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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhbNone
Police Use Pepper Spray After Fight Breaks Out At Michigan vs Ohio State Game | WATCH
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Luke Kromenhoek threw for 209 yards and tossed three touchdown passes as Florida State halted a six-game losing streak and routed Charleston Southern 41-7 on Saturday. Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes in his first college start, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas, as the Seminoles (2-9) won for the first time since Sept. 21. The true freshman also connected with Amaree Williams for a 4-yard TD and Hykeem Williams for a 10-yard TD. Florida State had the nation’s lowest scoring offense at 13.3 points. The Seminoles hadn’t scored more than 21 points or surpassed the 300-yard mark in 2024. But Florida State overwhelmed FCS Charleston Southern (1-11), accumulating 415 offensive yards. Kaleb Jackson completed 22 of 32 passes for 218 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Landon Sauers, and an interception for the Buccaneers. The takeaway Charleston Southern: While the Buccaneers found some success through the air, they couldn’t sustain drives and managed just 57 rushing yards on 29 carries. Florida State: The Seminoles picked up a season-best 176 rushing yards, scoring 17 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the third quarter to take control. Up next Charleston Southern’s season is over. Florida State plays host to Florida on Nov. 30. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Mumbai: Rashmi Saluja , the executive chairperson of Religare Enterprises , earned ₹68.86 crore in gross remuneration in FY24, according to the company's annual report released on Saturday. This makes her the third-highest-paid professional to head a company in the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector in FY24 and the seventh-highest overall in India, surpassing the gross remuneration of Infosys CEO Salil Parekh, L&T's SN Subrahmanyan and Satish Pai of Hindalco . In the BFSI sector, Abhay Bhutada, the former managing director of Poonawalla Fincorp took home ₹241 crore in FY24 while Rajeev Jain of Bajaj Finance earned ₹101 crore. Saluja's remuneration includes salary, allowances, leave encashment, bonus, leave travel concession, employer contribution towards NPS, ESOP (employee stock options) and other facilities, according to the annual report. Excluding ESOPs, Saluja has drawn a remuneration of ₹14.12 crore, it said. The New Delhi-based financial services firm posted a net profit of ₹347 crore in FY24. Nitin Aggarwal, the group's former chief financial officer, received ₹39.79 crore as gross remuneration in FY24. Aggarwal resigned in November. Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills 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 Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Design Microsoft Designer Guide: The Ultimate AI Design Tool By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program An email query to Religare went unanswered until Sunday press time. The shareholder resolution for the reappointment of Saluja will come up for voting on December 31. She has been at odds with the Burman family, Religare's biggest shareholders, on the company's control. The Burman family, the largest shareholder of Religare holding around 25% stake in the company, had announced the open offer in September 2023 to increase the family's stake and take control of the firm. Religare opposed the move, accusing the Burmans, owners of Dabur , of fraud and other wrongdoing. The Burmans accused the Religare leadership of corporate governance lapses. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )'Fight to the death': Taiwan faces unchartered path
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The Yomiuri Shimbun 7:00 JST, December 7, 2024 A delegation of 30 people from Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), which has been chosen as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will attend the award ceremony in Oslo on Tuesday. This is the first in a series of interviews held with hibakusha atomic bomb survivors and others on what they want to tell the world at a time when the threat of nuclear weapons is growing. * * Interview with Sueichi Kido Nihon Hidankyo Secretary General When an atomic bomb was dropped in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, I was near my house, about 2 kilometers from the hypocenter. I was 5 years old. I was thrown into the air by the blast and suffered burns to half my face from the accompanying wave of heat. I cannot forget the sight of blackened bodies lying by the roadside near the hypocenter, or the many injured people seeking water. I always worried that I might develop leukemia someday. When I was in high school, I was told by a teacher that I must never talk about being an atomic bomb victim anywhere other than Nagasaki. I also learned that some people had their engagements broken off because they were hibakusha, and rumors spread that “A-bombs are contagious.” I moved out of Nagasaki Prefecture when I started university. For a long time, I was unable to reveal that I was a hibakusha. I got married and had a daughter. After it became known I was a hibakusha, my daughter was called “dirty” at school. Nihon Hidankyo has been campaigning for the recognition of four categories of atomic bomb damage: life, body, livelihood and mind. I think that the issue of mental harm, which is invisible to others, was the biggest challenge for hibakusha. In July 1990, more than 100 hibakusha gathered at a consultation meeting held by Gifu Prefecture and Nihon Hidankyo when I was a junior college teacher in the prefecture. There was no chapter of the organization in the prefecture at that time, and I learned for the first time that there were many hibakusha who were unable to speak out about their experiences. I established the Gifu prefectural chapter of Nihon Hidankyo the following year. In 2017, I became the secretary general of Nihon Hidankyo. Since then, I have spoken at various international conferences, saying that atomic bombings are “weapons of absolute evil that do not even allow people to live like human beings.” In my lectures and on other occasions, I often say I became a hibakusha four times: when the atomic bomb was dropped; when I saw a photo magazine reporting on the damage caused by the atomic bomb at the age of 12 and realized I was different from other people; when I established the Gifu prefectural chapter of Nihon Hidankyo and joined the movement against nuclear weapons; and in recent years when I decided to devote the rest of my life to my “final task” of ensuring that nobody will ever become a hibakusha again, even as the international situation regarding nuclear weapons has been deteriorating. I felt like the winning of the prize was a message: “Don’t run away.” I want to continue my efforts as long as I live. I now need a cane to walk, and developed cerebral sclerosis this year. But I have no hesitation about going to Oslo to attend the ceremony to fulfill my responsibilities as secretary general. My daughter will come with me. I will bring photos of the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima devastated by the atomic bombings to Oslo. I want to convey the reality of the atrocities. I hope that everyone will know about the wish that hibakusha have for nuclear weapons to be eliminated, and that everyone will face up to the danger these weapons pose for all human beings. (Interviewed by Yomiuri Shimbun Stadd Writer Kyoko Mine)Former Red Sox exec weighs in on controversial Aroldis Chapman signing: ‘I guess enough time has passed’
Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms CUPERTINO, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization's broader Ignite program , which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 "CSAM Detection" technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE . "The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act," said Jane Doe , a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn't just about my story – it's about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I'm here to demand that they fulfill it." "Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims," said Margaret E. Mabie , Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. "Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple's top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims." "Apple wants people to think they are the 'responsible' tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not," said Sarah Gardner , Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. "The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud." In August 2021 , Apple announced it would implement a new "CSAM Detection" feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program . At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms– Apple reported only 267 . The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors: Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable. Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children's safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative's Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. Contact: press@heatinitiative.org View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html SOURCE Heat InitiativeThe biggest threat to markets and the economy in 2025
Spymaster’s top job was kept a secret — even to his children
Share Tweet Share Share Email The crypto world is always full of innovation, and the opportunities for early investors seem endless. Every now and then, a project redefines how we think about blockchain technology, creating a ripple effect across the industry. While projects like Tron and Cronos have made significant strides in building robust ecosystems, there’s a rising star in the blockchain world that’s turning heads— Qubetics ($TICS). With a visionary approach to interoperability and a presale that’s breaking records, Qubetics is setting itself apart as the best crypto to buy now for investors. This article dives into the game-changing potential of Qubetics alongside insights into Tron and Cronos, giving you a well-rounded perspective on the future of blockchain. Qubetics: Unlocking Blockchain’s Full Potential In today’s blockchain space, most networks feel like isolated islands. You’ve got Ethereum doing its thing, Binance Smart Chain over here, and other blockchains all operating separately. Sure, they’re powerful, but this fragmentation creates real issues—especially for developers and businesses trying to connect the dots. Cross-chain transactions? Painfully slow. Data sharing? Even worse. Qubetics changes the game by becoming a Web3-aggregated chain that unifies these siloed networks into one powerful, interoperable framework. Imagine a world where assets move seamlessly between blockchains, data flows without friction, and decentralised apps actually talk to each other. That’s what Qubetics is building—a system that enhances interoperability, fosters collaboration, and unlocks the true potential of decentralised technology. For developers, enterprises, and users alike, this is the bridge the blockchain world has been waiting for. Tron: The Blockchain for Decentralized Entertainment Tron has carved a niche for itself by focusing on the entertainment and content-sharing sectors of blockchain. Its high throughput and low fees make it a popular choice for developers building decentralised apps (dApps). Tron eliminates middlemen by enabling direct transactions between content creators and consumers, fostering a more equitable ecosystem. Tron stands out in the crowded crypto landscape with its scalable infrastructure and innovative features. Cronos: Bridging DeFi and Payments Cronos has positioned itself as a blockchain that seamlessly bridges the gap between decentralised finance (DeFi) and traditional payments. It’s built to support scalable, fast, and affordable transactions, making it a favourite for both developers and enterprises. With its unique integration with the Crypto.com ecosystem, Cronos brings the convenience of everyday crypto payments to life while also powering cutting-edge DeFi applications. Qubetics Presale: The Numbers Speak for Themselves Here’s where it gets exciting. Qubetics is currently in Presale Phase 10, and it’s nothing short of thrilling. Each phase brings a 10% price hike, culminating in a whopping 20% increase in the final stage. Right now, $TICS tokens are a steal at just $0.025. Over $3.8 million has already been raised, with 4600+ holders and 239 million tokens sold. The best part? The post-presale target price is $0.25 per token, meaning early adopters are looking at a jaw-dropping 900% ROI. But wait—it gets crazier. Analysts are buzzing with predictions: If $TICS hits $10, a modest $100 investment could explode to $40,000—that’s a 39,000% ROI. If the token climbs to $15, that same $100 could skyrocket to $60,000, delivering an incredible 59,900% ROI. Think about it. Could this be the best crypto to buy now? With presale momentum like this, it sure feels like a no-brainer. But time’s ticking, and with the next phase right around the corner, prices won’t stay this low for long. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a project that’s rewriting blockchain history. Conclusion As the crypto market continues to evolve, picking the best crypto to buy now becomes both an art and a science. Tron and Cronos have proven themselves as innovative platforms with strong use cases, but the buzz around Qubetics is impossible to ignore. Its visionary approach to interoperability, combined with an explosive presale offering unparalleled ROI potential, makes it a standout opportunity for early adopters. Analysts predict life-changing gains for Qubetics, with some envisioning a future where modest investments turn into fortunes. The presale momentum, groundbreaking technology, and sheer excitement surrounding $TICS tokens make it clear: Qubetics isn’t just another crypto—it’s the one everyone will be talking about. Don’t wait. Get in on the presale now and be part of something truly transformative. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetics Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Is Lightchain Protocol AI the Next PEPE Coin? How This New Blockchain Could Rival Meme Coins Like “Just a Chill Guy” Why BTFD Coin’s Presale Boom Is the Top Choice Among the Best Meme Coin Presales to Buy for 2025 With Popcat and Dogs BlockDAG (BDAG) or Flockerz (FLOCK): Find Your Top Presale Opportunity for Black Friday Gains Comments
Natixis Advisors LLC Purchases 3,344 Shares of Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN)Despite being one of the most prominent racing series globally, there are many common misconceptions about NASCAR. For instance, many people believe that the term ‘NASCAR’ is the name of the formula under which the Cup Series races. Well, that’s not the case. While American Stock Car racing is sanctioned by the body called NASCAR, there are many series and categories that operate under the banner. One of the oldest and long-standing types of Stock Car racing that exists in the USA is the ‘modified-spec’ Whelen Modified Tour. But what is this format of racing exactly, and why is it one of the most inventive yet raw forms of Stock Car racing? Thinking about NASCAR, people always picture the roaring Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaros. However, the modified tour has added a twist to this concept — almost making it akin to a hybrid between NASCAR and Formula 1. In its current form, the Whelen Modified Tour runs open-wheel Stock Cars. Found mainly in the Southern and Northeastern parts of the States, this series has been prevalent since the 1940s. One of the biggest selling points of this formula is the distinctive open-wheel look of the cars. What this means is that all four tires do not have any fenders and are completely exposed. Diving into the meat and bones of these mean racing machines, the fans can find the highest power-to-weight ratios here — out of all NASCAR series. With a regulated output of around 650 horsepower, they weigh almost 1,000 pounds less than Cup Series cars — racking the scales up to 2,610 pounds. These cars are raced specifically in NASCAR’s modified division under the Whelen banner. On larger tracks like New Hampshire, they are mandated to run restrictor plates between their carburetors and intake manifolds. Lastly, a bit more trivia on these modified cars as against the Cup Series cars. Their dimensions differ largely, too. These cars — owing to their open-wheel formula — are 11 inches shorter and 23 inches wider than a Cup Series car.