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BEIRUT – Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. Recommended Videos The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Airstrikes kill at least 31 Massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians , and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” Hopes grow for a ceasefire Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal." “It can happen within days,” he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, told reporters Monday that he expected a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.” After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force . Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is demanding the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. A ceasefire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . The lack of a ceasefire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis remain away from their homes in the country's north after more than a year of cross-border violence. Hezbollah rockets have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of Iran’s armed proxies , is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition. A top Hamas official in Lebanon said the Palestinian militant group would support a ceasefire between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel, despite Hezbollah’s previous promises to stop the fighting in Lebanon only if the war in Gaza ends. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Osama Hamdan of Hamas' political wing told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. While the ceasefire proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” If the ceasefire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.” Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure "will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.” ___ Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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Moreover, the window to join the presale is closing rapidly as the limited token supply is quickly selling out. Meanwhile, analysts estimate up to 100x returns post-launch in Q1 2025. Buy Presale Visit DTX Website Join The DTX Community Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.A MAJOR retailer is closing four branches tomorrow as part of a restructuring plan. Garden centre chain Dobbies announced in September a number of locations would shut, subject to court approval. 1 Dobbies is closing four garden centres tomorrow as part of restructuring plans Credit: Les Gallagher Bosses were given the green light earlier this month to go ahead with the closures. A total of 10 sites were earmarked for closure, with an eleventh in Antrim, Northern Ireland, originally set to shut saved. Discussions with landlords over rent reductions meant two additional garden centres in Morpeth and Stapleton will be moved to other operators. In a statement, the firm said the move will enable Dobbies to return to "sustainable profitability and unlock access to " future investment". Read more on Closures SHUT UP SHOP Beloved hardware store to close after 87 years as it reduces prices on stock BYE BYE Major clothing chain with over 150 stores across UK to shut shop in the New Year In November, Dobbies shut six of its smaller format Little Dobbies locations. By the end of tomorrow, 10 further locations will have closed. Garden centres in Altrincham, Harleston Heath and Gosforth have already shuttered. Tomorrow, these four will permanently close: Reading Stratford-upon-Avon Inverness Huntingdon Most read in Money CHOC HORROR Cadbury's among 100 iconic brands STRIPPED of prestigious title after 170 years CHOCS AHOY Cheapest supermarket to buy Christmas favourites including Quality Street TOP CHOC Shoppers rushing to Lidl for festive chocolate log scanning for just 99p TREASURE BOX Cadbury chocolate selection boxes scanning for just £1 at Tesco Sales have been launched at the Dobbies garden centres in Reading, Stratford-upon-Avon and Huntingdon, with big deals to be had. Bargain hunters recently shared pictures online of the huge discounts on offer including 70% off homeware as well as deals on plants, garden equipment, toys, gifts and Christmas decorations. Why are shops closing stores? One posted pictures of shelves of discounted items and said: "Lots of sale items in Dobbies Garden Centre!" Another added: "50% of almost everything." TROUBLE FOR DIY AND GARDEN STORES High inflation coupled with a squeeze on shoppers' finances has meant people have less money to spend in the shops. Garden centres and home improvement businesses also boomed during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home. But customers have been forced to cut back on spending since due to high inflation and a national cash crunch. This has led to prominent chains going bust. Late last month, Homebase said it would put 74 sites up for sale after it crashed into administration. However, its administrators were able to strike a deal to sell the business to retail group CDS, which owns bargain chains The Range and Wilko. This secured the jobs of 1,600 employees and 70 stores - all of which are set to be rebranded as The Range shops. It's not just DIY retailers that have struggled across the high street. Carpetright filed for administration in July , although rival company Tapi stepped in to save 54 stores from closure and furniture giant Bensons for Beds snapped up 19. Iconic names Ted Baker and The Body Shop both collapsed into administration this year too. Read more on the Scottish Sun TESTING TIMES Major changes for learners sitting their driving test in Scotland in 2025 CHESTNUTS ROASTING Scots set for record temperatures as chances of a White Xmas slashed Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. Boss Stuart Machin recently said that when it relocated a tired store in Chesterfield to a new big store in a retail park half a mile away, its sales in the area rose by 103 per cent. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Wilko, Debenhams Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Paperchase to name a few. What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and storiesMayor- Elect Daniel Lurie speaks in St. Mary's square a day after winning the Mayoral race in San Francisco on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Gabrielle Lurie | San Francisco Chronicle | Hearst Newspapers | Getty Images San Francisco's Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie has begun tapping tech heavyweights and business leaders to help with his goal of overhauling the city's image. His transition team includes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Twitter CFO Ned Segal. Lurie, a centrist Democrat and Levi Strauss heir, ousted incumbent London Breed in a closely-watched race and will step into the role in 2025. San Francisco-based companies need to invest in the city and commit to their communities, Lurie told CNBC in an interview. He named both Visa and Salesforce as models for this "two-way street." "I've had great conversations with Sam Altman," Lurie said. "He wants to put down roots here in San Francisco. We want to lean into being the home of AI, which we are, and I will continue to invest in that." The city can't have all its eggs in one basket and needs to expand into other business sectors as well, Lurie said. "We will go recruit companies from all sectors to come back to San Francisco," Lurie said. "Whether it's healthcare, whether it's technology [or] whether it's arts and culture, we want to be the number-one spot for business again in this country." Lurie, who founded the homelessness nonprofit Tipping Point, has plans that include declaring a state of emergency over the fentanyl crisis on day one in office and a previously disclosed proposal to build 1,500 shelter beds within his first six months in office. A fully-staffed police department and 911 dispatch office will be necessary to help bring businesses and workers back to the city, Lurie said. "We need to make sure we get our behavioral health crisis under control, which means we need to build more mental health and drug treatment beds," Lurie said. "We have to get people off the streets. We have to do that compassionately, but we also have to send a message — and we are — to the country and to the world that San Francisco is no longer a place that you come to deal drugs or to do drugs or to sleep on our streets." Lurie added, "We didn't get into this overnight, and it won't be fixed overnight." watch now VIDEO 2:45 02:45 San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie on homelessness plan Last Call Part of the solution he envisions will be bringing workers back to offices, modeling that goal with his administration. Lurie says his team will be in five days a week, and he hopes that the administration's work in cleaning up streets will entice others to do the same. More affordable housing will also be a priority to ensure workers can afford to live in the city, he said. He's also hopeful that future events the city will host in the next year and a half — from the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game and Super Bowl LX in 2026 — will help invigorate the city. "I've talked to Jamie Dimon," Lurie said. "I talked to the commissioner of the NBA. They all want San Francisco to come back." Lurie's election is part of a wider trend in the state of moving to the right of progressive policies and leaders of the past. More conservative district attorneys were voted into office in major counties, including Nathan Hochman in Los Angeles, while Alameda county District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faced successful recalls. California voters also adopted a proposition that increases penalties for certain drug and theft crimes while rebuffing a measure to raise the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour. Up and down the state, voters' focus was on the economy, according to polling from the Public Policy Institute of California, which found the economy, cost of living and inflation were the key issues for 35 percent of voters this cycle . "In some ways it's remarkable that California remained as much of a blue state and Democratic stronghold as it is considering the way people were feeling about their own financial circumstances, especially compared to four years ago," Mark Baldassare, PPIC's survey director, said. This comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom has convened a special legislative session next week in an effort to prepare the state and safeguard policies around climate change, reproductive rights and more ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House in January. Lurie told CNBC that he disputes the "shift to the right" narrative in the city, adding that his biggest challenge will be combatting the cynicism around what San Francisco has become. "What we have done in San Francisco is get back to common sense with this election," Lurie said. "It's about getting results for the people of San Francisco — allowing people to struggle and die in our streets is not progressive."

The organisers of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo have announced details for the upcoming event, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 28 to November 30, 2024. The trade expo will not only showcase a broad range of products but will also place significant emphasis on Chinese engineering technology. According to a statement from the organisers, over 100 companies are expected to participate in the trade exhibition, the second of such in Africa after an earlier one held in Nairobi early this year. The Organising committee, which includes more than eight agencies affiliated with Hunan Province in China and the Nigerian Federal Trade Agency, confirmed that the expo will be held at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre. “The theme of this year’s expo is “China and Africa Joining Hands for a Better Future” and will feature a series of activities across multiple sectors, including investment and trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and engineering machinery. The Opening Ceremony and the China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation Forum (Nigeria) will commence at 10am. This forum will address the opportunities and challenges in China-Africa infrastructure cooperation, facilitating in-depth discussions on critical topics such as infrastructure connectivity, innovative investment and financing models, green and sustainable development, and business transformation. The forum aims to bring together stakeholders for meaningful exchanges and cooperation, promoting the signing and implementation of key projects.” Following this, the China-Africa Business & Healthcare Matchmaking Conference will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. “This event will introduce leading enterprises from Hunan and present the investment and trade environment in various African countries through representatives from African chambers of commerce, investment promotion agencies, and businesses. Key focus areas will include healthcare, new energy, manufacturing, construction materials, textiles, fisheries, and infrastructure development, facilitating “one-on-one” discussions between Hunan enterprises and African business associations.” On the first day of the expo, there will also be an exhibition showcasing engineering technology from Nigeria and China, which will continue until the final day. The exhibition will feature nine distinct areas, highlighting products in: New energy, Architecture (building hardware), Machinery (construction machinery & agricultural equipment), power transmission and transformation), Home Appliances & Furniture, Manufacturing, Pan-infrastructure, Circular Economy, and Comprehensive Area. With robust support and collaboration from various stakeholders in both China and Africa, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has successfully hosted three sessions, establishing a new platform for local economic and trade cooperation. The third session of CAETE, held in Changsha, Hunan, in June 2023, covered 100,000 square meters and resulted in 120 signed projects valued at $10.3 billion. Over 1,700 exhibitors from Chinese and African enterprises, business associations, and financial institutions participated. In May 2024, the inaugural China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa took place in Nairobi, resulting in 43 signed projects worth $1.402 billion. Michael Olugbode Follow us on:Nigeria to tap $200bn hydrogen economy, says minister

Home | Editorials | Opinion Integrate Geocaching With Green Opinion: Integrate geocaching with green If leveraged correctly, it can be a powerful prong for environmental conservation and well-being By Vishwam Mora Updated On - 23 December 2024, 12:14 AM Opn Pic By Viiveck Verma In a world where digital interactions are canon, screens capture every minute of our leisure and discovery is now increasingly virtual, the appeal of geocaching stands out as a compelling blend of technology, adventure and personal growth. This real-world treasure hunt, driven by GPS, has transcended its niche origins to become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of participants across countries to seek out hidden ‘caches’, using geographic coordinates. But while the game’s immediate appeal lies in its thrill of discovery, geocaching’s potential reaches far beyond mere entertainment. If leveraged correctly, it could serve as a new age, a powerful prong for environmental conservation and individual well-being. Raw Adventure At its core, geocaching is an invitation to explore the world in a novel new way. Geocachers, what participants are called, navigate a set of GPS coordinates and attempt to find a container hidden at that location. A treasure hunt of sorts, designed for the new generation. These containers vary in size and content, with the larger ones often holding small trinkets that can be exchanged. Each geocache also contains a logbook for finders to sign, and mark off their successful discoveries. The simplicity of the activity is perhaps its greatest strength. Where typical capitalist leisure is often packaged as a polished, commercial experience, geocaching offers a raw, unscripted form of adventure. There’s an element of unpredictability that makes every find feel earned, and no two hunts are ever the same. Whether in urban parks, dense forests or pristine mountaintops, the act of locating a cache taps into the primal human desire for exploration and discovery of something new. Connect with Natural World But beyond the thrill of the hunt, geocaching holds profound implications for how individuals interact with their surroundings and each other. Its potential as a force for personal enrichment and environmental stewardship is considerable, though not yet fully realised. When intertwined with environmental conservation efforts, geocaching has the potential to foster a deep, active connection between individuals and the natural world. By placing caches in nature reserves, parks, and other ecologically significant areas, organisers can encourage participants to visit locations they might not otherwise explore. These hidden spots, often overlooked by casual visitors, could become touchpoints for raising awareness about local ecosystems and biodiversity. A promising model for this is the ‘Cache In, Trash Out’ (CITO) initiative, a programme spearheaded by the geocaching community that encourages participants to pick up litter and clean the environment wherever their geocaching adventures take them. This way CITO aims to ensure that geocaching leaves a positive environmental footprint. However, in my opinion, this initiative could be taken even further. Imagine geocaching not only as an activity that passively appreciates nature but as one that actively contributes to its preservation. Partnering with environmental organisations, geocaching groups could design challenges around reforestation projects, wildlife monitoring or invasive species removal. Participants might be incentivised to plant trees, clean up beaches or contribute to citizen science initiatives by documenting wildlife during their excursions and apps could be used to track the progress of each activity. Geocaching could become a powerful grassroots force for environmental change, driven by something as simple as people’s love for adventure. There’s potential here for governments, conservation NGOs and geocaching platforms to collaborate more extensively. By integrating conservation missions into the fabric of the geocaching experience, participants can use their hobby to contribute to the protection and restoration of the natural landscapes they explore. The personal benefits of geocaching should not be underestimated. On an obvious level, it gets people outdoors and encourages physical activity, offering an antidote to the increasingly sedentary lifestyles that modernity fosters. Hiking through forests, scrambling over rocks or navigating urban environments in search of a cache can provide the exercise that many people sorely lack. But geocaching’s influence runs a little deeper than that. There’s an undeniable cognitive and emotional benefit that comes from this pursuit. The process of following GPS coordinates, interpreting clues, and solving puzzles to locate hidden caches engages the brain in complex problem-solving. It demands focus, patience and adaptability, all skills that are valuable far beyond the game itself. Moreover, geocaching fosters a sense of achievement and wonder. Every found cache is a small victory, and each new location, a new find. Whether it’s discovering a hidden park in the middle of a bustling city or stumbling upon a scenic vista in the wilderness, geocaching constantly reintroduces the idea that the world is indeed big and full of surprises, contrary to how small digital connectivity makes the world feel. From a psychological standpoint, geocaching provides a break from the monotony of everyday life. It encourages mindfulness and immersion in the present moment, as players focus intently on their surroundings and the challenge at hand. This can be particularly beneficial in reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being. The social aspect of geocaching also deserves mention. While it can be a solitary pursuit, many participants enjoy the camaraderie of group hunts or the shared experience of discovering caches left by others. It fosters a sense of global community, with geocachers from different cultures and backgrounds connected by a shared love of exploration. Future Bright The future of geocaching is bright, but its growth will depend on its ability to adapt and expand. For one, technology will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the experience. There are slivers of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) usage that add new layers of complexity and immersion to geocaching, transforming it into a multi-sensory experience. However, technology should not overshadow the activity’s foundational appeal: the thrill of real-world discovery. As geocaching continues to evolve, it must retain its essence as an outdoor pursuit that reconnects people with the physical world around them. More importantly, the integration of geocaching with environmental conservation efforts must be prioritised. Geocaching already encourages exploration of the natural world, but it could become a more intentional tool for promoting ecological responsibility. The treasure hunts of tomorrow could help protect the treasures of the earth, its landscapes, its wildlife and its ecosystems. As someone who has closely observed the trends of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, I see geocaching as a symbol of hope in a time of digital overconsumption. It offers a compelling alternative to the passive consumption of media and encourages us to rediscover the joy of curiosity and the world outside our screens. If harnessed for its full potential, geocaching could be a meaningful bridge between individual fulfilment and collective responsibility. (The author is founder & CEO, Upsurge Global, co-founder, Global Carbon Warriors, and Adjunct Professor, EThames College) Follow Us : Tags Opinion Viiveck Verma Related News Opinion: Ambition and well-being Opinion: Embrace imperfection Opinion: Learning from nature Opinion: Art of judicious postponing

From supply chain bottlenecks and environmental regulations to overcapacity, the shipping sector is grappling with unprecedented challenges, forcing companies to rethink strategies and adapt to the uncertain, transformative future, some industry leaders shared recently. This discussion took place at the seventh edition of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC) held on a rotational basis in South Asia among maritime nations. Supported by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event took place from 27 to 29 November, with many international speakers and around 500 delegates taking part in this three-day conference. Discussing essential points from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) maritime report, Drewry Shipping Consultants Director Shailesh Garg said, “The global GDP outlook is looking stable, but somewhat flat. The downside risk is still there. Especially the China slowdown, geopolitical scenarios, supply chain disruptions, and weather extremes are adding more complexity.” Despite these challenges, the global throughput in 2024 was likely to grow to be 4.8%. While the first half of the year had been very strong with around 6% throughput, continuing from the momentum of the last quarter of 2023, this momentum had slowed in the second half. A significant challenge for growth was overcapacity that will affect the industry more in the future years. With a surge of new ships from the pandemic-era orders entering the market, the shipping industry was bracing for mounting challenges from overcapacity and plummeting freight rates. Yet, “despite concerns of overcapacity, ship-owners are aggressively ordering new vessels. This isn’t just about market competition, it’s about ensuring these vessels are ready for a decarbonised future,” Garg noted. He explained that the surge in new vessel orders reflected a proactive shift towards sustainability. Many of these new vessels were being designed with dual-fuel or alternative fuel capabilities to comply with stricter environmental regulations. However, this ambitious drive had not completely replaced older vessels; “ship-owners are holding onto older fleets as a hedge against market uncertainty.” According to Maersk Lanka Country Manager Biju Ravi, the capacity increase will not be uniform and will depend on how ship-owners managed the fleets. It depended on “how many ships are going to get scrapped.” He also mentioned the possibility of positioning ships in emerging markets, which may alter how and where they are deployed; “It depends on the ship-owners, on how they want to operate, or how they want to position these ships into merging smaller markets.” One of the key challenges for the shipping companies in the coming years will be how to manage fleet utilisation efficiently, Ravi added, stressing the need for companies to be agile and dynamic, adapting their operations using advanced technologies to predict and adjust fleet deployment. “We need to really look at predictive forecasts using advanced technologies today which we have like IoT or AI, and how agile you can be to move the ships strictly around to different port pairs or destinations.” Garg highlighted that the Red Sea Crisis and weather extremes like the Panama Canal disruptions were also compelling ship-owners to adapt swiftly. These factors have diverted major shipping routes and sustained the demand for additional vessel capacity. However, “these disruptions are not short-term hiccups. They’re reshaping the way we think about logistics and fleet management, potentially driving up freight rates even as fleet sizes expand,” he explained. He said that to mitigate overcapacity, some ship owners were turning to idling strategies. This approach had been effective in stabilising rates in the past, and was being considered again as fleets grew. Ship-owners were also aggressively securing building spots for new vessels, Garg noted. This trend and strategy was due to anticipated higher costs and reduced availability in coming years, prompting ship-owners to place orders to stay ahead of market dynamics. “This is a competitive game. Ship-owners are not just planning for today, they’re preparing for a future where sustainability and capacity are non-negotiable.” With all these transformations taking place in the global shipping industry, South Asia was emerging as a critical growth hub. According to Garg, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.7% over the next five years, the regions expanding trade volumes were creating significant opportunities for ship-owners and logistics providers. “South Asia’s growth trajectory is remarkable. It’s a region where investments in port infrastructure and logistics are urgently needed to keep pace with trade demands,” Garg noted. Talentbridge CEO Prabath Manimeldura also added that the region’s port sector would play a critical role in keeping shipping costs stable. He further emphasised that, with South Asia leading the way, there is an expected reduction in operational costs as port efficiencies improve in the next few years. “If you look at the possibilities of newcomers coming into the shipping industry, what we saw was a consolidation in the industry. This large number of ship owners became a smaller number of ship owners. There are some talks that some Asian superpower would eventually invest in ships, introducing a new shipping line or company,” Manimeldura noted. During the discussion, Colombo West International Terminal CEO Munish Kanwar brought attention to the importance of port operations in addressing the shipping industry’s challenges. He highlighted the need for ports like Colombo to focus on reducing inefficiencies and increasing productivity. Kanwar explained that operational and non-operational times during a vessel’s port stay were key areas for improvement. He said, “Worldwide, the operational time is around 60%, and the non-operational time is around 40%. This 40% is something manageable, which can be reduced.” Sharing strategies to enhance efficiency, he also stressed on the necessity of standardising operations, adopting automation, and improving training facilities for staff. Managing what cannot be measured could be impossible, and therefore, deploying a strategy which focused on tracking, evaluating and measuring all processes would increase efficiency, Kanwar advised. Additionally, explaining that reducing a vessel’s time in port had broader implications for costs and environmental impact, he said, “more time at sea would reduce your fuel consumption; you can reduce the speed and emissions.”

The main opposition People's Party (PP) announced it would not take part in former protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul's planned anti-government protests, saying it would work within the parliamentary system to fulfill its role. PP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu said on Wednesday the party would focus on the government's work and address issues that were of public concern through parliamentary mechanisms. These issues, including the justice administration process, the Khao Kradong land controversy and the 2001 memorandum of understanding on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand signed by Thailand and Cambodia, would be examined as usual, he said. The party would also do it best to advocate for reforms and policies by submitting bills or proposing legal amendments, many of which were approved by parliament, he said. Mr Parit was responding to comments by Nattawut Saikuar, an adviser to the prime minister, who said PP supporters might join the planned street protests. The PP spokesman dismissed Mr Nattawut's comments as speculation, saying he had no idea on what it was based. However, he insisted the party supports people's freedom of expression whether the party agrees with the issues and it hopes that political expression will not violate democratic principles. "The party has no intention to whip up political movements outside parliament. "We're determined to work within the system to keep the government in check and advocate for change," he said. Mr Sondhi, former leader of the now-defunct People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), caused a stir this week when he announced his plan to hold regular activities next year. Some observers warned these activities could escalate into mass demonstrations against the Pheu Thai-led government and even lead to the seizure of power. Mr Nattawut said previous demonstrations against the Thai Rak Thai-led government and the Pheu Thai administration culminated in the 2006 and 2014 coups. PM's Office Minister Chousak Sirinil on Wednesday called on the public to consider the impacts of past yellow-shirt protests and the coups, saying they were important lessons for the country. He said these incidents brought political instability which posed a major obstacle to the country's development. Mr Chousak said there were no conditions which could trigger mass protests and added that no negotiations under the 2001 MoU were in progress. He said the result of the talks would have to be reviewed and approved by parliament. "Such a crisis is way behind us, and I don't want the country to go back to that point," he said. The Pheu Thai Party member also brushed off speculation the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration would be short-lived. Paiboon Nititawan, secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), on Wednesday warned the government not to mess things up especially when dealing with charter amendments and the referendum bill, which are controversial matters. He was commenting on Mr Chousak's remark that the waiting period for the referendum bill would be much shorter if it was classified as a finance-related law after the Senate last week won the joint House-Senate panel vote to retain the double majority rule needed to pass a charter amendment referendum. The House is likely to affirm the simple majority when the bill is returned for a vote, as it has backed such a change in the past. In this case a 180-day mandatory "cooling-off period" would apply before the bill is passed. However, if the bill is classified as a finance law, it will be suspended only 10 days, instead of 180 days. Mr Paiboon said the government should respect the House regulations and the House Speaker's judgement that the referendum bill is not a finance bill. He also said he agreed with some analysts' observations the Paetongtarn government might not last a year.

American Airlines is starting to shame passengers who try to board too early

Jackson Acquisition Company II Announces Pricing of $200 Million Initial Public OfferingInto the earth

Wheel of Fortune’s most prized tradition is the bonus round, where each episode’s winner is faced with one last puzzle and a mere 10 seconds to come away with an even bigger bundle of cash (or not). But fans want a word with host Ryan Seacrest about how he’s presenting the prizes after giving a puzzling amount of build-up to a player’s $40,000 win. On Friday, November 22’s episode, Brittany Brock, a kindergarten teacher from Chicago, Illinois, was the player to proceed to the coveted bonus round. By then she had won $17,300 in cash, a trip to Kauai, and selected “Living Thing” as her category. With the savvy additional letters of “DPBI” the two-word puzzle read as, “‘_ _ DDL_’ ‘P_PP_'”. Near-instantly, she correctly solved it as “Cuddly Puppy.” The broadcast cut to Seacrest and an excited Brock, and it was time to reveal how much she won from the prize wedge she picked. Seacrest opened the gold prize card and glanced at the figure. “And...” he told her with a surprised grin (below). After a few seconds he added, “Ready?” Broke clasped her hands over her mouth in anticipation as Seacrest then revealed she won an extra $40,000, the least one can win in the bonus round. “$40,000!” he exclaimed. This brought her to a grand total of $57,381 and she was overjoyed nonetheless, embraced her husband. On Social media, many fans celebrated the big win while left wondering why Seacrest presented the prize with such a prolonged rollout that it seemed like a bigger value and as if the confetti was about to overflow onto the Sony Pictures Studios parking lot. More Headlines:

The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively exploring options to strengthen their bullpen. According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic , the team is interested in free-agent reliever Tanner Scott, who made his All-Star debut in 2024. Additionally, the Dodgers are considering a potential trade for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams. Dodgers Still Looking To Solidify Bullpen The Dodgers’ interest in Scott is not new. They were among the finalists to acquire him at the 2024 trade deadline before he was ultimately traded to the San Diego Padres (via Jon Heyman of The New York Post). Scott enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, posting a 1.75 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched between the Padres and Marlins. He continued his strong performance into the postseason, pitching 4.1 scoreless innings in the NLDS. MLB analyst Jim Bowden projects Scott to command a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The Milwaukee Brewers, meanwhile, declined Devin Williams’ $10.5 million club option for 2025, but he remains under team control for one more year of arbitration. As a result, Williams’ future with the Brewers is uncertain, potentially opening the door for a trade. Williams, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, has been a dominant force in the Brewers’ bullpen. Since his debut, he has posted a career ERA of 1.83, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top relievers. In 2024, Williams continued to excel, posting a 1.25 ERA and a 0.969 WHIP in 22 appearances. He averaged a remarkable 15.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Unfortunately, his season ended abruptly when he allowed a game-winning home run to the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made significant moves this offseason, signing Blake Snell and Michael Conforto. Their focus now shifts to bolstering their bullpen, with Scott and Williams emerging as top targets. They remain front runners to land Japanese fireballer, Roki Sasaki, as well. This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.