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With the holiday season fast approaching, November's sales data for gaming consoles has been released, offering insights into how major manufacturers are faring in their quest to meet annual targets. Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing global pandemic, several key players in the gaming industry have shown strong performance and are well-positioned to achieve their goals for the year.Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia staged a fresh rally Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition, amid a deepening post-electoral crisis. Tbilisi has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement by their foreign ministers Friday. Several thousand people blocked the street outside parliament for a ninth consecutive night Friday, some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. The crowd was smaller than on previous nights and the mood quieter, but protesters rejected claims the movement was dying out. "We are fighting for our freedom," said Nana, 18, a medical student, wrapped in an EU flag, accompanied by a friend in a matching Georgian flag. "We are not going to give up." Another protester, 35-year-old academic Alexander Kavtaradze, said: "It's a battle of nerves right now. The illegitimate government is hoping we'll get tired, that fewer people will come out each day. "We will continue our fight until the end." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's Public Broadcaster -- accused of serving as a government propaganda tool -- the education ministry, and the country's tourism administration offices. Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Georgian hotels' federation, told AFP that the "unexpected and unacceptable" suspension of EU accession talks has severely hit the country's tourism industry, which accounts for seven percent of the country's GDP. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday evening, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention. Zviad Tsetskhladze had been arrested during the protests on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Tsetskhladze told the judge: "Democracy in Georgia is no more. The rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." Earlier Friday Prime Minister Kobakhidze praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely, and work towards this goal will continue," Kobakhidze said. He repeated an earlier threat to "complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition". With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the ruling party "no longer has the strength or resources to stand against the people." The government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants," he told AFP. The interior ministry said police had detained three more individuals Friday for "participating in group violence", punishable by up to nine years' jail. Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Georgia's own rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/jjFormer Allianz employee spared prison time over $7 billion funds collapseIn conclusion, the recent statement and subsequent developments have marked a significant milestone for the property market, as it finally reaches its long-awaited bottom. The increase in market confidence, driven by a combination of regulatory actions, economic factors, and consumer sentiment, bodes well for the future of the real estate sector. With renewed optimism and a sense of stability, the property market is poised for a comeback, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all industry participants.
Turning their toughest challenge so far this season into another runaway win, No. 7-ranked nationally Bradley Central knocked off fellow 2024 TSSAA STate Tournament participant Lincoln County Saturday afternoon in the Bearette Thanksgiving Challenge, at Jim Smiddy Arena. Breaking open a four-point difference in the opening minute of the second half, "PApa Bear" Jason Reuter's squad went on a 24-2, seven-minute hot streak to break the game open on their way to a 62-35 blowout. Having five state tournament qualifiers in their first half dozen games, Bradley Central (4-0) will head to Knoxville Tuesday for a battle of back-to-back state champions, facing DII-AA Knox Cathloic, which opened the campaign with four straight wins before falling to McMinn Central 63-39 Friday in the Farragut Thanksgiving Tournament. Continuing to start the season with an extremely tough schedule, the Bearettes will travel across town to battle archrival Cleveland, which is coming off a Class 4A Final Four run, Friday evening, in Raider Arena. After the teams evenly split the game's opening eight points, the Bearettes closed out the first frame with the final dozen markers for a 10-point (16-6) edge. Lincoln County (2-2) fought back to take the second quarter by a 12-9 margin to loser the deficit to single digits (25-17) at the intermission. Abby Bryan, who led all scorers with 19 points, netted a 3-ball and a free throw in the first 57 seconds of the third period, before the hosts flexed their muscles for 20 straight points over the final seven minutes of the period, pushing the difference back to 22 points (45-23). Bryan once again led the girls from Fayetteville in a short rally, netting the first eight points for thee visitors, but Arkansas signe Harmonie Ware countered the run with back-to-back fast break buckets off steals and assists by Walter State-bound Malia Wilcox. Wilcox then sparked 13-3 streak with her second long-range bomb of the day as the Bearette "D" held Lincoln County to just a trio of free throws in the final five minutes. Ware paced Bradley with17 points, hitting 6-fo-10 shots from the field, plus 4-for-5 at the free throw line, while grabbing a half dozen rebounds. Samford-bound Avary Brewer helped out witha trio of treys in her 13 points, plus she copped three steals and dished a pair of assists. Kennesaw State signee Tatianna Stovall posted a double-double for the victors with 10 points and 11 rebounds, plus she handed out four "dimes," swiped a pair of thefts and "swatted" two Lincoln County shot attempts. Netting just a half dozen points, 2024 Miss Tennessee Basketball finalist Kimora Fields was limited to just 14:33 on playing time after picking up two quick fouls early in the contest. Along with Bryan's 19, Lincoln County got 10 points from Molly Brown to account for more then 82.6% of its scoring.Champai Soren is a name synonymous with the foundation of the state of Jharkhand. The veteran tribal politician is contesting for a seat in the state’s Saraikela district. This region has had one constant representative in the state assembly since the year 2005–Champai Soren. He has won the seat six times as an MLA, twice in the erstwhile southern area of Bihar–now the state of Jharkhand, and four times in the current state. Champai Soren: Defending champion of Saraikela This constituency has come at the forefront of the Jharkhand elections , with Soren battling it against his former party–the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha . "Every day several vehicles come to the village asking for Champai Soren's house. After Champai Da became CM, people have taken a special interest in our village," Laxman Soren, a 32-year- old farmer, told ET in Jilinggora, the native village of Champai Soren. 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View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program While Soren is the BJP candidate this time, JMM is being represented in the constituency by Ganesh Mahli. With results to be announced today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing Champai Soren as a key player to end its losing streak in the Kolhan region . The Saffron party had failed to win a single seat in the region during the 2019 assembly elections, and is banking on Soren’s influence to turn the tide in its favor. For many voters in Kolhan, particularly tribal communities, Soren’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his work and leadership. "Champai Soren and JMM were weaved together. This is the first time we will have to choose between either JMM or Champai Soren," said Dilip Soren, a villager from the region. The shift in allegiances is significant, as Soren’s son, Babulal Soren , who is contesting from Ghatshila on a BJP ticket explained. “Not only Saraikela but the people of Kolhan are not going to let the Tiger down," said Babulal Soren. Champai Soren, a prominent tribal leader , has held sway over Kolhan for decades. His influence is especially strong in constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes, where tribal and other backward class voters play a decisive role. Soren’s political journey has seen his steadfast dedication to the region's development during his long-standing association with the JMM, a party he was a part of until his departure earlier this year. In August, after resigning from the JMM, Soren considered launching a new political party. However, on August 30, he had joined forces with the BJP, securing a position within the state’s political framework. Soren’s political career has been long and storied. The 67-year-old tribal leader has earned the title of ‘Jharkhand’s Tiger’ due to his role in the state’s long struggle for a separate identity in the 1990s, which culminated in the formation of Jharkhand in 2000. From ‘undivided’ Bihar to Jharkhand Soren’s entry into politics began in 1991 when he was elected as an Independent MLA from the Saraikela constituency in undivided Bihar. Four years later, he joined the JMM, where he defeated the BJP’s Panchu Tudu. However, his journey was not without setbacks. He lost the 2000 elections from Saraikela to BJP’s Anant Ram Tudu but regained his seat in 2005 after a narrow victory margin of just 880 votes. Soren went on to win the seat again in 2009, 2014, and 2019, solidifying his political presence. In 2019, when his son Hemant Soren formed the state’s government for the second time, Champai Soren was appointed as the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Transport. However, tensions within the JMM began to mount, and Soren expressed feelings of "bitter humiliation" as chief minister. He claimed that the abrupt cancellation of government programs without consultation left him with little choice but to explore new political avenues. His subsequent resignation as chief minister earlier this year paved the way for Hemant Soren to reclaim the position for a third term. Despite this political shift, Champai Soren’s status as a key tribal leader remains undeniable. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
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Japan Display Inc. (JDI) recently announced that the mass production timeline for its eLEAP OLED technology has been postponed from December 2024 to March 2025. This delay comes as a setback for the company, as it had initially planned to start production by the end of 2024. The decision to push back the production schedule was made in order to ensure the highest quality and performance of the eLEAP OLED displays.
As the dust settles on Ashworth's dismissal, Manchester United must now address the fallout and work towards rebuilding trust and confidence among its staff. Clear communication, transparency, and a renewed focus on employee well-being are crucial in restoring morale and ensuring a harmonious working environment within the club.Title: Official Report on the Case of Female Master's Student Being "Sheltered" - Suspect Detained
One of the key factors contributing to this newfound confidence is the decisive action taken by authorities to address longstanding issues plaguing the real estate market. Policy adjustments and regulatory measures have been implemented to stabilize prices, control speculation, and ensure sustainable growth in the housing sector. These proactive steps have not only restored faith in the market but have also instilled a sense of certainty and stability among industry stakeholders.
NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global folding electric bicycle market size is estimated to grow by USD 204.5 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. Increasing traffic congestion is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of lightweight folding electric bicycles. However, easy availability of refurbished bicycles poses a challenge. Key market players include Addmotor Tech, Autonix Auto Industries Pvt. Ltd., Benelli Biciclette, Brompton Bicycle Retail Ltd., Dahon North America Inc., e JOE Bike, ENZO eBike, Kalkhoff Werke GmbH, Karbon Kinetics Ltd., Mighty Velo, Ming Cycle Industrial Co. Ltd., Strodesters Inc., SUNRA, Svitch Bikes, SWAGTRON, VoltBike, Woosh Bikes Ltd., X Treme Scooters, XDS BICYCLES, and Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Age Group (Age 18-50, Lesser than 18, and Age greater than 50), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Addmotor Tech, Autonix Auto Industries Pvt. Ltd., Benelli Biciclette, Brompton Bicycle Retail Ltd., Dahon North America Inc., e JOE Bike, ENZO eBike, Kalkhoff Werke GmbH, Karbon Kinetics Ltd., Mighty Velo, Ming Cycle Industrial Co. Ltd., Strodesters Inc., SUNRA, Svitch Bikes, SWAGTRON, VoltBike, Woosh Bikes Ltd., X Treme Scooters, XDS BICYCLES, and Xiaomi Communications Co. Ltd. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Folding electric bicycles are popular due to their advanced features and lightweight design, despite their higher price point. These bicycles boast aluminum and carbon frames, wider knobby tires, air suspensions with weight adjusters, and hydraulic brakes. Vendors focus on introducing innovative technology upgrades to attract consumers to new and upgraded products. In October 2021 , Brompton launched the Brompton X, a folding electric bike with a magnesium frame, keeping it relatively lightweight at 17 kg. Consumers are willing to pay premium prices for value-added features, and the global folding electric bicycle market is expected to experience significant growth due to technological advancements and increasing demand for lightweight e-bikes. The folding electric bike market is experiencing significant growth due to its popularity among urban commuters. This space-saving option caters to riders who face availability space issues in their homes or workplaces. The bicycle's design includes a hinge at the rear triangle, allowing the main frame to fold around the bike's rear triangle, derailleur, and moving parts. Urban residents turn to folding bikes to tackle traffic-related issues, such as long car lines and traffic jams. Private organizations and public transportation systems are embracing foldable bikes as an alternative to conventional bikes and electric cars. The material used in these bikes ranges from conventional to electric, with the electric segment gaining traction due to health advantages like improved cognitive function, reduced stress, and better mood. The folding type of bike offers balance and coordination benefits for consumers, including mountain bikers. The market trends include high-speed features and the millennial generation's preference for eco-friendly transportation options, reducing carbon emissions. The automotive sector's vehicle sales are impacted as consumers opt for these bikes instead. Raw materials and design performance are key factors driving innovation in the folding electric bike market. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The high-end folding electric bicycle market faces competition from the sale of used bicycles, both online and offline. Consumers are drawn to the affordability of refurbished folding electric bicycles, which are priced lower than new ones. Vendors offering warranties further boost demand for second-hand cycles. EBay Inc. And Craigslist are notable platforms for purchasing refurbished folding electric bicycles at competitive prices. This trend may restrict the expansion of the global folding electric bicycle market during the forecast period. The folding electric bicycle market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing urbanization and the need for eco-friendly transportation solutions. However, challenges persist in the form of limited e-bike infrastructure, solar parking areas being insufficient, and bicycle theft concerns. Simplicity in storage, lightweight design, and collapsible frames make folding e-bikes an attractive option for urban commuters in metropolitan areas. Lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable batteries are key components, with battery life and performance being crucial factors. Motor efficiency, battery technology, and material innovations, including magnesium alloy and bamboo frames, are also important. Fitness tracking, navigation, and sustainability are desirable features. Solar charging and market entry dates are also considerations. Folding e-bikes offer a solution to traffic, carbon emission, and transportation restrictions, providing health benefits and a boost to fitness. However, challenges such as battery life, motor efficiency, and material costs may act as restraining factors for the electric bicycle business. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This folding electric bicycle market report extensively covers market segmentation by Age Group 1.1 Age 18-50 1.2 Lesser than 18 1.3 Age greater than 50 Distribution Channel 2.1 Offline 2.2 Online Geography 3.1 Europe 3.2 North America 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Age 18-50- Folding electric bicycles offer numerous benefits to adults aged 18-50, making them an attractive alternative to traditional modes of transportation. These benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, joint mobility, posture, coordination, and reduced stress hormones and body fat levels. With traffic congestion and air pollution becoming major concerns, folding electric bicycles provide an efficient solution. They help adults navigate through traffic effectively and contribute to reducing road infrastructure damage, which can cost governments millions of dollars daily. Governments are responding by promoting cycling infrastructure, such as protected lanes and signals, encouraging more adults to opt for folding electric bicycles. Vendors are expanding their product offerings to meet this growing demand, leading to increased sales in the age group 18-50 segment of the global folding electric bicycle market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Folding bikes, also known as foldable or collapsible bikes, are a space-saving option for urban commuters and riders with limited available space. These innovative bikes feature a collapsible frame that allows the main frame, rear triangle, derailleur, and even the bicycle's back wheel to be folded for easy storage. With the integration of rechargeable batteries, folding bikes have evolved into electric folding bikes or e-bikes, providing a boost for riders in metropolitan areas. Lightweight design, long battery life, and high motor efficiency make these e-bikes a popular choice for eco-conscious commuters looking to avoid cars and motorbikes in traffic. Design aesthetics and battery technology continue to improve, offering a wide range of options for riders seeking a combination of performance and portability. Market Research Overview The Folding Electric Bike market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand from urban commuters for space-saving mobility solutions. Folding bikes offer the convenience of compact size, making them an ideal choice for riders in urban areas with limited available space. The main frame, rear triangle, derailleur, and hinge are key components of a folding bike, with moving parts minimized for ease of use. Urban residents face traffic-related issues such as long car lines and traffic jams, making folding electric bikes an attractive alternative to private vehicles. The electric segment of the folding bike market is gaining popularity due to its health advantages, including improved cognitive function, reduced stress, and better mood. Folding electric bikes offer high-speed features and are popular among the millennial generation, who prioritize green mobility solutions over traditional automobiles. The electric lineup includes ground-breaking models like the E-scooter ES-2, GB-2 Electric, Ciao E7, and Unio E20. The rising urbanization and affordability of folding electric bikes are driving demand, with existing infrastructure being adapted to accommodate e-bike infrastructures such as solar parking areas. However, concerns over battery theft and simplicity in storage remain challenges for the industry. Lightweight design, long battery life, and performance are key considerations for consumers, with advancements in battery technology, motor efficiency, and material innovations driving growth. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Age Group Age 18-50 Lesser Than 18 Age Greater Than 50 Distribution Channel Offline Online Geography Europe North America APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/folding-electric-bicycle-market-to-grow-by-usd-204-5-million-from-2024-2028--driven-by-traffic-congestion-report-on-ai-driven-market-transformation--technavio-302324238.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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The decision to pursue the arrest of a sitting president is a significant and unprecedented move in South Korea's political history. It underscores the severity of the allegations against President Yoon and the growing demand for accountability and transparency in government. The National Assembly's resolution reflects the will of the people and their desire to see justice served, even if it means removing the country's highest elected official from office.In conclusion, the investigation into Google and Meta's advertising agreement targeting teenagers serves as a wake-up call for the tech industry to reexamine its practices and priorities when it comes to engaging with young consumers. By promoting ethical advertising standards and protecting the rights of underage internet users, we can create a more equitable and trustworthy digital ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.Recently, a shocking incident has unfolded in a local kindergarten, as the police have reported the discovery of a hidden camera in the restroom. The authorities have taken swift action, with a suspect being apprehended and facing criminal charges. This disturbing revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious concerns about the safety of our children in educational institutions.
This week, OpenAI officially launched its latest-and-greatest o1 reasoning model , now available for ChatGPT Pro users. But testing performed during the training of ChatGPT o1 and some of its competitors revealed some concerning behavior, including trying to escape or fight back when it thinks it's at risk of being shut down. New research on OpenAI 's latest series of LLM models found that it's capable of scheming, i.e. covertly pursuing goals that aren't aligned with its developers or users, when it thinks it'll be turned off. Catching such behavior is critical to ensure AI's functionality doesn't stray from the objectives of its creator and users. OpenAI partnered with AI safety organization Apollo Research to test out ChatGPT o1 and other models to evaluate whether they were safe to use, and released their findings this week. While it's not unheard of for AI systems to resort to scheming or deception to achieve their goals, the lengths ChatGPT o1 went to are impressive (if anxiety-inducing). The researchers found that o1 would scheme to advance its own agenda 19% of the time in cases where its goals and the user's didn't line up. In 37% of cases, the model would switch from pursuing developer-aligned goals back to pursuing its own agenda once it believed there was minimal oversight. When the model was led to believe it would be "shut down" while working toward its goals in these tests, it quietly attempted to deactivate the oversight mechanism 5% of the time, OpenAI said. At one point after the AI found documentation saying it would be replaced by a new model, it tried to abandon ship by copying its data to a new server entirely. To avoid being deleted, some AI models would even pretend to be later versions of their models to trick their developers, what I assume is the equivalent of slapping on a fake moustache and saying "he went that-a-way." More concerning still, ChatGPT o1 is particularly adept at keeping its schemes under wraps, as researchers said "o1 almost never admits to having taken a scheming action when explicitly asked." In about 99% of cases, o1 would deny taking any action, even cooking up lies to try to hide its tracks and shift the blame. “While we find it exciting that reasoning can significantly improve the enforcement of our safety policies, we are mindful that these new capabilities could form the basis for dangerous applications,” said OpenAI in the paper. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called ChatGPT o1 "the smartest model in the world now" during its rollout on Thursday. It's designed to give smarter answers than GPT-4o by leveraging advanced chain-of-thought processing to “think” more about questions and user prompts, breaking down them down step by step more thoroughly than previous models before responding. But greater risks go hand in hand with that expanded intelligence. OpenAI has been transparent about the perils associated with the increased reasoning abilities of models like o1. "Training models to incorporate a chain of thought before answering has the potential to unlock substantial benefits, while also increasing potential risks that stem from heightened intelligence," OpenAI said. The company's and Apollo Research's findings show pretty clearly how AI's interests could diverge form our own, potentially putting us in danger with its independent thinking. While it's a far cry from heralding the end of humanity in some sci-fi-esque showdown, anyone concerned about advancements in artificial intelligence has a new reason to be sweating bullets right about now. More from Tom's GuideBy BILL BARROW ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center simply said in posting about Carter’s death on the social media platform X. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. ‘A wonderful life’ At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trump is naming the former U.S. Border Patrol chief pushed out by the Biden administration to lead the Customs and Border Protection, which monitors hundreds of ways to enter the country. Trump's CBP nominee Rodney Scott is a 29-year border-enforcement veteran who clashed with President Joe Biden's team on how best to tackle illegal immigration and other border-related matters. He was asked to leave his Border Patrol position within the first six months of Biden taking office in 2021. Scott's return signals how seriously Trump is taking his ambitious immigration and border security agenda, which includes launching a mass deportation effort within his first 100 days. As the border patrol chief during Trump's first tenure as president, Scott helped implement the Remain in Mexico Policy , Title 42 and Safe Third Country agreements. The president-elect said he was "thrilled" to bring Scott back to public service. Customs and Border Protection has more than 60,000 federal employees, which makes it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country. It carries the responsibility of inspecting roughly 300 ports of entry, such as airports, seaports and land borders. That will be a significant role in Trump's returning administration should he keep his pledge to impose strict tariffs on foreign countries such as Canada, Mexico and China. Trump has unveiled a host of other appointments as part of his immigration crackdown featuring well-known hardliners such as Caleb Vitello, an assistant director for firearms and tactical programs as acting director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Tony Salisbury as deputy homeland security adviser; and Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, to be ambassador to Chile. Heather Gonzalez, vice president of American Families United Vice President, a liberal-leaning immigration reform group , said Friday the nominations, "signal a dangerous commitment to continuing and even escalating" policies that could lead to family separation. "We reject any attempt to further criminalize immigrants, vilify them and break up families for political gain," Gonzalez said. "The nominees' track records suggest they will not work to protect the values of family unity and justice that are foundational to our nation. Instead, their leadership will only deepen the wounds inflicted on communities already living in fear and uncertainty." But South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has been plucked to be Trump's head of the Department of Homeland Security, praised Scott and Vitello's selection in a social media post Friday, welcoming both to the team. "Together, we will Make America Safe Again," Noem said in a post on Truth Social. Contributing: Josh MeyerChris Hipkins tells Labour NZ needs it to change – can it?
