessary to ensure accountability for those involved, including senior officials? Accountability must begin with transparency. First, all findings from the audits should be made public, and independent investigations should be conducted to identify those responsible. No individual, regardless of rank or influence, should be above scrutiny. Second, legal consequences must follow where wrongdoing is found. Kazakhstan's legal system must demonstrate its independence and commitment to justice by prosecuting those who exploited these funds. Finally, governance reforms are essential. NU and its associated entities must implement stricter checks and balances, including external audits, whistleblower protections, and oversight committees with independent members. These steps are not just about rectifying past mistakes—they're about ensuring a future where such mismanagement cannot happen again. - The audit findings were just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues. Is there more information you can share about how these financial foundations were exploited and what this means for the future of NU and NIS? The patterns that have emerged—opaque transactions, conflicts of interest, and questionable settlements—are deeply troubling. For instance, the transfer of assets to private hands under unclear terms raises red flags about the intentions behind such decisions. This exploitation puts the futures of NU and NIS at risk. These institutions were designed to be financially independent, insulated from political and economic volatility. The weakening of their financial foundations erodes their ability to deliver on their missions and betrays the trust of the Kazakhstani people, who have invested in these institutions through their taxes. The way forward requires not just recovering lost assets but rebuilding the governance systems that allowed this exploitation to occur. - Nazarbayev University was founded with a mission to serve as a model for higher education in Kazakhstan , supported by funds like those from the Nazarbayev Fund and New Generation Foundation. What was your original vision for the university, and how did these funds play a critical role in realizing that vision? The vision for NU was bold: to create an institution that could compete with the best universities in the world while serving as a model for higher education reform in Kazakhstan . From day one, we envisioned NU as a hub for innovation, research, and leadership development—a place where the brightest minds could come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow. However, one should not forget that universities, in particular research universities, are a long-term endeavor. They are meant to educate and develop generations upon generations of leaders and professionals in a broad range of sectors, and thus contribute to the scientific, economic, and societal wealth of countries. Building a strong institution that can meet the test of time requires long-term and unwavering commitments to foundational values such as integrity, meritocracy, excellence, openness and transparency. But of course, strong financial support from government and other stakeholders is needed, especially in the first decades. Thus, it was understood that NU would be dependent on state funding (through education grants and capital investments) for the initial decades of its existence, while in the meantime it would develop other sources of financing such as through endowment funds, tuition, and contract research. The Nazarbayev Fund, NGF and the Jusan Group were integral parts of this vision. This overall construct allowed us to recruit world-class faculty, develop state-of-the-art facilities, and provide scholarships to talented students, many from underprivileged backgrounds. These resources weren't just financial—they were a vote of confidence in NU's mission and a recognition of the transformative power of education. The loss of these resources is a significant setback, but I do hope that NU can recover. The university must focus on rebuilding trust with its stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and the public. This starts with transparency in financial management and governance. Diversifying funding sources will be crucial. This includes rebuilding its endowments, engaging with the philanthropic community, and developing innovative revenue streams. But most importantly, NU must stay true to its mission and values. Financial stability is important, but it must never come at the cost of compromising the university's integrity or academic excellence. Restoring NU's credibility begins with transparency. For instance, the university must share the audit report with stakeholders, and openly address any major shortcomings highlighted in the audit, including financial mismanagement and governance failures. An independent investigation, followed by public disclosure of findings, will demonstrate a commitment to accountability. Next, an affirmation of NU's commitment to its foundational values and principles is needed. Next, institutional reforms are essential. This includes introducing stronger oversight mechanisms for financial and administrative processes, ensuring that governance boards are staffed with individuals of the highest integrity and independence, and that management, faculty and staff are recruited on the basis of transparency and merit. Fourth, NU must recommit itself to its founding mission of academic excellence. This means maintaining rigorous admission standards, prioritizing high-quality faculty recruitment, and fostering research that addresses national and global challenges. And finally, engaging the NU community—students, faculty, alumni, and parents—in shaping the university's path forward is critical. A transparent, inclusive process will rebuild trust and reaffirm NU's position as a leader in higher education. Educational reform is not just critical—it is foundational to Kazakhstan's economic recovery and long-term stability. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in education systems worldwide, but it also underscored the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience. For Kazakhstan , investing in education means investing in the future. A well-educated population is essential for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and fostering innovation. Institutions like NU and NIS must lead the way by setting benchmarks for quality and demonstrating the value of education in driving economic progress. Moreover, reform must focus on equity. Expanding access to high-quality education for students from socially vulnerable backgrounds will ensure that economic recovery benefits all segments of society, not just the privileged few. - How do you see the role of institutions like NU and NIS in not only providing quality education but also contributing to economic growth in Kazakhstan , especially when financial stability is threatened? NU and NIS are more than educational institutions—they are catalysts for economic growth and social development. By equipping students with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and a global perspective, they prepare the workforce needed to diversify Kazakhstan's economy. Their impact extends beyond classrooms. NU's research contributes to solving national challenges in areas like energy, healthcare, and technology. Meanwhile, NIS fosters innovation and leadership at the secondary education level, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits universities and industries alike. To sustain this role, NU and NIS must secure their financial stability. This includes strengthening governance, diversifying funding sources, and forging partnerships with the private sector and international organizations. These institutions are vital to Kazakhstan's future, and their success is intertwined with the country's broader economic ambitions. - Could the model used by NU and supported by the Nazarbayev Fund be applied in other countries, or does it require a uniquely Kazakh approach to work effectively? The NU model is innovative, but its core principles—integrity, meritocracy, autonomy, and a focus on global best practices—are universally applicable. Many countries could benefit from establishing institutions that prioritize excellence and align with international standards. That said, successful implementation depends on adapting the model to local contexts. Kazakhstan's approach benefited from strong initial financial and political backing, and a vision that emphasized independence from political and state bureaucratic interference. Replicating this requires careful consideration of governance structures, funding mechanisms, autonomy and other values, and cultural factors. In countries where philanthropic traditions or financial resources are limited, the model may need to rely more on public-private partnerships or international collaborations. Ultimately, the NU experience demonstrates that ambitious goals in education are achievable with the right vision, leadership, and long-term commitment support. - What lessons do you hope others will learn from the experience of the NGF, Jusan Bank , and the financial turmoil at NU? The story of NU and its financial affiliates offers a critical lesson: no institution, no matter how noble its mission, is immune to mismanagement and corruption without strong governance. NU and NIS' financial pillars, namely the Nazarbayev Fund, NGF, Jusan Group, but also the SDF and NIS' Corporate Development Fund were designed to guarantee long-term financial sustainability, yet their exploitation demonstrates how quickly trust can be eroded when transparency and accountability are neglected. For any endowment fund or financial institution, the following lessons are clear: NU's experience is a cautionary tale but also an opportunity. By addressing these failures head-on, NU can emerge as a model for how institutions can learn from adversity and rebuild stronger than before. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nazarbayev-university-crisis-shigeo-katsu-demands-audit-transparency-302338886.html SOURCE EU ReporterNiger Govt partners Chinese agro firms to reduce post-harvest lossesNone

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Surprising Turn of Events: Russell Claims Pole at Qatar GPThe honours were well-spread on the final day of the 2024 Oceania Challenge bowls international in Auckland at the weekend. The second Oceania Challenge, an official World Bowls event, featured national teams from Cook Islands, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga, the Australia Performance Pathway team, and two from New Zealand - an Aotearoa Māori team, and a New Zealand Under-26 team. Missing was Fiji, who did not send any team to the event. The Pacific spirits were shown alive and well with Tokelau and the Norfolk Islands, who also claimed their own share of gold at the event. The Tokelau pair of Pale Luka and Peni Panapa came from behind to snatch the gold medal in the men's pairs. New Zealand Bowls said the pair had trailed the kiwi combination of Seamus Curtin and Finbar McGuigan in the opening set before scoring four shots late to claim the set. They then came from 8-2 down in the second set to grab the winning shot with the last bowl and claim the overall victory. Then it was the Norfolk Island pairing of Carmen Anderson and Shae Wilson who claimed the women's pairs final. They defeated the New Zealand combination of Briar Atkinson and Olivia Mancer. Sixty-nine years-young Anderson led the fight for Norfolk and showed her experience, having been a former world champion, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and a multi gold medallist at the Asia Pacific Games. New Zealand Bowls, who hosted the event, said the week was of significant benefit both to the emerging Pacific nations but also the heavyweights like Australia, who won the Oceania Challenge points table on 72 from last year's winner Aotearoa Maori 68 and New Zealand U26 65. Samoa put up a fierce battle in the women's triples finals, holding a 5-2 lead before Australia scored four shots to claim the first set. The Samoan side fought gamely in the second set, coming back on the final end but could only draw level, which handed Australia a second title for the day. The World Champion of Champions Singles starts on Tuesday, with representatives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nuie and Tonga playing. Results Pairs: Men, Semifinals: New Zealand U26 2 Samoa 0 (12-7, 5-4); Tokelau 2 Aotearoa Māori 1 (6-2, 3-5, 2-1 tiebreak). Final: Tokelau bt New Zealand 7-6, 8-8. Women: Semifinals: New Zealand U26 1.5 Aotearoa Māori 1 (5-8 7-4 4-0 tiebreak); Norfolk Island 1.5 Australia Pathway 0.5 (8-7, 7-7). Final: Norfolk Island 2-1 9-2, 3-10, 3-2 (tiebreak). Triples: Men, Semifinals: New Zealand 2 Aotearoa Māori 0 (9-7, 4-3); Australia Pathway 2 Samoa 1 (5-7, 8-3, 2-1 tiebreak). Final: Australia 2 NZ 1 (7-4, 3-8, 2-1 tiebreak). Final: Australia 2 New Zealand 4-7, 8-3, 2-1 (in tiebreak). Women, Semifinals: Australia Pathway 2 Aotearoa Māori 1 (4-5, 9-4, 7-0 tiebreak); Samoa 2 Norfolk Island 0 (5-4, 11-3). Final: Australia 1.5 Samoa 0.5 (6-5, 6-6)How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 12/24/2024

When it comes to console exclusives, Xbox has the least amount of theme compared to the competition. The lack of compelling first-party Xbox-exclusive games has always been a problem, but 2024 saw Microsoft turn things around with some great titles from Xbox Game Studios. Xbox Game Pass subscribers got to enjoy many first-party and third-party games for a low monthly cost, while hardcore PC gamers also got some games that take advantage of the platform. While PlayStation delivered some stellar triple-A blockbusters, Xbox covered all its bases with a wide variety of games, from action-adventure games to simulation titles to survival games. Here are the best Xbox games of 2024, and we're including some PC titles published by Xbox Game Studios. All of the games below are available in Xbox Game Pass, and all got review scores of 80/100 or higher on review score aggregator Metacritic — though we picked based on personal taste, too. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Machinegames has delivered not just a great Indiana Jones game, but also one of its best games ever. The first-person action-adventure game lets players step into Indy's boots and experience the thrill of exploring ancient tombs and punching nazis directly. The amount of freedom given to the player is similar to that of an immersive sim like Dishonored, and that's commendable for a licensed game that could've taken the easy way out. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 A good Call of Duty campaign is like a shot of adrenaline sent straight into your bloodstream. Black Ops 6's campaign is one of the franchise's best, and it brings a lot of new mechanics to shake up the series. Its omnimovement system changes how you interact with the world, and its set pieces are more bombastic than ever. Black Ops 6 is the quintessential Call of Duty game of the generation. Persona 3 Reload Persona 3 was the first game in the franchise to focus on the social simulation systems the franchise is known for today. The modern remake updates its gameplay to be more in line with Persona 5, which is a good thing. Many fans prefer P3's story over the other games, and it's one you should not skip if you have Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Microsoft Flight Simulator brings the entire planet to your living room. Smart tech upgrades bring down its install size while retaining the high fidelity of its world, and you can finally exit the cockpit and bask in nature for the first time in the series. There are more planes to fly around in over a digital recreation of Earth, and MFS 2024 is the best place to do it. Palworld Palworld is more than what it appears to be. While arming Pokémon with guns seems silly and chaotic, Palworld somehow manages to become a fun survival game. And the best part? It's available on Xbox Game Pass so you can jump in without any doubts or concerns, and it keeps getting new updates. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl STALKER 2 retains the hardcore survival simulation system of the franchise while giving it a fresh coat of paint. It's not your average by-the-numbers FPS, as Stalkers need to be wary of everything on their path. Just when you think you've got a handle on its mutated hordes, the Chornobyl exclusion zone's supernatural mysteries will confound you. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 Hellblade 2 is one of the best-looking games of the generation, even though its lack of gameplay innovation and depth leave a lot to be desired. Melina Juergens gives it her all in a gut-wrenching performance, with a story that you'll love if you like Norse mythology. However, its bad parts are hard to complain about when it's available right there in Xbox Game Pass. Dungeons of Hinterberg Dungeons of Hinterberg is like a trip to a cozy town during summer vacation. While its action and puzzle-solving aren't mechanically deep, you'll fall in love with Hinterberg and its residents so much that you won't care about the gameplay's shortcomings. Age of Mythology: Retold (PC) Age of Mythology is a classic real-time strategy game that got its long-due remake this year. It's more than just a paint job, as it combines the old game's design with the quality-of-life feature we've come to expect from modern RTS games. We also have new game modes in the new version, along with seasonal events. Ara: History Untold (PC) We've seen dozens of 4X sims over the years, so what does ARA do differently? It focuses more on the production of resources and managing an entire empire bit by bit. You'll have to rely on specialists to lead your empire to technological enlightenment, though trying to manage your civilization's interests and the specialists will be tough.Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees?

Donald Trump gave his first major press conference since winning the November election at Mar-a-Lago on Monday morning. The president-elect answered questions from reporters for more than an hour, reiterating and expanding on some of his most notorious campaign promises, including his plans to implement widespread tariffs and carry out mass deportations. While the event was intended to bolster a planned $100 billion investment by SoftBank in AI technology, Trump covered a lot of ground while speaking with reporters, addressing everything from foreign policy, to the drones above New Jersey, to how he plans to handle the media in his second term. Here are five of Trump’s most eyebrow-raising answers. Trump’s decision to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services has caused alarm over the famed vaccine conspiracy theorists plans for disease-prevention vaccines. Over the last few weeks, Trump has been waffling on vaccines and deferring to Kennedy — who has long pushed conspiracy theories about vaccines, including that they cause autism — on the issue. When asked on Monday if he believes there is a link between vaccinations and autism, Trump responded that there are “some very brilliant people looking at it.” “If you look at autism,” he added. “Thirty years ago we had — I’ve heard numbers of like 1 in 200,000, 1 in 100,000. Now I’m hearing numbers of 1 in 100. So something is wrong. There is something wrong. And we are going to find out about it.” Trump added that Kennedy is “going to be much less radical than you would think” in response to a question about Americans who might be worried that putting him in charge of vaccines might make their children less safe. “But there are problems,” Trump continued. “We don’t do as well as a lot of other nations and those nations use nothing. We are going to find [out] what those problems are.” Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time Trump was asked directly if he would consider pardoning embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Yeah I would,” Trump told reporters. “I think that he was treated pretty unfairly [...] so I would certainly look at it.” In September, Adams was indicted on federal charges related to campaign corruption, including bribery; solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Since his indictment, Adams, a Democrat, has been playing nice Trump and his allies. He refused to call Trump a “fascist” ahead of the election, breaking with other Democrats, prompting Trump to praise him during a rally at Madison Square Garden. “I have to tell you he’s been really great,” Trump said. “He said, ‘They shouldn’t be calling Trump a dictator because it’s not true.’ That was nice. Very nice. So, we want to thank Mayor Adams, he’s going through a hard time with these people.” Rolling Stone reported earlier this month that the president-elect has openly joked about how that mayor seems to “really like” him all of a sudden. After ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential library as part of a defamation settlement last week, the president-elect repeatedly indicated his desire to bring litigation against outlets who criticize him. Related Content 120 House Dems Call on Biden to Get Equal Rights Amendment Ratified Bernie Sanders Warns U.S. Is Becoming an Oligarchy Graham Says Trump Is Wrong: Jan. 6 Committee Shouldn't Go to Jail Dozens of Trump Donors Score Key Roles in Administration When asked if he would be open to expanding his planned defamation lawsuits to “people with individual platforms, social media influencers,” Trump interrupted the reporter and interjected with “or newspapers.” “I think you have to do it, because they’re very dishonest,” he said. One newspaper Trump has it out for in particular is the Des Moines Register and its longtime pollster Ann Selzer — who published a poll shortly before the election giving Vice President Kamala Harris a three point lead in Iowa. Trump wound up winning the state by 19 points. “In my opinion, it was fraud and it was election interference,” Trump said on Monday. “We’ll probably be filing a major lawsuit against them today or tomorrow.” “Do you believe Ukraine should cede territory to Russia?” one reporter asked Trump . The president-elect avoided the question, responding that he’s “going to let you know that after I have my first meeting.” “But a lot of that territory when you look at what’s happened to those — there are cities that there is not a building standing. It’s a demolition site. There’s not a building standing,” Trump continued. “People can’t go back to those cities. There’s nothing there. It’s rubble.”. “It’s nice to say they want their land back, but the cities are largely destroyed,” he added. NBC News reported on Friday that Trump’s incoming national security team is engaged in talks with the Biden administration and Ukrainian leaders over pathways to end the war with Russia. It’s unlikely his comments on Monday will fuel confidence amongst Ukranians. Reports of an unusual amount of drones flying over New Jersey have unleashed a wave of speculation about their origin — and why the government hasn’t been able to provide an explanation. Trump said on Monday that the government knows what’s up, and is keeping it secret from the American public. “The government knows what is happening. Look, our military knows where they took off from — if it’s a garage they can go right into that garage — they know where it came from and where it went,” Trump said . 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DETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don't buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren't fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver's seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don't fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn't be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.Kingsview Wealth Management LLC Invests $233,000 in GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE:GDDY)

Thrissur to host Kerala Science Congress in FebruaryIn December 2024, the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (“CIPL”) at Hunton Andrews Kurth published a discussion paper titled, “Applying Data Protection Principles to Generative AI: Practical Approaches for Organizations and Regulators” (“Discussion Paper”). The Discussion Paper considers the following privacy and data protection concepts and explores how they can be effectively applied to the development and deployment of generative AI (“genAI”) models and systems: fairness; collection limitation; purpose specification; use limitation; individual rights; transparency; organizational accountability; and cross-border data transfers. CIPL presents the following recommendations, discussed in greater detail in the Discussion Paper, to organizations and regulators: To enable beneficial development and use of AI technologies in the modern information age, laws and regulatory guidance should facilitate lawful mechanisms for the use of personal data in model training . Lawmakers and regulators should avoid legal interpretations that are unduly restrictive regarding the use of personal data in AI model training, development and deployment. Different data privacy rules, considerations and mitigations apply in different phases of the AI lifecycle—data collection, model training, fine tuning and deployment. Regulators and organizations should interpret data protection principles separately in the context of each relevant phase of the AI technologies . Organizations should be able to rely on the “legitimate interests” legal basis for processing publicly available personal data collected through web scraping and personal data that they already have in their possession and control (first-party data) for genAI model training, as long as the interest concerned (which could be the controller’s, users’ or society’s at large) is not outweighed by the fundamental rights of individuals and appropriate, risk-based mitigation measures are put in place. Laws and regulatory guidance should be drafted or interpreted to recognize and enable the processing and retention of sensitive personal data for AI model training , as this is necessary to avoid algorithmic bias or discrimination and ensure content safety. In addition, sensitive personal data may be necessary for the training and development of certain AI systems whose sole purpose is based on the processing of sensitive personal data or to deliver benefits to protected categories of individuals (such as accessibility tools, or health systems). Developers should explore opportunities to employ privacy-enhancing and privacy-preserving technologies (“PETs/PPTs”) , such as synthetic data and differential privacy. This would enable genAI models to have the rich datasets they need during training while reducing the risks associated with the use of personal data. Laws and regulatory guidance should encourage the use of and acknowledge the need for continued research and investment in PETs/PPTs . The fairness principle is useful in the genAI context and should be interpreted to facilitate personal data processing in genAI model development to train accurate and accessible models that do not unjustly discriminate . Considerations of fairness also need to take into account the impact on the individual or society of not developing a particular AI application. Data minimization should be understood contextually as limiting the collection and use of data that is necessary for the intended purpose ( g. , model training, model fine-tuning, or model deployment for a particular purpose). Data minimization should not stand in the way of enabling the collection and use of data that is necessary and appropriate for achieving a robust and high-quality genAI model. As such, this principle does not prohibit or conflict with the collection and use of large volumes of data. Training general-purpose AI models should be recognized as a legitimate and permissible purpose in itself , so long as appropriate accountability measures and safeguards are reasonably and sufficiently implemented. Purpose or use limitation principles should be sufficiently flexible . In the context of genAI, purpose limitation principles in laws and regulations should allow organizations to articulate data processing purposes that are sufficiently flexible for the range of potentially useful applications for which genAI models may be used. Furthermore, processing personal data for the development of a genAI model should be treated as a separate purpose from processing personal data for the development, deployment or improvement of a specific application that uses a genAI model . The responsibility to inform individuals about the use of their data should fall to the entity closest to the individual from whom the data is collected. Where data is not collected directly from individuals, organizations should be able to fulfil transparency requirements through public disclosures or other informational resources. Where appropriate and practicable, individuals should be able to request that their input prompts and model output responses not be included in genAI model fine-tuning , especially if such prompts include personal or sensitive data. Transparency in the context of genAI models should be contextually appropriate and meaningful , while also fulfilling transparency requirements under applicable laws and regulations. Transparency should not come at the expense of other important factors, such as usability, functionality, and security, or create additional burdens for users. Organizations should also consider transparency in the wider sense, beyond individuals and users—to regulators, auditors and red-team experts. Lawmakers and regulators should consult with developers and deployers of genAI systems to clarify the distinctions in duties and responsibilities across the phases of genAI development. Organizations developing and deploying genAI models and systems must invest in comprehensive and risk-based AI and data privacy programs , continually improving and evolving their controls and best practices. Lawmakers and regulators should encourage and reward organizational accountability in development and deployment of AI, including the existence and demonstration of AI and data privacy management programs. Read the discussion paper.